Saturday, January 15, 2011

President Obama's Tucson Memorial Speech

Listening to him is coming home to me, its being at peace and being a part of the energy that surrounds one. The goodness in him brings tenderness to the heart.  He is all about an inclusive America, an America that is good for every one of the 301 Million Americans.
 
His speeches are inclusive and you can his stamp in everything he does. He praised Republicans in his speech and talks about Phyllis Schnae the gifted quilter who put both jets and Giants on the quilt, a republican came to see democratic Congresswoman Gabby's speech.  I had gotten away from TV for over two years except watching the clips and Super Bowl, but last night I watched the 34 minutes video with joy.

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO, YOU MAY FEEL AT HOME AS WELL, MEANING AT PEACE:

Had we not gone to war in Iraq and Afghanistan and blew billions in destruction, we would not have faced budget deficits, unemployment and the difficulties we are facing today. Obama would have had an opportunity to restore America’s dignity around the world and become a catalyst to unite Americans. He has a difficult task and uphill battle.

I am still a Republican, a moderate one for that matter and have not changed the parties, and I sincerely wish to see at least a few among the Republican leadership to talk about peace, free themselves from hate for others and take Benadryl to stop itching for war and destruction.

I have written over a dozen articles and I find myself in tune with Obama, and there was a time, I was monitoring his speeches, and invariably I write and a week later Obama was using similar thoughts and words in his speeches. http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/  and even wrote in advance that he will use similar words and he did.

You can watch my new site www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com and you will see similar words of inclusion and cohesiveness, I need to listen to him more often.

Last night I watched this video… darn it some of the words on the 17th minutes and 18th minutes were exact identical in my speech some ten years ago, five years ago and in my press release at www.unitydayusa.com

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO, YOU MAY FEEL AT HOME AS WELL, MEANING AT PEACE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztbJmXQDIGA&feature=player_embedded
  
17th Minute- sense out of chaos
18th Minute- talking that heals
23rd Minute- what small part we have played in making other peoples life better
24th Minute - part of our family, American family 300 Million
28th Minute the civil discourse
28th Minute- question each others ideas without questioning the their love for the country
29th Minute- how we treat each other is all about civility
31st Minute- unadulterated by hate
31st Minute- America to be as good as she imagined children’s expectations
 # ##

 Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, optimist, educator, organizer and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India, peace and Civil Societies.

Mike Ghouse runs the Foundation for Pluralism championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other and is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress.

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, and Peace & Justice Saturday, at your place of worship, school, work place, seminars or conferences. 

He is committed to working with media and the leadership in offering insights and solutions to effectively managing the multi-religious, multi-ethnic and pluralistic societies in the making. 

He is a regular commentator on the TV, Radio and Print media offering pluralistic solutions to the issues of the day. 

Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at
http://www.MikeGhouse.net/

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Muslims with Jews against Anti-Semitism


Congresswoman Gifford
 We express our sympathies to the family of Congresswoman Gifford who is recovering from gun shots by a right wing extremist, Anti-Semitism seems to be one of the motives and her support for the health care reforms is another one.

Years ago,  a council man in Dallas addressed a Jewish councilman as "you people" and I was enraged at the "you" version to address a fellow American and thanks to Dallas Morning news for publishing my outrage. Last year Pastor Fred Phelps set up his road show to show his hate for Jews and Gays and lesbians. I went from place to palce, from the Holocaust Musuem to the Jewish Post to the Akiba academy standing in solidarity with the Jews and GLBT community. The Muslims have taken one more initiative; to commemorate holocaust for four years in a row to tell the Jewish community that you are not alone, we are with you in your tragedy. In December we announced holding a series of educational programs to build a cohesive America and one of them was the the Anti-Semitism in America.
Anti-Semitism, Islamophobic and other phobias are a product of insecure people, as Americans together we have to bring them all in our fold and find solutions. Americans together will stand with Jewish people against Anti-Semitism. God willing we are planning on having a conference on the topic.


 Mike Ghouse for a cohesive America

Courtesy of
JTA News Alert
January 9, 2010

Memo notes Giffords' Judaism in motives of alleged attacker

(JTA) -- A U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo reportedly notes that Gabriel Giffords is Jewish in describing the motives of the Arizona congresswoman's alleged assailant.

The memo, obtained by Fox News Channel, says that Jared Lee Loughner mentioned American Renaissance, an extremist anti-immigrant group, in some of his own postings.

"The group's ideology is anti-government, anti-immigration, anti-ZOG (Zionist Occupational Government), anti-Semitic," says the memo sent to law enforcement, which also notes that Giffords, a Democrat, was the first Jewish congresswoman from Arizona.

Loughner was arrested after Giffords and at least 16 others were shot Saturday at a meet-your-lawmaker event at a Tucson shopping mall. Six people were killed, including a 9-year-old girl and a federal judge, John Roll. Loughner was tackled and arrested. Giffords, a Democrat in her third term, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head.

Loughner, who is being held by the FBI and has been described by authorities as "unstable," reportedly listed "Mein Kampf" and the "Communist Manifesto" as two of his favorite books on his MySpace page. Several hours before the shooting he reportedly left a "Goodbye friends" message, which also said "Please don't be mad at me."

Giffords was outside one of her signature "Congress at your corner" events outside a Safeway in Tucson, part of her congressional district, when the gunman approached and shot her. A Giffords staff member, Gabe Zimmerman, 30, the organizer of the event, was among the six casualties.

A suspected accomplice whose image was captured on a surveillance video camera outside the shopping center also is being sought, according to reports.

Dr. Michael Lemole a surgeon at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz. said Sunday morning at a news conference that Giffords was responding to doctors' commands. During a two-hour surgery on Saturday, doctors removed bone fragments from her brain in order to help reduce swelling. The bullet went through the left side of her head, he said.
Giffords was elected to Congress in the Democratic sweep in 2006. She made her Jewish identity part of her campaign.
“If you want something done, your best bet is to ask a Jewish woman to do it,” Giffords, a former state senator, said at the time. “Jewish women -- by our tradition and by the way we were raised -- have an ability to cut through all the reasons why something should, shouldn’t or can’t be done, and pull people together to be successful.”
Giffords, 40, was raised "mixed" by a Christian Scientist mother and Jewish father, but said she decided she was Jewish only following a visit to Israel in 2001. She attended services at a local Reform synagogue.
In a recent photo, she posed with the new U.S. House of Representatives speaker, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), at her swearing-in with her hand on the Five Books of Moses.
Giffords fought a hard re-election battle last year against the national anti-incumbent, anti-Democratic mood. She tacked to the right of her party on immigration, saying border security was of primary consideration.
The election was called in her favor weeks after the vote.

Giffords' office had been vandalized in March after she voted for health care reform. Friends said she had received threats for her positions on health care and for opposing her state's new law allowing police to arrest undocumented immigrants during routine stops.

The National Jewish Democratic Council suggested that the heated rhetoric of the last year contributed to the climate that led to the attack.

"One suspect, now in custody, may be directly responsible for this crime," the group said in a statement. "But it is fair to say -- in today's political climate, and given today's political rhetoric -- that many have contributed to the building levels of vitriol in our political discourse that have surely contributed to the atmosphere in which this event transpired."

 
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Friday, December 3, 2010

Dallas Conference on building an inclusive America

 

No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to understand the issues and find ways to remove such fears in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America
When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church,
6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX
. 75230

PRESS RELEASE | INVITATION
You are invited, details below
No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America
Since our independence in 1776, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured.

We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone’s advantage, as Americans, are we going to let that happen? No, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves.

If we make an effort, goodness will come to our rescue.   Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan.  For the first time in history, the actual verses  from Quraan will be read directly and explained by panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds.  The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or share the additional information right from the very Quraan for further understanding.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America

When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church,
6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX
. 75230
Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
Website:
http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries:
quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP:
Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
THE EVENT IS FREE


Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/ 
Documentary – listed at www.QuraanConference.com


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Invocation at Carrollton City Council

INVOCATION AT CARROLLTON CITY COUNCIL
Pluralism (inclusive) Prayers By Mike Ghouse
7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Let's reflect, wish and pray:

Dear God, creator of the universe, please accept our gratitude in every name we call upon you, be it Ishwar, Arihantas, Manito, Adonai, Allah, Mahavir, Buddha, Wahe Guru, Mother earth, Ahura Mazda, and in the name of Jesus.

Dear Creator of the universe, guide us do the right thing every moment of our life;

Dear Causer of life, guide us to open our hearts and minds to fellow beings;

Dear God,
Guide us the humility to respect your creation.
Guide us to shed the arrogance in us that we are superior,
Guide us to learn to respect and accept every which way one worships you.
Guide us to become conflict mitigaters
Guide us to become good will nurturers
Guide to us to create peace and prosperity to every one of us.
Guide us in creating cohesive societies with kindness and dignity to every one.
Guide our elected officials to work for peace and prosperity of our nation and our City.

Blessed are the peace Makers
God Bless America

Amen

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

TEXAS FAITH: Does firing Juan Williams improve our understanding of religious diversity?

That's this week's question: Are we better off by forbidding some views, some beliefs - however ill-expressed - in an honest discussion of America's view of Islam?

If you wish this article is worth reading, please feel free to comment at the end of the link, you can do thumbs up or down and recommend the article on top of the article

No, we are not better off forbidding any view however ill-expressed in an honest discussion of America's view of Islam. Neither God nor religion should be free from any critical study including Islam and Quraan. Yes, I am a Muslim, and like most Muslims I will defend that freedom to the core – Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, optimist, educator and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and Civil Societies. He heads the Foundation for Pluralism and World Muslim Congress and offers Pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on issues of the day.  He is available to speak at your school, work or place of worship. He is a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer. Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Juan Williams defines Muslim garbs

1. Juan Williams is frightened when he sees Muslim 'garbs', really?
2. Juan Williams is pandering to the fears of the "frightened”*
3. Juan Williams signs up $2 Million contract
4. Juan Williams makes a fool of the right wingers
5. Juan Williams - http://tinyurl.com/2al7s2j
6.  Juan Williams - http://tinyurl.com/27zx43n

CHECK OUT THE MUSLIM GARBS
http://muslimswearingthings.tumblr.com/

The frightened souls are those who seek a false sense of security by creating chaos and pitch one American against the other.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at www.MikeGhouse.net

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Hannity, Ghouse, Gabriele on Hannity Show

TALKING POINTS  
Sean Hannity show with Brigit Gabriel and Mike Ghouse
1:30 CST PM Thursday, October 21, 2010
Actual Show Script will be added as a link.  

Freedom of speech must be guarded and defended at any cost; ultimately truth triumphs over every thing and most certainly truth is sustainable. However to have the moral courage to defend that freedom, its application must be universal and not selective.

Fox is defending Juan Williams saying that he followed his divisive comment up by supporting Muslims, but that sound byte has done a lot of damage.  It reminded me of my encounter with Sean Hannity and Brigit Gabrielle on the Hannity Radio Show on Thursday, October 21, 2010.

Sean Hannity reads the words off my Blog on the air, “You said, it is good for America that Juan is fired” and jumps on to the free speech bit.  I asserted, “Sean, you did not read the next sentence and the last sentence”  he was making the very same sound byte mistake defending the sound byte of Williams. I wrote, “It is good for America that Juan is fired, it sets a new precedent in placing “Anti-Islam” bigotry in its place following racial slurs, the N word, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism or anti-religion, we have ways to go, we have to include "anti-Gay" slurs and other bigotted statements in that category. This can take us further to purge public statements in the interests of building cohesive societies for America; we have to laud this decision.”

The ones who jumped most are the political opportunists with a right wing agenda and aggressively put a “freedom of speech” spin to it. Had they sincerely believed in freedom of speech, they would have defended Helen Thomas’s firing for her anti-Israel remarks, Don Imus for his racial slurs and Rick Sanchez for the Anti-Semitic comments. If you are honest, you stand for all or simply don’t take a stand on any. In this case the bias is obvious.

It is not about the Freedom of speech, it is about building responsible societies, we cannot use the "N" word, racial slurs, anti-Semitic words, so why anti- Islamic phrases should be allowed? Look at the good that ban has brought to the society. 

We owe it to America to build cohesive societies based on truth and separating the myths from reality. We have to get over the phobias, fears and doubts about each other. We have to play fair and honestly bring up every one on the level playing field.

Then Brigitte say, "All Americans" believe what Juan said, that is they are afraid of Muslim garbs in the plane. I jumped on it, "All Americans?" that is Garbage. Not all Americans may be the right wing Americans.  At that point, either they cut me off or as the assistant claimed technical problems. 

Brigitte was saying something else that nearly 3/4th of Americans.. I will have to recall and write, or pull the transcripts for accuracy.

OK, it was the technical difficulty, they got me back on.
Brigitte comes back with 98% now, down from 100% Americans that would support Juan. Brigitte was jumping on NPR for freedom of speech, where were they when Don Imus, Helen Thomas and Rick Sanchez were fired?

She shoots her irresponsible mouth again claiming that all the crimes were committed by Muslims, when I listed Tamil Tigers, IRS etc, she discount, you can't use a singular incident. Heck what about Bombing Abortion clinics, murdering doctors, IRA, Meir Kahane’s shooting spree, and killing 22 worsippers in the Dome of the Rock, Gujarat Massacre, Gaza Massacre?

Here were my talking points, following that my note about Juan Williams this morning.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at www.MikeGhouse.net

We have to build cohesive societies where no American has to fear the other

Helen Thomas for criticizing Israel as it set a new precedent; wasn’t that the right thing?

Rick Sanchez was fired for making a nearly anti-Semitic remark, wasn’t that the right thing?

So what if Juan Williams is fired? If you stand up for him, you need to stand up for the others as well, if not, you are a hypocrite.

As a society we have come a long way in restricting racial slurs, the N word, theHolocaust, anti-Semitism, discrimination against women, GLBT bashing and others. It was against free speech one, but look at the good it has done in creating a civil society, respecting the otherness of other.

We have come a long way and we have more to go, and now its time to add Anti-Islam hate mongering to that column of bigotry, no American should feel deprived, denied of and pushed to a corner. 

Juan makes me wonder about his mind-set; was he simply expressing his bigotry or was he bashing Islam to get into the “inner circle” of big boys for fame and fortune?

Brigitte Gabriel is an example of Islam bashing, it is not only fashionable but it brings big money. The right wingers give her a big lift and maker her become big.  It is an irresistible bait right wingers throw at greedy men like Juan.

Right wingers are those who mess with the social cohesion of our nation and attempt to set one American against the other.

In the interests of building cohesive societies for America; we have to laud NPR’s this decision.

Sean sorry to say this, Juan can remain on Fox, most of them except you are bigots any way. They don’t have any sense of justice or fairness anyway.  But NOT on NPR which is usually free from bigotry. Now, it is time for all the media to follow the suit.

Oklahoma Legislature – who is really behind this? There is only one News item today on the topic and guess where it comes from? Of course it is the right wing Republicans, the losers; I hope the Oklahomans don’t fall prey to the right wing tactics.  Right wingers are those who mess with the social cohesion of our nation and attempt to set one American against the other.

Sharia law as implemented in Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia is abusive of the intent of Sharia and no American Muslim wants it in America.  However by opposing some thing that is not there, the loser right wing republican candidates hope to earn their votes through a hate campaign… of course, Brigitte has fame and fortune tied to it.  Even Robert Spence is there to make money.

Sean if these people spend the time in building a cohesive America we are better off, the frighten the crap out of constipated men and ask for money, look at their sites. People should give money to peace makers who bring good to all.

No one in America wants the kind of Sharia Brigitte is making up. The Personal Sharia is about relating with the Creator, whereas the Public Sharia is about rules governing relationships with others. There are indeed a few flaws in divorce methodology, which is contrary to Quraan by the way. The punishment for Adultery, Apostasy, and death punishment needs to go. Well, we have that primitive death penalty in Texas as well.

Wife beating is a shameful act of men.  Just as the some of the Pastors are causing hate against Gays and Lesbians using scriptures to suit their agenda. There more men who kill their wives in western societies than all Muslims combined. Google it.

Yes the way the men have interpreted the verse, they show it as one can beat a woman – that is when there is question of being unfaithful, men instead of shooting of drowning the lady in the bay, Quraan advises to Men to admonish them not sleep with them and then the recommends separation, which the men have interpreted to mean beating softly. There are several new translations coming up in the market.   It is abused in those three countries, but not all Muslims.

How many American Men would not want a woman bishop or a pastor? There is similar number of among Muslims. How many Rabbis would not even shake hands with women, you will find that among Muslim men as well.

Sharia law needs to be updated, but in America we don’t need it, and as a Muslim I am the first one to stand opposed to the Public form of Sharia, while following the Personal form of Sharia.

GOOD FOR AMERICA: Juan Williams is FIRED

Thanks to NPR for firing him. It is a new precedent in placing bigotry in its place following racial slurs, the N word, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and now Anti-Islam or anti-religion. This can take us further to purge public statements in the interests of building cohesive societies for America; we have to laud this decision.

Juan makes me wonder about his mind-set; was he simply expressing his bigotry or was he bashing Islam to get into the “inner circle” of big boys for fame and fortune? Islam bashing is not only fashionable, it brings big money. The right wingers give them a big hug and help them become big. It is an irresistible bait right wingers throw at greedy men like Juan. (Right wingers are those who mess with the social cohesion of our nation and attempt to set one American against the other)
Thank God again for the media to fire Helen Thomas for criticizing Israel as it sets a new precedent. If she does not have the right to criticize a nation, and the media forced her out to retirement, then most certainly NPR has a right to do the right thing.   http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/helen-thomas-you-cannot-criticize-israel-in-the-u-s-and-survive-1.318705  

Rick Sanchez was fired for making a nearly anti-semitic remark - http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/10/rick-sanchez-syndrome.html


Juan can remain on Fox, but not on NPR which is usually free from bigotry. Now, it is time for all the media to follow the suit.

Mike Ghouse
Americans together
For Building a cohesive America

 # ##

OK Legislature
On Election Day, not only will Oklahoma voters help decide who represents them in Congress and their state legislature; they will also decide whether to officially prohibit Islamic law from being used in rulings in Oklahoma courtrooms. The measure puts renewed focus on those who claim that Sharia law is working itself into European courts and may soon spread to America.
FoxNews.com reports that the "media blitz" has started from a group called Act! For America which supports the proposed state constitutional amendment.

We want to make sure that the people in Oklahoma are educated about what Shariah law is all about and its ramifications," Brigitte Gabriel, president and CEO of the group, told FoxNews.com. "We're not taking any chances with this initiative passing marginally. We hope it passes with great victory."

But opponents say the initiative is the latest example of Muslims being unfairly targeted and could discourage foreign companies from doing business in the state if they believe international agreements won't be honored in court.

Muneer Awad, executive director of the Oklahoma branch of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), told FoxNews.com, "We take a stand in opposition to the proposed amendment." (As a side note, CAIR has also been linked to the funding of Hamas, has supported the NAACP's claim that the Tea Party movement is racist, and supported the judge's ruling that blocked Arizona's new illegal immigration law.)

Shariah is the basis of law in most Islamic countries and has been used in Iran and Somalia, among other places, to condone harsh punishments like amputations and stoning.

Gabriel argued that Shariah law is taking hold in Europe, noting that at least 85 Shariah courts are operating in Britain.

"When we look at Europe, it is a preview of what's coming to the United States," she said. "We want to make sure this does not happen here."

But is Sharia law already working its way through America? Robert Spencer thinks so. In an article published by Human Events, Spencer calls out the "mainstream media" for its effort to "deny both that there is any attempt to bring Sharia to the United States, and that Sharia is anything to be concerned about in the first place." Spencer notes the New Jersey court case which I wrote about on Tuesday in which the judge ruled that it was ok for a husband to beat and rape his wife because the man followed Islamic law. The ruling was overturned, but the fact that the lower court judge was influenced by Sharia law is clear.

Another example of Sharia insinuating itself into American life are the footbaths that have been constructed in airports and schools for the ablutions prescribed before Islamic prayers. Imagine the outcry if holy water fonts were being placed in airports for Catholic travelers - but Islamic footbaths have been dismissed as non-religious, on the pretext that anyone can use them. It would be interesting to see what would happen if a non-Muslim tried.

The fact that Sharia law can be construed to allow any type of wife-beating is absolutely deplorable. The fact that Christians living in Muslim countries face persecution and "second class" status all in the name of Sharia law is also unacceptable. And yet, it goes on. That last thing we want is to have those kinds of actions accepted in America.

Read more: http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/2010/10/save-our-state-vs-islam-in-oklahoma.php#ixzz130vSbuoQ

GOOD FOR AMERICA: Juan Williams is FIRED

by Mike Ghouse on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 9:08am

Thanks to NPR for firing him. It is a new precedent in placing bigotry in its place following racial slurs, the N word, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and now Anti-Islam or anti-religion. This can take us further to purge public statements in the interests of building cohesive societies for America; we have to laud this decision.
Juan made me wonder about his mind-set; was he simply expressing his bigotry or was he bashing Islam to get into the “inner circle” of big boys for fame and fortune? Islam bashing is not only fashionable, it brings big money. The right wingers give them a big hug and help them become big. It is an irresistible bait right wingers throw at greedy men like Juan. (Right wingers are those who mess with the social cohesion of our nation and attempt to set one American against the other)

Thank God again for the media to fire Helen Thomas for criticizing Israel as it sets a new precedent. If she does not have the right to criticize a nation, and the media forced her out to retirement, then most certainly NPR has a right to do the right thing.   http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/helen-thomas-you-cannot-criticize-israel-in-the-u-s-and-survive-1.318705  

Rick Sanchez was fired for making a nearly anti-semitic remark - http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/2010/10/rick-sanchez-syndrome.html

Juan can remain on Fox, but not on NPR which is usually free from bigotry. Now, it is time for all the media to follow the suit.

Mike GhouseAmericans together For Building a cohesive America

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at www.MikeGhouse.net
# ##

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/21/juan-williams-fired-npr_n_770901.html

Juan Williams FIRED: NPR Sacks Analyst Over Fox News Muslim Comments Huffington Post   |  Jack Mirkinson First

NPR announced late on Wednesday night that it has terminated the contract of longtime analyst Juan Williams over his comments on Fox News that, when he is on a plane with Muslims, "I get nervous."

NPR's media reporter David Folkenflik broke the news on Twitter.

Williams' comments came during a discussion with Bill O'Reilly on Monday's "O'Reilly Factor." O'Reilly asked Williams if he had been in the wrong during his now-infamous appearance on "The View" last week. (There, O'Reilly's statement that "Muslims killed us on 9/11" caused Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg to walk off the set in anger.)

Williams replied that he thought O'Reilly had, in fact, been right. He continued:

"I mean, look, Bill, I'm not a bigot. You know the kind of books I've written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous."

Williams did go on to tell O'Reilly that he had to be "careful" to stress that he was not talking about all Muslims when he criticized some and that America was not at war with Islam. He also compared blaming all Muslims for the actions of extremists to blaming all Christians for the actions of Timothy McVeigh. (O'Reilly responded that he was "done" being careful.)

In a statement, NPR said that it had informed Williams of its decision on Wednesday night, and that his remarks were "inconsistent with our editorial standards and practices, and undermined his credibility as a news analyst with NPR."

Williams had been a contributor and analyst at NPR for decades, but his dual role on Fox News -- where he has also been a longtime and frequent contributor -- drew so many complaints from NPR's listeners that it asked Fox News to stop identifying Williams as an "NPR News Political Analyst" in 2009.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Purple day today 10202010

PURPLE DAY TODAY 10/20/1020

To commemorate the suicide of 6 young boys who were harassed and driven to committ suicide. This reflects un-civility on our part. We have to work for a society, where everyone's space, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation and belief is respected. If you can wear or show purple today, it reflects your support for the innocent victims.

Please take the time to watch this 12 minute video. I salute the council man Joe you for standing up for them, it is the duty of whole humanity to do that. Joel, You have restored my faith in you as a human, unburdened by bias propagated by self appointed guardians of religions... to feel the pain and to stand up for the oppressed is what religion teaches one to be, every religion indeed.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax96cghOnY4

Americans Together
BUILDING COHESIVE SOCIETIES
An initiative of the Foundation for Pluralism & World Muslim