Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78 American Arabs
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval American Arabs
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez American Arabs
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award Business
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist American Arabs
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Wikipedia
    Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Michigan
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture Arab World
  • The names and faces of the 14 Palestinian engaged in an open hunger strike to demand freedom from administrative detention, imprisonment without charge or trial. Graphic by Samidoun. You can join Samidoun's campaign here and find useful resources.
    Palestinians mount hunger strike campaign against administrative detention Arab World
  • “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” McCormick Place, August 14-18, for the largest, worldwide gathering of global, faith-based, and social change leaders. 
    Largest global interfaith gathering coming to Chicago this week Christian & Muslim
  • State rep. Cyril Nichols, Democrat, 32nd Illinois House District
    Relationship between Arab Americans and African Americans needs more balance, Black State Rep says American Arabs
  • Syropotamia Online Magazine logo
    SYROPOTAMIA online magazine launched to Illuminate Arab American Stories American Arabs
  • Detroit’s true freedom fighters, activist, trailblazer, and leader Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson who died on July 10, 2023
    AHRC Mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Freedom Fighter and Detroit Icon American Arabs
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council American Arabs

Pamela Geller is not for free speech – donors beware

Posted on June 5, 2015June 5, 2015 By Mike Ghouse 7 Comments on Pamela Geller is not for free speech – donors beware
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

By Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse blogger
Mike Ghouse blogger

Freedom of speech is the most enduring, stabilizing, sustainable value of a free society. Ultimately freedom should prevail over everything else. That is about the only thing I would die for and defend.

Pamela Geller does not defend free speech, just as ISIS does not represent Islam, both masquerade to defend but do the opposite.

On September 30, 2014, on Sean Hannity Show, I was completely taken back, when Pamela Geller and Hannity were calling for a ban on Sheikh Rachid al-Ghannouchi’s featured speech at Yale Law School, they should be instead defending it.

Here is the video with Sean Hannity, Pamela Geller and Mike Ghouse
Pamela Geller opposing free speech on Hannity show

There is no doubt, we have to defend free speech, that is the God given right of every human. Indeed, I have defended Pamela Geller’s right to speak when United Kingdom banned her speech in London.

Geller.Ghouse.Hannity.foxnews.09.30.2014I have defended the rights of Pastor Terry Jones to burn copies of the Quran in Florida, I have even opposed the Arab League’s proposal at the United Nations to curb freedom of speech about religious personalities. And, I have defended Sheikh Rachid al-Ghannouchi’s right to free speech at Yale which Pamela Geller opposed. We have even defended her right to speak in Garland, Texas. We have to be consistent or not claim to defend free speech. She was even opposed to building Ground Zero Mosque, a building to pray! So much for freedom of speech.

Poking fun at the religious figures is nothing new. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has been the object of criticism from the very beginning; the people who did not like his mission have made attempts to kill him, neither was Jesus spared.

Bill O’Reilly called her act dumb and stupid, so did Donald Trump and a host of other conservative talk show hosts. Indeed Bill Maher said to applaud the Dallas Muslims for not responding and not even paying attention to Geller’s taunting.

Pamela Geller and her ilk are about Muslim Bashing; at least she is consistent there, but she is not for free speech. I have to think about other instances where she did not defend free speech. Islamophobia is nearly $50 Million industry and is growing by leaps and bounds. If you want to get funding, all you have to do is spew venom against Muslims or Gays and Lesbians, someone will fund you. The days for hatred towards African Americans, Jews and Latinos are about over.

The industry has done a good job in recruiting the services of sour-grape-former-Muslims like Ayan Hirsi Ali, Nonie Dervish, Wafa Sultan, Walid Shoebat and others. A few Right wing Muslims, Hindus and Jews are also eyeing at the pie and the pie is getting bigger.

The free speech is an enduring value and the hallmark of civilizations, and we simply cannot compromise on it, however much a few may abuse it. We believe in free speech and that is the only way societies will grow. As Muslims we seriously appreciate the gains we have had, that far outweigh the tensions given by a handful of miscreants.

A Challenge for the donors.

We don’t need to defeat or embarrass the men and women engaged in the business of pitting one American against the other, but we do have an obligation to make an effort to turn around the divisive rhetoric into a cohesive one.

The question I have for the funders of Pamela Geller or Brigitte Gabrielle is simple. Do you want to fund more division and chaos or bring cohesiveness and security to America?

The question for Muslims donors is similar; do you want to fund for defensive Bill boards across America, big Bus Signs or invest in building bridges between communities for a safe, secure and a prosperous America?

The funders have to determine their priorities, after all it is their money, and should it be for cohesion or division?

BringAmericansTogether-0r-PitThemAgainstEachOther

Contrasting values for the Donors

We are seriously considering holding conferences right after Pamela Geller’s conference. She will be representing American Freedom Defense Initiative, while I will be representing America Together Foundation.

They can tear America down, we will put it together.

Is it possible to make peacemaking lucrative for Pamela Geller, Brigitte Gabrielle and others? If they can invest their energy into peacemaking, they will be good at it, whatever they do; they do it passionately and well.

I wish the funders evaluate what their monies will do and then invest in building a cohesive America that benefits all of us. A safe, secure and cohesive America is good for all of us. We are going to that, it is our commitment.

We are looking for inspiring speakers to help us build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of a fellow American. We want to feel, believe and build one nation under God with liberty and Justice for all.

The Muslims and Freedom of Speech

Let there be no doubt about it, Muslims are for free speech. When we stand up for free speech, we align with most Americans; this is one thread that binds us with fellow Americans more than any other thread.

Muslimsforfreespeech-WorldMuslimCongress.com
We need to handle criticism of Quran, Islam and the Prophet with grace, and respond it gracefully. At least it increases the chances of mitigating the conflict and restoring harmony. The other way around is fighting back, which guarantees further aggravation of the conflict and isolation. Let freedom of speech remain the corner stone of Islam.

God’s advice in Quran 41:34, “To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

Islam is not going anywhere; prophet is not going anywhere, and by opening ourselves up to criticism, we will learn a lot more about our faith than we would ever know. We need to move away from intolerance to acceptance of a different point of view without having to agree with it. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived through it and Muslims can learn from his examples.

Criticism can fade away or rain on us depending on how we respond to it. Lack of conviction in one’s faith breeds intolerance towards criticism, whereas firmness in faith can lead us to learn from criticism, explore the infinite wisdom and realize the strength of our faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have, instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.

The greatest example of dealing with such criticism was a challenge in questioning the Prophethood itself while signing the Peace Treaty of Hudaibiyah. The Prophet handled it in the most pluralistic way by respecting the otherness of others, and changing his title from ‘Prophet of God’ to ‘Son of Abdullah’. Indeed, we must respond to every criticism of Qur’an, Islam and the Prophet with such a grace.

I urge fellow Muslims to be open to all the criticism with confidence, don’t shut it, and let freedom of speech remain the corner stone of Islam. Islam stands on its own; it does not need our defense, and it is silly to protect God or the Prophet, they are not weaklings or our property to protect, they belong to the whole universe, don’t they?

Next time when someone stages hate speech, and wants to burn Quran, draw Cartoons of the prophet or do something silly, please gather up and pray as Muslims, and pray with fellow Americans of different faith as we did with Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida, or simply ignore them as Muslims of Dallas/ Fort Worth did during Pamela Gellers’ Garland exhibit.

If we don’t fall for the bait, they will not throw the hook again.

God bless America

Video – What does Cohesive America mean?

Pamela Geller opposing free speech on Hannity show  

Garland press Release

Bill O’Reilly and Donald Trump call Pamela’s act dumb

 

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him is in 63 links atwww.MikeGhouse.net

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Mike Ghouse
Mike Ghouse
Writer, blogger, speaker at Center for Pluralism
Mike Ghouse is a blogger and writer and professional speaker advocating moderation, Interfaith relations and addressing Islam, Israel, India and Human rights. He is committed to building a cohesive America, and is a born conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day, he has a strong national TV, Radio, web and Print Media presence. Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and his daily blog is http://www.TheGhouseDiary.com
Mike Ghouse
Latest posts by Mike Ghouse (see all)
  • Whats the American Muslim Agenda? - February 12, 2019
  • Muslims for America Since July 4, 1776 - June 29, 2017
  • Eid Al-Fitr Ramadan Sermons to focus on building a Secure Cohesive America - June 25, 2017

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Bloggers, Commentary, Mike Ghouse Tags:FOX News, Free Speech, Geller Funders, Hannity Show, Muslim donors, Muslim speaker, Muslims for free speech, Pamela Geller, Pluralism speaker, thinker Mike Ghouse

Post navigation

Previous Post: Syrian refugee invents system to irrigate drought
Next Post: Free Vanunu to Norway: International Intervention Required

Related Posts

  • Sheikh Abu Qatada ( AP)
    Jordanian agents arrest well-known anti-ISIS salafist Sheikh’s son Ali Younes
  • Reminder Arabs forgotten even in Obama era American Arabs
  • Trump is right; Burqa is matter of individual choice. Mike Ghouse
  • Orthodox Christmas in the 1960s. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Family Archives
    Arab Americans prepare to celebrate Christmas twice American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
    Tlaib following in the footsteps of Paul Findley American Arabs
  • The Election Results Paralyzed Me Bloggers

More Related Articles

Adnan breaks fast, Israel seizes Freedom Flotilla flagship Arab World
Hunger strike escalates for prisoner Bilal Kayed Arab World
Flag of the terrorist group ISIS (ISIL) courtesy of WIkipedia Freedom of religion might revive Arab Spring Arab World
Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council AHRC Joins the Nation In Recognizing Black History Month American Arabs
Pennsylvania Legislators Claim USS Liberty Veterans and Friends are Bigots American Arabs
Rachel Corrie, inset. Caterpillar Tractor Boim murder was tragic, but Corrie murder is even worse American Arabs

Comments (7) on “Pamela Geller is not for free speech – donors beware”

  1. paullafargue says:
    June 7, 2015 at 8:30 am

    Sean Hannity is a loud mouthed bigoted fool.
    He pontificates and talks about free speech but doesn’t even allow Muslim guests on his Zionist programme to speak.
    Pamela Geller is another loud mouthed Islamaphobic racist bigot.
    Fox News has sunk from the gutter to the zio-nazi sewer.

    Log in to Reply
  2. Red Blackerby says:
    June 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    He is a Muslim….they are taught to lie to achieve their conquest of the world…..

    Log in to Reply
    1. Moazam Syed says:
      June 6, 2015 at 1:38 am

      Red: May be Mike Ghouse missed that class where Muslims were being taught to lie. All that he has said in this article is nothing but the truth; statements of fact. I liked it, because that’s how we are or should be in this great country called The United States of America. Let’s not take it for granted.

      Now, the claim you made above is based on your fact finding efforts or somebody else’s words? You be the judge.

      On the other point, who is the current owner / has currently achieved the “conquest” of the world? (I am sure we are talking about humans) Try to find out. You may be surprised.

      I would argue, the human world can no longer be conquered. Those times are gone that empires ruled. What happened to them? Is it worth the trouble?

      Instead of conquering, what about a less costly proposition – WIN-WIN.

      Log in to Reply
  3. JustTReed says:
    June 5, 2015 at 9:38 am

    I Just wrote a complimenting post from what I expected when clicking this website and ending with how much I respected Mr. Ghouse after reading this article. Turns out y’all didn’t approve of it and took it down. Lmao. So yeah, I guess the Arab Daily News is really against what Mr. Ghouse stands for. I’ll be sure to pass this along. Ciao

    Log in to Reply
    1. Ray Hanania says:
      June 7, 2015 at 9:00 am

      You’re an idiot JustRead. Seriously. Keep your opinions to yourself and don’t embarrass yourself more.

      Log in to Reply
  4. JustTReed says:
    June 5, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Wow. I’m impressed. That was an excellent and well written article. When I clicked on this website I expected it to bash free speech and other American views/rights; instead within this article he embraced it. I applaud you Mr. Ghouse and hope many of your followers and people reading this article do as well. Respect

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman Charge d’Affaires Embassy Sudan Tokyo
    The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
    September 23, 2023
  • Windows at many American Arab owned stores were broken the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 14 Americans who "looked' Middle Eastern were murdered in the six months after the terrorism by Americans, most of whom were never prosecuted. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims
    September 11, 2023
  • Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
    Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan
    August 28, 2023
  • grab634.jpg
  • Ziyad-300x300FIndStore.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
    September 27, 2023
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
    September 22, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture
    August 18, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Events

  • Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    16 Sep 23
  • Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    29 Sep 23
    Washington D.C.
  • Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    30 Sep 23
  • US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    15 Oct 23
    Oak Brook
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    1 Nov 23
    Bolingbrook

POPULAR POSTS

  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce its ... posted on September 18, 2023
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics The RSF mutiny's resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics By Ali Mohamed Ahmed ... posted on September 23, 2023
  • Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims ... posted on September 11, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan’s partners are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating ... posted on August 28, 2023
  • Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Salem Furrha and his eight children @theFurrhaFamily on TikTok and Instagram represent ... posted on February 6, 2021
  • Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan has been grappling with the gravest catastrophe in ... posted on July 14, 2023

Recent Posts

  • ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
  • American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
  • Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme