http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=517168
Graythwaite Manor in GrangeA CONSPIRACY theorist who survived the 9/11 attacks has been banned from a Grange hotel over his controversial views.
Decorated hero William Rodriguez, who believes the US government were behind the attacks, has been told he is not welcome at Graythwaite Manor Hotel because of his “political views”.
Mr Rodriguez, a former janitor credited with saving countless lives on 9/11, is due to give a talk on his experiences at the Victoria Hall in Grange tonight (july 5) as part of his European lecture tour.
In February, Mr Rodriguez planted a tree in the grounds of Graythwaite Manor to remember those who died on September 11, 2001, when terrorists flew jets into the Twin Towers.
He was due back at the hotel tonight and tomorrow night as the guest of owners Jimmy and Jane Duncan.
But in a press statement yesterday, Graythwaite Manor Hotel said he would no longer be staying there.
Mr Rodriguez's lecture was organised by Cumbria 9/11 Truth and Peace Group, which also holds controversial views on September 11.
In a statement Graythwaite Manor Hotel said: "After careful consideration, the new management of Graythwaite Manor Hotel has decided to postpone William Rodriguez visit to the hotel due to his political views.
"Regarding the tree planting. The tree planted in the grounds of the Graythwaite Manor Hotel is purely in remembrance of the victims of 9/11 and is in no way related to Cumbria 9/11 Truth and Peace Group."
Penny Pullen, from the peace group, said it was unclear to her why Mr Rodriguez would not be staying at the hotel.
She said: “I do not know the whole story. There has been one of two complaints about the talk to the tourist information centre.
“Mr Rodriguez does not present political views. He just presents his story and it’s up to everyone to do their research and find out what is the truth for themselves.”
Mr Rodriguez will now be staying at a B&B in the town.
The Puerto Rican-born janitor was working in the New York landmark on one of the stairwells on September 11, 2001, when terrorists flew hijacked jets into the Twin Towers.
Despite the dangers he climbed the north tower and unlocked several doors to let people out.
He was the last man to leave the building and threw himself under a fire truck as the tower collapsed.
But he maintains he heard an explosion in the tower's basement before the first plane struck and suggest a government cover-up.
He is one of three people who have filed a lawsuit against President George Bush alleging conspiracy to murder.
Mr Rodriguez said: "I have tried to tell my story to everybody, but nobody wants to listen. It is very strange what is going on here in supposedly the most democratic country in the world. In my home country of Puerto Rico and all the other Latin American countries, I have been allowed to tell my story uncensored. But here, I can't even say a word."
Cumbria 9/11 Truth and Peace Group were unavailable for comment.
Regarded as a hero Rodriguez, who saved many lives on that fateful day, he has been honoured five times at the White House and is the President of The Hispanic Victims' Group, as well as an internationally recognised peace campaigner.
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