Looking to the Future
In today’s restless political climate, it is all too easy to be swept away with righteous anger and indignation when others do not see things the same way that we do. We ask ourselves, “How can they think like that?” while shaking our heads (and even sometimes our fists). Dinner table conversation has become much more heated and families and/or relationships have been split apart by the topic.
In Iraq, recent elections have fractured the community. Rallies, protests, and demonstrations have sprung up all over Baghdad demanding the dissolution of parliament. The followers of one leader, a cleric named Muqtada al-Sadr, have declared the most recent election corrupt. He won the largest share of seats in October but failed to form a majority government. Does any of this sound familiar?
Our cover story tells the tale of an Iraqi man who followed all the rules and still ended up on the run, facing deportation to Iraq and separation from his family here in the U.S. It was first printed in The Delacorte Review, part of the Columbia Journalism School, and was sent to us by the publisher. Any opinions, comments, or letters in response to the article should be sent to edit@chaldeannews.com.
September also brings us an article written by Weam Namou about the St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica in India. As you may know, St. Thomas is typically credited with the conversion of certain Mesopotamians to Christianity. His journey ended on the Indian subcontinent with his death by piercing with a lance. His bones are buried at the Basilica there, and it is considered a most holy place.
In a continuation of our Iraqi photo essay, we focus the frame on Mar Matti, the monastery located in the mountains of northern Iraq and named for St. Matthew. Reportedly, the bones of the saint are buried there along with the remains of many other monks and priests.
We profile a couple members of the community this month, including Vincent Sitto, who is running for a seat on the Oakland County Commission. Like many who get into politics, Sitto is concerned for the future of his children. He won the primary unopposed but will have a tough race against incumbent Kristen Nelson in the November general election.
Cal Abbo also interviewed and profiled Chris George, an entrepreneur who has made a name for himself with subscription services including “The Gentlemen’s Box.” Chris has gone on to become a branding expert and ultimately feels like he found his calling.
You may recall an earlier story about Al Jamoua and his fight against Michigan Farm Bureau, a business he claims has discriminatory practices. Special writer Dawud Walid expounds on the issue in an opinion piece. Dawud is the executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI).
We have many reasons to celebrate this month as well, with the rise of football star Dominic Gasso, the appointment of Rony Foumia, and the acknowledgement of Annette Tomina’s success with Aqua-Tots, a swim school franchise.
As we head into the last quarter of 2022, let’s look to the future for inspiration and to the past for guidance.
Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief