Thanksgiving Celebrations & XVIII Annual Awards Night

11/20/16
XVIII Annual Thanksgiving Celebrations & Awards Night
Sunday, November 20, 2016 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157673617222434/show
Video:

Program outline
MC: Rabia Ali Baig

1. Seating & Socializing
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Dr. Har Swarup Singh
3. National Anthem
4. Diya lighting – Swati Choksi
5. Greetings & Welcome – Mike
6. Symbolic Turkey Carving –
7. Expressions of Gratitude –Mike
8. Experiencing other Religions – Volunteer
9. Dinner (Vegetarian food available) – Every one
10. Acknowledging Interfaith & Interracial couples
11. Awards & Recognitions (list on page 5)
12. Center for Pluralism – Mike
13. Peace Pledge – Rabbi Chuck Fienberg
14. Post event interviews

Pledge of Allegiance

Dr. Har Swarup Singh to lead the pledge
National Anthem
Rabia Ali Baig – to sing the National Anthem
Diya lighting

Although it is a Hindu tradition, this has universal appeal in it. Lighting the Diya or candle signifies end of darkness. Martin Luther King had said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  So help us cheer after the lighting.

Mike and Swati Choksi to start the program with symbolic lighting of the candle.   

Greetings & Welcome
Since I am new to the DMV area, I have not had the chance to reach out to every American.

In the last twenty years, in our (Center for Pluralism) events, we take pride on inviting Americans from different traditions such as Atheism, Baha’i, Buddhism, Christendom, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native Americans, Paganism, Scientology, Sikhism, Wiccan and Zoroastrianism and every one in between including the LGBTQ community.

Let’s assume we have every representation of America here.

When you go to a neighborhood which is all white, Black or Brown, you may feel apprehensive walking down the street…. Sometimes you may even want to run, but imagine or you may have experienced having a sense of safety, if someone say Hi to you.

When God created humans, he had projected what each year would be like, and he had the full report on 2016. So he called his advisory angels, and showed them a film called 2016 – it is what you see here, people worried, concerned, feeling insecure…  not knowing what will happen to the Muslims, Jews, Blacks, Hispanic, women and…..others.

Then God asks them to find solutions. He said, I don’t want any one of my creation to be afraid of the each other…    how do we break the ice? How do we free each other from tensions?

They came up with a formula

1. Acknowledging the strangers – remember that Hi how it brought relief?
2. Tell them you wish them peace and blessings
3. Let them know you could be friends

Then God put them in all his religions and no-religions, after all we are all his creation.

Dharmic Greetings
Abrahimic Greetings

– American Indians – Aho Piva
–  Atheist secular – Hi!
–  Bahai
–  Buddhist
–  Christian
–  Hindu
–  Jain
–  Jewish
–  Muslim
–  Sikh
–  Wicca
–  Zoroastrian

Center for Pluralism is all about inclusion – God created each one of us, so we are one nation, one people – Hindu scriptures talk about Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum and Abrahamic scriptures talk about we are one big family originated from Adam and Eve.
Symbolic Turkey Carving
Cynthia Roseberry

Expressions of Gratitude

The gratitude narration – Appaiah story by Mike

Experiencing other Religions- Voluntary

Rabia and Mike will invite 24 individuals to the open space for experiencing other religions or traditions such as Atheism, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Scientology, Sikh, Zoroastrian.

Mike to tell Dallas Story-

Experiencing other religions: 24 individuals will be called on the floor to be in the team of 2, that is 10 teams.  Each team will be given a random verse from different faith, and we ask them to read and explain to the public. It was one of the most successful events we have had in the last several years. People love this and understand that all religions are beautiful in bringing peace and tranquility to its followers.

1. ATHEISM

Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change. (-Humanist Manifesto)

Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals. (-Humanist Manifesto)

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” – John Lennon

2. BAHAI

3. BUDDHISM“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world — above, below, and across — unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.” – The Buddha

4. CHRISTIANITY”Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?”  Malachi 2:10

5. HINDUISMThe one who loves all intensely begins perceiving in all living beings a part of himself.
   He becomes a lover of all, a part and parcel of the Universal Joy. He flows with the stream of happiness, and is enriched by each soul.
   (Yajur Veda)

6. ISLAM“O, Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another.  Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is the one who has piety.” (49:13)

7. JAINThe most sacred mantras

Namo Arihantanam

Namo Siddhanam

Namo Ayiryananm

Namo Uvajjaysnam

Namo  Savva Sahuman

I bow to five most revered entities..  arihantas,siddhas,acharyas

upadhyayas,sadhus

“SAMYAK DARSHAN GYAN CHARITRA NI ..MOKSHA MARGAH”.

Summary of ENTIRE  jain way….RIGHT faith,knowledge and conduct are way to Salvation.  “Tatvarth Sutra

8. JEWISH

Love your neighbor as yourself: I am Adonai.” (Leviticus 19:17–18)  “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt:    I Adonai am your God.” (Leviticus 19:33–34)

9. SCIENTOLOGY”The hardest task one can have is to continue to love his fellows despite all reasons he should not. And the true sign of sanity and greatness is to so continue….” L. Ron Hubbard

10. SIKHISMNanak Says: May I Be Blessed With Vision To Realize Your Blessings And Your Order. And Thus Be a Thankful Offering to You. That Your NAME, O Timeless Infinite Being, May Rise For Ever, And In Thy Will, May There Be Well-Being Of All Humankind.

11. ZOROASTRIANS

12. NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITION

Dinner (Vegetarian food available)  

30 Minutes into the dinner… after all of them have seated and had some meal….

Acknowledging Interfaith & Interracial couples
Mike will acknowledge the couples

Despite their religious, racial or cultural differences, they are setting the new standards of civility by showing the world how to live in harmony. We have to cherish and honor the couples who embrace genuine humanity by accepting each other’s uniquenesses.

When people are showing extreme intolerance towards each other, the interfaith and interracial couples are showing the way to live in harmony and are contributing to the idea of one nation. They are indeed exemplary patriotic Americans.

You are who you are and I am who I am, and let’s acknowledge that and live in peace. As long as we don’t mess with each other’s space, sustenance and nurturance, and respect each other’s uniqueness, we all will do well.  If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of the seven billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

As a society, the least we can do is acknowledge them for their contributions towards the idea of one nation that is America.

God bless them!

Awards & Recognitions (list on page 5)

Mike – It is our duty to “honor and cherish individuals “who have
dedicated their lives to building bridges among Americans. Their pioneering spirit in facilitating communities to know and to
respect each other is appreciated by fellow Americans.

Rabia – On this day, we appreciate and celebrate their contributions
towards building a cohesive America, where no one has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.

This year we are appreciating five individuals who have made a difference in our communities. They have spread their wings beyond their own nest and have reached out to many others.  Over the years we have admired 50 such individuals who are listed on the website.

Robert J. Marro
Adams Center, for building relationships with the civic and faith based organizations in the DMV area.
Presented by:  John Foust
Rabia to read the Bio

Mike’s Comment: Bob has become a spokesperson for the Muslim community and has built great relations with the county and state officials along with the interfaith community. I laud his open mindedness.
Picture:
Cristina Frey
New Americans Expo, for bringing diverse ethnic communities of DMV area together.

Presented by: David Frey
Rabia to read the Bio
Mike’s Comment: I watched Cristina in the expo she held in October, she virtually had invited every race, faith and tradition to be part of the event, that is the kind of thing we need to be doing, and I encourage her to keep it up.

Charles Stevens
Geotrees for being an integral part of diverse communities in the DMV area

Presented by: Dr. Aquilur Rahman
Rabia to read the Bio
 

Mike’s Comment: There is not a week gone without receiving at least two or three pieces of information about certain happenings somewhere with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims or others.  Why should one do that?  It’s nothing but passion to serve fellow beings.

Andrea Barron
for promoting Jewish-Muslim understanding in the Washington, DC area

Presented by: Judith Lelchook
Rabia to read the Bio

Mike’s Comment: Andrea’s enthusiasm is infectious; she really believes in the Jewish responsibility of fixing the world and has gone out of the way to build bridges.  I am sure each one of you knows that, when you do things like that, there will be always criticism from a few from her tribe, and suspect from the other. She bulldozes all that and does what needs to be done – building cohesive societies.

Rev. Sue Taylor,
Church of Scientology, National Affairs Office for reaching out and standing with persecuted communities around the world.

Presented by: Beth Akiyama
Rabia to read the Bio

 
Mike’s Comment: People are so wrapped up in defending their own, that they cannot see beyond, and I have been watching Rev. Sue Taylor with admiration for defending the rights of others, regardless of who they are. If you don’t stand up for others, why should anyone stand up for you?

Center for PluralismWhat is the Center for Pluralism?

Peace Pledge – Rabbi Chuck FienbergPlease rise and join the pledge with Rabbi Chuck Fienbert
 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is Founder and President of Center for Pluralism.    He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about the center at www.CenterforPluralism.com and about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

Changing the mood of America

At this point in history, we are going through difficult times.  Whether you are on the right, left or the center, you are concerned about the liberties and freedoms of all Americans.  The divisiveness, even though temporary, has caused us to lose trust in each other to function effectively as a nation.

So what can we do?

Our President John Kennedy had famously urged us, “Ask not what the country can do - ask what you can do for your country.” and Professor William James had written that our actions can change the moods.

Here is what we can to do to restore America where no Americans feels left out, but feels included in nation building.

Let’s close 2016 on a positive note, let’s come together as Americans, and celebrate our collective Festivals of Hanukkah, Christmas, Milad, Kwanza, Janamashtami, Gurpurab and the festivities of Native Americans, and other traditions including Atheist/Humanist. Each group will get to sing honoring their faith tradition.

When we are together, it is uplifting!
We can change our moods! 

The following video has clips from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Milad, Janamashtami and other great celebrations.  On the actual day of Festival of Faiths, Americans Together will celebrate their traditions.  

1. Video   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjhbRkN7soQ 
2. Details   http://centerforpluralism.com/festival-of-faiths/
3. Attend  RSVP – Eventbrite
4.  Sing?   If your group likes to sing Register@Centerforpluralism.com    
5. List?     Please send an email to   Register@Centerforpluralism.com   
6. Op-Ed  Ask not what the President can do for us?” will be released soon
7. More     http://Centerforpluralism.com/Workshops
8. Browse Tabs at  www.Centerforpluralism.com
9.  Event   Celebrating America –Festival of Faiths on Sunday, 12/18 – 12 to 2 PM
10. Where   Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC 

***** 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is founder and president of Center for Pluralism aka Americans Together. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

Hillary did not listen

Hillary did not listen, and her advisers had no clue.

My suggestions to Hillary were precise; her advisers did not understand the unfathomable loyalty Trump had earned from the disaffected Americans, and how to reach out to them and embrace.   I wrote the following two articles, the first one was written on 08/03/2016 11:18 pm ET and the second on was written two days before the election day emphasizing what Hillary needed to do. 

Our founding fathers have laid a strong foundation of the checks and balances to ensure America remains a great nation, and thank God for the solid, stable government it has provided for the last 240 years and it will continue to be one. Individuals come and go, but the systems will sustain.  I trust our system, and no matter who the president is, America will remain America.

We have more work on our hands to build a cohesive America, and I am committed to assertively seek to build such a nation where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other. Join me in rebuilding America at www. Centerforpluralism.com

Excerpts from both the articles are appended below with the links to the articles

Mike Ghouse

# # #

Understanding Trump, the Pied Piper – on August 3, 2016

Why do people fall for Trump?  If you look at the history of any minority, be it Black, Irish, Italians, Jews or Catholics in the recent past, and Muslims, Hindus, LGBT, Hispanics and other minorities now,  you see a common quest for recognition.

The LGBT, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and members of other minorities love it when a Congressman, Senator or an actor speaks up kindly about them.   They love the leader and become his or her defenders and promoters.  Most leaders are genuine with a few exceptions.  John McCain was authentic when he corrected the woman, “No, Madam. Obama is good family man….” And so was General Powell, who said, “So what if he is a Muslim?” These are unforgettable moments that Muslims Cherish, likewise there are moments like this for every community.

Hillary needs to pay attention to this. 

 Those Americans, who have seen good times in the sixties through the 90’s with hiccups in the Mid-eighties, faced hard times after the economic collapse in 2006 brought in by Bush-Cheney’s reckless regime.  

The Job losses, business closures, massive budget deficits, unprecedented home foreclosures, divorces and deeply disturbed family lives made it difficult for Middle America. No one talked about them; they were simply not a part of the conversation.

I hope Hillary Clinton hears me out; I am not a Democrat but a Patriotic American who wants the good for my country. 

It is time for Hillary to emphatically include the disenfranchised ones, as an American Muslim, who is deeply committed to build a cohesive America that is good for all Americans; I offer the following pluralistic solution.

“Hillary, please care for my fellow Americans who are hurt, they are White Americans who are ignored. They are honest hard working people who have seen good times, and now when the immigrants are prospering it is painful for them to see their quality of life decline. You have to pay attention and fix this fix.  I know you are for all Americans, but it is time to reach out and embrace them, have a specific economic plan for them.  If you don’t do it, the Pied Piper will bring a disaster to them and that will hurt every one of us.

My prosperity hinges on the prosperity of others around me, and my safety depend on how safe people are around me. It behooves me, you, and all of us to ensure that we ride the train together, and make sure no one is left behind.

Full article at - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/understanding-trump-the-pied-piper_us_57a2af83e4b0456cb7e17442

Hillary’s last ditch effort - the final speech

“My priority is to reach out to my fellow Americans who had it good until the disaster from wars brought misery to them; the white Americans. We are going to find ways and means for them to recover from the difficult times they have endured while others Americans have prospered. “

The author of the following speech believes that Hillary Clinton needs to deliver this message in one fashion or the other on Monday, November 7, 2016.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hillarys-last-ditch-effort-the-final-speech_us_581f90f8e4b0102262411963

Sharia Challenge to Newt Gingrich by Mike Ghouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMRibfgjapQ

My friends are good, bad and Ugly

At times it is difficult for some of my friends to see me with ‘some’ people, and then they judge me by my company.  I am blessed to have friends from every walk of life from left to the right and every one in between, from Atheists to Zoroastrians and every one in between, and from Republicans to Democrats and every one in between.  I have chosen to fall the barriers between me and another human and there is a joy in it and there is peace in it.

Do I agree with every one? Hell no!  Do I disagree? Hell yes!
But can I get along with every one? Yes!

Some people did not want to invite me to speak or join them in their parties, because they thought I was a right wing guy – just because I am on Fox News and with Hannity, they have never seen the shows and seen what I tell on the show yet judge me by who I am with.

A few did not include me in their circles because they thought I was a Republican, and a few Republicans think I am a Democrat because of my humanitarian take on issues.

Back in Dallas, many a Muslims thought I was a Hindu just because I have been writing about Festivals of the world for nearly 20 years (of all religions), and there are more festivals that Hindus celebrate than any other group of people and I have written about them. In fact the then Hindu Temple President Dr. Phillip Ramsaroop had called me an honorary Hindu.  The funniest moment came in July 1996, when the trustees of the Mosque advised Imam Kavakci, who was my friend, and was on my Radio show,  not to officiate the Nikah with my late wife if I did not convert.

In 2009, I organized a conference for Muslims for peace and Justice, of which, I am still a member along with Edip Yuskel, the modern translator of the Quran. One of the attendees was from Egypt, he made a big deal about meeting with me, he said, he routinely translates my articles into Arabic and posts them in sites in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He uncontainable with his happiness, and finally said something funny – “it is Jewish brothers like you who have understood Islam thoroughly” I looked behind me to see who he was referring to, he said you. Then I said, I am happy to hear that, but I happen to be a Muslim. He looked puzzled, and said, really?

On my Radio show, I did talk about every faith with no exception,  that is 700 hours of talk shows just on understanding each faith. However, the Buddhist and Bahai’s were few and at times did not make it to the studio, so I gave a talk on Buddhism and Baha’i, as I know enough about them to teach.  Many of my late wife’s friends thought I was a Buddhist, indeed, they had congratulated her for converting me to Islam.

A majority of Christians thought I was a Baha’i as I talk like a Baha’i and act like a Baha’i.

In one of the commemorations where a Jewish school was destroyed in Bombay, India – the India Association held the vigil on a Saturday was against my suggestion, and I could not get any Jewish friend to attend for the interfaith prayers, but they asked me to go ahead and recite the prayers I had recited a few years ago. When my turn came,  I read the Jewish prayer…  the gossip started immediately, “See, I told you, he is a Jew”.

I have attended Gay and Lesbian Marches, dinners and fund raisers, and in one of the events at Love Field in Dallas; perhaps I was one of the few straight guys there.  I saw an Indian, hiding and running away from me as if I am going to announce his identity to other Indians.   I walked up to him to his discomfort, and he asked me if I was a gay, I said no, but I am here for my friends and I have no desire to tell any one about it, it is not my business. If he is gay, he is gay, so what? I left him pondering about his need to live his life openly.

I am truly blessed to have friends from most walks of life and when I meet people, I do not look to them with stereotyped lenses, they are individuals like me. But when I learn about them as individuals, either I will continue or cool off with them, if there is no way to carry a dialogue or if they are cast in stone.

Fortunately, with a few exceptions, no one has kept me away because I am a Muslim and no one’s religion or practice has been a barrier to me.  I respect the otherness of others and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of us.  I am comfortable with every group of people and I am at home wherever I am.  Is this difficult? No, it is rather easy – all you have to do is remove all prejudices you may have towards others based on the group, based on bad experience, you can ignore the individual.  One of the greatest lessons of my life is – Jesus’ wisdom; don’t condemn the sinner, condemn his sin and that is the basis of my ease with every human being.

I am friends with and get along with every one. There is not a soul I would not reach out to, particularly those who appear to be polarized. This picture is with Brigitte Gabrielle,  I disagree with her take, but have no problem being with her, Pamela Geller, Peter King and the whole list of them. I have met them all. They are like me and you, and go by the information they have received, which is incomplete. I will do my best to communicate to them what I know. If they get it fine, and if they don’t, I need to let that go.

Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is one of my 10 mentors* and once he was frustrated that people were not getting his message and calls on God to seek his advice. God tells him to do his duty to teach the righteousness, and it is up to the people to accept it or not, and he may choose to guide them, but don’t look for instant results. Indeed, that is what Krishna tells Arjuna, do the dharma and let the lord decide upon the fruit.  That is very comforting to me and I do my dharma.

I believe, every one acts and talks based on the information he or she has, most of us are knowledge deficient about others and become judgmental about them. We all have to take the time to question our biases and prejudices about others, and when we free ourselves from it, we would be truly free. This is precisely what Prophet Muhammad meant when he called for Jihad, which a few among Muslims have erroneously understood to wage a war against others.  We have to reign in our temptations to have ill-will, hatred, bias and malice towards others; it will bring serene sustainable happiness to us.

May you be blessed and don’t judge others without knowing them personally, there is a lot of good in it for you.  Amen!

My relations with each people from Atheist to Zoroastrians is marked by great experiences and one of these days, I will update this with all the experiences being with people of different faiths, races and regions.

So, please don’t judge me if you see me with scum (to others)  of the earth or a great human like Pope Frances, I remain me.

* My peace maker mentors are: Muhammad, Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Pope Frances, Barack Obama, My parents and probably Muhammad Ali (still learning about them) and Abraham Joshua Heschell.  They are all pluralists.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, terrorism, human rights, India, Israel-Palestine,motivation, and foreign policy. A community consultant, pluralist, social scientist, thinker, writer, activist, news maker and anInterfaith Wedding officiant . He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Most of the words are linked to his work, and please visit him at www.TheGhousediary.com and www.MikeGhouse.net