Banning Islam in Angola and dropping Holocaust Teaching in Britain are lies.

Banning Islam in Angola and dropping Holocaust Teaching in Britain are lies.

URL - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/banning-islam-in-angola-and-dropping.html

November 25, 2013. Dallas, Texas – In behalf of the World Muslim Congress and the Foundation for Pluralism, Mike Ghouse released the following note today. Both the organizations are committed to building cohesive societies where no human has to live in fear of the other

 

 
A mosque and a minaret were shown torn down in Angola, they
were pictures from 2008 Palestine and elsewhere, but not Angola

Muslim students in UK falsely ascribed as offended with Holocaust teaching.

 
Eight years ago, there was a rumor that Iran was making the lives of Bahá’ís, Zoroastrians and Jews miserable, a bunch of us interfaith guys in Dallas, wrote a petition and send off the letters. One of our friends from San Francisco called his friend, a Jewish Member of the Parliament in Iran,  and found out that it was a hoax. Of course, Iran has made life difficult for people of other faiths including the harassment and pending death penalty for Pastor Naderkhani on the count of Apostasy, an un-Islamic practice in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This goes against the God given freedom in Quran 2:256, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error."

Five years ago Fox News’ Maria Arita in Dallas called me up to inquire about the Muslim push to ban Holocaust education in France – thank God, for authenticity, I called my Jewish friends Bernie Mayoff and Dallas Holocaust Museum director, late Elliott Dlin, who verified that it was indeed a hoax.  Thanks to Maria for killing that rumor. I wish all Fox News reporters followed that example, imagine the damage it would have done to the fragile Jewish-Muslim relationship.

A few months ago, and again now, the rumor has it that the “Islamists” want to drop the teaching of Holocaust in UK, with an emphasis that it offends Muslim students.  In fact the examiner headlines, “British schools drop Holocaust from history lessons so as not to offend Muslims.”  http://www.examiner.com/article/british-schools-drop-holocaust-from-history-lessons-so-as-not-to-offend-muslims That is a lie again, http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/holocaust.asp#tx5BaFtASgSJ3qWD.99

Now yesterday, the big bad news made headlines – that Angola has banned Islam and dismantling Mosques (http://www.africanglobe.net/africa/african-state-angola-bans-islam-mosques-destroyed/). Then I read another item where a Moroccan Muslim insurance tycoon has invested in Angola, those two contradictory news items did not make any sense. Now comes the news, after someone verified with the Angolan Embassy – that the news is not true (http://www.ibtimes.com/angola-denies-it-banned-islam-destroyed-mosques-1484898). I have not been unable to log on to a few websites, nor am I able to reach the Embassy. I will pursue it until I know the absolute facts.  I have called on Russian Embassy when they attempted to Ban Bhagvad Gita or Italian Embassy when a nutty Italian Mayor attempted to ban celebrations of Ganesh (Hindu) Festival. 

A few brutes are happy that Islam was banned in Angola, and some of the thrill seekers will be happier if Muslims in Angola are massacred. Of course, there are an equal number of creeps among Muslims who might be thinking of hurting Angola. We pray that God gives us a heart to feel the pain of others, an eye for an eye will makes us all blind, as Mahatma Gandhi had said. No Muslim is supposed to take his own or others life, yet we have loonies who do that. Of course there are equal number of Hindus, Jews and Christians violate the teachings of their faith.  

To de-stereotype ourselves, consider these numbers. New York had 1,092 Rapes in 2011, and 515 Murders. Is it fair to proclaim that the New Yorkers are rapists and murderers? That is exactly what these dummies are telling by calling Muslims are terrorists, and all the terrorists are Muslims. Indeed, all the 515 Murderers were New Yorkers.  This non-sense defies common sense.

These lies do a lot of damage, some of the right wingers continue with with mal-intent to make villains out of Muslims. Remember, “Injustice to one is injustice to all” (MLK). For you to live without apprehension, the people around you need must be free from your ill-will as well.

I expected Sean Hannity to call me and debate with Pamela Geller or Brigitte Gabriel, who are probably happy to see Muslims getting stripped from their fundamental human rights.  A true human rights activist would stand up for the rights of all humanity, no matter who it is.  I know Hannity would speak up against it as he has spoken against the stupidity of Pastor Terry Jones.  

When I heard the news, my first response was to take a deep breath and meditate.  Is this the kind of world we want, where no human feels safe to eat, drink, wear and believe whatever he or she wants to believe? It comes in the heels of another event that does the opposite, gives a sense of security to a people who lived in perpetual anxiety for over three millenniums; the Jews with the Iranian deal.  What needs to be done about it? How would Pope Francis, Aga Khan, Bishop Tutu and true to God religious leaders would deal with this. What is the guidance from Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, MLK and others? I will be writing the full report in a few days. 

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Mike Ghouse is a 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. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.
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Congratulations Mr. President. Thank you for your persistent peace initiaves with Iran

CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT.
URL - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/congratulations-mr-president-thank-you.html

You are one of the best Presidents we have had after Lincoln, Kennedy, Reagan and Clinton! You care about America, and the well being of Americans.
You are a true caring American!
God bless you, you earned the Nobel Prize over again. This deal with Iran is the right thing. Roping Iran in the community of nations is a relief; let me share with you what it does in seven points.



1.  This is good for America, the gas prices will come down further, and the small contractor who fixes homes and makes a living can get out and drive more for the smaller jobs, and take care of the customers. No more debating and combining jobs.


2. The security of Israel is achieved through this deal. There is a Chinese saying, “if you want to eliminate the enemy, you make friends with them, and if you want to live in perpetual fear, keep frightening and threatening your enemies, neither will live in peace.” The hype created by the war mongering Israeli leadership is in check now.

3. I shudder at the thought of Romney’s presidency; he would have gone to war with Iran to appease other war mongers. Destruction of others is heroism to this sadistic crowd. The only ones that would have been happier would be the ones who would have benefited from it, a few in congresses and senate who live off the favors from such lobbies.

The average Americans would have seen job losses, higher gas prices, home foreclosures, divorces and the curse of budget deficit. I thank God for you.

4. Thanks for putting up with the fits and tantrums of Netanyahu and the Republican extremists, your wisdom has paid off.  Others would have given it back in full, but you held back for the ultimate good of the nation. Thank you. Let them bark and not give you the credit, which you did not care for anyways, but you cared about the good of America, Israel, and the American People and you achieved it.

5. Affordable Care Act is the best thing that has ever happened for the average Americans, eventually 43 million more Americans will benefit from it.  The ones, whose loved ones would have died because no insurance carrier would have taken them for the pre-existing conditions, are going to pray for your well being.  The ones who could not afford insurance are affording it and feel secure about the care they can get, and give it to their loved ones, and they are all praying for your well being.

6. I have listed you as my Pluralist Mentor along with Pope Francis, Bishop Tutu, Aga Khan and Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, and you are a true peace maker, and a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer. Your patience is admired, and my faith in you as a true leader of the world is affirmed.

7. The only one who can bring genuine security to the people of Israel and justice to the Palestinians is you. Both the people deserve security and Justice, as a Muslim, and in behalf of many a Muslims in the world, I would like to see a Jew travel anywhere in the world without fear. He can send his child to a school in west bank dropping all the guards, and I would like to see a Palestinian feel justice is served to him. You have that vision Mr. President, and don’t let anyone stop you from it, and I am at your service.

God is with you, America is with you, the world is with you, and the average Israeli will be with you. A few of my fellow Republicans mean good but don’t know how to express it and resort to the ugliness. They don’t care about Americans or America, and all I can do is pray for them and ask God to remove their prejudices against fellow Americans and appreciate the good you have done for the country.
 
God bless America and God bless you Mr. President.
 
Mike Ghouse
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Mike Ghouse is a 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. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.
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John Boehner signs up for Obama Care, that is hilarious!

THIS IS HILARIOUS! SPEAKER BOEHNER HAS SIGNED UP OBAMA CARE... Al Sharpton is having a field day on this http://www.msnbc.com/politicsnation Boehner has been opposing it endlessly... what a hypocrite.

We the moderate Republicans need to speak up before we lose the majority in the house - may be we should sit on sidelines until the radicals among us come to senses, and I am a Republican and I do not approve what the GOP leadership is getting away with.

These dudes have been shamelessly anti-Obama.

Mike Ghouse

Ghouse Speaks at Homeless Veterans Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon.

URL -http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/ghouse-speaks-at-homeless-veterans.html

Veterans Resource Center, Dallas – November 21, 2013. As an Immigrant American, I strongly feel a bondage with the Veteran issues, particularly these men and women who have risked their lives to defend the freedom we cherish, and they have no home to live, that is sad and makes me feel helpless. Thanks to Obama and Biden for getting the first and 2nd lady to focus on doing everything they can to give them the dignity they deserve when they return from their active duty. I do my share to participate in the Veterans day events.

The good news is, this year similar luncheons (they call it dinner) held in Fort Worth and elsewhere had half the attendance they had last year including the one in Dallas.  May be signs of good times!

The event started with color guard ceremony, followed by the pledge and National Anthem. Peter Dancey welcomed the veterans followed by a short prayer to begin the food service.

Reverend Lannie Lake, the Rabbi and I were debating who who should go first, I suggested that the Rabbi should go first as Judaism is older of the three, followed by Christian and Islamic faiths. The Rabbi decided that the handsome one goes first and I did not have the choice but to go (LOL). Continued below

More pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157637920447103/

Pluralistic prayers

I may have said more words than the following outline.

Thank you for your service. We appreciate you all the times, indeed, when we celebrate the two major Muslim festivals, I have always made a point to appreciate you’ll, the men and women in the Uniform who put your lives to defend our freedom. Thank you.

Now, let’s pray.

Dear creator. Please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Mahio, manito, Yahweh, Elohim, Ishwar, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, Mother Earth, Allah and Jesus Christ.

Dear causer of the universe, we thank you for enriching our nation with different races, nationalities, ethnicities, orientations, languages, cultures, ideals and religions. Indeed, we are represented by everything you have created on this planet.  

Dear causer of the Universe, in your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful America with care, kindness and dignity to every one of the 312 million of us as well as 7 billion of us in the world.

Dear God, guide us to talk, act and believe that we are one humanity and one nation with the diversity you have endowed us with.

Dear God, as we undertake the mission of building cohesive societies, where no one has to live in apprehension of the other, we are painfully aware of the ignorance, fear, mistrust and ill-will that divides us, help us open our hearts and minds towards receiving each other.

In your precious name we bow

Say Amen!

I recited the first Chapter of Quran, Sura Fateh, the most universal prayer one can get.

 Al-Fatiha (The Opening) translated by Asad

1:1 In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace: [1]

1:2 All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds, [2]

1:3 The Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace,

1:4 Lord of the Day of Judgment!

1:5 Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid.

1:6 Guide us the straight way(on the right path).

1:7 The way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have been condemned, nor of those who go astray!

Other notes that I will expand with a title - Jewish Muslim Relations

The Hand symbol in the gold necklace was worn by our Jewish friends. I mentioned to her that the symbol reminds me of many things – my father’s election symbol when he ran for the City Council, it’s the symbol of Jainism and Muslims (Shia) also use the hand symbol. It’s a protection symbol of Jewish friends. The lady pointed out to me that this symbol has two thumbs unlike the Muslim one with one thumb!  Then I got to see a few more beautiful symbols.

A senior gentleman in his eighties wore a beautiful wedding band with Hebrew inscription, he said, it reads, “You are my love and I am your love” – he was proud that he has been married to the same women since a decade, she is 70.

We, meaning Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus and others have a lot of work to do, and I am glad, rather pleased, people feel comfortable with me to spit out their ignorance .  I am glad they do, it puts pressure on me to find a way to remove the myths from facts, and I really feel sad, that people don’t take the time to find the truth and live in apprehensions and fears of others, while the fear mongering industry continues to run their cash machines.

A lady joined me and the pastor for the lunch - and we had some interesting conversation.  I will be posting a separate article on Jewish-Muslim relations.  However, I am confident that the blame virus is confined to the right wing Jews and right wing Muslims. Thank God the moderates are immunized to hate and fear.

I will be posting a full article on Jewish Muslim conflict, and the amount of work we have to do to bring about a change.  www.TheGhousediary.com
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Mike Ghouse is a 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. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.

Speech at Guru Nanak's 545th birth Celebrations in Richardson, Texas

GURU NANAK'S 545TH BIRTH CELEBRATIONS, PARADE AND LANGAR (COMMUNITY LUNCHEON).

URL - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/speech-at-guru-nanaks-545th-birth.html 
PICs- 
 
Richardson, Texas - November 16, 2013

The Gurdwara Sikh Sabha of Richardson held its first Guru Nanak Day parade in Richardson, it covered a distance of about two miles, going north on Abrams and turning right on Centennial at the Richardson Mosque,  and right on Park Lane, and another right on Buckingham Road and then left on Abrams to the Gurdwara.

Speeches were made by by Rev. Bill Matthews, Mike Ghouse and Dr. Harbanslal and members from the police, fire and City councils of Allen, McKinney, Richardson and Garland also shared their comments and support.

The following officers were recognized for their service

1) Sergeant Kirby Luke
     Criminal Investigations Division
     McKinney Police Department

2) Sergeant Brian Alcorn
    Assistant Chief Danny Martin
    Richardson Police Department

3) Mayor Laura Maczka 
    Council member Scott Dunn
    Council member Mark Solomon
    Council member Paul Voelker
    City of Richardson

4) Mayor Beth Van Duyne
    City of Irving

5) Reatta Forte
    Department of Justice

6) Senator John Cornyn
     Will be sending a letter

7) Chief Gregory W. Rushin
     Plano Police Department

      Gurvinder Singh

The Sikhs are known for their legendary hospitality.

A few pictures and my speech.

URL - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/guru-nanaks-teachings-and-its-relevance.html

Appreciation Lunch with Friends in the wake of my open heart surgery.

APPRECIATING FRIENDS

Originally, I was scheduled to have an open heart surgery in Louisville, our Doctors in Dallas decided to do a balloon and a stent instead. I appreciate my friends Dr. Harbans Lal and Dr. Amer Suleman for pushing and facilitating me to go for the alternate procedure. Thanks to Dr. Taysir Jarrah for the smooth operation, I did not even feel it. Thanks again for the prayers, duwas, prarthanas and wishes.

This gave me an opportunity to be silly, idiotic and thoughtful. Hope you like what you read.

Last Friday, I had my check up and Dr. Taysir Jarrah said all looks to be fine, I am breathing better, lungs are taking full air, and the EKG showed even heart beat.

This was a wake-up call for me to think through life, and I am pleased to share the following, this was written when the surgery was originally scheduled.

This is not my obituary. It is a moment of reflection, and if it prompts you to think about your own mirror, then I have served the purpose of writing this note.

Another 20 minutes would have ended my life on July 9, 2013 without giving a notice,  it was indeed a major heart attack.  Of course, no one but the manufacturer knows the life of our battery; we don’t come stamped with unlimited life warranty. I hope you find this booklet to be your mirror.

Should I become the statistics and not make it through the surgery, I want you to know that I have lived my life and am happy to go or stay on.

Michami Dukadam is a powerful phrase I have learned from Jainism, it simply means I will wipe all the negative thoughts from my mind, and ask you to do the same, I seek forgiveness from you, and I reciprocate the same. It will release both of us from burdensome bondage into Moksha, Mukti, Nijaat, Salvation or freedom.

Today is one such day, I am asking ya’ll to forgive me and I will do my part, I carry no-ill will, malice or hatred towards any one. Thank God, I am free like my new Grandson Jayden.

Full Story at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/michami-dukadam-starting-life-over-with.html

Mike, Becky, Lili and Mary

Judi and Arkow

 

Faiza and Mike

 

Joshusa, Todd and Mani

Yuri, Mark and Mark

Karen and David

Mike and John

My friends

SK, Sudha and Sandhya Mittal

Rebekah and Judi

Rizwan and Nauman

Muhammad and Tatiana

Janet and Len

Dr. Asif and Ehtesham Syed

Let’s start our life on a clean slate.

Michami Dukadam.  

Thank youmike
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
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Mike Ghouse is a 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. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.

Appreciation Dinner for my poetry friends in Urdu and Hindi language

Appreciation Luncheon and Dinner for Poetry friends
Website: www.UrduHindi.net

Click the pictures to see large version.

An open heart surgery was scheduled for me on 11/12/13 – that did not happen, thanks to my friends Dr. Harbans Lal and Dr. Amer Suleman who encouraged and facilitated an alternative; a balloon and the stent. I was in and out and Dr. Taysir Jarrah was incredibly efficient, and I did not even feel that something was done to me. Last Friday, I had my check up and Dr. Taysir Jarrah said all looks to be fine, I am breathing better, lungs are taking full air, and the EKG showed even heart beat.

I had luncheons to appreciate the friends who have been good to me all these years and then a dinner to appreciate my friends from the poetry circles. I have written enough about it, and now the pictures. 

Thanks to Zia Khan my friend for taking and sharing these pictures. I am posting the pictures I have recieved, I know several more pictures are missing. If any one has pictures other than these, please share.

The dinner turned out to be a good poetry session. Here are the pictures from Dinner and I appreciate each one of the poet for sharing their poetry.  Attached below is a write up by Saeed Qureshi Saheb.

Click the pictures to see large version. 

thanks to friends

 D. D. Maini

  

 Yasmeen and Mike Ghouse

 Mike Ghouse

 Javed Rashid

 Dr. Shamsa Qureshi

 Dr. Hyder

 Shah Alam Siddiqi

 Masood Qazi

 Muhammad Ali

 Dr. Kundawala

 Aditya Singh

 Zohra Chisti

 Maliha Durrani

 Mike Ghouse

 Anand Punjabi

 Noor Amrohvi

 Surinder Mittal

 Samina Ali

Younuz Ijaz

 Dr. Harbans Lal

Dr. Amer Suleman

 Group Picture taken as an after thought.

Thank you, please mark your Calendar for Saturday, March 29, 2014 for another Mushaera/ Sammelan on Pluralism theme. The details are above on the right hand side column.  This website is www.UrduHindi.net  

Saeed Qureshi Saheb writes this:

Appreciation Dinner for Poetry Friends

Reported by Saeed Qureshi

www.uprightopinion.com 

This was the logo of the dinner-cum Mushaira hosted by famous humanist Jinab Mike Ghouse on the evening of November 6 instant at the Funasia Asia cultural center. He had invited a select circle of his friends and well-wishers to this very enjoyable and culturally rich assemblage. This was the second Mushaira hosted by Mike Sahib. It was blazoned with such illustrious themes as pluralism, humanism and unity in diversity. The third Mushaira in the row is due in March next as was also announced this evening. 

The proceedings lasted till midnight and came to a close on the group photo session. A sumptuous dinner was served before the start of the much waited Mushaira. The menu of dinner among other delicious items had an additional dish that we call “curry” in our Urdu or Hindi diction. It was very deliciously and diligently cooked. It was the most sought-after item of that splendid and enjoyable evening. 

Those among poets who turned out to attend this unique evening were Yunus Ijaz, Shah Alam, Qazi Masood, Saeed Qureshi, Zohra Chishti, Dr Shamsa, Mrs. Nadir Durrani, Dr. Amir Suleman, Javed Rashid, Noor Amrohvi, Mr. S.K.Mittal and D.D. Maini. A local famous female poetess Naheed Shah was incidentally in Pakistan so his husband Mr. Ali read some the verses from her poetry. Zahid Akhtar Khanzada, a prominent journalist was also present on this auspicious occasion.

There was no ascending or descending order as is usually followed in the traditional Mushairas. According to that order, the poets are called to the podium by virtue of their seniority or fame in poetry. So such order starts from the junior most and ends at the senior most. But delightfully this strait jacket was set aside and that was the most alluring hallmark of this also a very enchanting Mushaira. 

Besides poetry presentation there was a joke and tidbits’ session that injected a jovial, buoyant and rather piquant feature into the already vibrant environment of this pleasant company. Dr. Harbans Lal’s joke was outstanding and unleashed a roar of laughter among the audience.

I would mention the salient points of the speech of the host Mr. Mike Ghouse in which he thanked the guests for coming all the way to attend this function. He spoke at length describing the ordeals through which he had gone as a result of a sudden heart attack last July. He thanked Dr. Suleman for a timely arrangement for the surgery that was instrumental in saving his life. His next bypass surgery is schedule in November next year. The speakers one after another, complimented Mr. Mike for a new lease of life and prayed and hoped that like many survivors of heart attack, he would also live longer for many years.

Let me add that Mr. Mike Ghouse is a reputed and celebrated participant in TV talk shows and a popular speaker in religious and social congregations and conventions from time to time. He is an embodiment of civility and humility and is soft spoken. His profile as given in his blogs is quite impressive and I have the honor to reproduce a part of that hereunder.

“Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work and social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.”