Hannity Radio: Sean Hannity, Pamela Geller and Mike Ghouse

Nationally syndicated Radio show by Hannity
Live at 2:00 PM EST and will be relayed again at 5:00PM EST,
Monday, September 19, 2011

I will be on the Hannity Show again this evening on Fox TV at 9:30 PM EST.


The topic was Iran, but we jumped to Palestine Statehood.   Sixty three years have been squandered with no signs of peace in the Middle East.  Recognition of Palestine will put an end to the phobias and fears. The Jewish anxieties will subside when they realize for the second time in their history (first one was creation of Israel) that they are able to live a life of justice, which is a central tenet of Judaism that they had abandoned for security. It will free their psyche. It will have a dominos effect, one by one, the Arab nations will recognize Israel’s right to exist over a few years. It simply means acceptance of Israel and a welcome call to the neighborhood.

Much, rather little of my talk was based on:

1.       My op-ed: http://israel-palestine-dialogue.blogspot.com/2011/09/president-obama-you-must-vote-for_18.html

2.      MR. PRESIDENT, YOU MUST VOTE FOR PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNYmI6MlhZw

3.      YES TO PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2NlDU-LM

 

4.      History of the conflict – 44 minutes worth watching
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2NlDU-LM

Pamela Geller is out to promote her new book, and hate mongering ensures sales. She does not give rat’s tail about Israel – like Madoff and others.
 

I have debated not going on the show, but that will give them a free ride without any one questioning it. Once, they wanted me to say words in support of Brotherhood and I am opposed to their ideology. I said, I will not do it – so what do they do? Go get that idiot Anjum Choudhary who said he will fly Islam’s flag on white house. So, I go.

 

Pamela Geller was attacking Palestinians and lying about them.

She said President Abbas said he will not recognize Israel – I countered that that he is the one supported by Israel and Palestine all along and represents the moderate majority.

The have been acknowledging the existence of Israel all along – when they talk with each other, they refer to them as Israelis and Palestinians.

Quoted Mother Teresa – If you want peace, talk with your enemy and not the others.  They were too quick to draw that I will not demand Palestinian to say they recognize Israel, I asked both Israel and Palestine. It is all about propaganda.

She brought up that some idiot said there will not allow Jews in Palestinian, I countered that a Rabbi has said to kill the Palestinians, and it is in Jerusalem post – neither is valid representation of either people.

 

She talked about Islamism taking over America – I countered that she is exaggerating it, and too much of hot air in it that needs to be released.

 

No will be happy about going on Fox, but I am content that a few points were made.  A few Muslim organizations do not want me to go on Fox… but they don’t go either.  I get a lot of emails from the viewers and listeners appreciating pointing to another point of view. If even 100 people see another point of view or question the veracity of Geller. I have done my job, a job no one wants to do.

 

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com  

President Obama, you must vote for Palestine now

Since President Truman, none of the American presidents have had the balls to take a stand and do the right thing; facilitate a lasting solution for the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The talk of two states remains a hoax without recognition of Palestine as a nation. It is a necessity for the security of Israel to recognize Palestine; it will tie the loose ends.

Two videos:..

MR. PRESIDENT, YOU MUST VOTE FOR PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNYmI6MlhZw

YES TO PALESTINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2NlDU-LM

Sixty three years have been squandered with no signs of genuine security for the Jews; they have been living with an unsettling fear and have been on-the-run for their whole history. Not a week goes by where Anti-Semitism is not countered in Europe, it is there in Latin America and it is there in Asia.
The Jews have not been able to breathe freely. There is a genuine phobia that someday a segment of radical Christians will uproot them as Germany did in the recent past and Spain some five hundred years ago, those were the only nations where the Jews felt home twice in their history but were betrayed both the times.

Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar in the United States. Not a month passes here in the United States without the markings of Anti-Semitism. Some one’s house is painted with Swastika, someone yells at them “you people” or opens the fire in the Holocaust Museum or demonstrates hateful placards like “Christ Killers”, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake this off from their chests.

Shame on our civilization that one group of people has to live in apprehensions of the other. It is just not the Jews but many a minorities in the world live in fears of the other. Shouldn’t we feel bad about it? Are we evil that someone has to be afraid of us? It has got to change.

Recognition of Palestine will put an end to the phobias and fears. The Jewish anxieties will subside when they realize for the second time in their history (first one was creation of Israel) that they are able to live a life of justice, which is a central tenet of Judaism that they had abandoned for security. It will free their psyche. It will have a domino effect, one by one, the Arab nations will recognize Israel’s right to exist over a few years. It simply means acceptance of Israel and a welcome call to the neighborhood.

The real enemies of Israel are those who are milking monies in the name of Israel. It is business to them, they are the Madoffs whose sincerity to Israel is doubtful but loyalty to cashing in the name of Israel is certain. They are manipulators and constantly coerce our congress and senate and get their way. Heck, they have made it worse for Israel by aggravating the conflicts.

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around 40's to make up for the guilt. A whole industry of opportunists was born from that. The two faced support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers had ulterior motives. They wanted to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them or pre-empt God for the Armageddon.

Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel secure. A genuine security is like a child in mother’s lap; safe and free from fears. Jews need to feel there is a home for them, where they can chat with friends in a café and carry on conversations without any fear, have zero fears for their school going children or ride the bus without fear. More than that, Jews can live their life again as they wanted to; to be a just people.

All of that is possible once the Palestinians feel justice is finally served to them. Shame on our cvilization, we have not cared for the lives of Palestinians, they are deprived of the very basics of life; a home and a nationality. We have stripped them from their hopes, it will change with this recognition.

President Obama has an opportunity to finalizing the transaction for Israel which was opened by President Truman. Prior to President Truman’s decision to recognize Israel, he was vehemently opposed by many in his administration including the Secretary of State George Marshall, Truman was threatened that his administration will be wrecked, indeed “the wise men” firmly opposed recognition of Israel. Did Truman budge?

President Obama will be equally hounded by Fox News and the right wingers. He has a choice to stand up and act with courage and become a one term president with balls and leave a lasting legacy of bringing genuine security to Israel and hope for the Palestinians.

If President Obama vetoes for Palestinian Statehood, he will do more damage to America’s stature in the community of nations besides keeping Israel in the state of anxiety until another Truman is born.

Let’s recognize Palestine and continue the peace process. It will abate the strife between Jews and Muslims and restore the cordiality that existed prior to the World War I. It is good for Israel, good for Palestine, good for America and good for the Middle East and the World.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive Societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Texas faith - Should we pray for rain?

The creator has designed a perfect ecological system for the planet earth to sustain on its own; however a few anomalies are built-in as a reminder for us to accept our own imperfections. Rain is one of the major components of that system and every so often, the system breaks down resulting in famines.  

Dallas Morning News
Texas Faith, September 13, 2011

Should Texans or for that matter, others afflicted by drought pray for rain?  If so, how would you pray? And what would you expect? If not, why wouldn’t you pray for rain? 

Rain is a major source of life-giving water. It fills the lakes, runs the rivers, grows the food, tends the plants which produce oxygen and facilitates all that we consume for nourishment and survival. Lack of rain brings disasters.

The creator has designed a perfect ecological system for the planet earth to sustain on its own; however a few anomalies are built-in as a reminder for us to accept our own imperfections. Rain is one of the major components of that system and every so often, the system breaks down resulting in famines.  

We have not had rain for a long time, what are our choices?   When our intellect does not produce alternatives, we turn to the creator; it is our only hope. 

Gov. Rick Perry’s proclamation to pray for rain may have its origins when he was a Commissioner for Agriculture. Indeed Jesus had made frequent references to it, in Matthew 13; four parables were mentioned relating to agriculture.

Doesn’t the creator know his operation has gone bonkers and needs fixing? He does, the mother knows what her children want, the employers know what the employees want, yet we have to ask for it.  So, we pray!

The Native Americans felt the need to appease the creator and initiated rain dances.  The Egyptian prayed for rain so the Nile can flow and they can get their water for sustenance. 

Moses declared in Deuteronomy 11:14 " I will give you the rain of your land…" and laid a condition, “to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." 

Lord Krishna says, “Beings are nourished by food, food is produced by rain, rain comes from sacrifice, and sacrifice is performed by action” and in chapter 19 of Bhagvad Gita he says “O Arjuna, I control heat, the rain and the drought.” 

Indeed, it is a routine in India for the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains to gather up and sing songs for rain. Even eminent scientist like C.N.R. Rao has inaugurated festivities to Goddess Chamanudeshwari to bless the State with bountiful rain. 

James 5:18, “Then, Elijah prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops”

Martin Lings, a Muslim scholar writes, “In Quraan the ideas of Mercy and water, in particular rain are in a sense inseparable” he compares that to the idea of revelation and the rain, both sent down by all Merciful God and both are spoken of as life giving. He adds that “the divine mercy reaches the uttermost confines of creation.”

In April this year, the Council on American Islamic Relations urged Muslims in Texas mosques to offer special Islamic prayers, called Salatul Istisqa, simply meaning asking God for water. This prayer was offered by Prophet Muhammad during times of drought.  Muslims pray 2 units of optional prayers either personally or in congregation, it is in the same format of daily prayers except the supplications for rain.

As a pluralist, I want to assure that this piece is meant to represent all religious traditions even though they are not mentioned.  May God bless us with rain now, Amen.

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The weekly column called Texas Faith at Dallas Morning News asks the religiously oriented to write about the issues facing the nation from their faith perspective.  I have been blessed to be sharing my take for over a year now. At the morning news, you can read at least ten other takes on the question. http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-should-we-pray-for.html

~ ~ ~ ~
Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Perry wins the debate in Florida

Republican  Presidential Candidates debate tonite on CNN 
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/perry-wins-debate-hands-down-monday.html
Please join me on my new speaker page on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mike-Ghouse/268972156462319

Please click LIKE after my name to participate.

I have launched this new page to open up to new friends to join me. The first page has reached the limit of 5000 friends and second is nearing 800... I had better have one new page for new friends Material would be same.


All the eight Republicans participated - Perry, Bachmann, Romney, Paul, Gingrich, Cain, Santorum, Huntsman. 
 

However Bachman, Gingrich, Santorum and Cain are a waste of time, but subtly boosting Perry or Romney. Bachman certainly lifts Romney, Gingrich lifts Perry.
# # #
Tea party activists booed on Ron Paul about War issues and Afghanistan. They booed Perry on inoculation to the teens to presumably protect from potential cervix cancer.

Poor singing of National Anthem by Diana Nagy. It was embarrassing. Listen to this one we played at Unity day yesterday by Beyonce’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=OhrrGu2rcZ4
Moderator assured “fair share” of questions. Either Bachman, Gingrich, Santorum, Cain were a waste of time and it was fair not to give them the time or he was not fair.
The debate was really between Perry on one side, Romney, Huntsman on the other, while the others were useful.
Social Security – Somehow criticism did not stick to Perry, even though he was in a defensive position, he played offensive.
Inoculation to teens – Perry stuck with the guns of being pro-lifer first. Bachman hit him hard. Perry, “I am offended that you criticize for $5ooo contribution against 30 millions?” Bachman said “she was offended for the girl not having a choice”. She got a lot of applause. Santorum hits Perry hard on the same note. The tea partiers did not give the claps to Perry, even though he spoke the plain Bubba language. His winning moment was when he said it was wrong for him to pass the executive order instead of going through the legislature. Wasn’t Bush made the same way? Shove it down the throat? Somehow Perry made it through. If he has more mistakes like that, it may be a major issue.

Gingrich was useful to Perry, but he was dishonest about GE not paying taxes… that was because of Bush tax breaks dummy. Don’t blame Obama for that… sorry to say this, there is a shortage of intelligence among Tea Party members. Check the www.MediaMatters.org, they do the fact check immediately.

Bachman – Obama stole from Medicare – stupid as always. Make some sense lady.
Perry – different tone today on Social Security – look in the face, look in the eye..
no one has the courage to say it like it is.

Romney – Perry said ss is ponzi – after 70 years of relying…

Perry was scaring seniors – did the damage
Romney – got right back – it was ponzi that scared
Huntsman – these two are frightening… instead of finding solutions

Newt – made great points – liked his plan but not rhetoric, safe for senior, let the young manage their own


Perry came out as a straight shooter, he won points when he said he was wrong about the vaccines to the teen girls – he should have gone to legislature. But will use the executive order to wipe out Obama care which got him thunderous applause.
Perry said he is pro-life at least thrice. I have watched the dummy Wolfe Blitzer in the past and have written about how he fails to ask the follow up question. Why did he not ask about the state killing the people? What about the death penalty? Of course, it would have given Perry a few more points. Nothing sticks to that son of a Gun.

Perry is crisp with short answers but has a lot of appeal in his tone.
Most of this was tweeted and posted on face book.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

# # #

Origins of the word Mohammaden

The word was coined in 1143 when the Arabs were conquering the Europeans lands, here is the story;

The only business of the damned kings was to conquer the next land, enslave the other people, rob them of their wealth, take their women folk and live off their taxes.  There are however exceptions to it. When the Arab Kings marched in to France with their armies, the Kings of France, England and Germany were fighting a 1000 year war to annihilate each other… when they saw this new force; they pulled together, their subjects needed to be pulled together as well.

They commissioned the Monastery of Abbey to mistranslate the Quraan, and they did that in 1143. The y painted Muhammad as a evil man, and his cult called Mohammaden whose army was marching to slaughter every Christian…. That was 1143.  That was the real birth of Islamophobia. http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/03/islamophobia-and-quraan.html

The translation abounds in inaccuracies, several translations have occurred since then multiplying the errors. European knowledge base on Islam is founded on mis-translations. Most of the Christian and Jewish scholars draw their knowledge from it and propagate the same for material gains. The European and American Islamic Scholars need to add a refresh button to their knowledge.

Rusty, Jihad Watch is a product of that false translation. Robert Spencer and I have had debates on this many times. There was a symposium between him, a few others and I called One Islam way back in 2005 – fortunately he has published my criticism in Front Line and I believe it is in Jihad Watch as well. We were on TV and Radio several times together.  

As I have written in my piece at Dallas Morning News; "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews." http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

Mike Ghouse

911 STORY & INTERFAITH MOMENTS

911 STORY OF INTERFAITH MOMENTS
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-story-interfaith-moments.html

First of all you are invited to join us at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2001 at the Unity Church of Dallas to hear and share reflections on 9/11. Details at www.Unitydayusa.com
# # #

Since September 11, 2001, many stories have been told and experiences shared, but here is one story among many that the right wing Americans inclusive of Jewish, Christian and others in particular and Muslim Americans in general need to hear. I hope this piece prompts you to think of the difficult interfaith moments you have witnessed. It is the story of the day and few events related to the 9/11 interfaith encounters we have held over the years. This is a long story, still more will be added, and it is 4 times the normal News paper story encapsulated in 3000 Words. I hope it offers insights into what it takes to build a cohesive America, a free America where no one has to live in apprehensions. Yes, we can do it.

This is also the story of the birth of Unity Day USA, a day to bring Americans Together. The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Our civic leaders including Mayors, Council members, State representatives, Senators, Congresspersons and other officials will honor us with their presence. Each Mayor at the event will give a one minute speech to share his/her thoughts about co-existence and promoting social cohesion in their respective cities. Additionally, our men and women in uniform including police and fire chiefs will be honored for their outstanding service to our nation.

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

Pictures, comments, sound bites are all at www.Unitydayusa.com 

ON THE DAY OF 09/11/2001


About 10:00 on the Morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was called in by Rehan Siddiqi at AM Radio 1150 to address the situation; and Amir Morani of 950 AM also joined in to simulcast the program. The great tragedy had left every one speechless and had frozen everyone from doing anything. I was shaking but was committed to make sense out of the chaos and bring coherence to the day, and pave the way for relevant action.

I was on the air for 7 hours straight, standing on my feet and getting just about every community, religious, civic and business leader and the general public on the air to talk about the situation. Many of them read prepared statements, and one by one they condemned the attack. I did not even get to eat or take a break. The calls were pouring in and I was completely absorbed in the situation.

Among many who jumped on the idea to hold interfaith prayers were Mr. Joel Brooks of American Jewish Congress, Ms. Vinoda Kumar of the DFW Hindu Temple, Mr. Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Center of Dallas, Mr. Poras Balsara of the Zoroastrian community and someone from the Baha’i Temple, the list was endless. Mr. Taiyab Kundawala of India Association announced the prayer vigil at the association and the fund raising was set up the very next evening. Mr. Mansoor Shah of Pakistan Society was there to do anything that needed to be done. Mr. Ashok Kumar Mago of the Indian Chamber of Commerce also joined in on the Radio. I apologize to many friends, whose name have gone blank on me. I would appreciate if you could share them. This will go as a chapter in my upcoming book on Pluralism.

While this was going on, my late wife Najma called in to announce about the blood drive and sure enough, hundreds of people were lining up at Wadley (I believe it was Wadley) Blood center. She drove to the facility and the folks told her that the lines were too long and asked us to hold off the announcements till the next day. I wish I could get hold of the CNN tapes from the next day where they interviewed Muhammad Suleman and me for over 10 minutes each at the Radio Station we were hanging out. Our friends and my late wife said that every word I said on the TV was just the right word, what a relief.

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life. A major change occurred in my life around that time. I was an Atheist for a long time, not a belligerent one but the pluralist kind, and for the first time in about 30 years I chose to be a Muslim in Public Sphere. Thanks to my father for inculcating the values of Pluralism in my initial set up.

In the random readings of holy books that I continue to do, I came across a verse in Bhagvad Gita, “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”. The timing was perfect as Islam was being attacked; the verse inspired me to go find the truth.

Karen Armstrong’s book on Muhammad had made a huge impact on me. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a divine, distant and a mystical figure to me. That book made me look to him as another human with whose life and decisions I could relate with. He was bent on building cohesive societies and just about every one of his actions was grounded in a singular theme; mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwil so all can live in relative harmony.

I made it my business to hone on the verses in Quraan that had driven me away from Islam. I had made several attempts and each time I did not like the translations I read. The verse, “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility” did not allow me gulp down what was apparent about Quraan. Over the years of searching, I discovered that Quraan was deliberately mistranslated by politicians who wore the label of Christian as well as Muslim. Steve Blow in Dallas Morning News put my thoughts in the words that I cherish, "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews." Relax, the first translation is not in circulation but is used by the rightwing Christian and Jews to support their tirade, the second dangerous translation is by Hilali khan, unfortunately it is there and Muslims are now aware of it. However there are over two dozen translations which are OK to alright. The best among available one's is by Muhammad Asad and we need a new translation which the average person can relate with and reflects the universality of God. More about this at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-better.html.

That was my background in relating the story of 9/11.

As the community was fully involved on the air with me, the Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donation and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up, Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize any one. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still needs to be undone.

Atheists, Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

A few of us formed a team from different religions and went from place of worship to place of worship and shared the prayers or gave a small talk about the respective religion. That’s where we build the relationship of trust between us for me to read the Jewish Prayers when Joel Brooks was not available, recite the Zoroastrian Prayer for Poras Balsara, Jain prayers for Pradeep Shah or Hindu Prayers for the Hindu community and of course, I represented Ben Moghaddas of Baha’i faith and was always a substitute for the Muslim community. There never was a shortage of Christians, Muslims and Sikhs in interfaith activity at that time. However, it has dwindled down now. Muslims are not participating as much, and at many places I am the only Muslim participating in smaller interfaith events. They go to the big ones though.

One of the biggest walls between Hindus and Muslims was dissolved that week. President of The Dallas Islamic Center, Muhammad Suleman asked me to pull the religious groups for the interfaith prayers and I was pleased to include Hindu prayers. Vijayshree Venkatraman came and chanted the Om Shanti Mantra amidst all other prayers. Perhaps it was the first time Hindu prayers were recited in a Mosque complex. I am sure it is done in India, but it was a new experience for Muslims in Dallas.

If there was one gratifying moment in my interfaith life, that would be one. The other ones are chanting the Jainism’s Navakar Mantra at the Maya Temple in Mexico, Hindu prayers in the Snotes at the Mayan Temples, getting Baptized in the name of God at the place in Jordan River where Jesus was Baptized and dancing with the Pagans in Melbourne and spending time with the Native Australians.

In 1993, I published the first issue of Asian News Magazine which was co-edited by Abraham Thomas. A new standard was set in bringing the communities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka together. The highlight of the paper was extensive calendar and write ups on the essence of every possible festival that took place in Dallas. Then in July of 1996, AM Radio 1150 approached me to begin the Radio Service for the communities, indeed it was the first Talk Show Radio for the community which paved the way to full time Radio services. These two items highlight the pluralism work that was going on. Every Saturday on the air, we had a segment called Festivals of Asia which was upgraded to Festivals of the World where we shared the essence of every religious festival; we had religious leaders from Aztec to Zoroastrians and every one in between sharing the essence of their festivals on the air.

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is a Muslim initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America, my initial team included Lee Holcomb of UT Dallas and other volunteers and women members from the Plano Mosque who handled wonderful refreshments.

During planning session of the event, I was opposed by a few to hold prayers from all religious groups in an alphabetical sequence. They preferred that Muslim Prayers be done at first and others to follow, someone did not want Islam to be in the Middle of Hinduism and Jainism. Even the idea of the Abrahamic faiths first and others following it was floated. I was not in favor of it as I have always believed in equality of all humans and by corollary all religions, we dug in our heels.

Before it got messy, I called Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci and asked his guidance on it and I was praying for wisdom from him and was willing to walk away from the event if there was a preferential treatment to any group. He thought it over and said, Islamically I was on the right tract to treat everyone on equal footing, however he said, if you want to be political, you choose. I asked him if I could put those words in an email and send to the group, and that was the end of the conflict, what a relief! This Imam is a blessing to our town, indeed I have written a few more of the interfaith moments between us.

The prayers were indeed led by 13 groups of religious leaders. Regina Rafraf led the Baha’i prayers, Ben Boothe led the Buddhist prayers; Christian prayers were led by the late Baptist Minister Roy Harrell with a team of clergy from Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian, Catholic and other denominations; Swami Nityananda Prabhu led the Hindu group representing 7 different Hindu Temple; Islamic prayers were led by Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci with Shia, Bohra, Ismaili, Sufi, Warith Deen Muhammad, Sunni and other Muslim traditions, Pradeep Shah led the Jain prayers, Rabbi Haas led the Jewish prayers, the Sikh prayers were led by Bhai Harinder Singh and Ramneek Singh, Wicca prayers were led by Brian Langford and the Zoroastrian Prayers were lead by Poras Balsara. In the later years Native Americans, Pagans, Earth based Traditions, Atheists and others have joined in, no one is excluded, however a few continue to malign us and refuse to join standing shoulder to shoulder with people of different faiths.

FBI Chief Danny Deffenbaugh, Mayors or Mayors pro-tem and Police chiefs of Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Garland, Carrollton, Addison and representatives of congress woman Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Representative Florence Shapiro were all on the stage. Among the civic leaders were Dean Hobson of the UT Dallas among others.

My conversation with Maria Arita of Fox news was interesting. She wanted to know if it was difficult to pull these various groups together. She could not resist the inherent bias and blurted out, was it the Moslems that were difficult? I said no and the answer will be in my upcoming book. It’s an amazing story of interfaith.

In the 3rd annual Unity Day event we discovered something beautiful about how we hold things inside. I have sincere relationships with my friends in different religious communities and they share whatever bothers them, usually is it about Muslims. Every one wants to genuinely find the truth and thanks to my friends from the Zoroastrian and Sikh Communities who held back the issue for two years.

Dr. Harbans Lal and Firdosh Mehta asked me to find out why Muslims walked out on them, when it was their turn to pray in the first Unity day? Remember the Alphabetical sequence? I thank Bhagvad Gita for instilling in me with “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”… we dug up and found out that it was the prayer time for Muslims when the Sikhs and Zoroastrian got on the stage. I shared that story and told our friends attending the event that you have got to admire our Muslim brothers and sisters, when the time for prayer comes up, they drop everything as nothing else is a priority to them and Mayor Pat Evans appreciated the hint. If that time were during the speech of the Mayor, they would simply fulfill their duty to God and pray. Isn’t it amazing what was construed as dislike to hear the Sikh and Zoroastrian payers, was not? It was such a relief to our friends Dr. Lal and Mehta.

Gregory Gomez, the Apache American surprised everyone and continues to remain the talk of the town. When Gomez went on to the stage with our Hopi Chief Ambrose to cleanse the environment (Done with feathers, a native tradition and I have been cleansed a few times). The first words the Native American spoke thrilled the audience, it was ironic, unexpected and truthful, he said, “Welcome to my country”. The biggest appreciation came from Richardson Mayor, Gary Slagel without missing the beat.

A few more of the moments are at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-better.html or in Dallas Morning News at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

God willing my upcoming book will share some of the most difficult and humorous interfaith moments.

Islam teaches one to be non-judgmental, and consistently encourages individuals to do good. It emphasizes about individual responsibility towards the peace and security of society at large. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others whom you don't even know, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found to usher an era of justice and peace. Indeed, this is the same message, every messenger of God in every faith or a peace maker or a wise men and women have reiterated.
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Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

9/11 Interfaith Prayers at Unity of Arlington

God has blessed me with wisdom to cherish every which-way one worships the creator. Praise the Lord, I must have witnessed and experienced at least 50 different religious traditions and God willing, I  want to be with every one of the 225+ religious traditions that inhabit the earth today.  In Dallas, I visit this Unity (Church) of Arlington at least once a year. I attend and or speak in at most denominations and it feels good to be in tune with God and his creation in so many different settings. To my Muslim friends, my faith is enriched as a result of knowing that it is ultimately the creator every one bows to and expresses his or her gratitude to.


INTERFAITH PRAYERS FOR 9/11
Unity of Arlington, Texas
Pastor: Rev. Janet Ellis

My format:

1.       Essence of Religious Greetings from 10 different traditions with group participation

2.      Interfaith prayers (listed below)

3.      Muslim prayers – sharing the essence of Islam and reciting Sura Fateha, the first chapter from Quraan.

Other pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157627634907218/show/

Dear creator,
In your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful American with care, kindness and dignity to every one of the 312 Million Americans and 7 billion humans you have created.

Dear God, please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Manito, Yahweh, Elahi, Ishwar, Allah, Mahavira, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, mother earth and Jesus Christ.

We have gathered here this evening as representatives of a diverse community. We thank you for inhabiting our nation with all of your creation, represented by every race, nationality, ethnicity, language, culture and religion. We see you as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names.

Help up to preserve the diversity and plurality you have chosen for us. but as one drawn together by our common goal of working together to create a peaceful world.

Guide us to talk act and believe that we are one nation under you

Guide us to value and practice the principles of liberty and justice for all of your creation without prejudice.

Help up to preserve the diversity and plurality you have chosen for us. but as one drawn together by our common goal of working together to create a peaceful world.

As we undertake this mission we are painfully aware of the ignorance, the prejudice, the fear, the mistrust and the hatred that divide people in our world today.

We recognize that these destructive attitudes are found not only in the other, but in ourselves as well.

Dear God, purify our hearts and minds give us wisdom and give us the courage

Dear God, guide our President, politicians and administrators to have an open heart and mind towards your creation and help them make the decision that you would be pleased with.

We pray for the safety and well being of the men and women in uniforms who are safeguarding our liberties.

In your name we bow, Amen.

I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA on Sunday Sep 11 at 5:00 PM at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com. Kindly rsvp to Unitydayusa@gmail.com Thank you – Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

 Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

American Public will punish the Tea Partiers

Pending wrath of American Public on the Tea Partiers
I am glad President Obama came through poised, clear and precise with stronger than ever conviction. He was Reaganesque when he thundered and said, he will go to every nook and corner of America and talk to the American Public, if the Tea Party members do not approve the Job Creation plan. It is time that American Public hears about them.    

What’s wrong with the Republican Party? Party because they are getting run over by the Tea Partiers.  How long they want to look macho guys, a few will fall for that talk even if they don’t have food on the table. Most Americans will give to them in 2012 if they don’t behave. The 2010 was fluke; they will not win the public in 2012 with 2010 arrogance, they are not in tune with the American public as they were in 2008.

The Tea Party candidates are beyond reason and logic, they act like the Toddlers throwing pranks and rejecting everything. Don’t they need to go to school and get some basic economic lessons? If the nation is going downhill, you don’t accelerate it.  You pump Money in to the economy to generate jobs and create activity, which spurs economic growth and recovery.

Finally Obama did the right thing, to tell them take it or face the wrath of the American People. I hope they see what America needs now and not what they want.                                                                   

RERFERENCES ADDED:
Bill Maher about Obama's speeech - http://www.politicususa.com/en/bill-maher-sarah-palin-coward

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com  

Perry will be the nominee if he keeps up

Presidential debate on September 7, 2011

Perry and Romney are the front runners with a wild card Huntsman, together they got the most time in this debate. If they keep up, they can march forward. Bachman came in to the light now and then as a surprise, as if she did not exist, same was with Gingrich. Why don’t these guys drop out and let the three debate more intensively and receive some serious grilling and fine tuning. These are my random, unedited, random notes I sent on Twitter, I just don't have the time to fix to put in flowing manner.

His cocky attitude towards death penalty has appealed to the right, his Ponzi word earned him the support from the conspirators on the right.... he was prepared well. But he has two negatives; the executive order that was thrown ...out by the legislature and anti-Federal Government but yet recipient of federal grants. He caught himself short somewhere about wanting federal funds... he did not complete the sentence. He was anti-regulations and yet he was regulating on abortive mothers and teens...

I like Obama, voted for him, held two rallies, wrote over a dozen articles in his favor.. He operates from the idea that all are mature people and will do their job without breathing on their necks. The Tea party people listen to shut up kind of language and Obama is not adept in it as a result they are creating a mess. Debt ceiling should have been increased for the job growth and Obama should have threatened to veto or go 14. He did not do that, he wants consensus from radicals and it ain't going to happen. A sign of weak leadership.

As a Moderate Republican I am hoping a good competitive candidate; somehow none of the Republicans in the front line are moderates and I do not relate with them. Huntsman sounds good to me so far, on the other hand, Perry could not do the damage Bush had done when we have a strong Democratic senate and reduced majority of Republicans in the house, he may fit in perfectly.

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PERRY - Good suit - came across confidentPerry has strong appeal to the conservatives when he talks about punishing those boys and sticking to the guns of ponzi schemes on social security. He has got that Red-neck appeal. The state killing the criminal? Nope's we need to have compassion - What's difference between Iran and Saudi Arabia where they hang and stone to death. He will lose out on sticking to his gun on the Ponzi scheme story on social security. He has negative on issuing an executive order to inoculate the girls against aids, state intervention? No way. Good exchange and come back with Romney
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ROMNEY - Bad Suit – came across confident
Romney does not have a strong appeal, viewed as intelligent but will not cut it, if he does no improve. Hits Perry in the guise of Obama – what does a guy know who has never worked in private sector Fully prepared to debate, had everything on his finger tips. He keeps scoring negatives on his health care
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HUNTSMAN - Best Dressed, loved his Tie, looked presidential-
He was eloquent in his response and seems to have vast experience. Makes most sense in his answers, just as Obama does, how much of it is really implementable?
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BACHMAN – Could have dressed better.
Good on immigration policy though shared a bad example of visiting Florida- just because the Cuban folks in the Restaurants don’t like the policies… what is her take? Moral? Will lose out on thoughtless rhetoric of $ 2/Gallon Gas – Market determines that, not her. Good to see her praise Obama on something…

PAUL – No Presidential looks, sorry Ron
If they (state) feels the obligation to help the poor..... his belief stems from the idea that every individual is independent, healthy and not sick. That is a wrong policy Paul – talk with people who have children born withdiseases, aids from blood transfusion… if it was left to the pre- civil rights act, the locals would let the down trodden die. ]

CAIN – Good suit, clarity in speech
He was on bent on cleaning everything and fixing everything. Life and politics are not logical and he cannot fire people at will, or shut down a business if it is not profitable… can’t do that with life and politics where other lives are dependent.

GINGRICH - he knows the stuff, but the
wrong stuff. No idea why he is there
BRIAN, the Anchorman – Had difficulty in asking
questions, too much talk for short questions

OBAMA-CON-ME? OR Obama economy? I just invented this term

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

TEXAS FAITH: Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

Abstract:   Jews need sincerity and not duplicity. Native Americans need an apology and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God. Unless we deal with tough issues about our differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political.  Please note, most of my writings are inclusive of all theist and atheists traditions, we all inhabit the earth and we need to figure how best to co-exist cohesively.

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Since September 11, 2001, many conversations have taken place among Muslims, Jews and Christians. There are official interfaith conversations occurring all over the globe, where participants dig into each other's texts. And numerous personal dialogues have been established over the last decade. Many of us have learned more about the three Abrahamic faiths since September 11, 2001 than perhaps we knew before that day.

But here's this week's question, which is simple in its wording but not necessarily simple to answer: Do followers of the three Abrahamic faiths really understand each other better since 9/11?

Eight Texas Faith Panelists including Mike Ghouse weighs in at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political.

We were better off when we knew very little about each other. But as we faced the hostage crisis in 1979, the evangelical foray into politics, the Baptist convention on harvesting poor souls and finally 9/11, religion moved on to center stage. It will get better when we know more about each other.

On September 11, 2001, I was on the radio in Dallas attempting to make sense out of the chaos of the day and pave the way for relevant actions. Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donation and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up. Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize any one. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still needs to be undone.

Atheists, Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

But while we are trying to know more about each other, more needs to be done. Here are a few examples;

* Mosques in Dallas/ Fort Worth area opened their doors right after the 9/11 incident. As Christians walked in, they were naively welcomed by yet-to-be trained volunteers who said, "We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God." However, the volunteers were trained to welcome without conflict the very next week.

Of course, back in the 8th Century, a Syrian bishop had declared that Islam was a false religion. That declaration has remained in the psyche of a few Christians forever.

Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church of Dallas reiterated the statement and added, "Quran is a false book written by a false prophet." He was asked to prove it but failed.

There are several verses in Quraan that are mistranslated for political gains. Steve Blow in Dallas Morning News quoted me, "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews."

One such difficult passage is "Kill the infidels wherever you find them." Ten such propaganda verses were read to separate the myths from reality. They were not read by Muslim clergy, but by Baptist, Mormon, Protestant, Catholic, Unitarian, Methodist, New Age, Unificationists, Sikhs, Hindu and others at the Quraan Conference

*Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar. The anti-circumcision bills in San Francisco and Santa Monica were irksome to some, but frightening to others. Indeed, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake off what Fred Phelps was demonstrating with reckless posters such as "Christ Killers."

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around in the 40's to build relationships between Jews and Christians. A whole industry of opportunists was born from it. The support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers have ulterior motives. They want to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them. Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel genuinely secure.

*Native Americans need an apology for the destruction of their religion and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. Some of them feel that Governors Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal made it in politics because they converted to Christianity.

*The spiritual balance in the community needs to be restored through observing and following the Golden Rule, which is treat others as you would like others to treat you. Although we have failed in the past, such as when the city of Plano rejected a permit to build a Hindu temple in the early 80's and Richardson did not permit a Muslim school to open there in the mid-1990s, we still have come a long way. Thank God, those are now history and the public in the metroplex welcomes diversity.

* Interfaith meetings are still social gatherings. Leaders from smaller groups are invited as tokens rather than to genuinely get to know each other. Unless we deal with tough issues about differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is plenty of room for honesty to grow and mature.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other people and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. One of these days we will get there. Meanwhile, I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA on Sunday September 11 at 5:00 PM at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com

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References:
Steve Blow – Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

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List of difficult passages: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/difficult-passages-in-quraan.html

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Quraan Conference program sequence: http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html

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Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com