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 Brian Mosely speaks to Noon Rotarians (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] |
Mosely wrote the series, which was suggested to him by local officials, to educate the community about the Somali population.
"This proved to be extremely difficult, due to the fact the refugees had ignored our repeated inquiries," said Mosely. "Despite this handicap, I was able to learn a great deal about the Somalis -- what they had escaped from, how they came here, the various cultural and religious differences and the challenges they faced in our community."
The series also addressed the challenges and potential problems that the Somalis pose to the community.
After speaking with various members of the community who had interacted with the Somalis, Mosely wrote his series, which was published in late December.
"To say it provoked a reaction would be an extreme understatement," said Mosely, who told the Rotarians his series attracted hundreds of comments unfavorable to the Somali community.
On the other hand, Mosely said, "I was also called a bigot by Muslims from outside the community. One local critic even accused me of fiendishly manipulating my readers, hoping that my articles would inspire someone to commit a hate crime against the refugees," he said.
Mosely's series about the Somalis touched on a variety of topics related to the Somali, some of which included articles on the Tyson jobs that brought them here, adapting and adjusting to the Somali culture (and their adjusting to the American culture), drug and gang problems associated with them, and their religious beliefs.
Mosely's series can be read online at www.t-g.com/topic/somalia .
On Thursday, Mosely said the utopian image Somalis have of America is a far cry from the reality they experience once they're here.
"Most of the refugees' work experience has been that of a sheep herder or a similar profession. Very few of them have what we would consider modern job skills," he said. "And while refugees truly desire to become self sufficient, the reality is that a great number of them have trouble adjusting to life in 21st Century America."
Mosely updated Rotarians on information he's discovered since writing the series, such as his recent learning of 400 Somalis losing their jobs after a Tyson workforce reduction in Emporia, Kan.
In addition to offering the 400 Somalis pay and benefits for the next 60 days, the Emporia plant has offered them a chance to transfer to other Tyson locations and also cash relocation incentives for those qualified.
"Will that relocation include the facility here in Shelbyville? Who knows?" he asked. "But due to the restructuring, the Somali refugees have once again become nomads."
Regardless of the passions his series evoked, it did accomplish one thing, Mosely told Rotarians.
"It started a discussion about our new neighbors and what can be done to help them become a part of the community."
Mosely told the group that the T-G has already been visited by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, which is now interested in becoming more actively involved in helping the Somalis make a transition into the American culture.
Mosely stressed that regardless of his opinion or the opinions of others in this community, the fact of the matter is that the Somalis are here and it is imperative that both Somalis and Americans put forth an effort to communicate with one another.
"Whatever our feelings and opinions may be about the Somalis, they are here," he said. "They are a part of our community now and we cannot pretend they are invisible any longer. Efforts must be made at the local level to make contact with the refugees and begin to talk about how to solve the many difficulties they face in becoming more a part of the Bedford County community."
Following his speech, Mosely answered questions from Rotarians.
Åmerica needs a Leader like this!!
Prime Minister John Howard -Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out ofAustralia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.
Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks onBali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'
Allah or The Lord Jesus Christ? ... By Rick Mathes
Last month I attended my annual training session
that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance.
During the training session there was a
presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic,
Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam
had to say.
The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of
Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations,time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
'Please,correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most
Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel,
(which is a command to all Muslims) they would have a place in heaven.
If that's the case,
can you give me the definition of an infidel?'
There was no disagreement with my statements and,
without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!
'I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight.
All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven.
Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'
He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine
Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of
your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'
The Imam was speechless!
I continued, 'I also have problem with being your
'friend' when you and your brother clerics are telling your
followers to kill me!
Let me ask you a question.
Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in
order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells
me to love you because I am going to heaven and
He wants you to be there with me?'
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of
the 'Diversification' training seminar were Not happy with
Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth abou the Muslims' beliefs.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters
in the U.S. to elect the President!
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.
I think if I were going into a strange land and didn't know anything about their culture, I wouldn't be rude and unpolite for someone coming up to me, trying to help me. Those folks are in OUR society, they need to learn OUR ways and OUR customs and what is acceptable in every aspect of OUR lives if they want to be here. I wish our government would not let everyone come here out of sympathy. OUR America is really changing for the worst.
This was a good report. Even though some of the series were touchy feely, it has brought up some important issues and concerns citizens were and are having to be openly discussed.
And have got the attention of Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition to come and get involved to help the new comers adjust better.
I would like to hear a report as to why Tyson Foods is constantly invovled in "Bringing in people that are not American citizens, and hiring them". And are proper INSPECTIONS/INVESTIGATIONS being made as to the people they hire, and SANITARY PROCEEDURES Being ENFORCED.
My concerns with this company came when I was told about peoples "BODY PARTS and FEET being washed", no proper use of toilet tissue, and hands NOT being washed with proper SOAP. This is a FOOD Plant, food that I HAD bought and put on my families plate to EAT. Although most people wash their chicken before cooking it, some meats are seasoned and do not get washed before cooking.
I "DID NOT" SAY THIS IS TRUE. I said this was TOLD TO ME, and it was leaked out by people that work their.
Good for you Brian!!!
BTW - it was an excellent series and I think it has and will continue to have an enormous impact.
Thanks alot!!!
Good job, Mosely! It is nice to hear someone talk about the Somolis in a humane way.
They are trying to survive and find their place in this world which is completely different from the one they traveled from.
I do have an issue with their disrespect and rudeness, buuuuuuuutttt to be honest, I had an issue with hispanics when they first started migrating here. Now I have a few that are neighbors, and love'em!
It is going to take a while for both cultures to adjust, but in time we will!