Aga Khan...Why You Haven't Heard of Him

Arcticle written by Sophie Kaplan...September 19, 2016

She is a Junior at The George Washington University majoring in Polical Communication. Sophie has worked for the Democratic National Committee in D.C. as a communication intern...and is a registered voter in Pennsylvania. The following are excerpts from the recent article she wrote.

There is so much more to the Muslim religion than the broken record of 'terrorism and extremism' the media perpetuates. Ismaili Muslims, for example, have a religious leader...the AGA KHAN, who is responsible for $625 million worth of philanthropic programs all across the world that nobody knows about. We should be hearing more about him.

The Aga Khan's work is newsworthy, and the media should be focusing more on the contributions of the Muslim community rather than on the small percentage of Muslims who terrorize the world.

There are several occasions where the media has exaggerated the threat that extremists pose. For example, several reporters from FOX NEWS were spreading fear and terror when it came to the Syrian Refugee situation. Andrea Tantaros described taking Islamic refugees as suicide, would be a national security threat to admit any Muslims into this country. Bill O'Reilly also suggested that allowing refugees into the United States would open the door for terrorists.

But the Migration Policy Institute says posing as a refugee is the least likely way that a terrorist would try to get into United States. If a refugee is selected to go through the migration process, they are put in contact with the FBI and go through an intense 18-24-month screening process. It does not make sense for a terrorist to seek screening by the FBI. The FBI reported that from 1980 to 2005, 94% of terror attacks were committed by non-Muslims. From this, it is clear that FOX is simply spreading misinformation.

A Huffington Post article explains that it is not only FOX NEWS that is spreading a message of Islamphobia. After the Paris attacks, CNN anchor, John Vause asked anti-Islamphobia activist, Yassen Louati, “Why is it that no one within the Muslim community there in France knew what these guys were up to?” Louati responded, “Sir, the Muslim community has nothing to do with these guys ~ nothing ~ we cannot justify ourselves for the actions of someone who claims to be Muslim.” Vause was

associating the extremists with the peaceful Muslim community and insinuating that THEY should be preventing these acts of terror.

The exposure we have to Muslims in the media is concentrated, for the most part, on the radicals. When my professor, Dr. Lee Huebner, asked a class full of politically and civic-minded students if they knew who or what the Aga Khan was, everybody shook their heads, 'No'. No one knew who he was because the media focuses on the sensational side of the Islamic religion...rather than the meaningful.

The Aga Khan is to the Ismaili Muslims

as the Pope is to the Catholics...explained Huebner.

Huebner is currently consulting for the Aga Khan Development Network.

The current Aga Khan is Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini.

“The developed country he is most popular in is Canada,” Huebner said. “He gave a lecture last fall

at Harvard...and nobody thought it was newsworthy.”

The Ismailis are a modern sect of Islam and a division of the Shia Muslims.

Core beliefs of their religion are community service and pluralism.

They believe that Aga Khan is a descendant of the prophet Muhammed.

The Aga Khan serves as chairman of his Development Network which focuses on providing aid to the developing world. Each year, the Network generates electricity for 10 million people...creates programs to achieve food security for 8 million...and provides health care for 5 million.

After millions of dollars donated and lives changed, the American people still do not know who the Aga Khan is. Terror in the media overshadows all the contributions the Muslim community has to offer. The Muslim religion is misunderstood...and the first step to change the perception

has to start with the media coverage!

Many thanks to one of my ardent readers for forwarding the above to me.

Merle Baird-Kerr...written October 1, 2016

To comment: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Muslim-Itis Incidents Affecting United States

All of a Sudden...Puff: No U.S.A

Think: All of this in less than 8 years...Just Think About It!

Before Obama, there was virtually no outlandish presence of Islam in America!

All of a sudden, Islam is taught in schools. Christianity and the bible are banned in schools.

All of a sudden, we must allow prayer rugs everywhere and allow Islamic prayer in schools, airports and businesses.

All of a sudden, we must stop serving pork in prisons.

All of a sudden, we are inundated with lawsuits by Muslims who are offended by American culture.

All of a sudden, we must allow burkas to be worn everywhere, even though you have no idea who or what is covered up under them

All of a sudden, the Attorney General of the United States vows to prosecute anyone who engages in 'aniti-Muslim speech.'

All of a sudden, Muslims are suing employers and refusing to do their jobs if they personally deem it conflicts with Sharia Law.

All of a sudden, Jihadists who engage in terrorism and openly admit they acted in the name of Islam and Isis, are emphatically declared they are NOT Islamic by our leaders and/or their actions are then determined NOT to be terrorism, but nebulous terms like 'workplace violence'.

All of a sudden, it becomes Policy that Secular Middle East dictators that were benign or friendly to the West, must be replaced by Islamists and the Muslim Brotherhood.

All of a sudden, our troops are withdrawn from Iraq and the middle east, giving rise to ISIS.

All of a sudden, America has reduced its nuclear stockpiles to 1950 levels, as Obama's stated goal of a nuke-free America by the time he leaves office, continues uninterrupted.

All of a sudden, a deal with Iran must be made at any cost, with a pathway to nuclear weapons and HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of dollars handed over to fund their programs.

All of a sudden, America APOLOGIZES to Muslim states...and sponsors of terror worldwide for acts of aggression, war and sabotage. THEY perpetrate against OUR soldiers.

All of a sudden, the American Navy is diminished to 1917 Pre-World War I levels of only 300 ships. The Army is at pre-1940 levels. The Air Force scraps 500 planes and planned to retire the use of the A-10 Thunderbolt close-air support fighter. A further drawdown of another 40,000 military personnel is in progress.

All of a sudden, half of the U.S.A.'s aircraft carriers are recalled for maintenance by Obama rendering the Atlantic unguarded...NONE in the Middle East.

All of a sudden, Obama has to empty Guantanano Bay of captured Jihadists and let them loose in Jihad-friendly states. He demands to close the facility.

All of a sudden, America will negotiate with terrorists and trade FIVE Taliban commanders for a deserter and Jihad sympathizer.

All of a sudden, there is no money for American poor, disabled veterans, jobless Americans, hungry Americans...or displaced Americans...but there is endless money for Obama's 'Syrian refugees' and the available resettlement programs.

All of a sudden, there is an ammunition shortage in the USA.

All of a sudden, the most important thing for Obama to do after a mass shooting by two Jihadists is disarm American Citizens.

All of a sudden, the President of the United States cannot attend the Christian funerals of a Supreme Court Justice...and a former First Lady because of previous (seemingly unimportant) commitments.

All of a sudden, the President of United States won't attend the funeral of a flag-rank Officer (General Green) killed in action; he played golf. But he sends a big delegation to Michael Brown's funeral. He sends a minor delegation to Margaret Thatcher's funeral. He won't acknowledge Chris Kyle's murder but he'll fly the Flag at half-mast for Whitney Houston.

The writer of the above states,

“All of a sudden, I'm sick to my stomach.

I'm not sure the majority of Americans recognize the seriousness

of the situation and how much progress has been made

by Islam these last 7 years...

a very brief time compared to a 75-year lifetime!”

Note: the foregoing was submitted to me by one of my readers.

The above facts have not been verified by the below writer.

Merle Baird-Kerr...written September 18, 2016

To comment: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Muslim-itis Incidents Around the World

Thank God for one decent leader among the English-speaking nations!

After Florida's Orlando incident, will the American public

ever awaken to the fallacy of 'political correcetness'?

WOW! AUSTRALIA SAYS “NO”!

This will be the second time Julia Gillard has done this!

She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance...and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen. It is a breath of fresh air to see someone with determination and guts. The whole world needs a leader like this!

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told recently...to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nations's mosques. QUOTE: IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT...Take it or Leave It. “I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the recent terrorist attacks on Ball, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.

“This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH...not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian...or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

“Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push...but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation...and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home...because God is part of our culture. We will accept your beliefs and will not question why. All that we ask is that you accept ours...and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

“This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND and OUR LIFESTYLE

and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian Beliefs or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom:

THE RIGHT TO LEAVE!

“If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here.

You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted you!”

PUT SOME PORK ON YOUR FORK!

Let's hear if for Quebec, Canada mayor!

A commercial promoting pork says:

Put Some Pork on Your Fork!

THE MAYOR REFUSES TO REMOVE PORK

FROM SCHOOL CAFETERIA MENU ~ AND EXPLAINS WHY:

Muslim parents demanded the abolition of pork in all the school canteens of a Montreal suburb. The mayor of the Montreal suburb of Dorval has refused...and the town clerk sent a note to all parents to explain why. “Muslims must understand that they have to adapt to Canada and Quebec...its customs, its traditions...and its way of life...because that's where they chose to immigrate.

Muslims must understand that they have to integrate and learn to live in Quebec and understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle...not the Canadians who, so generously, welcomed them.

Muslims must undertand that Canadian are neither racist nor xenophobic. Canada accepted many immigrants before Muslims showed up (whereas the reverse is not true, in that Muslim states do not accept non-Muslim immigrants).

Just like other nations, Canadians are not willing to give up their identity or their culture. And, if Canada is a land of welcome, it's not the Mayor of Dorval who welcomes foreigners, but the Canadian-Quebecois people as a whole.

Finally, they must understand that in Canada, (with its Judeo-Christian roots, Christmas trees, churches and religious festivals), religion must remain in the private domain.

The Municipality of Dorval was right to refuse any concessions to Islam and Sharia.

For Muslims who disagree with secularism and do not feel comfortable in Canada, there are 57 beautiful Muslim countries in the world...most of them under-populated...and ready to receive them with open halal arms in accordance with Sharia. If you left your country for Canada...and not for other Muslim countries, it is because you have considered that life is better in Canada than elsewhere.

We will NOT let you drag Canada down to the level of those 57 countries. Ask yourself this question, just once: Why is it better here in Canada than where you came from?

A canteen with pork on the menu is part of the answer!

If you came to Canada with the idea that you will displace us with your prolific propagation...and eventually take over the country...you should pack up and go back to the country you came from.

We have no room here for you and your ideology!

(my gratitude to Tom for submitting the above

articles to me)

Note: the foregoing has not been verified by the below writer.

An ensuing article I'll soon publish:

All of a Sudden...Puff...no U.S.A.

Merle Baird-Kerr...compiled September 18, 2016

To comment: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Multiculturalism

Here is the truth about the true Muslims and their work in this world.

As spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan

uses recent Koerner Hall address to make global pitch for pluralism.

(Pluralism is defined as a situation in which people of different social classes, religions, races, etc. are together in a society...

but continue to have their different traditions and religions.)

His Highness, the Aga Khan was given the inaugural Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship at a ceremony at Toronto's Koemer Hall, Tuesday, September20. In his acceptance speech, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims around theworld warned of the threats to pluralism in Canada and abroad in the age of mass migration...Brexit...Donald Trump and the explosion of information technology. Below is a slightly edited and condensed excerpt from his address. The subheads have been edited.

OF DIVERSITY AND DIVISION: We talk sincerely about the values of diversity...about living with complexity. But in too many cases, diversity seems to mean more division...greater complexity and more fragmentation...and more fragmentation can bring us closer to conflict.

The stakes seem to be getting higher to the ideals of global citizenship.

One enormous challenge, is the simple fact that diversity is increasing around the world. The task is not merely learning to live with that diversity...but learning to live with greater diversity with each passing year. More people are moving willingly and unwillingly, across national frontiers than ever before. In country after country, the migration question is a central issue of political life. And old habits of mind, including narrow, exclusionary definitions of citizenship, have not met the challenge!

That was true 3 months ago when Great Britain voted to leave the European Union. It is true in pre-election debates in France, where I now live and in the United States, where I went to university.

It is true in Canada, though Canada has certainly been a world leader in expanding the concept of citizenship. But the challenge is felt exerywhere. Nor is the migration challenge likely to dissipate any time soon...especially as war, violence...and economic deprivation displace more and more people

FEAR OF THE “OTHER”: In such a world, the 'other' is no longer a distant someone whom we encounter primarily in the pages of a magazine...or on a video screen...or an exotic holiday trip. The 'other' increasingly is someone who appears in what we think of as “our space” or even “in our face”.

When the other is seen as a potential competitor, for a job, as example, even when this fear is unfounded, it is tempting to look for scapegoats...for someone to blame...when our self-esteem seems to be threatened. Often, we then find it easier to define our identity by what we are against.

Such fears may be culturally based, or economically driven,

or psychologically rooted. But they should not be underestimated.

And they will not be driven away by nice sounding words proclaiming lofty ideals.

That is why I would emphasize our responsibility to improve the quality of life in places throughout the world...fighting poverty...improving health and education...expanding opportunity...as the first manifestation of a healthy 'pluralistic' ethic. Pluralism means responding to diversity not only at home, but on a global basis.

TECHNOLOGY WON'T SAVE US: As new technologies shrink the planet, distant forces become dire threats. We worry about the perils of environmental degration, for example. We see how every local economay can be affected by distant economies. We realize how dangerous forces...deadly diseases...or deadly weaponry...criminal networks...or terrorist threats...can spread across the national borders. And often, the human impulse is to withdraw from a threatening world.

One element that complicates this challenge is the way

we communicate with our global neighbours.

We think sometimes that the new technologies can save us. If we can connect faster...at lower cost...across greater distances with more people, just think what could happen! We would all learn to understand one another better. But I am not sure that things are working out that way. The explosion of availabe information often means less focus on relevant information...and even a surfeit of misinformation. Thoughful leadership often gives way to noisy chatter.

Media proliferation is another challenge. What it often means is media fragmentation.

Many now live in their own media bubble...resisting diverse views.

REALITIES OF IDENTITY ARE MORE THAN SKIN DEEP: With the reality of human nature, we often hear in dicussions of global citizenship that people are basically alike. Under the skin, deep in our hearts, we are all brothers and sisters...we are told...and the secret to a harmonious world is to ignore our differences...and to emphasize our similarities. Yes, our understanding and our underlying humanity should motivate our quest for healthy pluralism. Yet, talking only about our common humanity might seem to threaten people's distinctive idenitities.

WHO AM I?: We all must pose that question. Answers grow out of basic loyalties to family faith, language, which provide a healthy sense of security and worth. Embracing the values of global citizenship should mean compromising the bonds of local or national citizenship. The call of pluralism should ask us to integrate diversity...not to depreciate diversity.

One's identity need not be diluted in a pluralistic world,

but rather fulfilled, as one bright thread in a cloth of many colours.

My own religious community identifies proudly as Ismaili Muslims, with our interpretation of Islamic faith and history. But we also feel a sense of belonging with the whole of the Muslim world...what we call the Ummah. Within the Ummah, the diversity of identities is immense...based on language...on history...on nationhood...ethnicity...and a variety of local affiliations. But, at the same time, I observe a growing sense within the Ummah of a meaningful global bond.

In this context, diversity itself can be seen as a gift.

In the end, of course, we must realize that living with diversity

is a challenging process...we are wrong to think it will be easy.

The work of pluralism is always a work in progress!

The challenges will be many and continuing. What will they require of us? A short list might include:

a vital sense of balance,

an abundant capacity for compromise,

more than a little sense of patience,

an appropriate degree of humility,

a good measure of forgiveness

and a genuine welcoming of human difference.

It will never be completed...but no work will be more important!

Merle Baird-Kerr...written October 5, 2016

To comment: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Muslim Beheads Woman in Oklahoma, USA.

This is Terrifying!

An Oklahoma woman, Colleen Hufford, in 2014 was beheaded at her place of employment, Vaughan Foods by a Muslim who had repeatedly been attempting to convert co-workers to Islam...once again suggesting the problems with identifying radical Islam as a 'religion of peace.'

Alton Alexander Nolen, the Islamist who killed Hufford, had recently been fired from the business. He was shot by an off-duty police officer during the attack on Hufford and another co-worker, but the attacker was hospitalized and survived.

According to The Blaze, the discovery of Nolen's religious beliefs, his attempts at converting others to Islam...and the manner in which he killed Hufford, led authorities to probe more deeply into the man's background...to investigate whether or not he has ties to any radical groups that could be in the area.

“After conducting interviews with co-workers of Nolen, information was obtained that he recently...

started trying to convert some of his co-workers to the Muslim religion,” Jeremy Lewis of the Moore Police Department said.

Tracy Johnson, the other victim attacked by Nolan, survived.

Police believe that she also would have been killed

if not for the intervention of the off-duty police officer.

This is scary!

Generals and leaders from around the world have warned America of radical Islamists infiltrating the country and attacking citizens...and it looks like it actually started to happen two years ago. Radical Islam has reared its ugly head in the United States...and now is the time to finally declare it the real enemy we are facing...and develop a strategy to put this evil idealogy to bed before any more innocent people lose their lives.

Oh, but Hilary Clinton takes this very seriously.

In fact, let's remind ourselves just how seriously:

“Let's be clear: Islam is not our adversary.

Muslims are peaceful and tolerant people

and have nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism!”

* * * * * * * *

The foregoing news article was recently forwarded to me

by one of my ardent readers...and to it, adds direct comment:

“Not his wife, or any relative.

Just an American lady co-worker who I suppose was unwilling to convert to Islam.

He was trying to proselytize his co-workers...and he barbarically murdered one in cold blood...and savagely attacked another woman...because he is a barbarian. Fortunately, this barbarian was shot by an off-duty policeman...which apparently prevented him from murdering the second victim.

He survived the shooting...but I reckon he will not survive Oklahoma law.

Mary Fallin, Governess of Oklahoma, will surely, sign the death warrant!”

Merle Baird-Kerr...written October 9, 2016

To comment: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Mr. Gandhi Takes the Cake!

MR. GANDHI TAKES THE CAKE!

Born in October 1869, Mahatma Gandhi was educated as a lawyer who later became the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence. His profound spirituality and belief in justice inspired the world. After independence in 1947, he tried to stop the Hindu-Muslim conflict in Bengal, a policy which led to his assassination in New Delhi, India in January 1948.

(I express my gratitude to Dilu for the following true story.)

When Gandhi was studying law at the University College of London, there was a professor, whose last name was Peters, who felt animosity toward Gandhi...and because Gandhi never conceded to him in any disagreement, their “arguments” were very common.

One day, Mr. Peters was having lunch at the dining room of the University and Gandhi came along with his tray and sat next to him. The professor, in his arrogance, said, “Mr. Gandhi: you do not understand that a pig and a bird do not sit together to eat,” to which Gandhi replied, “You do not worry, professor, I'll fly away,” and he went and sat at another table.

Mr. Peters, enraged, decided to take revenge on Gandhi on the next test, but Gandhi responded brilliantly to all questions. Then, Mr. Peters asked him the the following question, “Mr. Gandhi, if you are walking down the street and find a package, and within it there is a bag of wisdom and another bag with a lot of money, which one will you take?” Without hesitating, Gandhi responded, “The one with the money, of course.”

Mr. Peters, smiling said, “I, in your place, would have taken the wisdom, don't you think?” Gandhi responded indifferently, “Each one takes what one doesn't have.”

Mr. Peters, already hysterical, wrote on the exam sheet the word, “Idiot” and gave it to Gandhi. Gandhi took the exam sheet and sat down. A few minutes later, Gandhi went to the professor and said, “Mr. Peters, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the grade!”

And, to the foregoing, I say Touche!

“Never argue with an idiot ~ they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with their experience!”

“Our business is infested with idiots who try to impress by using pretentious jargon.” (David Ogilvy)

Our Society is Doomed...

Thank You, Carolyn...for the following:

Idiot Sighting: I handed the teller at my bank a withdrawal slip for $400. I said, “May I have large bills, please.” She looked at me and said, “I'm sorry, Sir, all the bills are the same size.” When I got up off the floor, I explained it to her...

Idiot Sighting: When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. “Hey,” I announced to the technician, “It's open!” His reply, “I know. I already got that side.” This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS.

Idiot Sighting: We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a large enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute and told him we had the largest one Sears made at the time..a one-half horsepower. He shook his head and said, “Lady, you need a ¼ horse-power.” I responded that ½ was larger than ¼. He said, “No, it's not. Four is larger than two!” We haven't used Sears repair since.

Idiot Sighting: My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk $5. Our total was $4.25, so I handed her a quarter. She said, “You gave me too much money.” I said, “Yes, I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar back. She sighed and went to the manager, who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, saying, “We're sorry but we could not do that kind of thing.” The clerk proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change. Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.

Idiot Sighting: At a local Taco Bell food service, I asked the person behind the counter for “minimal lettuce.” He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.” This was in Kansas City.

Idiot Sighting: I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, “Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?” To which I replied, “If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?” He smiled knowingly and nodded, “That's why we ask.” Happened in Birmingham, Ala.

Idiot Sighting: At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear co-worker who was leaving the company due to a 'down-sizing', our manager commented cheerfully, “This is fun. We should do this often.” Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that 'deer-at-the-headlights-stare!. This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.

Idiot Sighting: When questioned about baby diapers having brand names such as Luvs and Huggies, while undergarments for seniors are called Depends, we were told, “When babies poop in their pants, people are still gonna Luv'em and Hug'em. When old people poop in their pants, it Depends who's in the will!

* * * * * * *

Philosophic Words

One of the most important things, especially when you're leaving school is to realize that you're going to be dealing with a lot of idiots. And a lot of those idiots are in charge of things, so if you're in an interview and you really want to tell that person off, don't do it! (Lewis Black)

Nothing is more humiliating than to see idiots succeed in enterprises we have failed in.

(Gustave Flaubert)

However, Louis Argon states, “We know that the nature of Genius is to provide idiots with ideas 20 years later.”

Merle Baird-Kerr...compiled August 16, 2014

Wish to comment? E-mail to:

inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu, was the preeminent leader

of the Indian Independence movement in British-ruled India.

(October 1869 – 1948)

Employing non-evident civil disobedience, Gandhi led India

to independence and inspired movements for civil rights

and freedom across the world.

He is unofficially called the The Father of the Nation.

Gandhi's vision of an independent India, based on 'religious pluralism', however was challenged in the early 1940's by a new Muslim nationalism which was demanding a separate Muslim homeland carved out of India. Eventually, in August 1947, Britain granted independence...but the British Empire was partitioned into 2 dominions: a Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan. As many displaced Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs made their way to their 'new lands', religious violence broke out. Gandhi visited the affected areas...attempting to provide solace; he undertook several 'fasts' unto death to promote religious harmony.

A Hindu Nationalist assassinated Gandhi (at age 78) on January 30, 1948

by firing 3 bullets into his chest at point-blank range.

Gandhi, more or less, lived an Islamic life. What made Gandhi GANDHI, was his faith...which became the bedrock of his ideas and principles. However, if Gandhi failed in successfully repressing Muslim nationalism, it is because Hindu fundamentalism had also been rising.

Mahatma Gandhi's battle was spiritual.

In his days of 'fasting' Mahatma Gandhi gave us

great philosophies for daily living and standards by which to live

in times of violence and war.

When I admire the wonders of a sunset...or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.

I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won't presume to probe into the faults of others.

God sometimes does try to the utmost, those whom he wishes to bless.

There is nothing that wastes the body like worry; and one who has any faith in God, should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.

In prayer, is is better to have a heart without words...than words without a heart.

Is has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings.

If we are to teach real peace in this world...and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.

To give service to a single heart by a single act...is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.

There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need...but not for man's greed.

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.

Happiness is when what you think...what you say...

and what you do...are in harmony!

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...September 19, 2016

Comments welcome: inezkate@gmail.com or mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca