The AMI Launch story tweeted by Congressman Keith Ellison and Special Representative Farah Pandith

Mike Ghouse September 21, 2015 Comments Off

AMI Story Tweeted by Farah Pandith and Congressman Ellison

www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

Congressman Keith Ellison is the First-Ever Muslim elected to the US Congress from the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota, and have been reelected since then.

Congressman Andre Carson is the Second-Muslim elected to the US Congress from the 7th Congressional District of Indiana, and had been reelected.

Former First-Ever Special Rep to Muslim Communities. Served at NSC, State, USAID. Diplomacy Entrepreneur. CVE Firebrand. Strategist.

Both of them have tweeted the event from the Launch. I would urge you to share this link with your friends as well as go to Farah Pandith’s twitter and Re-Circulate it.

Ambassador Siddiqui, President of AMI, put it succinctly when he said, “Congressmen Keith Ellison and Andre Carson endorsed AMI in the strongest manner.” That was precisely my understanding too.

As legislators, they saw a clear need for the AMI’s work in building a cohesive America. They are among the most talented of Congressmen serving in America today to have made it against the odds that Muslims face, and their presence gives us hope that other Muslims can reach similar heights if we emulate their model of inclusiveness and working for the good of every American. Indeed, they are the Amins*** of America.

Dr. Farah Pandith spoke eloquently about the large, significant role AMI can play in building a harmonious and effectively functioning American society. She was very positive, upbeat and excited to see the launch of a civic ‘American’ Muslim Institution. This will go a long way in nurturing our organization.

Insha Allah, we will share their video recordings of their remarks at the event within a few weeks. I thought they were very specific and strong.

CONGRESSMAN KEITH ELLISON 5TH Congressional District, Minnesota

Congressman Keith Ellison represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs and is one of the most vibrant and ethnically diverse districts in Minnesota.

Rep. Ellison’s guiding philosophy is based on “generosity and inclusion” and his priorities in Congress are building prosperity for working families, promoting peace, pursuing environmental sustainability, and advancing civil and human rights.

Rep. Ellison’s commitment to consumer justice led him to write legislation that was included in the Credit Cardholder’s Bill of Rights of 2009. This law prevents an unfair practice called “universal default,” which allowed lenders to increase their customers’ interest rates if they had late payments with another lender. In response to the foreclosure crisis that began in 2008, Rep. Ellison also wrote the Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act, which requires banks and other new owners to provide at least 90 days’ notice of eviction to renters occupying foreclosed homes.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the congressman helps oversee the nation’s financial services and housing industries, as well as Wall Street. He also serves on the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, which decides committee assignments for Democratic Members and sets the Democratic Caucus’ policy agenda. In the past he served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Rep. Ellison was elected co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 113th Congress that promotes the progressive promise of fairness for all.

He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, founded the Congressional Consumer Justice Caucus, and belongs to more than a dozen other caucuses that focus on issues ranging from social inclusion to environmental protection.

Before being elected to Congress Rep. Ellison was a noted community activist and ran a thriving civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law practice in Minneapolis. He also was elected to serve two terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives.

Keith was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has lived in Minnesota since earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1990. Keith is the proud father of four children.

CONGRESSMAN ANDRE’ CARSON 7TH Congressional District, Indiana

Congressman André Carson represents Indiana’s 7th Congressional District. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in early 2008 as part of a special election, Congressman André Carson has established himself as an influential leader and respected public servant, fighting for good paying jobs, economic growth, and safer communities for Indiana’s working families.

In the 114th Congress, Congressman Carson serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. Additionally, Carson was selected for membership on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence which oversees the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the US Intelligence Community. This is a fitting appointment given his background in law enforcement, his work at the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, and his past service in the 113th Congress on the Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.

Congressman Carson is also a rising member of House leadership. During the 114th Congress, Carson serves as a Senior Whip for the House Democratic Caucus, sits on the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Executive Leadership Team.

Before taking office, Congressman Carson served on the Indianapolis City-County Council, where he worked to improve schools, support local businesses, and promote prosperous neighborhoods for families. Before his career as an elected official, he served as a Local Board Investigative Officer for the Indiana State Excise Police and was also detailed to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Intelligence Fusion Center, where he worked in anti-terrorism. Congressman Carson earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a master’s in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is married to Mariama Carson, an award winning professional educator in the Pike Township School District. They are the proud parents of an eight-year-old daughter, Salimah.

FARAH PANDITH
Adjunct Senior Fellow
Council on Foreign relations

Farah Pandith has been a political appointee in the George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama administrations. She left government at the end of January 2014 for Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government where she maintains an affiliation. She is writing a book on extremism and driving efforts to counter extremism through new organizations, programs, and initiatives. She was appointed the first-ever special representative to Muslim Communities in June 2009 by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, serving under both Secretaries Clinton and John Kerry. The Office of the Special Representative was responsible for executing a vision for engagement with Muslims around the world based on a people-to-people and organizational level. She reported directly to the secretary of state. Ms. Pandith traveled to more than eighty countries and launched youth-focused initiatives. She is also the main architect of the Women in Public Service Project. In January 2013, she was awarded the Secretary’s Distinguished Honor Award. In May 2015, Ms. Pandith was appointed to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson’s Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Pandith was senior advisor to the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs. This role was created for her in the context of the Danish Cartoon Crisis, and she built new State Department strategies for how U.S. embassies in Europe understood the Muslim demographic, the increase in foreign ideologies present on the ground, and how the United States could build resilience. From December 2004 to February 2007, Ms. Pandith served as the director for Middle East Regional Initiatives for the National Security Council. Prior to joining the NSC, Ms. Pandith was chief of staff of the Bureau for Asia and the Near East for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2004, she spent two months in Afghanistan developing a public outreach strategy. She also served at USAID from 1990–1993 on the administrator’s staff and as the special assistant to the director of policy.From 1997 to 2003, Ms. Pandith was Vice President of International Business for ML Strategies in Boston, Massachusetts, and served as a Commissioner on Governor Paul A. Cellucci’s bi-partisan Asian Advisory Commission.

She has been a consultant in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and has served in leadership positions on several boards with a focus on international affairs. She currently is a strategic advisor and board member to organizations that focus on extremism, women’s empowerment, education and cultural diplomacy.

Ms. Pandith received a Master’s degree from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she specialized in International Security Studies, Islamic Civilizations and Southwest Asia, and International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. She received an A.B. in Government and Psychology from Smith College, where she was president of the student body. She is currently a member of the Board of Overseers of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Smith College President’s Council. She was awarded the Smith College Medal in February 2014 and the Distinguished Achievement Award by Tufts University in 2013.

She was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, and raised in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

DR. AQUILUR RAHMAN CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDDr. Aquilur Rahman is one of the founders of the Montgomery County Muslim Council and the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation in Maryland, and served as Chairman of the Boards of Directors of those organizations for four years. He is deeply involved in various civic, humanitarian and grass roots political activities. In addition he supports many NGO’s which are engaged in philanthropic work in Pakistan as well as in America. He established a Trust Fund with other friends at the University of Karachi Alumni Association which has now raised over $1 million and distributes at least 250 scholarships per year to students at various academic institutions in Karachi, Pakistan.

He strongly supports those organizations which are working to raise Muslim-Americans’ awareness and helping them to find their legitimate place in their adopted country. In the political arena, he is highly involved with local Maryland and Federal elected officials.

Dr. Rahman obtained his Ph.D. from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland.

Thereafter he joined the National Institute of Health in Bethedsa, MD, and then moved to Georgetown University, Lombardi Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., as Associate Professor. He has been deeply involved in innovative works in the area of cancer therapeutics. He has been involved in the development of a number of drugs took quite a few drugs in the clinic as new therapies for cancer patients. He holds more than 16 patents covering a wide range of cancer therapeutic.

Dr. Rahman founded a publicly-traded biotech company, NeoPharm Inc., in 1996. He served as Chief Scientific Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. In his capacity as Chief Scientific Officer, he took multiple drugs to the clinic for cancer therapy and contributed greatly to the company’s success. Currently, he serves as the President and CEO of N&N Pharmaceutical Inc., a company developing novel antiviral agents for infectious diseases.

Dr. Rahman lives in Potomac, MD, with his wife, Rukhsana. They have one daughter and one son and a grandchild.

AMBASSADOR ISLAM A. SIDDIQUI CO-FOUNDER | PRESIDENT OF AMI

Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui left the Obama Administration in February 2014 after serving for four years as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He was responsible for bilateral and multilateral negotiations and policy coordination regarding agricultural trade, including the TTP, TTIP and WTO negotiations. In this capacity, Dr. Siddiqui played an active role in the successful 2013 WTO Ministerial meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Between 1997 and 2001, Dr. Siddiqui served in the Clinton Administration in several capacities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture: as undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Senior Trade Advisor to Secretary Dan Glickman; and Deputy Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. As a result, he worked closely with the USTR and represented the USDA in bilateral, regional and multilateral agricultural trade negotiations. Before joining the USDA, Dr. Siddiqui spent 28 years with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Dr. Siddiqui was the first President and founding member of the United Muslims of America (UMA) in 1982. UMA and its sister organization, UMA Interfaith Initiative, continue to promote political and civic engagement and foster interfaith understanding in the San Francisco Bay Area to this day. In addition, he served as President and Board member of the Sacramento Muslim Mosque Association in the early 1990’s.

Currently, Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui is serving as a Senior Adviser for Global Security at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in plant pathology, both from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He received his B.S. (Hon’s) degree in plant protection from the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, India. In 2011, he was awarded the Doctor of Science (Honorary) Degree by his alma mater at Pantnagar. He can be reached by calling 202-725-7409 or by E-Mailing:iasiddiqui1@gmail.com

DR. MIKE MOHAMED GHOUSE CO-FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism,Islam, India, Politics and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

He is a human rights activist and his book “Standing up for others” will be out soon. Mike has published over 3000 articles on the subjects. He is producing a full feature film “Sacred” about changing perceptions about Muslims and Muslims adopting the non-violent principles in dealing with conflicts. His documentary Americans together is also in the making.

He has appeared in over 100 shows on Fox News with Sean Hannity and on syndicated Talk Radio shows. He writes very frequently for the Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, Op-ed News and other major news papers around the world.

He believes in active engagement with those who differ to bring about an understanding, and further believes that if we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Mike can be reached at Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org or MikeGhouse@aol.com, or calling or texting him at (214) 325-1916.

Mike Ghouse is an Executive Director of American Muslim Institution, a proactive voice for American Muslims. He is a thinker, writer and a speaker and is committed to offer pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. More about Mike in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net or at Google-https://plus.google.com/108969690090944956820/about

Islamophobia Strikes a 14 year old Ahmed Mohamed in Texas

Mike Ghouse September 21, 2015 Comments Off

Thanks to Ian Masters for putting things in perspective. We did an extensive interview on his NPR Radio show which was aired in 150 Radio Stations across America on the 16th evening. Ian is a big supporter of moderation, and he and I have been on his show before.

God bless Obama and Zuckerberg for their leadership. They gave hope to the hopeless and what they did was very American; that is uplifting the spirit of Americans who are at a disadvantage.

As opposed to most Muslims who bluntly blame the “right wingers” we choose not to blame but find solutions, and that is, what causes one to have that fear of Muslims and what does it take to change.

I believe knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of a different point of view, race, faith or nationality. .

We will write an open letter to the Irving School District Superintendent, there is a dire need for education and orientation of the teachers. I am checking on their system, most ISD’s in Dallas area have a Multi-cultural night every other month where kids bring their parents in their native costumes, and bring one dish to share…. Is Irving ISD missing that?

When we know each other, most of the fears vanish into thin air.

There is room of AMI to work on such situations, but it takes a lot of time.

Here is the full Audio:

http://ianmasters.com./content/september-16-islamophobia-strikes-14-year-old-inventor-texas-future-people-power-guatemala-t

The show begins thus, “We begin with the arrest of a 14 year old Muslim boy who is a member of the Robotics Club at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. He brought a home-made digital alarm clock to school that a teacher decided was a bomb and young Ahmed Mohamed soon found himself handcuffed and fingerprinted by police who ignored his pleas that he had built an alarm clock, insisting “so you tried to make a bomb?” Mike Ghouse, the Executive Director of the American Muslim Institution in Washington D.C. and the former President of the Together Foundation in Dallas, Texas joins us to discuss this overwrought example of Islamophobia that has provoked outrage with Face books head Mark Zuckerberg tweeting “Ahmed, if you ever want to come by Face book, I’d love to meet you. Keep Building.” And has President Obama tweeting, “Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great.”

This is my first appearance as an Executive Director of American Muslim Institution and God willing all I will be representing in the media about issues that affect American Muslims. Foreign affairs, politics, and issues outside the scope of American Muslim Institution will be expressed as President of America Together Foundation.

A few good pieces on the topic:

1. http://act.faithfulamerica.org/sign/muslim_clock?referring_akid=685.303268.XHeIOD&source=facebook

2. http://www.vox.com/2015/9/16/9338229/ahmed-mohamed-obama-tweet

3. http://www.vox.com/2015/9/16/9337053/Ahmed-Mohamed-school-arrest

US Muslim group launched to reflect ‘moderate’ Islam – Amusing Media Report

Mike Ghouse September 21, 2015 Comments Off

Here is one of the many reports in the media, and this one is little amusing.

The report mentions that we served alcohol, and before our Muslim friends worry about this, we immediately wrote our first comment on 17th evening, and it still shows as pending posting, which I can see, but not the public. Our response was, “Dear Drew, we appreciate your report, and as fellow Americans we need all the help and support we can get, to allow moderate Muslim voices to be heard. However, I would like to make a small correction, there were no alcohol or pork products served.”

We appreciate the excitement of Mr. Drew Parker to find “Moderate Muslims” and say Eureka! Indeed we are Moderate Muslims, and an overwhelming majority of Muslims are moderates by nature and by faith. Meaning we want to get along with every one, and live our lives and let others live theirs, we are contributors to the peace, prosperity, safety and security of fellow Americans with all our heart mind and soul. America is our home, and enriching it is our dream and our efforts. When we are visiting other nations, the only thing we brag about is America and its freedom besides the achievements and contribution of our kids towards her well being. .

Mike Ghouse

http://www.newsfultoncounty.com/world/news/179335-us-muslim-group-launched-to-reflect-moderate-islam

US Muslim group launched to reflect ‘moderate’ Islam

By Drew Parker on September 17, 2015No Comment

– American Muslim Institution seeks to change perceptions of Islam, Muslims by advocating a “more secular” Islam

WASHINGTON – A new American Muslim group said Thursday that it wants to change Americans’ perceptions of Islam and Muslims by “proactively engaging” to reflect a “moderate version” of Islam.

Part of that moderate version was on display during the group’s launch at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., where the American Muslim Institution created a decidedly secular environment where some female members gave up their head coverings, and an open buffet complete with available alcoholic drinks.

The group of thinkers and activists will follow an unconventional path for Muslims as they reach out to American political leaders in advocating a “more secular” Islam to fight discrimination against the Muslims.

Executive Director Mike Ghouse, said the organization’s efforts would be directed “towards justice and equality to attain peace for Americans with a firm grounding in commonly held values”.

Ghouse would like to work with other groups in the U.S. to “make America a better and safer place for each”, and he said he believes Islamic and American values are compatible and founded on common principles.

In order to find solutions to current and emerging problems that stems from misperceptions and misinformation about Islam and Muslims, organization president Islam Siddiqui said American Muslims need to speak up.

Muslims should tell U.S. decision makers, especially through the use of media, that the negative portrayal of Islam that is currently being put forward is not Islam, said Siddiqui.

Islamophobia and a false perception of Muslims and their faith has been a highly charged issue throughout the U.S. since the 9/11 terror attacks.

Earlier this week, 14-year-old Ahmed Mohamed was arrested after a teacher said she mistook his homemade clock for a bomb.

American Muslims Institute, Islam Siddiqui, Mike Ghouse

US Muslim group launched to reflect ‘moderate’ Islam added by Drew Parker on September 17, 2015
View all posts by Drew Parker →

0 Responses to “US Muslim group launched to reflect ‘moderate’ Islam”

Mike Ghouse

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Dear Drew,

We appreciate your report, and as fellow Americans we need all the help and support we can get, to get the moderate Muslim voices be heard. However, I would like to make a small correction, there were no Alcohol or pork products served.

Thanks,
Mike Ghouse

A Note of appreciation to our guests at the AMI Launch Event on September 17th.

Mike Ghouse September 21, 2015 Comments Off

A Note of Appreciation | www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

Peace!

Even before we could convey in writing our thanks to those of you who attended the AMI Launch event, some of you have send us your own heart-felt notes of encouragement. As I am writing this note, we are continuing to receive further approving messages. We really appreciate your kind remarks and, in the next letter that we plan to send and post on our website, your ‘comments’ responding to our Launch Event, with your permission will be included.

If you could please enter your email address in the top right box where it says, “RECEIVE EMAILS”, you will be automatically receiving all our updates.

Ambassador Siddiqui, President of AMI, put it succinctly when he said, “Congressmen Keith Ellison and Andre Carson endorsed AMI in the strongest manner.” That was precisely my understanding too.

Insha Allah, we will share their video recordings of their remarks at the event within a few weeks. I thought they were very specific and strong.

The interfaith leaders present were excited to see our goals and agenda, and they articulated their views very well. I am so glad they spoke along with fellow Muslim Americans.

The comments and notes were very encouraging, and can become our testimonials and be instrumental in helping fellow American Muslims know more about us. We are all in this together and strive to be the Amins*** of the society, where fellow Americans can trust us, and believe us to be just, honest, and caring for the well being of all Americans regardless of their three R’s – Religion, Region and Race.

The responses reflect the deep desire of the Muslim Majority for an inclusive Muslim organization that represents their ideals; i.e., to get along with everyone, minding their own business and to live and let others live. An organization that can make an effort to work towards fulfilling the promise of our immortal declaration of independence, that all humans are equal.

To achieve that goal, we are committed to be engaged with all Americans, regardless of their affiliations, liberal or conservative, Republican, Democrat or Independent, religious or not. We are all in this together, and we must have the patience to get to a point where you and I are a part of society with similar aspirations to life, liberty and freedom. When we see each other’s patriotism with an open heart, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

“I walked away very pleased with the launch today and honored by your invitation. Given your objectives for working with other Muslim organizations, I welcome the opportunity to discuss next steps.” Name to be quoted later with their permission.

“Salaam, thank you so much for the successful launch of this Muslim American Initiative today. May Allah bless your efforts.”

There is a hunger in people to speak in moderation, and when someone else does it, they like it and support it.

Internally, our team spirit was simply incredible. It was a joy for me to see every Board member actively participating in the program. The group work was very encouraging. I cannot thank the Board Members for making this happen, and happened so well.

We started the meeting right on time and finished 15 minutes early allowing more time for the Q&A session. The questions and comments were enlightening and successfully kept our responses to the point and precise.

I applaud the leadership of Ambassador Siddiqui and Dr. Rahman and our Board Members, we clearly have our work cut out for us.

In the month of October we can plan on holding gatherings in the homes of supporters of AMI, community centers and other places, by inviting their other friends who did not make it to the event.

The videos and pictures should be out in a few weeks.

Here is one of the many reports in the media, and this one was little amusing. The report mentions that we served alcohol, and my response was, “Dear Drew, we appreciate your report, and as fellow Americans we need all the help and support we can get, to allow moderate Muslim voices to be heard. However, I would like to make a small correction, there were no alcohol or pork products served.”

The report is at: http://www.newsfultoncounty.com/world/news/179335-us-muslim-group-launched-to-reflect-moderate-islam

We will always deal with difficult issues with grace, and with a desire to befriend and not repel.

Thank you

*** Amin was a title earned by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Jews, Christians, Pagans and other during his life time. It means that you are trustworthy, truthful, honest, just and safe to be around. More about it at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/american-muslim-agenda-a-_b_5528706.html

So what if Obama is a Muslim?

Mike Ghouse September 20, 2015 Comments Off

SO WHAT IF OBAMA IS A MUSLIM | TheGhouseDiary.com

What is your problem? He is one of the best Presidents we have had in a long time, he turned around misery into success – do you know over 40 Million Americans were unemployed when he took over, which was nearly 12%, now it is down to the normal of around 5% . He helped survive American auto manufactures (If you got something up yours about blue collar workers that is your problem). He has reduced the deficit significantly. He did not sacrifice another 5000 Americans in another stupid war nor is he sadistic in destroying others. He knows what needs to be done to uplift America and he has done it gracefully.

Romney would have wrecked America by going to war on Iran, killing another 10,000 American soldiers and may be a million Iranians, every other American would have had to file for bankruptcy as it happened before Obama – divorces would have gone up, business would have been shut down, deficit would have been unimaginable. But Romney and the war mongers had their money stashed up some place; do Romney or Cheney’s ilk give a crap about Americans?

Don’t you laugh; even if you are doing well now, you would have gone belly up under Romney or any other war mongering President.

We are all in this together; and we all will rise and fall together.

The problem is not with Americans, but a handful of racist pigs, and sadly some of them are running for President on the Republican ticket. I am sure there are some on Democrats too, bad guys are in every group.

These pigs cannot stand a Black man do a better job of managing this nation than presumably them, they are chicken shit to be openly racist, and so they attack him as a Muslim, so fucking what if he is a Muslim? If he is, we should be grateful to him for what he has done.

It is time to reflect upon the ugliness within each one of us, if we are biased against African Americans, take a deep look and see what it is that causes you to be so prejudiced.

The American way is to disagree with him on his economic or social policy, but don’t undermine his contribution to this great nation. Shame on you if you cannot praise a good man for the good work he has done. Change your lenses if you are unable to distinguish good from bad.

Don’t be a miserable slave to your own bias, free yourselves and see the joy life has to offer. Give him the credit for his work and see how human you would feel.

Opinion is my own, and I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. However, I will not compromise on my loyalty to this great nation by the dumb and blind loyalty to a party that blinds me. I rather be independent and do what is good for America.

Mike Ghouse is a writer, thinker and a speaker and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His information is in 63 links atwww.MikeGhouse.net and his personal writings are listed atwww.TheGhousediary.com

The Launch of American Muslim Institution

Mike Ghouse September 15, 2015 Comments Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
Email: Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

THE LAUNCH OF AMI AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB
A New vision for promoting harmony in America – the launch of American Muslim Institution.

Washington, DC – September 14, 2015. For decades American journalists and thought leaders have been searching for moderate yet proactive American Muslim voices to engage in discussions on major social and political issues, including racism and violent extremism. Muslim thinkers and activists committed to be such voices have formed the American Muslim Institution (AMI) and aim to represent views of the moderate majority.

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2015

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Refreshments and a light lunch will be served
Location: Washington, D.C.

“We are dedicated to peace, prosperity and security of the United States of America,” said Dr. Aquilur Rahman, AMI Board Chairman of the newly formed American Muslim Institution. Dr. Islam Siddiqui, President of the organization added, “We need constructive solutions to current and emerging problems emanating from wrong perceptions and misinformation about Islam and Muslims in America.”

“Our mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. As a member of a diverse family of faiths, our efforts will be directed towards justice and equality to attain peace for Americans with a firm grounding in commonly held values.” added Dr. Mike Ghouse, the executive Director of the organization.

The organization has begun the process of gathering some of the brightest minds from academia, the public sector, intellectuals, activists and futurists to find pluralistic and positive solutions to the problems facing the nation. AMI will strive to be a reliable source of information and advice in dealing with the issues facing us.

America’s first Congressmen of the Islamic faith elected to Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana, and community leaders across the nation have expressed support for this initiative. AMI Board Chairman Dr. Aquilur Rahman, AMI President Dr. Islam Siddiqui and AMI Executive Director Mike Ghouse will discuss the initiatives planned to promote peace, harmony and justice at the formal launch of the organization.

We will continue to make concerted efforts to increase our participation in the civil society and earn our trusted social, political and religious space in the United States.

Ambassador Islam Siddiqui is a former U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture and Chief U.S. Agricultural Negotiator and was the highest ranking American Muslim in the Clinton and Obama Administrations.

Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a TV-Radio commentator on Pluralism, Islam, and Politics and is a human-rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

LIMITED SEATING – If you wish to attend, please send an email to reserve your seat on a first come first serve basis, we have 10 seats left. Thank you.

Pope Francis is my Imam, that is my spiritual Master

Mike Ghouse September 12, 2015 Comments Off

Pope Francis is my Imam | TheGhouseDiary.com

Pope Francis is also an Imam (religious guide) of this Muslim.
He is a true servant of God and a true follower of Jesus, and equally
represents the ideals Prophet Muhammad stood for; Justice, equality and
Kindness to fellow beings.

I have been looking for an individual who has genuinely understood the essence
of religion and not hung up with rituals, though rituals are a part of
everything we do. Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa are the other two beings
around my life time, although I was born four years after Gandhi’s death, he
has appeared twice in my dreams and has said that I have work to do. That keeps
me motivated.

This man is one of the most inclusive humans God has created in this century;
he respects God by respecting and including every human in his embrace. He has
demonstrated respecting the otherness of others and accepting God
given uniqueness to each one of his creation.

I have connected with him spiritually since March 2013, the day he was appointed
to be the Pope. The more I read about him, the more I bond with him, and
amazingly, what I had believe and articulated about him, he has done it all and
more. It includes repairing the
Muslim-Christian, Jewish-Christian, and Hindu-Abrahimic relations,
respecting those who do not believe in God, Gays and Lesbians, ordination of
women into clergy… no human has to be treated anything less, all are equal in
the eyes of God, and his eyes.

In the picture below, I am in tune with Rivkah, though she is an
Orthodox Jew and I am a Moderate Muslim, we have the same attitude. We are all
humans and are on par with each other. I love this man Pope Francis for
his humility, a symbol of true religious person. When Rivkah could not bow
towards him for her own reasons, he turned around and bowed instead, to let Rivkah, me and the world to learn that the human being is more important than
the religious symbols or the protocol of the Pope. Thank you for doing this
Pope Francis.

He is a symbol of humility, what a great man he is and that is why
I accept him as my religious leader. Showing respect does not have
to be communicated through bowing, it is expressed by merely admiring the man
as Rikvah did without bowing. I am sure some of you may feel the same while
others may opt for the other expressions. All paths are valid.

His teachings are Christian, because he is, but in
reality he teaches the essence of religion that is embedded in “all”
religions. I hear him out as if a great Muslim Imam is speaking to me in
a different wrapper. He embodies what a true Muslim, may be a Jew or a
Hindu, Sikh, or a Baha’i ought to be.

I will listen to him
and will follow him. Yet, he is a Christian and I am a Muslim. The essence of
all religions is to make you a human who has no barrier between him and the
other human. I am willing to say, if the religion does not remove hate,
prejudice, ill-will and walls between you and the other, then you really did
not get your own religion. You may go back to your religion until you find
yourselves to be boundless.

Genuine spirituality is feeling like a cog in the wheel of the universe and an
element in the millions of other elements. I am merely a strand in the
World Wide Web, as Chief Seattle would have said it.

Pope Francis will be here in the US in two weeks, I have seriously debated
about seeing him in person, as it is my sincere heartfelt desire to meet him
and feel blessed with his holy presence. I have never felt like this with any
one in my life. The other side of me resists seeing him, why does it have
to be symbolic?

I feel buoyed to write about him, and have written over 20 articles, some of them are at: http://mikeghouse.net/PopeFrancis.asp

Mike is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, human rights activist and a
media commentator committed to building cohesive societies and offers
pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info is in 63 links at MikeGhouse.net and TheGhouseDiary.com chronicles his
writings.

Living a purposeful life

Mike Ghouse September 12, 2015 Comments Off

LIVING A PURPOSEFUL LIFE | TheGhouseDiary.com
http://nabsites.net/demo/living-purposeful-life/

Have you found a purpose in your life? If you have, congratulations
to you! If you have not, I have created a blueprint for you below. All you have to do is take ‘an hour’ away from
everything and every one, and reflect on your life.

You give time to so many things, so many causes, and spend time on things that you regret, but it is time to spend it on yourselves. There is nothing more
peaceful than knowing yourselves.

This is for you, a blueprint for a successful
life

Life becomes so much more meaningful when we
choose to make it purposeful, despite the problems we encounter.

I have found my purpose, and that
is to work towards creating a cohesive world, where no human has to live in
anxieties, tensions or fear of the others. Remember, nothing in life is
noble, superior or lofty, it is just
what you want and get it.

—-
Published at Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/2014-a-blueprint-for-a-pu_b_4517662.html

You can make your life purposeful, meaningful and enjoyable, and can choose to be the driver of your life or be driven by others. The choice, as well as the excuse, is yours. I pray that we retain the ability to choose what we want in our lives.

2013-12-30-A.Purposeful.Life.Is.Yours.2014.Here.is.your.blueprint.png

Success is not necessarily driving a Mercedes, having a luxury home, yacht, or making a six-figure income. It is not about doing better than your friends, classmates, siblings or parents either.

Success is rather living the life you want to live with or without things.

Nothing in life is more important than knowing yourselves, who you are, what is that you want, and how do you get it. Remember, no one knows you better than you.

I am pleased to share my experience with you, hoping that you can relate with it.

Once upon a time, I was an ambitious guy and was driven to conquer the world, and simply did not have the patience with people who lacked ambition. A divorce and the death of my mother had humbled me down, as other things have humbled others. I started understanding the varying ambition levels in people and decided that there was no need to drive oneself nuts. I have learned to respect the otherness of others and have accepted the God-given uniqueness of each one of us. This has brought peace, tranquility and happiness to me.

Another year is about to go away. Some of my friends will read this note next year, but those who read it now, I urge you to consider spending an hour with yourselves creating a purposeful blueprint for 2014.

Where to Begin?

The most important thing is to commit yourselves to actually sit down and write out what you want in 2014. I am serious. If you make that simple commitment, you will find yourselves a life that you can enjoy. If you are afraid of making that commitment, then it is time to challenge yourselves. You got nothing to lose, but gain.

Goethe wrote, “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy… Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred…. Whatever you can do or dream that you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Here As a Step-By -Step Outline.

Grab a writeable napkin, email yourselves, open the note pad on your cell phone or simply write on a 3×5 card — Hell with these, write it on your palm — the following seven things in any order you want.

1. Family

2. Friends

3. Financial

4. Professional

5. Spirituality

6. Volunteerism

7. Health

It should not have taken you more than five minutes to write this down. Now you can get back to your work, driving, eating or whatever you were doing.

When you get the next coffee break or have to go to the rest room, think of other items that are important to you. Register it in your mind and let go of it, and don’t worry about remembering it. I guarantee you, it will come back to you because you have made the commitment.

Number One Friends

On your way home, work, gym or grocery store, think about your item number one and don’t let anything crowd you, not even item number two. Let’s say your item number one is Friends. You then will spend the next few minutes reviewing about your friends, and what you need to do. Think about a friend who can listen to you, encourage you, and uplift you.

Do you have a friend that you really like, but resent his or her criticism of everything you say or do? It is time to be straight forward. Good friends will not go away if you gather up the courage to say, “Joni, I need your help. When I say something or do something, please hold on to your temptation to critique me, and kindly listen to me and encourage me with positive thoughts. I am having difficulty in coping with criticism at this time.”

If they don’t like it and want to break the relationship, let them. If you fear a loss of a relationship, then you really did not have the relationship to lose it. You don’t lose good friends, no matter what happens, unless you steal their spouse.

Consider reducing your close friendships to a few who can take and give crap without affecting the relationship. Good friends can tune in to your moods or listen and be gentle to you when you want them to be, or brutal when you need them to be, but always be truthful.

Please remember, no one knows what is going on in your mind and you don’t need to be afraid of seeing all the possibilities from useless to useful and everything in between.

Number One Family

If you were to select Family as your number one item — please understand that many people are hurt. Some of the relationships are good, bad and ugly, and unfortunately that is a fact of life. You still have a life to live and how you want to steer it forward is your choice. Let that be your choice and don’t let anyone to run over you, as it may have happened through this date.

Start with each relative. Give at least a minute to each one of them, but don’t hesitate to dwell on them as much as you want. Whether you believe in God or not, those are incomplete transactions of life that will bite incessantly until they are closed.

Closure comes with death. There is nothing you or they can do, and the ugly transactions do close upon death. Do we want to live in agony till then? We owe it to ourselves to have freedom from that bondage now. Forgiving is the most powerful tool available to humanity — there is nothing like it. It brings freedom.

If you are religiously inclined, and are Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Wicca, Pagan, Zoroastrian or from a native tradition, your tradition has a lot to offer on the subject. God’s love is not denied to anyone who seeks it. Every religion is beautiful — it is our understanding that is flawed.

Number Seven Health

Now that you have thought about each one of the seven major items, it’s time for you to take an hour out — the best hour of your life that you can spend on New Years Eve or New Years day.

In that hour, you get to finalize your plan for 2014. You sum up your thoughts in bullets or paragraphs — it is entirely up to you.

You Are Done Now.

It is a great feeling to know oneself — it is liberating. The mere exercise will put a blue print in your hands. Now you are ready for 2014. You have a good idea where you are heading and once you see the pathway, you just have to walk on it. If you get in the car, you need to know where and how to go. Your blue print can be simple or more detailed.

Those of us who can free ourselves from tension, pain, anxiety, apprehension, hostility, malice, pressure, tension, stress, strain and conflicts, are showered with blessings of peace and joy. It is good to be free.

My example:

As an example, I am pleased to share about my life. Of course, this is the generic information and not specifics, which will remain private. By the way, there is not much that is private about me. Here is the Ghouse formula for happier living — Happiness and secretiveness are inversely proportional (i.e., greater the happiness, lower the secretiveness and vice-versa).

1. Family wise there is improvement and more time will be spent with family in 2014.

2. Relationships with friends have been steady. I have not added any new friends in 2013. However, 2014 will have at least one new friend. I will work on mutual growth of at least three friendships to grow into my venture of teaching pluralism.

3. Financially, I have not improved a bit over the last year and I plan to restore the financial status I had several years ago.

4. Professional goals:

– Publishing 313 articles per year was my goal and I accomplished it with 317.

– Over 300 newspapers have published my work worldwide this year.

– The release of my book, Standing Up for Others, is delayed to January.

– Failed to open a session at Capitol Hill with pluralism greetings and prayers.

– Will be on Jon Stewart, Rachel Maddow, and Piers Morgan shows in 2014.

– Workshops on pluralism at Capitol Hill and Senate will be conducted.

– College campus tours to talk about building a cohesive America.

– The Pluralism Journal and Pluralism Institute is planned, patrons invited.

– You can count on learning about every major festival this year.

5. Spirituality has become boundary-less for me.

6. Volunteerism will continue at a slower pace than the past years.

7. My future is what I make with the blessings of the spirit around me, and from my friends
and well wishers.

We will never go to any place if we don’t have a place to go and we will never have the joy of knowing ourselves, if we don’t make an effort.

Please share your goals with your close friends or public to hold you accountable, and to keep you on the tract.

If you have the time, please visit my Google profile at:
https://plus.google.com/108969690090944956820/about

—

Mike Ghouse is a motivational speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place. He is committed to building a “Cohesive America” and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. His book, “Standing up for others,” is due to be released in January.

Happy Paryushan – a Jain Festival.

Mike Ghouse September 11, 2015 Comments Off

Paryushan – a Jain festival of forgiveness

For the Jains, followers of Jainism, a world religion, this is the month of reflection. Some observe fasting for nine days, and some for seven days. It is a time to review the past twelve months and acknowledge the good, bad, and the ugly aspects of life, and begin it again with a clean the slate.

Note to my Jewish friends; the swastika symbol symbolizes four directions and four seasons of life, life is constant movement. This symbol has been in use for over 2500 years by Jains, whereas Hitler stole it and used it to denote his evil empire.

At the end of the nine days, they celebrate on the 10th day, and is called Dus Laxan; every Jain greets the other with “Jai Jinendra” followed by a powerful phrase “Michami Dukadam,” – let you and I clean our slates and start the new year again. – Happy Paryushan!

Pariyushan is an annual festival that Jains celebrate all around the Globe. It is either seven or nine days of celebration, depending on the sect; Svetambara or Digambar, they observe fasting for seven days or nine days and conclude it on Dus Laxan, ten blessings on the tenth day. Throughout the time they observe complete fasting and abstain from ill-will, ill-thoughts, and ill-actions, just as Muslims do for a month in Ramadan and Hindus during Navaratri. It is a beautiful way of refreshing our souls on an annual basis.

The Jains have been practicing this tradition for thousands of years, and I join them in the Jain tradition of humility and forgiveness I say Michami Dukadam. I am pleased to share the perfect message from Dr. Vastupal Parikh.

“I forgive (without any reservation) all living beings (who may have caused me any pain and suffering either in this or previous lives), and I beg for the forgiveness from all living beings (no matter how small or big) to whom I may have, knowingly or unknowingly, caused pain and suffering (in thoughts, speech or action, in this or previous lives, or if I have asked, or encouraged someone else, to carry out such activities). (Let all creatures know that) I have friendship with everybody and have no revenge (animosity or enmity) toward anybody.”

Michami Dukadam: Indeed, that phrase resonates with me. I had talked about the meaning of Michami Dukadam in several congregations. There is beauty and joy in forgiving and be forgiving. It brings Moksha, Mukti, Nirvana, Nijaat, salvation, and true freedom to every soul. Indeed, the idea of forgiveness is central to every religion; that was Jesus’s focus, the dearest person to God is one who forgives, says Mohammad the prophet, and Sri Krishna reiterates that throughout in Bhagavad Gita.

If all the psychologists in the world were asked, what will bring the most freedom to mankind, they might be tempted to say “Michami Dukadam”.

Jainism is a full-fledged religion like Hinduism and Buddhism, and none is an offshoot of the other as it is often misunderstood. Jainism is a contemporary of Buddhism. The faiths are life centered where one’s deeds (Karma) determine his or her spiritual, physical, and mental well being. Although Mahavir is referred to as God in common parlance, in the system, he is the 24th Tirthankara (the enlightened one – an equivalent of a messenger or a prophet in the Abrahamic traditions) who wrapped up the entire philosophy of the 23 earlier Tirthankaras. In Dallas, oops, it is in Fort Worth, we had an exhibition of the artifacts from that period at Kimball Art Museum several years ago, it was a fascinating experience.

Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence approach emanates from Jainism and the idea of the validity of multiple paths of the foundation for pluralism has its origin in the concept of Anekant Vaad from Jainism. We have a Jain Temple in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, and if you want to enjoy the best vegetarian food, go to the temple on Sunday Mornings! I will have to figure out one in Washington D.C.,

“Festivals of the World” is an educational series by Mike Ghouse since 1993. When we live in the same communities as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members to participate in festivities and commemorations of each other, or at least understand each other’s’ joys and sorrows. Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of different faiths to learn and to know so that we can function cohesively.

Mike Ghouse is committed to opening people’s hearts, minds, and souls towards each other, so all of us can live without fear of each other. More about mike at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Iran deal is a good deal for America, Israel, Iran and the world

Mike Ghouse September 10, 2015 Comments Off

I was with Sean Hannity and Pamela Geller about the Iran deal today. It is relayed
across 250 Radio Stations in America, find yours at http://www.hannity.com/pages/find-a-station/

Audio –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crpb_egC_EQ

We vehemently
disagreed on the issue. I am for the deal, Sean and Pamela were against it.
Sean is wrong again as he has been about Egypt, I told him that Morsi will not
last and he has not. Unfortunately Egypt is not in the hands of people but with a tyrant who has no qualms in
murdering people. We should condemn that. That’s a familiar path treaded by
Saddam, Shah and Gaddafi.

It is always good to debate, discuss and find the issues that
need further knowledge. Hannity is wrong on the deal, it is the best thing that
has happened – It is good for Israel, America, Iran and the world. I am writing
a full article on this topic.

Khomeini did not say to wipe out Israel, he said about ending
the Zionist regime, but not Jews, not Judaism and not Israel. Juan Carlos has
written about it.

I do not agree with Khomeini on that, every group of people have
a right to self determination and security of their people, so do Zionists.
Even, we do the same if we disagree with the others; regime change.

Iran deal it good for Israel, one less threat to them; good for
the United States, lower gas prices and more disposable income to Americans It
is good for Iran, it will bring some sanity to the region, instead of nuclear
proliferation it will lead to cooperation, and it is good for the world peace.
Obama has prevented Iran from becoming North Korea. Thanks to him.

Click to Enlarge

Please check the above,
it is by the Jewish organizations. . its good stuff – click on the image to see
larger version. Mr. Netanyahu is the pied piper who will hurt Israel’s long
term security with his destructive attitude, he will isolate the country of Israel
by slapping the worlds 6 powerful nations on their face that the agreement they
made is wrong, no, he is wrong and not the world.

The American Jewish
people are not with him either, but some of the evangelicals are…who want to
make a villain out of Jesus. Instead of Jesus coming back on his own terms,
these dudes want him to come now and that comes with being unjust to the Palestinians,
as if Jesus does not care about human life.

You should read some of
the Jewish intellectual writings to understand the genuine needs of Jewish
people; long term security.

I don’t trust the
Mullahs, but don’t trust Netanyahu’s government either, but I trust the people
of Israel and people of Iran. Neither should be hurt.

This is the first non-war
mongering president in a long time and he is not eager to go to a reckless war
and screw up America while messing up others nations. God bless him.

God gave humans an ability
to talk and resolve the issues, whereas animals were endowed with horns, fangs
and paws to resolve. Obama has done what humans ought to do.

More Later:

Geller/Ghouse
square off on “European Refugee Crisis”

solsticewitch13.blogspot.com/…/gellerghouse-square-off-on-european.ht…

21 hours ago – Pamela Geller,
President of American Freedom Defense Initiative and Editor & Publisher of
Atlas Shrugs and Mike
Ghouse President of the America
Together …

Geller/Ghouse
square off on “European Refugee Crisis …

linkis.com/youtube.com/GellerGhouse_square.html

7 hours ago – Pamela Geller, President of American
Freedom Defense Initiative and Editor & Publisher of Atlas Shrugs and Mike
Ghouse President of the America
Together …

Pamela
Geller – 7 new articles – Tea Party Command Center

teapartyorg.ning.com/forum/topics/pamela-geller-7-new-articles-3

2 hours ago –
1 post – ‎1 author

Geller vs Ghouse
Debate on Iran Nuclear Deal on @SeanHannity Radio … Sean Hannity posted the
debate that Mike
Ghouse, Iranian nuke supporter, and I had …

Various
from Pamela Geller’s Atlas Shrugs 9/11/2015 …

https://boudica2015.wordpress.com/…/various-from-pamela-gellers-atlas…

4 hours ago – Geller vs Ghouse
Debate on Iran Nuclear Deal on @SeanHannity Radio. iran Sean Hannity posted the
debate that Mike
Ghouse, Iranian nuke supporter, and
I …

Sean Hannity –
Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SeanHannity/timeline

8 hours ago – ‘Republican
presidential candidate @[6934857868:274:Mike Huckabee] said ….. Initiative and Editor &
Publisher of Atlas Shrugs and Mike
Ghouse President

Pamela
Geller ‏@PamelaGeller Sep
10

Geller vs Ghouse Debate on Iran Nuclear Deal on @SeanHannity Radio: Sean
Hannity posted the debate that Mike G… http://bit.ly/1iA8CLo
Pamela Geller ‏@PamelaGeller Sep
10

Must listen to this:

Sean
Hannity @seanhannity

.@PamelaGeller
& @MikeGhouse
square off on “European Refugee Crisis” with me on radio https://youtu.be/crpb_egC_EQ via
YouTube
Pamela
Geller ‏@PamelaGeller Sep
10

Saudi ‘Help’ for Migrants: 200 New Mosques in Germany:
“Saudi Arabia just offered to build 200 barracks for th… http://bit.ly/1XQa0cX
Pamela Geller retweeted

Sean
Hannity ‏@seanhannity Sep
10

.@PamelaGeller & @MikeGhouse square off on
“European Refugee Crisis” with me on radio https://youtu.be/crpb_egC_EQ via
YouTube

Mike is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, TV-Radio
commentator and a human rights activist committed to building cohesive
societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info in 63
links at MikeGhouse.net and writings at TheGhouseDiary.com