Baltimore 2015 – A society’s survival is based on justice

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www.TheGhouseDiary.com
Justness, fairness and balance are other names for stable sustainable societies. Justice keeps the individual together, family together, community together and nations together. God has created everything in balance. Any deficiency or absence of it creates imbalance and chaos. If we mess with it, we mess with ourselves and our own sense of security. Baltimore lost that balance, the sense of justice was lost, and the African American community was mistreated by the police.
I am glad President Barack Obama spoke sense and I hope he takes the corrective action. It is in our common interest to seek and strive to maintain justice. Mike Ghouse


Wikipedia Summary
On April 19, 2015, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man who was a resident of the U.S. city ofBaltimore, Maryland, died in police custody a week after being arrested. Apparently in good health at the time of his arrest one week prior, Gray fell into a coma while in transport as the result of injuries to his neck and spine sustained while being transported in a police vehicle. On May 1, 2015, Gray’s death was ruled to be ahomicide and legal charges were issued against the six officers involved in the incident, including that of second-degree murder.[13]

Peaceful protests were organized after Gray’s death became public knowledge, and apparently spontaneous protests started after the funeral service, although several eventually included violent elements. Civil unrest continued and as of April 28, at least twenty police officers have been injured, at least 250 people have been arrested, thousands of police and Maryland Army National Guard troops have been deployed, and a state of emergency was declared in the city limits of Baltimore

Thank you
mike
Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation
(Foundation for Pluralism)
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam,India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ”Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Pamela Geller and Garland Shooting, a breach of public safety with gratuitous defense of freedom of speech.

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I was on six TV/Radio stations today giving my commentary about the issue, notes follow the press release:
 Mike Ghouse, President

America Together foundation
Foundation for Pluralism
World Muslim Congress
Dallas, TX | Washington DC
MikeGhouse@aol.com
(214) 325-1916 

PRESS RELEASE

Pamela Geller and Garland Shooting, a breach of public safety with gratuitous defense of freedom of speech


Dallas, Texas – “Here we go again at the game of provoking and getting provoked, causing undesirable public safety nightmares.”  Mike Ghouse, president of America Together foundation said in a statement released today.
“We condemn the shooting at Garland, Texas at ‘’Muhammad Art Exhibit’ intended as an expression of free speech by drawing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad to provoke Muslims for no reason.  We do realize that we have no control over those who tease people, and those who get irritated and resort to violence. Both are nut cases causing public safety concerns tearing the cohesive fabric of our nation.”

There is no doubt, we have to defend the freedom of speech, that is the God given right of every human, indeed, I have defended Pamela Geller’s right to speak when United Kingdom banned her speech in London. We have defended the rights of Pastor Terry Jones to burn copies of the Quran in Florida, and have defended Sheikh Rachid al-Ghannouchi’s right to free speech at Yale which Pamela Geller opposed.

We need to care about our nation and do those things that build a cohesive America, where fellow Americans can come together with respect and dignity for each other rather than irritate and provoke each other.”

The organizers of ‘Muhammad Art Exhibit’ at Garland ISD facility “said they were exercising their freedom of expression. The district’s decision drew criticism from critics and Islamic groups who said the event was an attack on Islam.” Dallas Morning News.

 

The Muslim community was very well prepared, and had decided to stay out of it and not even pay attention to it. However two stray men fell to the provocation and took it upon themselves to shoot out.  The Muslim community condemns that action. Indeed, Imam Zia Sheikh is concerned about the after effects, “Media and right wing will have a field day with this. Just what we didn’t want.” We regret the whole incident.


We do support the decision of Garland ISD to rent the facility, and urge the FBI and Police to do a thorough investigation and the find out who else was involved with the shooters, so we can take corrective action.

I urge Pamela Geller to continue to defend freedom of speech and I will stand with her as I have, however, there is no need to provoke fellow Americans and cause safety issues for the public, we have enough problems to deal with and don’t need any more of these incidents.

Criticism of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and free speech

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/11/criticism-of-islam-prophet-muhammad.html

Mike Ghouse Quoted in Islamophobia isn’t a Muslim problem, it hurts all religions 
http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/islamophobia-isn%E2%80%99t-just-muslim-problem-it-hurts-all-religions-691094


# # #

NOTES FROM MY TV and RADIO SHOWS 

This was the theme of conversation in all media –  uncompromising support for freedom of speech, breach of public safety with gratuitous defense of freedom of speech.
I am glad the media has been fair in giving the time to express the issues clearly and succinctly. Please refer to the press release link and the link about freedom of speech below, I pretty much stayed with it and had an opportunity to add a few additional points at Al Hurra TV, Fox Radio Network (250 Stations) and NPR (160 Stations).

11:00 Voice of America Urdu Service

11:30 Voice of America English Service

12:45 Turkish Radio
01:00 Local Radio in Louisville
02:35 Fox Radio Stations affiilates across America with Hannity Geller
03:25 Al Hurra Arabic TV
05:30 NPR
———————–
Al Hurra TV

After the theme of conversation in all media –  uncompromising support for freedom of speech, breach of public safety with gratuitous defense of freedom of speech.

I responded strongly to the question, what should Muslims do to change the situation? Get out of the Mosques and build relationships, Prophet Muhammad did that, he laid the foundation for cohesive societies by making friends with people around him from Jews,  Christians, pagans and others. We stick around too much in the mosque, we need to get out and be with the people, that should be our priority. The more we know each other, the lesser the problems we would have. Most Americans don’t know what we are, and  to change the perceptions about us,  we have to get out and be with the people, we need to go to he mosque, but also allocate time to follow Prophet’s foundational Sunnah – to be the Amins. We live in self imposed silos and it is time to change.————-Fox Radio

After the theme of conversation in all media –  uncompromising support for freedom of speech, breach of public safety with gratuitous defense of freedom of speech. It will be rebroadcast at 5:00 PM in 250 Radio stations across the nations.  We ended speaking it out loudly…

Pamela Geller or ISIS or radical Muslims do not represent the views of mainstream Americans or Muslims – why give credence to such comments? – Just finished the talk with Hannity and Geller.

I stand by freedom of speech, but this was an useless provocative event to tease the extremists among Muslims. 2 People have died and one injured who should be responsible?
There is no problem with Islam or Quran, the problem is with a few Muslims, just as Geller there are her counterparts among Muslims. I have offered her the Quran challenge and told them the formula – read three verses before and after the given supposedly maligned verse.
Hannity asked the age of the prophet’s wife – I said 15, Pamela jumps all over me calling it deception. She is deceiving with the false information.
Islam stands for free speech, yes, we do have a few radicals among us, just as others have their share. .
I invite criticism of the prophet, Islam etc. Criticism of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and free speech
———–

NPR

It was a good 15 minutes interview. Ian Smith is certainly a good interviewer – he brought out the influence of Pamela Geller – legislation in 22 states to ban Sharia, even though it does not exist. I will have to take her on boldly.

Spoke within the lines of the press release and then extensively on Sharia Laws. This will be rebroadcast tonite at 9:30 in 160 Stations across America.

———–

Dear Mike, 

As a rabbi, Jew, and Fellow American who believes in free speech, I believe it is crucial for all Americans of good will to join together against those who would misuse their right of free speech to deliberately provoke or scapegoat other faith groups. As a Jew, coming from a people who have historically been singled out for persecution, Pamela Geller should be ashamed. There is a religious tradition in our faith that shaming another human being is compared to “spilling their blood,” God forbid– why? Because when another person, who is made in God’s image, is embarrassed or made to feel ashamed, they blush. Jews and Muslims are cousins in faith, going back to our shared foreparents, Abraham and Sarah. 

We must always be “lovers of peace and pursuers of peace.” I am proud to call you a friend and a builder of bridges.
Sincerely,
Rabbi David Hartley Mark

———–

Dr. Robert Hunt wrote this and sums up what I have said in my show with Hannity, “This wasn’t about free speech, it was about selling hatred as a therapy for anxiety and fear. A band of insignificant losers sought to offend people in the most obnoxious possible way and succeeded in getting a violent reaction from two equally insignificant losers. The group holding the event proved nothing about free speech, and the two shooters died defending nothing but their unjustified anger.”  

——–

Imam Zia Sheikh kept the same line on CNN – free speech

—–

Jewish community is embarrassed with Geller’s antics, and here is a good piece at Daily Beast about it – http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/04/je-suis-pamela-geller.html?via=desktop&source=facebook 

——

Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation

(Foundation for Pluralism)

Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam,India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ”Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Saudi and Pakistani bigotry – anti-prophet practices

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I have learned to live with bigotry but will not stop fighting it.  No nation, no community and no group of people are free from such evil forces from within.
Let me be clear, the majority of people are not bigots, only a tiny percent in any given majority and power hungry rulers are downright shameless bigots.

Are Americans free from it? Indians free from it? Are Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Bahá’ís or Sikhs free from it? None whatsoever! 

The Saudi are definitely not, here is a video made by Pakistanis making fun of the bigotry of Saudis, without realizing that they are equally bigoted.

The video is in Urdu/Hindi language where a Saudi employer interviews a Pakistani for a job in a restaurant. He asks questions to make sure that the guy is not Shia…. and when he affirms it that he is not, but adds that he is an Ahmadiyya Muslim, the employer loses his mind! What a bigot!



Now the irony is that Pakistani passport and visa asks stupid dumb questions – to show their bigotry towards Ahmadiyya Muslims. It is downright disgusting.

What is sad is that Saudis claim to follow the Prophet, who taught that all men are created equal, and even in his last sermon he made that clear that no one is superior to the other and that obedience to God means respecting all his creation.  Islam and the prophet’s teachings go against prejudices and discrimination of any kind.  Indeed, to knock out racial bias (or superiority) from the hearts and minds of people, he made Hazrat Bilal (An African) the chief Muezzin (prayer caller), the light skinned Arabs swallowed that and started respecting others without bias (The racist among Republicans are still sunk low to respect Obama)  Now, are they rejecting the prophet? Are they telling Prophet was wrong? 

Humor can communicate difficult issues – shame on Saudi’s and Shame on Pakistanis for letting their governments practice prejudices against fellow Muslims, let alone fellow humans. And shame on me for not screaming enough about India and the US for the blatant discriminatory practices, the only solace is, it is not the law of the land in either India or America, but shamefully practiced by a few in the majority. 

Religions don’t mean a thing to the people, even though they wear that cloak. I wish, people follow their own religion and be good humans. Are Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews… following their religion?  Is the civil society following their rules? If they do, the world would be a better place.


All you and I can do is to speak out against whenever and wherever we see prejudice and discrimination.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

AMU – Aligarh Muslim University Conference Summary report

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Summary: The Aligarh Muslim University held a conference, “First high profile conference. Intellectual crisis of the Muslim Ummah; Rethinking traditions solutions” on April 6 and 7th this year.
Conference pictures http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/
I believe,  AMU was looking for critical thinkers who can challenge the prevailing practices and take the Ummah forward to live the God given life on this earth to the fullest without compromising it for the Akhira (hereafter), which is a natural consequence of the good we do here.   Sir Syed Ahmed took dauntless steps to establish the institution despite the opposition and hurdles, his vision was bold at that time, and it is perhaps the first “Muslim” university in the world where Muslims were taught subjects other than memorizing Quran and Hadiths. 
We have got to thank Sir Syed for that vision and thank the VC General Shah, Pro-VC Brig Ali and professor Shaz for having the courage to resuscitate that vision and bring critical thinking to AMU. We have admire the staff and volunteers who supported them without any reserve. I pray that AMU will become one of the high profile Muslim Universities and I hope you as a Muslim, would also wish it to go further. I am not an Alumni of AMU, but my spirit has been with AMU since I learned about Sir Syed in my school days. Now, I feel that I belong to the Alumni of AMU without taking away anyone’s assets. 

I have started writing about different aspects of the AMU conference where I was involved. Insha Allah, I will complete that in the next few weeks.
  1. Plenary Session – The Muslim puzzle of misplaced focus on Aakhira while ignoring the Hazira – I spoke about the need to refocus on Hazira instead of dying for Akhira. We cannot cheat on the God given Amana of life. We have to live this life to the full and not sacrifice an ounce of it for Aakhira, which is a consequence of Hazira. This is a major flaw in our thinking and we need to invest our time in learning about it and change the future of Muslim Ummah. Thanks to Pro VC Ahmed Ali Sahib, who acknowledged on the thought and expanded further. I will be writing the full outline of my speech.
  2. Chaired the panel on “Islamic perspective for the future” – notes will be added soon.
  3. Panel speaker on “Who speaks for Islam today” – Can Muslims lead the world?
  4. Chaired the panel on “Gender Issues and Gender Pluralism”  –http://nabsites.net/demo/dignity-of-women-in-islam-conference-a/
  5. Valedictory Session –  I spoke about “the power of engagement” with the civic society to change things for common good, and I have three of the attendees ready to take on Subramanian Swami, Taslima Nasreen and their likes – to get them engaged in discussion and let them silence themselves as I have done with many here in the United States. I will add the notes soon.
  6. General Notes –http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html
  7. Summary remarks –http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/back-to-dallas-from-conference-at.html
  8. Official Conference pictures: http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/ 
  9. Personal pictures:https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157651704661377/


Thank you
Mike Ghouse,
World Muslim Congress
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Bigotry; state sponsored bigotry and humor video

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BIGOTRY – SHAME ON ALL OF US
http://nabsites.net/demo/bigotry-state-sponsored-bigotry-and/ 
I have learned to live with bigotry but will not stop fighting it.  No nation, no community and no group of people are free from such evil forces from within.
Let me be clear, the majority of people are not bigots, only a tiny percent in any given majority and power hungry rulers are downright shameless bigots.

Are Americans free from it? Indians free from it? Are Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Bahá’ís or Sikhs free from it? None whatsoever! 

The Saudi are definitely not, here is a video made by Pakistanis making fun of the bigotry of Saudis, without realizing that they are equally bigoted.

The video is in Urdu/Hindi language where a Saudi employer interviews a Pakistani for a job in a restaurant. He asks questions to make sure that the guy is not Shia…. and when he affirms it that he is not, but adds that he is an Ahmadiyya Muslim, the employer loses his mind! What a bigot!



Now the irony is that Pakistani passport and visa asks stupid dumb questions – to show their bigotry towards Ahmadiyya Muslims. It is downright disgusting.

What is sad is that Saudis claim to follow the Prophet, who taught that all men are created equal, and even in his last sermon he made that clear that no one is superior to the other and that obedience to God means respecting all his creation.  Islam and the prophet’s teachings go against prejudices and discrimination of any kind.  Indeed, to knock out racial bias (or superiority) from the hearts and minds of people, he made Hazrat Bilal (An African) the chief Muezzin (prayer caller), the light skinned Arabs swallowed that and started respecting others without bias (The racist among Republicans are still sunk low to respect Obama)  Now, are they rejecting the prophet? Are they telling Prophet was wrong? 

Humor can communicate difficult issues – shame on Saudi’s and Shame on Pakistanis for letting their governments practice prejudices against fellow Muslims, let alone fellow humans. And shame on me for not screaming enough about India and the US for the blatant discriminatory practices, the only solace is, it is not the law of the land in either India or America, but shamefully practiced by a few in the majority. 

Religions don’t mean a thing to the people, even though they wear that cloak. I wish, people follow their own religion and be good humans. Are Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews… following their religion?  Is the civil society following their rules? If they do, the world would be a better place.

All you and I can do is to speak out against whenever and wherever we see prejudice and discrimination.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Dignity of women in Islam | Conference at Aligarh Muslim University and Gender Pluralism.

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www.TheGhouseDiary.com | Dignity of women in Islam

Aligarh Muslim University conference – April 6 and 7th 2015 – “Intellectual crisis of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking traditional solutions. Details at:  http://futureislam.com/ 

It was such a joy to be a part of the panel on Dignity of women in Islam, Dr. Sadat Ullah Khan moderated and Dr. B.A. Khan coordinated the proceedings. 

Dr. Azra Abidi, Mohsin Mandal, Mariya Khan, Shaista Tabassum, Dr. Sarika Sharma and Tarannum Khan boldly presented their papers.   I was pleased that they offered me to chair this panel and loved dealing with a few misogynistic attitudes out there (in every society). I pride myself in being a big supporter, believer and practitioner of equality of women.  Indeed the pleasure was listening to each one of the presenters and acknowledging their contribution to the discussion at the end of the program.

One of the greatest lessons of my life came from an individual who taught me how to listen intently while I am at it. I was under tremendous pressure to hear each one out, and I am glad I was able to do that.  

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is perhaps one of the first women’s libbers, he liberated women from the oppressive clutches of men and set them free as God had created and intended for all humans to be free.  Perhaps again for the first time in human history women had the liberty to own their own property, own their business and chose to marry whom they want and the freedom to divorce for a better life.  If all men follow their religions, world would be a better place.  Each one of us is individually responsible for our actions and as such no one should be less than the other.  


Conference pictures: http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/
and  https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157651704661377/
Mariya Khan is an outstanding confident, assertive speaker for women’s rights, I will post a few video clips in the next few days and hope to invite her to speak in the United States. She is Malaysian, but spoke perfect American.  Dr. Azra Abidi boldly presented her paper on wrongful practices among Muslims – including temporary marriages, divorces etc. Mohsin presented a list of things that need fixing. Dr. Sarika Sharma talked about the work being done by NGO’s to preserve the status of women and quoted extensively from Mahatma Gandhi.  Shaista Tabassum blasted on the “Haibatnak Jehez” – dowry system that is common to all Indians regardless of their religion.  Imtiaz and Jamil presented good statistics, and quoted Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer and Sachar report. Tarannum talked about women empowerment, and cited that Muslim women are 51.9% literate compared to the average of 53.1% nationwide literary among women. The good news is Aligarh Muslim University has 42% women enrollment. 

I was rather surprised at the lack of awareness of corrected translation-interpretation of the verse 4:34 by Dr. Lelah Bakhtiar. For nearly 1400 years we were misled to believe that a man can beat his wife a feather lite stick if they are not in agreement, that is not the case now, respectful separation is the way forward as it reflects the character of the prophet and God’s justness – that all people are created equal. More about it at http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/05/wife-beating-is-culture-of-men-and-not.html 

I have asked the presenters to share their paper, and once I receive them all, I will be posting it at www.WorldMuslimCongress.com and possibly ask Dr. Sultan Shaheen to publish in www.Newageislam.com

Though the conference was between 9 am and 6 pm, I chose to stick around and had several informal mini-conferences and I wanted the participants to go home asking every question they had about the topic.

Mike Ghouse is a Muslim thinker, writer
and a speaker. Just Google Muslim Speaker or Pluralism Speaker to get most of
my writings. www.TheGhouseDiary.com
 – www.MikeGhouse.net

American Foreign policy vis a vis Yemen

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Obama’s support for Saudi Arabia to bomb Yemen, will not quell the dissidents, indeed,
it will do the opposite. Saudi Monarchs should have played safe, and played the
role of the Guardians of their neighbors rather than taking “either with us or
against us approaches”. 

Obama need to quit supporting Saudi aggression, it is not good for them and us in the long haul. 

Saudi Monarchs have begun the process of digging their own
graves… give it a few more years. If the US does not play it right and sides
with the monarchs against the average men and women, they will have a rebellion
on their hand, the likes of Iran in 1979.

Obama followed a sane foreign policy; he understood that the
lasting relationships exist between people and people, and not between
individuals or un-representative governments. He demonstrated that superbly by
calling Mubarak to step down and siding with the people of Egypt. He is doing
fine on Iran policy, and has bungled up on policy with Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Unfortunately, the Republican Party has given refuge to all the damned
war-mongers, who are craving to have actions – bombing, killing, subduing and
oppressing others. God has simply taken out the “peace gene” from them.    I would like to hear “peace” “reconciliation”
and “cohesive societies” come out of the mouths of Republicans and change their
perceptions.  I know the majority of
Republicans are peace makers, but their silence is taken as support by the war
mongers among them. It is time for the Republicans to speak up.

 
Thank
you
mike
Mike Ghouse,
President
America Together Foundation
(Foundation for
Pluralism)
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916
text/talk
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Mike
Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other
issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for
others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11
and a documentary “Americans
together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox
News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including
Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at
www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are
at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is
committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on
issues of the day.

Back to Dallas from a conference in Aligarh India

      Comments Off on Back to Dallas from a conference in Aligarh India
I am back in town now.

Briefly

1. I spoke in the plenary as well as the closing session at Aligarh Muslim University’s conference on, “Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions” between April 6-7, 2015. It was good to chair two panels and make presentations. Count on AMU to be in the forefront of necessary reforms in creating cohesive societies.

My talk on “Engagement with Civil society” and focusing on “the present rather than hereafter (Akhira)” went very well. More at: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html

AMU They had several bill boards in town and on the campus… it was a humbling experience to see them include me among the top scholars. 
2. Met with General Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor of AMU and was pleased to see his commitment and vision. He is determined to resuscitate Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s Vision. I am sure, he and the Pro-VC Dr. Ali will make AMU, one of the top ten universities in India, and the Islamic world.

3. AMU is offering bridge courses to students out of Madrasas and getting them to see the larger world of Aalameen and presenting the inclusive Islam rather than a narrow version of it. 


4. Gave a talk at Asim Siddqui Memorial college in Badaun with the greetings from Bahai to Zoroastrian and every one – spoke about the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum in dharmic and abrahamic traditions. If you visit UP, I would suggest you to visit this college, what an inspiration to see an India in making.  

5. Met with Girish Karnad (no introduction is needed) and talked to him about appearing on a Cameo role in the film “sacred”  we are making, he is interested in it for its message and the reform it brings. No commitment yet. 

6. We hope to make a documentary on Tippu Sultan, the secular ruler of an Indian
State. I met with several researchers, prominent among them is Dr. Range Gowda
(not related to Deve Gowda). He has written two books on Tipu Sultan  and has solid documentation on his credentials.

 Girish Karnad is also interested in it, and he has written plays about it and wrote the book “The Dreams of Tipu Sultan” The book takes you back to that era as the fall of Mysore took place.

 It is such
a joy to hear so many positive things from fellow Indians and Kannadigas, not only they are
writing but actively seeking a prominent place for Tippu. Several years ago,
Bangalore was ready to install statutes of Tippu Sultan, the Muslim
community opposed it, what a shame – to deny our own history and contribution
through symbols.

Dr. Shakeel Samdani of AMU is also working on keeping Tipu Sultan’s contribution alive and has gotten a designation to house Tipu Library at AMU. He needs all the support he can.   


7. Held several mini discussion groups at AMU, I have come out very optimistic about India and Indian Muslim’s efforts to make a better India. 

8. Spoke with the Human rights group and talked about my upcoming book about human rights.

9. Indians in India are far more pluralistic than some of the Indians in America.

10. I hope to work with a few scholars from AMU in taking on the role of civic engagement and dialogue with the likes of Subrmanian Swamy, Taslima Nasreen and others who throw things at every one. It is time for all of us to focus on India’s development rather than endless bickering. 


11. Spoke at the NRI Film producers and actors guild in New York, a new organization with aa growing membership. Thanks to Professor Saluja.

12. Spoke at a Desi interfaith group in NY at Kwality Restaurant, amazing food and great discussion, again thanks to Professor. Saluja.

Thank you
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam,India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film “Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

Celebrations of Easter, Mahavir Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti

      Comments Off on Celebrations of Easter, Mahavir Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti
ELEBRATIONS | Easter, Mahavir Jayanthi, Hanuman Jayanti
Every human and every religious group celebrates some thing or the other in their own way, each one is different, but the essence is same; celebrations. Details in the links.
GOOD FRIDAY|  HAPPY EASTER | MUSLIM OBSERVANCE
http://nabsites.net/demo/what-made-me-go-to-catholic-churc/

MAHAVIR JAYANTHI – BIRTH CELEBRATIONS OF  MAHAVIR, FOUNDER OF JAINISM
http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/2012/04/mahavir-jayanthi-birthday-celebrations.html

HANUMAN JAYANTI – CELEBRATION OF LORD HANUMAN, HINDU ICON
http://nabsites.net/demo/happy-hanuman-jayanthi-hindu-festiva/



Thank you

Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism,Islam, India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links atwww.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.