My Challenge to Frequent Sean Hannity Guest Mike Ghouse

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Facts don’t matter to some.

I am pleased to respond to Logan’s challenge on the net hoping he and his friends will be open to seeing another point of view. I pray that he and his friends read this with an open mind and an open heart. (of the 3200 words nearly 2400 are quotes from Quraan)

Each one of us bears responsibility to do his or her share of work in creating cohesive societies where everyone feels safe and secure, and trust one another to make life easier for one and the others.  You and I are responsible for our own actions and we have to do our share of good in creating such societies. We have a choice not do a thing and not hear from any.

Just around the crusades, the European kings commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders to get their subject to go fight for them. Then after the fall of Ottoman Empire, a Muslim turns around and produced a hostile translation of Quran to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

Religions were introduced to bring sanity to people, most people get it and few don’t.  There are a few Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews and others who don’t get their religion and resort to oppression and hate mongering without realizing it.   If they spend their energy on building peace we will have a much better society to live.

Robert Spencer, Geert Wilders, Brigitte Gabriel, Nonie Darwish, Wafa Sultan, Alan Dershowitz, Ali Sina and a host of others are guided by those translations and it suits them to sell hate and frightened nincompoops write those checks.  

I am willing to discuss this further, if there is intellectual discussion without judgments, if not, don’t expect me to correspond any further. I have referenced some material below where a few men have run off instead of dealing with the issues they raised.

Mike Ghouse

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From the article published at Logan’s challenge, http://loganswarning.com/2011/07/04/my-challenge-to-frequent-sean-hannity-guest-mike-ghouse/.  I have quoted critical paragraphs and responded as diligently as I can.

 “Koran 009.029 – YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

Although Yusuf Ali’s translation is the first one in English by a Muslim, Muhammad Asad’s translation is closer to meaning than Yusuf Ali and I have opted to go with Asad’s translation locatable at:  http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/

9:29 (Asad) [And] fight against those who – despite having been vouchsafed revelation [aforetime] [40] -do not [truly] believe either in God or the Last Day, and do not consider forbidden that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, [41] and do not follow the religion of truth [which God has enjoined upon them] [42] till they [agree to] pay the exemption tax with a willing hand, after having been humbled [in war]. [43]

[40] Lit., “such of those who were vouchsafed revelation [aforetime] as do not believe…” etc. In accordance with the fundamental principle-observed throughout my interpretation of the Qur’an -that all of its statements and ordinances are mutually complementary and cannot, therefore, be correctly understood unless they are considered as parts of one integral whole, this verse, too must be read in the context of the clear-cut Qur’anic rule that war is permitted only in self-defense (see 2:190-194, and the corresponding notes).

In other words, the above injunction to fight is relevant only in the event of aggression committed against the Muslim community or state, or in the presence of an unmistakable threat to its security: a view which has been shared by that great Islamic thinker, Muhammad `Abduh. Commenting on this verse, he declared: “Fighting has been made obligatory in Islam only for the sake of defending the truth and its followers…. All the campaigns of the Prophet were defensive in character; and so were the wars undertaken by the Companions in the earliest period [of Islam]” (Manar X, 332). (Quran Ref: 9:29)

[41] This, to my mind, is the key-phrase of the above ordinance. The term “apostle” is obviously used here in its generic sense and applies to all the prophets on whose teachings the beliefs of the Jews and the Christians are supposed to be based – in particular, to Moses and (in the case of the Christians) to Jesus as well (Manar X, 333 and 337). Since, earlier in this sentence, the people alluded to are accused of so grave a sin as willfully refusing to believe in God and the Last Day (i.e., in life after death and man’s individual responsibility for his doings on earth), it is inconceivable that they should subsequently be blamed for comparatively minor offences against their religious law: consequently, the stress on their “not forbidding that which God and His apostle have forbidden” must refer to something which is as grave, or almost as grave, as disbelief in God.

In the context of an ordinance enjoining war against them. this “something” can mean only one thing-namely, unprovoked aggression: for it is this that has been forbidden by God through all the apostles who were entrusted with conveying His message to man. Thus, the above verse must be understood as a call to the believers to fight against such-and only such-of the nominal followers of earlier revelation as deny their own professed beliefs by committing aggression against the followers of the Qur’an (cf. Manar X, 338).(Quran Ref: 9:29 )

[42] See in this connection the statement (in 5:13-14) that the Jews and the Christians “have forgotten much of what they had been told to bear in mind”. (Quran Ref: 9:29)

[43] Sc., “and having become incorporated in the Islamic state”. The term Jizya, rendered by me as “exemption tax”, occurs in the Qur’an only once, but its meaning and purpose have been fully explained in many authentic Traditions. It is intimately bound up with the concept of the Islamic state as an ideological organization: and this is a point which must always be borne in mind if the real purport of this tax is to be understood. In the Islamic state, every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to take up arms in jihad (i.e., in a just war in God’s cause) whenever the freedom of his faith or the political safety of his community is imperiled: in other words, every able-bodied Muslim is liable to compulsory military service. Since this is, primarily, a religious obligation, non-Muslim citizens, who do not subscribe to the ideology of Islam, cannot in fairness be expected to assume a similar burden. On the other hand, they must be accorded full protection of all their civic rights and of their religious freedom: and it is in order to compensate the Muslim community for this unequal distribution of civic burdens that a special tax is levied on non-Muslim citizens (ahl adh-dhimmah, lit., “covenanted” [or “protected”] people”, i.e., non-Muslims whose safety is statutorily assured by the Muslim community).

Thus, Jizya is no more and no less than an exemption tax in lieu of military service and in compensation for the “covenant of protection” (dhimmah) accorded to such citizens by the Islamic state. (The term itself is derived from the verb jaza, “he rendered [something] as a satisfaction”, or “as a compensation [in lieu of something else]” – cf. Lane II, 422.) No fixed rate has been set either by the Qur’an or by the Prophet for this tax; but from all available Traditions it is evident that it is to be considerably lower than the tax called zakah (“the purifying dues”) to which Muslims are liable and which – because it is a specifically Islamic religious duty-is naturally not to be levied on non-Muslims.

Only such of the non-Muslim citizens who, if they were Muslims, would be expected to serve in the armed forces of the state are liable to the payment of Jizya, provided that they can easily afford it. Accordingly, all non-Muslim citizens whose personal status or condition would automatically free them from the obligation to render military service are statutorily – that is, on the basis of clear-cut ordinances promulgated by the Prophet-exempted from the payment of Jizya: (a) all women, (b) males who have not yet reached full maturity, (c) old men, (d) all sick or crippled men, (e) priests and monks. All non-Muslim citizens who volunteer for military service are obviously exempted from the payment of Jizya. My rendering of the expression `an yad (lit., “out of hand”) as “with a willing hand”, that is, without reluctance, is based on one of several explanations offered by Zamakhshari in his commentary on the above verse. Rashid Rida’, taking the word yad in its metaphorical significance of “power” or “ability”, relates the phrase can yad to the financial ability of the person liable to the payment of Jizya (see Manar X, 342): an interpretation which is undoubtedly justified in view of the accepted definition of this tax.(Quran Ref: 9:29 )

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“Mike you are not the spokesperson for Muslims in America. So do not pretend to be. What Mike fails to mention is that the God of Islam is not the same God as Christianity. The proof of this is that the Islam scriptures state that Jesus will come back as a Muslim and destroy Christianity. The God of Christianity would not want his or her religion destroyed. Mike thinks that statement from Mohammad will fool us.”

As individuals we are responsible to create cohesive societies where everyone feels secure and trusts one another to make life easier for the self and others.  You and I are responsible for our own actions.  In our solitude if we reflect, or on the day of accountability, we are to account for our karma.  That puts the responsibility on you and I to speak out when there is injustice, when there is falsehood and when there is oppression and I am doing my share of the work.

 There is just one creator; there is no such thing as Christian God or Muslim God that is sheer ignorance. God is not a being, not a thing with specific characteristics to limit his acceptance to the universe.

Jesus represents hope for humanity, when things are rough, when people are creating division, hating each other, bombing each other and become revenge seeking, they are simply reacting. As humans we hope for a just and peaceful world and that hope is anchored in Jesus, his re-appearance gives us hope and salvation from the hatefulness that has permeated in the society.  When good becomes a common place, it simply means evil is subsided or gone.

Since Jesus is the promised Messiah predicted in Islam, the right wing Christian assumes that Jesus is a Muslim (p0litical) and will destroy them, as the Logan website writes it up.  Likewise the right wing Muslim believes that when Jesus takes out the evil, he took out Christianity. How ignorant are some of these folks.

 Destroying Christianity is the manufacture of right wing Christians and right wing Muslims and they do not represent the majority of Christians and Muslims.

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“But the reality is his statement does not include the words “no superiority over other religions”. What else do you have Mike?”

First of all, the spiritual aspect of every religion brings goodness to humanity, the insecurity in weak men of religion causes division, mine is better than yours. Historically, Islam did not exist during the time of Jesus, if it was, he would have talked about it, as he was a pluralist.  Christianity did not exist during the times of Moses, if not Moses would have delivered the New Testament as well. Both Christianity and Judaism did exist during the times of the Prophet Muhammad and both are respectfully talked about in Islam and Quraan.

I don’t know how knowledgeable you are, but it is a requirement for Muslims to believe in Moses, Jesus and all the prophets of Old Testament. Indeed, one’ faith is incomplete without that belief. Add to this, the Prophet tells his followers not to treat one prophet to be superior over the other – Islam was not Muhammad’s religion, it was a universal idea to bring peace to humanity through the removal of arrogance. He did not want people to worship him, he never claimed to be divine, in fact he said, I am just like you, a mortal being, when I die, bury me in an unmarked grave.. He insisted that no one paint his picture, lest someone starts worshipping him rather than God. That was the best example of humility of the Prophet.

Christianity or Judaism does not say that their religion is not superior to any, then why do you expect Islam to say that, that is hypocrisy, is it not?

 However, read these verses;

[2:136] Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”

 [21:47] we will establish the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection. No soul will suffer the least injustice. Even the equivalent of a mustard seed will be accounted for. We are the most efficient reckoners.

[2:148] each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent.

[10:99] had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?

[4:123] it is not in accordance with your wishes, or the wishes of the people of the scripture: anyone who commits evil pays for it, and will have no helper or supporter against GOD.

5:8 (Asad) O YOU who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let hatred of any-one [19] lead

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just: this is closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of God: verily, God is aware of all that you do.

[22:17] Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, the Christians, the Zoroastrians, and the idol worshipers, GOD is the One who will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. GOD witnesses all things.

 [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

Quraan also tells that one can marry a Jewish or Christian woman without converting.

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 “You claim that Muslims love the US legal system, in which juries judge others. Then you turn around and state only God should judge. So which is it?”

Mr. Simpleton, when you rape, murder, cheat and loot, you are affecting the civil balance of a society.  It is the society that judges you and hauls your heinie to the jail. Whereas, God judges your belief in oneness of God, humanity and the universe. He gives ample opportunities to repent. God loves those who repent and put themselves on moral high grounds.

American Muslims have placed their trust in the American justice system; the civil laws of our nation provide ample justice. The Muslim majority in America is happy with the American system and does not want to have Sharia law here in America. Check the link below on Sharia.

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“Imam Feisal is pro-Sharia, so he is no friend of America. He also uses the freedoms of America against America, in his Islamic cause.”

Have you ever read his book, “What is right with Islam is right with America”? If you send me an email with your address, I will have a copy of that book mailed to you.  Sharia simply means living by rules and it has two sides to it; personal and public. Imam Feisal was referring to Personal Sharia. Is there is a nation, including our own, where laws are always just?  The stoning of adulterers is wrong, the punishment for Blasphemy is wrong… neither of them are in Quraan. Go fact check – the number of adulterers stoned to death number less than the deaths we executed in Texas and none need to be singled out, and both need to be condemned.

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“Muslim Hadith Book 019, Number 4366:
It has been narrated by ‘Umar b. al-Khattib that he heard the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) say: I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslim.”

I have not checked the veracity of your quote and I ask you to do that and not rely on hearsay. It sounds good to the right wing Christians and they will make a capital out of it, and it also appeals to the right wing Muslims as it suits their agenda.  But that is not in the spirit of Quraan, Islam and the Prophet.

If one is allowed to marry a Jewish or Christian woman without asking her to convert, then this Hadith is meaningless and perhaps cooked up by the right wingers.

Take a look at the following:

[10:99] had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?

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 “Mike, my challenge to you is for you to come here, and prove my statements on Islam to be false. Unlike Hannity, I will not sit silently as you try and cover for the Islamic menace!”

I have done my part and it is up to you to research the truth.  I have responded to Geert Wilders, Robert Spencer, and Naomi… Ali Sina and several others, they don’t read, their purpose is to make money – look at your own site, asking for money, that is your business. I am not looking for any money and just doing my share of the work to build a cohesive America where no one has to live in apprehension of the other. 

Please feel free to clarify anything you wish but refrain from anything that you cannot substantiate from Quraan.

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse

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SHARIA LAWS: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/sharia-law-not-in-america_b_653250.html

 Geert wilders:  Muslim response to Geert Wilders’ Fitna
http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/01/muslim-response-to-wilders.html

Robert Spencer: One Islam – http://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=26113
Nona Derwish: Joys of Muslim Women – http://hatesermons.blogspot.com/2009/08/nonie-darwish-hate-monger.html 

MA Khan:  Does Quraan incite Violence?
http://desicritics.org/2009/02/15/000156.php

Hate Sermons: http://hatesermons.blogspot.com/2008/03/hate-sermons-from-pulpit.html 

Quraan conference: www.Quraanconference.com 

 My Challenge to Frequent Sean Hannity Guest Mike Ghouse

http://loganswarning.com/2011/07/04/my-challenge-to-frequent-sean-hannity-guest-mike-ghouse/

The World Muslim Congress is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam.  

 Mike Ghouse

 Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

RICK PERRY FOR PRESIDENT?

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If he is sincere in representing Americans he needs to demonstrate it by inviting them all to his prayer fest. Americans see God as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. He has an opportunity to win public opinion if he chooses to go the middle path representing the majority of Americans.
 
This note is to appear in Dallas Morning News this Sunday July 10 in sounding off segment.
I do expect the Radicals among us to focus on pitting one American against the other, would that work this time? I hope not, I expect the American Public demand them to tell precisely how they’ll turn the economy around, find jobs and restore the well being of the families. We cannot let them get away with weakening America with their war rhetoric and jumping to fight with every one in the world. Hell no to that.
 

Election coverage:

PERRY HAS TO PROVE HIS SINCERITY
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/perry-has-to-prove-his-si_b_874392.html
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BIGOTRY OF GINGRICH, CAIN & REPUBLICANS
http://www.opednews.com/articles/1/Bigotry-of-Newt-Gingrich–by-Mike-Ghouse-110622-717.html

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PERRY’S FEST- Dallas Morning News
http://nabsites.net/demo/texas-faith-is-rick-perrys-day-of/

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HUNTSMAN & ROMNEY – Dallas Morning News
http://nabsites.net/demo/texas-faith-how-should-huntsman-and/
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RESHAPING CARROLLTON POLITICS
http://nabsites.net/demo/press-release-reshaping-carrollton/
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HOW TO LIVE & DIE – KHUSHWANT SINGH

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[This is a rare piece I have posted on my diary -www.TheGhousediary.com,  usually my own writings, are posted but this one and monday humor are others writing, the first part of this page is my writing]

HOW TO LIVE AND DIE – KHUSHWANT SINGH

Thanks to Dr. Pervaz Rahman for sharing the following piece by Khushwant Singh, one of my favorite writers from my college years. Shariff my friend and I waited for his magazine “the illustrated weekly” every Friday.  I talk about death fairly casually and my kids do not want to hear, nor my wife Yasmeeen wants to hear it. But die, I will some day. 

 One of the best ways to leave the world is to leave in peace. About ten years ago, my Mother passed away in one of the most beautiful manners one could embark on the eternal journey; a clean slate with no loose ends. The Jain tradition calls it Michami Dukadam.  That was one of the most beautiful lessons of my life, she tied every loose end in her last week, there was no anxiety, no wishes that had to be fulfilled, and she forgave and asked to be forgiven and had a clean slate to go on with her eternal journey. I was blessed to repeat that process with my late wife and she left the world with a smile on her face. There was peace to everyone in the process and there was an incredible release and freedom to the goers and the stayers.

Reading Khushwant Sing was refreshing; I do so much of it myself.  I have written my own obituary and it is in my bank box, my kids know what goes on the headstone that reminds me to tell that to Yasmeeen, “With prejudice towards none”. I have written the will, lists of everything that needs to be done, very few things float on my mind, everything is on paper. When I die, I hope it will be in peace, with no wishes that had to be fulfilled, no anxieties on my face. I want to go smiling and want my family and friends to smile for living a fulfilling life.  

There is a beautiful Indian song in Urdu/Hindi language that talks about living the life with contentment;
Live the life like everything is yours;

And when you die, die as if nothing is yours.

Jiyo to aise jiyo jaise sob  tumhara hai,
Maro to aise ke jaise tumhara kuch bhi nahin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVDHTeRr8LQ

Enjoy the article by Khushwant Singh

How To Live & Die

Death is rarely spoken about in our homes. I wonder why. Especially when each one of us knows that death has to come, has to strike. It’s inevitable. This line from Yas Yagana Changezi says it best: Khuda mein shak ho to ho, maut mein nahin koi shak (You may or may not doubt the existence of God, you can’t doubt the certainty of death). And one must prepare oneself to face it. 

At 95, I do think of death. I think of death very often but I don’t lose sleep over it. I think of those gone; keep wondering where they are. Where have they gone? Where will they be? I don’t know the answers: where you go, what happens next. To quote Omar Khayyam,  

“Into this Universe, and Why not knowing
Nor Whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing…”

and,

“There was a Door to which I found no Key
There was a Veil through which I could not see
Some little Talk awhile of Me and Thee
There seemed—and then no more of Thee and Me.” 

I once asked the Dalai Lama how one should face death and he had advised meditation. I’m not scared of death; I do not fear it. Death is inevitable. While I have thought about it a lot, I don’t brood about it. I’m prepared for it. As Asadullah Khan Ghalib has so aptly put it,  

“Rau mein hai raksh-e-umar kahaan dekhiye thhamey
Nai haath baag par hai na pa hai rakaab mein  

(Age travels at galloping pace; who knows where it will stop
We do not have the reins in our hands nor our feet in the stirrups).” 

All my contemporaries—whether here or in England or in Pakistan—they’re all gone. I don’t know where I’ll be in a year or two. I don’t fear death. What I dread is the day I go blind or am incapacitated because of old age—that’s what I fear—I’d rather die than live in that condition. I’m a burden enough on my daughter Mala and don’t want to be an extra burden on her. 

All that I hope for is that when death comes to me, it comes swiftly, without much pain, like fading away in sound slumber. Till then I’ll keep working and living each day as it comes. There’s so much left to do. I have to content myself by saying these lines of Iqbal:  

“Baagh-e-bahisht se mujhe hukm-e-safar diya tha kyon?
Kaar-e-Jahaan daraaz hai, ab mera intezaar kar  

(Why did you order me out of the garden of paradise? I have a lot left to do; now you wait for me).” 

So I often tell Bade Mian, as I refer to him, from time to time, that he’s got to wait for me as I still have work to complete.

I believe in these lines of Tennyson:

“Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea…
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness or farewell,
When I embark.”

I believe in the Jain philosophy that death ought to be celebrated. Earlier, whenever I was upset or low, I used to go to the cremation grounds. It has a cleansing effect, and worked like a therapy for me. In fact, I’d written my own epitaph years ago:

“Here lies one who spared neither man nor God
Waste not your tears on him, he was a sod
Writing nasty things he regarded as great fun
Thank the Lord he is dead, this son of a gun.”

I hope that when death comes to me, it comes swiftly, without much pain, like fading away in sound slumber.

I had even written my own obit in 1943 when I was still in my twenties. It later appeared in a collection of short stories, titled ‘Posthumous’. In the piece, I had imagined The Tribune announcing the news of my death on its front page with a small photograph. The headline would read: ‘Sardar Khushwant Singh Dead’. And then, in somewhat smaller print:  

‘We regret to announce the sudden death of Sardar Khushwant Singh at 6 pm last evening. He leaves behind a young widow, two infant children and a large number of friends and admirers. Amongst those who called at the late sardar’s residence were the PA to the chief justice, several ministers, and judges of the high court.’ 

I had to cope with death when I lost my wife. Being an agnostic, I could not find solace in religious rituals. Being essentially a loner, I discouraged friends and relatives from coming to condole with me. I spent the first night alone sitting in my chair in the dark. At times, I broke down, but soon recovered my composure. A couple of days later, I resumed my usual routine, working from dawn to dusk. That took my mind off the stark reality of having to live alone in an empty home for the rest of my days. When friends persisted in calling and upsetting my equilibrium, I packed myself off to Goa to be by myself.

I used to be keen on a burial because with a burial you give back to the earth what you have taken. Now, it will be the electric crematorium. I had requested the management of the Bahai faith if I could be buried. Initially, they had agreed, but then they came up with all sorts of conditions and rules. I had wanted to be buried in one corner with just a peepal tree next to my grave. After okaying this, the management later said that that wouldn’t be possible and that my grave would be in the middle of a row and not in a corner. I wasn’t okay with that—even though I know that once you are dead it makes no difference. But I was keen to be buried in one corner. They also told me later that they would chant some prayers, which again I couldn’t agree with, because I don’t believe in religion or in religious rituals of any kind. 

Though I’m quite fit, I know I don’t have much time left. I’m coming to terms with death, preparing myself. And since I have no faith in God, nor in the day of judgement, nor in the theory of reincarnation, I have to come to terms with the complete full stop. I have been criticised for not sparing even the dead, but then death does not sanctify a person, and if I find the person had been corrupt, I write about it even when he’s gone.

I don’t believe in rebirth or in reincarnation, in the day of judgement or in heaven or hell. I accept the finality of death. We do not know what happens to us after we die but one should help a person go in peace—at peace with himself and with the world.

I’ve lived a reasonably contented life. I’ve often thought about what it is that makes people happy—what one has to do in order to achieve happiness. 

First and foremost is good health. If you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial, will deduct something from your happiness.

Second, a healthy bank balance. It need not run into crores, but it should be enough to provide for comforts, and there should be something to spare for recreation—eating out, going to the movies, travel and holidays in the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be demoralising. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one’s own eyes. 

Third, your own home. Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of a home that is yours for keeps. If it has garden space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers, see them grow and blossom, and cultivate a sense of kinship with them.

Fourth, an understanding companion, be it your spouse or a friend. If you have too many misunderstandings, it robs you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than to be quarrelling all the time. 

Fifth, stop envying those who have done better than you in life—risen higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others. 

Sixth, do not allow people to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.

Since I have no faith in God, nor in the day of judgement, nor in reincarnation, I have to come to terms with the complete full stop.

Seventh, cultivate a hobby or two that will fulfil you—gardening, reading, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks, or to meet celebrities, is a criminal waste of time. It’s important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied meaningfully. I have family members and friends who spend their entire day caring for stray dogs, giving them food and medicines. There are others who run mobile clinics, treating sick people and animals free of charge.  

Eighth, every morning and evening devote 15 minutes to introspection. In the mornings, 10 minutes should be spent in keeping the mind absolutely still, and five listing the things you have to do that day. In the evenings, five minutes should be set aside to keep the mind still and 10 to go over the tasks you had intended to do. 

Ninth, don’t lose your temper. Try not to be short-tempered, or vengeful. Even when a friend has been rude, just move on. 

Above all, when the time comes to go, one should go like a man without any regret or grievance against anyone. Iqbal said it beautifully in a couplet in Persian: “You ask me about the signs of a man of faith? When death comes to him, he has a smile on his lips.”
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(Excerpted from the forthcoming Absolute Khushwant: The Low-Down on Life, Death & Most Things In-Between (Penguin). The book will be launched on August 16.)

What are you? A Chameleon, Ping pong?

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A non-literary poem
Ping Pong, Chameleon or what?

Who are you, asked a wise woman,
I am me, answered the woman;

Really?
Which one of you is you?
What do you mean which one?
I am me, all the ones

Really?
When your boss wrongs you, you get angry;
you go into hiding, you feel insecure,
you hold the grudges
you want to get even
 
So What?
Well when your beloved praises you,
you beam up, you walk on the air,
you exude confidence
you seem to have it together

That’s me alright!
Nope’s, you are a ping pong!

How so?
When your boss pings you, you are off
When your beloved pongs you, you are on
When the bad news hits you, you are off
When the good news dawns, you are on

A Chameleon?
What are you really?
you are on now, off next, on and off;
you are on the switch of others, on and off;
you act and react to what others say or do
what it is that is you?

Let life not become the game of ping pong
idhar say udhar, udhar say idhar
here to there, there to here

Let no words have the power to turn you upside down
Let no one have the power to ruffle you,
Let everything happen around you and touch you
But let you remain yourselves
resist being a chameleon, or ping ponged

Ultimately all of us have to live for ourselves
If we have a firm footing, no wind can shake us
When we are ourselves, we can be there for others.

There is joy in being oneself.
Be yourselves!

Mike Ghouse,
www.MikeGhouse.net 

Happy Independence day

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

MY ARTICLE- LINK
HUFFINGTON POST 		MY ARTICLE – LINK
WASHINGTON POST 		MY SPEECH – LINK
MUSLIM CONVENTION

WEBSITES – 27 BLOGS – 3 FORUMS – LIST
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Muslim role in American Independence – happy 4th

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Muslim role in American Independence
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My speech at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s
63rd Annual Convention/ Salana Jalsa
Saturday, July 3, 2011 m Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

THEME:: Islamic Concept of Freedom
A video will be uploaded upon availability

SPEECH FOLLOWS THE NOTE

Dr. Imam Yusuf Zia Kavakci inspires me, a long time ago, he had said, “ you have the ability to bring the umma together” and Alhamdu Lillah I have made several efforts in bringing Muslims togther including Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims on a number of occasions. Indeed, you will find a few examples at – http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Sunni Muslims believe that Jesus will come back in the end times as the Messiah, whereas the Ahmadiyya Muslims believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Messiah. As a Muslim without bias, I honor their belief without believing what they believe. Other than this singular difference, there is not much of a difference at all. From Adhan to Salat, fasting to Zakat and other arkans to Hajj, they are same, indeed Prophet Muhammad holds “exactly” the same place in their tradition as with other Muslims. I urge Sunni Muslims to open their hearts and minds towards fellow Muslims. Surah 49:13: “O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware.” Muslims from post colonial era may never be able extricate themselves from what is given to them, but the next generation in America will be open enough to see Muslims as Muslims and nothing but Muslims based on Shadah at its core.

We have to honor the uniqueness of each group of Muslims, indeed Prophet Muhammad had given us guidance and prophesised that we will eventually form 72 groups, and encouraged us to race in doing good things for the good of humanity, all of us will earn God’s grace in the process, but one of us will be showered with bonus for doing the extra good. Only Allah knows that and we cannot pre-empt Allah in juding any one of us. Indeed, we have to be respectful of God and Prophet’s prophecies.

About 7000 Ahmadies from across the United States gathered in Harrisburg this Independence Day weekend to celebrate their 63rd Annual convention. The Ahmadies are one of the first group of Muslims to establish their mission in the United States (1920) and they are holding their conventions since 1948.

It was an outstanding program, topics were relevant and the event ran like a precision machine. Everything was on time and seldom a speaker exceeded the given time. I enjoyed the simplicity of lunch and breakfast– lentil, pita bread and fruits served in hygenical environment, shortest imaginable lines, clean tables, clean floors, clean bathrooms, it was a joy to observe the details. It remided me of the efficacy of the Ismaili Muslims whose events are adminitered with perfection. There were several members from the State department and video and written messages from members of congress, governors and other dignitaries were a part of the presentation. They have initiatied an award program to honor those who have served the interests of humanity, among them was a Congresswoman from California. Two of the several programs that were fascinating were; Science and God, and Nile will not stop.

This weekend The Islamic Association of North Texas held their convention in Chicago and I believe some 40,000 people attended the program. Jazak Allah for the success every where. There are several such conventions and I hope we can participate in all.

I appeal to you to consider writing a proposal urging all Muslim organizations to plan on a joint convention in 2012 before the election. Let’s hear and listen to each other without judgements. If we can’t do that in America, then no one else can do it and if we don’t articulate this need to race together in doing good, then no other nation will. We have to create a template for other nations to consider. Muslims together can become participants and contributors in the world peace for the good of humanity.

I value the humanitarian work done by Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims. There is indeed a net gain for Islam collectively, and we must appreciate them all. Islam is universal and it is universal enought to absorb all of us in its embrace.

Let’s learn to respectfully disagree on certain issues but at least know all the great things we do and become a catalyst for each other’s growth.

Here is the outline of my speech, Insha Allah the video link will be added upon availability.
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As-Salam o Alaikum
Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslim. That is two out of three recognitions came from Muslims, invariably we have been a part of America from the word go.

Morocco was the first state to recognize the independence of the United States of America, and they signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship; first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan’s historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library.

It was a coincidence, that General Cornwallis who surrendered to George Washington in the battle of York Town in 1781 was the hired gun to defeat Tippu Sultan through deceit in the 4th war of Mysore against colonialism in 1799.

What does July 4th mean to Muslims in America?

Freedom is one of the most cherished values of humanity and I am pleased to share its arrangement in American and Islamic space. Both emphasize the freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

Please be aware that a few men in Islam, America and other religions don’t live up to the ideals of their own faith, while the majority cares and wants to get along with other.

The very first step on American soil puts a smile on an immigrant’s face; if not you, it has happened to your parents, grand or great grandparents. It’s the same exuberance you witness on a baby’s face when she stands up for the first time, same exhilaration when a toddler eats the food on his own for the first time or the freedom written all over the face of a student when he or she graduates from school. Indeed, that was my feeling when I walked in to the Immigration center at JFK Airport some thirty years ago.

The next step for an immigrant is to earn his or her Citizenship and take the pledge, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Reciting, “One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” is like coming home for Muslims. Indeed, Islam rests on the foundation of Tauheed, the oneness of God, oneness of universe and oneness of mankind with liberty and justice. If Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims can be summed up in one word, it would be justice. Justice imbues a sense of security and trust among people leading to peace and prosperity. Our country started out with the constitution that no other nation on the earth had done before.

Not a day goes for Muslims without expressing their gratitude for the first Amendment, gratitude is a part of our tradition and just about every Muslim says Alhamdu Lillah, praise the lord in the course of normal conversation. The First amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It is this law that has opened all of God’s creation in America to worship God every which way they know God.

Muslims cherish this freedom and see the corollaries in Qur’aan and strongly wish that the Muslim nations follow the Madinah treaty where Jews, Christians and others were treated as one community; the treaty reads the Jews have their own religion as Muslims have their own to practice. The Conditions of peace and war and the accompanying ease or hardships must be fair and equitable to all citizens alike. A Believer will not make the freedman of another Believer as his ally against the wishes of the other Believers.

Qur’aan declares in 2:256, “There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith” one is free to believe and practice his or her own faith as he or she chooses to. In verse 6 chapter 109 of Qur’aan, the guidance on conducting a civil dialogue is concluded with, “Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine.” In essence the faith is in the heart of the believer as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is respecting the otherness of other in America that Muslims honor every day.

Muslims thank God each time they hear the Equal opportunity Mantra, “You will not be denied an opportunity based on your race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” Invariably they think of the speech Prophet Muhammad delivered in his last sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action.”

As American Muslims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

American Laws holds the criminals individually responsible for their crimes; it is your heinie that is hauled off to the jail. You parents, siblings, spouse, kids, community or religion are not responsible for your actions. Muslims know that well, on the Day of Judgment you stand alone with your deeds, the good things you have done to fellow beings count in your favor, while your parents, spouse, kids and leaders will be busy with their own accountability. You are on your own!

The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on individual responsibility.

“You are innocent until proven guilty” sounds like a verse from Qur’aan. An observant Muslim recites that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others, they do that at least 17 times a day and some do it 51 times. Muslims love the wholesomeness of Justice and they love America.

I urge every one of us to commit to building a Cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension of the other. Let our nation

Indeed, the essence of freedom is directly proportional to the ability to question oneself, question one’s own faith, myths and prejudices about others and find answers to set one free.

God Bless America and God bless our men and women in the uniforms protecting our freedom.

Happy 4th.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Muslim involvement in American independence in 1776

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Muslim involvement in American independence in 1776
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Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslim.

Morocco was the first state to recognize the independence of the United States of America, and they signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship; first of it’s kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan’s historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library.

More at: Washington Post
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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

ISLAM, AMERICA AND JULY 4th.

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ISLAM, AMERICA AND JULY 4th.

Freedom is one of the most cherished values of humanity and I am pleased to share its arrangement in American and Islamic space. Both emphasize the freedom of conscience, justice and liberty. 

As American Muslims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Full story at Huffington Post

Please share

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive America

Texas Faith: How should Huntsman and Romney handle their Mormonism?

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Texas Faith: How should Huntsman and Romney handle their Mormonism?
By William McKenzie/ Editorial Columnist
2:01 PM on Tue., Jun. 28, 2011 | Permalink

Last week, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman got into the GOP presidential race, joining Mitt Romney as the second Mormon candidate in this year’s Republican field.

Since Americans often prize our nation’s belief in religious diversity, one might think their Mormonism would not be an issue. But polls have consistently shown that high percentages of both Republicans and Democrats are uncomfortable with a Mormon serving as president.

That reality creates a quandary for Huntsman and Romney. If they don’t explain their religion, voters may remain uncomfortable with it and reject them. But if they explain it too much, they risk making their faith too large an issue.

So, here’s this week’s question:

How would you suggest they handle their Mormonism during their campaigns?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas
The Mormonism of Romney and Huntsman may not be a major issue in their campaigns. Precedents have been set and America is moving forward.

We have come a long way in giving full value to our declaration that all men are created equal. The essence of this immortal phrase is yet to be realized; indeed it will remain hollow in part until the day we look to each other as American and nothing but American.
It took nearly a century for women to believe in that phrase until a woman’s right to vote was passed in 1893. Native Americans were not even considered citizens in their own land until a 1924 congressional act. African-Americans, who built this nation, had to wait for nearly two centuries to believe in those words, until the Civil Rights Act of 1965 was passed.

Romney and Huntsman can borrow and expand on the speech of John F. Kennedy: “So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again, not what kind of church I believe in — for that should be important only to me — but what kind of America I believe in, ” and “I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute, where no Catholic prelate would tell the President (should he be Catholic) how to act … where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who might appoint him or the people who might elect him.”

The freedom to speak, assemble, eat, wear or believe is a birthright of each one of us. Indeed, civil societies and religions call for creating heaven on the earth where no one is apprehensive of the other. Thanks to the founding fathers for giving America an eternal vision.

In 1960, the nation witnessed a sea change in electing a Catholic, John F. Kennedy to the presidency. In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run for vice president. And in 2008 Hilary Clinton was a major contender for the presidency. Finally an African-American, Barack Obama, was elected president of the United States.

I wrote an emotional piece on that day, it is a realization of American vision, “all men are created equal.” It is a model for the world to emulate.

With the exception of the United States and India, is there a country out there on the earth where the qualification of the candidate matters most rather than his or her religion, ethnicity or race?
 
All that Romney and Huntsman have to do is to understand the depth and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and show this understanding to Americans in their words and actions to earn their vote. Americans are willing to reward those who are inclusive and dump those who pit one American against the other for political gains.

Dallas Morning News published 12 opinions including mine at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/texas-faith-how-should-huntsma.html

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Bigotry of Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain and Right wing Republicans

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I am starting a series to take on the the Right wing Republicans… There are many things in this article that will become talking points to moderate Americans who want to fight back the right wingers attacking Muslims, Hindus, Jews and others, there is short poem written as an example tomake Texans, New Yorkers and Californians angry, it is to make the point about false accusations against Muslims.

There are four clear points communicated in this article and God willing more to come through 2012 Elections. I am going on a Drive America Tour this fall talking about building a cohesive America. If you can arrange with your local Democrats and Republicans party to speak, I will be happy to do that.

As a disclosure, I am a moderate Republican and there are plenty of us, but most of them are gutless like most Muslims are and are afraid to speak up. I will fight with them to bring moderates to the front, you are right, I may not succeed but will make  the points is crucial to activate the sleeping Moderate Americans to counter the right wing propaganda.   

I am writing a series and will be talking on American Politics, if you wish to add your comment to my articles to be published in Huffington Post, Washington Post, OpEd News, New York Times and other papers. I will be happy to include, please let me know if you wish to contribute a sentence or a paragraph to it, you must be willing to stand up for the attacks from right wing Muslims and right wing Christians. It is time now. Let’s us be the catalysts for a safe, secure America.

Let us act now as participants, rather than known protestors.

Please feel free to write your comment at the article to create momentum and not allow me to stand alone.

TAKING ON BIGOTRY OF NEWT GIINGRICH, HERMAN CAIN AND REPUBLICANS http://www.opednews.com/articles/1/Bigotry-of-Newt-Gingrich–by-Mike-Ghouse-110622-717.html

Is there a Republican out there running for the presidency who has the guts to say one word against Jews, Israel or African Americans and get away with it? Name one who got away, not one! Muslims can learn from this.
It is pathetic that the right wingers have to resort to hate in pursuit of power, and it is a greater shame on those few who are buying into their agenda. We need jobs and not hateful propaganda. Hating Muslims as group does not fill one’s belly or prevent my small business from going down the tube. Wake up America.

I am proud of the Jewish and African American contributions in building a pluralistic America. As a Muslim I stand with the Jews and urge Muslims and others to follow their model. I stood with them at the Holocaust Museum, Texas Jewish Post, Akiba Academy and other places when Fred Phelps was demonstrating hate in those places; I am pleased to have commenced a program to reflect on Holocaust and Genocides to bring education to non-Jewish Americans, I have condemned Ahmedinejad of Iran for denying Holocaust, there is a good history of building cohesive societies.
I have stood up for Hindus, Christians, Baha’is, Wicca, Native Americans, Shia, Sunni, Ahmadiyya, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Buddhist, Gays and Lesbians and others. I am not standing up for them; I am standing up for every American’s right to be American. Who the hell is anyone to question any one’s right?

Being free from prejudice gives me the strength and the audacity to stand up for others. I have equally condemned the bad acts of those among Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and others.
Now, I ask you to stand up with me to bring a positive change in America. Ultimately if we stand up for each other, everyone will be safe and we can focus on prosperity.
First they came for Native Americans,

thank God, though late enough Americans stood up for them;

Then they came for Jews,
thank God, enough Americans stood up for them;
Then they came for Catholics,
thank God, enough Americans stood up for them;
They were after the African Americans,
thank God, enough Americans stood up for them;
Then they came for Mormons,
thank God enough Americans stood up for them;
They have been after GLBT,
thank God, support momentum is gathering for them;
Now they are coming for Muslims,
lets pray that enough Americans will stand up for them;
Who is coming after Muslims?

Unfortunately some of them are from those who have suffered in the past, the office seekers include a Catholic or a former Catholic, African American, Mormon and others. What a betrayal to their heritage!

It reminds me of Holocaust; when Jewish men and women were sent to the ovens, the world looked on and their friends did not do a thing either. How difficult it must have been for them to see the whole humanity betray them and how lonely they must have felt? I have always admired those souls, they were the real heroes to walk to it so the world can be a better place, so people can wake up and say never again.

The following statements may make you angry;

“I don’t trust anyone from Dallas, they are Murderers!
They murdered 226 people in 2009.
“No one should take their daughter or wife to New York.
The New Yorkers raped 2586 women in 2009.
“The Californians are reckless drivers,
the maniacs had16 million tickets in 2007″

You get the point about Muslims.

This is the favorite method of bigots to take a few factoids and malign the whole community.
I do not think Gingrich, Cain and the Right wing Republican would feel ashamed for their reckless speeches in demeaning and criticizing fellow Americans.

It is up to decent Americans to shame them in realizing that the jig is up and we refuse to be duped by their bigotry. We would like to know what they would do to create jobs and fix the economy for all Americans including Muslims.

I urge Muslims to follow the Jewish Model, where their vote counts and the politicians rightfully care about them for their votes. It is embarrassing that Muslims stay out of the election process. I have not seen any one from the self proclaimed main stream Sunni Muslims in Carrollton election process. Why should any politician give a damn about them? Stop being cry babies and start participating in electing the right candidates.

Whether Muslims participate or not, we have to build a cohesive America where our Children and Grand Children can live without apprehension of the other.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/
www.MikeGhouse.net