America Will Always Be A Great Nation

On Sunday, December 18, 2016; a model for a cohesive America was unveiled with a handful of volunteers at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, the nation’s capitol. Eventually this model can become an anti-dote to prejudices against people of different faiths, races, cultures and ethnicities.

A few pictures from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157674321116443/show

America is going through a major crisis at this point in history, and each one of the 325 million of us is stressed out. There is always the silver lining to such crises. Throughout our history, whenever we were pit one against the other; we chose to come together and found solutions to live with each other.

Right now, the White Americans are concerned about erosion of the values they hold dear with the influx of immigrants from different cultures, races and religions. They are worried about their place and role in the future of America. The African Americans are equally apprehensive with apathy of fellow Americans. Instead of understanding it as a movement to protest against the violation of their civil rights, the Black Lives Matter is attacked antagonizing the situation further. The undocumented aliens are worried about the possibility of their families being torn apart; they are concerned about doubling down of the wrong to correct the first wrong.

The woman’s right to decide about her body is under risk of being yanked out. The LGBT community is concerned with the State attempting to resurrect old disdainful attitudes towards fellow Americans. The rise of Anti-Semitism is deeply troubling and an increase of 9% in such hatred is severely affecting the fabric of our society. Muslims are worried sick about the dumb idea about Muslim registry, there again this year has recorded 67% surge in Islamophobia. It appears that no American is spared from bias from someone or the other.

Even the Native American’s inalienable right to water is jeopardized now. Dr. Harbans Lal of Arlington, Texas adds, “They were in a similar position as the White American now, when the migrants from Europe destroyed the Native American culture two centuries ago.”

We are a divided nation at this juncture, and we are committed to change it.

The divisiveness has caused us to lose trust in each other to function effectively as a nation. A nation’s strength to achieve peace, safety and sustain its prosperity hinges on two strong legs; the economic structure that puts food on the table of every American, and the social structure that maintains the cohesiveness of America.

Thanks to President Obama for leaving behind a strong economic structure, we have the lowest unemployment and highest degree of consumer confidence. However, the pre-election rhetoric has severely damaged the social structure of our nation. Whether you are on the right, left or the center, you are concerned about your liberties and freedoms, thus all Americans are living in anxieties.

Shall we wait for President Trump to put the derailed train back on the tracks? I would say, let the government stay out of our lives. If it cannot make our lives better, it should not mess it either. It is our responsibility to see that we get along with each other and preserve the social structure of America. Together we can bring stability in our lives.

Here is what we can to do to restore America where everyone feels included in the nation building. This is a pluralistic model of inclusiveness to restore faith in each other and rededicate our commitment to one America and one nation with liberty and justice for all.

We are Americans first with our own unique beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, languages, traditions and other uniquenesses. All we have to do is come together as Americans, recognize and validate each other’s life.

We came together; a handful of volunteers took the bold initiative to set the model for a cohesive America in the years to come. The event was inaugurated by Rabbi Jack Moline, one of the most influential rabbis in America. He has served in numerous leadership positions for Jewish, interfaith, and community organizations, and has advised key religious and political leaders of the United States on issues of religion and values.

Each one of the following American Faiths was celebrated and or mentioned including but not limited to Atheism, Bahá’í, Buddhism, Christianity, Dao, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native Americans, Paganism, Scientology, Shinto, Sikhism, Tao, Unitarian, Wicca and Zoroastrian traditions.

When we live as neighbors, fellow workers, students, players, activists and inhabitants of the same city and same neighborhood, it behooves for us to learn about each other’s moments of celebrations and commemorations.

The more we know about the other, the less mythical they would become. Knowing in this instance implies knowing them personally and not hearing from those who have gains to be had by pitting one against the other or presenting false information about the other. One of the best ways to sustain America’s greatness is stick to our creed, “that all men are created equal” and that everyone’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness must be protected.

My safety and well being hinges on the safety and well being of others around me. It behooves for each one of us to work towards that goal, at the end every one of us would be better off.

Festival of Faiths was born out of a necessity. The apprehension that we see in each American about the other is not healthy for America’s harmony, peace and prosperity. As Americans, we are determined to go past the doom and gloom, and celebrate America.

American will always remain a great nation and a beacon of hope to the world; we are the lead civilization where we are working on respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God given uniqueness of each one of us.

God Bless America and you can count on this event next year. We would expect to gather hundreds of Americans of from different races, religions, ethnicities and political spectrums to come together and celebrate the Festival of Faiths and Celebrate America.

Mike Ghouse is a community consultant and is committed to building a cohesive America. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him is captured in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

Jewish Muslim Relationship gets a big boost in Washington, DC.

December 11, 2016, Washington, DC — The 3rd Annual Summit of Rabbis and Imams was held today at Tifereth Israel Congregation in Washington, DC. The theme of the summit was standing up for each other and building enduring relationships to contribute towards the cohesiveness of America, an America where no one has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.

Story after story was shared. A seven year old boy asks his father on the next morning after the elections, “Dad, are we going to be kicked out of America now?” Another six year old girl asks the same question to her father and follows it up with, is any one in our family going to be deported?” A woman with a stroller and the baby was stopped by a guy driving the truck, who did not want her to cross the road. Swastikas were painted on some Jewish homes and synagogues and anti-Jewish statements have been made. A dramatic rise in Anti-Semitism /Islamophobia in particular and other phobias in general have caused a great deal of concern.

Collectively, mistakes have been made over the years, we have talked extensively about the issues facing Women, African Americans, Jews, LGBT, Muslims, Mexicans and all others except one group, the unemployed/ underemployed rural white Americans who were affected equally like all others.

Hillary Clinton did not extend a ‘specific’ hand of friendship towards them, had she done that, the story would have been different. This neglect has caused a severe damage to the social fabric of our nation; everyone is apprehensive and has lost trust in each other to function effectively. At least from here on we must include everyone in the dialogue, and as an individual my efforts would be directed towards reaching the disaffected ones. We cannot exclude anyone from our conversations. Our first priority ought to be making peace with those who are perceived to be polarized; without them, we remain polarized.

The first part of the summit was organized as round table talks – A Rabbi, Muslim and others were seated alternately around the table with a given set of questions to identify the problems and offer solutions over the fabulous lunch.

Walter Ruby, Muslim-Jewish program Director, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding said, “The main issue at the Summit will be how to respond to the election and how Jews and Muslims can work together in support of each other if either community is demonized, discriminated against or the victims of hate crimes or government repression.”

If Muslims were to run into a dire situation, most Americans will stand up for Muslims out of a sense of fairness and justice, and we know darn well that Muslims will reciprocate it wholeheartedly out of a sense of gratitude and inherent caring for fellow beings.

The group then moved to the sanctuary to watch a sampler of a play about what transpired during the City council hearings when Muslims of Naperville applied for a permit to convert a dilapidated building into a Mosque. This was a play on the real story about the Ground Zero Mosque and was performed well. I was involved in it from day one when all that happened: Pamela Geller was out on the street protesting and on that day Sean Hannity pitted me against her on his radio show. A whole blog is dedicated to the issue. http://groundzeromosque.blogspot.com/

The initial message from the organizers stated, “At a moment of heightened bigotry and increased demonization of Muslims, Jews and other faith communities, rabbis and imams will affirm our commitment to stand up for each other and for religious freedom, pluralism and democracy.”

Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which campaigns against anti-Semitism and other bigotry, said he would register as Muslim if the database is created because of “painful memories” from when Jews were “identified, registered and tagged”. That sentiment was echoed by virtually every Rabbi and laity present in the sanctuary.

A few remarks from the organizers:

Daniel Spiro, Coordinator, Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington (JIDS), “The most important theme I tried to convey in my remarks is that there are so many synergies that arise when Jews and Muslims engage with each other. We can grow theologically, learn from each other’s experiences as misunderstood minorities, and become true peacemakers. Muslim-Jewish engagement is a must.”

Steve Sawmelle, “The most valuable part of the program was the culminating plenary session where concerns, and then suggestions, were expressed by Summit attendees. There was a palpable feeling of unity in the room as we discussed concrete action steps to take.”

Andra Baylus, lead coordinate of the Greater Washington Muslim-Jewish forum. “”The challenges we face today are huge, for they touch upon the core of humankind’s inability to accept our differences, whether it be ethnic or religious. This Summit today is about Imams and Rabbis rising above these multifaceted differences given to us by our Creator, to teach their respective communities to strive to see the Light of God shining in the face of the “other”, recognizing that we are all beloved brothers and sisters in the Family of Humanity, who are guided by the values embodied in our religions, destined to transform dissonance into harmony, indifference into compassion and, most important of all, mistrust and hate…. into love.”

My roaring thoughts were, how do we get this message to the world around us? As an American and a Muslim committed to building a cohesive America, where no American feels excluded or alienated, this event was uplifting and this good news must reach all Americans.

Unless we stand up for each other, the world would not be a better place to live. America’s greatness lies in the spirit of standing up for each other. My peace hinges on peace of people around me no matter who they are, my security depends on the security of people around me no matter what political, religious or social affiliation they espouse.

Here is another great opportunity for Muslims and Jews to come together to strengthen the bonds. Our issues are not Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’í or the other. They are American issues as they affect us all in functioning effectively, and together as Americans we have to find solutions. No American has to live with the feeling of alienation or apprehension or fear of the other. We are all in this together and stand with fellow Americans for the common good of every American.

No good is sustainable unless it is good for all. Imbalance or injustice leads to more of it.

Mike Ghouse is a community consultant and is committed to building a cohesive America. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him is captured in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

Fox's Varney Complains That American Muslims Haven't "Demonstrat[ed] On The Streets" To Denounce Terror

We have the plans and we will get it done.
Mike Ghouse

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Fox News - Stuart Varney: "I'm Simply Saying That Muslims In America Have Yet To Show A Sizeable Street Demonstration Condemning Terror"

On the November 17 edition of Fox Business' Varney & Co., host Stuart Varney complained that American Muslims have not condemned the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, demanding of his guest "a public demonstration of where you're coming from" with "tens of thousands of Muslims" and "a big sign." Varney failed to note that numerous American Muslim organizations have condemned the attacks, calling them "ruthless and senseless acts of violence" and saying ISIS has "hijacked our religion."

http://mediamatters.org/video/2015/11/17/foxs-varney-complains-that-american-muslims-hav/206908

If the video does not work, go to the link above and it should

 

 

STUART VARNEY (HOST): Muslims around the world condemning the attacks in Paris on social media. Mike Ghouse is with us, and he's with the America Together Foundation, which represents some Muslims in the United States. Mike, here's what I would like to see, and here's what I think most Americans would like to see. We would like to see tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Muslims, demonstrating on the streets of America, openly, overtly saying no, we reject terror. We reject ISIS. So far, sir, I've not seen anything like that. Will we? 

MIKE GHOUSE: Well, the planning is underway. I think Muslims are getting together to put a beautiful plan together to condemn terrorism. Stuart, every mosque in Washington, D.C., and in the America, we have done the candlelight vigil. Everyone has issued a statement condemning the terrorism. First of all, blaming your religion is the dumbest idea out there.

VARNEY: No, no, no, I am not blaming the religion, sir, I'm not. I'm absolutely not blaming the religion. I'm simply saying that Muslims in America have yet to show a sizable street demonstration condemning terror. I've not seen it, and I think a lot of Americans would like to see it. 

GHOUSE: Well, we are planning on it, as I said earlier. 

VARNEY: When is it going to take place? 

GHOUSE: I'm sorry? 

VARNEY: When is it going to take place? 

GHOUSE: We are planning somewhere towards the end of December or January, throughout America -- 

VARNEY: Why? Why does it take so long? If you feel so strongly about something -- Paris has just been devastated by terror. If you feel strongly about it, if you want to state your position, you get out thereand you do it. 

GHOUSE: Well, we are writing an op-ed, I'm here with you, and today there is a big op-ed coming up. War on terror is the dumbest idea floated ever. Bush terror -- war on terror didn't work. Obama's didn't work. There is an Islamic way to deal with this terrorist and the Islamic way is the right way to deal with now. 

VARNEY: What is it? Tell us now, sir, what is it? What's the Islamic way of dealing with Islamic terror? 

GHOUSE: Absolutely. President Obama to go on the television with the consensus of United Nations and tell Mr. [Abu Bakr al-] Baghdadi [leader of ISIS], you got three days to lay down your arms. If not, we're going to hunt you down and get you. And this - we are doing it for the Islamic way. In Islam, God has created everything in balance. You are messing up with that balance. And because of that, Islam allows you to go get you wherever you are, ambush you, and kill you. We are not intending to kill you, but we are wanting to do is put you on the trial and prove to the world that you are dead wrong. Quran does not support the work you are doing and Islam does not support. It is you are a crazy nut and that's why we are going to get at you. We are going to gas one square mile at a time in Iran and -- not to kill you but to capture you and put you on the trial.

VARNEY: Why don't you, or some of your supporters or some of the people in your organization, just get a sign? A big sign, all walk outside in New York City or Washington, D.C., and say, "Hey, you, ISIS, we're coming to get you. We're going to kill you the Islamic way because you are the scum of the Earth." Would you like to make that kind of -- I'm not being facetious and sarcastic, but I'm waiting for some action here. 

GHOUSE: Stuart, thanks for suggesting that. I will take the lead, we will get this sign made, and we will do it right here in Washington, D.C. And you will be the first one to be informed about the date and time. 

VARNEY: Very good. Sir, that's excellent. We look forward to it, Mike Ghouse, we look forward to it, yes we do. I'm sorry, I'm out of time, and I'm not trying to cut you off here. But that's important, we need a public demonstration of where you're coming from. Not on Facebook, not on some web posting. Out there, in public, where everybody can see you and tell how you feel.

Dealing with Terrorism, the Islamic way

• Fox's Varney Complains That American Muslims Haven't "Demonstrat[ed] On The Streets" To Denounce Terror -  http://mediamatters.org/video/2015/11/17/foxs-varney-complains-that-american-muslims-hav/206908
• Op-ed News - http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Islamic-way-of-dealing-by-Mike-Ghouse-Abu-Bakr-Al-baghdadi_Allah_Ambush_Balance-151117-162.html
• Islamic way of dealing with ISIS - http://thearabdailynews.com/2015/11/16/islamic-way-dealing-isis-terrorism/
• Indian Panorama - http://www.theindianpanorama.news/opinion/islamic-way-of-dealing-with-terrorism-article-53003.html
• Wopopular.com  - http://www.wopular.com/media-matters-staff-foxs-varney-complains-american-muslims-havent-demonstrated-streets-denounce-terr

4th Republican Presidential Debate Tonite -11.10.15

They build expensive glamorous sets, don’t they! It’s like the wedding dress; the woman spends big time money to wear that dress just for a few hours! 

It will be held in Milwaukee, WI, not the wedding, but the debate. No single candidate has emerged as the leader from the earlier debates, and I don’t see an improvement this time either.

The mistake media has made is to put everyone on the stage, 10 of them; last time Trump got a total of 9 Minutes in the 2 hours debate, others got 8 minutes or less. Instead, if they choose the top 3, each one will get at least 20-35 minutes to tell us who they are.

If the candidates have not made it to the top 3 this far out in to the campaign, they should not hog the time from the legitimate others.

In my view the top 3 should be: Trump, Carson and Rubio. All others have to go back and earn their spot, and may be if they can crawl back up with the numbers, they could be included in the 4th round of debates.

Carson will not make it in the end; he lives under a halo or something and continues to cook up unverifiable stories about his youth. Trump is good on shutting others up in a hurry, but do we need that kind of President who would not listen to any one? Personally, I would have preferred another brash guy, but at least he makes sense; Chris Christie. I am not sure about Rubio; he is dilly dallying on issues.

I think Trump would be the nominee competing with Hillary on the other side. What do you think?

www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, human rights, foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com  

Qawwali Lessons (Washington DC) - the beautiful language of inclusion.

Qawwali in Washington | TheGhouseDiary.com 

Saturday, October 3, 2015 - Washington, D.C. – The Qawwali* program at Turkish Community Center Auditorium in Lanham, MD was out of the world. Here are some of the notes I have made, and hope it resonates with you.   

First thing first, I am pleased to share the emotional side of the equation. Being a pluralist and a human aspirations observer, whenever and wherever people include each other in their normal conversation it brings happiness to both the includer and the included.

When they sang, “Bhar do Jholi meri ya Muhammad… and came to the line, “O Muhammad ka pyara Nawasa”… every one rejoiced it, but particularly men and women from the Shia tradition, by going to the stage and honoring the Qawwal (singers) in the traditional way by doing money aarti (honor) and placing it on their harmonium, lap or even their head, a beautiful tradition of telling, we like you.

I was in a different world, the world of harmony and inclusion, my eyes soaked and I felt tender with joy. I was happy!  I was happy to see the Shia community feel included.

Of course most of the Qawwali lines have the name Ali included in it as a reverence to Hazrat Ali (RA), but when the lines include the “Nawasa” that is grandson of the Prophet, it has special significance to all, but particularly the Shia tradition.  Video at Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/videos/10156190763450249/

You know what I wished? I am sure you are wishing the same; i.e., to have our language routinely include each other’s revered figures with utmost respect. Karbala or Kurukshetra, our language should be inclusive, it builds a society of harmony.

We may consider sprinkling some of the inclusive poetry amidst all other poetry recitation or singing. Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite Bhajan “Allah Tero Naam, Eshwar tero Naam” or many a Sahir Ludhianavi or Shakeel Badayuni numbers like “Yoshadha Ki Humjins, a hawwa Ki beti” need more circulation.  I have been asking every visiting poet to recite or write at least one inclusive poem in the evening.  God willing, I will continue to write a poem an event to reflect that inclusiveness.

When President of the United States says Happy Diwali, Eid or Baisakhi, we gloat and share it with everyone we know. If a congressman or a woman says Satsri Akaal, Jai Jinendra, Yali Madad, Namaste or Salaam, we gloat.  The idea is inclusion, to be treated respectfully and to be acknowledged. 

Reverse this to India and Pakistan, and see how deprived the minorities of each nation are. The Prime Ministers of both India and Pakistan do not have the courtesy to greet their minorities on their happy occasion. May God give them guidance to believe at least in their own respective religions, both are inclusive and consider the world as one family.

Minorities (religious, ethnic, social, cultural, linguistic and other uniqueness) make sincere efforts, and at times go out of their way to be a part of the larger society, they want to be included and do everything to achieve it. The smart leaders acknowledge it, and let the public focus on being constructive rather than get stuck in denials.

I hope most of us Desi Americans have learned and enriched ourselves with the rich American Culture where all humanity is respected institutionally. 

We have a choice to be inclusive and let our “Zindagi Shama’ ki soorat ho khudaya meri” and “ her jaga mere chamak ney say ujala hojaye” rather than rot with exclusion.

The consistent rhythmic beat of the Tabla, and the special voices, the inflections in singing is entirely different and gets you become a part of it.

The second item of beauty of this program was the Qawwals themselves, the Qawwals and their humnawa were a great combination, the acoustic of the auditorium ne to chaar chand lagagiye unki gayeki mein.  They were Christians, and my friend sitting next to me was a Hindu enjoying the Qawwalis. He was singing along Bhardo Jholi meri ya Muhammad. This is a (or was it?) a common tradition in India. The Qawwals can be Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs and they can sing devotional songs of any religion. I hope more of this happens now.

In the short few minutes we had between the program and break I had wonderful conversations with Fazal Khan, Razi Raziuddin and Zafar Iqbal.  They have rich stories of uthna, baithna, khana peena with their Hindu friends. I request each one of you to  start writing those stories… let our youth understand the beauty of enjoying life and hope people in India, Pakistan and elsewhere can rework inclusion in their lives.  


I hope and pray, some day we all can see the message of Jesus, Krishna, Muhammad, Guru Nanak as our own message, when we do that each one of our faiths will reach the higher level of spirituality. Amen!

·      Qawwali is a special format of singing, usually in praise of revered figures for their good work.

Pictures: Link

Please note: 

Are you concerned about Muslim bashing in America? Find out what the newly formed American Muslim Institution (AMI) is doing about it on Sunday, October 11, 2015 - details at www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org 

Thank you

Mike Ghouse, Consultant
(214) 325-1916 text/talk

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a social scientist, thinker, writer and a speaker on Islam, Pluralism, Interfaith, politics, foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com  

My first Yom Kippur Service

 Washington, D.C., Lincoln Memorial.

September 22, 2015

Although I am involved with Jews and Judaism for a long time, and been to Synagogues, done most things... this was my first Yom Kippur attendance.

As usual I felt home with the group, I did not know the songs, but the idea is same whether it is Muslims singing Milaad, Hindus singing Bhajans, Sikhs singing Shabad or Christians doing Carols... the spirit is same, you feel at peace, connected with the self and some time sanctimonious.

The Rabbi from Philadelphia floored me, this would have been clearly my sermon - conversation revolving around building cohesive societies, justice and accountability. I fully connected with his sermon, he will share it soon, then you can see our expressions are so similar.

He was all praise for Pope and indeed said similar things I have said and written about Pope Francis.

I am writing for the 1000th time, Judaism and Islam are mirror images of each other. Sadly, like all other religions, these two are no exceptions in having people claim to follow the faith, but really they do not. If every follower of every religion follows his or her religion, there will not be any problem.

In the pictures, I have taken a picture of the card I filled, as every one was asked to fill.
Good experience, thanks to my friend Ilan Leibowitz for inviting me.

Article about Yom Kippur is similar the talks I have heard today. 

Washington is the place to be for enjoying Urdu-Hindi poetry

URDU-HINDI POETRY AND WASHINGTON | TheGhouseDiary.com 

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/09/washington-is-place-to-be-for-enjoying.html


I am glad I moved to Washington, besides getting a chance to fulfill my dream of working towards building a cohesive America, I am enjoying the fellowship and the literary aspect of my life as well.  I have a deep passion for the Urdu (Hindi) Poetry and Washington is the place to be!  I just cannot rave about the intellectual stimulation with the folks around here.

Dr. Zafar and Nuzaira Iqbal had invited a few friends for dinner, and some of them are Poets and a joy to hear. The gathering was to honor the visiting poet Sarwat Zahra.  Dr. Satyapal Anand was a special guest, who is a scholar with mastery in Urdu, Hindi, English and Farsi Poetry, one must hear him, indeed, and I am encouraged and influenced by his style of independent prose like poetry.  He is a legend in the Urdu poetry.

Dr. Moazzam Siddiqi is a treasure of knowledge, I have heard him talk about the father of Urdu-Hindi language Amir Khusro, and want to hear more, and last night he spoke about Meera’s devotion to Krishna.  There is an art in telling stories that only a few have mastered and Dr. Siddiqi has become my favorite person to hear and learn from.

Dr. Zaheer Parvez recited two poetries – one was about the story of endurance of African Americans, and the other was his days in UC Berkley, as Dr. Anand commented on the poetries, I literally saw his poem in pictures, that’s how powerful his poetry was, and his poem should be a part of the African American Museum, he knows what integration means and I loved his poems.

Sarwat Zahra was the honored guest poet – Dr. Anand had written a preface to her first book, and what a fine introduction that was. I wish I had recorded it.  Sarwat’s poems are visual, a picture jumps at you with each word in her poem, it is about the daily lives of women and what they go thru, great expression and accurate depictions of the story of women in the subcontinent.  What appealed to me about her poetry was her breadth of references, she shared a poem about Jesus, and then recited the poem about Meera and Meera’s devotion to Krishna and how she struggled with it, and Dr. Siddiqi hung the moon by narrating the story of Meera.  Meera was known for her devotion and here devotional songs she had composed some 500 years ago, and per Dr. Anand, only M. Subba Lakshmi had rendered them beautifully to the point that Pandit Nehru paid a visit to honor her.
 

Sarwat is heading to Dallas and Houston, she has a program on the 12^th and I urge everyone to hear her out, and I have asked her to recite Meera’s poem for my friends Surendra Mittal, Kundan Sharma and my buzurg DD Maini, and Jesus’s poem for Javed Gill.  I am sure she may have touched upon the Sikh life as well, if she has I hope she would recite for Dr. Harbans Lal.
More about : Sarwat Zahra on facebook and her website - http://www.sarwatzehra.com
Thanks to Dr. Amer Shakil of Urdu Ghar for being available to talk with Sarwat,  and I hope my friend Raja Zahid Khanzada will write about her and video tape for Geo TV.

I briefly spoke about the Organization I am working with – The American Muslim Institution, and thanks to Dr. Moazzam Siddiqi for such a fine and humbling introduction.

Happy Janamashtami - details about it at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/sri-krishna-birthday-celebration-janmashtami_b_1762997.html


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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  

Mike Ghouse on Voice of America about Iran deal, Turkey and Ferguson

My talking points for Voice of America Radio, Washington, D.C 

Turkey

Turkey has allowed 6 F-16 Falcon fighters to operate from their Incirlik air base to do the sorties over ISIS territory.  We had enough of the evil acts from the ISIS, it is time to stop them from killing people, destroying the heritage of the nations and forcing women to be sex slaves.

Way back in September 2014, in an Op-ed at Huffington Post, I had urged President Obama to use the Quranic method, to give them warning, if they don’t stop killing, drone them and save the innocent lives of Christians, Yazidis, Shias and others.   However, if they retrieve, we have to stop. 

I would rather round them up and question them, and demand them to show where Quran tells them to do such evil things. I hope that will put an end to the false propaganda against Islam, and let the world focus on evil in men. Religion is never the problem; it is the evilness in men.

We have the world with us, and it is time to stop them and that is the right thing to do.

2    Iran Deal

a.     This 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.

b.    Netanyahu is possibly the worst enemy of Israel – he is isolating the nation from the rest of the world. Six Powerful nations Russia, China, UK, France, Germany and US are in this together to ensure Iran does not go nuclear behind everyone’s back. They have made this deal in good faith for the protection of Israel.  

c.     It is good for Israel and what does Netanyahu do? He slaps them in their face! 

d.     Why should they like this man?

e.     We have to guide the world’s anger towards Netanyahu, the pied piper of Israel, instead of the people of Israel.

f.       The Republicans want to double down on this, shame on them, if they do not pass this bill, I would question their loyalty? Are they allowing a foreign leader to be disrespectful of our president? Shame on them.

g.     I am sure there a few good Republicans out there who want to do the right thing for America, Israel, Iran and others, but will they do the monkey see, monkey do? That is obedient conformists and jump like sheep instead of exercising their minds?

h.    Mother Teresa said – if you want peace, go talk with the enemy

i.       Chinese Quote – if you want to get rid of the enemy for good, make friends with them.

j.       Obama has precisely done that, and this is a major paradigm shift in our foreign policy – it is sensible and the righteous one

k.     Obama said, super powers don’t response to talks – he is right, we cannot be yelling at each other, one has to be an adult. I hope the Republicans act like adults as well.

l.       Obama is right again, it is the best way for Iran not to get nuclear weapons.

m. Reagan had that wisdom, and he dealt with Russians while they had their missiles pointed at us. Of course every Republican is eager to claim to be a follower of Reagan – but very few of them are

n.    Negotiate with enemies

o.     Hardliner on the Iran side are as ugly as ours are.

p.    Netanyahu does not get it, he is not comfortable with peace, he has got to be on the edge and keep the Israelis and Americans on the edge.  

3

Behjat Gilani and Mike Ghouse on VOA

      

Ferguson after one year
The police chief says, "They were criminals, they weren't protesters," Belmar said – aren’t they innocent until proven guilty? We should demand an apology from this officer.  Instead of mitigating the bad race relations, this guy aggravates by killing.  Aren’t they not trained to hold the trigger?

I question the police training to produce these men who are too eager to pull the trigger.

Mike Ghouse, speaking for America Together Foundation.

Thank you,

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

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