Conservatives talk show hosts are fun to work with.

Washington, DC Press Club, December 15, 2015 

While I was watching the Presidential debate at the National Press Club, there was another group watching right behind me.  When Lindsey Graham spoke eloquently about blaming the individuals and not the faith, which is my mantra, I clapped, and they booed.  One of the ladies and her husband beckoned me to join them, and told me they were conservatives and asked about me, "I am a moderate" I said. 

Melody and Dave Clarke, and Mike Ghouse

Of course we exchanged a few thoughts on what is being a moderate – it is someone who does not see the conservative and liberals as his or her adversaries, it is someone who had no problem with a different point of view, it is someone who understands different perspectives without agreeing to them. I introduced myself and gave them my card that read, Mike Ghouse, Executive Director, American Muslim Institution. 

What followed after that was an interesting but a familiar conversation, Déjà vu!   It appears that most of the conservatives have memorized certain things about Muslims, and reel it off.  I don’t get offended; instead I listen to them patiently and share my perspective. They asked me about Sharia and I gave them a short talk on the topic and referred them to my website www.ShariaLaws.com and asked them to read at least two articles listed on the left panel; Genesis of Sharia and Fixing Sharia.

 If we bear any responsibility towards the well being of fellow Americans, we must talk with the idea of communicating our points of view, and to understand and not to put down the other, even if the other does that. That is precisely what Jesus meant when he said to turn the other check, meaning don’t aggravate the conflict, mitigate it, and that is precisely the approach of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), both of them are my mentors in human development.

Melody Clarke is a conservative Radio talk show host; and her husband Dave and we had a good time learning our differences on political issues.  She has offered me to join on her on her show in North Carolina, and I have been on many conservative shows across the nation.  I hope a few more will see another point of view, shame on us, as Muslims, we have not offered an alternate narrative about Muslims, and instead we defend and blame them and cause them to dig in their heels. On the other hand our conservative friends have not made an effort to see if there is another point of view.  

 I am sure you have had that experience, with patience; people will learn to respect you, and gradually see your point of view as a courtesy. Instead of falling into the trap and getting agitated, if you take the approach of listening with patience, it opens them with common decency to listen to you; a dialogue begins at that time.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.  It is not 2+2 = 4, but we have to go through emotional process to achieve that for a better world around us. 

There is no joy greater than living without conflicts with fellow beings. By the way, do join us for this God given opportunity to build stronger bonds with fellow Americans on the steps of Lincoln Memorial for joint celebrations of Christmas and Milad (Prophet Muhammad's birth day) with Christmas Carols and Nasheeds.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/merry-christmas-milad-mubarak-tickets-20040393356

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker, and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, human rights, India, Israel-Palestine Terrorism and foreign policy. Over 3000 Articles have been published on the subjects. 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  

Meeting Dr. Ben Carson - Mike Ghouse

Meeting Dr. Ben Carson | www.TheGhouseDiary.com 

Mother Teresa had said, “If you want to make peace with your enemies, go talk with them, talking among friends won’t change a thing.”  Of course Ben Carson is not our enemy, he is just misinformed and making an attempt to wiggle out of it. We need to recognize and appreciate the desire to correct himself, or distance himself from what was said earlier is a good step forwards.

Dr. Ben Carson and Mike Ghouse in Washington, DC

His security guard brought him to the special VIP (don’t know why they called it VIP) reception to the Bloomberg lounge at the National press club. He stood outside the door, and I rushed to him and shook hands and said, I am a moderate Muslim, one of the 6 million of American Moderate Muslims and am with American Muslim Institution. Dr. Carson, I understand what you said about Muslims, you probably had read or heard and simply passed it on.  I was hoping you would say the right thing, and if you need to say it flawlessly, anything about Islam or Muslims, we will be a resource for you. Let me know what I can do for you.  He appreciated it and took my card.

Then at the reception, I repeated my question, and he said, he's got my card. I said, as a presidential candidate I would like to see you say the right things and earn the respect of American Muslims. I'll be happy to coach you on Islam.  However, I must add, finding the truth is your own responsibility.

Rabia Ahmed from MPAC was there, we agreed that I'll video tape her, and she would reciprocate it. I did my part, and will find out if she has done hers.

I thought I had an opportunity to go for the third interaction, but they chose to have the question written on the Card. I wrote in big bold letters, THE MUSLIM THING” , “Do you verify the information before you speak up? Obviously, the information about Muslims missed your verification, and if you don’t have any one, I will be happy to be your coach, Mike Ghouse, American Muslim Institution.”

But there were too many questions and mine was not answered, however, he addressed it differently on another question, “He said something to the effect, and asked, "what is wrong in not supporting a candidate whose loyalty is to other laws.” He bungled up again; first of all, no candidate will go beyond the filing stage if his loyalty is not to America or American Laws, why would he assume that a candidate will reach that far? He is not aware of the process of the nomination.

If I had a chance, I would have made this statement, “As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faith reinforces the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.” 

Two reporters caught up with me right after my 2^nd interaction,  and I had an extensive conversation with them, not sure if they will report.  I offered them the same thing that I offered Dr. Carson.

Don't push people in to a ditch that they cannot get out of it. If we brand someone as a hate monger, we are essentially committing them to that position and that would be wrong. We need to believe in the wisdom of Jesus, when he said, “ Condemn the sin and not the Sinner” by doing that we can redeem the person.

His speech was excellent, thank God for a verse from Quran that has been my guidance, which tells not let your bias make you unjust towards others. I was in tune with him most of the time with an open mind. He does speak of a pluralistic America, but I could not square his prejudice against Muslims. I do hope, if he starts believing in verifying information before blurting out, and particularly about Muslims and about other things in general, an aptitude he has to develop, he has a potential to be a good presidential material. 

Republicans hear me out! Those of you who want him to be nominated, you can shape him, and I will be happy to be his coach about Islam and Muslims, it does not mean I would support him, but it simply means, I care what a presidential candidate says about his or her fellow citizens.   As a pluralist, my expertise is in sensitivity training about all traditions including but not limited to Atheism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and paganism. We are all Americans and each one must be respected, and at the end no one should feel alienated or apprehensive of the fellow Americans, particularly a presidential candidate.

This was partially covered by MSNBC and repeated in several news papers - http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ben-carson-founding-fathers-wouldnt-have-trusted-muslim-president

The other article: http://thearabdailynews.com/2015/09/21/dr-ben-carson-trumps-trump-discriminatory-attitude/


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

# # #

 

America wins with the new Muslim Group in Washington, D.C.,

AMERICA WINS WITH NEW MUSLIM GROUP

Exclusive: Ellen Ratner welcomes pushback against 'Islamophobia and terrorism'

 
This week, a new Muslim group, the American Muslim Institution, or AMI, announced its existence and said it is going to be different than the other groups that are currently in existence, as this group will focus on America. AMI invited journalists, human-rights activists and other Muslims to the opening event at the National Press Club.

This was against the backdrop of American Muslim student, Ahmed Mohamed bringing a homemade clock to his engineering teacher in his Texas school. The talk media wires and websites were burning up this week with this question: Would the teacher have reacted the same way if this were a white student, or if this happened in New Hampshire or New York instead of Texas?

Although many on the far right think President Obama is a Muslim, most Americans believe he is a Christian and that he was taking a very Christian view of Ahmed Mohamed by inviting him and his homemade clock to the White House. President Obama wants to make America strong again, and he is doing this by encouraging young people to be part of an America that invents and values STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math.) Along with first lady Michelle Obama, he has encouraged women and ethnic and racial minorities to study STEM subjects while still in school and before college.

Ahmed Mohamed is a young American doing exactly what this White House has encouraged young Americans to do.

There certainly are other groups that focus on Muslim rights and concerns. The AMI leadership stated on Thursday that all the other groups do a great job, but AMI wants to focus on American issues. Mike Ghouse, AMI executive director, said, “The responses reflect the deep desire of the Muslim Majority for an inclusive Muslim organization that represents their ideals; i.e., to get along with everyone, minding their own business and to live and let others live. An organization that can make an effort to work towards fulfilling the promise of our immortal Declaration of Independence, that all humans are equal.”

The leadership said, to achieve that goal, “we are committed to be engaged with all Americans, regardless of their affiliations, liberal or conservative, Republican, Democrat or independent, religious or not. We are all in this together, and we must have the patience to get to a point where you and I are a part of society with similar aspirations to life, liberty and freedom. When we see each other’s patriotism with an open heart, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.”

AMI leadership said some of challenges concern different Muslim factions, but ultimately there is great patriotism among American Muslims. When addressing what many people think is violence committed by Muslims, AMI said:

“We can and should be doing more to speak out” and that they should reach out to media when these crimes are being committed in the name of Islam. AMI also said there has to be an end to the “appalling silence of good people” (quote from Martin Luther King).

Two Muslim members of Congress also spoke at the launch of AMI, Keith Ellison, D- Minn., and Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind. Rep. Ellison addressed issues of concern to many minorities. He said only 12 percent initially voted for local officers in a Ferguson election, and that when voter when participation is low, services will also be low. He said, when the riots took place, African-American churchgoers were serviced by a Muslim physicians clinic and that this led to “trust, friendships, relationships and durable bonds of friendships.” He also said the Muslim community is part and parcel of the American scene, and that “we pay taxes.”

Rep. Carson said, “AMI adds to the diversity we share and that keeping our republic means that we have to push back against Islamophobia and terrorism.”

He added that there are many issues we’re facing, and individuals must speak up on problems such as climate change, protecting the homeland and making America safe for all. “We are monotheistic, but not monolithic,” he concluded.

This is not the first time we have seen such marginalizing of a religious, racial or ethnic group. Catholics at the turn of the 19th century were discriminated against, Jews later and certainly African-Americans. Now we add Muslims. We saw misery and hope this week. It would be good for America if hope wins out.

Media wishing to interview Ellen Ratner, please contact media@wnd.com.

http://www.wnd.com/2015/09/america-wins-with-new-muslim-group/

It was also published at Talk Radio News 
http://www.talkradionews.com/opinion/2015/09/21/american-muslim-group-launched-amid-new-islamophobia-fears.html

A Note of appreciation to our guests at the AMI Launch Event on September 17th.

A Note of Appreciation | www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

Peace!

Even before we could convey in writing our thanks to those of you who attended the AMI Launch event, some of you have send us your own heart-felt notes of encouragement. As I am writing this note, we are continuing to receive further approving messages.  We really appreciate your kind remarks and, in the next letter  that we plan to send and post on our website, your ‘comments’ responding to our Launch Event, with your permission will be included.

If you could please enter your email address in the top right box where it says, "RECEIVE EMAILS", you will be automatically receiving all our updates.  

Ambassador Siddiqui, President of AMI, put it succinctly when he said, “Congressmen Keith Ellison and Andre Carson endorsed AMI in the strongest manner.”  That was precisely my understanding too.

As legislators, they saw a clear need for the AMI’s work in building a cohesive America. They are among the most talented of Congressmen serving in America today to have made it against the odds that Muslims face, and their presence gives us hope that other Muslims can reach similar heights if we emulate their model of inclusiveness and working for the good of every American.  Indeed, they are the Amins*** of America.

 Insha Allah, we will share their video recordings of their remarks at the event within a few weeks.  I thought they were very specific and strong.

Dr. Farah Pandith spoke eloquently about the large, significant role AMI can play in building a harmonious and effectively functioning American society.   She was very positive, upbeat and excited to see the launch of a civic ‘American’ Muslim Institution. This will go a long way  in nurturing our organization.

The interfaith leaders  present were excited to see our goals and agenda,  and they articulated their views very well.  I am so glad they spoke along with fellow Muslim Americans.

The comments and notes were very encouraging, and can become our testimonials and be instrumental in helping fellow American Muslims know more about us. We are all in this together and strive to be the Amins*** of the society, where fellow Americans can trust us,  and believe us to be just, honest, and caring for the well being  of all Americans regardless of their three R’s – Religion, Region and Race.

The responses reflect the deep desire of the Muslim Majority for an inclusive Muslim organization that represents their ideals; i.e., to get along with everyone, minding their own business and to live and let others live.  An organization that can make an effort to work towards fulfilling the promise of our immortal declaration of independence, that all humans are equal.

To achieve that goal, we are committed to be engaged with all Americans,  regardless of their affiliations, liberal or conservative, Republican, Democrat or Independent,  religious or not. We are all in this together,  and we must have the patience to get to a point where you and I are a part of  society with similar aspirations to life, liberty and freedom. When we see each other’s patriotism with an open heart, conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

“I walked away very pleased with the launch today and honored by your invitation.  Given your objectives for working with other Muslim organizations, I welcome the opportunity to discuss next steps.” Name to be quoted later with their permission.

“Salaam, thank you so much for the successful launch of this Muslim American Initiative today. May Allah bless your efforts.”

There is a hunger in people to speak in moderation, and when someone else does it, they like it and support it.

Internally, our team spirit was simply incredible. It was a joy for me to see every Board member actively participating in the program. The group work was very encouraging.  I cannot thank the Board Members for making this happen, and happened so well.

We started the meeting right on time and finished 15 minutes early allowing more time for the Q&A session. The questions and comments were enlightening and successfully kept our responses to the point and precise.

I applaud the leadership of Ambassador Siddiqui and Dr. Rahman and our Board Members, we clearly have our work cut out for us.

In the month of October we can plan on holding gatherings in the homes of supporters of AMI, community centers and other places, by inviting their other friends who did not make it to the event.

The videos and pictures should be out in a few weeks.

Here is one of the many reports in the media, and this one was little amusing.   The report mentions that we served alcohol, and my response was,   “Dear Drew, we appreciate your report, and as fellow Americans we need all the help and support we can get, to allow moderate Muslim voices to be heard. However, I would like to make a small correction, there were no alcohol or pork products served.”

The report is at: http://www.newsfultoncounty.com/world/news/179335-us-muslim-group-launched-to-reflect-moderate-islam

We will always deal with difficult issues with grace, and with a desire to befriend and not repel.

Thank you

Mike Ghouse is an Executive Director of American Muslim Institution, a proactive voice for American Muslims. He is a thinker, writer and a speaker and is committed to offer pluralistic solutions to issues of the day.

*** Amin was a title earned by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Jews, Christians, Pagans and other during his life time. It means that you are trustworthy, truthful, honest, just and safe to be around. More about it at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/american-muslim-agenda-a-_b_5528706.html