Muslims for Freedom of Speech

A DEFENSE OF FREE SPEECH BY AMERICAN AND CANADIAN MUSLIMS

We, the undersigned, unconditionally condemn any intimidation or threats of violence directed against any individual or group exercising the rights of freedom of religion and speech; even when that speech may be perceived as hurtful or reprehensible.

We are concerned and saddened by the recent wave of vitriolic anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic sentiment that is being expressed across our nation.

We are even more concerned and saddened by threats that have been made against individual writers, cartoonists, and others by a minority of Muslims. We see these as a greater offense against Islam than any cartoon, Qur’an burning, or other speech could ever be deemed.

We affirm the right of free speech for Molly Norris, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and all others including ourselves.

As Muslims, we must set an example of justice, patience, tolerance, respect, and forgiveness.

The Qur’an enjoins Muslims to:
* bear witness to Islam through our good example (2:143);
* restrain anger and pardon people (3:133-134 and 24:22);
* remain patient in adversity (3186);
* stand firmly for justice (4:135);
* not let the hatred of others swerve us from justice (5:8);
* respect the sanctity of life (5:32);
* turn away from those who mock Islam (6:68 and 28:55);
* hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant (7:199);
* restrain ourselves from rash responses (16:125-128);
* pass by worthless talk with dignity (25:72); and
* repel evil with what is better (41:34).

Islam calls for vigorous condemnation of both hateful speech and hateful acts, but always within the boundaries of the law. It is of the utmost importance that we react, not out of reflexive emotion, but with dignity and intelligence, in accordance with both our religious precepts and the laws of our country.

We uphold the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Both protect freedom of religion and speech, because both protections are fundamental to defending minorities from the whims of the majority.

We therefore call on all Muslims in the United States, Canada and abroad to refrain from violence. We should see the challenges we face today as an opportunity to sideline the voices of hate—not reward them with further attention—by engaging our communities in constructive dialogue about the true principles of Islam, and the true principles of democracy, both of which stress the importance of freedom of religion and tolerance.


SIGNATORIES:

Prof. Hassan Abbas, Quaid-i-Azam Chair, South Asia Institute, Columbia University
Anisa Abd el Fattah, Founder and Chairwoman, National Association of Muslim American Women (NAMAW)
Khaled M Abdel-Hamid, MD, PhD, writer
Ammar Abdulhamid, Executive Director, Tharwa Foundation
Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Director of Outreach, Dar-Al-Hijrah Islamic Center
Mehnaz M. Afridi, PhD, Adjunct Professor (Judaism, Islam & Genocide Studies) Antioch University
Asma Afsaruddin, PhD, Professor of Islamic Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington
Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, PhD, Director, Minaret of Freedom Foundation
Ahrar Ahmad, PhD, Professor of Political Science, Black Hills State University
Prof. Akbar S. Ahmed, PhD, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University
Osman Ahmed,PhD, President Islamic Society of Essex County, Newark, NJ
Prof. Parvez Ahmed, PhD, Fulbright Scholar & Assoc. Prof. Univ. of North Florida
Barbara Al-Bayati, Co-Founder, Orphan Whispers
Aman Ali, writer, stand-up-comedian
Javed Ali, founder and publisher, Illume magazine
Wajahat Ali, playwright, journalist, and producer of “Domestic Crusaders”
Sumbul Ali-Karamali, JD, LLM (Islamic Law), author of “The Muslim Next Door”
Shaykh al-Hajj Dawud Ahmad al-Amriki, Director, Muslim America
Salam al-Marayati, Pres., Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Shahed Amanullah, Editor-in-Chief, Altmuslim
Patricia Anton, Board member, Muslim Peace Fellowship
M. Saud Anwar, Co-Chair, American Muslim Peace Initiative
Abdul Cader Asmal MD, PhD, Past President, Islamic Council of Mew England
Aref Assaf, PhD, President, American Arab Forum
Hussam Ayloush, Exec. Director, CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area
Hazami Barmada, Pres, American Muslim Interactive Network (AMIN)
Bahar Bastani, M.D., Professor of Medicine, S.L.U., Secy. General Shia Islamic Education Center, VP of IMANA-St. Louis
Victor Ghalib Begg, Senior Advisor, Chairman Emeritus, Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan
Jannah bint Hannah, activist, al-Fatiha Foundation
Farah Brelvi, Board of Directors, ACLU-NC
Arsalan Bukhari, Executive Director, CAIR-WA
M. Ali Chaudry, PhD, President, Center for Understanding Islam (CUII)
Kamran Cheikh, Activist, Committee member, Muslims for Peace, Justice & Progress (MPJP), researcher for Deen Research Center (DRC)
Noor-Malika Chishti, Vice Chair, So. CA Committee for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, Representative, the Sufi Order International, Member, World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations
Robert D. Crane, JD, author of numerous books
Prof Golam Dastagir, PhD, Visiting Research Scholar, New College, University of Toronto, Canada
Almoonir Dewji, blogger - “That We May Know Each Other”
Mustafa Stefan Dill, blogger;/PR/social media analyst for Muslim issues; musician
Ramsey El-Moslimany, member, Board of Directors, Islamic School of Seattle
Lamia El-Sadek, political and human rights activitist
Mohamed Elsanousi, Director of Communications and Community Outreach for the Islamic Society of N America (ISNA)
Mona Eltahawy, journalist
Aziz Enhaili, Political analyst, columnist for Tolerance.ca
Yusuf Estes, Chaplain ret., author of many books, public speaker
Prof. Mohammad Fadel, PhD
Fatemeh Fakhraie, Editor-in-Chief, Muslimah Media Watch
Mike Ghouse, President, World Muslim Congress
Iftekhar Hai, President, UMA Interfaith Alliance
Rabia Terri Harris, Founder and Coordinator, Muslim Peace Fellowship
Hesham Hassaballa, M.D., author, journalist, blogger - “God, faith, and a pen”
Amir Hussain, PhD, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University
Iftekhar Hussain, Chair, Board of Directors, CAIR-PA
Arsalan Iftikhar, author, human rights lawyer, blogger - “The Muslim Guy”
Jeffrey Imm, Director, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)
Ghazala Irshad, journalist, blogger - “The Floating Lotus”
Nakia Jackson, writer
M. Zuhdi Jasser, MD, President, American Islamic Forum for Democracy
Safi Kaskas, President & CEO Strategic Edge
Mohja Kahf, PhD, Assoc. Professor of Comparative Literature, Univ. of Arkansas, author “The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf”
Prof. Muqtedar Khan, PhD, author of several books, Blogger - “Globalog”
Farah Kinani, Journalist, blogger - “Global Voices”
Shaikh Ahmad Kutty, Resident Senior Scholar, Islamic Institute of Toronto
Faisal Kutty, Visiting Asst. Prof. of law, Valparaiso University School of Law and Adjunct Professor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto)
M. Junaid Levesque-Alam, writer, blogger - “Crossing the Crescent”
David Liepert, M.D., blogger and author of “Muslim, Christian AND Jew”
Radwan A. Masmoudi, PhD, President, Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID)
Melissa Matos, President, Al-Ghazali Legal Society, Saint Louis University
Shelina Merani, community activist, artist, blogger “Muslim Presence”
Yahya Merchant, Interfaith Worker, Outreach contact for Islamic Center of Conejo Valley CA
Melody Moezzi, JD, MPH, writer and attorney
Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore, author of many books of poetry
Ebrahim Moosa, Assoc. Professor of Islamic Studies, Dept. of Religion, Duke University
Lt. Col. Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad, U.S. Army Chaplain
Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President Sound Vision
Arman Musaji, artist
Sheila Musaji, Editor, The American Muslim (TAM)
Muneeb Nasir, President, Olive Tree Foundation, Editor IQRA Canada
Q. Amin Nathari, National Representative, Islam in America Movement (IAM)
Ahmed Naumaan, PhD, Director, Karsaz Inc.
Imam Abdul Hai Patel, Dir. Interfaith Relations, Canadian Council of Imams, Muslim Chaplain University of Toronto & York Regional Police
Aziz H. Poonawalla, PhD, scientist and blogger - “City of Brass” on Beliefnet
M.Waheed-uz-Zaman Rana, Imam, Prof. Emeritus, Dept. of Surgery, Saint Louis University
Hasan Zillur Rahim, PhD, journalist
Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid, The Circle Group
Prof. Hussein Rashid, PhD, blogger - “Religion Dispatches”
Shafi Refai, President, United Muslims of America
Irfan Rydhan, Co-Founder of Muslim Unity Foundation
Muhamed Sacirbey, lawyer, diplomat, writer
Louay Safi, PhD, Common Word Fellow, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Christian Muslim Understanding, Georgetown University
Ghulam Abbas Sajan, Director Islamic Ahlul Bayt Assembly of Canada
Robert Salaam, blogger - “The American Muslim”
Raquel Evita Saraswati, activist, writer, blogger
Sarah Sayeed, President of One Blue
Sophia Rose Shafi, MA, MTS, doctoral candidate (Islamic Studies), writer
T.O. Shanavas. MD, Vice President, Islamic Research Foundation, author
S. Abdallah Schleifer, Distinguished Prof., Dept. of Journalism & Mass Com, American University Cairo
Ricka Shorish, M.S., R.N., volunteer/consultant, Avicenna Community Health Center
Jihad Shoshara, community organizer and activist, Chicago
Jafar Siddiqui, blogger - “Penjihad”
Prof. Laury Silvers, PhD
Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, PhD, Sr. Lecturer, Islamic Studies & African American Religion, University of Florida
Prof. Ibrahim B. Syed, PhD, President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc., author
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Nat’l Director, Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances, Islamic Society of N America (ISNA)
J.Tayeb, MD, President, CAIR-MI, ISNA founders committee member, Vice chair, HUDA free Clinic, Detroit
Pamela Taylor, Co-founder Muslims for Progressive Values, Panelist for On Faith
Tayyibah Taylor, Editor, Azizah Magazine
Dr. Hashim El-Tinay, President, International Peace Quest Institute (IPQI)
Mahdi Toourage, PhD, Assistant Prof., U of Western Ontaio
Tarik Trad, writer, humorist, photographer, artist and activist
Asma T. Uddin, Attorney, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and Editor, Altmuslimah
Wahida Valiante, President, Canadian Islamic Congress and Chair of Islamic History Month Canada
Jason van Boom, Host of “Islam and Authors”, writer
Amina Wadud, PhD, consultant on Islam and gender, visiting scholar Starr King School for the Ministry
Danya Wellmon, Co-Founder Women Transcending Boundaries interfaith group
Svend White, blogger - “Akram’s Razor”, activist, writer
G. Willow Wilson, author of “Butterfly Mosque” and “Air” graphic novel series
Ani Zonneveld, President, Muslims for Progressive Values

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_defense_of_free_speech_by_american_and_canadian_muslims/0018241

Moderate Republicans need to speak up

It is time for the moderate Republicans to speak up and wrestle out party leadership from the right wingers for survival. As Americans, our loyalty ought to be for our system of checks and balances. It is in the interest of sustainable and just policies to have each house run by Republicans and Democrats respectively. Most mistakes by our government have occurred when all the three branches of government were run by the same party. Monopoly in governance leads the other to resort to divisive politics.

The Editorial in Charleston Daily Mail (listed below) is based on my article at Washington Post. I am a registered Republican and have voted Republican in the last several elections except for the President, I voted for Kerry and Obama respectively as we needed to get away from aggressive stance the Republican leadership had taken and made us vulnerable.

I am yet to find a Republican from the leadership who can talk peace? I am yet to see a leading Republican’s presence in interfaith and peace groups? There was not one Republican leader who spoke peace making during the elections, they all have the arrogance that bombing and annihilating others will make the problems go away.

Problems are not solved that way; the Bin Ladens like McCain, Palin, Romney, Rudy Guiliani and others do not understand the simplest logic; if we threaten other nations, we jeopardize the safety of our own people and become susceptible at the vulnerable moments. Thank God the Americans dumped the rascals, rather routed them out. There is a second coming, as long as the moderate Republicans crap in their pants and are afraid of speaking up, the American public will dump more of them in the mid-term elections.

It is time for the moderate Republicans to speak up and wrestle out party leadership from the right wingers for survival. As Americans, our loyalty ought to be for our system of checks and balances. It is in the interest of sustainable and just policies to have each house run by Republicans and Democrats respectively. Most mistakes by our government have occurred when all the three branches of government were run by the same party. Monopoly in governance leads the other to resort to divisive politics.

What is your take?

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam and offers pluralistic solutions on the issues of the day, his work is encapsulated in 22 different issue blogs and 2 websites listed at www.MikeGhouse.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHARLESTON DAILY MAIL

Why don’t moderate Democrats speak out?
http://blogs.dailymail.com/donsurber/archives/18430

The only time I ever read the On Faith blog at the Washington Post is when it touches on politics, and suffice it to say that its authors’ politics do not coincide with mine.

This time out, the authors invited Mike Ghouse to make a guest post, with the tagline: “Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a write on Pluralism and Islam and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day; a frequent guest on the media.”

Ghouse discussed the establishment of a mosque near Ground Zero, under the headline: “On mosque, U.S. should stand on moral high ground.”

The money line: “We need to set higher standards of civility and NOT stoop down to the level of Talibans or some dictators and monarchs around the world. If we want other nations to behave, we need to lead the way. We need to stand tall and on a moral high ground and be an example of morality and civility to the world.”

Yes, we must set an example for the world. Liberals like saying that. Except when they oppose American hegemony. One of the arguments against the liberation of Iraq was that the Iraqis did not ask for democracy.

But this time, we must be an example. From the post: “The right wingers on the other hand will pull all of us Americans down from the moral high grounds we have held for nearly a century and sink us in bigotry. We have stood up for the Holocaust survivors, the refugees and the oppressed people in Bosnia and elsewhere in the world.”

Yes the Holocaust survivors.

Before the Holocaust, we did nothing. Liberal icon FDR sent the St. Louis back to Europe. Shoo, Jew, shoo.

Ghouse sees the controversy as being stirred up the “pied piper Limbaugh.” Apparently if you disagree with him, you are a rat being led by a pied piper.

But it was this line that struck me: “It is time for the moderate Republicans to speak up and wrestle out party leadership from the right wingers for survival.”
Ah yes, the old saw about moderate Republicans. Shame on moderate Republicans for not speaking out.

How about moderate Democrats?
Why not call for moderate Democrats to speak out against the Race Cards this administration plays?

Why not call for moderate Democrats to speak out against the deficits that are 5 times what they were when Republicans controlled Congress and the purse strings?
Why not call for moderate Democrats to speak out against the administration’s throwing away of the guilty pleas of the 9/11 planners?

Why not call for moderate Democrats to speak out against the nomination of the unqualified Elena Kagan?

Why not call for moderate Democrats to speak out against corruption in Congress?
That would be more pertinent than a protest to construction of a mosque near the site of an attack led by radical Islamists.

The full paragraph is a hoot: “It is time for the moderate Republicans to speak up and wrestle out party leadership from the right wingers for survival. As Americans, our loyalty ought to be for our system of checks and balances. It is in the interest of sustainable and just policies to have each house run by Republicans and Democrats respectively. Most mistakes by our government have occurred when all the three branches of government were run by the same party. Monopoly in governance leads the other to resort to divisive politics.”

His contention is that when Democrats screw up it is all the fault of moderate Republicans — not Democrats.

Actually, he is wrong in that final sentence as well. FDR controlled all 3 branches of government and the other side did not “resort to divisive politics,” nor did Democrats in most eras when Republicans had overwhelming control (the Civil War being the exception; secession is pretty hard to top when it comes to divisiveness).

Perhaps I might have been more convinced of his call to listen to our better angels if he had listened to his better angels and not muddied his argument with unnecessary attacks on Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and John McCain. When attacking the other side for being venomous, leave your own venom at home.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM and is filed under All. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Unity Day USA - a 911 Memorial Event

We are pleased to invite you to Unity Day USA; a purposeful event 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. We cannot let things happen and drift into the abyss of incoherence. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

Continued: http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/

Ghouse speaks at Dallas Mega March 2010

Mike Ghouse, speaking at Immigration rally in Dallas on May 1, 2010. "If you cannot stand up for the rights of others, why should any one stand up for you?"

4 MINUTES VIDEO AT YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrjU0KULv-Y

Good Afternoon, I am standing here today because a lady by the name Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and her right to be treated with dignity.

I am standing here today as an immigrant because some one gave up his life to bring civil rights to America and it was this singular act that caused all of us immigrants to be here in America to enrich our nation.

If you cannot stand up for the rights of others, why should any one stand up for you? It was an honor to be among 10 civil rights leaders of Dallas to lead the March.

We need – comprehensive Immigration Reforms
We need – strong border controls.

We have a moral responsibility to stand up for Justice and civil rights of others.

We are a nation of justice,
We are born to be just,
We are conditioned to be just,
We have to guard ourselves to be just, and
We cannot not stray away from justice.

We have to bring a balance in our own life by giving our time to defend the rights of others, who need to be defended, and who cannot speak for themselves.

Dr. King lifted us from the burden of guilt that would have eaten and rotted the psyche of our nation. And as Americans, we need to protect future generation from such guilt complexes.

As Americans we have taken bold steps to protect the human rights of people around the world and have sacrificed millions of our men and women, and poured billions of dollars to protect the rights of othersIt is time we do protect the rights of our own fellow residents.

Make no mistake about it, we must have strong border control and border enforcement, but must act and work on the Comprehensive Immigration reform.

Let’s pray

- Dear God, we are gathered here to seek your guidance; help us do the right thing. Say AMEN

- Help us open our hearts and minds to fellow beings; Say AMEN

- Give us the humility to respect your creation Say AMEN,

- Help us embrace each one of the 7 billion of us without any distinction; Say AMEN

- We need stand up for the rights of others, to build an America, to build one nation with liberty and justice for all. Say AMEN

Link: http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/05/ghouse-speaks-at-dallas-mega-march-2010.html

Your Comments:

Mike Ghouse is a frequent guest at the media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. He is a thinker, writer, speaker, optimist and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Co-existence, Peace, Islam, India and Civil Societies. His work is reflected at 3 websites & 22 Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Dallas Immigration Rally

We have a moral responsibility to stand up for Justice and human rights of others. Please do your share of good, for all the good you have received from this nation, the nation that stands for liberty and Justice, you have to bring a balance in your own life by giving your time to defend the rights of the ones who need to be defended.

Join us for the Mega March on Saturday (details below). If you cannot stand up for the rights of others, why should any one stand up for you?

Today, Friday, April 30, Clergy from different faith traditions joined in to express solidarity with the un-documented immigrants. The leadership in Dallas led by Domingo and Elba Garcia and Carlos Quintanilla are taking the issue to the streets tomorrow to protest the unjust immigration law passed by Arizona.

I wish I could share the beautiful sentiments expressed by so many ministers, however, I am pleased to share my thoughts and a small prayer.

Dear God:

- We are gathered here to seek your guidance; help us do the right thing.
- Help us open our hearts and minds to fellow beings;
- we believe we are one nation under God with liberty and justice to all, help us practice it.
- Give us the humility to respect your will,
- Help us embrace each one of the 7 billion of us without any distinction;
- Each one of us is capable of working toward the kingdom of heaven, help us achieve it;

I am here today because a lady by the name of Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and her right to be treated with dignity.

I am standing here today as an immigrant because Rev. Martin Luther King gave up his life to bring civil and human rights to America, it was this singular act that caused all of us to be here in America to enrich our nation. Dr. King lifted us from the burden of guilt of inhumanity that would have eaten and rotted the psyche of our nation. We are born to be just, we are conditioned to be just and we have to gaurd ourselves from straying from justice.

Please remember Jesus, Krishna, Muhammad, Gandhi, MLK, Moses.... and all those great guys were harassed and persecuted when they set out to do good for the humanity. You will be no exception if you are involved. The good news is when people see the long term sustainable good it brings by uniting us all, even those who are against the comprehensive immigration reforms will see the value in doing the right thing.

Now we have a moral responsibility to stand up for Justice and human rights. Please do your share of good, for all the good you have received from this nation, one nation America, with liberty and Justice for all. Bring a balance in your life by giving your time.

Please join us for the mega March in down town Dallas on Saturday, at 1:00 PM
Join us at the Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe Saturday, May 1st @ 1pm on Ross Avenue in Dallas.
Acompáñanos en la Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe

Then I shared my Religious greetings from ten different faiths.
I will be speaking again tomorrow at 1:00 PM

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and an activist of Pluralism, Justice, Islam, India and Civil Societies. He is a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Article at: http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/04/dallas-immigration-rally.html

You are welcome to write your comments:
http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/04/dallas-immigration-rally.html#comments

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Driving While Amused

I drove a distance of 875 Miles from Louisville, my wife's hometown to Dallas, my home town in 14 hours, on the way; there was so much amusement to share. It feels good to be on the road, there’s so much good out there. Our Tax dollars are working well to make America, the beautiful....

I sincerely hope, as Americans we cut out all funding of foreign military aid, instead spend that money on health and education of their people. Help them help themselves in doing well and not to be at each other's throats. Republicans, wake up, it is not a charity, it is an investment in creating a consumer market for our goods (thank God, it is called goods).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157623953700138/show/

7. Except a short distance in Tennessee, the entire stretch was flat, flat as my belly (desired one).

3. I played the old rock and roll music from India, Elvis, Little Ritchie, BeeGees, Michael Jackson and a few others. Shaking the body to rock and roll keeps you awake and active.

1. One out of four Trucks (18 Wheelers) is Red in color, nearly half of the trucks are white in color, the other colors were Green, Purple, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Magenta (there was one). I started counting them from Nashville to Memphis and random sampled again from Little Rock to Texarkana. Of the 100 count, 26 were Red. While driving, I took several pictures, but posted a few. There is always that ubiquitous Red.

2. One out of 4 trucks were Volvo, I was puzzled to see many Volvos, the others visible ones were Mack and International.

4. I kept 80 MPH for a long while, but as I entered Texas, I discovered that at 75 MPH the SUV runs a lot smoother than at 80. It was easy to be on the phone as well.

5. There is an incredible amount of farm land in that stretch. I was wondering, if all the industries were to collapse, oil gets dried up… we can still produce enough food for all and live a comfortable agrarian life. No TV, No nothing, just basic beautiful life.

7. The roads are incredibly smooth except my own state; Texas.

8. Incredible Fog could not see beyond 100 yards, yet the nuts were driving over 80.

9. The shoulders were cut and clean.

If you have not driven, please make that pilgrimmage.... our road system is simply incredbile. Indeed, it is our Road system that turned as around, gave us mobility, broke the regional barriers and flourished the commerce. May President Eisenhowers's soul be blessed for his initiative.

South Park incident with a Muslim

First of all the idiots who threatened the South Park producers must be condemned and rounded up without any delay. It is a law and order issue. One of the pieces of my conversation with Sean Hannity was about the South Park incident

2. Secondly, it is really not a Muslim or an Islamic issue, it is an issue of radicals who do not like the freedom of others, it is about the people who like to mess other's peace. It is not a Muslim issue because this mind-set exists in every group, religion, or tradition without exception. The Right wingers have killed doctors who perform abortions and even bombed the clinics, the Gay people are mauled and killed right here in Oak Lawn by the extremists, this is not a Christian issue, this is the issue of extremism. The Bahia’s refused to serve the homeless, because they were gay. A Jewish mother disowns her daughter because she is marrying an idol worshipper. The Hussain controversy was neither a Hindu issue, a few did not like the freedom of others and vandalized the author. The Cartoon controversy is neither a Muslim issue. Jesus was right, let the one who is sin-free cast the first stone.

3. Thirdly, it is really an issue of score keeping. You hurt me and I will hurt you attitudes prevail and like idiots we blame the religion. All we have to do is seriously (real seriously) look at the number of people involved in these incidents, they are negligible. It would not make sense to label the entire group for the actions of the few, unless, we enjoy bashing other or seek thrill in trouble making.

4. Fourthly, there will be always a few, yes, just a few, who dwell in creating divisions and promoting conflicts, there is some gain for them in it. When people are bent on score keeping, both sides will be scoring as opposed to coming to terms. A majority of us sit on the sidelines, some of us have to pick the slack and work for creating a better world for us to enjoy. We are in it together to bring peace and harmony for all.

5. Lastly, my personal commitment is to facilitate dialogue, to be non-judgmental and let my time be spent on mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill. I would urge all of us to patiently try being a goodwill nurturer and conflict mitigaters. Doing bad does give the momentary thrills, but doing good gives lasting serenity.

Please note that I am posting this note about Drawing Muhammad as a forum for a dialogue, just as we did with Hussain. Let’s find solutions and also understand that some will not like it.

What can you do?

Stereotyping any one from any group goes against building peaceful societies. The more conflicts we allow to stew, the more difficult it will become for all of us. If someone says, this group of people behave this way, ask them to add all other groups that do similar things... and you will find that eventually every group has one of them.... Bad dudes are not a monopoly of any group.

Punish the wrong doer and not his mother, father, brother, sister and avoid doing the dumbest thing; to blame the bad dude's family, his city, state, religion or his nation.

What can Muslims do?

Follow the example of the prophet; he has created a model for every situation. Once when the bad dudes threw pieces of rock at him, he was bleeding and his associates wanted to dash out and punish the miscreants, even the Angel Gabriel said, he will take care of them. But the prophet stopped them and said, no, instead he asked his associates to pray with him for the goodwill of the miscreants.

I would suggest, pray for goodwill to prevail, write nice notes to the producers...the more you get agitated, the more they would be tempted to agitate you. One side has to stop the conflagration. It is the opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate it. Several years ago, many mosques had prayed for the goodwill of the Dutch cartoonists upon my request... sadly the media did not report that. I have the emails from the people who did the right thing.

If you know the producers of South Park, please let them know that there are more Muslims willing to protect their rights than a few radicals who have threatened them.


It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our responsibility to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it. We have an obligation to maintain a balance in the society. When we are at peace, we can generate peace and we can expect peace around us. Our words and actions should mitigate conflicts and nurture reconciliation and goodwill.

Thank you

Mike Ghouse is a frequent guest at the media offering pluralistic solutions to issues of the day. He is a thinker, writer, speaker, optimist and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Co-existence, Peace, Islam, India and Civil Societies. His work is reflected at 3 websites & 22 Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Honoring Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci today

Honoring Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci today

Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dallas, Texas

I am pleased to share a few interfaith moments about Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci, a scholar of Islam, a lawyer and an Imam. He has now established an institution with his name to impart education to the youth born and raised here in the D/FW Metroplex.

http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2010/04/honoring-imam-dr-yusuf-zia-kavakci.html

Health Care Reform Winners and Losers

The biggest winners are the American Public and losers are the Republicans
Article follows my commentary.

HEALTH CARE is a national priority right after the defense of the nation. We need a safe and a healthy America. Healthy Americans can be more productive and produce more tax dollars to offset the investment. As Republicans have it, it is not a charity, it is an investment in productive citizenry. Congratulations to ev...ery American! This is one of the best things that has happened in America. Thank you Mr. President

The Eisenhower road system cost us trillions, it was considered a sheer waste at one time; on the other hand it gave America mobility and automobiles, home construction jumped - it boomed our economy and enriched us with quality of life that you can only imagine.

Education system, no child left behind program is a serious investment in our future, it is not a hand out, it is an investment that keeps us up with the world and perhaps ahead.... See More... See More

This reform will enrich every American, it is not a charity, it is a serious investment in well being of Americans that make America.

I am a damned Republican too, who wanted to oppose every good reckelessly, but we owe it our country and not the party. Republicans are loosing big time, and they will loose a whole lot more ground until they come to senses, and reflect American values and conncet with Americans. A majority of Republicans like me are silently enduring the extremist take over of our party. It is time to change and we need moderate people in the leadership and not extremist right wingers. We have a choice to let the party go to dogs or survive in the interest of democracy and have serious oppostion in the governance.

Mike Ghouse
www.MikeGhouse.net

Health Care Reform Winners and Losers
Steve Pendlebury

http://www.aolnews.com/the-point/article/obama-pelosi-stupak-health-care-reform-winners-and-losers/19409302?icid=mainhtmlws-bv-wdl2link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fthe-point%2Farticle%2Fobama-pelosi-stupak-health-care-reform-winners-and-losers%2F19409302


AOL News (March 22) -- House passage of his health care bill is President Barack Obama's biggest triumph since his election. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Bart Stupak are also high on the list of those getting credit -- or blame -- on the day after the history-making vote. Here's some of what's being said online about who won and who lost.

Winner: President Obama
Commentators across the political spectrum acknowledged the monumental significance of Obama's victory on health care reform. Slate's John Dickerson called it "a turning point in his presidency."

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi made it happen, but Obama worked harder and more intensely than he has on any other issue of his presidency," Dickerson said -- noting that, unlike emergencies such as the auto industry bailout and economic stimulus package, this was a project the president chose to take on.

"If Barack Obama does nothing else in his term in office, this will make him one of the most consequential presidents in history. It's a huge transformative event in Americans' view of themselves and of the role of government," said National Review Online's Mark Steyn.

The conservative blogger added that it's "hard to overestimate the magnitude of what the Democrats have accomplished." However, Steyn warned that Obama's plan would lead to "longer wait times, fewer doctors, more bureaucracy, massive IRS expansion, explosive debt, the end of the Pax Americana, and global Armageddon."

Not everyone on the left is cheering the president's win, either. Pro-choice groups are upset about his agreement to issue an executive order clarifying the ban of federal funding of abortion -- a deal with Stupak that helped push the bill past the magic 216-vote mark. The National Organization for Women charged that Obama's decision "breaks faith with women," and NARAL Pro-Choice America called it "deeply disappointing."

Winner: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
While the reforms that eventually are enacted will no doubt be branded Obamacare, they are also very much Pelosi's handiwork.

"When the history books are written, it'll be Pelosi's cajoling, wrangling, consoling and corralling of the fractious big tent Democratic majority which will get the credit for passing health care reform," Japhy Grant predicted on True/Slant.

Salon's Steve Kornacki noted that the nation's first female speaker of the House has "racked up an impressive list of achievements" since Obama took office, such as the stimulus bill, cap-and-trade, and now health care. "For a woman who supposedly hails from her party's left-wing fringe, she sure has a knack for winning over moderates when it matters."

"If she's not the best [speaker] to do this job, she's certainly in the top two or three in history," said House Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn.

Her success on health care makes Pelosi an even bigger target for her critics. GOP Chairman Michael Steele declared immediately after the House vote: "It is time to fire Nancy Pelosi." The Republican National Committee's Web site now redirects to FireNancyPelosi.com -- a fundraising page featuring a photo of a defiant-looking House speaker on a background of flames. Of course, there's a Twitter hash tag #FirePelosi for those who agree with Steele. But there's also the hash tag #hotforspeaker for those who don't.

As far as the likelihood of Pelosi actually losing her job goes, "Saturday Night Live" recently addressed the matter in a sketch about how unpopular the health care bill was. At one point, Fred "Obama" Armisen remarked: "Does anyone seriously think Nancy Pelosi could lose in her San Francisco district? A place where Republican candidates often finish fourth, behind professional dominatrixes and homeless people."

Winner and Loser: Rep. Bart Stupak
The Michigan Democrat who insisted on tough anti-abortion language in the House-passed version of health care reform was a hero to abortion opponents. That changed in just a few hours Sunday when Stupak agreed to vote yes after Obama promised an executive order to satisfy anti-abortion Democrats.

The Susan B. Anthony List has stripped Stupak of the "Defender of Life" award it was to present to him Wednesday night. Marjorie Dannenfelser, the group's Campaign Fund president, issued a statement saying anyone who votes for this health care bill "can no longer call themselves 'pro-life.'"

Big Journalism's Izzy Lyman blasted Stupak as a "liar" in a post that was typical of reaction from the right. Lyman accused the abortion foe of "trading his 'yes' vote for a 'worthless, non-binding' executive order." Other conservatives pointed out such an order can be trumped by a federal law.

Stupak came out on the winning end of the vote. But on the question of whether he ranks as a winner or loser, Politics Daily's David Gibson called it a draw.

"Before all this, Bart Stupak was a little-noticed congressman from northern Michigan, and while it's clear he gained an enormous amount of national recognition in these past months, it is also clear that among conservative pro-lifers his reputation has been seriously tarnished. The 'Judas' charge quickly zipped around the anti-abortion blogosphere," Gibson said.

Loser: The Guy Who Yelled 'Baby Killer' at Stupak
For more than a year, the debate over revamping the nation's health care system has been notable for its lack of civility. After reports of protesters screaming racial and anti-gay slurs at Democratic lawmakers, House Minority Leader John Boehner had to tell his members to "behave like grown-ups" if the bill passed.

But it seems every major event on Capitol Hill these days must have its "You lie!" moment. While Stupak was speaking about abortion funding Sunday night, somebody on the House floor -- apparently a lawmaker -- shouted "Baby killer!" But who? If anyone knows for sure, they're not saying.

"It was on the floor, but it wasn't very far behind me," Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif., told reporters. "But it was definitely on the floor, but it wasn't me. I don't think it's appropriate at all."

Later, Campbell told Talking Points Memo, "I am being told it's a Texan. The people who know won't give it up."

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, refused to identify the shouter, but added "I can make a guess." However, his fellow Republicans Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Tom Price of Georgia denied it was a congressman.

UPDATE 2:15 PM: Rep. Randy Neugebauer has admitted he did it. The Texas Republican said Monday afternoon he has apologized to Stupak and his House colleagues.

Scare tactics were the big loser in the health care battle, according to Paul Krugman. The New York Times columnist charged that "the emotional core of opposition to reform was blatant fear-mongering, unconstrained either by the facts or by any sense of decency." Krugman called the House vote "a victory for America's soul" -- adding, "This time, fear struck out."

The president's opponents are already vowing to strike back at the polls in November. As Politics Daily's Jill Lawrence notes, it remains to be seen how health care will affect the next election. But even short-term gains in Congress pale in comparison to what David Frum described as the "most crushing legislative defeat since the 1960s" for conservatives and Republicans.

"Legislative majorities come and go. This health care bill is forever," the conservative columnist wrote on Frum Forum.
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Carrollton Quilt 2010 representing Carrolltonians

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - Bonnie Kaplan, president of A.W. Perry Museum Society of Carrollton, worked on presenting a Quilt to the City, an inclusive mosaic of what Carrollton represents, of different races, ethnicities, faiths, nationalities and other uniqueness. Mayor Ron Branson, the City Council members, commissioners and citizens attended the event.

Mike Ghouse was pleased to be a part of the event and the quilt, he was a former Neighborhood Commissioner at the City of Carrollton, it was like home coming.

Please note that the actual date is 2/16/2010 while my camera shows 2007.

FLICKR PICTURES: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37196715@N03/sets/72157623329930239/show/

FACEBOOK PICS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=394366&id=851280248&l=c43f4a8b0e

The quilt is an “Album Quilt” or “Signature Quilt” made up of signatures from individuals, families and groups who signed on blocks and strips of muslin, that were then incorporated into the quilt’s design. Historically, Album Quilts were used to commemorate special occasions or show appreciation. They were even used to raise funds for the needs of soldiers during the Civil War.

Centennial Quilt Display

The Carrollton Centennial Quilt will be on display at various City facilities through August. Commissioned by the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum Society, the Museum’s support organization, the Centennial Quilt commemorates the Perry home and the community spirit of Carrollton.

Before its official display at the A.W. Perry Homestead 100 Celebration, the Society hosted a Quilt Signing event and had squares available at various times for Carrollton residents to purchase and sign as a type of time capsule honoring the last 100 years. The Perry home’s Centennial Quilt links the past, present and future of the City of Carrollton. The diversity represented in the names that appear link the community together with each and every stitch. Signers ranged in age from 8 to 93.

The Quilt stitches together Carrollton's rich history and vibrant future with signatures incorporated from descendants of some of its earliest settlers as well as some of its newest citizens. The funds raised by the Society were then put to use to support the Museum and its programs.

The Quilt is currently on display at City Hall (1945 E. Jackson Road), where it will remain through Monday, March 1. At that time, the Quilt will move to the Josey Ranch Lake Library.

Quilt Display Schedule:
City Hall: January 19- March 1
JLR Library: March 1-April 19
Senior Center: April 19- June 7
H&J Library: June 7-August 2

The A.W. Perry Museum Society was formed in 2008 by a group of caring citizens interested in preserving the history of Carrollton and the Perry Homestead. The Perry Society received a grant from the Civic League to help fund the project. Fabrication of the quilt was completed by Melba Hamrick of the Old Craft Store located downtown Carrollton.

Visit http://www.theperrysociety.org/ to learn how you can be a part of the Museum support group.

Built in 1909, the home has served as the A. W. Perry Homestead Museum since 1976 and received state historic landmark status in 1977. The Museum is open to the public and offers a glimpse of what Carrollton was like 100 years ago. Visit www.cityofcarrollton.com/museum for more information.

Members of the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum Society, the Civic League, and the Carrollton City Council posed in front of the completed quilt.

Obama names Indian-American Muslim as special envoy to Muslim world

Articles from Times of India, Washington Post and other News agencies with several links follow my comments;

Rashad Hussain is an activist par-excellence from my home town Dallas and is greatly influenced by the Indian ethos of Pluralism and inclusiveness. He would fit right in with President's Obama’s idea of one world, where we respect every nation and their sovereignty.

He will strengthen the pluralistic values of America, and President’s desire to encourage the community of nations to review our values of Liberty, Justice and co-existence as catalysts for prosperity. As a Special envoy to the OIC, Rashad will initiate a positive relationship between America and the Muslim nations, I am proud of his heritage; an Indian, a Muslim and an American.

We have to maintain a healthy balance within our communities and with all nations, what is good for America has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain the equilibrium, he is the right man for the job. May God bless him in uplifting America’s role in creating a better world for the good of all.

Mike Ghouse
http://www.mikeghouse.net/
http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/02/obama-names-indian-american-muslim-as.html
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Obama names Indian-American Muslim as Special Envoy to Islamic world

" Hussain’s appointment delighted Indian-Americans, including one fellow Indian-American who was also in line for the job. ''Rashad is greatly influenced by the Indian ethos of pluralism and inclusiveness. As a Special envoy to the OIC, he will initiate a positive relationship between America and the Muslim nations, I am proud of his heritage; an Indian, Muslim and an American,'' said Mike Ghouse, a Dallas-based inter-faith activist from India who has known the Hussain family and who was also under consideration for the post." Times of India.

YOUR COMMENTS

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Obama names Rashad Hussain special envoy to Muslim world
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2010/02/obama_names_special_envoy_to_muslim_world.html
By William Wan

President Obama said today he is naming Rashad Hussain as his special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference as part of his effort to build up relationships with the Muslim world.

The announcement came in a video message by Obama to the seventh annual U.S.-Islamic World Forum meeting in the Qatari capital. More on his announcement here.

Some background on the position from AFP:

George W. Bush formally named the first U.S. envoy to the OIC in February 2008, appointing Texas entrepreneur Sada Cumber. The OIC, based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, with its 57 members is the world's largest Islamic assembly."

Some background on Hussain from ABC's story:

A former trial attorney at the Justice Department and clerk to Damon J. Keith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Hussain is a devout Muslim and helped inform the speech President Obama gave in Cairo -- particularly with the speech's references to the history of Islam and the Koran, and its general tone.

Here's Hussain's credentials from the official White House press release:

Rashad Hussain is presently Deputy Associate Counsel to President Obama. His work at the White House focuses on national security, new media, and science and technology issues. Mr. Hussain has also worked with the National Security Staff in pursuing the New Beginning that President Obama outlined in his June 2009 address in Cairo, Egypt.

Mr. Hussain previously served as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hussain was a legislative assistant on the House Judiciary Committee, where he focused on national security-related issues. Mr. Hussain received his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal. Upon graduation, he served as a Law Clerk to Damon J. Keith on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Mr. Hussain also earned his Master's degrees in Public Administration (Kennedy School of Government) and Arabic and Islamic Studies from Harvard University. He attended college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Indian-origin lawyer is Barack Obama's new pointman for OIC
PTI, 15 February 2010, 08:18pm IST

WASHINGTON: Indian-origin lawyer Rashad Hussain, a hafiz of the holy Quran, will be America's new special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Countries, a post vital to President Barack Obama's bid to repair the US' strained relations with the Islamic world.

A White House lawyer, Hussain was nominated to the key post as he had played an important role in developing partnerships with the Muslim world, Obama said. Hussain is entrusted with deepening and expanding the partnerships with Muslims across the world, an important element of Obama's foreign policy made evident in his speech in Cairo last June.

Hussain, 31, whose parents are naturalised citizens from India and live in Plano, Texas, is presently the Deputy Associate Counsel to the President.

As a 'hafiz' (someone who has memorised the holy Islamic text) of the Qur'an, he is a respected member of the American Muslim community, Obama said about Hussain, announcing his appointment last week as his envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Countries, a 57-nation grouping.

Hussain's work at the US administration focuses on national security, new media, science and technology issues. He has also worked with the National Security Staff as Obama sought to rebuild ties with Muslims worldwide after eight turbulent years of his predecessor George W Bush's tenure.

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Links to the story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/13/rashad-hussain-obama-name_n_461363.html

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/84325827.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/14/AR2010021401371.html

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Obama-appoints-Indian-origin-lawyer-as-US-Envoy-to-OIC/articleshow/5574044.cms

http://www.examiner.com/x-19842-Bakersfield-Interfaith-Examiner~y2010m2d13-President-Obama-names-envoy-to-Organization-of-the-Islamac-Conference

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/Indian-origin-lawyer-is-Barack-Obamas-new-pointman-for-OIC/articleshow/5577147.cms

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