Republicans Need to back from attacking Hillary Clinton

It will be to their detriment and ultimately to the detriment of the nation. 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is being grilled by the house foreign relations committee… as an American, I applaud this process; no one is free from Criticism, and she needs to answer all the questions diligently. This is how democracy works and I am proud of our democracy. Hillary needs to answer and she will tell the truth, but don't play dirty politics, it will be to the detriment of Republicans. 

However I condemn the dirty politics played by a few stinking Republicans, just a few dirty rats, they could not get over the idea of a Black man heading the nation and to show that they are not, they are sticking the worst guys in our face like that bigot Allen West and others.  A majority of Americans are happy that we have one of the greatest presidents.

They tried to nail Obama over Benghazi including McCain, the American public said, screw you Republicans, and sure as hell voted for Obama with a higher margin ever.

Now they will do everything to derail Hillary's chances, and are attempting to stick Benghazi on Hillary, it will not stick; the Americans already have their middle finger ready to show to my fellow Republicans who have 26% approval rating. Do the idiots get it? No. We have four Americans dead, while the CIA is working on finding the criminals; Republicans are bent on making Hillary the scape goat. She is firm and fair, and in the end Republicans (those) will pay for it dearly in 2014.

Hillary is the most capable national and international leader now, thank God, she is a woman, and we need a woman president to complete American transaction of living the vision of the immortal declaration by our founding fathers, that all men are created equal.  That will make America God's own country, where every American is treated fairly. There is not a Republican who can match her abilities to run this nation. If there is one, it would be either John Huntsman or Colin Powell and other radicals will not make it, unless they are sensitized and are given lessons in math and biology.

I am a Republican and am embarrassed with the way, a few assess in my party act. I will get on board with Colin Powell, John Huntsman, Chris Christie and a few other great Republicans with whom I relate. We have to be bold to save the GOP from these extremists.

We need to preserve our democracy by having a strong two party system - meaning one house remains with the Republicans and the other with Democrats - both with bare majority - we need them to fight, argue and discuss and do the right thing, rather than slam dunking or becoming a hindrance to the good bills.


Here is what moderate Republican sounds like:

Collin Powell - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2013/01/21/colin-powell-birther_n_2520578.html

John Huntsman - http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/jon-huntsman-cant-stop-talking-about-the-republic?s=mobile

Christ Christie -


Mike Ghouse - http://republicanmoderates.blogspot.com/2012/11/republican-party-and-mike-ghouse.html

A Blog in the works - http://republicanmoderates.blogspot.com/

Mike Ghouse committed to building a cohesive America, where we all can learn to respect the otherness of others. More at www.MikeGhouse.net and TheGhousediary.com.

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.

President Obama's ideal inaugural Benediction

We are yet to be truthful to our own pledge that we take, that we are, “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. Our benediction should strongly reflect the sentiment of oneness of our nation under God, and shed our hypocrisies of excluding fellow Americans even in our national prayers.

One of the many roles of a president is to shape and nurture the direction of the nation, and president Obama has been a good shepherd. Indeed, he is committed to building an America, where each one of us becomes a nurturer to the other, and eventually, each strand in the web of our society will coalesce in building our nation to function cohesively. The president’s wisdom is crystal clear, “We rise and fall together as one nation.”

I hope this benediction paves the way for us to be inclusive without having to agree. 

Please review this, and if you like it, kindly click like, tweet, share and send to your friends from Huffngton post... and above all, if you could comment in the Huffington post, I would appreciate it.

Continued at:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/president-obamas-ideal-inaugural-benediction_b_2481579.html#es_share_ended

REQUEST your likes, tweets, shares and comments at the Huffpost:
  Thanks

Mike

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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 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.

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

Texas Faith: Why do we say grace over a meal, including at Thanksgiving?

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone’s life. We know from whom we receive the good and to whom we offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple “thank you” creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy while a simple “thank you” will tie the loose ends and restore the balance - Mike Ghouse

 
Texas Faith: Why do we say grace over a meal, including at Thanksgiving?

The Texas Faith blog is a discussion among formal and informal religious leaders whose faith traditions express a belief in a transcendent power – or the possibility of one. While all readers are invited to participate in this blog, by responding in the comments section, discussion leaders are those whose religion involves belief in a divine higher power or those who may not believe in a transcendent power but leave room for the possibility of one. Within this framework, moderators William McKenzie and Wayne Slater seek to bring a diversity of thinkers onto the Texas Faith panels.

But why do we say grace over a meal, including a traditional one like the Thanksgiving dinner?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Life is a self-balancing act. Everything we do and say is spiritual as well as a real-life transaction that moves the needle from balance to imbalance, and back to balance.

The mechanism is built around forgiveness, repentance, service and gratitude. These values are a product of co-existence and inculcated through religious teachings. However, atheists would also achieve the same without invoking God.

The accountant chants that for every debit there is a credit. The physicist has proved that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. And the doctor declares that blood lost from the body of an individual must be replenished with an equal amount of blood to sustain life.

As a spiritualist I say, for every wrong we do, an equal amount of energy is drained from us. And for every good we do, energy is recouped. We are constantly receiving and giving energy. Intake and output must be equal to have a healthy living, or else we are thrown off balance.

For every hurt we hurl on others, an equal amount of burden gets dumped on us. Until we say “sorry” and repent genuinely, the energy balance within us deteriorates. The transaction remains incomplete.

Why do we say grace over a meal?

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone’s life. We know from whom we receive the good and to whom we offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple “thank you” creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy while a simple “thank you” will tie the loose ends and restore the balance.

When the giver is not identified, to whom do we give thanks? The accident we got out of safely, the job we did not lose or the meal we are able to have must be accounted for. 

For believers, that source is identified as God, and it behooves them to say grace over the meal. The transaction will be fully complete when we become considerate to those who do not have the same basic things in life as we do. Prophet Muhammad had said when you have nothing to give to others; the least you can give is hope, and a smile to let them know that we care.

Published in Dallas Morning News. Message from all contributors at:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2012/11/texas-faith-why-do-we-say-grace-over-a-meal-including-at-thanksgiving.html/

# # #

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. 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 local TV, Radio and Print Media, and 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.

Muslims don't get it - free speech and legitimacy of voilence

MUSLIMS DON'T GET IT

The Legitimacy of Muslim protests about the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ and the freedom of speech are major issues facing the world today. I am pleased to offer a summary of issues and pluralistic solutions. If you feel hatred towards them, you are clearly justifying their hatred towards you. We all have to rise above it and mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. That was the message of Jesus, Muhammad (pbuh) and every spiritual master. We cannot have peace, unless we contribute to it, we cannot have peace, if we aggravate it.

Continued: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/freedom-of-speech-and-the-legitimacy-of-muslim-protests_b_1902427.html 

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.

Google rejects White House request to yank the trailer innocence of Muslims

I was really surprised the white house had asked Google to take out the film clip on Muhammad from YouTube. But I can see it as a responsibility of the state to protect her citizens, and if this is what it takes to save the lives of Americans elsewhere, it may be considered as a short measure.

I hope the rejection sends a clear message to other nations that even the President of America cannot meddle with the freedom of speech guaranteed in our constitution. So, it is not America, it was the individual who made the movie, that is our culture and that is a norm in our society.
In behalf of the World Muslim Congress, a think tank and a discussion forum, I condemn the movie, a disgusting movie. The killing of our Ambassador Christopher Stevens in Benghazi and his staff is not acceptable and the criminals must be hunted down and punished. The violence that has erupted from the trailer of the film Mohammad is abhorrent and condemned by Muslims without a reserve.

Those Muslims who murdered Ambassador Christopher Stevens and four staff members, were purportedly defending the name of Prophet Muhammad, have done the exact opposite of their intention; tarnish the name of the prophet.

We cannot compromise on the core value of our civilization; freedom of expression. It is not what the bad guys say or do, it is what "you do” that matters. Quraan has great advice on that - to paraphrase the verse; if someone mocks God and the prophet, politely get out of the discussion, and it further advises, if you mock other people's way of worship, they are bound to say similar things about your faith and the situation gets worse.
The freedom ultimately triumphs, restrictions are not good for anyone in the long haul. I would not want America to be any different than the America that beckoned me. I don’t want America to become a Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan or an Iran where harassment of the minorities is routine. Shamelessly the harassment is part of their constitution. Once again, it is against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who said no man is superior to the other and runs like the equal opportunity statement.
As an American and a Muslim, I will stand by the wisdom of the founding fathers of this nation. No compromise on free speech, even if it maligns my faith. By the way my faith is not weak to get maligned by idiots, its been around for 1400 years and God willing it will be there through the Day of Judgment, and no one can hurt it. God protects it.
The violent eruptions in the world cannot go on, and together, we the community of nations must close the loop, and restore justice to build a cohesive world, where no one, (particularly the minorities) has to live in fear of the other.
In the long run, we should never compromise on a good thing that is the bedrock of civilizations; freedom of expression.
The Muslim Brotherhood surprised me with the following statement by Dr. Mahmoud Hussein, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, “affirmed that when the group called for today’s rallies in front of mosques across Egypt, in honor of the Messenger of God, its objective was to allow all Egyptians to express the anger and outrage felt by all Egyptians, in peaceful demonstrations outside mosques all over the country, and not focus on Tahrir Square alone.” They even guaranteed freedom of expression.

John Stuart Mill published a book on liberty in 1859 that has become a classic defense of the right to freedom of expression. “Mill argued that truth drives out falsity, therefore the free expression of ideas, true or false, should not be feared.” Mill also argued that “free discussion is necessary to prevent the deep slumber of a decided opinion". And, “An opinion only carries intrinsic value to the owner of that opinion, thus silencing the expression of that opinion is an injustice to a basic human right.” For Mill, the only instance in which speech can be justifiably suppressed is in order to prevent harm from a clear and direct threat. Neither economic nor moral implications, nor the speakers own well-being would justify suppression of speech."

Blaming Islam is the useless thing to do, Islam did not authorize them do the wrong they have done. They have done it on their own. Each one of the 312 Million Americans follows the same criminals 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 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.

Prophet Muhammad had said, “if you are unjust to a fellow being, a non-Muslim, by God on the Day of Judgment, I will stand against your and stand up with the victim.” That was a strong warning that these criminals did not heed.

Quraan 5:8, "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do. (al-Ma'edah 5:8)"

Had Muslims not made a big deal out of it, no one would have known about the film and no one would have seen Muslims in bad light.

Islam is the biggest beneficiary of free speech. Can you imagine a Christian, Hindu or other preaching his religion openly in Muslim nations? On the other hand, it is the free speech in Europe and Americas that has allowed allowed the business of conversions to thrive.

Islam is a beautiful religion to me, to make me a better human and a better citizen. Islam is not about governance, as we stand, we cannot and will not have the Islamic government in the spirit it was conceived, all we get would be ugly versions of imposing and dictating others and telling who or who is not a Muslim.

Our values are agreed upon through consensus, Ijma as we call it in Islam, and will keep the society in equilibrium and as God created us; free.

Freedom of expression must be defended and protected.

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 onpluralism, 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 blogwww.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily. Talk/Text (214) 325-1916

Google rejects White House request to pull Mohammad film clip

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/14/us-protests-google-idINBRE88D1MD20120914

By Gerry Shih

SAN FRANCISCO | Sat Sep 15, 2012 3:34am IST

(Reuters) - Google Inc rejected a request by the White House on Friday to reconsider its decision to keep online a controversial YouTube movie clip that has ignited anti-American protests in the Middle East.

The Internet company said it was censoring the video in India and Indonesia after blocking it on Wednesday in Egypt and Libya, where U.S. embassies have been stormed by protestors enraged over depiction of the Prophet Mohammad as a fraud and philanderer.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed in a fiery siege on the embassy in Benghazi.

Google said was further restricting the clip to comply with local law rather than as a response to political pressure.

"We've restricted access to it in countries where it is illegal such as India and Indonesia, as well as in Libya and Egypt, given the very sensitive situations in these two countries," the company said. "This approach is entirely consistent with principles we first laid out in 2007."

White House officials had asked Google earlier on Friday to reconsider whether the video had violated YouTube's terms of service. The guidelines can be viewed here

Google said on Wednesday that the video was within its guidelines.

U.S. authorities said on Friday that they were investigating whether the film's producer, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a 55-year old Egyptian Coptic Christian living in Southern California, had violated terms of his prison release. Basseley was convicted in 2010 for bank fraud and released from prison on probation last June.

(Reporting By Gerry Shih; Editing by Toni Reinhold)

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.

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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