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As an American non-Muslim who has lived a total of some 30 years in several countries with predominantly Muslim populations, and has worked there in a variety of capacities including high school math teacher, Foreign Service Officer, Peace Corps administrator, executive director of a binational Fulbright commission, Fulbright lecturer on International Relatioons, and USAID project chief, I am inevitably troubled by the ill-informed prejudices of many Americans who judge Islam and Muslims in general by the horrendous acts of a handful of unrepresentative extremists. Here in Dallas, we are fortunate to have a Muslim who devotes his life to countering such prejudice and to promoting understanding among people of all faiths (including those of no organized faith group). Mike Ghouse has assembled gatherings of people representing more distinct faiths than I ever imagined to exist. He has also chaired meetings to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides in order to encourage people to strive to ensure that no more will happen. In the last couple of years Mike has wiilingly agreed to meet with two groups of Muslim leaders from North Africa and the Middle East whose U.S. visits were sponsored by the State Department under the title "Interfaith Dialogue." I was responsible for their program in the Dallas area, and Mike's sessions with each group were much appreciated by the visitors. 2
I have known Mike and worked with him for several years. I hold the post as Education and Events Coordiantor for Unity of Dallas Church. I can attest to the unflagging integrity and character of this man. He is one of those rare individuals who walk their talk. And Mike's talk is peace and accepance and unconditional love for humanity. Wait a minute, that sounds like someone else we know. . . Jesus! In my opinion, Mike was born to teach - to instruct us all in the development of our hearts and souls. He happens to be a Muslim and has been instrumental in education the world about the true nature of Islam. I regard him as highly as anyone I have ever called friend. He is more Christlike in his prompting us all towards oneness than most Christians I have met. Mike's moderate social and political leanings make him the perfect guest for your type of show, Mr. Hannity. I applaud you for allowing such a voice to be heard on The Sean Hannity Show and do hope that this is a trend you intend to continue! 3
It is all too easy to advocate a one-sided polemical viewpoint: one simply ignores the opposing side entirely, carefully selects certain facts, and distorts or exaggerates others to make one's point. It is much more challenging and skillful - and ultimately, of far greater value in the long run - to objectively view all sides and nuances of a problem, with a goal of finding common ground for a peaceful long-lasting solution. This latter type is the thinking exhibited by Mike Ghouse. It is infused with a rational wisdom that attempts to understand, balance, and reconcile opposing polemical perspectives. Calm dispassionate analysis for the drawing of bridges of peace and mutual respect among peoples, in contrast to one-sided polemicism, may not always make for entertaining television. But Mike's quest in life is far important than that - he is actively working to advance the goals of humanity, caring, compassion, and peace. 4
Mike Ghouse is a living combination of a thinker, writer, speaker, philosopher, practical theologian, whose exemplary work for pluralism exudes acceptance to bridge beyond imagined differences to express the exemplary conviction that humanity lives and thrives on working together towards common goals, to overcome fear, suspicion and prejudice. 5
Glad to see you are having Mike as a guest. He's a goodwill ambassador everywhere he goes. It's a calling for him. We need more passionate Muslim friends who speak about our various religions as being spiritually cooperative rather than competitive. His vision of America is worth listening carefully to. 6
If everyone was taught at home, at school, and in the media to consider other points of view, then we all would be able to develop a point of view that considers the inner dignity of everyone. When someone's inner dignity is respected, it is hard to be angry, hateful or threatened by another opinion. There is more of a chance to find a solution that harms no one, but, rather that allows people to work together for everyone's benefit. I have read Mike Ghouse's writings, discussed and debated with him for over 10 years, as well as attended interfaith and intercultural activities in Dallas that he has spearheaded. He sincerely lives for bringing people together through honest dialogue and understanding. He would raise any forum to a higher level. 7
There’s much misunderstanding about Islam and what it represents. Mike Ghouse, a Muslim, who is dedicated to promoting pluralism through his Foundation for Pluralism, provides a moderate and well-informed voice to counter any misinformation. He is helping to create a culture of acceptance and mutual understanding, which is greatly needed to balance the picture that the media presents to us. 8
Mike, I think much harder work and focus needs to go to community building .. we are caught between the vultures and the ignorant and self-serving .... not a happy place to be .. but in my mind, putting the foundation for a healthier "Muslim" human being who understands the real FINE and spiritual message of Islam - not the one blended and infused with cultures and power trips - would contribute very positively to both the internal and external community building ... Islam, in and of itself, can provide that for Muslims ... if only it is understood, adhered to correctly and given a chance ... and I have found you to be one of the most honest and selfless Muslims working towards that goal. 9
I have really enjoyed Mr. Ghouse's forums and have learned a lot from his open-minded, responsible, and pluralistic approach to many social, religious, and political topics. He shows tolerance for all views no matter how dissimilar they are to his own. As a professor of psychology, I consider this a very healthy personality characteristic. Also, I am often amazed with his vast knowledge about a great variety of things. 10
Though I find Mike too soft against Islamophobes and Warmongers who are trying too hard to depict the more than a billion muslims as terrorists, I am glad that his pluralistic voice is heard. 11
Mike Ghouse should have access to all the media outlets that believe in spreading his much-needed vision of peace and co-existence. Islam and pluralism and this much-misunderstood religion's teachings of tolerance need to reach people repeatedly. Both Muslims and non-Muslims will benefit from these thoughts that Ghouse expresses with references from the Quran. 12
I seldom watch FOX news and Hannity talk show, due to their biased and prejudiced comments. Listening to Sean Hannity reminds me of a short video documentary where a person took the video photographs of South Bronx slums and publicized this in various part of the world that this is New York. He never showed 5th Ave or the other posh areas. Sometimes listening to Sean Hannity I get the same feelings. Nobody can say that, that man was not showing the real picture. Mike I'am glad that you had the opportunity to participate on Sean Hannity show and I strongly hope that with your pluralistic approach and with respect to all religions and cultures you will have a positive influence and impact on the people who religiously listen to Sean Hannity radio show. I must say that we show appreciation for Sean to give the opportunity to people like you to participate and give a balanced view on religion and politics. You are calm and dispassionate attitude will help a great deal in achieving the goal of presenting positive aspects of all religions and cultures of the world. My best wishes are with you. 13
I have known Mike Ghouse for many years. In my work for the World Bank, State Department and USIS, I have met a few exceptional people, who do more good than most. Mike is a healer, one who educates, he doesn't have a "mean" spirit, and he is well respected as an Islamic person of moderation, who reaches out with tolerance and with concepts of unity to other religious groups. As Publisher of: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (http://www.bootheglobalperspectives.com/) we quote Mike Ghouse from time to time. We trust his integrity. It is the development of moderate religious leaders that is the hope for peace. The book: FLOWERS FACING THE SUN suggests that with the thousands of colors, species and different characteristics, every flower faces and follows the sun for life. We are Flowers facing the sun, all unique. Mike Ghouse is one of the brightest flowers. Ben Boothe, 14
Mike Ghouse does not only speak for muslims, he is able to speak for many Americans, christians and jews too (although not all, obviously). He is able to do so, because he not only talks, but if you follow his blog and activities, you will learn he also listens to what others have to say, even those who don't agree with him. In-there is the contrast with Hannity and many of his guests: they ask others for an opinion, only because it is expected from them, because it is the format of their show; while Mike asks for an opinion and actually takes it in to think about it. 15
Mike Ghouse provides a voice of thoughtful reason in a complicated world. He has a way of bringing people representing diverse ideas together and encouraging them to respect each other. What could be more important during our fractured times! 16
Mike Ghouse is dedicated to bringing people of all backgrounds together to share their stories and cultures and learn from each other. He is an inspiring speaker, great organizer, caring and positive community leader, and gifted facilitator of pluralism and interfaith dialogue. It is great to see him on the Hannity Show. Thank you! 17
In these times a voice of steady calm and gentle, intelligent reason are what we all need and Mike Ghouse delivers. He is warm, funny, bright, engaging, wonderfully lovable and tops it all off as a tireless warrior for all things peace and justice. 18
Mr Ghouse has a beautiful mind and a charming personality. I am glad to be connected to him. He is a fearless orator gifted with a very sharp mind. Above all is a pluralist akin to one of the greatest Emperors of India, Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar, the original founder of pluralism! I have learned a lots from him. Keep up the good work, Mike! 19
The likes of Islamophobes like Brigite Gabriel and Horowitz need to be countered with a voice of reason. Mike provides that voice. 20
I have heard great reviews about Mike from one of our very respected persons.....Mike seems to be someone who urges communications and tolerance between different religious sectors, something you dont see very often these days. At this moment of time, when majority religious leaders are intent on imposing their own beliefs and on defying other people, persons like Mike are an asset to enhance the communication between different sectors and religions. 21
Mike is an upright speaker who always promotes tolerance and co-existence of people of differing schools of thoughts without compromising truth. He works tirelessly to organize events and provides opportunities for the people to come together for good of humanity. I wish we could have more of individuals like him. 22
Mike is a very thoughtful person ... someone worth listening to ... one of today's thinkers. Facebook User 23
www.umaia.net, San Francisco Mike Ghouse makes very good sense when he talks about President Obama saying what all the past US Presidents have been saying. The fact is this that the AIPAC Lobby has more influence over our Senate and Congress because it supplies funding for the legislatures to get elected. Hence there is vested interest to lobby against the global interests of USA. Mike is also a supporter of Israel just like me and millions of Muslims all around the world....but what we want is a peaceful solution to Palestine crisis which the Israeli lobby stops. Money speaks louder than justice and fairness. 24
Mike Ghouse comes to my mind as a great personality because of his honesty and truthful commentaries in all his postings and articles/writings. I have known Mike for some times now and am always eager to read through his writings and postings on facebook as well as on the websites. I am particularly proud to state that we have a personality who is very Humorous (his postings on Monday Humor) as well as someone who is building a cohesive America because as he says "If you are not Peaceful, you cannot imagine or look for Peace in others”! True, God does not have a religion because all religions preach of the same Almighty! This is something that has always marveled me and I agree with Mike on this because religion has caused much distress to a lot of people. But Mike somehow is able to manage the people on religion although he is a Muslim but is able to befriend the Christians as well! I sincerely do feel that Mike Ghouse, due to his calm unassuming nature and honesty, should have full access to all the media outlets that believe in spreading the much needed quality of building a cohesive America.This ideal will eventually make this world a much better domain to live on! Mr. Sean Hannity, I would take this opportunity to commend you highly for the foresight of allowing (and continue to allow) an able man a voice on the Sean Hannity Show and hope that this trend will be ever on! 25
I so appreciate Mike Grouse and the moderate position he takes in a climate often polarized by extreme views. In our neighborhood there are Christian, Jew, Muslim and Hindu families living together peacefully.I remind myself of this on a regular basis, knowing it can be the norm anywhere. Mike Grouse obviously believes in this premise as well. He is a tireless worker and lover of humanity. I thank you for giving him a platform on the Sean Hannity Show.It provides the public with a voice of reason and hope when so many are giving the public just the opposite. 26
Mike Ghouse is a man who gives me hope for the future of our divided world. I met Mike about ten years ago through interfaith activities in the Dallas, TX area. I am glad he is invited to speak on the Hannity program because he offers a Muslim perspective that is both reasonable and compassionate. Voices such as Mike's should be encouraged, so I appreciate Sean inviting him on his show. 27
Mike Ghouse has done a terrific job of fostering a strong foundation for American civil society to engage in pluralism initiatives with other communities and people. I always enjoy hearing his fresh ideas that he presents on contemporary issues relating to politics, society and religion. His vision of America is the ideal vision we should all be striving for: cohesive societies and accepting the otherness of others. The DFW Muslim Community has been blessed to have his type of leadership. 28
Mike Ghouse provides a balanced and fair representation of not only Muslims, but Americans of all faiths, in the media. His respect among religious circles throughout the country is well deserved and has been hard earned. He has dedicated much of his life to pluralism, and as a Muslim American, I want to thank him for his tireless efforts in keeping peace and an open dialogue among Muslims and our friends of all religions via his blogs, personal and media appearances. 29
Mr. Ghouse thank you for representing the best of Islam for peace! I think you are right when you said to Shawn Hannity that the conservative party has the wrong ideas concerning Israeli/Palestinian problem. They failed to bridge peace and Obama's speech on peace is good news. I too, am a Republican and I used to listen to Hannity and Rush Limbaugh shows but during Obama's campaign I got fed up with their far right conservative rhetoric and voted for Obama. I hope this is a lesson for the Republican party to get away from extremism! I think Palestinians need to get it together, unite and come to the negotiation table face to face with the Israelis and demand their right of freedom and independent sovereign State. Palestinians need to act their faith, let go of their hate toward the Israelis and submit to Allah's Will as their faith demanded and let Him be the judge. If all the three Abrahamic religions had faith, trust and submitted to the will of their one and same God, our world would have been a much better place! |
Edward Thomas
Laura Sutherland
Paul Goldstein 
George Mason · Dallas, Texas
Barbara Nehman · Teaneck High School, Teaneck, New Jersey
Anna Hourihan · Publisher/Editor at Vedantic Shores Press
Gehan D Sabry · Radio host, Toronto, Canada
Sangeeta Singg 
Basheer Ahmed 
Ben B Boothe 
Yoshua Budin 
Michael Zimmerman 
Glenda Gill 
Donna Collins-Yamini 
Arif S Khairuddin 
Atta Bajwa 
Bob Hafer 
Iftekhar Hai · Golden Gate University, President UMA Interfaith Alliance,
Shoket Gulam · Journalists For International Peace
Katherine VandeWouwer DeGrow · Southern Methodist University
Laura Hornbeck · Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor at Van Alstyne Public Library
KC Ohanaja · University of Notre Dame
Nadya Qureshi · Louisville, Kentucky
Ali Mahjoub · Indianapolis, Minnesota