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=> NIMBY: Where the Chaldeans and Jews Live

NIMBY: Where the Chaldeans and Jews Live
Posted by Jeffrey (Guest) - Wednesday, September 5 2012, 5:00:37 (UTC)
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August 30, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Mosque rattles tolerant township

Laura Berman
23 Comments


From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120830/OPINION03/208300390#ixzz25ZH1oxrO

West Bloomfield Township

The sale of Eagle Elementary School should be a fait accompli, a $1.1 million real estate deal that closed more than a year ago, creating a new home for the Islamic Cultural Association and a funding bonus for the Farmington School District.

Instead, the 2011 sale has spawned a prolonged and explosive controversy over the Islamic group's plans for a new mosque and minaret and rattled West Bloomfield's sense of itself as a tolerant and diverse community.

Long home to the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit and the Chaldean Cultural Center, dozens of churches and synagogues, a vibrant and growing African-American population and other minorities, this was a community where cultures melded.

Now, you can knock on doors near the school and hear anger and fear.

"Instinctively, it doesn't feel right," says Susan Fermanian, an owner of the Franklin Tailor Shoppe, a storefront on Middle Belt at 14 Mile across from the proposed mosque. "Our family is Armenian and we escaped that part of the world. We don't feel these people (the Islamic group) are being truthful.

"A lot of people don't want to say how they feel," she adds. "It's not politically correct, but I don't care."

The Thomas More Law Center upped the ante of fear and mistrust earlier this month, issuing press releases that cited the ICA's alleged "terrorist ties," describing itself as litigators against radical Muslim "infiltration" and asking state Attorney General Bill Schuette to launch an investigation.

(A spokesman for the attorney general would not comment.)

Next month, the Michigan Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a case filed by residents against the Farmington School District. (The district includes a small piece of West Bloomfield.) "They're creating a very destructive message within the community," says Sue Survalec, the Farmington Schools superintendent, describing the Ann Arbor legal group's efforts to fan the issue of purported terrorist links.

But in a 22-page letter, the Thomas More lawyers also raise substantive questions that residents also have raised regarding the school district's procedures.

Survalec and the district's lawyer, Amanda Van Dusen, say the district has discretion to dispose of its property and that the law was strictly followed. When an unsolicited offer came in from the ICA in January 2011, the district decided to reconsider its position.

The district subsequently ordered an appraisal and negotiated the sale with the ICA, without inviting other bidders. The district wasn't required to bid out the property — but other potential buyers, including a synagogue congregation and a pastor of a church, had been told the property wasn't for sale only months before.

Van Dusen says she's "extremely comfortable with the process." Would more transparency and an open bidding process have changed the outcome?

It would have made moot charges of secrecy, back-room dealings and bribery. The aura of public mistrust, though, has not deterred the ICA or derailed its planning process.

Firas Nashef, a dentist and ICA past-president, says the group is working with architects and engineers to meet new environmental regulations and finalize architectural plans to add 13,102 square feet for a mosque, lobby and multipurpose room.

Nashef, who says the ICA includes about 150 people, describes growing families with greater needs, and says the mosque hopes to invite its neighbors in.

Dan Blugerman, the commercial real estate broker involved in the sale, says as far as he's concerned, the story is over.

"There's no 'these people.' I've been working with this group for almost two years. They're doctors, dentists, hard-working, well-educated professionals."

And despite the new challenges by the Thomas More Law Center, Nashef — who came to the United States from Damascus — embraces traditional American values.

He recognizes an America that's a refuge, land of opportunity and above all, a place where, ultimately, a deal is a deal.

lberman@detnews.com

(313) 222-2032

Laura Berman’s column runs Tuesday and Thursday.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120830/OPINION03/208300390#ixzz25ZH6LZER



23 comments



Mike Reade · Top Commenter
I grew up in Dearborn and can tell you that Muslims are some of the least tolerant people. They expect others to bend to their beliefs and will use whatever means necessary, usually litigation, to get their way. Fordson high school has Muslim prayer rooms, UM Dearborn has foot baths and the workout facilities are divided by the sexes. They don't integrate into a community -- they dominate.
Reply · 36 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 6:50am
Jeff Singhurse · Top Commenter · Michigan
Really? I grew up there and had a completely different experience. I also went to UM-Dearborn and used the gym there my entire undergrad. Nothing you speak of is true. I also should add I went to Dearborn Public Schools and never once encountered what you're stated. As far as "least tolerant" you need to explain yourself on that one. I would argue that you are part of the problem with your blatant misguided statements.
Reply · 20 · Like · August 30 at 9:21am
Donald Friesner · Top Commenter
Mike, I grew up in West Michigan and can tell you the that CHRISTIANS are some of the least tolerant people. They expect others to bend to their beliefs (abortion, sexuality, etc.) and will use whatever means necessary, usually litigation, to get their way. They don't integrate into a community -- they dominate. No religion is tolerant of other religions.
Reply · 23 · Like · August 30 at 9:24am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
Jeff, yeah, really. I grew up there, and had my eyes open. Would you like to discuss the Christian wrestling coach that got tossed out of Fordson? crickets
Reply · 10 · Like · August 30 at 9:40am
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John Parker · Top Commenter · Southfield-Lathrup High School
Forget religion for the moment....why isn't inviting other bidders part of the district's policy? Those in the school district should be livid that a school bought with their tax money wasn't at least attemted to be sold in a manner that MIGHT have brought in more money.
Reply · 24 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 7:34am
Robert J Anderson · Top Commenter
That's the real issue. Laura does don her lib goggles and does her level best to tag it all off to conservative bigotry, as is her smilin' M.O. .... but the underhanded, insider bid rigging biz is what has everybody ticked off and rightly so. You get the government you vote for and the values you expect .... doesn't come off so well here does it?
Reply · 4 · Like · August 30 at 6:35pm
Donald Friesner · Top Commenter
worked out pretty well, I think.
Reply · Like · August 30 at 7:09pm
Robert J Anderson · Top Commenter
Ah, the end justifies the means .... the beating heart of liberal rationalization. We can judge outcomes and expenditures based on "my good intentions". Never mind the cheating, graft, dishonesty and failure of policy, it was for a good cause, as deemed by the liberal in charge. How pathetic.
Reply · 1 · Like · August 31 at 6:43am
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George Terterian · Top Commenter
"being truthful" about what? certainly hope people don't think Ms. Fermanian speaks for all Armenian-Americans or anyone with her so-called "instincts"... we are all immigrants in the US, we all came here from somewhere else... enough with the pulling the ladder up behind us selfishness, distrust, fear and hate.
Reply · 23 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 1:32am
John Garfield · Top Commenter
Miss Fermanian forgets her history. Their not Ottomans. My grandfather walked accross the Syrian desert into Lebanon. He said if it had not been for the Syrian women giving them water, he would not have escaped, and we would not be Americans today. Syrians also have Eastern Orthodox Christians there too. Hye
Reply · 6 · Like · August 30 at 1:08pm
Joe Chahine · Top Commenter
John Garfield: Correct... and from what I understand, the (~1918?) atrocities were committed by the SECULAR "Young Turks" party. Not even a religious party.
Reply · 4 · Like · August 30 at 4:01pm
Joe Chahine · Top Commenter
George... I agree. Furthermore all those groups should keep their politics in the old country, doesn't matter what religion or nationality they are. That's why people moved -- to get away from that crap.
Reply · 6 · Like · August 30 at 4:04pm
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Kerry Newbold · George Mason
This is still America, right? Freedom of Religion is one of the cornerstones of our country and there should be no argument over whether any religious group can build on any legal building site.
Right now Muslims are the targeted group to hate in America and their Constitutional rights are being restricted, before it was minorities and women.
Get a clue, support the Constitution in everything, and if you disagree with it, the YOU leave.
Reply · 14 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 9:06am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
Where in the Koran are the principles of life, liberty and freedom articulated? What in Sharia is consistent with the Bill of Rights? Islam is the only enslaver of Muslims. Yes, this is America, and all that agree to abide by its principles are welcome, true Islam experienced in England, Africa, Indonesia has not shown itself to be. Can I build a Christian Church in Saudi Arabia?
Reply · 18 · Like · August 30 at 9:37am
Mike Reade · Top Commenter
Kerry, so why is it that in every Muslim-dominated country other religions are banned and/or persecuted? Muslims only like to talk about freedom and the Constitution when it serves their interests.
Reply · 11 · Like · August 30 at 10:24am
Kerry Newbold · George Mason
That is just categorically false and a clear reflection that you have not studied the Koran or Islam thoroughly and simply believe anything negative you hear. As with all religious texts certain parts can be taken out of context, but the overwhelming majority of Koran and Hadith support religious liberty. “there shall be no coercion in matters of faith” (Q 2:256). “Your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them [to believe]” (Q 88:21).
As for inconsistency with the Bill of Rights or Constitution, you are again, just plain wrong. Here's an intersting link: http://www.usislam.org/debate/IslamandtheUSConstitution.htm
I disagree in principle with Saudi Arabia's not allowing churches, but they are not a democracy, nor do they claim to be, nor do they claim to support religious freedom.
Reply · 8 · Like · August 30 at 10:33am
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David Lindsay · Top Commenter
From a business perspective, this appears to be a "No-bid, single-sourced" contract. One in which no competition for the bid is allowed in the process. These types of contracts typically cost the seller more money and skirt any additional profit potential. Locking out competition for the bid is very suspect, and in my view, an investigation into the process by which this deal was struck is definately merited.
Reply · 14 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 8:31am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
A professional Realtor would not suggest his view to be objective. The att'y & supt sound awfully arrogant, like it's their property. Great public servants.
Reply · 5 · Like · August 30 at 8:55am
Floyd Opperman · Top Commenter · Kid who mopped floors at Dixfield Supermarkets
Upon investigation, you will discover that you are wrong.
Reply · 1 · Like · August 30 at 1:01pm
John Thomas · Top Commenter · Oakland Community College
Someone got payed for the deal!!
Reply · 1 · Like · August 30 at 2:25pm
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Vin Ienco · Top Commenter
read a koran, get a clue - smh - there is your hate right there in that evil book.
Reply · 11 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 3:00am
Jack Coscia · Top Commenter · Team Leader at Ford Motor Company
You mean the bible.
Reply · 5 · Like · August 30 at 6:15am
Vin Ienco · Top Commenter
seems you have issues understanding the English language.
bottom line - no one commits these attrocties in the name of the Bible - you apologist. Read the koran then open your mouth, so you dont make a fool of yoourself, again.
Reply · 11 · Like · August 30 at 6:21am
Howard Curtis · Top Commenter · Works at Registered Nurse
Vin Ienco...talk about getting a clue and making a fool of yourself...
You conveniently forget the books of Leviticus and Judges. You also seem to forget History...namely the Crusades, the Inquisition, the "civilization" of native americans.
Need I remind you of more?
Reply · 17 · Like · August 30 at 7:24am
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Jeffrey Ligan · Top Commenter
I guess American "freedom" only applies to certain Americans.

Xenophobia is an ugly thing, and it's manifesting itself in the most intolerant of all people.....religious people.

Atheists have no issue with it, and it's funny how outside instigators like the fascist right wing "Thomas More" law center are responsible for this kind of meddling thuggery.
Reply · 10 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 9:08am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
Moreso the chains of socialism.
Reply · 2 · Like · August 30 at 9:32am
Paul O'Connell · Top Commenter · Farmington, Michigan
Just so we are clear Jeff, If you deny global warming is a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the people of the world, you are sticking your head in the sand. If you deny that Islamic extremism is a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the people of the world, you are enlightened and tolerant of other opinions.

And before you tell me AGW is a fact, think again. It is a theory.
It is a fact that Muslim extremists are killing people on a daily basis on two continents and are plotting attacks against two more.

That said, these people have as much right to buy land and build a place of worship as anyone else. I highly doubt the Farmington School Board has an ulterior motive of selling all its land to muslims. The deal was likely well above the others they received so they jumped at it.

An explanation would be nice.
Reply · 4 · Like · August 30 at 9:52am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
Paul O'Connell Agree w/ your first comments, excepting if there is commonality to this Islam of domination, why is that in the public interest? Also, if the school district had such a transparent offering, why is there no mention of it? ALL public bids need disclosure, and opportunity for all. Nothing here suggests that. Ulterior motives? We'll have to stay tuned.
Reply · 1 · Like · August 30 at 10:13am
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Beverly Hemmann
This isn't the first time the Muslims have pulled a trick like this. Google Murfeesboro, TN.
Reply · 9 · Like · Follow Post · August 30 at 6:29am
Rina Rippolone · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Crystal Amore Shoes
or Pittsfield Twp, Mi
Reply · Like · August 30 at 6:37pm



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