Gulen Charter Schools Myth and Questions for Attackers

It is quite interesting that a defamation campaign has recently started even though Fethullah Gulen, charter schools have been around for more than a decade.Schools, they are being labeled as Gulen charter schools. But why?

1- Are these schools or any other charter schools in the nation officially affiliated with Gulen? In their charter proposals, is there any such affiliation?

2- Do the school officials confirm any affiliation or official connection with Fethullah Gulen?

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Rainer Hermann interviews Fethullah Gulen - Do good and let it unfold

The Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen has been living in the United States for 13 years now. An extensive network of supporters has developed there, serving in projects under his name.

There is no sign on the road to indicate the exit and the dirt track which leads you through a foggy broadleaf forest, coloured in all the shades of autumn, to an estate with eight houses. Thirteen years ago, the most influential preacher of Turkish Islam Fethullah Gulen retreated to this secluded place. Back then, the still powerful military had driven him out of Turkey. Stricken with illnesses, he decided to undergo surgery in American hospitals. Since then, he has rarely left the estate despite being issued a visa and a residence permit by the United States.

The voice of the 74-year-old Gulen sounds more powerful than ever, even from afar. It was his voice which has transformed the Muslims of Anatolia into a dynamic middle-class during the past decades. Gulen is the voice of these “black Turks”. Many movements have challenged Kemalism, the ideology of the “white Turks”. The urban, educated and secular upper-class of Istanbul – and later also of Ankara – have for decades ruled over Turkey. They looked down with contempt upon the uneducated, rural, poor and religious people of Anatolia. Inspired by Gulen’s teachings, many of these Turks sought education and became wealthy, yet remained religiously devout. As Gulen effectively challenged the Kemalist elite, he was declared as an enemy of the state. If Gulen was to return to Turkey, it would open old wounds. This is why Gulen, who shies away from conflicts, has decided to stay in Saylorsburg.

Strategic Defamation of Fethullah Gülen

I would like to make an addition to a famous statement made by Sakallı Celal, “Such extensive ignorance is possible only by education.” Prejudice should also be included in the preceding remark because Fethullah Gülen, who is the main subject matter in the book “Strategic Defamation of Fethullah Gülen: English vs. Turkish” that I will discuss in this column, is victimized by the prejudices of some people who call themselves intellectuals and, unfortunately, he has been subjected to hatred and enmity as well as competition and jealousy caused by these prejudices.

Who are they?

They are members of a group of people who are trying to become Westerners even though they are actually Easterners. These figures have appeared sometimes as bureaucrats, sometimes as businessmen, members of the media and sometimes as politicians. And it seems that there will be more in the future as well. In other words, let me quote from Hilmi Yavuz: “They are not Westerners but trying to be Westerners.” They are members of a group approaching their own people from a Western perspective. From this angle, they cannot be considered Western; instead, they are Orientalists, referring to the approach employed by Westerners towards the East. We could call them domestic Orientalists. They have no knowledge of Islam; and for this reason they are extremely distant to religion or religious elements. With some modifications in the famous statement by Celal, we may say: “These are people who suppose that they are becoming Westerners by running westward in a ship heading east.”

Who is Fethullah Gulen?: Gulen Charter Schools Myth, Hatred and Jealousy

It seems Berlinski's article served as a valuable material for chronic Gulen Haters such as Bill Thacker, CASILIPS, Mari Addi, Sharon Higgins and maybe their unknown managers. Long comments shows the hatred very well.

Who are the haters?

Some of them pro teacher union individuals. They really don't know who Fethullah Gulen is. There is no effort to learn indeed. They are just against Charter Schools. They are against privatization of education.

Some others provoke those pro-teacher union individuals against Fethullah Gulen. Why? Because they think Fethullah Gulen has the largest Charter School Network(!) in the nation. Naturally, they are against Fethullah Gulen as they are  against charter schools.

"Who Is Fethullah Gulen?": Response to Claire Berlinski's Latest article on City Journal [related to Gulen Charter Schools]

Her piece on City Journal is just a repetitive summary of criticisms without any counter arguments.

This article is extremely biased and one-sided. Most of the accusations about Fethulah Gulen are formed on the basis of conspiracy theories, suspicions, unverified rumors, etc.

So Who Is Fethullah Gulen and What is Gulen Movement? When Gulen Movement analyzed deeply, it will be clearly visible that this movement is a good example of a Muslim community.

1) Fethullah Gulen  and Gulen Movement followers are 100% non-violent. You can't even show one single incident where any member of the Movement has ever used the means of violence so far.

2) Fethullah  Gulen and Gulen Movement followers are open to interfaith dialog and mutual understanding.

3) Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement followers give importance to Science and Education.

4) Through Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement followers' actions, they represent peace, cooperation and fraternity.

This movement is one of the best examples of Muslim communities in the world.

Why this effort to defame Fethullah Gulen, Gulen Movement is for then?

Do Charter Schools (especially so-called Gulen Charter Schools) steal jobs from US Natives?

Madeline Zavodny explains Charter Schools (especially so-called Gulen Charter Schools?) or any other institution DO NOT steal jobs from US Natives. Watch how:

Jobs are not taken away by so-called Gulen Carter Schools

Gulen Charter School Myth

As parents poured into Harmony's future school building for an information session this evening, "West Texas Patriots" members stood outside handing out fliers that encourage parents to research the school online. As CBS 7 first told you Tuesday, The Patriots believe the Harmony Schools have connections to "Radical Islam". However, continued research of our own found that is unlikely. For example, Congressman Randy Neugebauer supports Harmony, and President George W. Bush invited Harmony Academy students to the Whitehouse in 2008.

West Texas Patriot representative, Georgia Bustamanti, couldn't provide any source for her information.

Georgia Bustamanti: "We found this on the website."

Beau Berman: "Which website?"

Bustamanti: "What is the name of it?"

Berman: "Do you think that maybe you should know the name of the website before you spread this information to parents who are just trying to find out about a school?"

Bustamanti: "Well... yes, probably. I will admit that."

Visit the Patriots' website and they provide links to personal blogs, which backup their claims about Harmony with links to other blogs, which in turn, use other blogs as their proof. A primary source is never identified on these websites either.

Beau Berman: "Who is the source that claims they're connected to Fethullah Gulen?"

Georgia Bustamanti: "I don't think I'm going to say that."

Berman: "Why?"

Bustamanti: "I just don't think I'm going to."

Berman: "Do you know who the source is?"

Bustamanti: "I'll sure (sic) send you an email later."

Fulton Science Academy named one of America's best schools [ so-called Gulen Charter School ]

Why some successful charter schools across the nation are labeled as "Gulen Charter Schools" ? Is it because they're successful? Is it because "named one of America's best schools"?

What is the hidden interest of the attackers (Goose Network) ?

Check it out: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/fulton-science-academy-named-one-of-americas-best-/nQLrM/

Funny reason not to visit a successful Public Charter School but easy to defame as so-called Gulen Charter School !?

There was a hearing on charter schools at Texas House Public Education Committee on Feb 17, 2012. Some of the usual charter school opponents were there of course, along with some xenophobic types.

After listening to her testimony on Harmony schools, State Rep. Dr. Alma Allan asks Texas Eagle Forum vice president about whether she has ever visited any Harmony schools. She says she didn't because...

Some charter school opponents, some anonymous bloggers or goose network(?), calls these schools as "Gulen Charter Schools" even though these are regular public schools and schools deny such connection.

Who is this Xenophobic Goose Network Member?

Recently, a goose network member, Sharon Higgins (she's also know as @sharonoak on Twitter) has published some charter schools in Florida on her -special interest- blog. She labels them as Gulen Charter Schools.  It looks she spent many hours to find the only charter schools that operated and initiated by some Turkish-Americans. Why is showing a special interest on those schools? Those only charter schools which operated by Turkish-Americans? She lists only few of charter schools in Florida along with some Turkish names initiated those schools? There are hundreds of charter schools in Florida. What is this "special interest" about only those charter schools? 

Is it because they are operated by Turkish-Americans? Isn't it Xenophobia? Is it a crime or guilt to operate highly reputable and successful charter schools? 

Gulen Charter Schools: An effort to defame successful charter schools and Fethullah Gulen

A smear campaign has been going on about Fethullah Gulen, charter schools and some non-governmental, non-profit organizations, they are being labeled as Gulen Charter Schools. It is very strange that this campaign has recently started even though Fethullah Gulen, charter schools and NGOs have been around for more than a decade.

1- Are these schools or any other charter schools in the nation officially affiliated with Gulen? In their charter proposals, is there any such affiliation?

2- Do the school officials confirm any sort of official connection with Fethullah Gulen?

3- Is Fethullah Gulen a criminal? Is he a dangerous person? Can someone explain why he was granted permanent residency by the US authorities if he is dangerous?

It is obvious that the purpose of the people who are labeling successful charter schools as Gulen Charter Schools is to defame Fethullah Gulen and successful charter schools. As it was mentioned on CBS's 60 Minutes that nationwide Newsweek Magazine listed some of those two successful charter schools as miracle schools of the nation. They're combining those successful schools as Gulen Charter Schools, because they're successful. Those people who are actually against good and goodness picking Fethullah Gulen's name as a person to mention with those successful charter schools. Whoever they are, they don't like Fethullah Gulen because of his teachings and positive contribution to humanity in 21st century.

In the other hand, Turkish oriented people are not the only people operating charter schools in the United States. Why are those people picking only charter schools operated by Turkish origin professionals?

A few useful links see the details of this smear campaign and about Fethullah Gulen and those successful charter schools:


http://www.gulencharterschoolsmyth.com/

http://gulenandcharterschools.blogspot.com/

http://www.gulenschools.org

http://www.gulenschools.weebly.com

Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement

Gulen-Inspired Schools

is article is related to Gulen Schools | Gulen Charter Schools | Gulen Inspired Schools.
Gulen-Inspired Schools; There is no consensus among writers on what to call the Gülen-inspired institutions; this is as true for American lawyers as it is for Turkish correspondents of all political colors. The use of terms like "Gülen schools" can arise from ignorance or disinformation. If the term "Gülen schools" is equated with, for example, Montessori schools (where a particular training and qualifications are required for personnel and a specific methodology is used), it leads to misunderstanding.

Gülen movement participants have their own perspectives on terms used for the movement and the social movement organizations (SMOs) it has inspired. However, many outsiders seem oblivious to these perspectives or choose to ignore them.

Because of its brevity, outsiders tend to use "Gülen schools" rather than "Gülen-inspired schools." But the shorter term seems to imply some sort of central control of activities and even an ideology, while the second makes it clearer that there is no centralization in the movement. Gülen movement participants tend to use the Turkish term hizmet (volunteer services) for the projects and services they provide. This is a solution for the inconsistency in naming the Gülen movement and the institutions it inspires and in clarifying their identity for outside observers.


MUHAMMED ÇETİN Today's Zaman

President Clinton thanks the Gülen Movement

This article is related to Gulen Schools | Gulen Charter Schools | Gulen Inspired Schools.
42nd U.S. President Clinton thanks the Gülen Movement for contributions to world peace and security

42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton's delivered his remarks at the 3rd Annual Friendship Dinner by Turkish Cultural Center.“In this interdependent world, the fates of people on opposite sides of the globe are increasingly linked; and it is critical to keep the lines of communication open as much as we can. That is why the communication between the Turkish-American community and the people of Turkey is so important. You are contributing to lasting peace and security at home and abroad; the promotion of the ideas of tolerance and interfaith dialogue inspired by Fethullah Gülen in his transnational social movement.

You do it through your everyday lives and you are truly strengthening the fabric of our common humanity, as well as promoting the ongoing cultural and educational ties that bind our world together. I want to thank you for your contributions to America, for your contributions to stronger Turkish-American relationships and better understanding.”

A Rosetta Stone for the so called Gulen Charter Schools

This article is related to Gulen Schools | Gulen Charter Schools | Gulen Inspired Schools.
May be they will get it if it is said in Latin: Illic Est Haud Talis Res Ut Gulen Pactum Schola! There is no such thing as a Gulen Charter School! Fethullah Gulen said it himself in several settings1. The so called Gulen Charter School administrators explained it many times. But they still don't get it, and probably won't get it no matter how many different languages it is translated into or how many different contexts it is articulated in. But let's give it another shot.

Quid est Carta Schola? What's a charter school anyway?

US Department of Education defines a charter school as "a publicly funded school that is typically governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract or charter with the state; the charter exempts the school from selected state or local rules and regulations. In return for funding and autonomy, the charter school must meet the accountability standards articulated in its charter.