Mike Ghouse on Bryan Blue's Radio Show about Trump's Muslim Ban

TRUMPS� MUSLIM BAN

Trump's proposed ban on Muslims, Keeping America safe from radical Muslims, Is Islam a violent religion? 

I will be on Bryan Blue�s Syndicated Radio Show on Friday 10 PM and will be repeated on Monday at 7 AM. I have been on several Radio stations and Tv Stations on Trump's bigotry.

Hosted by:  Bryan Blue and Jamie Kinser-Knight

Guests: Danny Coulson FBI and Mike Ghouse with AMI (American Muslim Institution)

KFTW Fort Worth, TX 97.5 Mondays @ 7am & Fridays @ 10pm

KNNK Amarillo, TX 100.5FM Sundays @ 12pm Noon

KDAV Lubbock, TX 1590 AM Saturdays @ 12pm Noon

KVOP Plainview, TX 1090 AM Saturdays @ 12pm Noon

WUKB Lexington, KY 103.5FM and 1480AM Saturdays & Sundays @ 3PM

KOTO Telluride, CO 91.7FM Varies

WDNG Anniston, AL 1450AM Saturdays @ 10am

---------------------- Here are some of my talking points; ... so they are not constructed as an essay.

Let�s keep America great forever!

It is disappointing to hear the uncouth rhetoric from the presidential candidate, Donald Trump.

The role of the President is to keep America safe from outside forces and internal conflicts, and to help Americans achieve in their pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

Mr. Trump has trampled on the very fundamental values of our immortal declaration,   �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 very first amendment guarantees its citizens the freedom of religion and states, �Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof� there is absolutely no religious test to be given to anyone, but Mr. Trump wants to give religious tests to those who want to enter the United States, is he going against what America stands for?

Is Mr. Trump a traitor for violating our constitution?

No, he is not; the beauty of our land is, we allow freedom of speech to everyone, and that is the inalienable right of Americans.  If that freedom allows one to yell fire in a theater and cause mishaps and deaths, the utterer is responsible for such losses.

There is an old saying �evil exists in the world, because good people do nothing about it.� Indeed, it is shocking to see the support Trump is receiving from the cesspool of a small percent of Republicans. The same goes to the other bigot Carson, who is what he is today because of the equal rights and civil rights act and he wants to violate them as well.

Mr. Trump is an ungrateful man; he forgets that many of men and women who have served him or his management and staff are Muslims among Indians, who are Doctors, Engineers, Architects and Managers in managing and sustaining his empire.  Mr. Trump forgets that the cell phone he uses was the invention of the son of a Muslim immigrant, the extensive business he has set up in Dubai is with Muslims, the ones he does not want to enter America.

The brunt of his rhetoric and subsequent actions will be borne by average middle class Americans, not him, absolutely not him or his ilk but the Americans. What if Russians see this opportunity and offer all the Muslim nations to supply arms, grains, and technology? Nearly fourth of our employment in the US is based on dealings with the Muslim majority nations. God forbid if Trump were to be the president, Americans are screwed.


I have full faith in American constitution, and trust the majority of my fellow Americans to have the moral integrity to do what is right, and that is to speak out against disruptive, divisive rhetoric.  I am proud of America, my fellow Americans who are Republicans, are finally coming to the point to say, we had enough of this bull and start condemning evil. I appreciate the leadership of Senator Lindsey Graham, not only did he tell Trump to �go to hell,� he also articulated the need to be morally right and not worry about the consequences in politics.

Just look at our record, we have never nominated an extremist as a presidential candidate who was hell bent on pitting one Americans against the other and messing with the character of our nation. Never!

Trump will be dumped or the Republicans stand to lose.  Look at the election mathematics � Obama won over Romney 51-49% of the votes. In November 2000, Bush received 50, 456, 002 votes against Gore�s 50,999, 897 Votes but won the election by 5 electoral votes 271 V 266.

In a 2012 people survey by Pew research, 35% of registered voters identify with Democratic Party, 28% with Republicans and 33% as independents.  The current number may be different, but the point is the importance of independent voters, who can tilt the results either way.  Almost the entire conservative and supremacist vote goes to the Republicans, that leave the tilting votes in the hands of immigrants who are Hispanic, Muslims, and others, add to that Jewish vote for Democrats.

As an American Muslim, who revere�s America�s constitution on par with all the holy books including Quran, which places the greatest value on human rights, dignity, individualism, and accountability of individual�s actions towards building a cohesive society, I cherish the checks and balances built in our constitution.

I believe we need to seriously consider placing our loyalty to America over loyalty to the party. We need to develop a system where we can shape the majority in the Senate and Congress to each party and not the same party, and work on giving them simple majority. It will allow serious debates on the issues and prevent slam dunking the bills.  Indeed, most of the bad things that have happened in America can be attributed to big majorities for the same party in both the houses. It has to be on our minds.

�Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.� and we have to exercise that consent now.

I am confident; Americans at large will dump this man.

Let�s keep America great forever! 

# # #

Role of Muslims in America.

It is the responsibility of all Americans to help law enforcement officials in maintaining law and order and to assure the safety of every citizen. It is the duty of all of us to fight against radicalization through education and community engagement and work on promoting peace and harmony.

Muslims have consistently stood up against extremism and radicalism.

Some of the steps we have taken to counter terrorism:

1.  A small step for Muslims, but a giant leap for America.http://americanmusliminstitution.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-small-step-for-muslims-but-giant-leap.html

2.  Evil exists because good people do nothing about it, as Good Muslims we are condemning the ISIS and Terrorist. This is the first time; Muslims have demonstrated against Terrorism 20 seconds video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-cjFMth-E

3.  This item has captured the essence of demonstrations on the steps of Lincoln Memorialhttp://www.viewsnews.net/2015/11/21/american-muslims-condemn-isis-terrorism/

4.  This press release is about the San Bernardino Mass shooting
http://americanmusliminstitution.blogspot.com/2015/12/loss-of-life-in-san-bernardino-is.html

5. Meeting with Ben Carson http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/10/meeting-dr-ben-carson-mike-ghouse.html

 As American Muslims we have a greater responsibility in countering radicalization and violent extremism.   

We are countering one of the most difficult times in the last thirty plus years.  The San Bernardino mass shooting coupled with presidential candidate Donald Trump�s rhetoric has ratcheted the apprehensions, and there are some who are adding fuel to the fire.

Muslims across the nations are going through serious soul searching and meeting every place and in every city.  The situation is severe.

We have a responsibility to bring comfort to the frightened ones, and seriously participate in shaping a secure and safe America for every American. 

We have bad apples, but they are proportionate to our population.  We need to take concrete steps to bring positive changes but not excessive reactions.  

About me:Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker, and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, human rights, India, Israel-PalestineTerrorism and foreign policy. Over 3000 Articles have been published on the subjects. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and bulk of his writings are at TheGhousediary.com

Defending Islam - http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

Muslim Speaker - http://mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Pluralism Speaker - http://www.mikeghouse.net/InterfaithSpeaker_MikeGhouse.asp

Voice of a Moderate Muslim http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-voice-of-moderate-islam-in-america.html  (Many links are in this piece)

My 9/11 Story - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2014/09/911-my-personal-journey-from-2001.html

Google Profile � Nearly 12 Million viewshttps://plus.google.com/108969690090944956820/about

My name is Mike Ghouse: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-name-is-mike-ghouse.html 

Muslim Bulletin | 11.01.15

MUSLIMS TOGETHER | BULLETIN 11.01.15

Some thoughts

1. Who is a Moderate Muslim?

2. Donald Trump is right for once. Burqa is a matter of choice

3. Should Engagement with mainstream society be our priority?

4. Beyond Tolerance, a call to religious freedom and hopeful action

5. A successful Parliament of World's Religions

6. Where do you stand politically and socially?

7. Muslim issues across the world; Syria, Rohingya, Palestine, Yemen
8. India's Modi letting India down

American Muslim Institution,
a hope for Muslims in America 

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1. Who is a Moderate Muslim?

Some argue that there is no such thing as a Moderate Muslim, because moderation is what makes a Muslim, we are supposed to be moderates.  The other side of the argument is that, there are three types of Muslims based on their attitudes towards others; Right-wing (~10%), Left-wing (~10%)  and the Moderates (~80%) that is how we broadly describe Christians, Jews, Hindus and others. (The ~% are not empirical)

The right wingers not only strongly believe what they believe, but seek ways to enforce their views on others in varying degrees. The  ISIS, Wahhabis, Talibans, Hindutva, Neocons, extreme Zionists and their likes fall into the Right-wing category. Please remember, we are all slaves of our beliefs, and there is always a room for each one of us to free ourselves.  A small percentage among the right believes in killing or using force to bring a change and or control others.

The left on the other hand go to the other extreme, they are open to every idea and believe in total freedom, their boundaries are too thin. There are issues with it, for example, when the sex freedom took over in the 60's, it generated a lot of VD's. We have to have rules to follow for the common good of all.

A �moderate Muslim� is someone who respects the otherness of others and accepts the God-given uniqueness of each person. He gets along with everyone and minds his own faith and let others mind theirs,  and he is not hung up with people of other faiths, races or cultures. He is not biased towards Muslims who differ from him, he knows each one is responsible for his own actions and no one will carry other's burdens on the Day of Judgment. He is equally at ease with Muslims of different practices.  He will rarely entertain the idea of controlling or forcing others to be obedient. It is not in his or genes.

It is ironic that all the three groups have a similar goal - to have the society function cohesively, but their understanding of 'how to do it' creates problems.  

The argument is made, if you use the term Moderate Muslims it implies, others are not. That is not the case, we are all moderates, and we need to say it to distinguish from those who are not, particularly when all of us are lumped as one. Those who argue against the usage still refer to ISIS as fringe, or those who misinterpret Quran, it is their choice. Aren't they radicals? Doesn't that make the majority of us moderates?

God allows every human to seek repentance till his or her last breath, and we need to strive to work with every one to bring harmony among humanity.

I am comfortable being a Moderate Muslim and this is how I had introduced myself to Dr. Ben Carson, " I am a moderate Muslim, one of the 6 million of American Moderate Muslims and am with American Muslim Institution.I would like to hear your opinion on this. 

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2. Donald Trump is right for once. Burqa is a matter of choice

I am not supporting any candidate right now, but certainly hope to engage with each one of them and let them know that we are available to offer free consulting on Islam and Muslims. I do praise what is good in an individual and critique what is bad.

The full article is pending publication, but here are a few excerpts;

Born and raised in New York, Trump understands diversity. He probably has seen all the cultural expressions of New York�s inhabitants, and seems to have accepted diversity as a part of God�s creation.

The Burqa is a regional and a cultural wear and not a religious garment. But over a period of time, culture and religion in certain parts of the Middle East and Central Asia have blended and become inseparable. Being cultural, it varies from country to country� not all Muslim women wear Burqa; A Muslim woman�s modesty garments vary from a simple scarf to wrap-around scarf to a shuttle-cock covering. Trump is right when he says Burqa �is a matter of individual choice.�

The purpose of Hijab (covering) is twofold; to ensure safety of women through modesty, and to prevent men from staring at the obvious. The Quran says to men; �Lower your gaze� and to women, �Cover your bosoms� and live freely without apprehensions.

Except for a few women from major metropolitan cities, most Indian women from all faiths will not wear mini-skirts when they are here in America; you cannot get them to wear it either and that is their comfort zone.

I took my kids to every place of worship so they could grow up to be accepting of others, and when I went to the Baptist Church I wore casual clothes, and my jeans had a hole on the back pocket, I was comfortable with that, but my wife was not, so the next day my favorite pants disappeared. Culture means conformity with others in a given situation.

Women should not be a game for men � they should have the freedom to wear what gives them comfort. No man should tell her to wear or not to wear the Burqa. It should be her choice.

It is utterly wrong to conclude that Muslim, Sikh, Hindu or Christian men treat their women badly. No, that is not the truth. You will find a similar percentage of men in all groups treating women badly. It has got to go.

What is it to you if a woman wears Burqa or not? What is your gain or loss? Let it be her choice.

Full article has some good examples and explains about the comfort zones. Once published, it will be shared, but either way it will be at www.TheGhouseDiary.com on Tuesday.

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3. Should Engagement with mainstream society be our priority?

We have to become Amins of the society, that is being truthful, just, kind, trust worthy and be a safe zone others. Every one should feel safe with us. People have to trust us and be comfortable telling us like they feel, that is when we can solve problems. If we get angry, ridicule or chase them away, problems will linger forever. We have to be good patient listeners.

I am blessed to be a small fraction of an Amin, and to me that is the most important part of being a Muslim, and it may be the foundation of Islam and building peaceful societies.

Here are two interactions this week:

Todd writes, "I agree people should be free and dress as they choose but even liberal minded people will have reactions. I have a really hard time with the face covering. I feel a strong negative whenever I see it in a way I never feel about other kinds of religious garb worn by either men or women. I don't fully understand my reaction, but I think people in public should be recognizable and identifiable ... it feels like a cultural kind of contract or expectation, like covering genitals. In Rome, durring a summer in the '90s it was a thing for men to walk around the city in Speedos and an open front shirt. It was really revolting and I had a strong negative reaction to the immodesty of it. My reaction to face covering is equally strong but for a different reason. My reactions to either instance are way different. I feel tempted mock the immodest tourist. I don;t feel that way about the face covered woman. I just really wish they wouldn't hide themselves away, indicting everyone around them by the need for such protection.."

My response:
Thanks for sharing your feeling, indeed, I had the very same feeling for years... until my late wife gave me a panic attack.... and that changed my attitude as I had to go thru questioning myself and my attitude.  One day, she announced that she will start wearing the Burqa. She had never worn any kind of Hijab other than covering her head during the prayers, which most women do. For a few minutes I was dumbed down; I acted like a snake had bitten me.  I had to arrest myself before speaking, as the thoughts raced. �Am I a brute to tell her not to wear? Can I tell her not to wear? Will I go out shopping with her in that Burqa?� It was quite a mental exercise for me, and I am glad I was put to the test and finally said, �Najma, that is your choice�. She was probably testing to see if the man who believes in equality would live up to his words. 

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Note: Piyush is an influential nationally know Indian American, he is anti-Muslim from the core and is on my group for the last ten years, I did not cut him off, my challenge was to have him see a different point of view... like Sean Hannity, it took me 5 years for this man to come around and acknowledge things.... and be less ill-ful, it will take some more time. There was one writer at Dallas Morning News who was rabid Islam hater in 2003, today, he is my friend and wants to write a profile about me. He will defend Islam now. 

If you are in public and want to change things, you have a huge responsibility to bear, including  humility and insults, but never let your faith, nation or culture be blamed for your  responses, especially those that ridicule others.  You will always win by being good.

Piyush Bhai,

I don�t do things to earn respect or something else, I do it because it is my duty, I will do my Dharma and it is up to the creator to give the fruit � both of the holy books Quran and the Bhagvad Gita say that. I don�t need anything but encourage people to understand each other and live in peace.

Many a Indians admired the Chief Ministers Modi,  Jay Lalitha, Mamta, Yadav and others who went against the central government , and brought prosperity to their states.  Democracy was vibrant then. 

The Manmohan Singh Government was on their toes, they had to be very careful as the states questioned them. If there was no opposition, don�t know what Manmohan would have done� 

Now Modi is at the center, and our social fabric of the nation is falling apart, the failure to win Delhi Elections  cut their arrogance down, and now, the failure in Bihar will give them warnings to get their act together. 

Who would be better off if the Modi government gets its act together?

Dissent is one of the most valuable asset of democracy. 

Take care

Mike

Brother Mike:

Thanks for a very thoughtful response; especially the line "Dissent is one of the most valuable asset of democracy. "

Best wishes,

Piyush

PS.  I hope the opinion stated below by you becomes our "guiding principle."

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4. Beyond Tolerance, a call to religious freedom and hopeful action

Washington, DC - October 22, 2015 --  Evangelical Ministers, Imams and community leaders gathered up in Washington, DC to figure out how to co-exist. 

It was a powerful event loaded with unpleasant statistics but paved the way for taking the next step; action.  We the Muslims need to seriously focus on positive engagement.  Over 100 people attended the event � and per the independent research, the Evangelical pastors have a much lower opinion of Islam and Muslims than the general American public. A heart to heart conversation took place followed by a pledge to improve the situation.  My dear friend Imam Zia Sheikh is a big part of it.

The survey provided the tools and gave us a starting points for engagement. I have taken pictures of the slides, but will get their power point and put together an action plan for consideration.    

The event was headed by Pastor Bob Roberts of Texas ( a great friend) and Imam Maged of Adams Center, it was held at the First Baptist Church in Glenarden outside the beltway on North East side of Washington, DC. 

I have absorbed these facts with a determination to improve the perceptions about us and hope to give presentations to Muslim and non-Muslim groups in behalf of American Muslim Institution, please let me know if you would like to  arrange a gathering of at least 25 Muslims and non-Muslims who can do simple things to change the perceptions and create a society where all of us can live without apprehensions.

The full story, Catherine Orsborn is the Director of shoulder to shoulder campaign, thank God for her efforts. The report, her speech and pictures are at:  http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/10/beyond-tolerance-call-to-religious.html

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5. A successful Parliament of World's Religions

Euphoric is the best word to describe the feeling one had during this conference. Where else can you learn so much about a religion, particularly other's religion? Indeed, it was a myth busting event about Islam. Nearly 10,000 people representing over 200 faith traditions attended the event.

It really was a Muslim rally, the word Muslim was plastered all over the programs, the Chairman is a Muslim, the emcee for the key event was a female Muslim Doctor in her late 20's.... it was a much needed event.  Thank God, there was a good Muslim participation. 
Indeed, if we want to become a part of the mainstream, and if ISNA, ICNA and others can join and do the parliament kind event for people of all faiths, Muslims would be much better off in the long run. It will give the opportunity for non-Muslims to see that we are good people just like them and bust the stereo typing that Fox News has created.

Here is a report with some pictures and more will be written about it.
 http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-successful-parliament-of-worlds.html

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6. Where do you stand politically and socially?

How do your beliefs align with the potential candidates? You may surprise yourselves, and I did, for years I was a Republican fighting and writing about the differences, when I took the quiz, I felt more in tune with Democratic values than Republicans, however, I chose to go independent, as I value the candidates in both parties who represent inclusive values.  More about it at : http://centerforamericanpolitics.blogspot.com/2014/10/republican-no-more-i-have-gone.html

To take the quizzes go to http://www.isidewith.com/ 

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7. Muslim issues across the world; Syria, Rohingya, Palestine, Yemen

Those of you who cannot donate money, time or services, here is a simple option, that is some thing I have done and urge you to consider.  Give up two meals, 2 coffees and 2 sodas a week and send that money to the cause of refugees. You don't have to stand on the sidelines, you can be a part of the whole and you can do it. We need to quit talking sympathies and start the actions, it is good for us spiritually when our talks and acts correlate.

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8. India's Modi letting India down

If Prime Minister Modi does not speak up on the issue and stop the extremists of his party members to run over him, he will make India, a Langda India; that is a limping India.

A solid India stands on two firm legs; 1) Prosperity and 2) Social Cohesion.

Prosperity is creating jobs, raising income levels, pulling the ones in ditches onto a level playing field to build a larger Middle class and create an expanded consumer base, whose consumption will create jobs and the economy will multiply and the standards of living will go up. The more people do well, the better the nation does.  Modi is talking big about it and we can give him two years to produce results.

Social Cohesion on the other hand is like a human's body cohesion - heart, brain, kidneys, liver, vision, nose, tongue, touch, hearing, and the flow of blood, breathing and all parts of the body need to function cohesively to be normal. One failure can cause the whole thing to fail or make the body ineffective. If you think the discharge part of the body is less important, wait till it stops, it will cause the whole or part of the body to malfunction.  Like wise, all people have to function together well, and it is in the interest of the body that it makes up the deficiencies, so we as humans, and as Indians have to meet those deficiencies in fellow Indians.

Those of you who are blinded by the love for Mr. Modi, I appeal to you to look for greater love for the nation. Modis will come and go, but the Nation will continue. I am challenging your patriotism, none of us want India to go down, so let our loyalty be to India and not Modi, until he proves that he can keep these two functions in shape, I will hold my praise for him, will you?

I don't want my India to be a Langda India, neither do you? If we all wake up and criticize Mr. Modi, guess what will happen? He will be motivated to do the right thing. Don't you want that? 

Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached. Swami Vivekananda must have meant this for us in 2015 and 2016.

NOTE: Those of you who have an interest in Indian affairs, please visit my blog for articles and my notes on India 

http://MikeGhouseforIndia.Blogspot.com 

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American Muslim Institution,
a hope for Muslims in America

Under the leadership of Ambassador Islam Siddiqui and Dr. Aquilur Rahman, we have formed American Muslim Institution.

Our vision for American Muslims is simple, we would like to shape and see "An America in which all religious and ethnic communities contribute to her success while living in peace and harmony, free from prejudice and discrimination."  As we continue to work with the pace we are working, in about three years, "Americans will see Muslims as their neighbors and fellow citizens, committed to fighting against violent extremism and protecting the homeland." 

Our mission is, " To be a credible, proactive voice for American Muslims and to promote a positive image of Muslims through dialogue and understanding both within the American Muslim community and with other American religious communities, civic and political leaders, and opinion makers. "

If you would like to be a part of the team, please arrange for a meeting in your town with at least 25 individual men and women who are committed to bring the change personally or can facilitate it. We hope to make this  a productive meeting for American Muslims.

Ambassador Islam Siddiqui and I, or either one of us will be happy to join you and share our vision. 

Please visit our website, www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org 

Mike Ghouse at (214) 325-1916 Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org 

Please note, the above opinions and items are my own, and no one but me is responsible for them. AMI's views are expressed only at www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

Here is a profile written by a friend recently: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-voice-of-moderate-islam-in-america.html

American Muslims launch an organization in Washington DC

PRESS RELEASE

American Muslims launch an organization in Washington DC

Washington D.C., August 5, 2015 - "American Muslims of the Washington, DC area are pleased to announce the formation of a nonprofit organization to provide reliable information and advice to public and policy makers on Islam and Muslims. We need constructive solutions to current and emerging problems emanating from wrong perceptions and misinformation about Islam and Muslims in America." said Dr. Islam Siddiqui, President of the newly formed American Muslim Institution.

Our Mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. As a member of diverse family of faiths, our efforts will be directed towards justice and equality to attain peace for Americans with a firm grounding in commonly held values.

We are committed to be a proactive voice for American Muslims and promote a positive image of Muslims through dialogue and understanding.

  

The sponsors of the organization are deeply committed to the peace, security and prosperity of the United States of America. The organization in its nascent stages has just begun the process of gathering some of the brightest minds from academia, public intellectuals, activists and futurists to find pluralistic and positive solutions to the problems facing the country and wrongly attributed to Islam. Indeed, this organization will be a reliable source of information and advice in dealing with the issues facing the homeland. 

"We will continue to make concerted efforts to increase our participation in the civil society and earn our trusted social, political and religious space in the U.S."Mike Ghouse, the Executive Director of American Muslim Institution added.

Ambassador Islam Siddiqui is a former U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture and Chief Agricultural Negotiator, and was the highest ranking American Muslim in the United States Government under the Clinton and Obama Administrations.

Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a TV-Radio commentator on Pluralism, Islam, and Politics and is a human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Both Dr. Siddiqui and Mr. Ghouse can be reached at the above mentioned numbers to discuss the vision and mission of the American Muslim Institution.

Details of the official launch will be announced in the next few weeks. 

Contacts:

• Islam Siddiqui (202) 725-7409 | Islam@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
• Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916 | Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org

What am I doing in Washington

A short note to my friends

I am requesting your generous feedback.  Here is an effort to write the shortest possible note, and yet say most of it, please let me know if I did it.

Pursuing our dreams and realizing them in our life time is the biggest achievement in one�s life. The dream comes in two parts and most of us have achieved the first part; i.e., taking care of ourselves and our families to the best of our abilities.   America has been a great catalyst in achieving our dreams, thank you America!

The second part is what most of us are hunkering for, and at times it is not clear where we should place our priorities or what legacy we want to leave behind us. Bill Gates had the best advice � do it while you are alive and relish the good, instead of letting it happen on its own when we are gone abruptly.  We all struggle to make our life purposeful and that is good. You can join us in that direction.

My friend Ambassador Islam Siddiqui and I were walking from our office to the congressional building for a meeting. On our left were Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, and on the right was the Capitol Hill.  We were talking about the founding fathers and their vision that has carried this nation this far, what a vision they had, and how utterly unselfish were they!  We are all the beneficiaries of the systems and structures they left behind.  You and I wouldn�t be here had it not been for their immortal declaration of independence that all men are created equal.

That vision has been raining on me like blessings from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  His wisdom could not be clearer; he said a good deed is something you do for others. God repeatedly asserts (Quran) that if you take care of his creation; i.e., your fellow beings, your rewards are with him.  Thanks to the prophet for elaborating on it, he explained, a good deed is like planting a tree knowing full well that the beneficiaries of the shade and fruit from the ( future) tree are not us.

Our own internal reward is the �worthy feeling� we will earn by making the world a better place for everyone. A sense of security and a sense of feeling home are the greatest values we can give to fellow humans, that is one of the most primal needs of humanity.  

On my part, as you may have witnessed over the last 20 years, I have dedicated myself to that purpose, and leave the results to the will of Allah. Now, several Muslims under the leadership of Ambassador Islam Siddiqui have come together to bring about a positive clearly defined and measurable changes.

I am tasked with the responsibility to change the perceptions about Muslims, right now a majority of Americans do not see Muslims favorably, and we hope to gradually turn that around.  We are determined to change perceptions about Muslims. In a few years Muslims will not be an open season to politicians to heap insults, those who resort to it will meet the same fate as they would if they hurl it on Jewish and African Americans. Our goal is simply to be treated equally in all aspect of life. Period.

Our goal is to build a cohesive America where none of us have to live with apprehension, tension, suspicion or fear of the other. It is the land of the free and the brave. We hope to earn our dignified social, political and religious space in the U.S and cherish it with fellow Americans.

A press release follows with the announcement of the organization and an invitation will be sent to you for the launch of the organization. 

 If you visit www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.com  and register your email address on the top right box, you will automatically get all the updates and invitation.  

If this makes sense to you, please join us in advancing the work.

My writings will continue at Huffington Post, Dallas Morning News and other Newspapers and will continue as a commentator on Fox and other TV networks - all of them will be at www.TheGhousediary.com.

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
Executive Director,
American Muslim Institution
Washington, DC. 

Serious Actions against Muslim Bashing

We are taking serious actions against Muslim Bashing

Peter King owes an apology to Muslims for his irresponsible statements; this kind of language has to come to an end.

Peter King owes an Apology | www.AmericansTogether.org

Dallas, Texas, July 7, 2015 � In a Radio address, Congressman Peter King called on fellow Americans to do this, �During the July 4th holidays, if you find any gathering of Americans by the pool, lake, park, or downtown, tell up the police.� I am appalled with such an irresponsible statement.

What if an innocent Sikh family is visiting New York and taking pictures? What if it is a Hispanic family? What if a Christian Lebanese or even Brigitte Gabriel is videotaping the parade?  Could it be a Jewish family from Israel with an accent visiting the park to see what is going on? Is this racism in disguise? This is not a Muslim issue, this is an American issue.     

This kind of fear mongering and pitting one American against the other can create chaos and destroy the social fabric of America. Is this what we want as Americans? If he is pandering to some group, as a responsible citizen he should tell them that it would be wrong to create chaos; it is not good for anyone in the long haul. 

His exact words are, �... To a large extent, to the Muslim community in this region, because there is a threat, there is going to be something happening, it�s going to come from the Muslim community.  So they among all others should, should they see something, if they see someone who is new to the neighborhood, who they don�t belong there or its unusual for him to be there, hard to be there, if they hear of any talk of anything happening, if they see different groups, gathering, tell up the police�.� 

Thank God he fell flat on his face, as he did that once before when he investigated Mosques in New York and did not find any material evidence.  Indeed, most of the arrests of suspects by the FBI in recent years have been reported by American Muslim. 

We want Representative King to know this clearly � American Muslims are heck of a lot more loyal to America than the average Joe, the freedom they cherish must be praised and appreciated.  They have suffered more by the damned terrorist than any other group.  In fact, they get it both ways � accusation for the acts they did not commit, and the brunt of the hate mongering that such irresponsible statements create.  To know more about American Muslims, we urge Rep. Peter King to read our press release in the Op-ed News entitled � Muslims and Americans: a shared heritage since July 4, 1776. �

Representative King has violated two principles � innocent until proven guilty and pitting one American against the other. 

Of course, it is the duty of all citizens to maintain law and order and protect the homeland. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our duty to track down the source of such hate and work hard on mitigating it. Congressman Peter King knowingly or unknowingly appears to have become a source of racism and hate speech.  We appeal to his civility as a good American and an elected official to apologize. 

This is an American issue and we need to put an end to this kind of rhetoric from the elected officials.  My safety and security hinges on ensuring the same for others around me.   No American needs to live in apprehension or fear of the other. An apology by Rep. Peter King is the right thing to do in order to promote civic and racial harmony in America.

Quote1: "As Americans we demand an apology from Representative Peter King for recklessly pitting one American against the others. We will take a stand against all those whose mouths run loose." Mike Ghouse

Quote2: "African American and Jewish bashing is officially gone, now it is time to rid GLBT, Mexicans and Muslims bashing.  Peter King�s language is not acceptable." Mike Ghouse

Mike is president of America Together Foundation; he is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, TV-Radio commentator and a human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info in 63 links at MikeGhouse.net and writings at TheGhouseDiary.com

References:

1. Radio Message -https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5800/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=12853
2. Global Research -  http://www.globalresearch.ca/non-muslims-carried-out-more-than-90-of-all-terrorist-attacks-in-america/5333619
3. Muslims and Americans: a shared heritage since July 4, 1776.  http://www.opednews.com/articles/Muslims-and-Americans-a-s-by-Mike-Ghouse-American-History_American-Muslims_Declaration-Of-Independence_Democracy-150702-786.html

Do Muslims want results?

Do Muslims want results?  Here you go!
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/07/do-muslims-want-results.html

Dallas, Texas, July 4, 2015 --  It has been a very successful day today, our press release, "Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage," has made it to 70+ Newspaper and still counting, we hope it will make it to 100 by Sunday. 

Nothing will change if you do nothing about it.  Our goal is to change the false perceptions about Muslims - and it won't happen by itself, we have to do something about it.

The most pragmatic thing to do is to interact with fellow Americans and fellow humans, so they can see you are not what the media portrays Muslims to be. This was how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established his credentials - by earning the trust of people around him by being truthful, just, honest, and trustworthy, indeed he was called Amin by fellow humans who were not Muslims, and if we follow that example conflicts will fade and solutions will emerge.

The second pragmatic thing to do is to let the world know that you care about fellow beings, and do your share of work for the safety, security, peace and harmony of every member of the society at large.  God in Quran repeats innumerable times that if your care for your fellow beings, you need not worry about your future. 

We spent the whole night and the day in sending the press releases to news media, and am pleased to share the results; 

• 70 news outlets have published the news ( listed below)
• 20 websites have published the press release
• 25 Yahoo groups have received the emails

For every negative news, we will post positive news.

Time to rejoice, thanks to the media for carrying the following news, this is our effort towards changing perceptions about Muslims.  The more good we can upload, the more it offsets the negativity. It takes time and money to carry on this effort.

Please donate generously - our goal is to raise $60,000 thru December this year, all donations of over $100 will be listed by the name, and smaller donations will be lumped as general donors at www.AmericanTogether.org- this site on the left panel from the moment money starts flowing. 

Please donate: http://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/


America Together foundation a non-profit 501 (c) (3) entity 
your donations are tax deductible. 

Scroll down for the press release

# # #

PRESS RELEASE

American Muslims consider July 4th as one of their cherished holidays. We uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution.

Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage

July 4, 2015, Washington, D.C. - "America is the greatest nation on the earth and indeed, Muslims are a part of the American Heritage since the day America was born, Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslims and one of them was a Muslim from India.�  Mike Ghouse, President of America Together Foundation.

Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America, and signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, the first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tipu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. 

�America means everything to Muslims, and the biggest thing is freedom. Muslim Americans have every reason to claim July 4th as a Muslim Holiday. It has given us life, liberty and paved the way in pursuit of our happiness. There is no other country in the world that offers genuine freedom, freedom of speech and of conscience.�

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam.  Prophet Muhammad delivered similar words in his last sermon as are in our immortal declaration of independence.  ." Muslims hold this declaration close to their hearts and as American Muslims, "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."

The raging inner battle among Americans to keep the state and church apart resonates with Muslims living in America as Quran speaks out to them, 49:13- "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware." Indeed, knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of other and appreciate a different point of view without having to agree with it.

Honoring merit appeals to Muslims, you can be who you want to be and Muslims gloat about their ability to raise on the basis of their merit. The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on merit and individual responsibility. That is what capitalism, democracy and America are all about.

Immigrants in general and a Muslims in particular love the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty. They see the wholesomeness of justice in America and they love America for it. An observant Muslim recites at least 17 times a day that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others.

As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution. Our faith reinforces the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.  You can read the full story at AmericansTogether.org 

The links: 

1. http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2015/07/happy-4th-muslims-are-integral-part-of.html
2. http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-is-one-of-best-muslim-holidays.html

Please don't forget to donate, the work must continue
http://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/
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PR Log A few more have popped up since I wrote. May be I will update tomorrow.