Pluralism News Bulletin (05.12.17)

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PLURALISM NEWS

This bulletin comes to you from the Center for Pluralism, an organization committed to building a cohesive America, where no American has to feel alienated or afraid of the other. How do we build such an America, where we can retire without tensions and our children and grandchildren can feel secure about their future?   Please visit: https://centerforpluralism.com
CFP is an all inclusive organization for every American.
Link to this bulletin – https://centerforpluralism.com/pluralism-news-bulletin-05-12-17/


MOTHER’S DAY (Interfaith) MESSAGE TO ALL THE MOTHERS
We wish a very Happy (Interfaith) Mother’s Day to all the mothers and particularly the single mothers and single fathers who are a mother as well.  Article includes ‘Mother’ in different religious traditions, the name ‘Mother’ in 115 languages and honoring a few women that I know and appreciate them, including my Mother and Grand Mother.
Mother is the ultimate definition of selflessness! No matter what happens to the world or even her, she is there for you in your need; she recognizes your need much before you even know it. How do you express the gratitude?  Here are a few tips.
https://centerforpluralism.com/happy-interfaith-mothers-day-to-all-the-mothers/
Also published at
Huffington post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mothers-day-interfaith-to-all-the-mothers_us_59163e48e4b0bd90f8e6a54a
Those of you who can understand Urdu/Hindi, there is a beautiful song for you about Mother, you might cry – and I did.


MUSLIMS CELEBRATE SHAB-E-BARAT – A MARATHON PRAYER NIGHT
One of the most beautiful things about religions and social systems is the programs they offer to relieve the individuals from guilt, pain and conflict and give them a fresh start.  Even though the sense of guilt is intangible, its clearance sounds like the laws of physics in works.
Repentance and seeking forgiveness and or forgiving the other – releases one from the tenseness of day to day living, it is almost like flipping the switch to chase darkness and bring the light.
A guilt free individual is an asset to the society, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said living a regret free life is the best way to live, and it is like living in a paradise.
Full article at: https://centerforpluralism.com/muslims-celebrate-shab-e-baraat-a-marathon-prayer-night/


GOOD NEWS FOR MUSLIMS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
In Dallas area nearly 10 Muslims ran for different City Council positions.  The one I kept up with was K.D. Warach in Frisco, Texas:   I am glad he ran, it was a great test and Muslim have passed with flying colors. They were not treated any different than other candidates who were not Muslims. This is a good beginning in the history of our nation, as Obama called, “perfecting our union”.
This is what Muslims are looking forward to – to be a part of the society and not apart from it.   More work needs to be done and thank God, there are many organizations across the nation working on it, including the Center for Pluralism. 

MOSQUE/ CHURCH PARKING GOOD NEWS
Parking issue creates an opportunity for Muslims to act as Muslims and earn the respect from fellow Citizens. Hear this woman out, president of a Church next to Dar-al-Hijrah Mosque in Fairfax, VA. Short Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW-q4PoTaFI   

CONDUCTING CIVIL DIALOGUE
You may be surprised to hear who clear Quran is in Conducting a Civil Dialogue where you put the other person on the same level.  This is so beautiful – a short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCRJSBfl58Y
Full article is at – http://worldmuslimcongress.org/sura-kafirun-un-believers-a-chapter-in-quran-about-civil-dialogue-and-pluralism/ 

ISLAM – BOLDY DUSTING OFF LAYERS OF DUST ACCUMULATED ON ISLAM
The Muslim part of the Center for Pluralism is committed to boldly dusting off layers of dust accumulate over Pristine Islam.  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 equity to attain peace for the humankind with a firm grounding in commonly held values. We cannot have advantages at the cost of others. Such benefits are temporary and deleterious to lasting peace.
Indeed we aspire to promote goodwill amongst peoples of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator. 

WHERE IS BIBI KHADIJA AND THE RIGHTEOUS ONES?
One of the many ways to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps is to look at our own history and revive on the model created by Bibi Khadija, Prophet Muhammad and the righteous leaders.  Unless we make an effort nothing will change.  There is hope, and here is a plan to bring the change.https://centerforpluralism.com/where-are-the-likes-of-bibi-khadija-muhammad-pbuh-and-the-righteous-ones/
Dr. Humaira Ali, one of the friends of Center for Pluralism writes that the last such leader in the US was Elijah Muhammad and his wife Sister Clara Muhammad was a Bibi Khadija for him.  With the right funding, we can recreate that leadership again. A woman leader will bring bold changes and she can walk in and take over an established organization.

RAMADAN BEGINS
everything you wanted to know about Ramadan – the politics, culture, spirituality and festivities and dinners and fasting – is all here at http://www.RamadanNews.com

CFP – GENERAL BULLETIN
Festivals of May | www.Centerforpluralism.com/festivals/

  • 05/02 – Bahá’í – Twelfth day of Ridvan Festival
  • 05/10 – Buddhism – Buddha’s Birthday
  • 05/11 – Islam – Shab-e-Barat
  • 05/23 – Bahá’í – Declaration of Bab
  • 05/25 – Zoroastrian – Jashn e Khordad – Celebrating Water
  • 05/26 – Islam – Ramadan Month Begins
  • 05/29 – Bahá’í – Ascension of Baha’u’llah
  • 05/29 –  Civic – Memorial Day
  • 05/30 – Jewish – Shavuot

CFP RELIGION WORKSHOPS | https://centerforpluralism.com/workshops/
05/30/17 Tuesday, 1-3:30 PM – Understanding the essence of Jainism (1 of 13 religions)
RSVP –  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-essence-of-jainism-tickets-34552924728 

CFP’S WISDOM SERIES  | https://centerforpluralism.com/wisdom-series/
A write up on major religious, political or civic leaders contributions to the common good of humanity will be shared.
05/10/17 – Buddha’s Birthday

CFP CONFERENCES https://centerforpluralism.com/conferences/
1. Do American Muslims Want Sharia?
2. Does Quran promote violence?

Get a complete picture of what we do

  1. Pluralism News:  Go to the Tab Pluralism News  or click  www.PluralismNews.com 
  2. Our Calendar : https://centerforpluralism.com/calendar/
  3. Festivals: https://centerforpluralism.com/festivals/
  4. Workshops: https://centerforpluralism.com/workshops
  5. Conferences: https://centerforpluralism.com/conferences/
  6. Seminars: https://centerforpluralism.com/seminars/
  7. Wisdom Series:  https://centerforpluralism.com/wisdom-series/   

CFP – JEWISH
Every fortnight, we will bring news about the government policies and actions that affect Jewish life in the United States and what we can do as Americans Together. We are seeking a volunteer to write short notes on a  bi-monthly basis.
CFP – CHRISTIAN
Every fortnight, we will bring news about the government policies and actions that affect Jewish life in the United States and what we can do as Americans Together. We are seeking a volunteer to write short notes on a  bi-monthly basis.

CFP – HINDU
Every fortnight, we will bring news about the government policies and actions that affect Jewish life in the United States and what we can do as Americans Together. We are seeking a volunteer to write short notes on a  bi-monthly basis.
CFP – SIKH
Every fortnight, we will bring news about the government policies and actions that affect Jewish life in the United States and what we can do as Americans Together. We are seeking a volunteer to write short notes on a  bi-monthly basis.
CFP – LGBT
Every fortnight, we will bring news about the government policies and actions that affect Jewish life in the United States and what we can do as Americans Together. We are seeking a volunteer to write short notes on a  bi-monthly basis.
CFP – POLITICS
Texas Governor has screwed up Texas
Governor Abbot screwed up Texas by passing a bill that increases the chance of discriminating people who are not white or black.
Here is a video explained by my friend Mary Ann Thompson – It’s a long video, but she makes effective points.
https://www.facebook.com/mary.thompsonfrenk/videos/10212956201007711/
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Governor Abbot of Texas signs Sanctuary City Ban legislation
Governor Abbot signed the bill (known as SB4) into law on Sunday May 7. 2017 live via Facebook. The law will take effect September 1.
The law basically states that city officials must comply with ICE detainer requests. Local law enforcement can ask anyone regarding his or her legal status in the United States, even if it’s just during a routine traffic stop. The bill also creates criminal charges for any person who is a sheriff, chief of police, constable or a person who has primary authority for administering a jail who fails to comply with this bill. Any such offense is a Class A misdemeanor and could result in removal from office.
In addition, civil penalties can be levied against school campuses, local jurisdictions and other public entities which violate the ban. Local jurisdictions will be charged $25,000 per day for every day they are in violation of SB4. Whereas school campuses and other entities the civil fines start at $1,000.
There is also an anti-discrimination clause in the bill. Any official cannot consider race, color, religion, language, or national origin while enforcing immigration laws under this bill.
At least two groups are already planning on mounting a legal challenge to the law. The ACLU of Texas and the Mexican Legal Defense Educational Fund, also known as MALDEF.
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/gov-greg-abbott-signs-texas-has-now-banned-sanctuary-cities/OJoQHNqwLUxxr7WVFxDVrL/
Contributed by Sam Madden, Volunteer, Center for Pluralism
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TRUMP HAS DUG HIS OWN GRAVE
1. Preet Bharaa was fired for investigating Trump
2. Sally Yates was fired as Attorney General – she nailed Michael Flynn
3. James Comey fired for investigating Trump-Russia connection
4. Who is next?

PLURALISM NEWS
NEWS LETTER

  • CFP – General Bulletin
  • CFP – Muslim Segment
  • CFP – Jewish Segment
  • CFP – Christian Segment
  • CFP – Hindu Segment
  • CFP – Sikh Bulletin
  • CFP- LGBT
  • CFP- Politics
  • CFP – Others as we gather the staff.

PLEASE DONATE

Meanwhile, please make a generous donation – your name will be listed for supporting our efforts in building a cohesive America. You can donate at. https://www.paypal.me/AmericansTogether
This weekly bulletin comes to you from the Center for Pluralism. The Center for Pluralism is about building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in anxiety, discomfort or fear of another American.  By learning to respect the “otherness” of others and accepting the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, we pave the way to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. Then we all can live our lives and not worry about another’s religion, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity. We are all Americans.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is President and Executive Director of the Center for Pluralism committed to building a cohesive America where no American has to live in tension, apprehension or fear of the other. He is a pluralist, thinker, writer, activist, motivational speaker and a news maker. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in sixty-five links at www.MikeGhouse.net