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Arab Americans: Dearborn, American Asset
My Italian, Roman Catholic forefathers came to this country in the early 20th century and were proud to be Americans. My parents gave me an immense love of America andMy Italian, Roman Catholic forefathers came to this country in the early 20th century and were proud to be Americans. My parents gave me an immense love of America and a great love of the wonderful community that raised me — Dearborn, Michigan.
I am proud to be associated with a city that is home to more than 80 nationalities and many different religions. It is a city with a large percentage of Arab Americans, and I am thankful to have met and/or befriended many of them.
I am saddened that although the overwhelming majority of Arab Americans are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to America, since 9/11 some people feel it necessary to demonize Arab Americans— especially those who are Muslim.
Such is the case with ludicrous comments Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle made recently about Muslim Arab Americans living in Dearborn and Frankford, Texas — a city Dallas annexed in 1975.
Angle said Dearborn and Frankford were under Sharia law — law based on the Quran and Islamic religion where the justice system, and church, are integrated and where Sharia courts are essentially religious courts and judges are usually local mosque officials.
If Angle had bothered to check, she would have learned every voter in Dearborn, regardless of race or religion can vote for elected officials, including judges in open elections.
I am outraged about Angle’s ignorant comments because I know many uninformed Americans will mistakenly believe her hyperbole, which could further fuel bigotry toward ourMuslim residents, and spread misconceptions about Dearborn.
Although he had every reason to attack Angle, I was happy to see Mayor Jack O’Reilly on Anderson Cooper defending our great city in a professional manner. His letter inviting Angle here for a personal tour was something only a person with class would offer. I was also glad to see local businessman and lifelong Dearborn resident Tarek Beydoun spend his time, and own money, to compose a personal statement reassuring Nevada voters Angle was misinformed about Dearborn — another class act. It made me proud to see these fine examples set by our Christian mayor and a Muslim Arab business owner (both lifelong Dearborn residents). They showed the nation the real truth about how well we get along in Dearborn.
I want to inform Angle I know many Dearborn Middle Eastern Muslims who love America. One example is a lady whose individual and family dedication to America is incredible.
Since 2003 she has served America, on and off, in the Middle East in the war on terror. Not only does she serve, but her husband, and two sons, also serve America in the war on terror.
It takes plenty of dedication with one family member serving America in the war on terror, but four members sacrificing their safety and giving so much back is incredible, and something that should make all Americans proud — including Angle.
Angle should know I have met numerous dedicated Middle Eastern volunteers, including Muslims at Dearborn neighborhood association meetings.
Sharon should also know many American, and foreign-born Arab-Americans, have literally rebuilt our East Dearborn business districts and neighborhoods and they are an asset to our city.
The Arabic people I have ment, both Muslim and Christian, cherish family and friends and if they befriend you, they treat you like family.
In many cases the Muslim and Christian Arabs I meet treat me better than many of my non-Arab friends.
The Arabs I know work as hard, or harder, than many previous immigrants. They are proud to be American and they deserve far more admiration and respect than they receive.
All of us, including Angle should be extremely proud of all that Arabs have accomplished in America. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors, business owners and friends and Dearborn and America are far better off because of them. I am proud to know them ,and she would be, too if she would quit stereotyping them and take the time to get to know them.
By Michael Albano
Dearborn Press and Guide
Michael D. Albano has lived in Dearborn for 35 years and is a regular guest contributor to the Press & Guide. He describes himself as an unabashed supporter of Dearborn, because he is grateful for all of the blessings our city has bestowed upon his life. My Italian, Roman Catholic forefathers came to this country in the early 20th century and were proud to be Americans. My parents gave me an immense love of America and a great love of the wonderful community that raised me — Dearborn, Michigan.
I am proud to be associated with a city that is home to more than 80 nationalities and many different religions. It is a city with a large percentage of Arab Americans, and I am thankful to have met and/or befriended many of them.
I am saddened that although the overwhelming majority of Arab Americans are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to America, since 9/11 some people feel it necessary to demonize Arab Americans— especially those who are Muslim.
Such is the case with ludicrous comments Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle made recently about Muslim Arab Americans living in Dearborn and Frankford, Texas — a city Dallas annexed in 1975.
Angle said Dearborn and Frankford were under Sharia law — law based on the Quran and Islamic religion where the justice system, and church, are integrated and where Sharia courts are essentially religious courts and judges are usually local mosque officials.
If Angle had bothered to check, she would have learned every voter in Dearborn, regardless of race or religion can vote for elected officials, including judges in open elections.
I am outraged about Angle’s ignorant comments because I know many uninformed Americans will mistakenly believe her hyperbole, which could further fuel bigotry toward ourMuslim residents, and spread misconceptions about Dearborn.
Although he had every reason to attack Angle, I was happy to see Mayor Jack O’Reilly on Anderson Cooper defending our great city in a professional manner. His letter inviting Angle here for a personal tour was something only a person with class would offer. I was also glad to see local businessman and lifelong Dearborn resident Tarek Beydoun spend his time, and own money, to compose a personal statement reassuring Nevada voters Angle was misinformed about Dearborn — another class act. It made me proud to see these fine examples set by our Christian mayor and a Muslim Arab business owner (both lifelong Dearborn residents). They showed the nation the real truth about how well we get along in Dearborn.
I want to inform Angle I know many Dearborn Middle Eastern Muslims who love America. One example is a lady whose individual and family dedication to America is incredible.
Since 2003 she has served America, on and off, in the Middle East in the war on terror. Not only does she serve, but her husband, and two sons, also serve America in the war on terror.
It takes plenty of dedication with one family member serving America in the war on terror, but four members sacrificing their safety and giving so much back is incredible, and something that should make all Americans proud — including Angle.
Angle should know I have met numerous dedicated Middle Eastern volunteers, including Muslims at Dearborn neighborhood association meetings.
Sharon should also know many American, and foreign-born Arab-Americans, have literally rebuilt our East Dearborn business districts and neighborhoods and they are an asset to our city.
The Arabic people I have ment, both Muslim and Christian, cherish family and friends and if they befriend you, they treat you like family.
In many cases the Muslim and Christian Arabs I meet treat me better than many of my non-Arab friends.
The Arabs I know work as hard, or harder, than many previous immigrants. They are proud to be American and they deserve far more admiration and respect than they receive.
All of us, including Angle should be extremely proud of all that Arabs have accomplished in America. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors, business owners and friends and Dearborn and America are far better off because of them. I am proud to know them ,and she would be, too if she would quit stereotyping them and take the time to get to know them.
By Michael Albano
Dearborn Press and Guide
Michael D. Albano has lived in Dearborn for 35 years and is a regular guest contributor to the Press & Guide. He describes himself as an unabashed supporter of Dearborn, because he is grateful for all of the blessings our city has bestowed upon his life. My Italian, Roman Catholic forefathers came to this country in the early 20th century and were proud to be Americans. My parents gave me an immense love of America and a great love of the wonderful community that raised me — Dearborn, Michigan.
I am proud to be associated with a city that is home to more than 80 nationalities and many different religions. It is a city with a large percentage of Arab Americans, and I am thankful to have met and/or befriended many of them.
I am saddened that although the overwhelming majority of Arab Americans are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to America, since 9/11 some people feel it necessary to demonize Arab Americans— especially those who are Muslim.
Such is the case with ludicrous comments Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle made recently about Muslim Arab Americans living in Dearborn and Frankford, Texas — a city Dallas annexed in 1975.
Angle said Dearborn and Frankford were under Sharia law — law based on the Quran and Islamic religion where the justice system, and church, are integrated and where Sharia courts are essentially religious courts and judges are usually local mosque officials.
If Angle had bothered to check, she would have learned every voter in Dearborn, regardless of race or religion can vote for elected officials, including judges in open elections.
I am outraged about Angle’s ignorant comments because I know many uninformed Americans will mistakenly believe her hyperbole, which could further fuel bigotry toward ourMuslim residents, and spread misconceptions about Dearborn.
Although he had every reason to attack Angle, I was happy to see Mayor Jack O’Reilly on Anderson Cooper defending our great city in a professional manner. His letter inviting Angle here for a personal tour was something only a person with class would offer. I was also glad to see local businessman and lifelong Dearborn resident Tarek Beydoun spend his time, and own money, to compose a personal statement reassuring Nevada voters Angle was misinformed about Dearborn — another class act. It made me proud to see these fine examples set by our Christian mayor and a Muslim Arab business owner (both lifelong Dearborn residents). They showed the nation the real truth about how well we get along in Dearborn.
I want to inform Angle I know many Dearborn Middle Eastern Muslims who love America. One example is a lady whose individual and family dedication to America is incredible.
Since 2003 she has served America, on and off, in the Middle East in the war on terror. Not only does she serve, but her husband, and two sons, also serve America in the war on terror.
It takes plenty of dedication with one family member serving America in the war on terror, but four members sacrificing their safety and giving so much back is incredible, and something that should make all Americans proud — including Angle.
Angle should know I have met numerous dedicated Middle Eastern volunteers, including Muslims at Dearborn neighborhood association meetings.
Sharon should also know many American, and foreign-born Arab-Americans, have literally rebuilt our East Dearborn business districts and neighborhoods and they are an asset to our city.
The Arabic people I have ment, both Muslim and Christian, cherish family and friends and if they befriend you, they treat you like family.
In many cases the Muslim and Christian Arabs I meet treat me better than many of my non-Arab friends.
The Arabs I know work as hard, or harder, than many previous immigrants. They are proud to be American and they deserve far more admiration and respect than they receive.
All of us, including Angle should be extremely proud of all that Arabs have accomplished in America. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors, business owners and friends and Dearborn and America are far better off because of them. I am proud to know them ,and she would be, too if she would quit stereotyping them and take the time to get to know them.
By Michael Albano
Dearborn Press and Guide
Michael D. Albano has lived in Dearborn for 35 years and is a regular guest contributor to the Press & Guide. He describes himself as an unabashed supporter of Dearborn, because he is grateful for all of the blessings our city has bestowed upon his life. My Italian, Roman Catholic forefathers came to this country in the early 20th century and were proud to be Americans. My parents gave me an immense love of America and a great love of the wonderful community that raised me — Dearborn, Michigan.
I am proud to be associated with a city that is home to more than 80 nationalities and many different religions. It is a city with a large percentage of Arab Americans, and I am thankful to have met and/or befriended many of them.
I am saddened that although the overwhelming majority of Arab Americans are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to America, since 9/11 some people feel it necessary to demonize Arab Americans— especially those who are Muslim.
Such is the case with ludicrous comments Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle made recently about Muslim Arab Americans living in Dearborn and Frankford, Texas — a city Dallas annexed in 1975.
Angle said Dearborn and Frankford were under Sharia law — law based on the Quran and Islamic religion where the justice system, and church, are integrated and where Sharia courts are essentially religious courts and judges are usually local mosque officials.
If Angle had bothered to check, she would have learned every voter in Dearborn, regardless of race or religion can vote for elected officials, including judges in open elections.
I am outraged about Angle’s ignorant comments because I know many uninformed Americans will mistakenly believe her hyperbole, which could further fuel bigotry toward ourMuslim residents, and spread misconceptions about Dearborn.
Although he had every reason to attack Angle, I was happy to see Mayor Jack O’Reilly on Anderson Cooper defending our great city in a professional manner. His letter inviting Angle here for a personal tour was something only a person with class would offer. I was also glad to see local businessman and lifelong Dearborn resident Tarek Beydoun spend his time, and own money, to compose a personal statement reassuring Nevada voters Angle was misinformed about Dearborn — another class act. It made me proud to see these fine examples set by our Christian mayor and a Muslim Arab business owner (both lifelong Dearborn residents). They showed the nation the real truth about how well we get along in Dearborn.
I want to inform Angle I know many Dearborn Middle Eastern Muslims who love America. One example is a lady whose individual and family dedication to America is incredible.
Since 2003 she has served America, on and off, in the Middle East in the war on terror. Not only does she serve, but her husband, and two sons, also serve America in the war on terror.
It takes plenty of dedication with one family member serving America in the war on terror, but four members sacrificing their safety and giving so much back is incredible, and something that should make all Americans proud — including Angle.
Angle should know I have met numerous dedicated Middle Eastern volunteers, including Muslims at Dearborn neighborhood association meetings.
Sharon should also know many American, and foreign-born Arab-Americans, have literally rebuilt our East Dearborn business districts and neighborhoods and they are an asset to our city.
The Arabic people I have ment, both Muslim and Christian, cherish family and friends and if they befriend you, they treat you like family.
In many cases the Muslim and Christian Arabs I meet treat me better than many of my non-Arab friends.
The Arabs I know work as hard, or harder, than many previous immigrants. They are proud to be American and they deserve far more admiration and respect than they receive.
All of us, including Angle should be extremely proud of all that Arabs have accomplished in America. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors, business owners and friends and Dearborn and America are far better off because of them. I am proud to know them ,and she would be, too if she would quit stereotyping them and take the time to get to know them.
By Michael Albano
Dearborn Press and Guide
Michael D. Albano has lived in Dearborn for 35 years and is a regular guest contributor to the Press & Guide. He describes himself as an unabashed supporter of Dearborn, because he is grateful for all of the blessings our city has bestowed upon his life. a great love of the wonderful community that raised me — Dearborn, Michigan.
I am proud to be associated with a city that is home to more than 80 nationalities and many different religions. It is a city with a large percentage of Arab Americans, and I am thankful to have met and/or befriended many of them.
I am saddened that although the overwhelming majority of Arab Americans are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to America, since 9/11 some people feel it necessary to demonize Arab Americans— especially those who are Muslim.
Such is the case with ludicrous comments Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle made recently about Muslim Arab Americans living in Dearborn and Frankford, Texas — a city Dallas annexed in 1975.
Angle said Dearborn and Frankford were under Sharia law — law based on the Quran and Islamic religion where the justice system, and church, are integrated and where Sharia courts are essentially religious courts and judges are usually local mosque officials.
If Angle had bothered to check, she would have learned every voter in Dearborn, regardless of race or religion can vote for elected officials, including judges in open elections.
I am outraged about Angle’s ignorant comments because I know many uninformed Americans will mistakenly believe her hyperbole, which could further fuel bigotry toward ourMuslim residents, and spread misconceptions about Dearborn.
Although he had every reason to attack Angle, I was happy to see Mayor Jack O’Reilly on Anderson Cooper defending our great city in a professional manner. His letter inviting Angle here for a personal tour was something only a person with class would offer. I was also glad to see local businessman and lifelong Dearborn resident Tarek Beydoun spend his time, and own money, to compose a personal statement reassuring Nevada voters Angle was misinformed about Dearborn — another class act. It made me proud to see these fine examples set by our Christian mayor and a Muslim Arab business owner (both lifelong Dearborn residents). They showed the nation the real truth about how well we get along in Dearborn.
I want to inform Angle I know many Dearborn Middle Eastern Muslims who love America. One example is a lady whose individual and family dedication to America is incredible.
Since 2003 she has served America, on and off, in the Middle East in the war on terror. Not only does she serve, but her husband, and two sons, also serve America in the war on terror.
It takes plenty of dedication with one family member serving America in the war on terror, but four members sacrificing their safety and giving so much back is incredible, and something that should make all Americans proud — including Angle.
Angle should know I have met numerous dedicated Middle Eastern volunteers, including Muslims at Dearborn neighborhood association meetings.
Sharon should also know many American, and foreign-born Arab-Americans, have literally rebuilt our East Dearborn business districts and neighborhoods and they are an asset to our city.
The Arabic people I have ment, both Muslim and Christian, cherish family and friends and if they befriend you, they treat you like family.
In many cases the Muslim and Christian Arabs I meet treat me better than many of my non-Arab friends.
The Arabs I know work as hard, or harder, than many previous immigrants. They are proud to be American and they deserve far more admiration and respect than they receive.
All of us, including Angle should be extremely proud of all that Arabs have accomplished in America. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors, business owners and friends and Dearborn and America are far better off because of them. I am proud to know them ,and she would be, too if she would quit stereotyping them and take the time to get to know them.
By Michael Albano
Dearborn Press and Guide
Michael D. Albano has lived in Dearborn for 35 years and is a regular guest contributor to the Press & Guide. He describes himself as an unabashed supporter of Dearborn, because he is grateful for all of the blessings our city has bestowed upon his life.