Devastating Floods in Kashmir

https://www.saddahaq.com/environment/floodskashmir/devastating-floods-in-kashmir-appeal

Mike Ghouse

Kashmiri's around the world have been hankering for any communications for the whereabouts of their loved ones. My friends Shamim, Sharat, Romana, Nyla, Muzaffar, Virendra and all others have been lucky to have traced their families back home. Romana said a flood of such magnitude was last recorded several centuries ago.

Appeal from the people of Kashmir

I am writing about a humanitarian crisis. Kashmir was hit recently by massive floods. Water has been flowing through densely populated cities, rising up to 27 feet and destroying everything in its path, including homes, hospitals, and emergency centers.

More than 700,000 people have become instantaneously homeless, with hundreds dead and thousands still unaccounted for.

This unprecedented humanitarian crisis needs our help. I have identified a trustworthy, charitable organization that is working very hard to save lives and provide relief. It is my humble request that you donate generously to aid in the rescue, relief, and recovery of the people of Kashmir.

Shamim Sadiq wrote, Floods need to be overcome. Mud and silt needs to be cleaned. Roads need to be repaired. Homes need to be rebuilt. Despair needs to be overcome. Hope needs to be rebuilt. Faith needs to be hung on to. Evil needs to be destroyed. Help needs to be selfless. Avenues need to be opened. Channels need to be created. Sincerity needs to be encouraged. Love needs to prevail.

Oh so much work to do. Oh where do we start. Of Course with intention. Followed by action. persistence. Perseverance. Dedication. Optimism. See where road takes us. We are not in it alone. We need your help.

You, do we have your support? We need your intention to start with. Humanity has to prevail.
Help us restore this broken chain. One brick at a time. One meal at a time . One medicine at a time. One penny at a time. One boat at a time. One pump at a time. One volunteer at a time. One missionary at a time. One doctor at a time. One selfless person at a time. One organization at a time. Please help us remove the self created worldly barrier and limitations, and rescue people who need us one person at a time.

Our brothers and sisters are suffering. Whether Muslims , Hindus , Christian or Sikhs. Resources are limited. Avenues and channels are tiny, and compartmentalized. Please widen those channels and resources.

Please, the flood survivors in need of things for survival. Help a mother save her kid from dying due to a water born disease. Help an elderly man restore his broken home, the house he lived all his life. Help a passionate person whose shop got destroyed. Help an elderly woman who is left alone in her house. Help a pregnant woman overcome her trauma of giving birth to still child. The list goes on and on. It is my request to you fellow humans around the world.

Please help create a chain so that selfless help from Ecuador benefits someone in Lal Bazar. Someone praying in Tanzania saves a person from getting drowned in Rajbag. A child promoting a fundraiser in Uganda helps save the broken home of a handicapped man in Sopore. I am requesting my brothers and sisters around the world to look at this tragedy as an opportunity to connect the chains we seems to have broken along the course of our life.

We all belong to one earth. We are all small pieces of big puzzle. We either choose to disrupt it or help restore the big picture by adding our piece of the puzzle. In the end it will create a beautiful symbiotic picture that no one can destroy. That piece of puzzle lies in your and mine.

I request you to please make that effort and help change this disaster into a blessing. This will help bring the whole world together again 'As We are one !' Peace.

CLICK HERE to Donate now.Your donation will be fully tax-deductible and the Tax ID is listed on the website.
------------- 
............................................................................................................................... 
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. All about him is listed in several links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are atwww.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

This is a great statement from Modi, and once again, I will have to see if his actions will match his words. I pray things go well for every Indian without regard to ones faith, regionality or language.  My last article before the closure of elections at Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/indias-modi-on-his-best-behavior-can-we-trust-him_b_5280892.html#es_share_ended

These are good words, almost sound like I wrote them. If he is true and mean it,  I am looking forward to a true progress.  

 

"This is the right time to look ahead. It is a time to connect with each other. Lets place people over politics, hope over despair, healing over hurting, inclusion over exclusion and development over divisiveness. It is natural for the spirit of bipartisanship to get temporarily lost in the midst of an election campaign but now is the time to resurrect it," Modi said on his blog.

Mike Ghouse

Now, Narendra Modi dons statesman’s cap

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Now-Narendra-Modi-dons-statesmans-cap/articleshow/35041071.cms

 

 

NEW DELHI: With the Lok Sabha elections coming to an end and exit polls pointing to a BJP victory, Narendra Modi on Monday said it was time to resurrect the spirit of bipartisanship in Indian politics which was temporarily lost in the poll campaign.

"This is the right time to look ahead. It is a time to connect with each other. Lets place people over politics, hope over despair, healing over hurting, inclusion over exclusion and development over divisiveness. It is natural for the spirit of bipartisanship to get temporarily lost in the midst of an election campaign but now is the time to resurrect it," Modi said on his blog.

Admitting that this was a hard-fought election which witnessed both joyous and heated moments, Modi said, "Now is the time to put the heat and dust of the campaign behind and look ahead. Irrespective of who wins on the 16th, the dreams of a billion Indians should not suffer."

He said though political parties and candidates have differing ideologies, "but our goal is one — to work for India and to fulfill the aspirations of our youth".

Modi, however, took a swipe at Congress saying the ruling party, which sets the poll agenda, had neither been proactive nor responsive, but reactive and lauded the NDA for being firmly focused on its agenda of development and good governance, even while calling for peace.

"There were attempts to digress from these issues but we remained firm," he said, apparently referring to the political discourse on his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Modi said the 2014 elections will stand out for the increased turnout and gave credit to people for being "undisputed winners" .

He also expressed gratitude to the Election Commission for conducting the mammoth exercise. He had attacked the EC and accused it of being "partisan" during the campaigning. "I congratulate the EC and the entire election and security staff for their continuous efforts during the entire election," he said.

He also lauded the role of social media and said due to it, "lies and false promises" of several leaders could not go beyond the podiums of their rallies and called for more power to social media.

"It has caused the downfall of manufactured lies and half-truths at a very nascent stage ... In this age of information and social media, the lies that come out of their microphones cannot even get past the podium of their speech venues, forget reaching others. More power to social media in the days ahead," he said.

Immigration -Common ground can be found in a new America

Dallas Morning News interviewed John Hammond, Dr. Jari Khan and Mike Ghouse

A new American citizen holds a U.S. flag after a naturalization ceremony last month.
William McKenzie: Common ground can be found in a new America

wmckenzie@dallasnews.com
Published: 04 November 2013 09:13 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/columnists/william-mckenzie/20131104-william-mckenzie-common-ground-can-be-found-in-a-new-america.ece


Wiry John Hammond speaks fast and greets a stranger with a broad smile. He watches his computer while listening to a conversation but answers quickly when asked a question. The energy is what you would expect from an entrepreneur whose career involves multitasking.

Hammond owns FunAsia, a collection of entertainment centers and banquet halls that primarily cater to Asians in Richardson and Houston. The certified public accountant also owns a radio station. And he has started remodeling an abandoned office tower he bought in North Dallas. The entryway to Hammond’s office displays pictures of him with prominent members of both political parties, including President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State James Baker.

Dr. Jari Khan practices medicine in Collin County, where he and his family have resided for the last decade. The soft-spoken internist did his training in New York after arriving from Pakistan in 1999.

Hammond came from Pakistan, too. Except his name was not John Hammond. He changed it about the time he became an American citizen. He knows Anglicizing his name, and those of his children, is controversial among some fellow Muslims. But he has no regrets. “A name connects you to a place,” says Hammond.

Mike Ghouse spends almost every waking hour promoting tolerance and diversity. He heads the Dallas-based Foundation for Pluralism. (Ghouse also contributes regularly to The Dallas Morning News’ Texas Faith blog.) A native of India, Ghouse came to the United States through the sponsorship of a Mormon he worked with on a business project in Saudi Arabia. Now he heads an organization whose goal is inclusion of all Americans.

“I feel it is important to be part of the place where we live and are sustained,” he says.

The four of us talked recently in Hammond’s office about what it takes to assimilate into America. This country is engaged in one of its great periodic demographic shifts, where we are once again refashioning the face of America. I wanted to hear from them what it is like for immigrants from countries with significant Muslim populations. How do they make it in America?

Interestingly, each of them said it made a difference if you came here by yourself as opposed to coming as part of an extended family. If you came here alone, they agreed, you are likely to be much more motivated to get out, join groups, volunteer your time and create associations.

By contrast, if you arrived as part of a larger family, you are less likely to get out into the larger community. You have your own affiliations already in place.

As I listened to them talk, I thought of my own family’s experience. The McKenzie side of my family came to Galveston from Scotland in the 1880s. The first generation mostly stayed close to the island and maintained its clan. The second and third generations ventured farther out, moving away from Galveston and becoming part of their new communities.

That takes time, however. Meanwhile, some immigrants with extended families live in parallel universes, especially if they don’t speak the language or understand many customs. The challenge for social and cultural institutions, such as civic groups, religious organizations and business associations, is to reach out and bring them into the whole.

Khan certainly is involved in finding common ground. Along with his medical practice, he works with an annual Muslim for Life blood drive to support North Texas. He is active in Plano’s Multicultural Outreach Roundtable. And through his volunteer work, he has met the mayors of most North Texas cities. His faith, he says, teaches him to contribute to the community where you live.

The lives of Hammond, Khan and Ghouse are just three of many successful stories of integration. As debate continues in Washington about immigration reform, it’s important that we all remember that such stories exist, whether they involve émigrés from primarily Muslim nations or from Mexico.

A more open immigration system will change the face of the country. Still, common ground can be found amid our diversity. It will just take hard work.

Dallas Morning News editorial columnist William McKenzie’s email address is wmckenzie



@dallasnews.com. He moderates the Texas Faith blog at dallasnews.com/texasfaith and contributes to the Education blog. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_mckenzie.
------------

William McKenzie: Common ground can be found in a new America

John Moore/Getty Images

A new American citizen holds a U.S. flag after a naturalization ceremony last month.

William McKenzie
wmckenzie@dallasnews.com
Published: 04 November 2013 09:13 PM
Updated: 04 November 2013 09:13 PM

Wiry John Hammond speaks fast and greets a stranger with a broad smile. He watches his computer while listening to a conversation but answers quickly when asked a question. The energy is what you would expect from an entrepreneur whose career involves multitasking.

Hammond owns FunAsia, a collection of entertainment centers and banquet halls that primarily cater to Asians in Richardson and Houston. The certified public accountant also owns a radio station. And he has started remodeling an abandoned office tower he bought in North Dallas. The entryway to Hammond’s office displays pictures of him with prominent members of both political parties, including President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State James Baker.

Dr. Jari Khan practices medicine in Collin County, where he and his family have resided for the last decade. The soft-spoken internist did his training in New York after arriving from Pakistan in 1999.

Hammond came from Pakistan, too. Except his name was not John Hammond. He changed it about the time he became an American citizen. He knows Anglicizing his name, and those of his children, is controversial among some fellow Muslims. But he has no regrets. “A name connects you to a place,” says Hammond.

Mike Ghouse spends almost every waking hour promoting tolerance and diversity. He heads the Dallas-based Foundation for Pluralism. (Ghouse also contributes regularly to The Dallas Morning News’ Texas Faith blog.) A native of India, Ghouse came to the United States through the sponsorship of a Mormon he worked with on a business project in Saudi Arabia. Now he heads an organization whose goal is inclusion of all Americans.

“I feel it is important to be part of the place where we live and are sustained,” he says.

The four of us talked recently in Hammond’s office about what it takes to assimilate into America. This country is engaged in one of its great periodic demographic shifts, where we are once again refashioning the face of America. I wanted to hear from them what it is like for immigrants from countries with significant Muslim populations. How do they make it in America?

Interestingly, each of them said it made a difference if you came here by yourself as opposed to coming as part of an extended family. If you came here alone, they agreed, you are likely to be much more motivated to get out, join groups, volunteer your time and create associations.

By contrast, if you arrived as part of a larger family, you are less likely to get out into the larger community. You have your own affiliations already in place.

As I listened to them talk, I thought of my own family’s experience. The McKenzie side of my family came to Galveston from Scotland in the 1880s. The first generation mostly stayed close to the island and maintained its clan. The second and third generations ventured farther out, moving away from Galveston and becoming part of their new communities.

That takes time, however. Meanwhile, some immigrants with extended families live in parallel universes, especially if they don’t speak the language or understand many customs. The challenge for social and cultural institutions, such as civic groups, religious organizations and business associations, is to reach out and bring them into the whole.

Khan certainly is involved in finding common ground. Along with his medical practice, he works with an annual Muslim for Life blood drive to support North Texas. He is active in Plano’s Multicultural Outreach Roundtable. And through his volunteer work, he has met the mayors of most North Texas cities. His faith, he says, teaches him to contribute to the community where you live.

The lives of Hammond, Khan and Ghouse are just three of many successful stories of integration. As debate continues in Washington about immigration reform, it’s important that we all remember that such stories exist, whether they involve émigrés from primarily Muslim nations or from Mexico.

A more open immigration system will change the face of the country. Still, common ground can be found amid our diversity. It will just take hard work.

Dallas Morning News editorial columnist William McKenzie’s email address is wmckenzie

@dallasnews.com. He moderates the Texas Faith blog at dallasnews.com/texasfaith and contributes to the Education blog. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_mckenzie.
------------

Best and Worst of Republican Convention Speeches

I will give an A to Paul Ryan, if he can lean towards the Moderate majority, I will give him an A+.  It was stunning speech.

He offered one of the best explanations on the faith differential between Romney and him. This is advancement in Republican thinking and I am glad to see them catch up with the idea of Pluralism, maybe it is just Ryan, and I hope he means it for the whole nation and not just a convention talk.
 

Ryan delivered the best lines about small business people working 7 days a week to make it happen, it seemed credible.  Acknowledging his mother as a role model was wonderful.

One of the best lines on Republicanism was, “We chose to limit the government rather than the economy.”  Indeed, it was a powerful statement and rekindled the dying Republican flame in me; it was a strong Republican principle, but has become a rhetoric with the Republican leadership now.

Ryan nearly lied when he said; Obama wants them to give credit to government for their success, Obama did not say that, neither has Obama said a few other things that Ryan was trying to ascribe to him. Ryan did not have to risk his credibility by resorting to half truths.

My suggestion to Ryan is to keep the Radical Republicans like Huckabee, Santorum, Gingrich, Rove, Cheney and Cain miles away. And don’t attack Obama, it will be a losing proposition, build it on your own, you have the ideas to build upon.

Had it been for McCain,  he would have screwed it up by going to war in Egypt, Libya, Iran, Syria and elsewhere, it is a guaranteed way of weakening America. He was humping and itching to go to war, and had we listened to him, we would have seen more body bags of fellow Americans, increased debt crisis, alienation from the world and a weak America at the end. Thank God for Obama's reluctance, it has prevented a major disaster from happening to America.

Ryan said a few good things, he may have meant it, but he has to prove it.  A civilized nation is where the “strong protects the weak”. If you ask that question to women, gays, lesbians, Muslims, and immigrants - they will call him a hypocrite. He may not be, but the company he keeps are.

Despite his destructive foreign policy approach, McCain is good for America if his policy is contained to our borders, I expected McCain to deliver a good speech, and he did. At times I felt he was not himself, and was atttempting to give what the conditioned Republican crowd wanted; drums of war and machoism.  

Huckabee's bigotry comes right through, and I did not want to listen to his whole speech. He called himself a loser and rightly so. Tim Pawlenty was never strong, Chris Christie was a major disappointment as I was expecting him to deliver a powerful speech, he dampened the Republican flame in me, it was an opportunity for him to straighten the Republicans.

Ann Romney was graceful and her brief message communicated a whole lot about her leanings for a family life, she is a very likable woman, someone you can call a sister.

Condi Rice gave a good outline of history and made me almost cry. When she said that during the tense times in Alabama, her mother had said, you can be anything you want to be including the president of the United States, that girl went on to become the Secretary of the United States. Great speech, however her hawkish approach to foreign policy did harm our standing in the community of nations. They may have feared us, but did not respect us.

Susana Martinez's story was powerful! The Republican in her greeted the Republican in me.

The speakers did bring diversity to the podium, but it was not there in the audience and does not reflect in their platform. I see a brighter future for Republicans when the old guard fades away.

Nikki Haley was poised, her speech was well punctuated, thought out, and delivered with style and great applause lines, and she wore a non-stop graceful smile. Although I do not agree with her subtle political Obama bashing, which is what the convention crowd wants to hear;  and she gave it to them. Hers was the best introduction of Mitt Romney so far, and she can make Romney look like a man with a heart. If Ryan does not make it, she ought to consider running for President in 2016; she has got great communication skills like Reagan and Obama. She just needs to move to the center, and bring Americans Together. We are sick of Republicans who speak from two parts of the body.

Regardless of the good speeches, Romney and Ryan need to be fair and equitable to fellow Americans. Women must have the freedom to choose and not let their Republican Government tell them what they can do with their bodies, Freedom to practice one’s religion is lip service by the Republican leadership and we need an immigration reform.

They (mind you, not the Republicans, but the right wingers) need to quit being racist. I lost Romney when he said, they don’t ask my birth certificate because they know I am from here. If I look Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Arab or African, then I am not born here and they can ask for my birth certificate, right?  Mr. Romney get over that crap and apologize to Obama, me and all non-white Americans, we are Americans, you may not know it, but that was a damned racist statement.

If the Republicans are betting on going it alone and counting on their “base”, as they have pointed out that Obama has a base, that is baloney, Obama’s base is every American  just as yours. Don’t make an attempt to fool Americans, we are far more advanced than the fringe group among Republicans.

I do hope the moderate Republicans put their foot down for the good of the nation, and I am doing my part. If Ryan can reign in on extremists among Republicans, like the example set by McCain and Powell, I may change my mind, but right now, Obama is the least bad choice than these two.  

(http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/45147/2016-obama-s-america-a-disgustingly-dishonest-film) and ( http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/45195/gov-christie-back-off-on-womens-condescending-issues-romney-ryan-are-not-worth-standing-up-for)

Mike Ghouse is a Moderate Republican, who hopes that the Moderate Republicans start speaking up bring some sense to the ruling minority of right wingers.

Ramadan day 18 - office

Title - Ramadan day 18 - office -no write up today

Date - Monday, August 6, 2012 | Ramadan 18, 1433

Mosque - Office

Address - 2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75234

Website - http://www.WorldMuslimCongress.Org

Experience different traditions daily at: www.RamadanDaily.com

Today’s Pictures: No Pictures
Iftaar Time today: 8:21 PM CST

Recommended reading listed below the note

Link to this piece: 

Ramadan day 18 - office

Title - Ramadan day 18 - office -no write up today

Date - Monday, August 6, 2012 | Ramadan 18, 1433

Mosque - Office

Address - 2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206, Dallas, TX 75234

Website - http://www.WorldMuslimCongress.Org

Experience different traditions daily at: www.RamadanDaily.com

Today’s Pictures: No Pictures
Iftaar Time today: 8:21 PM CST

Recommended reading listed below the note

Link to this piece: 

No boundaries for me, what about you?

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/06/no-boundaries-for-me-what-about-you.html

NO BOUNDARIES FOR ME, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

I am free from religious, nationalistic, cultural and religious boundaries. I do not have the barriers between me and another human being. I am asked daily whether I am a Christian, Hindu or a Muslim... as I talk and write about all religions in equal tone. I am all, and I am none.

I am as comfortable with a Christian as with a Hindu, Jew, Pagan, Atheist or a Muslim, nothing eggs me against another human being. I do not look down or look up at their ways of doing things. I take every one as they are; another individual like me.

Each one of us comes with an identifier or an ethnic/racial marker; Indian in my case. There are 1.3 Billion of us with that marking on this planet, this clearly identifies my geographical area. Of course, the Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis are all in the same ethnic group and the Indian Diaspora is in the same group as well. 


Some day, I hope, we become civilized enough to drop all identifiers except the natural one. Thank God, America leads the pack in civility - our passports do not identify anything but our natural markings. No religion, no denomination, no political orientation, no social grouping and no economic status or even the the damned profession. 

For my daily food, I choose what my taste bud finds happiness in, but that does not mean any food is inferior or superior to the other...If one enjoys the mothers food and says it it is the best... he or she is saying my mom's food has conditioned my taste buds, and it is home to my mom's food, that is the taste my buds find in tune with. Never does it mean that, it is the best nutritionally, aesthetically, looks wise or other quantitative measurements. It is an emotional bonding. It does not negate other foods. I have enjoyed every food out there and continue to cherish new tastes. Every day is a beautiful new addition. 


I drink both coffee and tea, neither is superior to the other, but both satisfy my taste buds.


I love blue, beige and white shirts, dark pants, deep colored ties that don't look busy, just as you have your own comfort zone. It does not mean green or black shirt is anything less, it simply means I enjoy a few.

I chose Islam about a dozen years ago and that does not mean Islam is superior to any religion... I enjoy the beauty of each religion and love the way people express their gratitude to the creator.  


I love my language Urdu dearly, not because it is better, but because I am accustomed to enjoying it as others enjoy their language. 


I am happily married to Yasmeen and I pray every one finds his or her joy in their partner.

Nothing in the world, especially religion, nationality, ethnicity or race is superior or inferior to the others. They are simply choices we choose or get chosen. They are unique and work for every believer, observer, consumer or follower... 


All of us have issues, the problems is not with the issues. Our peace and tranquility is determined by how we deal witht the issues.  Some may not agree, but at least in our country America, everyone has a choice to be happy or not happy, mind you, it is not the money, it is the attitude that produced your joy. Every one of us have to find our own balance in life, some of us lose it sometimes, but gain it back other times.

As long as you can be peaceful, guilt free, carry no grudges, ill-will and believe in freedom of others as much as yours... you are blessed, and thank God I am blessed too. And I am blessed to find in tune with myself with so many of great friends in life, home and facebook. Those with whom I disagree, I do it respectfully. My opinion is no superior to theirs, it is just different.

Thanks, may God bless you to be at peace despite what goes around you. Amen!

My best wishes to you.
Mike Ghouse

AMERICA WILL NOT BE SCRWED

I am proud of this debate, this is how democracy should function. I am proud of Americans for not giving either the Republican or Democrats duedes power in both the houses. Bad decision in the country have occurred when all the three branches are from the same party. Let the suckers fight, let them work for a change, let there be passions exchanged, ultimately the average Joe should win.

It was the Republican unilateralist war that bolstered our deficits and heaped irresponsible consequence on an average American family, and it was the Democratic unilateralism that pushed for the unproductive bail outs that has accelerated the ruin.

Compromising their integrity for political gains is bad; that is screwing America. They should not have positioned themselves by digging their heels. Newt Gingrich's call not to compromise is dumb. America is better off with diversity of opinions than slam dunk political decisions that we have to endure.

The winners should be the ones who compromise from their untenable positions for the good of America, that's who should ultimately win; Americans, and not Democrats and not Republicans.

Let us intimately learn about the consequences of their decision through the endless debating rather than positioning. American public should not be underestimated by the politicians, whoever compromises for a political gain should be routed out, but never give either party a majority in both the house. They creeps will ruin the nation.

Mike Ghouse committed to democracy and its checks and balances

Norway, Terrorism & Counter Terrorism

First, we the people of all faiths, traditions and nations condemn the disgusting terrorist attack on Norway, killing at least eight and injuring scores. We extend our sympathies to the families and the victims of mindless terrorism.


Second, it is time to get rid of all the Terrorism experts that disgrace our television screens, Radio, Print and the Internet. Their advice to bomb and annihilate others has not worked and will never work. We cannot be safe if we keep threatening others with our might. Non-Violence approach will ensure that we all can live with freedom and without the fear of someone sticking it to us in our vulnerable moments.

Third, it is time to re-consider a long term policy on Terrorism; we cannot shut down terrorism with terror, when people take a position they dig in their heels and do more harm to themselves and others. Fact, religion, reason and logic are out of question for them, it’s you or me.

Full article is publication pending and will be available at www.TheGhousediary.com or http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/07/norway-terrorism-counter-terrorism.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.  Over a 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Muslim role in American Independence - happy 4th

Muslim role in American Independence
.

My speech at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s
63rd Annual Convention/ Salana Jalsa
Saturday, July 3, 2011 m Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

THEME:: Islamic Concept of Freedom
A video will be uploaded upon availability

SPEECH FOLLOWS THE NOTE

Dr. Imam Yusuf Zia Kavakci inspires me, a long time ago, he had said, “ you have the ability to bring the umma together” and Alhamdu Lillah I have made several efforts in bringing Muslims togther including Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims on a number of occasions. Indeed, you will find a few examples at - http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Sunni Muslims believe that Jesus will come back in the end times as the Messiah, whereas the Ahmadiyya Muslims believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Messiah. As a Muslim without bias, I honor their belief without believing what they believe. Other than this singular difference, there is not much of a difference at all. From Adhan to Salat, fasting to Zakat and other arkans to Hajj, they are same, indeed Prophet Muhammad holds "exactly" the same place in their tradition as with other Muslims. I urge Sunni Muslims to open their hearts and minds towards fellow Muslims. Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware." Muslims from post colonial era may never be able extricate themselves from what is given to them, but the next generation in America will be open enough to see Muslims as Muslims and nothing but Muslims based on Shadah at its core.

We have to honor the uniqueness of each group of Muslims, indeed Prophet Muhammad had given us guidance and prophesised that we will eventually form 72 groups, and encouraged us to race in doing good things for the good of humanity, all of us will earn God's grace in the process, but one of us will be showered with bonus for doing the extra good. Only Allah knows that and we cannot pre-empt Allah in juding any one of us. Indeed, we have to be respectful of God and Prophet's prophecies.

About 7000 Ahmadies from across the United States gathered in Harrisburg this Independence Day weekend to celebrate their 63rd Annual convention. The Ahmadies are one of the first group of Muslims to establish their mission in the United States (1920) and they are holding their conventions since 1948.

It was an outstanding program, topics were relevant and the event ran like a precision machine. Everything was on time and seldom a speaker exceeded the given time. I enjoyed the simplicity of lunch and breakfast– lentil, pita bread and fruits served in hygenical environment, shortest imaginable lines, clean tables, clean floors, clean bathrooms, it was a joy to observe the details. It remided me of the efficacy of the Ismaili Muslims whose events are adminitered with perfection. There were several members from the State department and video and written messages from members of congress, governors and other dignitaries were a part of the presentation. They have initiatied an award program to honor those who have served the interests of humanity, among them was a Congresswoman from California. Two of the several programs that were fascinating were; Science and God, and Nile will not stop.

This weekend The Islamic Association of North Texas held their convention in Chicago and I believe some 40,000 people attended the program. Jazak Allah for the success every where. There are several such conventions and I hope we can participate in all.

I appeal to you to consider writing a proposal urging all Muslim organizations to plan on a joint convention in 2012 before the election. Let’s hear and listen to each other without judgements. If we can't do that in America, then no one else can do it and if we don’t articulate this need to race together in doing good, then no other nation will. We have to create a template for other nations to consider. Muslims together can become participants and contributors in the world peace for the good of humanity.

I value the humanitarian work done by Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Kurdish, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and Warith Deen Muhammad Muslims. There is indeed a net gain for Islam collectively, and we must appreciate them all. Islam is universal and it is universal enought to absorb all of us in its embrace.

Let’s learn to respectfully disagree on certain issues but at least know all the great things we do and become a catalyst for each other’s growth.

Here is the outline of my speech, Insha Allah the video link will be added upon availability.
.
As-Salam o Alaikum
Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslim. That is two out of three recognitions came from Muslims, invariably we have been a part of America from the word go.

Morocco was the first state to recognize the independence of the United States of America, and they signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship; first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan’s historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library.

It was a coincidence, that General Cornwallis who surrendered to George Washington in the battle of York Town in 1781 was the hired gun to defeat Tippu Sultan through deceit in the 4th war of Mysore against colonialism in 1799.

What does July 4th mean to Muslims in America?

Freedom is one of the most cherished values of humanity and I am pleased to share its arrangement in American and Islamic space. Both emphasize the freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

Please be aware that a few men in Islam, America and other religions don’t live up to the ideals of their own faith, while the majority cares and wants to get along with other.

The very first step on American soil puts a smile on an immigrant’s face; if not you, it has happened to your parents, grand or great grandparents. It’s the same exuberance you witness on a baby’s face when she stands up for the first time, same exhilaration when a toddler eats the food on his own for the first time or the freedom written all over the face of a student when he or she graduates from school. Indeed, that was my feeling when I walked in to the Immigration center at JFK Airport some thirty years ago.

The next step for an immigrant is to earn his or her Citizenship and take the pledge, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Reciting, “One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” is like coming home for Muslims. Indeed, Islam rests on the foundation of Tauheed, the oneness of God, oneness of universe and oneness of mankind with liberty and justice. If Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims can be summed up in one word, it would be justice. Justice imbues a sense of security and trust among people leading to peace and prosperity. Our country started out with the constitution that no other nation on the earth had done before.

Not a day goes for Muslims without expressing their gratitude for the first Amendment, gratitude is a part of our tradition and just about every Muslim says Alhamdu Lillah, praise the lord in the course of normal conversation. The First amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It is this law that has opened all of God’s creation in America to worship God every which way they know God.

Muslims cherish this freedom and see the corollaries in Qur’aan and strongly wish that the Muslim nations follow the Madinah treaty where Jews, Christians and others were treated as one community; the treaty reads the Jews have their own religion as Muslims have their own to practice. The Conditions of peace and war and the accompanying ease or hardships must be fair and equitable to all citizens alike. A Believer will not make the freedman of another Believer as his ally against the wishes of the other Believers.

Qur’aan declares in 2:256, “There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith” one is free to believe and practice his or her own faith as he or she chooses to. In verse 6 chapter 109 of Qur’aan, the guidance on conducting a civil dialogue is concluded with, “Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine.” In essence the faith is in the heart of the believer as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is respecting the otherness of other in America that Muslims honor every day.

Muslims thank God each time they hear the Equal opportunity Mantra, “You will not be denied an opportunity based on your race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” Invariably they think of the speech Prophet Muhammad delivered in his last sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

As American Muslims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

American Laws holds the criminals individually responsible for their crimes; it is your heinie that is hauled off to the jail. You parents, siblings, spouse, kids, community or religion are not responsible for your actions. Muslims know that well, on the Day of Judgment you stand alone with your deeds, the good things you have done to fellow beings count in your favor, while your parents, spouse, kids and leaders will be busy with their own accountability. You are on your own!

The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on individual responsibility.

“You are innocent until proven guilty” sounds like a verse from Qur’aan. An observant Muslim recites that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others, they do that at least 17 times a day and some do it 51 times. Muslims love the wholesomeness of Justice and they love America.

I urge every one of us to commit to building a Cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension of the other. Let our nation

Indeed, the essence of freedom is directly proportional to the ability to question oneself, question one's own faith, myths and prejudices about others and find answers to set one free.

God Bless America and God bless our men and women in the uniforms protecting our freedom.

Happy 4th.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

ISLAM, AMERICA AND JULY 4th.

ISLAM, AMERICA AND JULY 4th.

Freedom is one of the most cherished values of humanity and I am pleased to share its arrangement in American and Islamic space. Both emphasize the freedom of conscience, justice and liberty. 

As American Muslims, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Full story at Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-and-july-4th-cele_b_886642.html#es_share_ended

Please share

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive America

www.MikeGhouse.net 

TEXAS FAITH: Should churches be able to hold services in a public school?

10 PANELISTS RESPOND

William McKenzie/ Editorial Columnist  Tue., Jun. 21, 2011 | Permalink

This week's question comes courtesy of Texas Faith panelist Cindy Rigby, after she read this New York Times article.

The story deals with an evangelical church using a New York public school for its services. According to the article, the church does not pay rent. It instead pays the fee for the custodians.

As the story indicates, this is not the only church to use a New York public school for its services. Churches, mostly evangelical ones, use at least 60 of them.

The Supreme Court, as well as various equal access laws, have held that schools must give religious groups the same access to their facilities that they do all other clubs. But then, as this story indicates, an appellate court ruled in June that New York City could prohibit churches from holding worship services at a public school. As author Katherine Stewart put it, "Using the school system to subsidize houses of worship...risks violating the constitutional ban on the establishment of religion."

But does it? Does the holding of a church service in a public school imply an endorsement of a particular religion?

As you consider this week's question, I would ask you to think about how you would feel if a church group that you support or like wanted to do the same. How would that affect your views? And what separates a church from holding a service there versus, say, an AA group?

We have not dealt with a church/state question, so thanks to Cindy for bringing up the issue.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Katherine Stewart's comment in the op-ed piece at the NY Times is wise. As she writes, "In a city blessed with an uncountable number of faiths, it's foolish to get schools tangled up in religion."

Indeed, holding of a church service in a public school implies a tacit endorsement of a particular religion. The group may or may not be affixing their version of the religion on the school building, but it will eventually monopolize zoning and steer (chase) others away.

A conservative value would be what is good for the goose has got to be good for the gander. To build cohesive societies where trust is the norm, and where commitment to the idea of a society where no one is apprehensive of the other becomes customary, we have to treat everyone justly. Fairness ought to be valued by all including the conservatives.

When I and my interest become subservient to the interest of the society at large, no one will lose. In business, one has to be aggressive and selfish to succeed. However, when it is at the cost of other, both will lose at the end.

As a pluralist and a Muslim, I have no problem with "a church that runs a Gender Affirming Ministry Endeavor associated with the movement to "cure" gay men and lesbians," or if the, "movement that instructs its members to pray for a Christian "reformation" of American education and for the election of like-minded political leaders," or a religious group that teaches evolution. All of them should have the access and freedom to preach what they want.

The real problem is why would I want to subsidize a group to use taxpayer's funding?
Muslims have great examples to offer. The mosque in Richardson does not lend its cultural hall to any activity that is ascribable to a particular denomination, including a few groups who celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. A few years ago, Turkey, a Muslim majority democracy, had banned reciting verses from Quran in a city event where people of other faiths were participants.

Indeed, I would urge the ministries using the school for church to hang on to the conservative values of peace and safety for every American, and volunteer to ease out of the situation and not create an entanglement for the school. Let this not be an entitlement.

Even if the school has one child who is an Atheist, Zoroastrian, Native American or a Wicca, he or his parents must have equal access to the facilities to preach his take on the issues. We are a leading civilization of the free world, and we ought to be worth emulating by other nations to create a better world for the benefit of all of God's creation. The best thing for the school is to untangle itself from any religious affiliation.

 Ten Panelists have responded to the question and continue for the other 9 at -http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/this-weeks-question-comes-cour.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/.

Mother, my story - Happy Mothers Day

Every religious tradition has elevated mother to nearly the status of God, because she possess many a qualities of God; kind, merciful, beneficent and caring among thousand other qualities.  Mother is the reason for our existence; sustenance, nurturance and shaping who we are. I dedicate this write-up to my Mother, Yasmeen’s Mother and all Mothers out there. 

Although every person adores respects and nearly worships his or her mother on a daily basis, the mother’s day is a special day to honor one's mother. Thanks to this beautiful tradition of America, a day to honor Mother. No mother should be alone today some one or the other must give her a call. If you are a mother in Dallas and has no one, please call me, I would like to take you out for supper this evening.

About ten years ago, my Mother passed away in one of the most beautiful manners one could embark on the eternal journey; a clean slate with no loose ends.  The Jain tradition calles it Michami Dukadam.

A week prior to her death she had called every one she knew, and she knew a lot of people on her own, she had people from every walk of life and every religious background. They would sit down with her and chat; I remember a Zoroastrian lady Mrs. Bahramjee, our "Parsi-amma" she visited my mother every week when she came to visit the town; there were two Brahmin ladies who were her friends and recited Bhagvad Gita upon my mothers passing; there was Swaran Latha in whose house I spent Christmas evenings and I got to see her and her husband Roberts at the funeral; there was Durga Aaapa and her brother Bhaskar who literally baby sat me so was Fazloon Aaapa;  My mother organizaed Halaqa’s, that is gathering of Muslim women for religious discourse; my neighbors were Jains and Mrs. Sugalchand and her daughter were fond of my Mom. Additionally my Dad was the Mayor of the town way back in the fifties and she had another crew there.

My mother did not finish 4^th grade, but she had read volumes of Islamic books and I have read quite a few of them. She did not let me read a few and one of them was Eichman, killer of 6 million Jews in my mother tongue; Urdu, she thought I could not bear the inhumanity and brutality, finally I got the nerve to see Schindler's list almost 45 years later in my life, that incompleteness led me to organize the Holocaust and Genocides reflections every year since 2006 to find relief for my pain.

She was amazing and thrilled me to no end when she decided to learn a few words in English to communicate with her Grand son and daughter, she did learn a few words and thank God I was able to get my kids to see her, she was communicate her affection for them. Once she told me that Prophet Muhammad had advised us to go to China if we hae to learn some thing. 

I guess, all of us kids and her grand kids turned out that way; boundless. No barriers between us and another soul and our relationships have always been multi-cultural and multi-religious.  Thank you Mom for inculcating those values.

She was incredible; she tied all the loose ends before she took her last breath, she called every one and cleared the air and said goodbye.

She even had her funeral prayers done a day prior, one of my cousins is a Muslim missionary and he delivers beautiful sermons and my mother had asked him to do that and he complied and he also did the last prayer rites prior to burial. 

I reached 4 hours after she had taken her last breath and I sat by her… not knowing what to do; there was admiration for her to have lived a clean life, she had tied all the loose ends, and on the other had I do not have any one to call Mom ever again.  I chose to smile along and had the whole family turn around on that, admiring her teachings. To me I was celebrating her life.

After burial we came home, I had another pleasant surprise from her; she had left a note, monies and things she had given to one of her daughters in law to safe keep it to be opened on Sunday. Sure enough on Sunday after burial, we opened it. There it was; a clear good bye note and funds for her burial, funds for education for an orphan… etc, She left the world in peace with nothing left to be done.

She pulled another one on me; she was a pluralist. My youngest brother Farooq runs a real estate business in Bangalore, and his manager had hung the picture of Lord Krishna in the office; my brother asked my Mother about it, she was blunt and asked him, do you have Islamic religious symbols hung on the wall? He said, yes, and she said, let him have his symbol. I salute you Mother and I am proud of you.

RELIGIONS ON MOTHERS:

Christianity and Judaism: “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.

Hinduism: Hindu idea of Shakti, all the many mother goddesses is viewed as being the embodiment of one singular deity.

“Diverse images of what are believed to be Mother Goddesses also have been discovered that date from the Neolithic period, the New Stone Age, which ranges from approximately 10,000 BCE when the use of wild cereals led to the beginning of farming, and eventually, to agriculture.” Wiki.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked by his followers, who is the most important person on the earth, he responds, “Mother” and then they ask again, who is the second most important person, he repeats, “Mother” and he repeats it again for the third time, “Mother”.

The top three women Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) glorified are; Mother Mary, Mother Asiya (the one who raised Moses) and Fatima, his daughter. The list can be expanded to five or seven, but what do these women have in common? They were the pioneers, social reformers and stood up against the social norms. They paved the way for acceptance and dignity of women. None of them were conformists, think about it.

“Paradise is under the feet of your mother” is the mantra probably every Muslim recites and it is part of our Hindu culture as well. The idea is of gratitude, if you are grateful to you mother, then you would be grateful to the creator and other benefactors around you.

Here is how Mom is called in different language,
please add yours....

I called my mother, " Amma" and at times "Ammi"

LANGUAGE - MOTHER
Afrikaans - Moeder, Ma
Albanian - Nënë, Mëmë
Arabic - Ahm, umm
Aragones - Mai
Asturian - Ma
Aymara - Taica
Azeri (Latin Script) - Ana
Basque - Ama
Belarusan -Matka
Bergamasco - Màder
Bolognese - Mèder
Bosnian- Majka
Brazilian Portuguese- Mãe
Bresciano- Madèr
Breton - Mamm
Bulgarian - Majka
Byelorussian - Macii
Calabrese - Matre, Mamma
Caló - Bata, Dai
Catalan - Mare
Cebuano - Inahan, Nanay
Chechen - Nana
Croatian- Mati, Majka
Czech- Abatyse
Danish - Mor
Dutch - Moeder, Moer
Dzoratâi - Mére
English- Mother, Mama, Mom
Esperanto- Patrino, Panjo
Estonian- Ema
Faeroese- Móðir
Finnish- Äiti
Flemish- Moeder
French- Mère, Maman
Frisian- Emo, Emä, Kantaäiti, Äiti
Furlan- Mari
Galician- Nai
German - Mutter
Greek - Màna
Griko - Salentino, Mána
Hawaiian - Makuahine
Hindi - Ma, Maji, Mata
Hungarian - Anya, Fu
Icelandic - Móðir
Ilongo - Iloy, Nanay, Nay
Indonesian - Induk, Ibu, Biang, Nyokap
Irish - Máthair
Italian - Madre, Mamma
Japanese - Okaasan, Haha
Judeo Spanish- Madre
Kannada -Amma
Kurdish Kurmanji - Daya
Ladino - Uma
Latin - Mater
Leonese - Mai
Ligurian- Maire
Limburgian - Moder, Mojer, Mam
Lingala- Mama
Lithuanian- Motina
Lombardo- Occidentale Madar
Lunfardo- Vieja
Macedonian - Majka
Malagasy- Reny
Malay- Emak
Maltese- Omm
Mantuan- Madar
Maori- Ewe, Haakui
Mapunzugun - Ñuke, Ñuque
Marathi - Aayi
Mongolian - `eh
Mudnés- Medra, mama
Neapolitan - Mamma
Norwegian- Madre
Occitan - Maire
Old Greek - Mytyr
Parmigiano- Mädra
Persian- Madr, Maman
Piemontese - Mare
Polish- Matka, Mama
Portuguese - Mãe
Punjabi - Mai, Mataji, Pabo
Quechua- Mama
Rapanui -Matu'a Vahine
Reggiano - Mèdra
Romagnolo - Mèder
Romanian - Mama, Maica
Romansh - Mamma
Russian -Mat'
Saami -Eadni
Samoan - Tina
Sardinian- (Limba Sarda Unificada) Mama
Sardinian -Campidanesu mamai
Sardinian- Logudoresu Madre, Mamma
Serbian - Majka
Shona - Amai
Sicilian - Matri
Slovak - Mama, Matka
Slovenian- Máti
Spanish - Madre, Mamá, Mami
Swahili-- Mama, Mzazi, Mzaa
Swedish Mamma, Mor, Morsa
Swiss German -Mueter
Telegu- Amma
Triestino - Mare
Turkish - Anne, Ana, Valide
Turkmen -Eje
Ukrainian - Mati
Urdu -Ammee, Maa, Amma
Valencian - Mare
Venetian - Mare
Viestano - Mamm'
Vietnamese- me
Wallon -Mére
Welsh - Mam
Yiddish -Muter
Zeneize -Moæ

Years ago, on my Radio show we spent three hours taking about “Mother” and every one was crying on the air, beautiful expressions were relayed that day. Hey, I cried too and it felt good. My Mom is no more and I find a tear in my eye and will end here before I cry. Hell, I am letting myself loose.. I will end it here. Darn... thank you Mom.

Here is my favorite Indian songs admiring Mother, singer equates mother with God in the essence of kindness, caring and beneficence. I got up from sleep and wrote this and dediccate this song to all mothers. If you know Urdu/Hindi you are most likely to play it ... this is my 5th time.. while writing this.  Happy Mothers day!

Here is that wonderful song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XquVaTHY6nY&feature=related
My friend Rajiv Chakaravarthy, a Urdu Poet of Dallas has translated it beautifully:

We have never seen HIM...,
but what is the need for this?
O Mother, O Mother, how different
can HIS face be from your own?

Why talk of mere humans, even Gods
have grown up in your bosom
Heaven is nowhere but on Earth,
right under the shadow of your feet!
The affection that emanates from your eyes,
Which Idol can take its place?
O Mother ...

Why would the heat of suffering burn me?
Why would storms of sorrow affect me?
These hands which raise to prayer of yours
Come and rest permanently on my head
When you are my guide in the dark roads of life,
What would I even need the Sun for?
O Mother ...

It is said that no words suffice
to describe your greatness
Even God does not have enough wealth
that constitutes your price
All I know is that, in this World
There is no fortune that exceeds YOU!
O Mother ...

---

Lyrics in Devnagiri and other formats:
http://aczoom.homeip.net:8080/cgi/tmp/it08112-46F63B7A-1/done1495.html 

Mike Ghouse

http://www.mikeghouse.net/