First Post for 2016 - On gratitude and being a catalyst

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION => GRATITUDE => CATALYST
www.TuheGhouseDiary.com"

Let me start the New Year with gratitude, and a short prayer for the well being of fellow humans and the increasingly inclusive environment that we all live in .

I am what I am today because of others, and so are you. We have to find our own path despite what others say or do to us, blaming others will not change a thing in our lives, but working to improve will increase the chances of getting better.

If we help others do well, we can see how magically it transforms all of us,  it is unbelievable. The bottom line? If you want to do well in life, make sure others do well without demanding or expecting returns or complaining if they don’t appreciate you.

Thanks for the 1200+ birthday and New Years wishes and positive notes in my inbox and 100+ on my facebook wall, it is indeed uplifting! Once again, a very happy new year to you.

Mr. Harbans Lal, my first boss in 1972 was one of the catalysts in my life; he encouraged my writing abilities, whenever I wrote letters for his company. His words echo in my ears even after 40 years that I am a good writer, which I was not.

Life is not that easy though, while most of my bosses uplifted me, two of my bosses were hell bent on pulling me down, no matter what I did, they found faults or downplayed my achievements, at worse dismissed them. They did choose to give credit on insignificant things. Did that pull me down? Hell no, they lost potential supporters for their own business. I wish Bill Gates can go on a speaking tour and let the world know that the more you lift others, the more millionaires you make out of your employees, and more rich you get in fame and fortune.

If you don’t have the ability to see goodness in others, shut up, don’t pull them down… because that is one of the three reasons that pulls you down. Please remember, pulling others down will never raise you up, but uplifting others most certainly uplifts you! I guarantee it.

Today, you can pledge to be a catalyst like Harbans Lal to others, uplift others in whatever endeavors one pursues or has the potential, be a contributor to the well being of your own self and everything that surrounds you; people and environment.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a motivational speaker,  a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, newsmaker and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam,politics, Terrorism, human rights, India, Israel-Palestine, 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

Results by Mike Ghouse

Results for America Together Foundation, World Muslim Congress and the Foundation for Pluralism. 
RESULTS FOR AMERICAN MUSLIMS

Here is what we have done and will continue to do, and if this appeals to you, we ask your support. 


It is a successful strategic action plan; engage with the Media ( TV, Print and Radio), engage with polarized minds and, be a catalyst in social integration. If we learn about each other with respect, despite the existing stance we have, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

All our work is about taking the relationships from detached estrangement to positive engagement with successful outcomes, almost all our activities are bridge building in nature, and as a result we are becoming a catalyst in social integration.

1. Positive engagement with Fox News, instead of running away from it. We chose to work with Sean Hannity and Stuart Varney, who finally promised not to use the phrase “Muslim Terrorist” or bash Quran.  I have been on Hannity for six years and have appeared on 110 TV shows and innumerable Syndicated Radio shows and about 5 times on Stuart Varney Show, and nearly 150 times on Fox News. Video-1, Video -2, 

2. Unity Day USA, turning a negative 9/11 day into a positive unifying day for over 12 years in a row now. www.Unitydayusa.com

3. Holocaust and Genocides – for 10 years now, we have been building bridges with people, and almost all communities who have endured these brutalities by coming together and seeing the humanness in each one of us and reflect on never again.  www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

 

4. Thanksgiving Celebrations and Awards Night – for 18 years, we have been sharing different cultural expressions with fellow Americans. www.thanksgivingcelebrations.org

5. Peacefully easing the Quran burning pastor Terry Jones into oblivion through non-violent positive engagement. If funds become available a documentary will be made for the Muslim world to understand free speech and for non-Muslims to clearly understand that violence is not Islamic but comes from the fringe among us.  http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/04/reestablishing-right-muslim-attitudes.html

6.  Successfully handled Quran bashing by Pastor Robert Jeffers into an educational event and creating a positive understanding about Quran among pastors, clergy, rabbis, and others. These ten pastors in Dallas will defend the sanctity of Quran with their church members, as they were a part of the solutions in the conference.  Umpteen TV and Newspaper write ups about it. www.QuraanConference.com

 

7. In Summary – over 3000 Articles on Islam, Pluralism and other matters are written. 175 TV appearances, over 150 syndicated Radio shows, and over 30 major events to bring people together.

Our mission at America Together Foundation is simply this; “To build a cohesive America where no American has to live in tension, apprehension or fear of the others.”  We need an America where Muslim, Jews, African Americans, Latinos and all others feel safe, and want their children’s life style to continue to be secure despite Trumps and other hiccups.

 www.Americatogetherfoundation.com,www.foundationforpluralism.com
and www.WorldMuslimCongress.com ;

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We can do a lot more to turn things around for Muslims and fellow Americans, please donate generously at: http://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/

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What did I write about Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney and Fox News today?
Let me know, and I will be happy to email you.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, newsmaker and a professional speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam,  politics, human rights,  Terrorism,

  and foreign policy.  Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Visit him - 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com 

Press Release: American Muslims stand with the U.S. President on Countering radicalization of Muslims

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 – text or talk
Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org 

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Washington, D.C., December 7, 2015 – The San Bernardino mass shooting and the horrific loss of life and injuries last week have prompted serious soul searching among Muslims across the nation about the causes of home grown radicalization and how to counter it.

We stand with the President and his plans to eliminate the vicious ideology of Daesh, also known as ISIS.  “We agree with President Obama that ISIS does not speak for Islam, and American Muslims unequivocally reject ISIS’ hateful and misguided ideology” stated Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui, President of American Muslim Institution.

While we mourn the deaths of fellow Americans in the 355 mass shootings this year, we particularly mourn the loss of life and resulting injuries in the San Bernardino mass shooting,  because a Muslim and his wife were responsible for the mass murder.   

It is the responsibility of all Americans to help law enforcement officials in maintaining law and order and to assure the safety of every citizen. It is the duty of all of us to fight against radicalization through education and community engagement and work on promoting peace and harmony.  As American Muslims we have a greater responsibility in countering radicalization and violent extremism.  

# # # https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/12/05/president-obama-addresses-nation-keeping-american-people-safe

Join American Muslims against ISIS and Terrorism on the steps of Lincoln Memorial

PRESS RELEASE

Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
website: www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

American Muslims against ISIS gather up on the steps of Lincoln Memorial

Washington, DC, November 19, 2015 – Muslims around the world and particularly Americans Muslims have been sick of the terrorists, particularly the ISIS and the Al-Qaeda guys ever since they started terrorizing the lives of innocent people. We mourn the loss of lives in France, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria and elsewhere in the world and firmly stand against the terrorists.

Given the short notice prior to the Thanksgiving weekend, the Muslims of Washington, DC have organized a gathering of Americans of different faiths to come together on the steps of Lincoln Memorial and make the statements of condemnations.We hope this event effectively conveys a message to the terrorists that the world is against them, and that we are all in this together; opposing terrorism and condemning ISIS.  

You are all invited to join us on the steps of Lincoln Memorial:

• Date: 11/20/15
• Day: Friday |
• Time: 3:00 -4:30 PM 
• Place: On the steps of Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
• Website: www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

The purpose of this gathering is to send a clear message to the ISIS and their ilk, that American Muslims are angry about their actions. They are to be charged for the violations of human rights, forcing women into slavery, conversions at gun point, harassment of Christians, Yazidis, Shias, Jews, Sunnis and other minorities, and most certainly creating chaos and abusing the name of Islam. 

We cannot tolerate any of these acts and we urge our president to speak out in behalf of fellow humans,  and give them three days notice to back off, surrender, and repent for their actions or face the consequences.

We invite Americans of all faiths and no faiths to join us in standing up against ISIS.  Yes, we the Muslims are as angry as average American. Indeed, we are all in this together.

We pledge that we are one nation under the flag, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Please join us on the steps of Lincoln Memorial.

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SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS 

We will be listing as many participating organizations as we can. Please send an email with the name of your organization, website and your phone number,  and we will add to the list below.

01. ADAMS Center, All Dulles Area Muslim Society
02. American Muslim Institution, Washington, DC
03. Washington Area Jews for Jewish Muslim Understanding
04. Geotrees, An Intercultural Crossroads for the History of the Future
05. Islamic Community Center of Potomac
06. Foundation for Pluralism
07. The world Organization for Resources development and Education.
08. Muslims for Peace, Justice and Progress 
09. United Maryland Muslim Council
10. Howard County Muslim Council
11. UMA Interfaith Alliance
12. Muslim Community Center of Maryland
13. Montgomery County Muslim Foundation
14. Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 
15. Islamic Center of Long Island
16. IMANA International Collaboration
17. UMMAA Broadcasting
18. Hillside Islamic Center New Hyde Park NY

We appreciate the PSA announcements from Stuart Varney and Jennie Lubart of Fox News and we invite them to cover this event. 

Rabbi Jonathan Sachs Hugs Mike Ghouse

Hugs with Rabbi Jonathan Sachs

Washington, DC, November 12, 2015-- Emeritus Chief Rabbi of UK delivered a talk upon the release of his book, “Not in God’s name, confronting religious violence” at the Brookings Institution.   I'll just highlight a few key points as the full conversation will be available at Bookings archives soon.

A meaningful Hug with the Rabbi

In the Q&A segment, I responded to Rabbi's typical question, where are the moderate Muslims and which he answered it himself; there is none. 

I spoke up, Rabbi, I've some good news for you, there are 6 million moderate Muslims here in America, and I'm one of them. You came to the right place, welcome to America. May you be soaked in peace and drenched in peace, shalom.

Let's work together in creating cohesive societies rather than living in fear of each other? I'm here to answer any question about Islam and Muslims any one has.

The Rabbi welcomed my offer and wanted to give me a hug, and I said, I'll walk up-to you (I was in the very back of the room), but we decided to hug after the event.

I asked him, “Rabbi, since you correctly traced radicalism among Muslims to the year 1979, compounded by the fatwa on Rushdie, the first ever fatwa with universal application, I have to ask you this. Do you think all this mess with Iran could have been avoided, if we (the Americans) had asked Shah of Iran to step down in 1979, signaling to the people of Iran that we are with them and not their oppressor? Had that happened, the Iranians would not have become our enemies, right?

 Indeed much of the mess was started with the Iranian revolution. He acknowledged the question and said we have to think about it. He did not have much to answer other than saying that he wants to look forward and not backwards.

I did not get to ask few more questions like; how reliable is the survey he quoted? That 83% of Palestinians want Israel wiped out? Was the same question asked of Israelis?

He said Israel is more isolated than ever before, anti-Semitism is on rise... I wanted to ask if there was any reflection on his part to see what Israeli policies have contributed towards such isolation. He also said that a majority of Muslims support suicide bombing which I disagree, he is given cooked up figures to justify Islamophobia. I am a Muslim in touch with thousands of Muslims around the world, and it is rare for any Muslim to support suicide bombing. The Quran forbids killing oneself or killing others, the loosy goosy ones do it because they are nuts. I don't buy their piss poor excuses and give them a break. I will say to them you SOB, you are the one who killed and I am going nail your tail for that.

There is a lot of research on the topic including my observations atwww.IsraelPalestineDialogue.com 

Well, the Q&A Session ended, and I started walking to the front. Amazing thing happened; I hope there is a video of it. As I walked, the people started opening up for me to walk thru – like Moses did when the Nile was split, and the conversation was passed on from the back to the front…. … Going for a hug? Rabbi’s hugger is going…. you remember the movie crocodile Dundee? You may recall how Kathleen Turner’s dialogues were passed on from group to group until it reached Dundee all the way to the train in the Subway?  Hell, yes, I enjoyed it. 

Well, the Rabbi was ready for me for the hug! And we hugged each other and promised to work on mitigating Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, Misogyny, racism, Xenophobia and homophobia – all evils of humanity that break the society apart.  Yes, we have a lot of work to do, and do, we will. 

We exchanged cards, I was representing American Muslim Institution and he was representing the office of Emeritus Chief Raabi.  

After that, I had some heart to heart conversation with a few Jewish friends, including meeting Mati Engel, director of National Initiatives of the Embassy of Israel, whom I will contact in the next few weeks. 

An Orthodox Jewish Lady had good questions about the two solutions; my response was security for Israel hinges on justice for the Palestinians and vice versa. One will not happen without the other.  

Another person asked me a million dollar question – Why can’t the Arab Lands absorb the Palestinians?  My response was instant – why should they? Don’t the Jewish people longed for a home? Shouldn’t the Palestinians long for their home? Home land is like a mother, people are emotionally bonded to her, you cannot extricate one from the other.   Besides, if Arab or anyone out there absorbs the forcibly evicted people from their homes, you will be legitimizing such evictions, as a civilized family of nations, we cannot do it. I am not in favor of it. 

Palestinians and the Israelis can live on that land together; we have to build mechanisms for that – The Israeli and Palestinians have to see each others sufferings and empathise their apprehensions, as humans, they have to give full dignity to each other. It can be done and I hope to get to that some day. Indeed, the current Israeli President, Mr. Reuven Rivlin believes and supports the idea of Israel Palestine Confederation of which I am a Board Member.

More notes will be appended in a few days right here at: www.TheGhousediary.comand www.israelPalestineDialogue.com

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

India Burning - A new avatar of ISIS is taking birth in Hinduism

I urge Moderate Hindus around the world to condemn the new avatar of ISIS in India. Hindu religion is a peaceful religion and its name is being tarnished. They need to speak up, as the radical Hindus are hijacking their religion, they are openly dictating what one eats, wear or believe. Yesterday, a Chief Minister of a state was threatened to be beheaded if he ate beef. Writers were murdered in day light, men and women are being lynched for their beliefs...

What is Prime Minister Modi doing? Is he backing this extreme version of Hinduism? God only knows, he has remained silent over all these incidents. Not a word of condemnation?

Moderate Hindus have to speak up to save the good name of Hinduism.  

   

Indians are consumed by the developments.

A few clips from my responses on facebook:

Yogi, yes, the moderate India is peace loving; moderate Hindus are peace loving; moderate Muslims are peace loving and moderate Christians are peace loving

Right now the radicals among Hindus are bent on destroying that beautiful tradition, and I am urging Moderate Hindus to stop the radicals from branding Hinduism negatively. 

Another clip:

If you cannot present a logical explanations, you tend to resort to, “ blatant lies about India , Indians and specially Hindus.”  You don’t make any sense. 

We have to save India from being run over by the ISIS like radicals, if we don’t, India’s future will be severely affected. Moody’s has already made the call and it is possible that investors may pull out of India, it will create a massive chaos and unemployment. Do you want that to happen? 

Are you telling me the threat to behead Siddaramiah should be ignored?

Are you telling me raping a dead woman is Hinduism?

Are you telling me burning Dalits is Hinduism?

Are you telling me lynching a guy in Dadri is Hinduism?

Are you telling me hacking Kulbargi to death is Hinduism?

Are you telling me messing with the face of Kulkarni is Hinduism?

If you think yes, then you have not understood Hinduism, a religion that teaches non-violence.

What does it take for you to understand that Hindutva and Hinduism are two different things, one is a political radical ideology and other is peaceful religion? Just as Islam and Islamism, Islam and ISIS and other combinations with other faiths. 

 When we see bad things happen, we have to speak up. It is not about Hindus, it is about India which is a collective pride of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Dalits and all other Indians.

Most Indians are capable of discussions but a few are not, tend to be belligerent.  I urge them to stick to a topic and not jump from subject to subject without completing one. If you want to wrap up and get an understanding of the item, you have stick to the central theme of the discussion.  I further request my friends to respond with reason and fact, rather than resorting to calling the other a liar. Please develop the skills to distinguish between Hinduism and Hindutva, Islam and Islamism, Christianity and Neocons – one is a beautiful religion and other is a political ideology bent on subjugating the other.  We are all in this together to create a society where all of us can live in harmony and with least amount of conflicts. Let’s live our life and others live theirs.

More at http://MikeGhouseforIndia.blogspot.com 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, human rights, India,  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