The Great Imams of Dallas Fort Worth

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Saturday,
July 6, 2012 

The Islamic Speakers Bureau had organized “Islam
101” program designed to familiarize Islam to the community at large. Indeed, it
is our responsibility to know each other, when we do that, conflicts fade and
solutions emerge. God in Quraan 49:13 says that the best among you are the ones
who learn and understand each other. Most of the issues we face as communities
within America are a product of living in silos with social, religious,
cultural, racial and ethnic boundaries around us.
Unless we connect with
each other, our energies would be spent on gossiping about others, living in
phobias, frightening myths and plain distrust of others, this binds us to these
human ills. We need to get out of it and live and breathe the air of freedom
without apprehensions. Yes, we can do that.

We must appreciate the
efforts and drive of at least a few Imams in our region; Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia
Kavakci, Imam Dr. Zia Shaikh, Imam Yaseen, Imam Yahya, Imam Mujahid, Imam
Zafrullah and Imam Shakoor to name a few. I am sure we have a few other great
Imams, but these are the ones I am familiar with and in touch with. I know Dr.
Kavakci and Dr. Zia Shaikh fairly well and have worked with them on many events.
However, I was looking for an opportunity to know Imam Yaseen, and I am glad I
attended the Islam 101 at Plano Mosque today.

I listened to Imam Yaseen
intently, wanting to know how his talk will contribute towards making America a
better place for everyone to live and let live. He is right on, and is as
committed to invoke the “to know each other” and “social justice” aspect of
Islam as frequently as I do, as an American Muslim.

Gone are the days when
clergy of most religions thrived on finding faults with other faiths, people
never questioned that. Thanks to these Imams for genuinely sharing the values
of Islam such as truth, justice and accountability of one’s
actions.

Our right wing media
plays a broken record that Muslims teach hatred in the Mosques, and shamelessly
some of our Muslim brothers and sisters sing along with them. They need to wake
up from their sleep, and see the world around them, that is different than it
was when they went into the slumber.

They need to visit these
Mosques to find the truth and hopefully change their perceptions about Muslims.
The Islam 101 program started with a caveat that this is not an attempt to
convert, but to present our point of view. Indeed, that was similar to the
introduction at the Quraan conference2 event held in December 2010,
it was to separate the myths about Qur’anic verses and not to sell the
religion.

One of the corrections we
need to make is the utterance that Islam is the most diverse religion in the
USA, nay, Christianity is more diverse than Islam in America, followed by Islam
and the Baha’i faith. Islam rather brings most diversity in one place of
worship, even though we have a few private mosques, where a certain homogenous
group of people go, but most mosques are diverse and open to all Muslims. If you
attend the Mosques in Irving and Richardson, you will find God’s full creation
in attendance at the Friday congregational prayers. It may be the case with
other mosques, but I have not been to all of them
yet.

So, the next time you see
ISLAM 101 at Plano Mosque, make an effort to attend it, it is a comprehensive
program. I recommend that the Muslim council of North Texas develop a common
presentation to be used in all Mosques. However, I must caution that I have
attended a few 101’s that are a turn offs and almost border on reinforcing the
negative perceptions of Islam to the non-Muslims, of course, you will find that
in most 101s of different religions, all of us need to get out of the little
holes we live in, and see the big world and be a part of the universe.

The creator we believe in, is the lord of the universe and not just the
lord of Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims or others, and our talk
should reflect that Universality “Aalameen” of God, and not reduce him to be
puny God of Muslims or Christians.

God willing I am set out
to produce a film called Americans together building a cohesive America, where
no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of other, the
trailer is ready to be viewed at www.AmericaTogetherfoundation.com
.

On the same principles,
we need to work on building a cohesive Muslim society, where no Muslim feels
alienated with other Muslims. If you have the will to be a part of the larger
Muslim community without barriers, Insha Allah, I will have a schedule out for
Ramadan at http://RamadanExclusive.blogspot.com
.

This would be the third year of Iftaaring in each Mosque. We have to
shed our bias and prejudices, and visit each mosque, the ritual prayers and
Iftaar sequence will differ in each place, but you have to accept and respect
their way and drop the arrogance that yours is the only right way. I have
documented some of the differences at the Ramadan blog.

Insha Allah, we
will be visiting the mosques of the following Muslim denominations; Sunni, Shia,
Bohra, Ahmadiyya, Sufi, WD Muhammad, Ismaili, Salafi, Ahle-Sunnat and others. If
you know a different denomination other than the listed, let’s put it on the
list.

You can do your own program, but if we all can follow a schedule,
it will make a difference. I can take 4 additional passengers with me in my SUV,
and if each one can pool, it would be great. It’s for men and women, seniors or
youth, all are welcome.

References

If you wish to
comment: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/07/dallas-interfaith-imams-and-ramadan.html#comment-form
Thank
you.
Jazak Allah
Khair

Mike Ghouse is committed
to nurturing the pluralistic values embedded in Islam. The role of a Muslim is
to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill to create cohesive societies where
all of God’s creation can co-exist in harmony. More about Mike at
www.MikeGhouse.net indexing to his blogs and sites. 

Hannity.Gabriel.Ghouse.on Morsi and MB

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Talking points on Hannity tonight with Ghouse and Gabrielle


President Mohamed Morsi
Support
for Egypt is critical; Israel’s security is at stake, Israel does not need an
aggressive neighbor and live in perpetual insecurity and be on eternal guard.  
Lets’
assume Morsi is a bad guy; do we want him to turn around or push him not to
change? We need to engage him, and that produces chances to bring about a
change that is good for us and them both.

PM Netanyahu’s policies are a hindrance to peace and thus weakens long term security of Israel. No nation can survive on military strength alone; Justice and fairness ensures sustainability of peace and security to a nation. 

There
will always be nut cases out there who will declare Jihad against Israel and us,
we also have them here in the US who wanted to bomb Mecca, and a few Rabbis
like Ovaida Yosef in Israel also said that killing of Palestinian children is
no sin. We need to seek arrests of these nut cases, before we blame a nation or
a religion. It is these individuals and not the societies who are responsible for creating chaos.
Morsi
has called for the parliament to convene, and form an interim government until
a new parliament is elected. It challenges the authority of the military and
the struggle will continue. Regardless, the people have elected him. They would
have chosen Shafii, the other guy, who would have been subjected to the
military.
Obama
is pursuing the right policy in this instance, we need to engage these dudes, and
instead of letting them dig in their heels and aggravate the delicate balance.
Israelis
are law abiding citizens, but they have their own nut cases killing and
uprooting the Palestinians from their homes, and the government needs to
represent her people, and stop building settlements and show that they are a
law abiding government and can be trusted.
Caliphate
will never come again, no two Muslims agree on the political issues, Iran will
not accept Saudi or vice versa, and Most Muslims will not accept their version
of Islam either… there is too much division among the Muslims, Sunni in
particular.
Congressman Andre’
Carson

First of all, Madrasa is a name given to the school, Congressman Carson did not
clarify the difference – the Madrasas have been around for centuries where they
produced science and innovation and great scientists and philosophers like
Averroes, who influenced Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas, whose wisdom in part of our constitution.  

The other Madrasas are our products,  we created and funded those adhoc Madrasas in Pakistan to produce the
Jihadi mindset to fight against Russians.

By the way, the Christian Arabs call their schools Madrasas. Almost every Christian Arab goes to the Madrasas.

Some of the Madrasas in India attract Hindus and Christians, just as the
Catholic Madrasas have earned a fine reputation for ages. 

Secondly,
Congressman was not elected to establish or support a religion; he was elected
to represent people in their pursuit of justice and economic freedom.

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is aprofessional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

India Proud

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For years, we have seen India presented in incomplete, broken and fragmented pieces. It is time to present India as one nation, we need to talk, act and shape India as one nation, we must include every Indian when we talk about India in general, and exclusion of any one must be considered unpatriotic and looked with disdain. As Indians,  we must commit ourselves and on our part to look, talk one India, respecting its pluralistic sabhyata.
I have seen several versions of power points about India in the last decade… where Jain contribution was completely ignored when it came to temples of India,  Zoroastrians were not even mentioned when industrial progress of India was talked about, a few failed to mention Shahid Bhagat Singh in the array of freedom fighters… or when it came to founders of our nation the pictures of Abul Kalam Azad and Ambedkar were missing in our buildings. We ignore Atheists, they are a significant part of India… whatever category we highlight, at least list the major contributors.    


When we say we are Indians, we must take pride in knowing a little bit about India and fellow Indians, and we must challenge ourselves to know at least 3 best things about fellow Indians in any category, be it religious, linguistic, cultural or ethnicity. 
Granted, we cannot list everything about India in a snap shot,  but at least most of India and Indians must be represented in the category we are presenting.  I was sick of seeing a broken India in every damned presentation. 
We are one nation, collectively known as Indians; born in many shapes, races, ethnicities, and religious traditions. We speak several languages, eat a variety of foods, and are represented by multiple cultures and infinite religious traditions.

Let everyone live his life as he or she wishes, let us eat, drink, breathe, wear or believe whatever we want.  Let India remain a free nation of the people who live and let others live their lives.

Collectively, we see God as one, none and many; we see God as male, female  and genderless; we see God as he, she or it; existent and non-existent; being  and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. 
Together as Indians,  we must commit ourselves to preserve the pluralistic heritage of India.  
Mike Ghouse is committed to do his share of contribution in building a cohesive India, his motherland, where no Indian has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.
http://MikeGhouseforIndia.blogspot.com
www.MikeGhouse.net

Questions about Modi

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The article Mr. Narendra Modi, you have a choice was published at the Indian
Muslim Observer (http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2012/06/latest-editorial-mr-narendra-modi-you.html) has
generated a lot of questions. Here is a summary of the questions and my
responses.
Question: Do you think Mr. Modi will ever apologize for his misdeed of
the 2002 Massacre?

Ghouse: God gives an opportunity to his creation to repent and ask for
forgiveness, it’s an act of easing out of the accumulated anguish (guilt), and
restoring the spiritual and psychological balance from within. God is kind,
merciful and extends the date for apology and gives a life time of opportunity
to seek repentance. There are examples from Prophet Muhammad’s practice, where
someone sought forgiveness on his last breath and prophet said, God will
accepts that. However, God withholds judgment till the Day of Judgment. No one
goes scot free; everyone bears the burden of his karma in one fashion or the
other.

As Indians and as Indian Muslims we have many choices, some of them are:
Write him off as a man who would not apologize and engage in a life long
battle with him in defeating at every opportunity and place. The down side is
finding the resources and time for it.
Our time can be well spent in restoring the lives of the victims of the
2002 massacres. What Indians and Indian Muslims are seeking is justice to the
people, and that really should be the bottom line and not Modi’s pound of flesh.
Forgive him unconditionally. A few Indian Muslims may oppose this off the
bat even though the Qur’aan says clearly that Allah loves the person who
forgives the most. There is wisdom in it and goes towards building a cohesive
India that is good for all Indians.
When the Ulemas or religious and civic leaders gather in thousands, as
they have done on different occasions, include forgiveness to Modi as one of
the items of their agenda; let this be a highly publicized event with the media
in full gear.
Invite the national media, and the key leaders from all communities
including BJP leadership, let each one of them speak for five minutes about
their take on forgiveness and its consequences.
Then at the appointed time, make the announcement that Muslims are
forgiving the men involved in the 2002 Massacre including Modi and want to put
this behind and focus on pulling the victims out of destitution and restore
their hopes and lives. All speeches must be geared for national reconciliation
and goodwill.   
Invite Mr. Modi to attend the program, don’t be disappointed, if he
chooses not to participate, but if he does, honor him,  and let him
know that Muslim are forgiving him as of now with no conditions.
Make an appeal to Modi.
Dear Narendra Bhai, 

You have a moral responsibility to the well
being of every citizen of Gujarat, whether they personally elected you or not,
you still represent them.

Your fellow Gujaratis were massacred under your
guardianship, and I hope you feel their pain and anguish.

Narendra Bhai, you have many choices; one among
them is repentance, the praischit, and I urge you to seriously consider it. It
is the Michami Dukadam of your life that is seeking forgiveness and forgiving
others for any grudge you may harbor against others. Right now, you have a
choice to start your spiritual and political life with a clean slate.

This means making good with the people who have
suffered under your leadership; it will bring Mukti (salvation) to you. The
other choice is to resign and show the strength of your character.

Your moral character in the only sustainable
legacy you can leave behind, and not the wealth you create for a few. Gujarat
has been around and will always be there with or without you, and I hope you
are humble enough to see it.

You may consider working on earning genuine
respect from every Gujarati, particularly the downtrodden living in the refugee
camps. Uplift their lives. You will be uplifting a huge moral burden of fellow
Guajarati and fellow Indians. Your honesty and integrity will be transparent in
how you handle the situation.

As a leader of one of the industrially advanced
states, you have a duty to establish Gujarat as a state that respects law,
where justice will be served to every Gujarati, whether they live in a Jhompdi
(Huts) or the castle. Every Indian should feel safe, as the law would take care
of the wrong doers. You need to express your courage to speak up and follow
dharma, the right path.

You can begin by mustering the courage to
apologize to the citizens of Gujarat and restore their lives and bring justice
to them. It will bring peace to every Gujarati and every Indian. It takes a man
to do it, and I hope you are man enough to do it and turn things around for the
16000 men and women living in refugee camps. Do them good, restore their life
and earn their goodwill. Once they see the results of restoration of a genuine
man, they will forgive you and support you and, they will stand up for you, if
you stand up for them.


Question:  Should a person like Modi who
is known for his partisan role and
for being anti-minorities be projected as a candidate for Prime
Ministership of a secular and multi-religious country like India?

Ghouse: Yes, if he apologizes on his own, and there shall be no
compulsion. Again, listen to the wisdom of Qur’aan, freewill endures,
compulsion is short lived. Apology in words will not cut it, it has to be
followed by action by uplifting the
downtrodden living in the refugee camps and bringing a positive change in their
lives. If their lives are restored and Muslims feel genuinely hopeful, then
Modi should be given the chance. The bottom line is not revenge, but
restoration of justice to the people to whom injustice was done.

Question: Prestigious “Time Magazine” and
Brookings Institution have lauded
Modi in recent days. What do you think- was it not wrong on their part
to shower praises on such a controversial man known for caring a damn
about human rights and human values?

Ghouse: Times and Brookings institution failed in their responsibility to write
an objective report, which is challenged anyway. Modi’s men are working
diligently, spending the time and money to project Modi as the leader of India.
I believe both the institutions were unduly influenced and have lost their
respect for integrity. I wish Modi’s men had spent that money and time in helping
the refugees out of the squalor and put them in homes.

Questions: Do you see the gulf between Hindus and Muslims in Gujarat
will
narrow in near future?

Ghouse: Nothing will ever change if everyone sits around and expects
miracles. Miracles will not happen. God helps those who help themselves, its
God’s promise to mankind including Muslims. There are a number of things
Muslims can do – develop good relationships with fellow Guajaratis. Get
involved in the civic affairs of the state and be a part of everything every
Gujarati does. Ask Muslim to write columns in how to improve the bonding and
relationships with fellow Guajaratis. I will be happy to write it, but there
are many out there. Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer and a Gujarati Doctor who lived in
the United States are doing a great job in writings articles to bring the
communities together. I just cannot think of his name now, but he and I have
had correspondence once a year. He can really guide Muslims.

If there is a conflict, blame the individual and not the religion. It
will contain the conflict to individual and will not spread. It is a culture
that has to be developed and established, it will take some time.

Here was an advice from my father. During
the communal riots in Jabalpur in the early sixties, both Muslims and Hindus
were killed in the mayhem. I wish every father in India, teaches the following
lesson to his kids, as my father taught me. He told us that the
“individuals” are responsible for the bloodshed and not the
religions; he was very clear. He said, you cannot blame the nebulous
understanding of religion and expect justice. The individuals responsible for
disturbing the peace should be punished under the law, and a resolution to the
conflict must result by serving justice. He said you cannot annihilate, kill,
hang or beat a religion, then why bark at it? It is not the religion; it is the
individual bad guys that are the problem.

Crime is always committed by the individuals, and each
individual must be brought to justice to restore faith in the society. When you
believe that your rights will be protected by your government, you feel safe
and secure and that is how you build cohesive societies.

The role of a Muslim is to mitigate conflicts and
nurture goodwill. If you study Prophet’s life from this point of view, you will
see that was the main drive. I give a speech on the topic, Insha Allah, when I
visit India, I will be happy to give a talk on the topic.. . . . . .
Mike Ghouse is an Indian Muslim American committed to
building cohesive societies, in the Indian context he hopes no Indian has to
live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. Mike Ghouse is committed
to building to offer pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a
professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic
affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on
Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he
contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and
regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world.
The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter movie

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Did you have great time over July 4th? I did, and had time to reflect on what freedom means, as well as experienced it. I had planned on reading about freedom, and how the declaration “all men are created equal” came about and wanted to study President Lincoln. 

Saw the movie, a fiction, but had a few great points in it. That Public good ultimately wins – each one of us is chasing our own demons expressed in the form of bigotry, racism, control…… That was done well, but to give it the color of reality was too much when the news paper prints slaying of 6 demons. Good movie but the producer liked the train scene so much that he gave nearly a major role to the train… than Lincoln.

President Lincoln is one of the few great guys I want to study, to learn and read their biographies. America has one of the most powerful systems of democracy. When Lincoln says, our governance is by the people of the people for the people in his speech, I could not hold my hands from clapping in the theater.

Mike Ghouse

www.MikeGhouse.net 

Happy Independence Day

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Happy Independence
day, happy 4th
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com |
www.TheGhousediary.com

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY – YOUR INPUT REQUESTED

Hope you cherish the celebratory feeling of freedom. Please share your
sentiments in a few words to add to my compilation of thoughts from my friends
at www.MikeGhouse.net. Please send to: SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com

Here are my
notes about July 4th

TRAILER OF THE FILM ABOUT AMERICANo American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.
We have systems in place to safeguard that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXsTo4VYh8&feature=youtu.be

To celebrate the freedom of America, we are making a documentary about America

WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU?
http://nabsites.net/demo/july-4th-what-does-freedom-mean-to-you/




. . . .
A MUSLIM’S JULY
4TH VIDEO SPEECH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXNS365UEw4&feature=channel_video_title

Mike

 MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism,
politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent
guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a
commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas
Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington
post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com
is updated daily.

Americans win today

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CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA

http://nabsites.net/demo/americans-win-today/

The security and health of our nation should be our first priority. Defense of the nation and health of Americans go hand in hand.

Thank God, the Supreme Court has upheld the
individual health care mandate. Indeed, the Bush appointee Judge Roberts saw
the sense in doing the right thing and tilting the decision in a 5-4 ruling.  An average American wins today.

A few may not see the wisdom in it, but when
they see the big picture, they will eventually admire it. A healthy America is
a productive America and those opposing now will benefit
from higher productivity. America is better off with this decision.

My fellow Republicans sincerely believe, and I do too, that government
should not be in managing health care or messing with people’s life.  However, when they look at the situation
seriously, they have short-changed themselves with mis-information. People are paying for it, and getting their
service. Government ain’t doing it.
Health of the nation is as much of a priority as the Defense of the nation,
one protects from outside invasions, and the other from ill-health, if not
guarded both weaken the nation.

With a strong defense and strong health care, Americans win. It is not a
socialized medicine; it is a responsible investment in human capital with good
returns. It is an investment in a health, that produces more work hours for the
nation… that is what they don’t’ get.

My fellow Republicans need to be in tune with
America, our party has been wrong and short sighted on a few issues. I am a
Moderate Sensible Republican American, and I thank the Supreme Court for
upholding this decision.
To my fellow Americans at large, Democrats,
Libertarian, Green and other party members, GOP is a great party, taken over by
a “handful” of short-sigthed individuals  but  when they see the
light at the end of the tunnel, they will see the good it does to all of us, including them or their family members and friends.  I welcome them to
be in tune with America and Americans.

A majority of us, the Republican Party
members are like you, modest, moderate and want the best for every American and
every human across the globe. Each one of our political, religious, social, racial, ethnic and cultural groups has a share of a few loud
mouths, and we need to deal with them with love and affection, they will come
around.

Mike Ghouse
America first, party next.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXsTo4VYh8&feature=youtu.be

Texas Faith: Should nations forgive, too?

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If we resort to forgiveness and humility, we can restore security to Jews, Ahmadiyya, Baha’i and others. For our own mental well-being, we need to redeem justice to Native Americans, Palestinians, Rohingis (Burma), Falun Dafa (China), Shia (Bahrain), Christians (Asia), Hindus (Pakistan) and others.

Texas Faith is a weekly column at Dallas Morning News managed by Editors William McKenzie and Wayne Slater, the material is contributed by several panelists including Mike Ghouse, for all responses visit http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/06/texas-faith-should-nations-forgive-too.html/
How should the concept of forgiveness play out between countries?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Whether it is an individual or a nation, the concept of forgiveness remains the same. It releases one from the bondage of living in the disturbing past.

A month before my late wife passed away from cancer, I reflected with her and listed about 12 items that gave her discomfort. One of the examples was a man whom she had conflict with in a leadership role. Whenever that person was at a party we went to, either he ran off or my wife would whisper to me to get out of the place, excusing herself with a headache. I called the man and others with different situations to visit her. They all denied the problem, but when they visited there was a genuine release from the bondage. They were free at last.

Michami Dukadam is a phrase commonly used in Jain faith to start their new year. Simply put, it is about two people forgiving each other and starting the new moment with a clean slate. My late wife and I had a perfect Michami Dukadam.

When it comes to nations, we have to seriously think about the implications of forgiveness.  Jesus’ central message was forgiveness, so was Krishna’s and Jain teachings. In Quraan, God declares the dearest human to him is the one who forgives. Let’s do it because it is beneficial to us in living a life without anxiety.

The arrogance of nations prevents them from asking forgiveness or forgiving others. They assume it is a weak thing to do. Or they do not want to free the other.

Brave nations and humans ask for forgiveness. Every religion has emphasized it, and God knows what is good for us in the long haul.

In a conference organized by the Memnosyne Foundation in 2005, one of the Shamans from an American Nation expressed her pain about zealous missionaries that destroyed and humiliated her tradition. As a part of reconciliation, she offered a head band for a Christian to accept. A Presbyterian minister stepped up and accepted it. What a relief it was. Forgiveness is powerful.

If we resort to forgiveness and humility, we can restore security to Jews, Ahmadiyya, Baha’i and others. For our own mental well-being, we need to redeem justice to Native Americans, Palestinians, Rohingis (Burma), Falun Dafa (China), Shia (Bahrain), Christians (Asia), Hindus (Pakistan) and others.

If we follow the sound principles of forgiveness and get out of the arrogance, we all can live with a clean conscience.

MikeGhouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. 

Republicans and Democrats

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As the election is approaching, we need more people to articulate the need for focusing on America. Ultimately what is good for you or your party has got to be good for the average American.

As a professional speaker, I have developed a theme called “Building a Cohesive America” where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.
The book, Americans Together, is schedule to be released this summer, and there will be a film on the same theme. Here is a ten minutes clip to present some of our issues and the need for us to come together.
YouTube: Americans Together, a film about America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXsTo4VYh8&feature=youtu.be
Please let me know the best time to call you to set up a time to meet.  I hope to address your first available meeting.

Mike Ghouse
About:

Mike paves the way for understanding between different factions of society including religions, cultures and political parties. He is a frequent guest on Fox News, “The Hannity Show”, and on nationally syndicated shows including Dallas TV, print and radio networks, and occasional interviews on NPR.
“Mr. Ghouse is a member of the Texas Faith Panel at The Dallas Morning News and writes about issues facing the nation every week. He writes for The Huffington Post regularly, and occasionally for Washington Post and other daily newspapers and magazines around the world.
He has spoken for international forums including the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia; the Middle East Peace Initiative in Jerusalem; and the International Leadership Conference in Hawaii, Chicago and Washington.”
Mike is passionately well versed in pluralism, interfaith movement, politics, justice, cohesive societies, Islam, India, hope and world peace and can speak eloquently on any of these topics.
Mike founded the America Together Foundation (ATF) in 2010, a non-profit entity committed to building a cohesive America, where no American has to live with anxiety, apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.
Mr. Ghouse will leave your gathering talking for months about his remarkable presentation. You will be drawn to share his message of hope, good will and a united culture, especially here in America.
To engage Mike or for further information, please call            214.325.1916      .
An informative flier to help connect with your audience is available upon request.  More information is available at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Policy on Egyptian Brotherhood and the United States

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Far too long we have
been unduly influenced and harassed by a few conservatives among us, and their
policies have brought disastrous results both at home and abroad. Neither do we
have to go off the ozone layer with the liberals nor have to stay within the
narrow circle; there is a way, the middle way that can bring good sustainable results.

 We need to remember that diplomacy is about
finding solutions through dialogue. Humans dialogue because they are endowed
with the ability to talk; animals are bent on annihilating each other, because
the only thing they got is the muscle and the horns.
I will be on Sean
Hannity Radio Show today, it is a national broadcast and you can find your
local station at: http://www.hannity.com/stations.
The talk is about the Muslim
Brotherhood. He and I have been arguing about the need to talk with the “enemy”
even if they were terrorists, “you talk with the ones you make peace with”  said Mother Theresa and not with your
friends.
Of course the
short-sighted ones (aka the right wingers) will be screaming loud, as if, it is
the end of the world. They will gang up and pull all their support systems to
push the United States government to reject the duly elected president Dr.
Mohamed Mori.

We have made many mistakes in the Middle East, three among them are;
1.   
Not recognizing the duly
elected Hamas as representatives of the people of the Palestine. Had we done
that, we had a chance to huddle with them and work towards a sustainable
solution. Instead we rejected them, causing both Israel and Palestinians to dig
in their heels. That was a major diplomatic failure on our part.  (many article at this link – http://peaceforisrael.blogspot.com/2007/11/annapolis-include-hamas.html)

2.   
Obama’s biggest blunder
was rejecting the statehood to the Palestinians – it would have helped the
Jewish people anchor their hopes by dealing with a state and accepting the otherness
of others, paving a way for Jews to, once again become who they were once;  a people committed to justice, and would have
given hope to Palestinians. Obama blew it all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNYmI6MlhZw

3.   
Israel made the gravest
mistake by urging the United States to stand with Mubarak, alienating the
people of Egypt. Their short sightedness is incredible; their administration
simply does not get this that the deal is between people of Egypt and people of
Israel and not between Netanyahu and Mubarak. Neither leader should make
irresponsible statements to jeopardize what is good.
Now, it is time for us
to recognize the Brotherhood without reserve, bring them to the table and
develop lasting solutions based on dignity and respect to the people who chose
Dr. Mohamed Mori. It is respecting the wishes of the people.
 
Mike Ghouse is committed
to building cohesive societies. www.MikeGhouse.net