Fox 4 News, North Texans react to Bin Ladens death

Imam Zia Shaikh and I are in the VIDEO Fox 4 News in Dallas at: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/050211-north-texans-react-to-bin-laden%E2%80%99s-death

 

We had a similar take on the issue, but Fox chose to show two different takes. That is their choice, that is not all the things I have said. The following is my take and it will appear in Huffington Post is at: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-rejoice-end-of-icon-of-evil-era.html

 

Fox News
Published : Monday, 02 May 2011, 5:10 PM CDT

DALLAS - As details of Osama bin Laden’s death emerge, many North Texas residents are reacting with feelings of relief, victory, justice and a bit of fear.

Outside former President George Bush’s Dallas home there are signs thanking him for trying to run down bin Laden. A crowd braved the overnight rain to proclaim victory outside the house. Some brought American flags and chanted “USA” in triumph.

North Texans who have lost loved ones in the 911 attacks are still trying to digest the news. Many said they never felt certain that bin Laden was still alive so confirmation of his death at the hands of the United States military brings a sense of relief.

“He’s the face of evil. I know a lot of people don’t believe in true evil, but he was evil,” said Marty Fangman.
Fangman’s younger brother Robert was a 31-year-old flight attendant on Flight 175, the second plane that crashed into the World Trade Center.


Former flight attendant Joni Schippel felt compelled to visit the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial in Grapevine. She finds justice in the death of bin Laden and believes for many people his death ends a decade of resentment.
“We’ve been hanging on to that over 10 years. He just never got what he deserved for what he did to us and our family and friends, people that we knew,” she said. “I’m glad he’s done. I don’t like to say that about anyone who has past but he was not a good person.”


At DFW Airport some of the families of troops departing and arriving for R & R said they’re cautiously optimistic about the news. Some fear that bin Laden’s death will prompt more violence overseas.

"I do think everything will be heightened security wise and maybe there's a chance for retaliation attacks," said Army Lt. Col. Steve Davis.

However, Army Spc. Wade Pantermuehl said the announcement of bin Laden's death during the 30 hour flight home was met with an erruption of cheers.


The Department of Homeland Security has not raised the terror threat level because of bin Laden’s death, but it has warned Americans traveling abroad to be extra careful.

Travelers and flight attendants at the airport said they are just concerned about what happens next.

“The threat’s still out there and it will always be out there because somebody is waiting right behind him to take over. But to have him out of there, the mastermind behind 9/11, I mean it’s just a relief for us,” said Anke Dawson, a flight attendant.

As Robert Jasinki waited for his plane he said bin Laden’s death brings closure for a lot of people. But the war is not over.

“I don’t think we should become complacent at all,” he said.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison applauded the efforts of President Barack Obama, former President Bush and the military for hunting down bin Laden.

“He is the spiritual leader of the terrorist networks that are operating against freedom throughout the world and having the spiritual leader taken out I hope will be a significant impact on the others that would try to do harm to innocent people anywhere in the world,” Hutchison said.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell , an Army lieutenant colonel who was severely injured in the Pentagon on 9/11, said bin Laden’s death was a matter of “personal justice” for him, his family, other victims and the entire community.
"I knew we would see the day the day he would die," Birdwell said. "The question was whether it was natural causes or ours. It was ours. That's good."

Even members of the Muslim community in North Texas said they feel a sense of joy and relief.
World Muslim Congress activist Mike Ghouse said he is so happy with the news he can hardly contain himself. He hopes it will foster an improved Muslim-American relationship.

“Muslims didn’t like the guy as much as other people didn’t because he has done more harm to Muslims and the religion than anyone else ever in the history of mankind,” Ghouse said.

He believes bin Laden’s burial at sea was a good move.

“If he was buried somewhere in the ground somebody would’ve made a shrine out of it which would have been even more dangerous. I am glad he went into the sea. There are no more symbols of him left,” Ghouse said.

Read more on myFOXdfw.com: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/050211-north-texans-react-to-bin-laden%E2%80%99s-death#ixzz1LFISW6I1

Muslims rejoice the end an evil era and an evil icon

http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-rejoice-end-evil-era-and-evil.html

It is one of the best news items Muslims have had in a decade, we are delighted that an evil era has come to an end with the death of this evil man Osama Bin Laden.  It brings a sense of justice and relief to nearly 3000 fellow Americans. 

Indeed Muslims were not only victims of his terrorism, but were also subject of harassment by several governments around the world in Airports as well as employment and ordinary life acts. The Sikh community also became a target of the mistaken identity. With his death, we pray that the Taliban mind set and the oppression of women in Afghanistan also comes to an end.

President Obama’s statement was profound, he literally stole the sentiments and words of Muslims around the world, “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.” As Muslims, we welcome this.

I recall that dark Tuesday on September 11, 2001, I was called in to manage the emergency situation on Radio station AM 1150 and handle the crisis. My first goal was to make sense out of the chaotic incoherence of the day and move forward purposefully. I was on the air from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on AM Radio 1150 and 950 simulcasted at times.

The Spiritual leaders from all faiths and traditions were called in to pray and share their wisdom for this moment.  They were from the traditions of Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other traditions. Area Mayors, community and business leaders joined in as well.

The fog was clearing up; Osama bin Laden was our enemy and we had to get rid of him to bring justice; Muslims had nothing to do with Osama, nor did they authorize that terrorist; and a declaration of war against Osama was made on the Air.

By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed, a sense of Unity had emerged on the Radio, multi-faith prayers were arranged and fund raising had begun. That historic day, I made a commitment to dedicate this day and unite Americans of every faith, race and tradition on the day every year and thank God we have been doing this.  

People were responding to my calls to donate blood, my late wife Najma was driving around and reporting from the Blood centers and called in to tell us to stop the announcements as the lines were too long and that they could not handle it any more for the day.

September 11, 2005 gave birth to Unity Day USA - 14 faiths were represented at the event with 650 plus individuals attending with 8 Mayors, FBI Chiefs and DOJ attended the event and the Fire and Police Chiefs were honored. The civic Officials proclaimed it as Unity Day USA. It was well covered by the media.

I am working on making this day a national day of Unity and  I want my fellow Americans to know that Muslims are committed for the well being, peace, prosperity, security and unity of America.

Indeed in a luncheon meeting with Congressmen Pete Sessions, Ralph Hall, Kenny Marchant, Paul Johnson and others, congressman Sessions suggested to designate the event on Sunday before 9/11 every year. Even the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had jumped at the idea.

Bin Ladens death brings a closure to the reign of terror that began September 11, 2001 and we plan on a big celebration this year all over the nation.

# # #

 Mike Ghouse is an interfaith Speaker, thinker, futurist, writer, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a firm belief that the purpose of religion is to bring harmony to an individual within and create a balance with what surrounds; life and matter. If we can learn to respect and accept every which way people have come to worship the creator, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. He offers pluralistic solutions to media and to the public on complex issues of the day and is available to speak in a variety of settings such as schools, seminars, conferences, and places of worship, or the work place. His work is indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Muslims sigh relief and rejoice the end of an evil man Bin Laden

Muslims sigh with relief, pray and celebrate, they were not only victims of Bin Laden’s terrorism, but were also the subject of harassment by several governments around the world and in the Airports as well.

Muslims sigh relief and rejoice the end of an evil man Laden

May 01, 2011, Dallas, Texas:- Mike Ghouse, President of the World Muslims Congress was delighted to announce the end of an evil man and prays that an evil era ends with him. It brings a sense of justice and relief to nearly 3000 fellow Americans.  He whole heartedly concurs with President Obama’s statement, “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.” Indeed, we welcome it.

Indeed Muslims were not only victims of his terrorism, but were also subject of harassment by several governments around the world in Airports as well as employment and ordinary life acts. The Sikh community also became a target of the mistaken identity. With his death, we hope the oppression of women in Afghanistan also comes to an end.

Mike recalls Tuesday, September 11, 2001, “On that tragic day, I was called in to manage the emergency situation on Radio station AM 1150 and handle the crisis. My first goal was to make sense out of the chaotic incoherence of the day and move forward purposefully. I was on the air from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on AM Radio 1150 and 950 simulcasted at times.”

The Spiritual leaders from all faiths and traditions were called in to pray and share their wisdom for this moment.  They were from the traditions of Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other traditions. Area Mayors, community and business leaders joined in as well.

The fog was clearing up; Osama bin Laden was our enemy and we had to get rid of him to bring justice; Muslims had nothing to do with Osama, nor did they authorize that terrorist; and a declaration of war against Osama was made on the Air.

By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed, a sense of Unity had emerged on the Radio, multi-faith prayers were arranged and fund raising had begun. “I made a commitment to dedicate this day and unite people on the day every year.” 

People were responding to the calls to donate blood, my late wife Najma was driving around and reporting from the Blood centers and called in to tell us to stop the announcements as the lines were too long and that they could not handle it any more for the day.

September 11, 2005 gave birth to Unity Day USA - 14 faiths were represented at the event with 650 plus individuals attending with 8 Mayors, FBI Chiefs and DOJ attended the event and the Fire and Police Chiefs were honored. The civic Officials proclaimed it as Unity Day USA. It was well covered by the media.

“It was my love for my country to work on making this day a national day and Muslims wanted to do this and hence took the initiative, I want my fellow Americans to know that Muslims are committed for the well being, peace, prosperity, security and unity of America.”

Indeed in a luncheon meeting with Congressmen Pete Sessions, Ralph Hall, Kenny Marchant, Paul Johnson and others, congressman Sessions suggested to designate the event on Sunday before 9/11 every year. Even the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had jumped at the idea.

Bin Ladens death brings a closure to the reign of terror that began September 11, 2001 and we plan on a big celebration this year all over the nation.

# # #

Mike Ghouse is an interfaith Speaker, thinker, futurist, writer, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a firm belief that the purpose of religion is to bring harmony to an individual within and create a balance with what surrounds; life and matter. If we can learn to respect and accept every which way people have come to worship the creator, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. He offers pluralistic solutions to media and to the public on complex issues of the day and is available to speak in a variety of settings such as schools, seminars, conferences, and places of worship, or the work place. His work is indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Muslim Speaker Mike Ghouse

NURTURING PLURALISTIC VALUES EMBEDDED IN ISLAM 

A Muslim Speaker, thinker, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a belief that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain peace, harmony and prosperity.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter. Over 1000 articles have been published on a range of topics in Islam and Pluralism. Insha Allah, a book outlining the Muslim vision is on the horizon.

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece  
Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

 

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."
He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.
Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired - like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.
Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.
Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."
What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."
 

# # #

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer, thinker, futurist and an activist of Pluralism, Islam, India and Civil Societies passionately offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

He is a commentator at Fox News on the Hannity show, nationally syndicated Radio shows along with Dallas TV, Print and Radio networks and occasional interviews on NPR.  He has spoken at international forums including the Parliament of Worlds Religions in Melbourne, Middle East Peace initiative in Jerusalem, International Leadership conference in Hawaii, Washington and elsewhere.

Concerned by the divisiveness, he saw the need to bring Americans together and founded America Together Foundation committed to building a cohesive America, indeed it is in response to ACT America which is bent on pitching one American against the other.  We will be holding series of educational programs, conferences and workshops to address the issues that divide us such as Civil Right, GLBT, Quraan, Abortion, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racial Profiling and Stereotyping.

The Annual Unity Day USA is in its 7^th year now, it is a purposeful event to bring Americans together, on this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of our nation.  

Thanksgiving Celebration is in its 15^th year showcasing cultural diversity.

The 5^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and commit to avert such tragedies.  Through this event non-Jewish people have consciously learned about Holocaust for the first time, it was also for the first time that people of 14 faiths came together to join in to commemorate the Holocaust that commemorated within the Jewish Community for years. They are not alone anymore in their anguish, we are all in it together with them, and it is a Muslim initiative to effect a positive change.

The programs, seminars and workshops conducted by the Foundation for Pluralism have become a part of the America Together Foundation. While the Foundation for Pluralism continues championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other, the commitment to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress continues.

# # #

Full Profile at:  http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp   

Mike is working on two books scheduled to be released this year; The American Muslim Agenda and My Journey to Pluralism.

Mike has written over 1000 Articles on Pluralism, Islam, India, Peace & Justice and civil societies published in a wide spectrum of Newspapers and Magazines around the world.

Locally, he is a panelist at Dallas Morning News's and writes weekly on a range of issues facing the nation. Washington Post, Huffington Post and other news papers and sites regularly publish his work.  

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, and Peace & Justice at your place of worship, school, work place, seminars, workshops or conferences. His work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.MikeGhouse.net/