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A lot of work is done since 2012, the last time we have updated this site. We have stood up for Atheist, Bahai, Buddhist, Christians, Hindu, Muslims, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Shinto, Native Americans, Wicca, and Zoroastrians. It will be updated this year in March.
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Muslims condemn destruction of HIndu Temple in Paksitan

URL: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/12/muslims-condemn-destruction-of-hindu.html

We condemn this disgraceful act of destroying the Hindu Temple in Pakistan, and request the Government of Pakistan the following actions:



1. Punish the Builder and the miscreants involved in the destruction of the temple. 

2. The builder to rebuild the Temple or the Government of Pakistan to rebuild it, as it has restored Krishna Temple in Lahore several years ago.

3. Request the Government of Pakistan to ensure safety of all of her citizens.


Three years ago, a similar incident took place in Indonesia, where the bad guys burnt a Church, and an appeal was made to the Muslims around to contribute towards rebuilding the Church, fortunately the Government of Indonesia took care of it.  I am asking all in general, but Muslims in particular to be ready to contribute funds to rebuild the temple. 


Mike Ghouse

World Muslim Congress
Dallas, Texas

....................



Monday, December 03, 2012
From Print Edition
New 0 0 0

Karachi
When Laxman saw four men entering the Hindu temple with their shoes on, he instantly yelled at them to stop in their tracks. But the only reward he got for trying to protect the sanctity of his place of worship was a beating. With every punch and kick, he was called names like Bhangi (sweeper) and Kafir (infidel).


“I can’t explain how I felt at that moment. I was both enraged and terrified,” said the 35-year-old resident of the Shri Rama Mandir compound in Soldier Bazaar.


The demolition of the century-old temple stirred a sense of insecurity among the already frightened Hindu community in the city and reaffirmed its belief that people practicing the religion existed as second-class citizens in Pakistan.


“I said they can shoot me if they like, but I won’t let them go in with shoes,” said Laxman, a man partially paralysed by a stroke.

“Half of my body does not work, but at that moment, Rama Pir gave me the strength to fight, and I did what I could,” he said.


The men put the statues and tridents from the temple out on the ground. Then a bulldozer reduced the pre-partition Mandir to rubble. A number of houses in the compound were also demolished, rendering around a dozen families homeless. They even pried opened the donation box and took away the cash and jewellery, the residents alleged.


“We have been living in this compound since the British era”, said Maharaj Badriram, the priest of the Shri Rama Pir Mandir. “We never had any problems with the larger community, but the treatment meted out on this occasion was inhumane. People look to me for help, but now, I find myself helpless,” he said.


A 17-year-old Hindu boy, who took video footage of the planned demolition, claimed that some bearded men associated with a political party oversaw the destruction. “I don’t understand how people can insult the religion of others and expect respect in return,” he said.


The President of the Schedule Caste Federation Pakistan, Kalidas Khandara, said that people in the country take Hindus for granted. “They think we are weak, so they can intimidate us, but this time, it won’t happen.”


Protest

Hundreds of people from the Hindu community staged a peaceful rally from Doli Khata, Soldier Bazaar, to the Karachi Press Club to protest against the demolition of the Shri Rama Pir Mandir, which was illegally demolished on Saturday.


“Every time a temple is threatened, we have to run to the courts. It is the third time it has happened this year,” said Ramesh Kumar Wakwani, the head of the Pakistan Hindu Council.


“There should be a stipulated policy for our properties in this country; we are also a part of Pakistan.”


The protestors demanded that the government immediately restore the temple with all its dignity.


Wakwani said that the double standards against Hindus in the city could be gauged from the fact that those coming from outside and building shanty towns in Karachi get leases, but Hindus living here for more than a century were still considered illegal.


Speaking about the demolished temple, Kalidas Khandara of the Scheduled Caste Federation said that Ramapir Mandir was restored by the government in the year 2000, which went to show that the place of worship was not only registered, but received government grants as it was a\deserving heritage site.


Sources in the community informed this scribe that representatives of Hindus were planning to register a blasphemy case against the real estate builders and government officials, who flouted court orders and destroyed a religious site.


Demolition condemned


Leading activist and former federal minister for human rights, Ansar Burney, strongly condemned the demolition of the Hindu temple in Karachi and demanded that strict action against be taken against the builders. He also called on authorities to ensure the safety of the Hindu community, PPI adds.


Burney said the demolition of the century-old temple on Saturday by a builder triggered large-scale protests by human and civil rights activists as well as the Hindu community.


Burney said the builder not only demolished the temple, but in a blasphemous act, his workers disrespected the idols of Hindu deities placed inside the temple.


He said some people allied with the builder physically hurt some members of the minority. “Everyone should be free to practice his or her religion and it is the duty of the government to ensure the safety and security of minorities living in Pakistan,” Burney stressed.


He said many Hindu families of Pakistan had already migrated to India due to persecution and humiliation at the hands of fundamentalists.


“The builder claims that the land, where the temple is constructed, has been encroached upon. Even if that is so, the builder should not have demolished the temple as a humanitarian gesture,” he said. The human rights activist concluded that he would take up the issue with the local authorities to ensure that the minority gets justice.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Standing up for others

This site  www.StandingUpforOthers.com is dedicated to Rev. Sun Myung Moon, whom I have come to respect and honor for his teachings in creating a cohesive world. Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable? Continued at: http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/08/standing-up-for-others_14.html

The idea of alms, charity, taking care of the elderly, weak, sick and the children is a common theme in every religious tradition. It is indeed an insurance for every one's well being. I cannot be at peace when others around me aren't, and hence it behooves me to take care of the ones who need assistance.



www.FoundationforPluralism.com

I am blessed to have taken a stand for Jews, Catholics, Ahmadiyyas, Immigrants, Hindus, Falun Dafa, Zoroastrians, Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Baha'i, Wicca, Sikh and other identities of humanity including GLBT community. It is the right thing to do. 

Father Moon emphasizes the idea, "Living for the sake of others" indeed there is a lot of wisdom in it as Martin Niemoller also reflects it in his eternal poem, "first they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew, so I did not say a thing, then they came for Communists, I didn't care, I wasn't a communist, then he concludes, then they came for me and it shattered me to know that there was no one left to speak up for me."
Please note that I am no more of a volunteer than you are, if I have not spoken out against one of your dear causes, it is simply because not being aware and having only 24 hours in a day. If you would like to share it with me, please do so in the comments section.
Mahatma Gandhi has been a major inspiration in my life. Twice in my life I have seen Mahatma Gandhi in my dreams, the first time was when I was in College around 1971, when Mahatma Gandhi, the vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Sri V. Narsimaiah and I were having a dinner together and Mahatma puts his hands on my shoulders and says, "tujhe bahut kaam karna hai beta", you have a lot of work to do son, and again around 2003, he appears in my dreams and with the same affectionate hand (as my Dad's), he pats on my back, "you have to do it"... the only thing I consistently get from this message was the work of Pluralism, help me God, I am committed to do.
Thanks to my Father and Mother for breaking away from the traditional practices of apartheid, growing up as kids, we did something that was un-heard of, the Dalits and us would eat off our plates, and drink tea off our glasses, they would come in to our home... and many had called my Dad for stopping it. I shall write that some time.

Links are linked where the compilation is done, others will be completed by 12/31/12 - God willing if I am alive. 
 

I am dedicating this site to Reverend Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unificationists Church ascended to heaven on Sunday, September 2, 2012.  I have written many articles about his teachings and planning to write a tribute to his work after the Unity Day event on September 11, 2012.

I was moved by his teachings of the divine principles, and his continuous emphasis on "living for the sake of others


Reverend Moon's work for humanity is exemplary, he was committed to peace between North and South Korea, and Israel and Palestine. He was also considering enabling the United Nations to understand and resovle the religious conflicts before they exploded into genocides and massacres.

His greatest legacy to mankind is the book he compiled called, "World Scripture" a comparative anthology of sacred texts. It is indeed the best reference guide for the pluralists and interfaithers. (A tribute to Rev. Moon).

 
To be updated, God has blessed me to be a part of many a societies and I am thankful for the same. I urge you to knock off one hour's TV or gossip and spend that time standing up for others, the least you can do is to let them know that you are with them and that they are not alone.

 
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.
  

Standing up for Sikhs

Thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve fellow beings, I am writing about the work I have done in standing up for others.  I hope you would feel inspired to stand up for some other than you own.

I am blessed to have served about every community, and one of these days, I will complete the list from my work in the last thirty years 


Delhi Sikh Massacre

Taliban Harassment
UK's denial in public service
French Harassment
United States

Killing of a Sikh in Arizona
Preventing Sikh's name from the 9/11 Memorial

and now the Wisconsin shooting


There is a lot of work that needs to be done, on my part, here is a partial list of my involvement and work I was able to pull from Google.
  1. Sikhs honored - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157631762797919/show/?rb=1
  2. Unity Day with Sikhs - http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html
  3. Sikh Genocides Commemoration - http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2013/01/6th-annual-holocaust-and-genocides-sikh_23.html 
  4. Sikh Genocide pictures - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157636856041595/
  5. Huffington Post about Gurpurab - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/sikhs-and-muslims-on-542n_b_1087327.html
  6. Harassment of Sikhs - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/harassment-of-sikhs-in-ne_b_3997899.html
  7. Holocaust and Genocides - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/holocaust-remembrance-and-recognizing-all-genocides_b_2547164.html
  8. Defending Sikhs in Malaysia - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/who-owns-allah-the-god-th_b_4143551.html
  9. Mike Ghouse speaking at Candle light vigil at Gurdwara - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR0t7O51ViM
  10. Sikh Temple Massacre - http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/mike-ghouse/44751/sikh-temple-massacre-in-milwaukee-wisconsin
  11. is the Sikh Shooting Christian Terrorism? http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/texas-faith-is-sikh-shooting-christian.html
  12. Ramadan Iftar at Gurdwara - http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/08/ramadan-day-20-sikh-temple.html
  13. Holocaust and Genocides - http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-only-mike-ghouse-by-shah-alam.html
  14. Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh - http://www.opednews.com/articles/Festivals-of-the-World--3-by-Mike-Ghouse-Guru-Gobind-Singh_Pluralist-Mike-Ghouse_Religion-Interfaith_Sikh-Guru-140107-725.html
  15. http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/honoring-sikh-community-in-dallas.html
  16. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/08/texas-faith-is-sikh-shooting-christian.html
  17. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/08/sikh-massacre-in-milwaukee-gurudwara.html
  18. Resolving 500 year old Sikh-Muslim conflict - http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/08/quraan-surah-hijr-1526-30.html



Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Standing up for Others


Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don't stand up for those who are vulnerable, then who will stand up for us when we are vulnerable?

www.FoundationforPluralism.com 

The idea of alms, charity, taking care of the elderly, weak, sick and the children is a common theme in every religious tradition. It is indeed an insurance for every one's well being. I cannot be at peace when others around me aren't, and hence it behooves me to take care of the ones who need assistance.
I am blessed to have taken a stand for Jews, Catholics, Ahmadiyyas, Immigrants, Hindus, Falun Dafa, Zoroastrians, Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Baha'i, Wicca, Sikh and other identities of humanity including GLBT community. It is the right thing to do.

Father Moon emphasizes the idea, "Living for the sake of others" indeed there is a lot of wisdom in it as Martin Niemoller also reflects it in his eternal poem, "first they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew, so I did not say a thing, then they came for Communists, I didn't care, I wasn't a communist, then he concludes, then they came for me and it shattered me to know that there was no one left to speak up for me."

Please note that I am no more of a volunteer than you are, if I have not spoken out against one of your dear causes, it is simply because not being aware and having only 24 hours in a day. If you would like to share it with me, please do so in the comments section.
Mahatma Gandhi has been a major inspiration in my life. Twice in my life I have seen Mahatma Gandhi in my dreams, the first time was when I was in College around 1971, when Mahatma Gandhi, the vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Sri V. Narsimaiah and I were having a dinner together and Mahatma puts his hands on my shoulders and says, "tujhe bahut kaam karna hai beta", you have a lot of work to do son, and again around 2003, he appears in my dreams and with the same affectionate hand (as my Dad's), he pats on my back, "you have to do it"... the only thing I consistently get from this message was the work of Pluralism, help me God, I am committed to do.
Thanks to my Father and Mother for breaking away from the traditional practices of apartheid, growing up as kids, we did something that was un-heard of, the Dalits and us would eat off our plates, and drink tea off our glasses, they would come in to our home... and many had called my Dad for stopping it. I shall write that some time.

Links are linked where the compilation is done, others will be completed by 12/31/12 - God willing if I am alive. 


  1. Standing up for Apostates Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia work
  2. Standing up for Baha'i - Iran petitions 
  3. Standing up for Jains - Adding the Jain logo at
  4. Standing up for Muslims  - Standing up for Ahamdiyya, Bohra, Ismailia, Shia, Sufi, Sunni and other Muslims
  5. Standing up for Pagans - Petition to save a woman in Saudi Arabia
  6. Standing up for Sikhs - Afghanistan, France, UK, USA, Pakistan
  7. Standing up for Wicca - Arlington Cemetery Head stones
  8. Standing up for Native Americans http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2010/02/petition-for-native-american-heritage.html
  9. Standing up for Falun Dafa http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2006/3/19/70952.html
  10. Standing up for Women's rights - Burqa, Sharia, divorce,
  11. Standing up for Darfur - Joined the Darful Coalition and petitions
  12. Standing up for Bosnia - Faxes, phone calls etc.
  13. Standing up for Burmese Buddhists - http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/10/stand-with-burmese-people.html


To be updated, God has blessed me to be a part of many a societies and I am thankful for the same. I urge you to knock off one hour's TV or gossip and spend that time standing up for others, the least you can do is to let them know that you are with them and that they are not alone.

MikeGhouse 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 affairsIslamIndiaIsrael, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.comis updated daily. 
  

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Standing up for the Tea Party


When someone is accused of wrong doing, it is the duty of every human to stand up for them; ultimately everyone would be better off.

The ABC news has messed up, “and issued a report Friday suggesting that the horrific shooting at a Colorado movie theater was perpetrated by a suspect with ties to the movement, the situation had a familiar feel to it, tea party leaders say.”

Although the report may suit many who hate the politics of the Tea Party, but speaking up against false suggestions is the right thing to do.

My instant reaction smelled the wrongness of the suggestion that the murder was linked to the Tea Party. I deliberated about the dangerous and sinister accusations aggressively made against Muslims almost every week by the individuals affiliated with the Tea Party, then a verse from Quraan popped  in my ears, “don’t let your bias of others make you unjust towards them”, bingo, I was back home with my original reaction. Justice is the ultimate panacea to the ills of the society.

Here I am calling on ABC News to give equal time to the tea party members to clarify their position. Individuals may be wrong, but never a group of people.

I was intrigued by Lu Ann Busse’s statement, “There’s been repeated incidents where people have an agenda to demonize a certain segment of the population, whether it is the tea party or similar groups,” Busse said. “They try to use everything to demonize and marginalize us, and I think it’s totally irresponsible and not the way people should act.”

Indeed, I am concerned about that statement, and ask Lu Ann Busse, who is currently running for the Colorado House and a former Tea Party leader  to join me in condemning similar statements made by Tea party affiliated men and women like Michelle Bachman, Herman Cain, Sara Palin and countless others for political gains.

We need to set the country on the right track by speaking up against wrong doing, no matter who it is.

All it takes is one man to fix the ills of our society, and one man to mess it up.   I salute John McCain for speaking up against Michelle Bachman, and appreciate all the sheep that jumped behind him like Ed Rollins, John Boehner and a host of others.

I am pleased to stand up for the Tea Party in this regard, and I have stood up for everyone from Atheists to Zoroastrian and every one in between athttp://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/
_______

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on the topics of Pluralism, Coexistence, politics, interfaith, Islam and cohesive societies. He is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Americans Together, a film trailer

IS THIS THE AMERICA YOU WANT?
No American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.
There are solutions, here is a trailer of the movie in making:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXsTo4VYh8&feature=youtu.be




Please let me know if you wish to you have more information.Thank you

Mike Ghouse 
America Together Foundation
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

TEXAS FAITH: Is religious freedom under attack in America?




Indeed, every group feels that their religious liberty is under attack. Is there a time in history when a group did not feel threatened by co-religionists, other religions and the governments? Here is a short history and possible solutions.

This a weekly column at Dallas Morning News, here is Mike’s contribution on the topic.

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Indeed, every group feels that their religious liberty is under attack. Is there a time in history when a group did not feel threatened by co-religionists, other religions and the governments? Here is a short history and possible solutions.

Jews have always been under attack. They felt at home in Spain, which was destroyed by butcher Ferdinand. Then, they felt at home in Germany, but the Holocaust tore them apart and their belief in humanity was shattered. Every day, they have to be on guard. Someone or another is making anti-Semitic comments.

Fred Phelps was in Dallas in July 2010 demonstrating hate against Jews. The anti-circumcision bills in San Francisco and Santa Monica in 2011 were irritants. Last month in Houston, the Jewish academy could not participate in a basketball game. It was set on Saturday, most Jews refrain from activity that day. Indeed, it is restricting their freedom to practice their religion by exclusion and being insensitive to their faith.

Hindus are an open game to evangelists. A few years ago, a Baptist convention made a declaration to harvest the "Poor Hindu souls". This year, Russians made a serious attempt to ban Bhagvad Gita, the Hindu Holy Book. In November 2011, a Kentucky state senator attacked Hinduism as an idolatrous belief. California textbooks portrayed Hinduism in negative light, so the battle is still on. There is a debate among Indians: Had Bobby Jindal of Hindu parents and Nikki Haley of Sikh parents practiced their faiths, and not converted to Christianity, would they have become governors?

Sikhs had to fight with Arizona to keep the name of a Sikh 9/11 victim on a memorial wall. Wicca had to fight for the headstone in Arlington Memorial Cemetery for those who died serving America. Of course, there are enough stories about Native Americans, atheists and others.

Muslim Americans strongly feel the noose tightening on their freedom. Most restrictions are coming out of sheer ignorance and a false understanding of what their faith is about, as they practice in America rather than Saudi Arabia or Iran. The senators and representatives who have initiated anti-Sharia bills can't even tell what they are opposing.

The irony is neither the organizations nor the Muslims are seeking Sharia to be a part of the American law. All they are asking is to have options to square personal matters between family members through a jury, mediation, court hearing or the Sharia guidelines. Indeed, it is no different than the option of Jews using Halaqa in their personal conflicts or going to a psychologist for counseling.

Most Christian denominations have been under attack by fellow Christians. Missionaries were unforgivably cruel to natives around the world, including America. Most of the groups that infringe on the freedom of others have also been a victim.

The Catholic diocese has rightly filed the law suit protesting the Government's intrusion in the practice of their faith that the employers provide workers free contraceptives. This is the right thing to do - to stand up for the freedom of religion. As a Muslim I have stood up for freedom of every religious group, in this case with the Catholic Church. Indeed, it was good to see evangelical leader Richard Land make the same pledge along with me on Sean Hannity Radio.

In summary, the issues are about whether a majority - or the government - can arrogantly push vulnerable ones into obeying.

We need to build an America where no one is apprehensive or afraid of the other. Each one of us needs to feel home, a home where everyone can drop his or her guards and lives freely.

It is our duty to safeguard the liberties endowed by our creator to practice our beliefs. It behooves for us to stand up for each other, why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for them?

To see all the contributors, please visit Dallas Morning news at:http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/05/texas-faith-is-religious-freed.html
. . . . .

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

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Standing up for Gays and Lesbians

http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/05/standing-up-for-gays-and-lesbians.html

Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for others?  I am blessed to have stood up for everyone from a simple speak-up to doing something substantial about it. 

My mentors are Prophet Muhammad, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr.  Within my family, it’s my maternal Grandfather, my paternal Grandmother, my Father and my Mother.  Every one’s advice was, when you see something wrong, the least you can do is to speak up.

In this blog http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/  - eventually, I will compile a list from Atheist to Zoroastrians and every one in between. I go by religious classification because everyone falls into one of these categories. Additionally, I am compiling the list for the Gay and Lesbian community, the African Americans and immigrants, particularly the Mexicans, and other groups.

Standing up for Gays and Lesbians

Don’t make the mistake that one has to be gay to stand up for gays, if that were the case, the world would be chaotic and ruthlessly selfish. Each one of the spiritual masters worked to build a society where no one had to live in fear of the other, as it will keep everyone in the fear. The role of religion was to build cohesive and secure societies.

Don’t make the mistake that I am a gay to stand up for Gays and Lesbians, in the article I posted today on the facebook, I received a few inbox emails to that effect. In Australia, in the GLBT session of the Parliament of World’s religions, no one was asking questions, I was the first one to stand up  and defend the rights of LGBT to be who they were (don’t be prejudiced and draw any conclusions, until you read the whole thing), after that every one gathered around me and asked me if I was gay. 

I was at a fund raiser at Love Field Airport in 2010, a fellow Indian who was gay, was running from my sights, I caught up with him and told that it was fine with me if he was a gay and that I will not tell anyone about him and he should feel free.  I told him that I was as straight as an electric pole. 

In1985, I opened the Peninsula subdivision for Ryland Homes in Rowlett, Texas.  We were building the Ryland's popular Trinity Floor plan for Mike and Chris,  a 1895 SQ' home. I was a darling to the homeowners till then, then they cut me off from friendship except the Parkers and Armstrongs. I was saddened with the attitudes of people then. I argued with them, don't Mike and Chris have a right to live in a home as you do? 

In 1990, I took my Property manager Randy Curry (passed away ) to a Home builders casino night, and every one was looking at us - I thought because I have been away from building for 4 years... then Randy cornered me and asked, if I was going to fire him, if he told me the truth. He told me he was Gay and, oddly the guys in our office did not know about that including me, while every female knew it. Of course, I did not fire him, he worked for me till 1996 and passed away after that, we had attended two Christmas dinners in his home as well.

After that, we have commemorated the Gay genocide,  right along the Holocaust commemoration, I have walked in a Gay March in Oak lawn, attended a few fund raisers, and through my friend Mary Ann, I got to know a whole lot more of GLBT community including several male and female pastors.

I don't see any difference between a Gay and a straight. If you wish to talk about my experience, I will be happy to share... it takes too much time to write. But some day, I will complete the story.


Same Sex Marriage and Changing Attitudes  


Published at Dallas Morning News – May 15, 2012 President Obama has indeed become a catalyst for this change. Right after he announced his personal take on the issue, a host of organizations are starting to come around to his view. It was a big risk for Obama politically, but it was the right thing to stand up for individual liberties, rights and freedom of expression. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/05/texas-faith-same-sex-marriages-and.html


Same Sex Marriage, Muslims and Islam


As long as a Gay, a Muslim, a Hindu or a Jew is not stealing your food, gas, house, clothing, money or hurting your loved ones – he or she can live his life the way he or she chooses. The society's responsibility is limited to punishing the individual for the acts that affect public safety and those acts that an overwhelming majority agrees to abide by. A long conversation  http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/05/islam-muslims-and-same-sex-marriages.html

Congratulations to GLBT Community

 

Congratulations to the Gay and Lesbian community. The senate has just voted to end the "don't ask, don't tell" discriminatory practices against GLBT in the military. President Obama will sign that into Law. No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other

Ban Ki-Moon standing up for Human rights of GLBT

 

Honorable Secretary of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki -Moon, I salute you for taking the stand on the human rights of the GLBT community. It is time the leaders of the world take a stand and lead the way for the people.   I firmly stand with you. Mr. Bank ki-Moon, you stood up against the many, you are the shepherd and not the sheep.  Thank you.http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2012/03/ban-ki-moon-standing-up-for-human_22.html 


Carrolltton Municipal Elections  

 

I am committed to the well being of our City and will continue to support the efforts in building an exemplary city of peace where no one is apprehensive of the other.http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/04/carrollton-city-muncipal-elections.html


Standing up for Gays, Jews and Mexicans

 

I have stood up at the Holocaust Museum, Texas Jewish Post, Akiba Academy and other placed. Gathered the Holocaust survivors in the Museum and prayed for the well being of America and every one of its inhabitants. Pictures are at Flickr.http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/11/standing-up-for-jews-gays-and-mexicans.html

Gays and Lesbians

 

The Gays and Lesbians may not be religiously acceptable yet, but so were the Lepers, Prostitutes and others... Jesus reached them all to set a new benchmark of inclusion. He would have done the same with GL today. Let's respect the rights of every individual, that is the hallmark of civil societies http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2009/02/gay-lesbians.html

Texas Faith - When is it OK to apply moral absolutes?

the faith-based belief grounded in moral absolutes has always been a part of the public policy debate though not postured as such. After all we are conditioned with certain beliefs and are driven by it. Most of the issues that were debated have had strong religious grounding and opposed or supported the Women's rights, Roe v Wade, the civil rights, the Catholic president, Civil Unions, GLBT marriages, immigration and other. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/08/texas-faith-when-is-it-okay-to-apply.html

Some day, I will compile the whole list…  


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