Gujarat Massacre & Justice

Gujarat Massacre & Justice
Mike Ghouse, October 22, 2007

The blame should be placed squarely on the individuals, not on their family, not on their religion and not on their ethnicity or culture. Blaming a religion is a futile act, as you cannot punish an intangible, and the criminals go Scot free.

On February 27, 2002, in the State of Gujarat, India, a compartment of the train was set afire when the train stopped in the town of Godhra leaving 59 men and women burnt beyond recognition. It was alleged that the Muslims set the fire and poured the gasoline in the bogey carrying the 59 karsevaks (volunteers) returning from a pilgrimage to Ayodhya where a 15th century Mosque was razed to ground by the extremists claiming that it was built on a former temple.

Immediately following the Godhra incident, the State of Gujarat witnessed the ugliest of all genocides in human history butchering and burning pregnant women and children by the extremists killing nearly 1500 people and leaving thousands homeless. One of the instigators was a Medical doctor by the name of Dr. Parveen Togadia.

According to the Human rights activists and reports, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi was tacitly involved in the carnage. The Federal government run by the right wingers at that time, did not condemn this mayhem, instead the home minister gave a clean chit to the Chief Minister.

Justice is the driving machine of the world peace, whenever there is adharma, dharma (righteousness) counters back to bring an equilibrium to the society. Truth had to emerge one time or the other; you cannot commit a crime and remain quite forever. Justice has to be met. Hope has to be restored to the victims. When there is justice, people feel secure, knowing that no one is going to take advantage of them or vice-versa, it is one of the safest feelings one can have in a civilized nation and that assures sustainable peace and prosperity to one and all. The other choice is to live in fear, if you do the wrong to a people, your own psyche won’t let you live in peace, unless you do your pra-es-chit (repentance) or restore justice.

The collective conscience of India and the peace loving Hindu community was repulsed and outraged at this act of violence. Thanks to the Indian media for playing a fair role in reporting. Except the right wing newspapers, almost all the media was outraged.

Documentaries have been made and ample proof is available now.

On October 22nd, 2007, Tehelka, India’s leading investigative Magazine has captured the criminals on Camera, admitting their involvement in the genocide, and deliberate annihilation of Muslims. All the while police did nothing to stop the carnage. The Chief Minister apparently gave three days to the extremists to clean out the Muslims.

Parallels can be drawn between Hitler and Modi. Both of them had an Iron clad grip on some of their people, both of them brought economic prosperity while one was annihilating Jews, the other was tacitly letting Muslims be butchered. The ones who were/are reaping the benefits of the unprecedented economic prosperity considered both the men as their God given leaders; their word was the final word to them. However deep down, any soul should feel the intense pain and suffering of the victims, after all without such feeling, one cannot be called a human. Adharma is a bigger killer of a civil society than any weapons of mass destruction.

As a thinker, I have consistently maintained that the blame should be placed squarely on the individuals, not on their family, not on their religion and not on their ethnicity or culture. Blaming a religion is an useless act, as you cannot punish an intangible, and the criminal goes Scot free.

Blaming Hindus or Muslims will arouse the sentiments of a whole lot of people and nothing will get done. Just blame the criminals by their name, and punish them, very few will squeak. If a Mohamed Ali is punished, it is Mohamed Ali who is to be punished and not a Muslim that is punished. If a Parveen Modi is punished, it is Parveen Modi the individual and not a Hindu, the religion, and no Hindu should take an offense to that, nor a Muslim should be offended if Mohamed Ali is meted out the punishment allowable by the law. If we can get to this point and understand this principle, we can fight terrorism bravely and clean out the terrorists’ one at a time.

It is the duty of all Citizens, and it is in the interest of keeping peace and harmony to punish the criminals who set the fire to the train, and those who were responsible for the massacre. The Central Government should ruthlessly pursue and punish all criminals, it will build an atmosphere of justice and every Indian can feel that justice will be met for all the injustices.

Breaking News

• Tehelka investigation – open each item in the link to read:
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107gujrat_sec.asp
• http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071026/asp/nation/story_8474936.asp
• http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/05/18/stories/2003051802751000.htm
• Chronology of events : http://www.onlinevolunteers.org/gujarat/reports/pucl/vv_annexure2.pdf


Justice is the most critical aspect of human life, when it is not met in this life, we are assured, through our faith traditions, that it will be served, that is how the spiritual equilibrium is achieved. One set of faiths believe in life after death, where one is accountable for the deeds in the world and receives grace and blessings or punishment depending on how he or she lived the life. The other set of faiths believe that life is cyclical; one is born continuously through re-incarnation and birthing in lower forms of life as a payment for living the wrong life or will complete the life cycle and get the salvation for living the life of goodness. Either belief set has the same essence - behavior modification in this life and sure justice at the end.

It is in the interest of our nation and the psyche of Indians to bring justice, as it brings to rest all the un-rest, so peace and prosperity can take root. Every individual should feel a sense of comfort that no one will take undue advantage of them, justice will prevail. It is the most secure feeling the Government of India can offer her Citizens.
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Link: http://mikeghouse.blogspot.com/2007/10/gujarat-massacre-justice.html
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Comments: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2836166316876981645&postID=2928599973738160325&isPopup=true

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Mike Ghouse
www.MikeGhouse.net
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TV channels blacked out in Gujarat as riot sting played

By IBNlive.com

Friday October 26, 10:23 PM

Ahmedabad: For the Patel family based in Ahmedabad, it
turned out to be a futile attempt on Thursday evening.
They couldn't see their favourite news channels while
the rest of the country sat glued to their TV sets,
watching the Tehelka expose on the horrors of 2002
riots. For many Gujaratis, the anxiety actually turned
out to be killing.

"We wanted to watch the programme, but TV is off since
Thursday," said an Ahmedabad resident.

The Gujarat Government blacked out several TV channels
on Thursday night after the channels started beaming a
sting operation done by Tehelka that accused Chief
Minister Narendra Modi of inciting the 2002 Gujarat
riots.

Moments after the channels started beaming the expose,
the state government got into action mode. The
District Magistrate of Ahmedabad, Dhananjay Dwivedi �
who is also the district election officer � directed
all cable networks not to show channels like CNN-IBN,
IBN-7 and Aaj Tak � the channels that were showing the
expose.

An order issued by the Ahmedabad District Magistrate
and District Election Officer Dhananjay Dwivedi said:
"From 19:30 hours (IST), onwards, dated 25.10.07,
there are programmes like Tehelka-Aaj Tak Khulasa,
Operation Kalank and Gujarat ka Sach being telecast on
Aaj Tak and IBN7 depicting visuals and statements of
people pertaining to the 2002 communal riots. As per
Clause 5 of the Cable TV Network Regulation, 1995, no
entity can broadcast or re-broadcast any programme,
which is not as per programming code."

Subsequently, all these channels went off air in most
parts of Gujarat from 1930 hours (IST) on Thursday.
The administration claimed it's a violation of Clause
5 of Cable TV Network Regulation, which deals with
broadcasting programmes which could create communal
tension.

The state authorities accused the TV channels of
spreading �more communal discord� in the state than
the people who actually featured on the Tehelka tapes.


For instance, the language used by leaders like Babu
Bajrangi, Haresh Bhatt, Dhabal Patel and Madan Dhanraj
in the tapes could easily turn the situation far more
dangerous than what was being shown, they say.

The Central Election Commission, however, washed its
hands off the controversy. It said it didn't issue any
such orders. The clarification came in the wake of
large-scale complaints from viewers all over Gujarat
that they were not able to watch the programme.

The three channels have remained off-air when reports
last came in as the ban order has no time-frame as to
when the ban will be lifted.
_______________________________________

OUTRAGED INDIAN AMERICANS DEMAND THE DISMISSAL OF
GUJARAT STATE GOVERNMENT IN INDIA

For Immediate Release:

Friday, October 26, 2007: Several prominent
Indian organizations and individuals based in US
& Canada are calling for the immediate dismissal
of the state government in Gujarat, India
following an exposé by the Tehelka news magazine
in which many top Hindu nationalist figures
linked to the administration admitted to their
active role in orchestrating and perpetrating the
massacre and ethnic cleansing of Muslims in 2002
in Gujarat. The exposé reveals active
participation of key state institutions including
police forces and judiciary in the anti-minority
pogroms.

Several national and international human rights
organizations including Amnesty International and
Human Rights Watch have maintained since 2002
that the Gujarat government led by the BJP Chief
Minister Narendra Modi orchestrated these
pogroms. Following widespread protests by many
Indian American organizations, Modi was denied
visa by the United States administration in 2005
on account of his human rights record.

The Tehelka tapes present incontestable evidence
of the involvement of state machinery in the
massacre. It captures several confessions
including that of
- The state prosecutor Arvind Pandya who
stated that the "mass killings of Muslims in
Gujarat should be celebrated every year as a
victory day" and that "Every judge was calling me
in his chamber and showing full sympathy for me -
giving full cooperation to me, but keeping some
distance- the judges were also guiding me as and
when required - how to put up a case and on which
date- because basically they are Hindus"
- Another confession came from Babu Bajrangi
who stated that "to get me out of jail, [Chief
Minister] Narendra Modi changed judges thrice".
- Yet another MLA acknowledged that Modi gave
him "three days to do whatever violence they
wanted".

In a further disturbing incident that reflects
upon the dictatorial nature of the presiding
administration in Gujarat, reports are pouring in
from the ground that state government is forcing
the TV operators to block/censor the telecast of
the exposé.

The following organizations and individuals
endorsing the above statement are calling upon
the government of India for:

1. The immediate dismissal of the Narendra
Modi administration and imposition of President's
rule in Gujarat.
2. The immediate arrest of the all criminals
who have confessed their crimes in the Tehelka
tapes.
3. The transfer of all legal cases pertaining
to the Gujarat pogroms of 2002 to a court outside
of Gujarat.

Endorsing Organizations:

1. AFMI: American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin
2. AIM: Association of Indian Muslims
3. Dharma Megha
4. FIACONA: Federation of Indian American
Christian Organizations of North America
5. FOSA: Friends of South Asia
6. GMAA: Gujarati Muslim Association of America
7. India Foundation
8. IACP: Indian American Coalition for Pluralism
9. IMC-USA: Indian Muslim Council – USA.
10. IMRC: Indian Muslim Relief & Charities
11. International Service Society
12. NRI-SAHI: Non Resident Indians for a Secular and Harmonious India.
13. SANSAD: South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy
14. Seva International
15. SHRI: Supporters of Human Rights in India
16. Vedanta Society of East Lansing
17. Washington Watch

Endorsing Individuals:

1. Abraham Mammen (President, FIACONA)
2. Dr. Angana Chatterji (California Institute of Integral Studies)
3. Biju Matthew (Associate Professor, Rider University)
4. Firoz Vohra (President GMAA)
5. George Abraham (National Coordinator, NRI-SAHI)
6. Ghazi Akailvi (Chairman, SHRI)
7. Prof. Hari Sharma (SANSAD)
8. K S Sripada Raju (Director, Washington Watch)
9. Kaleem Kawaja (AIM)
10. Khalid Azam (IMC-USA)
11. Manzoor Ghaori (IMRC)
12. Ms. Mayuri Poddar (Director, Vaishnava Center)
13. Najma Sultana (NRI-SAHI)
14. Nasir Chhipa (Washington DC)
15. Nilesh Modhwadia (New Jersey)
16. Raju Rajagopal
17. Rasheed Ahmed (President, IMC-USA)
18. Saeed Patel (IACP)
19. Dr. Shaik Ubaid (Founder President ImanNet)
20. Dr. Shakir Mukhi (AFMI)
21. Shrikumar Poddar (Director, International Service Society)


CONTACT:

1. Dr. Hyder Khan, Supporters of Human Rights in India: Tel: 612-889-7334
2. George Abraham, NRI-SAHI, Tel: 917-544-4137
3. Rasheed Ahmed, Indian Muslim Council-USA: Tel: 630-670-8875
4. Dr. Shaik Ubaid, Indian American Coalition for Pluralism: Tel: 516-567-0783

RELATED NEWS:
Washington Post: Hindus Detail Involvement in Deadly '02 Riots in India
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/25/AR2007102501829.html

Sify: News Channels Blacked Out After Tehelka exposé
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14550638

Gujarat 2002 - The Truth: In the words of men who did it
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107gujrat_sec.asp

'To Get Me Out On Bail, Narendrabhai Changed Judges Thrice'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107To_Get.asp

'All The Cops Helped, Even Gave Us Cartridges'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107All_The_Cops.asp

'It Should Be Something History Has Never Seen'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107It_should_be_something.asp

'They Hacked Him Bit By Bit, Then Burnt Him Alive'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107They_hacked.asp

'Explosives Experts Helped Make The Bombs'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107ExplosivesExperts.asp

'KG Shah Is Our Man. Nanavati Is Only After Money'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107KG.asp

'Muslims, They Don't Deserve To Live'
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107NarodaPatyaMassacre.asp

Open Case: Gaping Loopholes; Shut Case: Proof Of Subversion
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107Godhra.asp

--
Read my blog at http://antihistory.blogspot.com
_______________________________________
Tehelka Fallout

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1368957.php/Tehelka_fallout_clamour_for_Modis_ouster_BJP_on_defensive%0A_Roundup_

Oct 26, 2007, 14:06 GMT

New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) The Tehelka expose into the Gujarat 2002 communal violence Friday saw strong demands for the ouster of Gujarat chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s poster boy Narendra Modi as well as for his arrest and a fresh Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the carnage.
The Congress party, which was cautious in its initial reaction fearing a Hindu polarisation in the election-bound Gujarat, Friday demanded Modi's resignation for his alleged role in 'sanctioning' the communal violence in the state.
'If the constitution of India is to be upheld, if we still call ourselves a civilised society, if the right to life has any meaning at all, if human rights are to be upheld, Narendra Modi should immediately step down from public office,' Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said.
An undercover operation conducted by Tehelka weekly caught Hindu activists, accused in the sectarian violence, as alleging that Modi 'sanctioned' the 2002 riots, in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.
'The BJP needs to come clean on this issue and explain its position to the nation,' the Congress party said.
The BJP put up a brave face to the charges, and declared that the expose would in no way affect its prospects in the state assembly elections due in December.
BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters in the national capital that the BJP has asked the Election Commission to check the attempts at aggravating communal polarisation in the state through the expose.
Among others who attacked Modi was Congress ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad. He demanded immediate arrest of Narendra Modi and BJP leader L.K. Advani for 'orchestrating the mass murder' in the state after the Godhra train inferno.
'The sting operation by Tehelka aptly christened 'Operation Kalank' (disgrace) has exposed Modi's deep involvement in the post-Godhra Gujarat riots. People now know the real faces involved in the crime against humanity,' Lalu Prasad told reporters in Patna.
He added: 'Since Modi enjoys the patronage Advani, the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, the latter cannot escape culpability for the mass murder.'
However, the railway minister echoed the apprehensions of the Congress leaders, who said Modi might use the sting operation and its fallout to polarise the voters. He said the BJP could utilise the sting operation to once again whip up passions in the state with an eye to the elections.
Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan wanted the Election Commission to stop Modi from contesting the state elections. 'The Election Commission should ensure that all those involved in the incidents should not be allowed to contest the elections,' he said.
The state goes to elections on Dec 11 and 16.
Both the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Congress pleaded to the Supreme Court to expedite the cases pending against the culprits in the Gujarat genocide.
'The Tehelka tapes should be taken as prime facie evidence and the Supreme Court and the central government should move expeditiously to see that all those guilty are brought to justice.
'The central government and the law enforcement agencies have a special responsibility in this regard,' the CPI-M politburo stressed.
In a statement, Congress leader and Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said: 'We hope and pray that the Supreme Court will decide on the long pending requests before it expeditiously, to meet the ends of justice and to uphold the majesty and supremacy of law.'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, asking him to order a fresh Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Gujarat violence.
'The manner in which the direct involvement of the Gujarat government and some close allies of the ruling BJP has been brought to light in the sting operation ... clearly shows how the massacre of members of a particular minority was undertaken with evident state patronage,' the chief minister noted.
BJP spokesperson Prasad questioned the timing of the operation, saying: 'Has Tehelka done any sting operation against any Congress government, whether at the state or central levels?'
He charged Tehelka with acquiring benefits during the Congress regime and said one of Tehelka's investors, Shankar Sharma, had got heavy tax relief.
He said a judicial process was already underway in Gujarat to punish those guilty of violence. 'Court trials are on and a commission of inquiry is trying to come out with the truth about what happened there.'
In Ahmedabad, the BJP maintained a cool facade with state party chief Purushottam Rupala saying the expose would not impact on the party during the elections.
'These issues were the same as those raised during the 2002 elections. The outcome of that poll showed that they did not cut any ice with the electorate. If they did not have any impact then, it can hardly have any effect five years later,' Rupala told IANS.
He said the sting had no 'evidentiary value' under the Indian laws. 'The various matters raised were already before different courts. The allegations now will certainly have no impact,' he said.


http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/27/stories/2007102761521600.htm
Collector acted on his own, no order from Gujarat poll panel’
Special Correspondent
Cable operators refuse to say whether there was any instruction
AHMEDABAD: No instruction has been issued by the State Election Commission to black out telecast of the Tehelka expose on the 2002 communal riots. It seemed that Ahmedabad Collector Dhananjay Dwivedi issued an official order, on his own, to cable television operators in his jurisdiction to black out the telecast, sources in the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said.
The Commission is reported to be enquiring from the Collectorate the reason for issuing the order, copies of which were also sent to the Principal Secretary, the Home Department, the Chief Electoral Officer, the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner and the Office of the Entertainment Tax Commissioner.
Consequently, almost all news channels, barring a few, which had picked up the Tehelka expose and had been running discussions and reactions on the programme telecast since Thursday evening, were blacked out by cable operators in Ahmedabad, while showing the entertainment, sports and other channels normally. A large majority of the viewers in the State, particularly in urban areas served by the cable television network, could not view the expose. For, most networks had gone off the air since Thursday evening, just as Aaj Tak and Headlines Today started showing the Tehelka expose.
“Technical problems”
When contacted, cable operators declined to confirm whether there was any instruction from the government to switch off the channels. They claimed that they could not telecast the channels due to some “technical problems,” but could not explain how the problems occurred simultaneously in different parts of the State.
Voluntary organisations working for protection of human rights, condemned the Ahmedabad Collector’s order. The Delhi-based non-governmental organisation, Act Now for Harmony and Democracy, criticised the “undemocratic decision of the Gujarat government” to stop telecast by the news channels showing the Tehelka expose.
There was no official reaction from the State government on the Tehelka expose and Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was accused of direct involvement in the post-Godhra riots, remained incommunicado. The BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders who were shown in the sting operation went underground. Some of them were reported to have gone out of the State.
While Congress leaders are worried that the timing of the expose could again polarise Hindu votes in favour of Mr. Modi, State BJP spokesman Vijay Rupani said it would have no impact on the December Assembly elections. Blaming the Congress for “manipulating” the sting operation, he said, “Let any Muslim say he had been harassed in Gujarat in the last five years.”
State Congress president Bharat Solanki, refusing to comment on the expose, said, “Let people decide.” However, some senior Congress leaders, on condition of anonymity, said the expose had come at a very inopportune time for the party and Mr. Modi would try to present it as a concerted effort by his critics to “defame Gujarat” all over the world.
The then Minister of State for Home, Gordhan Jhadafiya, named in the expose as having supported the rioters, has turned a dissident and is hobnobbing with the Congress.
Most of the leaders named belonged to the VHP, but the Congress would not be able to take advantage of their dissatisfaction with Mr. Modi, these leaders point out.

Muslims Condemn Qaradawi

PRESS RELEASE

MUSLIMS CONDEMN QARADAWI’S APPEAL

Dallas, Texas – Thursday, October 18, 2007 – The World Muslim Congress in a press release today condemns Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s call to Muslims to defend Iran, should Washington launch an attack.

Mike Ghouse, President of World Muslim Congress states “We condemn all such acts, where religion is abused and misused for political purposes. God forbid, should Washington launch an attack on Iran, the American Muslims will not defend Iran nor the Muslims around the world will defend. If it happens, it would be a war between two egotistic, unyielding bullying fascist individuals; and not the nations they claim to represent. Neither is it a war between religions.”

If Mr. Qaradawi cares about Islam or Muslims, he should become the Ambassador of Islam, and promote peace next door in Darfur instead of appealing on his double standards. As far as the war, we Americans should speak up against our president’s irresponsible act, and the people of Iran should hold their president accountable for an unwanted war. If we don’t let them stop this non-sense, we would be responsible for the genocide, as we are with the Iraqi Genocide.

Reference: http://www.presstv.com/Detail.aspx?id=27058§ionid=351020101

YOUR COMMENTS: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3462242975774901312&postID=3338262486435764546


Mike Ghouse, President
World Muslim Congress
Dallas, Texas
(214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@Gmail.com

Muslim-Christian peace talks

Muslim-Christian peace talks

If you cannot act, don't read.

Are you good for writing a few notes for the sake of peace and goodness in the world? And for the sake of your religion?

There are 11 comments at the bottom of this article…. 10 of them are not for peace. If you can jump and write one or two lines to give hope to the mankind that Muslims are indeed peacemakers, then the good people will not be overwhelmed with the avalanche of letters from the extremists.

The only way to solve the problem is to offer good ideas and hope – that is called Islam. Just write a few lines, so you can do more of it. Can you sacrifice some of your idle time and invest in peace for the world?

Follow up on this dialogue will continue as Muslim-Christian peace talk -I, II, III ... on this blog

Mike Ghouse
http://www.mikeghouse.net/

The future of mankind depends on us making peace, Muslims tell Pope
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2641855.ece

From The Times
October 12, 2007


Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent
The “survival of the world” is at stake if Muslims and Christians do not make peace with each other, leaders of the Muslim world have told the Pope and other Christian leaders.
In an open letter signed by 138 leading scholars from every branch of Islam, the Muslims pleaded with Christian leaders “to come together with us on the common essentials of our two religions”.
The scholars stated: “As Muslims, we say to Christians that we are not against them and that Islam is not against them — so long as they do not wage war against Muslims on account of their religion, oppress them and drive them out of their homes.” The phrasing has echoes of the biblical passage “He that is not with Me is against Me”, which was used by President Bush when addressing Congress after the September 11 attacks.
The open letter, addressed to the Pope, the Orthodox patriarchs, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and “leaders of Christian Churches, everywhere”, has been backed by the Archbishop and by the Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard Chartres. It is expected to be followed by a joint conference.
RELATED LINKS
• Fatima’s giant church hides no secrets
• Leading Article: Half the World
“Finding common ground between Muslims and Christians is not simply a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between leaders,” the Muslim scholars said. The faiths comprise more than half of humanity, “making the relationship between these communities the most important factor in contributing to meaningful peace around the world. If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace.”
The Muslims even quoted verbatim from the Bible, a very rare move in this kind of publication. They said: “And to those who nevertheless relish conflict and destruction for their own sake or reckon that ultimately they stand to gain through them, we say that our very eternal souls are all also at stake if we fail to sincerely make every effort to make peace and come together in harmony.”
Signatories of the letter, sent out yesterday by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan, include Sheikh Sevki Omarbasic, Grand Mufti of Croatia; Dr Abdul Hamid Othman, adviser to the Prime Minister of Malaysia; Dr Ali Ozak, head of the endowment for Islamic scientific studies in Istanbul; Sheikh Dr Nuh Ali Salman al-Qudah, Grand Mufti of Jordan; and Sheikh Dr Ikrima Said Sabri, former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Imam of al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, an expert on Islam, criticised the letter, saying the appeal was based on the Muslim belief in the oneness of God. He added: “One partner cannot dictate the terms on which dialogue must be conducted. This document seems to be on the verge of doing that.”
Dr Williams said: “The letter’s understanding of the unity of God provides an opportunity for Christians and Muslims to explore together their distinctive understandings and the ways in which these mould . . . our lives.”

HAVE YOUR SAY
____________________________________
We take comfort, not in offers of peace which may be sincere and well meant, but in the fact that all of this is foretold in the bible. In the coming "one world religion", true believers will refuse to bow to the god of this world and will be martyrd. True believers will not terrorize or kill, we will go like lambs to the slaughter. Our god exists as one in three distinct persons. This god sent the son to the world born of a virgin in the flesh of a man who lived with us, without sin. He told only the truth and was killed as he knew he would be, but in him we find our salvation. If you love God, and would follow him, rejoice in the signs and wonders taking place everyday. Sometimes they will bring hardship on us but in the end will be the glorius coming of the lord. Peace and love to all brothers and sisters.
Amen
Kevin, Zimtown, Mn. USA ____________________________________

Islam is a religion of peace in much the same way MacDonalds is committed to healthy eating. They promote their healthy eating / non violent credentials yet their entire history, from foundation to right now, is based on junk food / aggression and murder.

If they could they would destroy the west, our people, our technology, our culture and yes all our lives. There are no examples of a fair and successful Islamic states. Some have so much mineral wealth that they make money is spite of their backward ways. It is a flawed system better suited to the tribal dark ages of sexism, murder and living in fear. Let the Islamists be sure of this. If they inflame us to rage and create a total backlash (ie.Dirty-bomb) then it will be all over in a Intercontinental Ballistic Flash. I am an Atheist not a Pacifist so do not keep provoking and threatening my people, country & way of life. I don’t turn the other cheek and I am getting sick of this drama. I think Enoch Powell saw the future.
John, Highlands, Scotland ____________________________________

If the world were all Muslim, as the Koran wishes, then the Sunnis and the Shiites would be battling to the death as they are in Baghdad.

If the world were all Muslim, the world would be thrown back into Tribalistic dark ages forever-the end of intelligence as it is known.
jon becker, las vegas, USA/Nevada ____________________________________

If one truly wants survival of the World, then rid the world of 99% of it's religions.
jon becker, las vegas, USA/Nevada ____________________________________
I doubt if the above quoted Muslim scholars are sincere. If it is true that Muslims want peace then I want them to answer the decisions made by Allah or Muhammad in the Quran.
The following injunctions are in the Quran and let the Muslim scholars above quoted deny the Quran first:
(1) Allah divided the world into two- the house of Islam and the House of War (i.e. Dar al Hab and Dar al Islam). The Catholic Pope also divided the world into two for Spain and Portugal.
(2) Allah tells Muslims not to make friends with Christians and Jews. Quran specifically tells Muslims to chop of the heads and hands of Christians and Jews and not to make friends with them.
The Quran also teach Muslims to make non Muslims fear them by being aggressive to others.
(3) Allah tells Muslims to spread Islam by the sword. If Allah is really a God who makes the universe there would be no need for Muslims to kill other believers unless this Allah is human being moved by greed for political power.
Tan, Sarawak, Malaysia ____________________________________

Wow, I'm stunned - finally religious types are admitting responsibility for the insanity they've imposed on the world for thousands of years. All those people who claim that it's a fallacy to equate religion to war and conflict now don't really have a leg to stand on.

If we can get some Humanists into power in the US and Middle East we'll be on the road to a new world order. That way, while we're all concentrating on preventing the self-destruction of humanity, religious people can sit in the corner out of the way and "understand the unity of God".
James M, Southport, UK ____________________________________

What are these 138 people talking about? The Pope and other Christian leaders have never displayed any "relish" for conflict with Muslims. The 138 seem to think otherwise and find it necessary to "plead" for dialogue before it's too late. They're talking to the wrong people.

With rare exceptions, Islam knows no secularism at the political level. The 138 appear to think Christian leaders drive politics when they refer to "waging war against Muslims". Of course, secular governments in the West are the wagers of war, paying little heed to Christian leaders' dissenting pleas.

Islam needs to get it's own religious house in order. Sadly, that won't happen anytime soon because it's riddled with contradictory interpretation from one faction to the next, often on a fundamental level. The results are no strong centralized global leadership, rampant radicalism, and lousy PR. Islam the religion must surface, separate itself from tribal politics, and find a leader, the sooner the better.
Rick, Montreal , Canada ____________________________________

If the world has any chance of peace, it is in this. The humbleness of the Muslim religion should prove to Christians across the world that maybe it is time for a change; not of religion, but of perspective. One can only imagine what it would be like if religion wasn’t a reason of war; if people of all different races and religion could peacefully come together, not as Muslims or Christians, but as brothers and sisters. Forgetting the specifics, doesn’t really come down to just loving God? There is no reason that the human race can’t unite in doing this. I hope and pray that the Christian Church accepts the letter whole-heartedly and can reach an understanding of each other and their motives, and hopefully pave a new road for humanity; a peaceful one.
Josh, Ogdensburg, USA NJ ____________________________________

Does this mean that the world will be divided into Christian or Muslim religions?
Does a Christian and Muslim world include Jews, Budhists, Janes, Hindus, Confusionists, Gays, Zoroastrians, Atheists or do they convert? Or do they just "go away"?
Does Ahmadinijad want to wipe out Jews or just Zionists?
Notice that a religion can only validate itself by the larger number of its members and poligamy is part of being Muslim...?..should Muslims adopt birth control? or should Christians adopt poligamy?
Why does it take 138 Muslim experts to equal one Pope?
Afterall, it would only take 1 expert if he or she was correct...
jon becker, las vegas, USA/Nevada ____________________________________

Isn't it bad enough that people kill each other over money, land, and oil. Why must they also kill eac other over who has the best God?
Any religion that must use force to prove how right it is, is wrong and bad for everyone. I thought religion was about love and kindness, but religion is only about the power over the people.
Richard Carroll, Sparta, TN ____________________________________

I have posted the following comment today:

I am amazed at the un-willingness expressed by many in the comments to a dialogue, where is the silent majority?

Peace is the responsibility of each one of us, and each one of us should be constantly attempting at it.

We need to stop hate sermons from the pulpit, http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/06/hate-sermons-from-pulpit.html

And the good for nothing silent majority need to come forward in all faiths in the interest of the peace, so all of us can live a life without fear http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/GoodforNothing_SilentMajority.asp from all extremes.

Mother Teresa said once, if you want peace, go talk with your enemies, you don't make peace with friends. She is so right.

99% of the people in all faiths are fine, it is only the 1/10th of 1% that is extremists, and we need to engage them or get the silent majority to speak up.

Mike Ghouse

To post your comment on the Times blog, click the following link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2641855.ece?Submitted=true#comments-form

Please copy your comment on this blog by clicking the following link: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3462242975774901312&postID=2408377603721186196

The link to the above article on this blog: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/muslim-christian-peace-talks.html

Ramadan Triangle

RAMADAN TRIANGLE
May God bless you and your family with peace and prosperity.

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramadan-triangle.html

Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan - Eid Mubarak) to those who celebrate on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, heck even on Monday. Let's not ruin any one's joy. Let's leave the judgment to Malik-i-yomiddin (Master of the Day of Judgment);

it’s been an age old tradition to disagree on sighting of the moon and or deciding the day of the Eid. Why is it such heartburn? My opinion is one of the 1.3 billion ones, but I hope, it will give you an insight into this age old conflict.

We go through this pain every year, let's accept that, it is going to be there till eternity, as it has been there since the very beginning. We can choose to be frustrated, bring about a change or just let it go.

Arrogance is the root cause of all conflicts; the belief that my understanding is superior to yours is the sole reason for this dispute. It is an embarrassment that we have not brought a resolution to this conflict. We have not even defined and agreed upon the intent and purpose of Eid.

Eid is an occasion to bring the whole community together, as Hajj brings the Muslim world together. It is an occasion to forgive each other's mistakes, apologize for the wrongs and start it all over with a clean slate of good relations. God loves those who forgive and those who are humble.

Sighting of the moon is a uniting factor, assuming that the moon is visible on the same day to all and all communities connected and prayed on the same day barring time zones.

The difference is between the literalists, essentialists, and now the scientists are a part of the triangle. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said; celebrate the Eid when you see the moon.

The literalists interpret that one has to see the moon him/herself to declare the Eid. Seeing is critical to them, every thing else is secondary.

The ones, who understand the essence, believe that Eid was for the community to come together and celebrate. Thus if one sees the Moon in Chennai, it was good for every one. If some one in Karachi, Fez, Kuala Lumpur or Mecca sees it... it is good to go. To this group, celebrating the Eid as a community is of greater importance.

The Scientists say, they can track down the moon and predict it precisely, and they prefer to go by that. As the day to day prayers are based on precision, let everything be planned, it makes life easy.

There is another group who has come to enjoy the ritual of looking out for the moon, the anxiety, the waiting and the surprise is part of the fun to them. They fly from that point.

Essentialists have no problem celebrating the Eid if every one goes along on any day, where as the literalist will not budge, rightly so from their own point of view, there is a rule and it has to be followed, i.e. ., physically see the moon to celebrate. Scientists say we could not be clearer than the factual representation.

Scientist will not gain the attention for at least one more generation, as it kills all the sentiment and fun of celebrating and sighting the moon, going shopping... jumping on the feet and getting ready for the Eid. It is a festive occasion and the surprise of the day is part of the celebration.

Two analogies for consideration:

First, you don't want to know the gender of the baby before it is born and second, making love is an emotional experience and not a scientific one; science kills the whole joy of it.

THE IRONY: Praying Salat is mandatory - Fard, a duty. The timing for five prayers a day is set up to the minute with no disputes. Whereas Eid is not Fard, it is Wajib – Recommended, thus there is A room for human input and choice element in this decision, and when there is a choice, politics creeps in and it has to be "my way". That is the problem.

Let's wish happy Eid to those who celebrate on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, heck even on Monday. Let's not ruin any one's joy. Let's leave the judgment to the Malik-i-yomiddin.

Eid Mubarak! May Allah bless all of his creation with peace.

Your Comments: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3462242975774901312&postID=6959487023287239227

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is president of the www.FoundationforPluralism.com and is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. He is the founding president of the www.WorldMuslimCongress.com with a simple theme: "Good for Muslims and good for the world." His personal Website is www.MikeGhouse.net and his articles can be found on the Websites mentioned above and in his Blogs: http://MikeGhouseforAmerica.Blogspot.com and http://MikeGhouse.Sulekha.com Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com For a full bio: http://www.mikeghouse.net/ProfileMikeGhouse.asp

Dallas Muslim Leadership

Dallas Muslim Leadership

Mike Ghouse, October 10, 2007

There are about 80 active Muslims in Dallas/Forth Worth ** Metroplex of the 80,000 some Muslim in the area. If each one of you can accompany or ask your non-Muslim friend to attend this workshop on Understanding Islam, it will help towards nurturing goodwill and strengthening inter-community relations.

“We believe knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of another point of view”. The goal is to bring people of different faiths together and provide a platform for them to share about their beliefs, their systems and rituals, while expanding the knowledge zone of each group.

We hope at least a few of the attendees will walk out with an open mind and an open heart towards fellow beings. It is rather difficult to shed the prejudices, but once we do, there is genuine freedom in it. We have to change the perception about us, so we can be fully contributing and participating partners in the nation building and building our own lives in peace and security.

** We encourage Muslims in every city to take this up, and make sure it is a two way street, meaning you have to attend events of other faiths as well.

Islam:

Everything you wanted to know about Islam, you can learn about it in this short 90 Minutes workshop.

Essence is the crystallization of what each idea, philosophy, faith or practice is about. Islam can be summed up as Justice. When justice is the norm of a society, people live a secure life knowing that no one will take advantage of them, when justice becomes the soul of the society, fear dissipates and peace prevails paving way for prosperity to one and all. Justice is the single most human craving that needs to be met for societies to live and let live.

Justice is a floating equilibrium that maintains the balance in one’s life and what is around him or her. Islam stands squarely on the principles of justice, equality, peace and respect to God’s creation; life and matter.

Ritual is a necessary step towards achieving the serene, blissful state of mind. Where one follows the instructions laid down in a manual, to Muslims that manual is called Qur’aan, each faith has its own manual that works for followers. Whether you want to have a good physique or keep good health, you have to follow the routines in the gym and in your diet to get there. Just as you have to drive the vehicle through the road hazards and follwing traffic rules to reach the destination. Islam has 5 such rituals, traditionally called Pillars of Islam, they are: i) Pledge, ii) Prayer, iii) Fasting, iv) Charity and v) Pilgrimage.

Finding the truth is one’s own responsibility, as truth frees one from the bondage of hate, malice and ill-will.

Program:

5:30 - 6:30 Understanding Pluralism
6:30 – 7:30 Understanding Islam
7:30 – 8:00 Q&A

Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001
Directions: Click Map : From LBJ, north on Midway, after Spring Valley.
Confirmation: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com
Schedule: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Calendar.asp

In affairs of the world, religion appears to be a source of the problem; it certainly is not. You can always trace the wars, genocides, oppression and other atrocities to evil insecure men. Please remember, the purpose of religion was to fix the evils of humankind and it continues to do so while some men still don’t get it. Thanks God, the world is a better place today because of the Religion and spirituality, without which there would be chaos. Every Religion is on the same side, that of goodness for humankind. Finding the truth is one’s own responsibility as the truth brings salvation.

If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, then faith is in the heart of the believer. Let every one find peace his/her own way

Mike Ghouse
** I would suggest that each Muslim bring a non-Muslim friend to the events, as this is the most certain way to reach out. Imagine what we can do with it, if we can make that small commitment.


Pluralism Workshop:

What is Pluralism? What is a pluralistic attitude? Learn its application at work place, home, social situations and other circumstance. It is about co-existence ** (Questions to ponder - listed below)

POINTS TO PONDER

1. Is attempting to undermine divinity of other faiths amount to arrogance?
2. Is blaming a religion, race, or ethnicity for the acts of individuals’ amount to deception?
3. Is holding greed, anger, hate, or malice in our hearts depleting our freedom?
4. Is ridiculing a person amount to ridiculing the creator?
5. Is judging others without knowing them personally amount to prejudice?
6. Is God free or some group owns him/her? Are we not limiting its limitlessness?
7. Does God make deals behind our back and favor some? Could God do such a thing?

In affairs of the world, religion appears to be a source of the problem; it certainly is not. You can always trace the wars, genocides, oppression and other atrocities to evil insecure stupid men. Please remember, the purpose of religion was to fix the evils of humankind and it continues to do so while some men still don’t get it. Thanks God, the world is a better place today because of the Religion and spirituality, without which there would be chaos. Every Religion is on the same side, that of goodness for humankind. Finding the truth is one’s own responsibility. Truth brings salvation.

If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, then faith is in the heart of the believer. Let every one find peace his/her own way.


Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is president of the www.FoundationforPluralism.com and is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. He is the founding president of the www.WorldMuslimCongress.com with a simple theme: "Good for Muslims and good for the world." His personal Website is www.MikeGhouse.net and his articles can be found on the Websites mentioned above and in his Blogs: http://MikeGhouseforAmerica.Blogspot.com and http://MikeGhouse.Sulekha.com Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com

Ramadan Bill - US Congress

Updates:

10/02/07 - 5:oo PM- Tuesday - the house passed with 376 Yes! 47 did not participating- Zero no votes. The credit goes to Ilhaam "illy" Jaffer. Illy, we appreciate you - Mike Ghouse http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramadan-bill-us-congress.html

10/04/07 - GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition
10/04/07 - Tancredo refuses to Vote

RAMADAN BILL - US CONGRESS

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramadan-bill-us-congress.html

This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing.

110th CONGRESS
1st Session - H. RES. 635

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramadan-bill-us-congress.html

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

As-Salaamu Aliakum,

Ilhaam "illy" Jaffer has worked hard in getting this bill through the Foreign Affairs Committee and it will be voted on the House Floor tomorrow by Congress. Call your congressman tonite or in the morning to support the bill. Please log on to http://www.congress.org/ and enter your zip code to get the information about your congressman. One call does more good than all the talk in parties.

I have worked closely with Ilham Jaffer on Congresswoman Johnson's youth initiatives. Illy was instrumental in making that program a grand success, where some 36 youth learned about leadership, interfaith dialogue and getting along with all to create a beautiful America.

.

YOUR COMMENTS: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3462242975774901312&postID=3357333312394703584

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is president of the Foundation for Pluralism and is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. He is the founding president of the World Muslim Congress with a simple theme: "Good for Muslims and good for the world." His personal Website is www.MikeGhouse.net and his articles can be found on the Websites mentioned above and in his Blogs: http://MikeGhouseforAmerica.Blogspot.com and http://MikeGhouse.Sulekha.com Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com - For a full bio: http://www.mikeghouse.net/ProfileMikeGhouse.asp

......................... GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition .........................

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/13102.html

GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition
Posted October 3rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm

One of the most common elements of a day in Congress are votes on non-binding, symbolic resolutions that honor some person or event. They’re harmless votes, which are generally ignored.

Yesterday, however, the House took up a resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan and “demonstrat[ing] solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States” during this Muslim month of fasting. The measure passed without any opposition, as these resolutions nearly always do.

But this time, there’s a catch. 376 House members voted for it, while 42 members (41 Republicans and 1 Dem) voted “present.” Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) explained why.
“This resolution is an example of the degree to which political correctness has captured the political and media elite in this country. I am not opposed to commending any religion for their faith. The problem is that any attempt to do so for Jews or Christians is immediately condemned as ‘breaching’ the non-existent line between Church and State by the same elite,” Tancredo says in his statement.

Tancredo, predictably, doesn’t know what he’s talking about. First, Congress passes similar resolutions for all kinds of religious holidays, including Christmas, with nary a complaint from “elites” or anyone else. Second, unless Tancredo and his allies managed to turn the country into some kind of theocracy without anyone noticing, the line between church and state is not “non-existent.”

The ugly xenophobe’s spokesperson said he voted “present” instead of “no” because “a no vote could be construed as not commending religion in general.”

No, Tancredo is only hostile to some religions in specific. That’s much better.

.............. Tancredo refuses to Vote ..............

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/10/03/tancredo-ramadan/

Tom ‘Bomb Mecca’ Tancredo Refuses To Vote For House Resolution Celebrating Ramadan
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution “recognizing the commencement of Ramadan” with 376 votes. The resolution sought to “demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States” during this Muslim month of fasting.

But some lawmakers couldn’t muster the courage to vote for the uncontroversial legislation. Forty-one Republicans and one Democrat chose to vote “present,” including Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO).

After the vote, Tancredo issued a press release decrying the Ramadan resolution:
“This resolution is an example of the degree to which political correctness has captured the political and media elite in this country. I am not opposed to commending any religion for their faith. The problem is that any attempt to do so for Jews or Christians is immediately condemned as ‘breaching’ the non-existent line between Church and State by the same elite,” Tancredo says in his statement.

Tancredo voted “present” and not “no” because “a no vote could be construed as not commending religion in general, which Tom is for,” said Tancredo spokesman T.Q. Houlton. Instead, Tancredo seems to only selectively hate religion. He had no problem voting for a House resolution celebrating Christmas.

In 2005, Tancredo suggested that the United States consider bombing Mecca as a “deterrent” against terrorist strikes on the U.S. homeland. He received intense criticism from conservatives for these remarks.

Also voting “present”? Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA), who earlier this year came under fire after expressing his fear that “we will have many more Muslims in the United States.”
The lessons Tancredo and Goode appear to have learned is that they need to do a better job masking their anti-Muslim bias.