![[SeMissourian.com]](http://www.t-g.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (118)
Share link
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Furl
Reddit
GoogleThat's what Larry Lowman, chief administrator for Bedford County Sheriff's Department, had to say when asked about interactions between local Somali refugees and law enforcement.
But while Lowman said that the many cultural differences cause problems for his department, they are far more concerned about the introduction of Somali gangs and drugs to Bedford County.
Lowman told the T-G that they are finding a lot of gang related activity with the Somalis, imported from Nashville, where some 5,000 refugees have settled over the past few years. And along with the gang activity comes drugs -- but not the usual kinds like pot, crack or meth.
While alcohol is forbidden for Muslims, two Somali men have already run afoul of local law enforcement due to them bringing one of their other habits to America - the drug known as khat.
In February 2006, a 21-year-old Somali was arrested after Shelbyville police found 11.26 grams of the plant, which have effects similar to those of cocaine or methamphetamine but are lesser in strength.
And in November of last year, a Somali man was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a result of a guilty plea in Bedford County Circuit Court for having 2.4 pounds of the drug.
"Khat use is most prevalent among immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen," a May 2003 National Drug Intelligence Center bulletin said. "These individuals use the drug in casual settings or as part of religious ceremonies."
"The use of khat is accepted within the Somali, Ethiopian and Yemeni cultures. In those countries khat is not a controlled substance and is openly sold at markets."
The Department of Justice reported that abuse levels for khat are highest in cities with sizable populations of African immigrants and that many Muslims, including Somalis, use khat during the religious month of Ramadan.
During that religious observance in 2002, U.S. Customs Service (USCS) officials seized nearly 3,000 kilograms of khat from airports in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, and Tennessee, the report said.
"They'll chew it all day long," Lowman said of khat, which in Somali culture, is as common as having a cup of coffee.
Somali gangs have become prevalent in cities such as Minneapolis, where as many as 40,000 refugees have settled over the past few years. According to a report on Somali youth by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, there are three primary organized Somali gangs operating in that city: The Rough Tough Somalis, Hot Boyz Gang, and Somali Mafia.
And in 2004, that city saw its first murder related to the sale of khat.
Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing said he also has heard of gang activity, but as far as "knowing it for a fact," he could not confirm this assertion.
But Swing added that his department is constantly receiving calls about suspicious activity in the Somali community from the public.
As for the use of the drug khat, Swing said that the plant is illegal and Somalis should make themselves aware of the laws of this country, "because this is where they're living."
Swing said in his conversations with people in the community who have dealt with the Somalis, the issue of rudeness has frequently been raised, but it has not caused law enforcement a major concern.
But most of the calls the police department have received were disputes between the Somalis themselves and not with other members of the public.
"They live in close proximity to each other (at Davis Estates) and sometimes there's more than several people living in an apartment ... usually when we get a call they're in a confrontation with each other," Swing explained.
One incident Swing remembered was a car accident near Davis Estates involving Somalis which drew a large crowd of refugees to the scene.
Lowman also said that a huge problem law enforcement has encountered is that Somali have not adapted to American culture or laws.
"We'll pull them over and you tell them what they did was wrong, but they'll say they were right," Lowman said.
The one problem that all of Swing's officers have reported to him in their dealing with the refugees, no matter if the patrolman is white, black or Hispanic, is their lack of respect for authority.
"Of course, we represent authority," Swing said. "And that is a problem that we seem to encounter a lot."
And since the Somalis are considered refugees, the justice system has no recourse but to deal with them through the courts. Lowman said if they were an illegal immigrant, which Bedford County has had extensive experience dealing with, they could be deported, but that isn't the case with the Somalis.
As for dealing with the Somalis in general, Swing simply stated "they're different."
"With the Hispanics, they're more humble and very glad for any help you give them ... very respectful. But with the Somalis, that's not the case. You owe it to them."
Swing's own exposure to a refugee's attitude occurred about a year and a half ago when a Somali woman came to the Shelbyville Police Department for a copy of an accident report.
The ladies at the desk made a copy and told the Somali the charge would be $5, "which is what we charge everyone," Swing said. The woman seemed surprised and stated she did not have the money. The ladies working the front desk said they would hold it for her until she could return to pay the fee.
"She (the Somali) went to the front door, and she turned around and she looked and said 'You Americans make me sick,'" Swing recalled.
If the Somalis are going to live in our community, "they must learn to obey our laws," Lowman said.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
Bedford County and the USA are infected with a cancer that if it's not removed will cover this county and others. Yes, these people are rude,hateful and no repect for our laws. My feeling is to load all of the somali put them on a boat with a note to whatever govt. it has saying "Return to sender,address unknown", no returns, keepém they belong in their own country, not ours..
I totally agree with the comment made by medulla 444. Let's round them up & send them off!!!!!! They need to go back to Somali! I for one would be glad to help.
EVERYONE NEEDS TO STAY WHERE THEY WERE BORN!!SHUT DOWN ALL BORDERS!! AMERICANS ARE FAST BECOMING THE MINORITY IN OUR OWN COUNTRY!!
I wonder why the muslim meat market on Depot St. has not been mentioned?
That market has been closed.
I fear it's too late now to EXPORT them.
They've "tasted" the good life here in the U.S. and unfortunately we have to leave it to the local police and courts to deal with them.
I hope and pray that the courts will take a hard line approach, otherwise these gangs will proliferate and pretty soon we'll all be living in a Muslim "state". Christian customs and culture will cease to exist - maybe not in our lifetimes, but what about our children and grandchildren?
I've said before the Muslims will continue to "infiltrate" our society in order to achieve POWER. Eventually, we'll see more and more of them in public office, local, State and Federal, until there's enough of a majority to implement laws favoring Islam!
I'll continue to say it: REMEMBER 911 - THEY WERE ALL MUSLIMS!!
One more thing - If the Americans make her "sick" then she should leave and go back "home" to Somalia!
Let me tell you, if she or anyone, regardless of their race or religion, were to say that to me, I would look them straight in the eye and say: "Then why don't you go back to where you came from - we didn't force you to come here - you came of your own free will, so leave if you don't like it here!!"
It's refreshing to see this amount of (unanimous) bigotry being spewed. Never mind that half of you couldn't find Somalia on a map, let alone recognize a Somali person when you see one.
Here's the deal. Your fear of strangers, illegals, boat people, refugees, and many other "undesirables" as you call them is really a reflection of your own insecurities. You have been raised to believe that since you were born in the greatest country in the world that automatically makes you the greatest people in the world.
Guess what? You've been fooled. America remains the greatest country in the world precisely because of immigrants and their contributions. If you feel so threatened economically by poor refugees escaping war zones, how will you compete with the powerhouses that are Europe, India and China.
The America you thought you lived in is no more. This country is fast becoming a a second rate economic power not because of immigrants but because of the ignorance and xenophobia displayed here and elsewhere.
And you call yourselves Christians?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The thing that gets me is that the government is tightening our "budget" on just about everything constantly, and for what? Bringing disrespecting refugees to our country. I'm sure all of them have TennCare, Foodstamps, WIC, and other Government funded sourses. I understand that some are working, but this is getting rediculous! Not only have they destroyed their country with violence and disrespect, but they are coming here, and doing the same thing to ours. I think the Government will see that they made a HUGE mistake.
I am not prejudous for the most part, but when someone comes to our country and basically says, "You bow down to us!" That is where I draw the line. Where am I going to raise my kids now?
I am sorry the Somalis had to leave their country because it became such a dangerous and poor place to live. I am very angry at our national immigration
leaders, for not only allowing, but aiding these people to come to our country in large enough numbers that if left unchecked they can make our communities dangerous and poor places to live. It is time to let our National and State Political Leaders know that we want a new immigration plan that looks out for the best interest of our country and its citizens,and we need it now!
We as a society have become nothing but complainers. We think that if we voice out opinion and someone reads or hears it then we can forget it and everything will correct its self. We do not act nor do we stand together anymore. Dont worry about the Somalis comming here to take jobs and force people to their will. It WILL happen because they will stand together and they will put the people in office that will look out for their intrest. What will happen here will be just like prayer in school and work. We will allow them (Politicians) to take it away. WE will complain about it and then forget it. BUT if we wait the Somalis will get it back for us just like they have in the workplace. You will sit on a taped line on the floor face toward Mecca and open the Koran and pray to whatever they pray to. WE THE PEOPLE TOGETHER CAN MAKE CHANGE IF WE "and that means the majority" DO NOT LIKE WHATS IS GOING ON WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE IT. We have to get involved in the decisions our policy makers make, and do it BEFORE they make them. I am just as unhappy as alot of citizens with the direction our city and country is going with Imagration. Its Ok to complain as long as you try to impliment good change to what is wrong. Before we put people in office make sure where they stand on the issues that mean the most to us as a society. Call your congress man or woman your Represinitive, BUT DO SOMETHING. Come on people lets stop complaining and do something about it Good Luck "May GOD bless you" and I hope each and everyone of you had a "Very Merry CHRIST MAS" and happy New Year
how did the administrator for the sheriff department get involved in this.
It sounds like you are stereotyping a whole race of people. I don't know where he got his informaton from but the somalians i know don't use khat and it is forbidden. This sounds to me like good old fashioned bigotry and racism, and to make it so much worse its by someone in police authority. You can't blanket a entire race of people...while we should be worried about their gangs, there are plenty of other gangs already here, far worse drugs on the street than Khat. Whats next are we going to bring out the noose.
Just because there are worse gangs and worse drugs on the streets ...does that make their gangs and drugs okay? I say it only adds to the problems we already have..
Let me assure you, they hate you not because of who you are personally or even what race you are but because you are American. I would say they are the ones throwing the blanket on an entire Country.
This is not about Race!
MikeSC,
Funny, but actually, some of us have been to Somalia and I for, one, can see that they didn't have it so bad. My assumption would be, #1 you are clueless about the ramifications and/or #2 getting rich off this entire process.
America was the greatest country in the world for the everyday joe, but now? its the Greatest country in the world for the RICH. So we basically know where you stand. Lets see, economic growth is in the [redacted], oh home loans are an all time low, credit delinquencies are at an all-time 16 year high. Car sales are slumping, job wages dropping, taxes increasing, health care costs rising, health care coverage is dropping though.
Manufacturing is down, retail sales are down, consumable costs are up, sales are down though. Yet the major corporations are all profitable like gangbusters because of overseas employment, refugee labor and illegal immigration labor.
So how, are we the "uneducated" don't understand what is going on, you corporate [redacted]. My insecurities are well-founded as it is happening nationally. Glad you aren't affected negatively, guess you are part of the cause.
Dear Shelbyville - Tennessee Residents,
I am deeply saddened the communication breakdown between Somali community and your community in Shelbyville. What I have red here shows level of prejudice that is not acceptable even by communism standards. Of course Somalis are black and Muslims; the most hated type of people in the USA because of first their skin colour and secondly their beautiful religion Islam. They are good workers, they have respect for anyone who respects them (Somali Proverb says: "If you need respect from others respect them first"), they are homogenous people, proud people, they have history of fighting slavery, imperialism and they endured racism for a very long time. Please give them a break; soon or late you will have to accept them as they are.
"Somalida Ha noolaato oo ha qadariso dariskeeda meel walba oo ay joogto"
Means Somalis live and respect their neighbour wherever they are.
Baaxir Axmed
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
Is it just me or does anyone else feel a hate-crime coming on?
Baaxir Axmed,
How many Somalian refugees do you have there in England? Oh wait, let me rephrase, How many refugees were dropped into your town and you were left holding the bill? What about the rude behavior that alot of citizens are recieving by alot of the refugees?
Thank you for pointing out the error of our ways from 7000 miles away...
Lastly, I don't think one thing was mentioned regarding race, the only religious parts were regarding how they impose that we adhere to their religious practices in public schools and in factories. The problem with this is, Christians, Catholics, Mennonites, Jews, etc aren't allowed to BY LAW. How are they immune to the laws of this country.
Axmed, in America, your opinion is welcome, in your culture, a womens's opinion is not..ASK MRS. BHUTTO..
I ask everyone to BOYCOTT TYSON..WRITE OUR REPRESENTATIVES.the bigger issue is the extreme power Tyson has in the state department. If they have the money to pay for settlement, the could have paid AMERICANS a nickel more. But they won't. The workers pay is subsidized, the price of chicken is higher and the Tyson dogs in Arkansas are laughing all the way to the bank. I travel between states every week and a bumper sticker will be seen by many. I am making one soon. This isn't racism. My daughter in law is African American. This is a culture war and civilized culture is losing.
it is a known fact that the somalians dislike AMERICANS and what we stand for. it is a known fact that somalians killed AMERICAN TROOPS. it is a known fact that somalians harbor raise and train to be TERRORISTS!!!! it is known that somalians have already been involved in numerous homicides in and around DAVIDSON COUNTY!!!! it is time for the people in BEDFORD COUNTY to stand ready for what could happen. if you want know about rudeness take a trip to the driver license testing center and observe the actions of the somalians.
Some may be sceptical of the "corporate bashing" but there doesn't seem to be a rush to place endangered peoples (foreign or domestic) in poor,underpopulated communities in the backside of nowhere.
Some places might have been eager to host Katrina families,immigrants and other needy folk in order to have enough people to support a local economy.
They'd like to have a bank,a post office,a hospital and local schools for their children.
They would have welcomed corporate,non-profit and government dollars to feed,house,heal and educate newcomers because they would have acquired similar services for themselves.
Such small,isolated hamlets might have absorbed displaced persons as individuals and not as an invading mass.
But,while the sad and empty villages might have more wealth and amenities than many of the "huddled masses" have ever known,they don't have big,corporate employers.
Without that retail and industrial support structure,they have little to keep their own population from dwindling until they become ghost towns.
If the goal is to give hopeless people a fresh start,salting a few small colonies around might help all concerned.
If the idea is to provide a cheap,obedient workforce and a new set of comsumers for low level goods and services,then it makes more sense to bring large groups of these new people to the jobs rather than bringing them the means of supporting themselves and their neighbors.
Let's see how soon our new residents get fast-tracked into owning their own homes and businesses,providing jobs and products for other people,and bonding with the people who become their hosts.
Whether we have "A Wonderful Life" like Bedford Falls or become a town of indentured serfs like the film's Potterville,has less to do with whether we have "fat cats" running the place or whether all of our people insist on having big dreams,working hard to achieve those goals and knowing that success can't be bought at the expense of the people next door.
maybe we should give these Somolians a good ole southern welcome and send them each a country ham
The reason I don't like most of the Somalis is not because of race . . I have many black friends and lived with two that were adopted by my aunt and uncle who I went to live with after my fathers death. I also have made many friends with some of the local people who are from India.
The reason why I don't like the Somalis is because they basically drove me out of my apartment because they were rude and loud(day and night), a couple were caught doing khat in the hallway, the ruined the condition of the property and horrible smells would come from their apartment into mine, and they would constantly put dents in my car and claim they didn't do it(even when I would be sitting in the vehicle). I didn't pay the amount of rent I was paying to put up with that kind of behavior. I tried to be a good neighbor but they never made the effort. I had neighbors who were from India who were really nice and we got along great and they were even tired of the attitude and behavior of the Somalis and so were several other residents. It wasn't just me. I tried to be nice to them for so long but it never changed anything and I would ask them to be respectful of other people when they would be running around in the middle of the night yelling and slamming doors and they would basically yell profanity at me or tell me to shut up and it wasn't just one group . . . there was always new ones coming in and out all the time and they acted all the same.
So, I really don't appreciate some guy from England writing in here and calling me "racist" because I don't agree with the Somali way of life and what they bring here. My opinion was based on being around them for an extended amount of time.
Most people who say we aren't being patient with them or we are over exaggerating the problem are usually people whose only contact with them is an occasional passing by at Wal-Mart or Krogers or they benefit from them being here. But really, I don't appreciate someone labeling me a "racist" when I have gone out of my way to be tolerant but sometimes people need to return the favor the Somalis haven't done that.
The main issue that most people have been discussing is the fact that the Somalis are getting special treatment and benefits that the average American who has lived here his whole life doesn't get. We don't get special consideration at work or school for our religious beliefs but Somalis seem to . . . what will happen if the schools adapt a standard school attire, will the Somalis special exemption from that also. Many people get upset that they have paid tax dollars all their life and don't get some the special benefits that Somalis and other refugees and illegal aliens get and its upsetting. Why should we pay money that benefits them and not us? That is the main issue being stated by many of the comments and the fact that the Somalis don't seem to be grateful for that or respect the people who live here and have paid for them to have a safer place to live.
WAIT, Come on people we are so worried about all this crime that the Somalians are doing. Oh my goodness they are so bad........
Come on go look at the jail intake. I just did for the whole month of December, wanna guess how many was Somalian........ NONE!!!!
So before we as a community go yelling that they are breaking laws and everything lets get our facts straight.
Also my fellow Americans we need to stop hitting our spouses, drinking and driving, and doing drugs.... So who are we calling bad????
{ EVERYONE NEEDS TO STAY WHERE THEY WERE BORN!!SHUT DOWN ALL BORDERS!! AMERICANS ARE FAST BECOMING THE MINORITY IN OUR OWN COUNTRY!!
-- Posted by jssg1975 on Fri, Dec 28, 2007, at 10:00 AM }
So I am gussing that you are ready to move back to what ever country you family immagrated from???? Unless you are 100% American-Indian bye bye.
The reason they aren't on the jail intake is because there are no fonts to spell their names.
DOES THEIR ATTIRE CAUSE THEM TO BE "BAD",OR JUST "DIFFERENT"?OR IS CONDUCT BASED ON WHAT YOU WEAR OR HOW YOU LOOK?THINK ABOUT IT.
The US is partly to blame for khat consumption. For details of how khat users celebrated the downfall of the nascent Muslim regime in Somalia, visit http://www.kabobfest.com/2006/12/when-kh...
i do not live in bedford county anymore but i do know there has been a drug problem there for a long time the police and drug enforcement agencies work hard enough without someone else bringing a new drug into our country i do believe that anyone that moves to our country no matter who they are should abide by our laws if not they do need to go back to wherever they come from
Mary's comments are typical of those who love to compare this current situation with immigrants of old. Mary, you're dead wrong. When my grandfather came to this country, nobody offered him food stamps, healthcare, public housing, free lunches, etc. Just like the rest of the immigrants of his time, he was on his own to assimilate, PERIOD! It was survival of the fittest and he knew that he'd better learn English first and fast. He wasn't out running people down in the streets and department stores demanding anything or insulting anybody. You're full of everything I shouldn't say on this forum, Mary! This is America. Assimilate or leave!
MikeSC - It's NOT BIGOTRY - It's REALITY!
Not all Muslims are terrorists, but by God, almost all Terrorists are MUSLIM!!
GOT THAT?!
Baaxir - THIS IS NOT A RACE ISSUE!
We have people coming into the U.S. ILLEGALLY and are GIVEN jobs, housing, medical care and God knows what else, while the LEGAL citizens are forced to pay higher and higher taxes to support the ILLEGALS!!
Not all Muslims are terrorists, but MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIM!
If Islam is such a peaceful, "beautiful" religion, then why are almost all suicide/homicide bombers Muslim?
Why do they KILL innocent people in the name of Allah, i.e. 911?
Why do they glorify killing in the name of Allah?
WHY DO THEY SHOUT "DEATH TO AMERICA"???
Doesn't sound like a peaceful religion or culture to me!!
I AGREE WITH PUPPYDINKS , THIS IS NOT ABOUT RACE IT IS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF UPCOMING TERRORISM ACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is major curruption in the Somalian refugee program. See first paragraphs of this link. http://www.cis.org/articles/2003/back130...
Also, once here the refugees claim distant relatives and children sent to them through quasi criminal/social networks as their own direct relatives - thus eligible for expedited acceptance on the U.S. refugee program. The volags such as Catholic Charities help them fill out the phony forms used to claim family relationship. See this link: http://www.vdare.com/allen/060719_bad_sa...
We can not even pray in our own schools. What special treatment should they get to do so?
When I was in elementary school, we said the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Lord's Prayer every morning!
Geesh - if this were done today, the ACLU and Muslim groups would be filing lawsuits like flies on you know what!!
Dear Shelbyville - Tennessee Residents,
There are about 256000-registered immigrant from Somalia and Somaliland in the United Kingdom most of them live London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leicester. Some of them call England their home for over 125 years and some of them for months. Now London is financial centre of the world, it took this title recently from New York and surprisingly 52% of Londoners are from ethnic minorities from all around the world. England lives happily with immigration "although this topic has its own critics in England".
Women's opinion is highly regarded in Somali Societies as Women lead most of Somali families. There is current a women clan chief among Somali clans in the South of Somalia. Arawelo a well-known tribal queen led Somali clans in Central regions in 1312 -- 1357 and she was well known by her feminism and strong leadership. Somalis are not like Arabs when it comes down to women in society. The type of Islam Somalis practice allows women to play a greater role in all matters in the community.
Do Somalis Dislike Americans? Somalis admire American for their openness and their love for freedom. However, Some American view Somalis with suspicious eyes and this is the case in Shelbyville. Furthermore, Some American governments employed unpopular foreign policies among Somali clans and this led the death of over 112000 Somalis and this is still going on as we speak. Somalis may disapprove these foreign policies by the US government but this does not mean they hate American citizens.
I will conclude the following Somali saying: "Don't let fear lead your lives, because fear does not answer the consequences"
Baaxir Axmed,
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
Baaxir -
I hope all of what you say is true - however, when a Somali says to an American for NO GOOD REASON - "You Americans make me sick" then what are we supposed to think?!
Why the nasty attitude? They're NOT being asked to do anything that I or anyone else wouldn't be asked to do - all this woman was being asked to do was to pay $5.00 for an accident report WHICH IS WHAT WE ALL WOULD HAVE TO DO - IT'S THE LAW!!
If any one of us were in the same situation and didn't have the money at the time, we wouldn't be treated any different! This woman was treated very respectfully and with courtesy - but obviously that's not good enough for her! I guess she thought she should be given PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT and that the Report should have been given to her for FREE?!
This is what is known in this country as having A BAD ATTITUDE! Whatever else her problem is I don't know, but that's NO EXCUSE for NASTY BEHAVIOR!
When someone relocates to another country or even to another area of the country they're living in, YOU LEARN TO ADAPT AND ABIDE BY THEIR RULES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS!
That is what being a CITIZEN is all about!
If you can't do that then so be it - I suggest then that the person leave the country or the area. If I were to go live in France or Germany for instance, I would have to learn their language, their customs and traditions, their laws and regulations AND LIVE ACCORDINGLY!
If you want to be a good neighbor then by gosh, ACT LIKE ONE!!
If I appear upset, you bet I am - I've had enough of people coming to MY country (the home of my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great grandparents)-- and then complaining and/or DEMANDING things be done THEIR WAY AND FOR THEM!
LEARN TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH THE LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ABIDE BY THEIR RULES, LAWS, REGULATIONS, CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS!
Ĺlso, become LEGAL and pay taxes like the rest of us!
If you cannot do these things - then either LEARN TO DEAL WITH IT -- OR LEAVE!
GAO (Government Accounting Office) just published a report dated December 2007, titled;??The Impact of Unauthorized?Immigrants on the Budgets of?State and Local Governments?DECEMBER 2007??This report is long and very detailed but goes back and forth so much it takes hour after hour of reading and re-reading much of the data for the reader to draw any conclusions.?
?However, the bottom line was that illegal immigrants are costing State and local governments much more than they contribute (in taxes). However, at the Federal level that is not the case. This should strike everyone as 1) no surprise and 2) very ironic. ??You see the Federal Government (read: our elected representatives and Senators up through the White House) are the very ones that put in place all the requirements for the State and local governments to bear the brunt of illegal immigrants. All the while they have restricted illegal immigrants from being qualified to reap certain prohibited benefits that the federal government provides through Social Security and such need-based programs as Food Stamps, Medicaid (other than emergency services), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
??However, the State and local levels have been ordered, yes ordered through laws and court decisions to provide illegal immigrants with many costly services regardless of their ability (or inability) to pay for said services. The most costly services involve Health, Education and Law Enforcement. (Meanwhile the Federal Government only contributes roughly 7-10% of all education costs). But for the States and local governments to remain recipients of many of the Federal Programs (this 7-10% of education money for example) they may not restrict to whom they provide services!?
?Another factor playing into the "pay more, enough or not enough" debate over how much illegal immigration is costing us (at the State and local levels primarily) is the wage earning amount of the illegal versus legal immigrants and native born. Because they make less than they contribute in taxes and need more in assistance than both legal immigrants and native born they are taxed at the much lower rate. (And that is for the illegal we are aware of and pay taxes as they are supposed to).?
?The bottom line is we are being squeezed at all levels for our hard-earned tax dollars but we are seeing less and less for what WE are contributing, as native born citizens. As the economy gets bleaker and our State and local governments continue to raise our taxes it becomes harder and harder for most citizens to remain mute on the subject. ??We simply CANNOT continue to allow this unequal dissemination of services to a segment of the population who are both ILLEGAL and non-contributors. (Remember, if you are taking more than you are giving you are a non-contributor, and this is a fact supported in this GAO report, not opinion or "picking on" as has been portrayed in the media for the last several years.)?
?This goes beyond "racial" or "bullying" the immigrant as is most often reported by those sympathetic to the plight of the illegal. This is common sense. If your family budget is $100 for the month and your expenses are $1,000 per month some things have to change. Most of us start with the discretionary and get rid of those expenses and then move on to the "what can we do without" that we need but just can't afford.
We really need to start doing the same concerning illegal immigration and it needs to start real, real soon.?
Have a look at this blog Vanishing American and what they are saying about Brian Mosely's work:
http://vanishingamerican.blogspot.com/20...
This article has got to be the most propaganda filled article I have ever witnessed in the United States of America. I mean for a nation that prides itself in fairness, equality, and all the other good things your forefathers fought for, plus the holier than thou attitude when it comes to the rest of the world, this article and the majority of the responses are reminiscent of the opinions of the world's most backward and highly UN-intelligent people.
For example, this article says a Somali woman said at a POLICE STATION "I hate you Americans". My god if you are going to tell a lie, you might as well tell a believable lie. I mean come onnnnn people.
The fact of the matter is Somalis are some of the most highly civilized people with a very well intentioned highly conservative culture. Khat is frowned upon by majority of Somalis and is only used discreetly by a minority of middle-aged man for socialite purposes since they cannot drink.
There are hardly any "Somali gangs" and the fact of the matter is anyone who knows Somalis know that their type of assimilation is "Selective Acculturation" which is proven to be the most successful route for all immigrants. The fact of the matter is in places such as Minnesota where Somalis have become somewhat of a sizable figure, their standardized test results are much higher than American-born students despite the fact Somalis are only in their first-generation as inhabitants of this country.
As for "different" oh for goodnessake, just yesterday Catholics were despised, and before that "Southern Europeans" such as Italians and Greeks, and before that "Non-British origin" immigrants until the starting of America where only debtors, the poor, and the persecuted were the primary migrants to this new lands. Who the hell are you people to try to degrade and insult people when the whole reason your ancestors came to America was precisely the reason Somalis are now coming here. Just 50 years majority of the people spewing ignorance here would themselves have lived in separated neighborhoods and looked down on each other.
Fact of the matter is we Somalis are hard-working, enterprising, beautiful people, who mind our business and highly courteous with an ancient culture. We are not the ignorant couths you try to portray us to be and if anyone has legitimacy on this subject than it would the Minnesotans who live with the largest number of Somalis that have immigrated to the US.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/minneapol...
Somali-Version- No matter how many times you repeat it,nobody is gonna believe what you posted.With all due respect- Sorry,I ain't buyin' it!
I find it rather humorous that somali version thinks there isn't a problem. When all any one has to do is google Somali gangs and see how many places all over the World including the UK, BTW is having exactly the same problems we are..the actual problem may be solved if you would just open your eyes and ears and hear and see what others are saying. We all can't be wrong. Of course I do realize you are from a war torn country and use to gang fights but we have enough of that problem with our own youth to deal with we certainly don't need you coming here on your free lunch program and creating more.
And one more thing then I am finished with this subject because it is making me more angry each time I read it...
You ask "Who the hell we are to try to degrade and insult people when the whole reason your ancestors came to America was precisely the reason Somalis are now coming here. "
My forefathers were not paid to come here, they were not given everything handed to them on a silver plate. They made their own way. They fought and died for our rights and our freedom. They did not fight for Somalis freedom. They did not fight for you to be allowed every freedom Americans have. This is AMERICA and we are AMERICANS that's who the hell we think we are. We have allowed you to come into our country to try and make a better life for yourself and you bring with you gangs and violence, rude behavior. Thinking WE should change OUR culture to meet your needs and my friend it will NEVER happen.
Bluelitespecial, convince you? Who are you for me to waste my time trying to convince you of anything? The fact of the matter is I am giving the SOMALI VERSION...you know something called the OTHER side of the story. Convincing you wouldn't even make my 101 list for positing here.
DIANA, if I were you I would not be very happy with my post either. I admit, my voice was very aggressive and I came out swinging but any non-partisan individual can understand why that is so after reading this article and the responses it has gotten. However I will try again and show why your preconceived notions and the arguments you put forward are null and void.
What I do not understand is when people here say they are AMERICAN. Well what IS American? Is it eating hamburgers and hot dogs? Is it wearing a cowboy hat? Which is American, swing or hip-hop? The fact of the matter is in the 40's, the United States Congress debated on this very subject because they wanted to outline just WHAT makes America so special. You know what they concluded? AMERICAN is anyone who holds allegiance to the United States CONSTITUTION. This is why a pro-gay marriage North Easterner in Boston is American just the same reason a red-neck ranger in Arizona is AND a Kawaanza-celebrating descendent of African-American slaves in Illinois DESPITE the fact they have extremely opposite cultural and social values. Period.
Somali people for the MOST part are lauded everywhere as hard-working enterprising people who have ONLY had reason to immigrate out of their 1000 year old habitat just the last 10 years. A reason that LARGELY concerns America since American foreign policy is one of the biggest factors that there is a civil war in Somalia ANYWAYS. Do you know how many countries have a civil war in Africa? Do you know how many people have reason to be allowed to immigrate to the U.S in Africa? Why do you think the United States government accepted only Somalis for mass resettlement to the U.S?
Are we different people? Heck yes since all first-generation immigrants seem so. But are we anything different than that? No we are not. As for "gangs", oh come on what symbolizes gang to a small town in the southern United States. A couple of young DARK-SKINNED individuals standing around somewhere? Keep in mind this is not to say there are NO Somali hoodlums but what society does not have that? I think it is not them who should be used to judge the community but how the community deals with them and if you look at large areas where Somalis populate you would see the community elders and leaders are some of the biggest assets the police have in not only setting kids straight but making sure they never fall into that host sub-culture again. You used LONDON as an excuse yet you are not honest in your dealings. Somalis are the most ESTABLISHED African community in London and they have never had even kids loitering around until recently there. Do you know? It is because of Eastern European and Jamaican gangs who used to prey on Somalis and take advantage of the fact they were largely law-abiding people who did not carry illegal guns and other things. However, as that city is extremely large and police could not curb on those Jamaican and Eastern Europeans, Somali youth decided to take matters into their hands and protect themselves. I think I am more sad about the reasons that led them to that than anything else and as for now Elders and Community leaders have started many rehabilitation programs since the police has promised to crack-down heavily on gangs who bother Somalis. Like I said Minnesota houses the largest number of Somali immigrants in the U.S and this is their view point as you can see yourselves:
"Generally, Somalis are good and upstanding citizens."
"the VAST majority that I've met are hardworking "model minorities." They are quiet, respectful, polite, decent people,"
"In my experience the Somali's as a whole are highly educated and are working hard to learn English in order to find better paying jobs. We had a family in our old town, dad was an Olympic marathoner and a physicist but because he lacked English skills is working in a turkey processing plant. He is the most upbeat, positive person you have ever met. For the many cultural differences the Somali population seems to be one of the most 'assimilated' immigrant groups."
"Most Samoli gangs seem rather harmless and as I far as I can tell they do not operate in the same manner as 'traditional' US gangs in that for the most part they only banded together to protect themselves from getting jumped by Americans (both black and white)."
"Somalis are somewhat known for their work ethics, but it is more their persistency, motivation, and determination that I think one could stereotype about."
http://www.city-data.com/forum/minneapol...
^^^That is what people who live with the LARGEST number of Somalis in the United States have to say about them.
As for the PEOPLE themselves, Here is a youtube about Iman, the world's first non-white supermodel
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4648ln2b52A
So you know what guys, quit hating it just makes you look bad we are just trying to settle!
Somali-version,
I appreciate alot of your "educated" information, but the claims are not just about the Somalian as people, but why were they here in the first place?
Since I am not as "educated" as you are let me explain what we see over here, since you are clearly not local to Shelbyville.
Here are some FACTS:
The refugee organization that placed Somalians in Hagerstown, MD, did you notice where they were located? In Virginia, thats a 3 hour drive to Hagerstown. How does that help the refugees if they are not even local to the center that placed them there?
The center that placed these refugees here is in Nashville, TN, thats over an hour, the problem with that is, this center is no longer operational due to Al-Quada bank transfers.
The ones in Kansas, how close were they to the refugees? around a 100 miles, want to know why? Because they didn't want to deal with the problems locally, instead they doormatted them just like all these centers are doing.
It isn't fair to the refugees, and it isn't fair to us. We already have a problem with not having enough jobs here. All of our resources are gone, all of the welfare programs are maxed, and it isn't by people that are citizens.
How would you like to be hit by a car and find out that they don't have insurance? Well that is a common problem here.
How would you like to walk down a grocery aisle and say "excuse me" then ignored, then laughed at, chastised etc? Would that make you angry?
How about waiting in line for a drivers license, only to be pushed aside by the "polite" Somalian. Guess it wouldn't bother if you are one of the people doing it.
This has nothing to do about race, religion or heritage, it is about respect, disregard of laws, and about preferential treatment that legal Americans don't get. And who is paying for this? Us, The Legal Americans.
It's time for the Somali "refugees" (I hesitate to call them "refugees", they're really "free loaders") learn to OBEY THE LAW, BECOME LEGAL CITIZENS, PAY TAXES, AND STOP DEMANDING THAT WE ACCOMMODATE THEM!
Dear Shelbyville - Tennessee Residents,
Is immigration a crime? I am puzzled why some individuals are using the words "Legal / Illegal", when in fact any immigration laws is control by trained officials who normally deal with this type of work. Or are these individuals distorting the facts that all Somalis in US are invited residents by the US governments?
Let me give you the story in Leicestershire in 1970s Asians from Uganda (African Country) moved to Leicester, they were hardworking families fleeing from racist regime in Uganda at that time. People of Leicestershire were very afraid for their jobs, for the safety of their families and Leicestershirians like any small community were defending the notion that only Europeans were civilised people and these South Asians were uncivilised.
Asian-Ugandans were subjected to riots, harassments even racially motivated bullying and abuse. Indians, Pakistanis and Bengalis were called names, even the newspapers wrote lies about these good people; some papers claimed south Asians smelled funny and other things worse than that. Recently the Leicester Mercury apologised to this community about those dehumanising articles and the psychological warfare this paper spearheaded in the 70s against the south Asian community.
Now Leicester is becoming the second call-centre solutions in the world where Mumbai leads the way. Leicester has three award-wining universities (DNA was first discovered and used in Leicester) and Leicestershire has the fastest growing professional class in the UK. Even small place like Leicester has 14700 strong Somali community, who are highly enterprising as their neighbours.
Are Somalis racially motivated people? No, they are not, in the Somali Clans structure you will find people with Portuguese ancestry (Brava clans), South Asians ancestry (Shaanshi clans), Irish ancestry (The Goodmone clans of Merka Town), Tanzanian ancestry (The Banatu clans), Jewish ancestry (The Yibra clans of North Central Somalia, Yibra means Hebrew in English). And clans with interesting names such as "Issa Madoobe" which means in English "Jesus Black". Issa Madoobe clans are found in Djibouti, Somali Regional State in Ethiopia and North West of Somaliland.
The structure of Somali clans shows there is no racial lines in Somali society, Somalis are not like Indians; Indians in India have a cast system where the darker your skin the lower your cast and status (thanks to education and democracy this system is fading away). These are facts. Please read more about other people around the world, soon your fears will fade away. Another fact, Somalis are family oriented people who are trying to fit in their new homes.
I would like to conclude with this Somali saying: "Change always happens, fear change at your own peril or embrace change for your benefit.
Baaxir Axmed,
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
Baaxir -
It seems to me that you consistently bring up the subject of RACE - is this your way of diverting attention away from the more serious issue of crime committed by Somali's?
Are you just trying to "bait" people? Are you trying to lay blame on the legal, law abiding U.S. citizens?
What is your "agenda"?
Do you have a problem with ALL people , regardless of race, religion, political affiliation etc. ABIDING BY THE RULE OF LAW of the United States, State of Tennessee, and Bedford County?
AGAIN, THIS IS NOT ABOUT RACE!
It's about people coming here from other countries (in most cases ILLEGALLY), imposing DEMANDS on LEGAL, LAW-ABIDING U.S. TAXPAYERS, and wanting to be treated BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE, i.e. "free" services!
It wouldn't matter to me if their from Somalia, Tanzania, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, England, Sweden, Italy, whatever!
As long as they're here LEGALLY, ABIDE BY THE RULE OF LAW AND STOP THEIR INCESSANT DEMANDS FOR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT AND FREE SERVICES AND SUPPLIES!!!
GOT THAT?!
somali version Never did I say I was unhappy with my post. I was unhappy with YOUR post. You come on here and called the people of Shelbyville including our police force liars. Then expect us to sit back and take it. I am sorry but I can not do that. We have had many many immigrants in Shelbyville including Hispanics, Indians, and Ethiopian. But never have we had a group of people come into Shelbyville and expect us to bend to them as the Somalis have..that is the entire problem.
You also need to stop trying to use OUR constitution against us to prove your rights. The US constitution was written for Americans. We are not the land of milk and honey you perceive us to be.
If you can not be American and nothing but American then you are no American at all.
There is a big difference in being a citizen of America and being an American.
This has nothing to do with Race this is about entitlement. Somehow you seem to feel we owe you something and for the life of us we can not figure out just what it is you think we owe you or why.
Dear Shelbyville - Tennessee Residents,
- Are Somalis Breaking any State or Federal Laws? If this is the case, they should face and answer to the law.
- Are Somalis evading taxes? If this is the case then the IRS should do its job.
- Are Somalis being Somalis? This is their business.
- Do you have fears about these new people or have you heard rumours? Then you should not let your fear ruin innocent lives.
I think this whole issue of community trail by media has the hallmarks of first, prejudice against innocent people who trying to better their lives, secondly its publicist article (Ask your self how many internet hits this article has attracted so far or how many copies of this gazettes were sold for this week compared to previous weeks).
1. This is a pure racially motivated deformation of character against Somalis in Shelbyville based on hearsay and prejudiced assumptions.
2. The Local Police Institutions should teach their staff thing or two about race equality and race relations.
3. This gazette should promote ways forward for community cohesion unless they are profiting from this farce (such words like - > Somalis are illegal, or they demand by force, or whatever senseless words some of you are repeating in here and so on).
This is very simple let law enforcement institutions deal with all matters of crime, let other established institutions deal with all matters of entitlement and stop lashing at whole ethnic group/race.
I would like to conclude another Somali saying: "Say with intent but say with honesty"
Baaxir Axmed,
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
Dear Shelbyville - Tennessee Residents,
- Are Somalis Breaking any State or Federal Laws? If this is the case, they should face and answer to the law.
- Are Somalis evading taxes? If this is the case then the IRS should do its job.
- Are Somalis being Somalis? This is their business.
- Do you have fears about these new people or have you heard rumours? Then you should not let your fear ruin innocent lives.
I think this whole issue of community trail by media has the hallmarks of first, prejudice against innocent people who trying to better their lives, secondly its publicist article (Ask your self how many internet hits this article has attracted so far or how many copies of this gazettes were sold for this week compared to previous weeks).
1. This is a pure racially motivated deformation of character against Somalis in Shelbyville based on hearsay and prejudiced assumptions.
2. The Local Police Institutions should teach their staff thing or two about race equality and race relations.
3. This gazette should promote ways forward for community cohesion unless they are profiting from this farce (such words like - > Somalis are illegal, or they demand by force, or whatever senseless words some of you are repeating in here and so on).
This is very simple let law enforcement institutions deal with all matters of crime, let other established institutions deal with all matters of entitlement and stop lashing at whole ethnic group/race.
I would like to conclude another Somali saying: "Say with intent but say with honesty"
Baaxir Axmed,
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
"There you go again" Baaxir.
How many times do we have to tell you this is not about RACE?
Hey, buddy, it's about OBEYING THE RULE OF LAW and being RESPECTFUL TO THE UNITED STATE AND THE PEOPLE OF BEDFORD COUNTY AND SHELBYVILLE!
It's also about TAXPAYERS who are sick and tired of supporting people who come here of their own free will and then establish gangs and commit crimes PLUS gripe and complain about how bad they have it!!
STOP the namecalling & THE RACE BAITING - It seems to me that YOU are trying to get the Somali's "whipped up into a frenzy"....HMMMMM??
Diane, AMERICAN is anyone who is a citizen of the United States of America. The way you talk you make it seem majority of Americans (read: European descent Americans) are direct descendents of the founding fathers when in reality not even 1/20 are descendants of people who fought in the Independence War.
PUPPYDINKS, I noticed an almost redundant use of the word TAXES. When a Somali immigrant or anyone else goes to the nearest supermarket and buys a gallon of MILK, do you not know they are paying TAXES? Or for that matter when a Somali or anyone else goes to buy a cigarette or a donut or anything else, are they not paying SALES TAX, which qualifies them as TAXPAYERS.
The fact of the matter is IF you had done your research you would have known that even Americans, immigrants or not, who are dependent on welfare and take away more from the state then they give back in taxes to the state ALWAYS END UP GIVING MORE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAN WHAT THEY TAKE AWAY FROM IT WHICH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THEN GIVES BACK TO THE STATES PROPORTIONATELY BASED ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHAT THE STATE GAVE AND RECEIVED BACK. This is simple economics and one of the foundations of the American economy.
Puppydinks please get a better idea because even illegal immigrants like Hispanics pay taxes.
Baaxir-
Anyone with an iota of understanding can see this whole rukus being spear-headed by a supposedly independent and free news papar in the United States of all places (to my shock and amazement) amounts to nothing more than XENOPHOBIA. To a premise that the ultra-one racial group community (read: white) is being sullied by dark-skinned immigrants from Africa and Muslim no less!
Somali-Version
Granted they pay SALES TAXES but do they pay INCOME TAXES AND PROPERTY TAXES?
If they're ILLEGAL I'm sure they don't pay INCOME TAXES because that would give the Feds and ICE all the necessary info to come get them and deport them.
Ditto for PROPERTY TAXES.
BTW no where on this thread has anyone responded to the FACTS that I presented about Muslims and 911.
Plus, isn't it time to drop the RACIAL component....AGAIN, this is NOT ABOUT RACE for heaven's sake!
I will leave you with this FACT: "NOT ALL MUSLIMS ARE TERRORISTS, BUT MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIM"
Americans are Natural born in America
Somalis are Natural Born in Somalia
Mexicans are Natural Born in Mexico
I could move to and become a citizen of Mexico or Somalia but hard as I tried I would never become Mexican or Somali.I would always be American. What on this earth makes you think it is any different here?
Regardless of how long you live in America unless you are NATURAL born you can never Become American, You will always be Somali.
As I said before there is a BIG difference in being a Citizen of America and Being American!
HERE ARE SOME FACTS RE: ILLEGALS
1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscale...
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscale...
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.
http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/2...
9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are
caused by the illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroine and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report: http://tinyurl.com/t9sht
12. The National Policy Institute, "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period." http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/p...
13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States ".
http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml
The total cost is a whooping
$ 338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR
Baaxir or Somali version
Just out of curiosity and the fact you wish to educate us on Somali Culture. Would you mind telling me how come every Somali that I have come in contact with, has the date of birth as 1/1? Not that it matters one way or the other it is just something I wondered about. I thought that maybe it was because they don't use the same calendar year we do and had no idea what the month would have been that they were actually born of course that is pure speculation on my part.
I can tell you about the birthday and not all of them have a birthday of 1/01 but alot do. Most of them only know what season they were born. Some do not even know that so they are given a birthday when they come here. Most of them get the 1st day of the month that they came to America. So most of them who came in say July well there birthday is now July 1st. Lets remember that this is what I was told by a Somalian when I asked the same question. Yes, they do use a different calender year from my understanding.
I have read several post though out all the articals about Somalinas and several people are thinking they are here illegally. Please note that Somalians are not here illegally that our goverment made the choice to bring them here and give them a safe haven if you can call it that.
How it's been going in Minnesota-(and Salt Lake)
"They're very sophisticated and they've adapted some of that into the Somali gang structure. But for the Somali gangs that I've identified, they were specifically Somalis and all their membership were Somalis, even though they had associations with other gangs."
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display...
MPR: Somali kids need help to avoid gangs, new report says
Big khat bust-
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/p...
News from DEA, News Releases, 07/26/06
another bust-
http://origin.sltrib.com/ci_7770700
Salt Lake Tribune - Customs officials seize major shipment of African drug
The drugs yes I have a problem with that as I do with the "American drugs". Have we had more arrest for that here than our "normal drugs"?
But.... I wonder.....
The kids how were they welcomed or not welcomed into there new homes? I believe that we as a community can keep from having that out come. It will just take us reaching out to them as we do our own.
No, I am not saying adapt to there culture because I know that is what some will read into that statement. Just reach out. Just a thought.....
Are you just dense? Can't you see? They don't care about how we feel just as much as they don't care for how their children or women feel. If that were the case, they would assimilate. For we are Borg!
Evil Monkey- If you will go back and read from your very first response to these stories you will see that you really did not have a problem with them. Don't let what other people say change your mind as you have here to go along with the majority. As far as me being dense nope not me, I am just not afraid to ask what really should be asked. I am not afraid to think outside of the box. I am not afraid to care about the unknown. I am not afraid to write in here my true thoughts, my true feelings, and the facts that I do know. I need not change for no one.
Feelings? What does that have to do with what is right? What is the difference between going to Iraq and dying there for nothing and staying here and losing everything they are supposedly fighting for?
What about freedom? Do you not understand we lose that on a daily basis while non-citizens gain more rights then we are alloted? Are you really that naive? I know who you are now, and I can honestly say that I had no respect for you then, and I nothing has changed.
and for your last remark, you don't change for no-one? LOL that's funny, Sheeple.
Diane wrote:
"Americans are Natural born in America
Somalis are Natural Born in Somalia"
Diane, SOMALIS are an ethnic group, one of the most ancient in the world, and AMERICAN is a nationality, a categorization that belongs to anyone who is a citizen of the United States.
Every single person in America is a member of an ethnic group who immigrated here either now or some three generations ago. The only true distinction of having claim to the land belongs to NATIVE AMERICANS and unless you are speaking in their name I would suggest you show a little bit more respect in regards to living in this land. After all, we have ALL immigrated one way or another.
Puppy Dinks:
The fact of the matter is I proofed to that Somalis pay taxes. Don't turn the conversation into "illegal immigrants" or what they do or do not do. Unless you are arguing Somalis took boats from East Africa, crossed the cape of Good Hope, and traveled through the Atlantic then we are in the agreement that Somalis are legal and documented immigrants, given persmission to enter here by the U.S. They pay taxes just like you, some SOmalis pay property tax, some pay others, but the fact is all of them pay taxes. Period. Move on, everyone is as much a taxpayer just as you are!!
AS FOR THE REST:
That you display such ignorant notions and marked xenophobia in this new age is a bit surprising especially given the context of American history:
-First the debtors, and the persecuted from Northern Europe were forced to move here at the time of the Colonies.
-Second the poor were forced to populate the new lands.
-Third Africans stolen from West Africa were forced to work here.
-Fourth, the disadvantaged southern Europeans and the Catholics (most of them Irish) came here in search of new lives (Ellis Island).
Etc etc etc, Somalis love to say "ilowsha og" meaning how soon you forget!
America is the home of immigrants, today over 2/3 of all new inventions are done by foreign-born people. This is the home of immigrants, the land of immigrants, no one owns more rights than anyone else, and everyone is equal in front of the law.
I myself am a citizen and an American to boot!
I hope everyone realizes, "Baaxir and Somali Version" whatever this person wants to be called, works for the group that is using Shelbyville as a money making dumping ground.
Educate yourself to the refugee scam industry.
http://www.vdare.com/allen/071120_hagers...
U.S. refugee law requires that refugee resettlement agencies--the money-making refugee "contractors"--consult with local governments before moving in. But the "contractors" continue to set up their operations in an expanding number of towns without informing them.
These are bad people who are out to make money, no matter what it costs you.
Have you ever asked yourself, who is the ACTUAL person who brought this situation to Shelbyville?
Then who am I? I don't think you know because you would of never said you have no respect for me.
Yes I have lost rights but not due to the Somalians, but due to our goverment. I actively fight for my rights I just fight the right people.
I don't go from I don't really have any problem with the Somalians to basically wanting to banish them. Like I have read here that other people.
Naive??? I don't think so I just have open eyes and ears. Like I have said many times before, no I do not agree with everything, but some of you chose to over look things and read into it more than it actually says.
I have not changed for no one and will not. I do have a heart and what I would like to think is wisdom (some might disagree). I do my best to understand everyone is different and deserves a fair chance and deserves not to be judges as a group.
Please do learn the difference in Heritage and Nationality
NATIONALITY - The state of a person in relation to the nation in which he was born.
HERITAGE - the status, conditions, or character acquired by being born into a particular family or social class
My Heritage is American Indian and German. I have never been to Germany although my ansteors were German this does not make me German by any means. My Great Grandmother was American Indian neither am I American Indian. My parents and my grandparents for many generations were born in America they were American and so am I.
You do not have an entitlement to become American you can only become a citizen of America. That is why citizenship papers say NATURALIZED.
-NATURALIZED CITIZEN - One who, being born an alien, has lawfully become a citizen of the United States Under the constitution and laws.
Now as far as Somalia being an etchic group maybe so...but it is also the Nationality of Somalia. Of course considering the fact you say you are Somali you should already know this.
People
Nationality: Noun--Somali(s). Adjective--Somali
http://www.factrover.com/people/Somalia_...
From US Department of State
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2863.ht...
People
Nationality: Noun--Somali(s). Adjective--Somali.
Population (2006 est., no census exists): 8.8 million (of which an estimated 2 million in Somaliland).
Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 2.85%.
Ethnic groups: Somali, with a small non-Somali minority (mostly Bantu and Arabs).
Religion: 99.9% Muslim.
Languages: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English.
Education: Literacy--total population that can read and write, 37.8%: male 49.7%; female 25.8%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--114.9/1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth--total population: 48.7 yrs.
Work force (3.7 million; very few are skilled workers): Pastoral nomad--60%. Agriculture, government, trading, fishing, industry, handicrafts
Duh sorry
etchic should have been Ethnic
Diane, this discussion is getting ridiculous!
First of all I do not disagree that YOU are an American born here the same way that a naturalized Somali's offspring born here is an American born. This is not a big thing. I never said your "ethnicity" is German or whatever, I just said your national is American as is everyone else who is born here or has become naturalized. Maybe living in Shelbyville it might not be the same thing to you, but if stuck in CHINA or IRAN or anywhere else, the American consulate will not favor you any better than I simple because you are American-born and I am a naturalized American. It is ridiculous that we even dwell on this.
As for "Somalis", this is an ethnicity as I have told you. It is just that Somalila is Africa's most homogeneous nation with the majority of its people being Somali, therefore the nation was named after them and the title of nationality has become "Somali" and infact Somali territories are also in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya and in the Somali constitution ALL Somalis born in those countries are citizens of SOmalia. Here are some high-ranking members of foreign countries who are itizens of Somalia because they are ethnic Somalis even though they were not born in nor lived in Somalia:
PRESIDENT of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Gelle is a Somali.
COMMANDER OF KENYA'S POLICE AND MINISTER OF STATE Maj Gen Hussein Ali and Mins. Mohamud Abdi are Somali.
ETHIOPIA'S INTERIOR MINISTER, Mohamud Dirrir is a Somali as well as the recent Ethiopian Ambassador to the U.N, Abdulmajid.
As you can see, these men are Somalis even though they have nothing to do with Somalia because Somali is an ethnic group whereas American is a nationality you can only attain either by being born here or becoming naturalized.
As for those statistics, Somalia has not had a government for 16 years and why the country has reached this point is many chief of all repercussions of the Cold War, but if you want to see a short clip of Somalia in its glory and a very brief summarization of WHY we are now discussing this never before imagined thing as Somalis in "Shelbyville" check this youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYSyWZzm9...
Somali Version/Shelbyvilleismyhome or whoever you are..I would like to thank you for the history lesson on Somalia but I can honestly say if I ever wish to know anything more about Somalia I have the world wide web at my fingertips also. I did not move to Somalia..the Somalis came to America. So it seems to me they (or you) should be the ones getting the history lesson on America. If I move to France I would not expect the French to adjust to my culture, my language, my religion or my way of life. Nor would I feel they needed a history lesson on America.
And Thank you but YouTube is not my major source of information on any subject.
Oh Gosh I just had a thought, maybe I really should move to France I always wanted to be French.
I am a American and proud of it I was born and raised right here.. Red white and blue runs through my vains..
France is awesome. Did you know France actually financed our American revolution so we could have these freedoms that we miss? They sent ships, soldiers and some of their top generals to aid us against the British? Isn't Somaliland a once British colony?
Evil Monkey, Who am I?????????
Dianatn- If you were trying to say that we are the same person, sorry we are not. I voice what I think and I voice the facts that I know. I need not to hide or change my name for I am the same and will always be.
To:
Baaxir Axmed,
Leicestershire
England, United Kingdom
You take care of them. I have had enough of the crap to satisfy me for a thousand years.
You want to be scared? Read this article people. You have not woke and smelled the coffee and now its cold. I grieve for what we once had here. As Edgar Allen Poe's Raven once spoke, "Nevermore".
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jht...
The ONLY way these issues will be resolved is for people to get involved! The US government won't stop resettlements unless and until we elect representatives that will put a stop to it.
Elections are only 11 months away, resettlements and immigration in general should be a top issue. We can't continue to allow resettlement to be a non-issue.
Stop complaining about it online and with your friends and neighbors, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
The US and the rest of the modern West is rapidly disappearing under a 3rd world tide caused by debilitating political correctness. Good people are afraid to let themselves be heard, afraid to say what needs to be said because they fear being called "racist". And trust me the Somalis have quickly learned the language of the Left to silence anyone that dares speak up or complain. You have to know that your opinions are not racist and you should not fear this false label.
Do you want to wait until Christmas is banned in your public schools, until Ramadan is on the public school calendar in its place, a mosque goes up next to the largest church in town and is just a bit higher?
What is the proverbial "last straw"?
We must throw off the yoke of political correctness and NOT be afraid to say that some cultures are better than others. It is obvious that Western culture is superior to all others we should say so. If not then why is the 3rd world invading the West and not the other way around?
We must also not be afraid to say that Islam is an intolerant and intolerable political ideology as well as a "religion" whose followers adhere to a long term goal of dominating the West.
Islam is a cancer that cannot be allowed to grow and the Somalis are some of its worst adherents.
Get involved people or sit back and watch the country you know and love become a place you don't want your children to live in.
And regarding Somali arrogance, does anyone think these people will make good "Americans"? Will they have any love or respect for US history, tradition, culture or will they try to transform our culture into theirs?
Why would they be at all interested in learning about George Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, et al? They're just a bunch of kaffirs after all; white, Western, Christian. Everything the Somalis are opposed to.
And not only the government needs to be stopped when it comes to resettlement religious organizations profiting off the resettlement racket need to as well. The biggest offender is Catholic Charities.
Get involved people.
first of all, all you people need not to generalize all somali people, by the bad behavior you see from a couple of somalis.
whoever said that somalis dont want to learn about american history and culture is dead wrong. we somalis are generally good people.
many of us know about american history and culture. i personally know about american history. from the american revolution, to world war 2, to abraham lincoln and the civil war. so dont assume that we are all uneduacted, ungrateful, rude immigrants who cant adjust to american culture.i've adjusted very well, and adore america. i am a honors student in high school, and the president of the 11th grade, and i think im a good example of a somali adjusting positively in america.
and about the drugs and the gangs; most somalis are hard working, god fearing people who stay away from drugs, and came here legally to have a better life. they don't deserve your unfair misconceptions, and prejudices towards them. and khat isn't encouraged or accepted in the somali communtiy or somalia, some might use it, but the majority of somalis don't accept it or encourage it.
and im sorry that some of you had the misfortune to have some bad encounters with some somali people. dont assume its the somali culture that teaches us to be like that. many of us are very polite and generally nice people. did you consider that maybe those people were rude to ya'll because of they themselves, and not because they are somali?
i must say that i am personally very shocked by most of the responses i have read on this page. many of ya'll were very rude about us somali people, and the muslim religion in general. somalis are good people, and it doesn't seem like your giving us a chance. some of the things i've read have been so prejudiced and downright nasty.
the things i've read about what you think of the muslim religion are outrageous. i happen to be a muslim and a somali! most of the muslims and somlis i know, [me included] are very open minded and respectful of all religions. some of ya'll seem to resent somalis and muslims a whole lot. i don't personally believe in killing anyone in the name of god. i think it's downright wrong, and i dont support extremeists who do. i believe in religous tolerance. im sorry you feel like we are taking over [muslims, somalis] but you need to learn to respect other religions! we aern't set out to build a mosque next to a church and make it bigger than the church. your paranoid. and islam isn't a cancer. im saddened to have read that. i thought this was america. and im just as american as any of you. we aertn't set out to ban christmas, and replace it with ramadan. i happen to celebrat hannukah and christmas with my friends every year, and they celelbrate ramadan with me. you people need to truly expand your horizons, and learn more and be respectful of other religions.
im personally very sorry 9/11 happened, and i pray for all the people were affected by it, and those who lost loved ones. as a muslim i donnot support 9/11 an am a firm believer in peace. so dont assume most muslims are bad people who are set out to bomb america or hate america. its just a steareotype. and those extremists who are set out to do all those bad things, are lost souls who think they are doing the right thing. don't let a small number of extremists make you think badly of islam, a religion with millions of followers.
and so what if most muslims are terrorists? not all of them are, but those who are are a small number of extremists. so please stop the prejudice you seem to have towards somalis and muslims. look in your hearts and get to know each person for who they are, instead of judging whole religions, or ethnic groups because of a couple of bad people.
please reconsider your rude comments, i can't believe i, a 16 year old girl had to straighten you out.
and somali women DO have a voice. i am a young woman myself, and let me tell you that somali cutlure is not a backwards culture that mistreats women. don't generalize. it's just certain individuals that treat women badly. but a majority of somalis are forward thinking, and women have a big voice in the somali community.
first of all, all you people need not to generalize all somali people, by the bad behavior you see from a couple of somalis.
whoever said that somalis dont want to learn about american history and culture is dead wrong. we somalis are generally good people.
many of us know about american history and culture. i personally know about american history. from the american revolution, to world war 2, to abraham lincoln and the civil war. so dont assume that we are all uneduacted, ungrateful, rude immigrants who cant adjust to american culture.i've adjusted very well, and adore america. i am a honors student in high school, and the president of the 11th grade, and i think im a good example of a somali adjusting positively in america.
and about the drugs and the gangs; most somalis are hard working, god fearing people who stay away from drugs, and came here legally to have a better life. they don't deserve your unfair misconceptions, and prejudices towards them. and khat isn't encouraged or accepted in the somali communtiy or somalia, some might use it, but the majority of somalis don't accept it or encourage it.
and im sorry that some of you had the misfortune to have some bad encounters with some somali people. dont assume its the somali culture that teaches us to be like that. many of us are very polite and generally nice people. did you consider that maybe those people were rude to ya'll because of they themselves, and not because they are somali?
i must say that i am personally very shocked by most of the responses i have read on this page. many of ya'll were very rude about us somali people, and the muslim religion in general. somalis are good people, and it doesn't seem like your giving us a chance. some of the things i've read have been so prejudiced and downright nasty.
the things i've read about what you think of the muslim religion are outrageous. i happen to be a muslim and a somali! most of the muslims and somlis i know, [me included] are very open minded and respectful of all religions. some of ya'll seem to resent somalis and muslims a whole lot. i don't personally believe in killing anyone in the name of god. i think it's downright wrong, and i dont support extremeists who do. i believe in religous tolerance. im sorry you feel like we are taking over [muslims, somalis] but you need to learn to respect other religions! we aern't set out to build a mosque next to a church and make it bigger than the church. your paranoid. and islam isn't a cancer. im saddened to have read that. i thought this was america. and im just as american as any of you. we aertn't set out to ban christmas, and replace it with ramadan. i happen to celebrat hannukah and christmas with my friends every year, and they celelbrate ramadan with me. you people need to truly expand your horizons, and learn more and be respectful of other religions.
im personally very sorry 9/11 happened, and i pray for all the people were affected by it, and those who lost loved ones. as a muslim i donnot support 9/11 an am a firm believer in peace. so dont assume most muslims are bad people who are set out to bomb america or hate america. its just a steareotype. and those extremists who are set out to do all those bad things, are lost souls who think they are doing the right thing. don't let a small number of extremists make you think badly of islam, a religion with millions of followers.
and so what if most muslims are terrorists? not all of them are, but those who are are a small number of extremists. so please stop the prejudice you seem to have towards somalis and muslims. look in your hearts and get to know each person for who they are, instead of judging whole religions, or ethnic groups because of a couple of bad people.
please reconsider your rude comments, i can't believe i, a 16 year old girl had to straighten you out.
and somali women DO have a voice. i am a young woman myself, and let me tell you that somali cutlure is not a backwards culture that mistreats women. don't generalize. it's just certain individuals that treat women badly. but a majority of somalis are forward thinking, and women have a big voice in the somali community.
-- Posted by somali_pride on Sun, Jan 6, 2008, at 3:56 AM
first of all, all you people need not to generalize all somali people, by the bad behavior you see from a couple of somalis.
whoever said that somalis dont want to learn about american history and culture is dead wrong. we somalis are generally good people.
many of us know about american history and culture. i personally know about american history. from the american revolution, to world war 2, to abraham lincoln and the civil war. so dont assume that we are all uneduacted, ungrateful, rude immigrants who cant adjust to american culture.i've adjusted very well, and adore america. i am a honors student in high school, and the president of the 11th grade, and i think im a good example of a somali adjusting positively in america.
and about the drugs and the gangs; most somalis are hard working, god fearing people who stay away from drugs, and came here legally to have a better life. they don't deserve your unfair misconceptions, and prejudices towards them. and khat isn't encouraged or accepted in the somali communtiy or somalia, some might use it, but the majority of somalis don't accept it or encourage it.
and im sorry that some of you had the misfortune to have some bad encounters with some somali people. dont assume its the somali culture that teaches us to be like that. many of us are very polite and generally nice people. did you consider that maybe those people were rude to ya'll because of they themselves, and not because they are somali?
i must say that i am personally very shocked by most of the responses i have read on this page. many of ya'll were very rude about us somali people, and the muslim religion in general. somalis are good people, and it doesn't seem like your giving us a chance. some of the things i've read have been so prejudiced and downright nasty.
the things i've read about what you think of the muslim religion are outrageous. i happen to be a muslim and a somali! most of the muslims and somlis i know, [me included] are very open minded and respectful of all religions. some of ya'll seem to resent somalis and muslims a whole lot. i don't personally believe in killing anyone in the name of god. i think it's downright wrong, and i dont support extremeists who do. i believe in religous tolerance. im sorry you feel like we are taking over [muslims, somalis] but you need to learn to respect other religions! we aern't set out to build a mosque next to a church and make it bigger than the church. your paranoid. and islam isn't a cancer. im saddened to have read that. i thought this was america. and im just as american as any of you. we aertn't set out to ban christmas, and replace it with ramadan. i happen to celebrat hannukah and christmas with my friends every year, and they celelbrate ramadan with me. you people need to truly expand your horizons, and learn more and be respectful of other religions.
im personally very sorry 9/11 happened, and i pray for all the people were affected by it, and those who lost loved ones. as a muslim i donnot support 9/11 an am a firm believer in peace. so dont assume most muslims are bad people who are set out to bomb america or hate america. its just a steareotype. and those extremists who are set out to do all those bad things, are lost souls who think they are doing the right thing. don't let a small number of extremists make you think badly of islam, a religion with millions of followers.
and so what if most muslims are terrorists? not all of them are, but those who are are a small number of extremists. so please stop the prejudice you seem to have towards somalis and muslims. look in your hearts and get to know each person for who they are, instead of judging whole religions, or ethnic groups because of a couple of bad people.
please reconsider your rude comments, i can't believe i, a 16 year old girl had to straighten you out.
and somali women DO have a voice. i am a young woman myself, and let me tell you that somali cutlure is not a backwards culture that mistreats women. don't generalize. it's just certain individuals that treat women badly. but a majority of somalis are forward thinking, and women have a big voice in the somali community.
-- Posted by somali_pride on Sun, Jan 6, 2008, at 3:56 AM
May I be so bold as to ask if you actually live here in Shelbyville and which school it is you attend?
Somali_Pride
Let me put it this way. We didn't ask for Somalis to be brought to our country and forced on our communities. Your presence here is a result of an arrogant government that doesn't bother to consult with its people. You can also send a thank you to that corrupt international body the UN whose largest voting block is made up of Islamic states, the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). You won the lottery when you were designated a refugee by the UN. You could have wound up a burden on any Western country but you wound up here. Now because we have NO choice we're stuck with you. IF the American people could actually vote on this issue you would still be in Africa and maybe have some incentive to change your failed state rather than disrupting ours with you primitive backward foreign ways. For all President Bush's praise of Islam as "religion of peace" we Americans know better. Fortunately as the disruptions to our communities caused by our flawed resettlement program spreads we will eventually find the voice to stop the program and stop the importation of people and cultures incompatible with the US and the rest of the West.
No-Sharia - May I remind you that this is 16 year old child that you are responding to. In America she is a minor. You should not be calling this child a burden.
You one person are not deciding who is incompatible to our country.
How can you say to this child about there so called primitive backward foreign ways. When we Americans are being arrested for beating up on our spouses and drunk driving. I have yet to see one of there names in the jail intake (I am not saying that there has not been any just that I have not seen any since I have been looking) and I don't want to hear again from anyone that is because the paper can not spell there name (or how ever that excuse went).
I can not believe that we as Americans are going to take out our anger on a child.
We have no idea if she is a child, just because she says so doesn't make it so. Never once did she say, she was a citizen or not, so I cannot really know what her motives are. I can tell you this, if you can't see the problems that are coming, then I really feel for the people not prepared.
I know I am going to do whatever it takes to get some laws changed, this massive spending on people that aren't even citizens is wrong. And, if the candidates are talking about it now, then they are now aware of the issues. So, it is not some blind hatred of race or religion. The corporations and "non-profits" that prosper from it are the worst people in the world. And then, there are the sheeple that just don't know any better. Just pitiful.
Honestly, I sick of hearing of compassion and feelings, that is what happened that caused this crap in the first place. It is time for America to get some backbone and kick these illegals out of here, and place the immigrants here legally into some sort of organized program to get more information on their motives here.
Where is the leaders when we need them? WHY do we need to search to find them? I want answers.
>>>You one person are not deciding who is incompatible to our country<<<
Seems to me there are alot more people thinking the exact same way No-Sharia thinks than the way you think.
So we say to you Shelbyvillemyhome :You one person are not deciding who is compatible to our country
I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed.
What a beauty of a bird feeder it is, as I filled it lovingly with seed.
Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free
and
easily accessible food.
But then the birds started
building nests in the boards
of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop. It was
everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table ...
everywhere!
Then some of the birds
turned mean. They would
dive bomb me and try to
peck me even though I had
fed them out of my own
pocket.
And others birds were
boisterous and loud. They
sat on the feeder and
squawked and screamed at
all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down
the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess
and took down the many nests they had built
all over the patio.
Soon, the back yard was like it used to be . quiet, serene and no one demanding
their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see ..
Our government gives out
free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, and free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegals (and refugees) came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor.
Your child's 2nd
grade class is behind other schools because
over half the class doesn't speak English.
Corn Flakes now come in a
bilingual box;
I have to "press one" to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other
than "Old Glory" are
squawking and screaming
in the streets, demanding
more rights and free liberties.
Just my opinion, but maybe
it's time for the government
to take down the bird feeder.
k, you say that you have no idea if she is who shesays she is, well it could be a he ( I was the one that just went with "she" in a posting). So that means that I don't know if you are who you say you are either nothing but a poor old little technician that let go at the plant for taking a break a technican with a colleage degree to boot (I believe that one).
You can call me a "sheeple" as many times as you would like I am mature enough that it will not bother me. My "compassion and feelings" that I have on this are mine as well as what ever your feelings are they are yours. I just asked someone to consider the fact that they were talking to a child and it took 3 big bad people to all gang up on me.........
As far as a lot of people thinking the same not even 1% of Shelbyville has posted there thoughts or feelings.. Go figure...> becoming a little Hitler are we??????
Personally I am not big nor bad. And I get my observations from other people who actually live in this town not just people who post on this forum. Which has Nothing in this world to do with Hitler.
Diane,
You know I am really starting to like you as a person even if I don't know. The French thing was very cute if I say so myself. Diane even though you have a lot to go before you start showing the progressive, innovative American culture that has made this country the home of immigrants from all over the world such as the European immigrants that were your ancestors, the African immigrants that invented the peanut butter and the first open heart surgery, the Chinese who built the extensive railways for this nation, the Latins who farm the produce, etc etc etc.
Come on Diane, people accuse Afghanistan of being a backward, close-minded place when really Shelbyville citizens, at least as gleaned from your inputs here, are giving them a run for their money!
p.s. Somalis are already ahead of you in Europe. Maybe we are relatively new in the U.S, but we have been traders for eons and are not new to European capitals and seaports. According to the BBC, Somalis are the oldest established African community in London coming there as merchant seamen:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/arti...
No Sharia,
If I were to pick out someone whom I think is close to spewing as evil as Hitler, you would be my pick.
I mean look at yourself for goodnessake. The WHOLE reason the pilgrims came here was because they were persecuted for being Quakers, Protestants, etc. Essentially your European ancestors were the first REFUGEES, seeking shelter from oppression and harsh conditions on account of their religious beliefs. Now their descendants, YOU, come here with the mentality of your ancestor's oppressors and ironically use the name of your ancestors whose legacy you belittle against us who have more in common with them! It is ironic that we Somalis, have more in common with the pilgrims and the American colonialists, than you who has the mentality of their oppressors. I have never seen a more ignorant person than you.
You come here spreading a bunch of bull about Islam based on the actions of few wackos when you easily discard that those on the other aisle can you use TIMOTHY MCVEIGH, the Crusaders, the Conquistadors, the Nazis, the Fascists, etc for having brought on this earth more suffering than anyone can ever measure up to.
You talk about us no wanting to know history when the famed Richard Burton is continously cited as having written that of all the peoples of the worlds, Somalis amazed him having come upon them deep in the East African desert as remote as could be busy in discussion about the Crimean War being waged in the Balkans that even he was not aware of!
To add, your own understanding of history, culture about this world beyond what is going on in your town nucleus is appalling and frankly ignominious. I am glad the average American is not of you and your kind of twisted mentality for I shudder to think the state of this country if they were.
Now in reality, I do not take your concerns (read: insults) very personally because, as history shows, the same has been done to Irish immigrants, to Catholic immigrants, to Italian immigrants, and even before them to the Pilgrims. We are new so things will need getting used to but we are not new to traveling, to dealing with obstinate people, and we will show this nation what we have to offer and I am doubly sure that as soon as small-town people get used to the idea of us living amongs them, they will be flocking to get a good taste of our food and what the rest of our culture has to offer as is already happening in places like Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego, Columbus, Boston, etc.
I mean we have already done something no other Muslim immigrant have been able to do, we have put in the U.S congress the first Muslim congressman from his largely Somali constituency in Minnesota!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gcsl_B7JzoA
See, like it or night, but we are already adding spice to the American fabric and we have barely unpacked!
Here is another video about your congressman.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5As0Zt36Oqs&f...
He is spreading hate, fear, and loathing just as much as anyone.
We can sit here and call people racists, liars, and bigots, but the underlying issues are, MONEY. I don't want to pay for these programs. I didn't vote on these, nor was I asked to vote on them.
I don't like a non-profit organization that tells me that I have to take care of and pay for these people I do not know. Yet they walk away with Millions and Millions of dollars, some of which is mine. I am sick of being doormatted.
Shelbyville my home,
Lol, yeah real mature of you. boo hoo I am crying... because I lost my little technician job. You don't even know what a sheeple is. NOT ONCE, have I mentioned my intentions were racially or religiously motivated by any means. I have made that very clear, it is 100% about money. You think this is out of hatred, but I don't hate anyone. Unless they are trying to steal from me, that pisses me off.
Now, since you feel I am lying, I will meet you in any public setting. I would like it at the Police Dept, I would feel more comfortable about that.
I will bring my Academic creditials, certs, Tyson's letter, Union letters, etc. After you see that, you will post an apology here on this Blog and in the TG Classifieds under Public Notice (7 day run) at your expense. I want the Title to read: PUBLIC APOLOGY TO EVIL MONKEY (he is ugly because he gave up his good looks for the ability to type).
You pick the date and time. See you soon.
THIS DEFINITELY WARRANTS LOOKING INTO. THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED, "ONE NATION UNDER GOD". ALMIGHTY GOD, NOT THE GOD OF THE KORAN.
We checked this out on "snopes.com". It is factual. Check for yourself..
Who is Barack Obama?
Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHEIST from Wichita , Kansas ..
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii . When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya . His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia . When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia . Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta . He also spent two years in a Catholic school.
Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school." He does not say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem, nor put his hand over his heart when others pledge or sing.
Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husb and of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta .
Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran (Their equivalency to our Bible, but very different beliefs)
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the U.S. from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States , one of their own!!!!
If it comes down to being between him or Hillary .. then we REALLY are between a rock and a hard place.
Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!!!
Regarding my previous post, it is NOT true that he used the Koran for his swearing in - this was done by another congressman. I don't know if used the Bible or not.
In any case, he's someone to be suspicious of....
I have been pondering these post now for several days and as I said before I have to come in fairly close contact, thru my job, with the biggest majority of the Somalis who live here in Shelbyville (now don't jump down my throat just yet) (I am not saying ALL Somalis are the same just the ones we have living here) But it sure seems like just from the Somalis who have posted here, they seem to have a much better and clearer understanding of the English Language than ANY I have come in contact with so far. Even the ones who can speak the English Language Fairly well can not spell and the Somalis who are posting here spell just fine. Are you using Spell Checker maybe? Or maybe a Translator , if you are using an online Translator I would like to know which one you are using because the one I use does not do a very good job even with Spanish :>)
DianaTN,
The people posting as Somalians are most likely profiteerng from it. They have to know about the history somewhat but they are profiting from the American taxpayers. Why do you think they would post? Because they care? ROFL Puleaasse. Oh they care, but the care is devoted to their bankroll.
Evil Monkey
So you are telling me the 16 year old honor student, class president probably isn't even a Somali? Well I am shocked.... :>)
He is assuming that they might not be. That does not make it true. Thank you Dianatn for finally saying that, and I know if you meet some of the ones that I know that you would probably fill the same about them.
No Evil Monkey I have NO desire to meet you
And the police station, I am laughing what are you afraid that this woman will do to you, hold on let me get off the floor. That was to prove a point to you I took you for who you said you were someone who has worked at the plant almost 3 yrs ago. So just take the child for who he/she said they are a 16 year old.. Hey trust me in the future we will probably be on the same side on another issue. It just so happens that we are not on this one. It is not like I am wanting to make you my personal enemy..
Actually, I am not afraid of you, but I wanted no reason for you not to come meet me, since my saying to meet at the police station. Simple as that. Would you rather me say, "meet me at midnight behind the old dark warehouse in the middle of nowhere?"
I wanted to make sure you had no excuse not to come. I gave you the opportunity to see significant proof of my endeavors and you still mock me? It's funny, you lay more trust and compassion in strangers that have been doormatted onto this community. Yet, won't even give 1 person a chance to prove his word. Wow, how compassionate and totally understanding (rolls eyes).
You are a sad, lonely human. I pity you. And I thought someone else was a hypocrite, but you take the cake.
Oh and one more thing? DianaTN wasn't agreeing with you, she was being sarcastic. Notice the ;>)
Not sure what it is that I said.. but do let me clear this up.
Sometimes my sarcasm is deciphered in the wrong context. I do not believe for one minute She/He was a 16 year old Somali honor student, class president. My reasoning in this has nothing to do with his/her intelligence it has to do with the way the Somali High School girls here in Shelbyville act towards the rest of the class. They will not associate with the other members of their class. Class President is an elected office, by their peers, so I really don't see the Junior Class electing a Somali Girl class president unless of course she attends a school that the majority of the students were Somali. Plus I personally know she is not the Junior Class President at Central because I know who is and she isn't Somali. Now if she/he is not from Shelbyville Then nothing she had to say has anything what-so-ever to do with this article or this conversation. This article was about Shelbyville Somalis and OUR experiences with them Not the Somalis all over the USA or all over Europe.
This was the reason I ask he/she which school they attended but amazingly enough I never received an answer.
Diane,
That is what I have been trying to explain to you all along. The fact is majority of Somalis who came here in the early 90's, such as my family, have settled only in the bigger, more progressive cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego, Toronto, Ottawa, Boston, etc. I mean only this last year have I heard of Somalis living in the south or any of these more close-minded communities and when you say "new comers" I still do not know if the people who have been relocated here are ETHNIC SOMALIS or the Somali Bantu.
The ethnic Somali such as I are not coming enmass here nor have been coming here for the last 10 years especially in droves that leds the government to settle them in one area, but the opposite is for the Somali Bantu people. These people are the descendants of slaves taken from Mozambique and Tanzania and were brought to Somalia in the last century by the Italians after the Italians could not even ask the proud pastoral Somalis to farm or farm for ANYONE. So they signed with the British and Germans to export those other Bantu Africans who have lived in our land for a hundred yeas now. Well recently the U.S took a special interest in that minority group and has brought them en mass here. So I am getting confused whether you are talking about ETHNIC Somali people like myself or the Somali Bantus.
As for our English, if you are familiar with this form of technology, you would understand that while it could spell-check our words, it could not provide grammar nor syntax, which is what you seem to be surprised about. Why should you think ENGLISH is hard for Somalis when majority of Somalis have always been bilangual even in Somalia speaking Somali, Arabic, English or Italian, and usually another African language?
Nothing is more sad than who are ignorant and bask in that ignorance.
As for whether I am, then, a Somali ma anigu baad hada igu oranaysiin Soomaali oo aduunka oo idil u qurux badan, caqli badan, cilmi badan maahi ama aad shaki ka qabtiin. War walle inaydaan na gaari doontiin ee cagaha dhigto dalkaan ama jeclaada ama necbaada wuu inaga dhaxeeyaa!
I myself speak Somali, Arabic, English, Dutch, and Swahili and to show you that Somalis are enterprising, success minded people, I myself came here in 1995, I have seen then succeeded in the American school system, was valedictorian senior year, and am now in my second year of college studying pre-med and international relations. I don't write that to boast or flaunt anything because in reality I am a humble yet proud individual as my culture emphasis but nonetheless I write that to you that we are new but American, just like you.
Somali-Version
I truly have no idea what type of Somali they are as I have stated before I wouldn't know a Islamic terrorist from a Somali refugee if my life depended on it..all I do know for a fact is they do not speak the English Language well enough to write as you do..and God help you if you need them to write in English because reading it is almost unbearable.
But you know what? Even that does not bother me, I would be more than happy to have helped but I can not get them to help themselves. The Hispanics came here and I always managed to be able to communicate with them. They at least tried to do the forms needed but most of these Somalis will not even try they just babble at me and throw the forms back. When all I am trying to do is help them. It gets really old and maddening when I am trying to help but they refuse to even try and understand me.
I do not speak Somalian nor do I speak Arabic, I never felt the need for it.. I do speak some Spanish (enough to get by anyway) but I have picked up most of that up from the Hispanics here in Shelbyville.
All I am saying and all I have ever said Somalis MAY be "fitting" in, inside other countries or other parts of the USA but it is not happening here. And HERE is what we are concerned with. I myself would like to know what the difference is also.
Dear Somali-Version: Having worked in Muslim countries there are good and bad in every society. It appears that you immigrated in a different way than the recent influx, with different attributes and goals to achieve. I congratulate you in your journey and future success. I'll bet you can go to the Courthouse and conduct business in an proper way. However we have the other side of good: How do we bridge the gap without their cooperation?
It's the $64,000.00 question. My opinion, which doesn't matter, the recent influx is not interested in personal progress because they don't realize the benefits. Maybe you could help!
maybe I did not make myself clear. When I said that it was to prove a point we take you for who you say you are, so I would expect that we take others for who they say they are. I take you for someone one has worked at the plant and did not part from the company happy. I have said that I am a woman so you all think I am one (I am). That was all I meant by it. Once again evil monkey it is not a personal issue between you and me it is just a issue that we disagree on.
Trust me sad and lonely I am not(though I think my own personal happyness has nothing to do with this because not once have I made any assumptions on yours...). As far as having compassion well sue me I have compassion for everyone. That is just me. I never said that I did not believe you I just probably asked more questions than others would of. I want you to walk away from this conversation knowing that I trust who you say you are and do not need "proof".
To answer the question to what "kind" we have here it is mostly Somali Bantu, but there are others "kinds" of Somali here. I know kinds was probably not the "correct" word to use. oops.
Well the more I debate with you guys, the more I feel that maybe I might have rushed in calling you guys racist, xenophobic, or other accusatory designations. Granted there is a cultural clash here, the majority of your concerns are legitimate when in reality we analyze the fact that Shelbyville is a small town, and such thing as new migrants impact people such as yourselves much more than it would impact folks in larger cities.
But my reason for trying to get involved here was the news article itself and the blatant propaganda machine that it virtually made itself to be. Add that to the fact that you, Shelbyville citizens, seem to be alluding to a "large and recent" migration of Somalis in your town which seemed to be a little odd since my ethnic Somali people have not been emmigrating en mass here since the early 90's. Majority of us have already integrated and are as familiar with English and American as we are with our own culture. So I then questioned whether you were speaking of ETHNIC Somalis such as myself or Somali Bantus who themselves were brought to our country 60 to 80 years ago by the colonialists from southern and southeastern Africa to farm for them. I have been reading reports in the last year or so that the U.S has drafted plans to relocate them here because they have always been strangers in Somalia, people who were taken from their homeland and dumped in the middle of another land and Ethnic group. It would be like the British bring Indians to do chores for them Saudi Arabia that the Arabs would not do for them.
I am only told of their Nationality and that is Somali. Discrimination laws only pertain to Nationality, sex, race. So I am never told of which ethnic group they are from.
And honestly we have had our share of immigrants here in Shelbyville with Hispanics, Indians, Ethiopians. All of which seemed to do just fine until the illegal Hispanics hurt the immigration for the legal Hispanics.
Diane,
It is not that hard to tell. Ethnic Somalis are the most easily identifiable group in Africa. While they are as dark as the rest of their African brothers, Somalis are almost always elongated (tall) with sharp facial features. Somali Bantus on the other hand resemble the same as the rest of Africa.
Ethnic Somalis
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4648ln2b52A
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LDejmxckJkw
Well we don't have any Somalis here in Shelbyville that even come close to looking like Iman or even Yasmin Warsame.
But for what it's worth we don't have any Americans here in Shelbyville That come close to looking like Pam Anderson or Britney Spears either.
But I did look up Bantu Somalis on Youtube and it does seem they resemble the Bantu the most.
Somali-Version
Maybe you could help me out here and tell me what it is we as a community could do to try and help them fit into our community better.
Also is there names that are more ethnic than Bantu? That could be of some help also.
I am rather disappointed in you Somali-Version. I ask you a sincere question and you saw no reason to try to answer me. That sure does make it hard for us folks down here who try to accommodate the Somalis here when noone is willing to give us any suggestions
Diane-
Sorry for the absence, winter quarter was starting and I have been very busy with my personal affairs. I will try to answer you now.
You asked "are there any names that are more ethnic than Bantu" and I would have to respond yes. Obviously the ethnic Somalis are just that, Somalis, but the Somali Bantu can go by "Mushugulu", the name of their tribesman they were taken away from in Tanzania.
As for how you could help them fit in, well to be honest there is not a perfect answer that I can give you. For one Somalis are 99.99% Sunni Muslims of the Shaafa'i School of thought that many Muslims across the world adhere to like the Egyptians, Indonesians, etc. When it comes to religion, I am afraid the answer to that is you will just have to respect it and leave it alone. America is a liberal democracy based on separation of Church and State, and as long as Somalis are not public trying to convert anyone it is their business.
Understand the importance of this because Islam, unlike Christianity, is a way of life and a Somali will always be different from you in terms of not eating pork, not drinking alcohol, women covering up, etc.
In my specific case, I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, the capital and formerly the most cosmopolitan city in Somalia. Transitioning from Mogadishu to the U.S or anywhere we have lived was not particularly difficult since my family was already urbanized and we fit in fairly quickly. In the U.S, we picked up English rather quickly, made friends with Americans, etc etc etc. Even so I did not have to stop from praying five times a day nor did my sister or mother have to shuck off her headscarf. We are as American as American-born, as familiar with American culture as American-born, use jokes and figures of speeches even better than Americans at times and like to eat at Applebees and TGI Fridays.
I do not feel any less American than anyone because I am foreign-born nor do others ever assume I am foreign-born except couple instance where some extra informed people guess that I hail from the Horn of Africa (based on facial features of course). I did not achieve equilibrium by "assimilating" or any other demeaning designations, but rather overtime my American side and Somali/Muslim side blended into one to the point where they coexist without conflict.
If this is not helpful advice, please say so and I can elaborate.
Somali-Version
I thank you very much for the information although I do wish I could say it was info that I didn't already know.
There is not one single person in this town that has a problem with them being Muslim nor do we care that they don't eat pork ( I don't eat it either and I'm not Muslim) Nobody has ask them not to wear headscarves. But as far as Muslims not consuming alcohol on that point you are mistaken. I know of several that do and know it for a fact. But I could care less whether they drink or not that is not a problem as far as I am concerned.
Again my problem is the complete utter disregard for other people. Their Demanding attitudes. They seem to have no desire to try to communicate with us. They want and need help but only want it on their terms.
I personally have been spit on, cussed at and had things thrown at me by the Somalis in this town when all I was trying to do was help them. As a rule I am a nice person and will help anyone who needs help but it is really hard to help someone when they are so demanding and I can only do so much.
When I ask about names I may not have made myself clear. I was not asking about their tribes. I was merely asking about given names..or even their last names. They all here use different names. It's not really that it makes a big difference to me whether they are ethnic or Bantu I just thought maybe that could be the reason for so much hate towards us.
I again thank you for responding. I fully understand about being pressed for time. You seem to be one of the good guys :>) Would you like to come to Shelbyville and help the Somalis here :>)
Take Care
Diana
Diane-
To be honest I also find those people you described as strange. For one Somalis are for the most part very courteous and respectful. I do admit that unlike other refugees or foreigners, Somalis sometimes come off as ungrateful or haughty but this more a environmental factor (from the desert where you have no materials save your dignity and pride) and I would not describe them as visibly rude, at least enough that causes to spit on people. Diane, I do not mean to sell Somalis to you but Somalis are renowned wherever they have been as charming and friendly people. Because I have no reason to doubt you, this is why I question whether the people you are talking about are ethnic Somalis.
If what you are describing really are Somalis, than I feel sorry for them and for myself, because by shaming themselves they also shame me as their fellow Somali.
One thing I can tell you is that Somalis are nomads by nature and as soon as they have come to your town, they will probably move out. Trust me, more than likely they will all head for the big cities.
What is your job? You say you have close contact with them and is it because of job?
If you don't mind I perfer not to announce my job on the world wide web. Not that I am ashamed of my job by any means, I feel like my job helps a lot of people who desperately need it..I just wouldn't want anyone including the Somalis that I have come in contact with to think I am in any way prejudice against them because nothing could be further from the truth. I am just here to help and all I ask in return is a little bit of kindness and respect from anyone. I will try to continue to help anyone who walks into my office just as I always have reguardless of their Nationality. I just wish I could make them understand I am trying to help but in order for me to help them they need to cooperate a little bit with me.
The "peaceful" religion of Islam…….Honor Killing? Beheadings? Body-bombs? How about female genital mutilation (FGM)?
Brigitte Gabriel, author of "Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America" and founder of the web site ACT For America!, where Ms. Gabriel states, "I founded ACT! for America because Islamic militants have declared war on America....We are in for the fight of our lives...." Become involved in your future and the future of your family. Visit ACT for America's website, chapter info and become involved as a member of an existing chapter or become a chapter leader and start one in your area.