ISRAEL PALESTINE PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU AND I

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http://nabsites.net/demo/israel-palestine-peace-begins-with-you/

Thomas Thomas Friedman beat me to it; this is the solution for the endless conflict in the Middle-East. I urge the right wing Jewish, Muslim and Christian organizations not to hate him for writing this piece, it is something they wanted to begin with but went about in the wrong way, their passion and support is crucial to be applied in the right path, the path of peace in the holy land of Moses, Solomon, Jesus and Muhammad.  My prayers for Friedman for writing this piece and God willing I am writing one to supplement his efforts. 
 
Friedman challenges the Palestinians in New York times, “To the Palestinians I would say: You believe the Israelis are stiffing you because they think they have you in box. If you resort to violence, they will brand you terrorists. And if you don’t resort to violence, the Israelis will just pocket the peace and quiet and build more settlements. Your dilemma is how to move Israel in a way that won’t blow up in your face or require total surrender.”
 
He urges the Israelis, “Israel today still has enormous leverage. It is vastly superior militarily and economically to the Palestinians, and it has the U.S. on its side. If Netanyahu actually put a credible, specific two-state peace map on the table — not just the same old vague promises about “painful compromises” — he could get the Americans and Europeans to toss in anything Israel wanted, including the newest weapons, NATO membership, maybe even European Union membership. It could be a security windfall for Israel.”
 
The silent peace loving Jewish, Muslim and Christian majorities to the conflict want peace, they want Jews to feel secure, they want Palestinians to live with the basic necessity of life; hope and Christians to be free from the conflicts between extremist in all groups. All of them want that region of land to remain a holy land, where peace shines and radiates to the world.  Let peace and non-violence take root and win the support of every one of us in the world.
 
I’m thinking of going to Jerusalem and doing my share of the work in bringing together the people and taking a step forward. This has been my calling and perhaps yours too; would you consider joining the movement at least in terms of gathering momentum in the net world?
 
It’s time for peace and time for us to come together, with justice for Palestinians (both Muslim and Christian) and security for Israelis, much of the world’s frustration will fade away.
 
 
 
Blessed are the peace makers. I feel that was on the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus delivered that sermon; I feel the words and its power and, although a Muslim, I feel blessed with the baptism in the river Jordan where Jesus, my mentor and prophet, was baptized.  I went there [a few years ago] with the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) of Reverend Sun Myung Moon’s ministry. Founded in 2003, the Middle East Peace

Initiative is based on Reverend Moon’s vision that problems of the Middle East will ultimately be solved by religious leaders – the leaders of Christianity, Judaism and Islam working together, rather than political leadership alone. I urge Rev. Moon’s movement to give MEPI momentumnow.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies. He is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, interfaith, cohesive societies offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He work is logged in at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

 

Thomas Friedman’s article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/opinion/25friedman.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212

TEXAS FAITH: What gives rise to end-times predictions?

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Everything that has a traceable beginning must also come to a traceable ending. In our life time, we witness births and deaths as a part of the immortality of life, and we are conditioned to think in terms of beginning and end to every thing within the scope of our thinking.

Mike Ghouse
# # #

A question is asked by Bill McKenzie of Dallas Morning News and usually about of twelve panelists respond in the weekly Texas faith panel.  Here is my response. Link: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/texas-faith-what-gives-rise-to.html

Mike Ghouse, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas, Texas
Everything that has a traceable beginning must also come to a traceable ending. In our life time, we witness births and deaths as a part of the immortality of life, and we are conditioned to think in terms of beginning and end to every thing within the scope of our thinking.
No matter what is out there in the universe, it has its own balance and its own trajectory.  Where as no such balance is determined for humanity, we are in the open and have the free will to find our own balance.
Religions are designed to give that balance; when injustice is done to us, we may get enraged or melancholic and lose hope and balance – religion offers the wisdom to restore that balance through the device of forgiveness. It works within the frame work of every religious tradition to help the individual cope with the imbalance.
Giving hope is a big part of the religion, in areas where one loses hope, the restoration comes with the belief that there is a life here after where the evil will be punished and or the process of reincarnation will serve justice to those that are evil and reward those who have done well. Again, we are conditioned with the pleasure principle.
On a larger scale religions have offered similar hopes. The calamities like the Tsunamis, the tornadoes in Missouri or the Hurricane Katrina are explained away as “God only knows” and some find it convenient to blame human behavior such as the events of Sodomites to the victims of Katrina or Haiti. Very soon we will be hearing some pastor blame human behavior for the Missouri tragedy and beef up the claim for end times.
When hopelessness, lawlessness, corruption and distrustful behavior become common place, people seek an answer and Imagineering end times gives them the hope and a sense of relief that ultimately everything will be alright.
Jews, Christians and Muslims are expecting Messiah the Jesus to come back and restore peace and tranquility on the earth; thus the balance, it will end our suffering as he will lead us all into a new realm. The Hindus on the other hand believe that Lord Krishna will reappear to restore the righteousness back on the earth, and every religions tradition has an answer to the mass inexplicable suffering of humanity through the prism of end times.
There is a full blown discipline called eschatology that predicts the end times. I personally don’t believe that any one can predict the end times, it is a metaphor to bring an end to human suffering or giving it new beginning. However, in the oral traditions of Prophet Muhammad it nears when human suffering increases, when injustice becomes the norm of the day. This is a behavior modification tool designed by the religions consciously to bring about a change. I hope each one of us had a chance to think about it and clean our slate and start the life afresh with no-ill will, malice, anger and hate and I hope every one started forgiving others and requested for forgiveness to have a new beginning. The Jain tradition sums this act of cleaning the slate in a beautiful phrase called Michami Dukadam.
Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies. He is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, interfaith, cohesive societies offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He work is logged in at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Mike Ghouse diary weekending May 22, 2011

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I was with Yasmeen this last weekend in Louisville and together we went to see her brother and sister’s families in Atlanta. It is always good to be with familiy! Yasmeen drove over 13 hours and I drove over 30 hours in the last five days a total 2600 miles.

GHOUSE ON FOX NEWS, MY 25TH APPEARANCE WITH HANNITY
I was on Hannity Radio and Fox TV show last week about Obama’s speech on Middle East. It is one of my best shows on TV and Radio as well. I believe Obama’s speech is historic, to Bridgette and Sean also historic in negative sense.  I was on Radio with Israeli Ambassador
http://www.hannity.com/show/2011/05/19

GHOUSE AND ISRAELI AMBASSDOR GOLD SQUAR OFF

From Hannity Site, “Sean was joined by writer and speaker Mike Ghouse to discuss the comments made by Obama about Israel. Obama told our closest ally, Israel, that they have to give up and go back to their 1967 borders – essentially forcing them to negotiate with a terrorist organization that wants their destruction. Ghouse explained to Sean that he believes this terrorist threat is going to change and become friends and cooperate with Israel. “What if you’re wrong?” Sean asked Ghouse directly. “If you’re wrong, Israel is destroyed.” Ghouse was adamant that he was right. “I am not wrong. I have not been wrong on many issues. Dore Gold, an Israeli statesman who has served in various diplomatic positions under several Israeli governments, called in as well and debated with Ghouse. You can listen to the entire debate by clicking here. http://www.hannity.com/videos/?uri=channels%2F400391%2F1341352+  “

OBAMA WILL DELIVER SECURITY TO ISRAEL AND JUSTICE TO PALETINIANS
http://nabsites.net/demo/obama-will-deliver-security-to-israe/   
Next week, I will be taking off to a friend’s ranch to finish writing my books on Muslims in America and my Pluralism Journey

PLURALISTIC PRAYERS AT CARROLLTON CITY HALL
Delivered another Pluralistic prayer invocation at the city of Carrollton and welcomed the new Mayor Marchant while appreciating the former Mayor Branson. I hope to deliver the same prayer on Capitol Hill in DC. http://carrolltondiary.blogspot.com/2011/05/pluralism-prayers-at-carrollton-city_24.html

COHESIVE AMERICA TALK TOUR
I am also planning on a tour of American cities to talk about building a cohesive America; the address will be to the Republicans and Democrats in each city. We all can co-exist without selling hate and divisive politics if we cut the fear mongering out of our speeches. My party, the Republican Party is gone to pits; none of the leadership at this time represents the party’s original idea of less government, balancing the budget and the pledge and commitment to one nation. I am sure there silent majority of Republicans need a voice and I will speak up. http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2011/05/mike-ghouse-speaks-on-buidling-cohesive.html

Mike Ghouse committed to present pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, he is a speaker, thinker and a writer and his work is listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/
  

Pluralism Prayes at Carrollton City Council

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Prayers at Carrollton City Council

Invocation prayers at Carrollton City Council
7:00 PM, Monday, May 23, 2011
A Carrollton tradition
By Mike Ghouse, Pluralist
# # #

The following is an inclusive prayer called the prayer of Pluralism. We pray for the well being of every resident of Carrollton. 
Let’s reflect, wish and pray:
Dear Creator of the universe,
Please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Manito,  Yahweh, Elahi, Ishwar, Allah, Mahavira, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, mother earth and Jesus Christ.  

Dear Causer of the universes,

In your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful Carrollton with care kindness and dignity to every one of the 130,000 residents of this beautiful City. 
Dear God,
Help us appreciate the prosperity and progress brought to us by our former Mayor, Ron Branson and help us welcome our Mayor-Elect             Matthew Marchant and Our re-elected council person Terry Simmons and the incumbent council persons.
Dear God,
Guide our council members to treat,
Respect and honor every resident with their heart and soul.
Let goodwill prevail towards fellow Americans.
            Guide our Mayor and the council to serve us with integrity and honesty;
Guide us to serve our communities with the spirit of volunteerism;
Guide us to do the right thing every moment of our life;
Guide us to open our hearts and minds toward our fellow beings;
Guide us to shed the arrogance in us, and enrich us with humility
Guide us to become conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers.
Dear God,
Protect our men and women in uniforms committed to our safety and well being.
Help us learn to respect the uniqueness you have blessed to each one of the 130,000 of us in Carrollton,
And help us learn to respect everywhich way one adores you and worships you.
May God drench and soak us with peaceful thoughts and goodwill.
In your name, we bow to you.
Amen.
Pictures
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mc9D9guPMY
 # # #
 Mike Ghouse, President of America Together foundation is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, and is available to speak at your place of worship, work or in seminars and conferences. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace.
The Foundation for Pluralism champions the idea of co-existence by respecting and accepting the otherness of other; and World Muslim Congress is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam. His work is reflected in 4 website’s and 27 Blogs at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Obama will deliver security to Israel and justice to Palestinians

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http://nabsites.net/demo/obama-will-deliver-security-to-israe/

We read a whole lot of material from the right wingers, though they have an aggressive presence in the Mediascape, they do not represent the majority. The American Public does not subscribe to the view of Bush, Romney, Palin and their likes and neither the Israeli public subscribes to the views of Netanyahu or the AIPAC.

It’s in our interest to hear the Jewish public and intellectuals to shape or re-form our understanding on the issues. Attacks on Obama are disingenuous, his policy will get the Jews what they have been seeking for eternity; Security.
When Security for Israelis and justice for Palestinians is the goal, it will succeed and becomes sustainable. Obama’s vision is opposed by short term macho minds powered by a false sense of power.  Of all the People on the earth, Jews have been the victims of power, no one will annihilate them or any part of humanity by sheer military might, the Ferdinand’s could not do it, the Romans could not do it and the Arabs will not do it, and likewise, the Israeli military or lobbying power will not bulldoze the aspirations of the people of the Palestine.  
Every article David Horowitz, Robert Spencer or suckers like them write, invariably they ask for money. It is money making racket for them, frighten the Jews and cash it in on their fears. I wonder if they really care for Israel, as none of their suggestions bring peace but aggravate the situation, if we listen to them it will be another 60 years to find solutions.  Peace has no benefit for them.   While the suckers enrich themselves seeking funds the public at large suffers. We need to stop this or at least be aware of the views of the moderate majority of Jews who seek Justice.

This blog is to share another point of view that exists out there, we may disagree, but bulldozing one view is not only undemocratic but most importantly, it’s incomplete and is unable to sustain.

A collection of a few articles in May 2011 at http://israel-palestine-dialogue.blogspot.com/
  • JTA 1967 lines with swaps and should serve as a basis for negotiations
  • The Obama administration’s final betrayal of Israel
  • Netanyahu’s Bizarre Response to Obama’s Palestinians…
  • THE FURY OVER THE 1967 BORDERS IS DISINGENUOUS
  • No, Mr. Netanyahu!
  • Jewish Donors Warn Obama on Israel
  • Text of Obama’s Speech on the Middle East
  • Recognizing a Palestinian State – Jstreet
  • Hamas must be a party to peace talks
Coming up: The wisdom in recognizing Israel, an appeal to Arab Nations.
Mike Ghouse committed to find pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a speaker, writer, thinker and an activist and his work is indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Humiliation of raped women

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Every system was designed with the intent of serving justice and abusers of every system find loopholes to beat the system.

Four witnesses were required to nail the rapists, it was to prevent false accusations against innocent.  If it was a conspiracy to nail some one and the witnesses were cooked up, they will face severe punishment if they were found lying. 

Raped women have endured painful humiliation in every society including  ours. Due to humiliation even in our own Dallas women do not report rape to prevent mental torture thru drilling in the court, sort of four witnesses humiliation.

Men have made the laws in the past, and it’s a shame that men and even women blame the girl for going to the bar and wearing revealing clothes, shamelessly they say she asked for it. All societies need to catch up with justice and fairness. We need to punish the wrong doers no matter who they are and must be just.

Today the DNA test serve as unmistakable witness with that justice must be served  and women. There is no need for women to endure humiliation in Muslim societies with four witnesses or American system to re-live the violation of rape in the court again

Reference: comment, “if this sexual assault happened in a Muslim country, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, French Dignitary, would have walked free for want of 4 witnesses. But not in America! 

Mike Ghouse
Presenting pluralistic solutions on issues of the day
www.MikeGhouse.net

Hamas must be factored in peace talks

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Talking with Beck, Hannity and OReilly does not produce peace for the people of Israel, it will aggravate it, but ensures them the short sighted audience numbers and enhanced ratings, that is really their bottom line. People of Israel and Palestine want peace, these guys are the hindrance.

The bottom line for the lobbies, and the right wing Christians and Jews is “sucking” money from the frightened ones and NOT the security of Israel, continuance of conflict ensure them their rewards and they have done it for over 50 years and it it in their interest to blame and accuse others instead of finding solutions.

The bull headed rightwingers lack sheer common sense, they expect to have peace in Israel without talking to the parties in conflict. If you want to have peace with the “enemies” then you talk with them.

If the same guys focus on mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill, they can achieve peace, they are passionate people with passion misapplied.

Mike Ghouse committed to building cohesive societies and presents pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Hate mail on Obama speech

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http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/05/hate-mail-on-obama-speech.html

My appearance on Hannity show and support for Obama’s proposal last night has produced a few pieces of hate mail from the rightwing Christians, Hindus, Jews and Muslims alike and a full blown article on me. 

The Israelis and the Palestinians want peace but the right wingers among them and the US have been a hindrance. 

These guys want the conflicts to continue so they can cash in on it. If there is peace, the lobbies lose donations and many a organizations will go out of hate business. Fox will not have the material anymore. 

I pray that these men and women put in their time and energy in creating peace and join Obama, let their passion be put in for good purpose, so the people of Israel can hope for a secure life and Palestinians can live with hopes.

Obama should stick out, when they have peace we can save $5 billion a year in aid and take care of our own here in America.  We pay them and we have a right to ask them to do the right thing and make peace, this is time. 

Mike Ghouse
Committed to build cohesive societies
www.MikeGhouse.com

TEXAS FAITH: Is science leading to a new literalism?

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Bill McKenzie of Dallas Morning News asks, Has science, with its emphasis on empiricism, led to a new literalism, where we value things we can prove more than things we cannot? Twelve panelists respond. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/texas-faith-is-science-leading.html

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

The battle between science and religion is a product of the insecurity stamped in to men to view anything different as a threat to their existence and to the resources that surround them. There is a built-in mechanism that propels them to prove, talk, fight and act superior to hide their insecurities, and tempts them to enforce their views on others. Thank God our American system is relatively immune to such invasions.
Science is not an alien object; nor is its goal to falsify religion it’s rather a human desire to understand the inexplicable.
Faith in the invisible gives a majority of us comfort that the causer of the universe has created a system that works and we don’t need to pull our hair for that. The problem is not with science or religion. The insecurity among us drives the wedge. Finding the truth is our own responsibility and religion is about being truthful.
For a long time literalism was confined to the conservatives among religion. “What they see is what it was,” was their ethos. That contagious virus has now hit scientists as well . They are as irrational with their fanaticism as the religious literalists.
About two years ago I joined atheist groups to invite them to be a part of the Unity Day to complete representing every American in the event. I was kicked out of it for believing in God. Such is the literalism in every group be it scientific, religious, spiritual or rational.
We are yet to find a logical scientific reason why we fall in love, why we long for the one when we can have the other, why do we take our shirt off for a friend, why the “noise” of music is mellifluous, why tears roll down when tragedy befalls humanity and why do we risk our own lives to save the other? The scientific observations may not find the causal relationships in affairs of love or belief in God, but may help in understanding Hitlers, Bin Ladens and their likes to mitigate such occurrences.
Ward has indeed made the other point, that the emphasis on empiricism has not led to a new literalism but the rising freedom in our societies has brought the literalists among scientists out of the closets just as acceptance of atheism has graduated over the last two decades.
Literalism is part of the equation in everything we do; science is not an exception, we have to live with all dimensions of life; left to right and moderates. If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God given (or genetic if that suits you) uniqueness of each one of us then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
Texas Faith panel addresses the issues we face on a weekly basis. For every one’s response, please visit. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/texas-faith-is-science-leading.html  

Monday Humor, May 16, 2011

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NOTE: Humor is the only item in my diary not written by me, it is a compilation.

OUTSOURCING POPULARITY
No wonder outsourcing is so popular in India.A Husband and his wife agreed that anytime they want to have sex, they will call it a ‘PHONE CALL’ so that the kids will not decode..

One day, the husband sent his son to tell his mother that, “Daddy wants to make a phone call.

Mother replies: Tell your Dad that the Network is down today.

Dad to his son, “Go tell your mother that if there is no Network at home, I will go to a Public Phone”.

Mother tells her son to go and tell his dad, “if he dare go to a Public Phone, she will open a Call Center at home!”
# #

A congregation in suburban Boston honors its Minister for 25 years of service by sending him to Hawaii for a week, all expenses paid. When he walks into his hotel room, he finds a beautiful nude woman lying on the bed. She greets the Minister with, “Hi Pastor, I’m a little something extra that the President of the Temple arranged for you.”

The Minister is incensed. He picks up the phone, calls the President of the Temple and shouts,”GreenJohn what were you thinking? Where is your respect? I am the moral leader of our religious community! I am very angry with you and you have not heard the end of this.”

Hearing this, the naked woman gets up and starts to get dressed.

The Minister turns to her and asks, “Where are you going? I’m not angry with YOU….!!!”

Please note that I have stripped the religiosity of the minister, it could be any one from any religion.I will be adding a few more during the day and please share yours.

Thank you

# # #

If you have an interest in building a cohesive America, please join me at America Together Foundation:
http://www.facebook.com/ATFATF

If you are not my friend yet, please click the following link for us to be friends – it is my 2nd site as the first site has reached the limit of 5000 friends. – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001262335435  

SPEAKER MIKE GHOUSE
www.Interfaithspeaker.com | www.IslamSpeaker.com | www.PluralismSpeaker.com