Mike Ghouse on Hannity show on Fox news tonite

Sean Hannity offers the conservative perspective, and I will be on his show tonight to offer pluralistic solution on issues of the day. A moderate's point of view for our friends on the right as well as the left, to see the bigger world. I may not talk a whole lot, but I will precisely make a few points.  This must be my 40th or 50th appearance on the show, I don’t keep track of it nor do I save it any more.

TONIGHT ON HANNITY SHOW @ FOX TV
8:30 PM EST | Monday, February 11, 2013

In the last few weeks, Sean Hannity has been called names on my forums and the Facebook, what we need to realize is that Hannity is a patriotic American who keep our government in check. I am glad Hannity does not give a pass to Obama or any one. Had he grilled President Bush, we would not have been in the mess we were. Obama should not be spared either, no matter how good he is. 

We don’t have to agree on anything, but we have to talk, even if it is unpleasant. My favorite media heroes are those who nail the respective governments down, and keep them on their toes. Imagine an America without criticism, but without it, our democracy will not be fully functional.  

http://www.hannity.com/guest/ghouse-mike/10804

 

Mike Ghouse, President,
America Together Foundation
........ Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. He believes in Standing up for others and has done that throughout his life as an activist. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.

Texas Faith: Do we need a new national conversation about marriage?

Humanity is diverse, that's God's intentional creation. The male/ female ratio has always remained around 50/50 with +/- 2 points variation on either side. The world would never be 100% male or female, likewise the world would never be 100% Gay, it will be a natural 10-15% of the population. Mike Ghouse


Texas Faith: Do we need a new national conversation about marriage?

By Bill McKenzie / Editorial Columnist
Dallas Morning News, Published on February 5, 2012

Ten panelists contributed to this forum, to read the contributions from all the panelists, please visit - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/02/texas-faith-do-we-need-a-new-national-conversation-about-marriage.html/

Has the conversation about marriage reached a dead-end in our country, as Blankenhorn suggests? If it has, please explain what you would like this conversation to now include. If you think we don't need a new conversation, please explain.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas, and Speaker on interfaith matters, diversity and pluralism

The conversation on marriage has just opened up, and we are far from reaching the dead-end. But until that time we will need two parallel societies. They will not be in conflict with each other, but each on its own path.

What is missing in the conversation is our untapped ability in understanding the wisdom of God. As humans we are disgustingly selfish, and grind on to the selective verses that suit our insecurities to force the weak (minority) into obedience, as if we gain something.

The conservatives among us, particularly those who are Christians and Muslim, are stuck in the dished-out versions of the Sodom and Gomorrah story. We need to follow Jesus in spirit, and follow the merciful and inclusive God of the Universe (Quran).

God has endowed us with free will. He let Adam make the mistake without slapping him for eating the forbidden fruit. Instead, he kicked us out, and gave us an opportunity to multiply and live out in a bigger world with free will. He wanted us to figure out living with each other without punishing the few, who opt not to multiply.

As a futurist of interfaith trends, I have been struggling to understand sin. I found guidance in Buddhist literature about sin from this analysis, which I read on ReligionFacts.com:

"'Sexual misconduct' has thus traditionally been interpreted to include actions like coercive sex, sexual harassment, child molestation and adultery. As homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in any of the Buddha's sayings recorded in the Pali Canon (Tripitaka), most interpreters have taken this to mean that homosexuality should be evaluated in the same way as heterosexuality, in accordance with the following principles: I) Intention - Is the act motivated by love, generosity and understanding? And ii) consequential - does the act cause harm and regret (in oneself or others) or benefit and joy?"

As a pluralist, I draw upon different religious scriptures, and here is a corollary from Quran about carrying on a civil dialogue. "Respectfully, I do not practice what you practice, and you do not practice what I practice, so you live with your belief as I do with mine, as long as we understand our differences and not harm each other."

The dialogue must continue until we learn to respect the otherness of others and live in harmony. No one's belief should be thrust on the other. That kind of freedom is a hallmark of civil societies.
 …
The phobias that acknowledging and accepting the gay sexual orientation will cause more people to become gay is as ridiculous as saying eating Chicken will make you a Chicken. The sooner we accept this, the quicker we can put this fear behind and move on with our lives, instead of harassing and denigrating fellow humans. Thank God, I am blessed to be friends with all of God's creation including many gay and lesbian friends. The alarmist attitude will evaporate one day, why not junk it now? Indeed, it's a blessing to be free.
…..

References:

 New York Times piece on Blankenhorn. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/us/in-shift-blankenhorn-forges-a-pro-marriage-coalition-for-all.html?_r=0

American Values, marriage a new conversation
http://www.americanvalues.org/marriage-a-new-conversation/index.php

Buddhism about Homosexuality
http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/buddhism.htm

Quran about Civil Dialogue
http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/buddhism.htm
 
. . . . . . . Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.

Texas Faith, Is the religious left too nice and without influence?

The future of our society will be shaped by the moderate majority, for the first time in our long history, the moderates have discovered that they don't need to bang their fist on the table, or scream bloody murder to be heard, they have done it effectively at the ballot box, they waited for the left or the right to move towards moderation, and the left jumped on it and got the ride in 2012, and now the right is scrambling for the ride. Continued at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/01/texas-faith-is-religious-left-too-nice.html
…..

Texas Faith, Is the religious left too nice and without influence?

By Bill McKenzie / Editorial Columnist, Dallas Morning News, January, 29, 2103

The Washington Post's Lisa Miller wrote earlier this month about how "nice isn't going to win the battle for the religious left."

Miller noted how the religious left once made the case for issues of great consequence, such as women's suffrage and civil rights. But she contends the religious left needs to greatly improve how it makes its priorities and activities more compelling and newsworthy.

Wrote Miller: "Kumbaya is not a story. Why can't we all just get along is not a story. Since the rise of the religious right in the 1970s in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, the religious left has failed to gain any comparable visibility, traction or voice on major issues in the political sphere.

"News releases from the precincts of the religious left continue to emphasize niceness over moral authority….There's nothing wrong with being polite, of course. But a great, galvanizing, undeniable moral argument is better. 'Civility is a great friend of the status quo,' says Jim Naughton, partner at Canticle Communications, which advises faith-based groups. 'People aren't going to change because you're nice to them.'"

What do you think of her point? Is the religious left indeed without the same influence and profile as the religious right? If so, is it because the religious left has tried more to be civil and nice than to make a compelling moral argument?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas


We are conditioned to seeing everything from a binary perspective; left or right.  We lose sight of the critical third dimension; the deadbeat moderate majority. This is the group that is meek, civil and polite, but does act decisively while casting the ballot.

Indeed, the religious left is more influential than the right in pulling the moderate votes.

Obama is reelected with a greater margin over his rival on the right.  The public support for legal abortion is accumulating despite the religious right. Same sex marriage is gaining greater acceptability. Obama care is in, Immigration reforms are underway, and gun safety regulation is gathering momentum. Heck, the wars will end with no desire to engage in another senseless war.

On the other hand, the religious right is losing, not because of inadequacy in their principles, but because of their belligerent, unintelligent pounding on the airwaves, and turning the moderate majority off.

Jim Naughton makes a powerful point that Civility is a great friend of the status quo; he is talking about the moderates, and not the ones on the left. Whether it is the city council meeting, church gathering or in informal gatherings, it is always the people on left or the right who drive the conversation, they have no qualms in speaking out passionately, even though they get shot at alternatively by the other, they don’t lose the enthusiasm for their point of view. Whereas the moderates, keep raising their hand politely, hoping to get their turn, but never get a chance to get their point across, they don’t know how to bang their fist on the table, such an act is rude and stupid to them.

Years ago, a Nun made a remarkable point on Tim Russert’s Meet the press. The right will frighten the public and attempts to win by guaranteeing to take care of them, the left will match their tall claims, while the moderates have difficulty in embellishing and giving false hopes, they lack passion.

America is moving towards the center, the moderate majority is realizing its power to keep things at an even keel; they want an America that is good for every one of her citizens, in fact they made that difference in 2012 through the ballot, as they do not have the passion to speak out. Indeed, Americas’ future will be shaped by the moderates.

. . . .

Eleven panelists contributed to this forum, to read the contributions from all the panelists, please visit -  http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/texas-faith-is-the-religious-left-too-nice-and-without-influence.html/  

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

Texas Faith: What is America’s common creed and how do we forge it together?

President Obama is one of the best communicators that there is. I am writing a full blown article on how I felt through the inauguration and I am sure some of you can relate with it. However, in this piece at Dallas Morning News, it is about his masterful skills in building bridges between the entrepreneurial individualism of Republicans and Communalism of Democrats. This is our moment in history, and we have to leave a legacy of peace, prosperity and harmony to the next generation.

Published at Dallas Morning News, Monday, January 21, 2013.
Continued at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/01/texas-faith-what-is-americas-common.html

Texas Faith is a weekly column at Dallas Morning News moderated by Bill McKenzie and Wayne Slater. At least ten panelists contribute each week including Mike Ghouse.

Throughout his inaugural address today, President Barack Obama emphasized our common creed, we the people and taking action together. In short, his speech was heavy on the communal aspects of our work as Americans. His address contrasts with the individualism you often hear from Republicans. They regularly emphasize enterprenurialism, personal initiative and the power of local communities. So, here is the question I would like you to consider: What is America’s common creed and how do we forge it together?


MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

President Obama is one of the greatest communicators in our modern history. Perhaps he is the first president to have articulated America’s common creed profoundly, clearly and comprehensively as envisioned in the immortal declaration by our Founding Fathers: “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.”

The success of an individual hinges on the success of others around him or her. You cannot build a successful business without the support system and consumers for your goods and services. The president said, “We believe that America’s prosperity must rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class.”

Indeed, the entrepreneurialism of Republicans will bear fruit and multiply when there is an environment for it. It is not a charity, welfare or a noble thing. Instead, it is a genuine investment in human capital that pulls up men and women from the ditches onto a level playing field. That effort allows more people to compete in the marketplace for resources and become “synergists” to each others’ success.

He also articulated the need to be free and to be regulated: “Together we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.”

The president turned the light on a bridge between individualism and the communal aspect of our life. The bridge was always there but had remained in the dark due to the chasm developed through arrogance of bigger majority in the house by each party in the last eight years. Instead of serving the purpose they were elected for their purpose became defeating the other for some.

The message of the president was for all Americans. I hope the elected ones will heed his wisdom and continue to be a catalyst in the pursuit of our happiness.

And here comes the ultimate wisdom from the president: We have always understood that when times change, so must we, that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges, that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action.”..... ..

Eleven panelists contributed to this forum, to read the contributions from all the panelists, please visit - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/texas-faith-what-is-americas-common-creed-and-how-do-we-forge-it-together.html/

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

Interfaith prayers for families affected by the Connecticut shooting

PRESS RELEASE

We have to work on developing a society, where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. We pray for peace and kindness to prevail, please join us for the interfaith prayers to honor the ones who have lost their lives.

Dec. 15, 2012 - We stand with the families, who have lost their loved ones at the Connecticut shooting today, and we pray for the safety and security of the ones shaken by the incident, and pray that confidence is stored to the children and families who are scared.

As Americans we have to come together to mourn and reflect on this tragedy, and find sustainable solutions. We have to assure our children, or those children who have no one to assure, that what happened is bad, and we all have to work to prevent it.

We have to remember that no matter how hurting it is, we cannot blame an ideology or guns; it is the reckless attitudes of the deranged individuals that caused the killing. They need help, if we spot such individuals, we need to report them to find help for them, it is our silence that is bad, and we need to let our children know that if they see any one behave unusually, they need to tell the parents or their teachers in school. We have had four incidents this year in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Illinois and now in Connecticut and we cannot have our children live in fear.

We pray for peace and kindness to prevail, and seek the divine guidance to bless us with guidance to prevent these tragedies. At this time, we have to come together to express our support to the victims and their families.

We have to work on developing a society, where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. We are all in this together.

Join us tomorrow for interfaith prayers, at 3:00 PM at 1210 E. Beltine Road, Richardson, TX 75081 

Mike Ghouse, Speaker

Interfaith peace chapel and pluralism prayers

" Dallas, Texas – On September 21, Peace Pilot will light up the Texas Night with a large scale video projection across the exterior and interior walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel in Dallas, Texas, in an open, community-based celebration of International Peace Day."

This press release will continue after my note below;

More pictures will be added 

If you are in Dallas, make the time to visit this beautiful interfaith chapel at 5910 Cedar Springs Road in Dallas, its peaceful in there... years ago, I felt the same at the Baha'i lotus temple in New Delhi.

About the peace chapel on their website, http://interfaithpeacechapel.org/

"The Interfaith Peace Chapel is a modern masterpiece designed by award-winning and world-renowned architect Philip Johnson. It is a brilliant, inspirational design of "sculpture as architecture." Seating up to 175 people, the chapel provides ideal space for intimate worship services, commitment ceremonies and memorial services.

This sacred space makes a bold and highly visible statement to the world about our commitment to the vision God has placed upon our hearts. We believe wholeheartedly that God will transform millions of lives through this building!"

A year ago in Dallas Morning News, I wrote about the Peace Chapel
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/texas-faith-religion-and-art.html

My role was to greet and share the pluralism prayers.

1. Essence of greetings

A. Acknowledging the stranger
B. Inviting the other to connect with you
C. Possible friendship

When you say Namaste to someone, you are essentially saying, let the good in you connect with the good in me. When the Abrahamic faiths call Salaam, Shalom and peace to you, they are initiating a relationship with peace. May you be drenched in peace, soaked in peace and together we will talk, think and act peace. It is conditioning each other for creating good acts and talks. (elaborated in the speech)

2. Greetings - Request to remain silent, or repeat after me quietly or in Chorus

American - Aho piva (Cheyenne)
Baha'i - Allah-u-Abha
Buddhist - Buddha Namo
Christian - Peace to you
Hindu - Namaste
Jain - Jai Jinendra
Jewish - Shalom
Muslim - Salaam
Sikh - Satsri Akaal
Wicca - Blessed be
Zoroastrian - Hamazor Hama Asho bed

I hope within the next decade we all will grow up to be comfortable in greeting each other with any one of the greetings as synonyms.

3. Prayer

• Dear creator. Please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you; Mahio, manito, Yahweh, Elohim, Ishwar, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Ahura Mazda, Mother Earth, Allah and Jesus Christ.
• Thank you lord for enriching our nation with your creation represented by different races, nationalities, ethnicities, orientations,  languages, cultures, ideals and religions.
• Dear God, together we see you as one, none and many and see you as male, female and genderless, we take you as a being as well as nonbeing, some us have a name for you and for some you are nameless, but together we believe we are one universe, one people and one humanity.
• Dear causer of the Universe, in your name we want to create a cohesive and peaceful America with care, kindness and dignity to every one of the 312 million of us as well as 7 billion of us in the world.
• Dear God, guide us to talk, act and believe that we are one humanity and one nation under you.
• Dear God, as we undertake the mission of building cohesive societies, where no one has to live in apprehension of the other, we are painfully aware of the ignorance, fear, mistrust and ill-will that divides us, help us open our hearts and minds towards receiving each other.
• Dear God, guide us to become conflict mitigaters and good will nurturers.
• Dear God, Protect our men and women in uniforms committed to our safety and well being.
• Dear God, help us think, speak and act peace every moment of the day.
• Dear God, guide us to value and practice the principles of liberty and justice for all of your creation, just as you treat us.
• Dear God, give us your infinite wisdom and give us the courage to do the right thing, every moment of the day.
• Help us learn to respect the otherness of other in each one of us, and accept the god given uniqueness in each one do us.
• In your precious name we bow

Press release continued:

For more information about Peace Pilot contact:

www.peacepilot.org

Trayc Claybrook @  trayc@peacepilot.org                     

Peace Pilot Presents International Peace Day 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dallas, Texas – On September 21, Peace Pilot will light up the Texas Night with a large scale video projection across the exterior and interior walls of the Interfaith Peace Chapel in Dallas, Texas, in an open, community-based celebration of International Peace Day. 

Peace Pilot is a monumental video art installation by Dallas artist Trayc Claybrook, comprised of four high definition videos, which depict a hero’s journey towards peace. The Interfaith Peace Chapel is an architectural gem by renowned architect Phillip Johnson, which for one night will serve as a massive movie screen for the Peace Pilot video projections.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, followed by an introduction to the guest speakers at 7:00 PM, and the official lighting of the video installation at 7:30 PM, as well as a screening of the videos inside the chapel. There will be a Q & A session at 8:00pm for the speakers and filmmaker.

Peace Pilot is currently raising funds to support the September 21 event, through the crowd-sourcing website Indiegogo (indiegogo.com/peace-pilot), and welcomes tax-deductible donations.

Peace Pilot began as Trayc Claybrook’s response to a call by Jeremy Gilley of the international organization Peace One Day, who urged people across the globe to create events in recognition of International Peace Day 2012. Claybrook visited the Interfaith Peace Chapel, and was struck by the beauty and grace of the structure.  She sparked the idea of projecting her recently finished videos about peace on the exterior and interior walls of the building.

We would be very honored for you to attend and participate in this meditation with us. We’re also asking for your help to promote the event through social media. Information about the film maker and project along with a clip of the film can be found at www.peacepilot.org. 

Peace Pilot” Premier

Friday, September 21 - International Day of Peace

Interfaith Peace Chapel

5910 Cedar Springs Dallas, Texas 75235

TIMELINE:
6:00 p.m. Gathering/Refreshments
7:00 p.m. Program
8:15 p.m. Reception
9:00 p.m. Event Conclusion

This is a free event, open to everyone

Registration Link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4210156692/efblike

Thank you for being light in the world and for your love and support of this exciting project. Do not hesitate to call on me if you have questions or if you need clarification on anything. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

  

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest onSean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly atHuffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Middle East Crises and solutions by Mike Ghouse

Killing of Ambassador Stevens, Film on Muhammad and the attacks on our Embassy in Benghazi and Cairo messes up the average person. Indeed, there is a pluralistic solution available to the situation, it is much better than the show-off who can do most harm to each other. The solution is low cost, and is sustainable.

If there were a foreign policy or religious crises, Mike Ghouse is called in to offer pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Part of the solution was taped in our Dallas offices by Bud Gillette of CBS News and shared it on the evening News, and due to President’s speech last night on Hannity, Mike’s offer to present a long term solution to the crises did not happen, and however, he intends to present some of the solutions in a paper, most likely to be published in Huffington Post, meanwhile he is available to offer solutions.

It started on 9/11/2001 when Mike was called in by Radio station AM1150 to take charge and make sense. For the next eight hours Mike got the community, civic and business leaders to get on the radio and bring some coherence to the chaotic situation of the day - at the end of the day, people were driven to donate blood, hold interfaith prayerss and raise funds for the victims.

Now Mike will write a full report at Huffington post, meanwhile, he will offer valuable solutions on Radio and TV networks about the value of freedom of expression, the film on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), our foreign policy, bullying, war or long term solutions for the safety and security of America.

Quraan, Islam and Muslims defend the right of individuals; the acts of the rogues clearly violate the guidelines laid out by God, Prophet Muhammad and Islam. Muslims throughout the world have condemned this disgusting behavior of these men who killed our Ambassador and four of our officers serving us, and have scaled our embassy in Cairo.

The bully in us wants to bomb and annihilate the whole country of Libya and Egypt. We probably can do that, but remember two outcomes from it. Our violence generates more violence and will make us more vulnerable wherever we go. That is not the kind of life we want live. We are a free people and must preserve our freedom through wisdom, or the destruction of others will destroy us and our economy as we are living it now. The bully among those radicals has similar sentiments about us. How do we come out of it? Jesus and Muhammad both have taught us how to handle this.

As a society we can view these incidents from two different perspectives, and consider two different solutions. Blaming Islam is the useless thing to do. Islam did not authorize them do what they have done; they have done it on their own. Each one of the 312 Million Americans follows the same criminal laws; 99% of us obey them, where 1% doesn’t. We don’t blame our laws for those that don’t abide by them; we blame the bad guys and incarcerate them.

The bad guys went crazy upon the trailer of the film Mohammad. Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) authorize what they did? Did Quraan authorize what they did? Absolutely not, on the contrary Quraan is absolutely clear - if someone insults you, don’t carry on the conversations with them and adds, if you insult others, they will insult you.

The criminals are always good in blaming someone else - in this case Islam. We should not be gullible enough to buy their argument and start barking at religion instead of the criminals.

Freedom of speech and expression is the most sacred value of civilizations, and at no cost we need to compromise on them. What the dumb men did not realize is that they are actually promoting the movie by their violence. Had they chosen to follow the guidance of Quraan, to walk away from it, none of this would have happened.

The evil things we do are not Christian, Jewish, Islamic or Hindu in nature, they are our acts, and each one of us who violates the sanctity of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of others need to be rounded up, instead of killing and getting killed and living in fear that is the responsible thing to do.

- - - - -

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India,Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity showon Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly atHuffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. Talk/Text (214) 325-1916

9/11 Memorial event in Dallas - UnityDayUSA

YOUR INVITATION TO

               VIII ANNUAL UNITY DAY EVENT

It is a purposeful event to bring people of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniquenesses together to feel the oneness of our nation and to feel indivisible.

to be together as Americans

to express our gratitude to our Firemen, Police and Armed Forces
to honor seven individuals who have contributed to the well being of the DFW

to honor two communities for their work towards building a cohesive America
to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.

to cherish the other American as American and nothing but American

to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

Event: 8th Annual Unity Day USA

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Time: 11:30 AM -1:30 PM

Where: Unity of Dallas,
Address: 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

The Marine Guards will start off the ceremony followed by the Sikh Community Members singing our national Anthem followed by recognizing seven individuals who are making a difference in building a cohesive America. Two communities have been playing an exemplary role in sharing their work and action that brings Americans together. The civic leaders including state Representatives, Mayors, council persons, Fire and Police Chiefs will join us followed by 13 leaders representing Atheism to Zoroastrianism to share the wisdom or scriptures from their traditions. There will be light lunch in the Sikh Tradition.

Awards: Seven Individuals for building bridges in Dallas/Fort Worth communities

Communities: Two outstanding communities this year for their service

Organizations: Participating organizations are you in?

Details: http://www.UnitydayUSA.com

Donate: http://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/

RSVP to: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com (there is no charge for the event)

We will gather as Americans and rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

As Americans, and as American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.

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

How unity day as conceived http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com
www.FoundationforPluralism.com
www.UnitydayUSA.com  

Texas Faith; What would you like to hear Obama and Romney say in their convention speeches?

From January 2008 through March 2009, I followed Obama’s speeches, indeed, I wrote about him in advance and he spoke similar words. He is a pluralist, an inclusivist who respects the given space of every human being that God has placed on the earth. More about him and 40 articles I have written about him are linked below.

He is going to speak at the convention and I am going to write a mock speech and hoping his speech would have many elements from my speech. I will write a full speech hoping it would be similar to his real speech, as it has been in the past. Here is a sample at Dallas Morning News in today’s Texas faith column.

Texas Faith: What would you like to hear Obama and Romney say in their convention speeches?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

I hope President Obama delivers this speech to the nation.

Every day, I think about you, the 43 Million of my fellow Americans, who are patiently enduring the pain of placing food on your tables, and the sacrifices you are making daily to take care of your families.

As a society we have failed you in your pursuit of happiness, we have failed to create an aggressive environment where you can find means of earning a livelihood, and the fulfillment of a sense of responsibility to your family.

I am deeply troubled by it, like millions of you, I was not born with a silver spoon, and I understand your feelings. I am also thankful to the almighty for giving you the humility, forbearance and courage to believe in America. There is always the light at the end of the tunnel, that is indeed the commonality of our faiths, and that is what gets us going forward.

As a nation, we have two priorities; your job and the well being of you and your family.

We have a severe budget deficit, and we need funds to provide temporary relief to fellow Americans to take care of their families until there is a source of income for them. I will not let you down, and let you suffer more than what you already have. I will fight with the congress not to cut benefits to you.

By the way, Republicans are not wrong at all in reigning on spending, let me correct this notion, it is just not the Republicans, but every Democrat and every American believes in that, and you as an individual and a family lives within your means. Shouldn’t we?

We are all in this mess together, and as Americans we have a moral responsibility to take care of each other with our basic needs, everyone has to survive, not just the fittest ones with safe havens.

We have to raise funds or borrow it to survive until things get better. The short term solution is to ask every able American to continue to contribute in creating jobs, but also pay the same percent of taxes as every American does, whether your income is moderate or beyond imagination.

This paragraph is an add on, and not in the Morning News; If you are making $48,000 a year, more than likely you will end up paying $9,600.00 with 20% net tax rate, what if you pay $6,720 at 14% rate, would the additional $2,880 help you pay the bills? Forget the luxury, will it help you “survive” and take care of your family? You pay your taxes generously. If you make $23 Million a year, and if you pay like everyone else, you will contribute a fair share to the economy and we can pull it through equitably with the shared pain.

We need to be a healthy nation to sustain productivity, investing in your health through the health care reforms is the right thing to do, so you can focus on productivity rather than spend time worrying about how to take care of your loved ones.

We can stabilize our economy without repealing the good things working for your future, and as your president, I want to leave you prosperous, just like President Clinton did. Here are my specific plans and hurdles I face for the next four years and I need your vote of confidence for four more years.

Texas faith is a weekly column, where panelists from different traditions respond to the issues of the day - for all the responses, please visit Dallas Morning News at

http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/texas-faith-what-would-you-like-to-hear-obama-and-romney-say-in-their-convention-speeches.html/

Please join us for Unity day on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:30 AM at Unity Church of Dallas - details at www.UnitydayUSA.com

MORE ABOUT OBAMA - MY PERSPECTIVES

At 10:00 PM on Wednesday, January 3, 2008, history was made. Democratic candidate Barak Obama, an African American was declared winner of the Iowa caucus for the Democratic Party. January 3, 2008 will be written as a golden day in the civic History of America. 97% of the nearly 3 Million Iowans are rural conservative white folks. On this day, they have fulfilled a larger dream for the world by choosing Obama in Iowa caucuses; it was a major leap in the annals of human civilization, where color of the Person or ethnicity did not matter. What he can do for the country mattered.

Since then I have written nearly 40 articles about him, have cheered for him, criticized him and held two rallies and voted for him in 2008. He has disappointed us, and to be fair, it could have been worse with McCain going to another war in Libya, Egypt and elsewhere to show off our might, but destroy America from within. What good is the war, when it weakens the average American family with a loss of job, home and his or her savings? Obama had his domestic priorities screwed up. I did not want to vote for him this term, even though I liked him.

I was looking for a candidate among fellow Republicans; I was banking on Romney, the only non-extremist candidates among the few left, he looked good amidst them, but when he added Paul Ryan to his ticket, I waited with disappointment for some good statements and held out till Saturday, August 25, 2012 in vain. But when I saw the disgusting dishonest film about Obama on Saturday, I realized between two evils, my country is better off with lesser evil; Obama.

1. Disgusting Dishonest film about Obama - http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/45147/2016-obama-s-america-a-disgustingly-dishonest-film
2. Romney-Ryan are not worth standing up for - http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/45195/gov-christie-back-off-on-womens-condescending-issues-romney-ryan-are-not-worth-standing-up-for
3. Forty Articles I wrote about Obama - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/08/president-obama-articles-since-2008.html

# # #

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.comis updated daily.

Mike Ghouse bulletin

·         AAMIR KHAN IS GOD SENT TO INDIA

He is changing India, and impacting the social attitudes. He will eventually strip http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/aamir-khan-is-god-sent.html

·         TEACHING INTOLERANCE IN SAUDI ARABIA

What they are teaching in Saudi Arabia is a major concern, however it should not   http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/teaching-intolerance-in-saudi-arabia.html

·         PAKISTAN TV PROGRAM HONORS INTERFAITH GHOUSE

Thanks to Safeer e Pakistan for honoring my work on Pluralism. By 2020, http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/safeer-e-pakistan-awards-night.html

§  ARE WE A NATION OF OSTEENS AND OBAMAS?

She was looking for a pigeon hole to fit in. America was not ready to welcome. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/texas-faith-is-that-state-of-religion.html

§  ECONOMIC JUSTICE INTERFAITH SYMPOSIUM

Economic Justice is the key for  success of a nation if there is an imbalance http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/interfaith-symposium-on-economic.html

§  INDIA BOUND – MY KIDS   

Connecting with the families.. it gives firm grounding in the moments of despair and joy. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/india-bound-my-kids-go-to-india.html

§  MY FIRST DAY IN NEW YORK & NYPD
so I ran towards a police officer far away... the guys chased me, I was fast... http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-first-day-in-new-york-and-nypd.html 

§  STANDING UP FOR GAYS & LESBIANS - Don’t make the mistake that one has to be gay to stand up for gays, if that were http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/05/standing-up-for-gays-and-lesbians.html

§  TEXAS FAITH – SAME SEX MARRIAGES AND ATTITUDES - a big risk for Obama politically, but it was the right thing     http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/texas-faith-same-sex-marriages-and.html

§  US MILITARY’S COURSE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE - Did the teaching cause our men to urinate on dead soldiers, kill innocent http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/us-military-teaching-is-not-acceptable.html

§  CHRIST STATUE INDIA PROMPTS BLASPHEMY - Those  who are eager to laugh at others, need to look into their own pants http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2012/05/christ-statue-in-mumbai-prompts.html

§  HAJ SUBSIDY IN INDIA ABOLISHED – MUSLIMS WELCOME IT -   Good riddance, it is gone.    http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/2012/05/haj-subsidy-in-india-abolished-muslims.html

§  CAN AN INDIAN AMERICAN BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?- One does not have to belong to Abrahamic faiths  http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/2012/05/can-indian-american-become-president-of.html

§  MOTHER’S DAY – HAPPY MOTHERS DAY – Religious take by Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Baha’i and Christendom… http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-happy-mothers-day.html

§  AAMIR KHAN’S POWERFUL MESSAGE ON MOTHERS DAY - one hour show by Amir Khan  I have cried, yes, I have and you will too http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/amir-khans-powerful-message-on-mothers_12.html

§  SAME SEX MARRIAGE, ISLAM AND MUSLIMS 

As long as a Gay, Muslim, Hindu or a Jew is not stealing your http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/05/islam-muslims-and-same-sex-marriages.html   

§  RELIGION CREATED BY GOD OR MAN – Two perspectives; God and Man, both alien to the unconditioned http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/who-created-religion-man-or-god.html

§  RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS CREATING COMMON GOOD- when man figured out a way to live with his enemies or perceived enemies http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/texas-faith-how-far-should-religious.html

§  2 PERSPECTIVES ON INDIAN WOMEN - a controversial film and may  be banned in India by the fundamentalists http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/about-women-in-india-world-before-her.html

§  NATIONAL PRAYER DAY IN PLANO -  explaining the essence of greetings in each traditions and what it means to you and me. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/national-prayer-day-2012-plano-city.html

§  OPRAH, CHOPRA AND GOD WITHIN - God is within us and we can make a villain or a loving God out of him

 http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/texas-faith-are-oprah-deepak-and-god.html

§  OBAMA’S VICTORY IS HIS TO KEEP - Republicans should shut up and back off, before the disgusting videos http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/obama-deserves-full-credit-he-has-right.html

§  BEEF FESTIVAL IN INDIA SETS OUTRAGE – India should continue to be an example to others nations.  http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/2012/05/beef-festival-in-india-sets-off-outrage.html 
  

§  MORMON MOMENT - The Christian battles with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are seemingly internal. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/texas-faith-mormon-moment.html

§  EARTH DAY – Don’t mess with Mother Earth.  Those who deny global warming must be given a tour of these places. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/earth-day-dont-mess-with-mother-earth.html

§  YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION BY MUSLIMS - Muslims join Jews in commemorating Yom HaShoah http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2012/04/muslims-commemorate-yom-hashoah.html

§  RELIGION FORMULA DIALOUGE - The following is a conversation between Dr. Kumar and Myself, it is a sequel to my piece Religion http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/religion-formulaa-engaging-dr-kumar.html

§  STANDING UP FOR OTHERS – Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to stand up for others? http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/

§  CATHOLIC BISHOPS AND CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE - on Hannity Radio, Richard Land and I, a Muslim, joined them in support. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/texas-faith-catholic-bishops-and-civil.html

§  RISE OF ATHEISM IN AMERICA - There is nothing evil being an Atheist, and one should not look down on it, if we do that, it amounts to arrogance of being righteous.. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/rise-of-atheism-in-america.html

§  NEW FRIENDS PLEASE JOIN ME
If you wish to be friends, please join me at the link, as this facebook account has reached the limit, click here and LIKE next to the name www.facebook.com/speakermikeghouse and we become friends.  Thank you.

§  KORAN GIVE AWAY WORRIES THE RIGHT -  Either you stop for all, or allow for all. Free speech ultimately wins, we don't need to regulate it http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/koran-giveaway-in-germany-worries-right.html

§  VIRTOUS ADDRESS – Denton Record Chronicle writes about  Mike Ghouse’s address to the Rotary club http://www.dentonrc.com/entertainment/entertainment-headlines/20120416-virtuous-address.ece

§  ANTI-ISLAMIC EMAILS AND MY RESPONSE – When I answer his questions, he does not read a word but continues to attack. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/anti-islam-emails-and-my-response.html

§  HINDU MINORITY IN PAKISTAN - The civility of a nation and her people is reflected by how the minorities are treated. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/hindu-minorities-in-pakistan.html

§  MUSLIM SUPERSTAR SRK  AND HATE MONGERS -  It is about the hate expressed towards fellow Indians by the right wingers http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/hate-in-america-towards-bollywood-actor.html

§  MUSLIM’S EASTER - I was in Jerusalem and was blessed to sit by the place where Jesus was buried and pray http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/a-muslim-easter_b_1407555.html

§  DARK EASTER FOR PALESTINIAN CHRISTIANS -  As humans we are instinctively inclined to take sides & strength en positions http://israel-palestine-dialogue.blogspot.com/2012/04/dark-easter-for-palestinian-christians.html

§  PAKISTANI OVER INDIAN FOOD- PLURALISM - Each palette longs for certain food, and no food is superior or inferior. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/prefer-pakistani-to-indian-food.html

§  DOCUMENTARY - Americans Together, building a cohesive America to represent the life of every American – seek funding
http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2011/11/americans-together-documentary_11.html

§  Dallas Park Rotary Club about building a cohesive America – Speaker Mike Ghouse http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/mike-ghouse-speaks-at-dallas-parks.html

§  INTELLECT AND RELIGIOUS FAITH:  religion often seems to denigrate intellectual inquiry than celebrate the freedom-  http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/texas-faith-intellect-and-religious.html

§  INTERFAITH WEDDINGS – One must admire couples who are setting  the new standards in falling barriers between people
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/interfaith-weddings.html

§  STANDING UP FOR CHRISTIANS - Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to stand up for others?
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/01/standing-with-christians.html

§  STANDING UP FOR JEWS – Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to stand up for others?
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/02/standing-up-with-jews.html

§  STANDING UP FOR OTHERS - Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to stand up for others?
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/02/standing-up-for-others_05.html

§  STANDING UP FOR HINDUS -  In the following compilation, I will highlight some of the work I have done with and for Hindus and Hinduism http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/04/standing-with-hindus.html

§  STANDING UP FOR ATHEISTS - I have difficulty in understanding the religious people's belligerence towards Atheists.  http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/04/speaking-up-for-atheists.html

§  STANDING UP FOR GAYS & LESBIANS

Don’t make the mistake that one has to be gay to stand up for gays, if that were the  http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/05/standing-up-for-gays-and-lesbians.html

§  GHOUSE ADDRESSES  DENTON ROTARY CLUB – America Together Foundation has similar ideals as the Rotary club 
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/mike-ghouse-addresses-denton-rotary.html

§  PLURALISM PRAYERS – Every one of the 312 million Americans must feel a sense of connection to the prayer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mc9D9guPMY

§  SPEAKER FOR NATIONAL PRAYER DAY – Mike Ghouse will deliver a powerful message about building a cohesive America
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/speaker-for-national-prayer-day.html

§  RELIGION IS ABUSED/ MISUSED – Individuals have used religion for their gains, we shall not buy into blaming religion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-cqRNaOIXY

§  WHAT IS PLURALISM – It is an attitude of respecting the otherness of other and accepting uniqueness of each one of us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk2W73D7eHQ

§  RELIGION FORMULA – this formula can be applied across the board to every group; be it religious, racist, ethnic, nationalistic or political http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/religion-formula.html

§  ONE NATION UNDER GOD -  I am blessed to have been a part of every religious group from Aztec to Zoroastrians http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/04/talk-on-one-nation-under-god.html

§  PLURALISM /INTERFAITH SPEAKER PROFILE http://www.mikeghouse.net/InterfaithSpeaker_MikeGhouse.asp

§  MUSLIM SPEAKER PROFILE http://mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp