Willmar schools won’t change policy on prayer
September 18, 2008
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Buzz up! WILLMAR (AP) — Willmar public school officials are sticking with their original policy on when to allow Somali students to pray.
Some Somali parents in Willmar had complained that the public schools weren’t allowing their Muslim children to step out of class for daily prayer. Some didn’t send their children to school last week in protest.
School officials met with a Somali parent to listen to the concerns but said they’re not changing their policy.
Willmar Junior High School Principal Mark Miley said at a meeting six years ago, Somali families agreed that their children could pray during lunch time and between periods. Miley says everyone at that meeting, including parents, agreed that stepping out during class to pray would be disruptive.
Muslims observe prayer five times a day. This month, during Ramadan, the midday prayer falls during class, not lunch time.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The new faces of the U.S.: 100 become citizens in rare local ceremony
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Yiannis John Kaznessis paused for a few seconds after he was handed the certificate that declared him a new citizen of the United States.
He grasped it proudly, staring for a quiet moment at the piece of paper that bore his name, his photo and the seal of approval that allows the New Brighton man the rights of a U.S. citizen, including the right to vote and serve on a jury.
“I’m happy, very happy, of course,” Kaznessis said.
The 37-year-old man from Greece had waited 14 years to become a citizen. He was among almost 100 area residents who were naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony Wednesday at St. Cloud City Hall.
Many government officials said it was the first naturalization ceremony in St. Cloud in recent memory.
Among the 34 countries represented were Cambodia, Liberia, Pakistan and Peru. About 15 Somalis took part in the ceremony as well, with aid in the naturalization process from Lutheran Social Service, said Mohamed Yusuf, the agency’s program manager for refugee employment and social service.
“The face of our country is changing rapidly,” said U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery, who presided over the ceremony. “These ceremonies represent the changing face of America.”
Citizenship rises
More than 10,000 immigrants became citizens in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin last year, up from 4,600 in 2000. Federal judges in the state have scheduled 55 naturalization ceremonies for this year, up from 37 last year.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plan to have about 1,300 people participate in a naturalization ceremony Sept. 9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
St. Cloud immigration attorney Laura Tripiciano, who is a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, helped organize the local naturalization ceremony, saying she works with many immigrants to become citizens. It was her dream to have a ceremony here, she said.
“They would have to go the Twin Cities, and it would be hard to have family members and friends come to participate,” she said.
Among the audience members were several elected government officials including Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, and St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis.
Proud of the U.S.
The newly recognized U.S. citizens waved their small American flags proudly as flashes from cameras and loud cheers from their friends and family surrounded them.
Among them was Deyo Ajayi, who came from Nigeria with her husband about five years ago. Ajayi said she relocated to the country for her husband’s job.
“I want to be able to serve the country with my love and provide an opportunity to my children,” Ajayi said.
Kleis addressed the audience, saying that often American-born citizens take the country’s freedoms for granted, but he knew that the new incoming citizens would not.
“You chose to be U.S. citizens,” Kleis said. “It’s a day of pride for the community.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Share this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this?
Yiannis John Kaznessis paused for a few seconds after he was handed the certificate that declared him a new citizen of the United States.
He grasped it proudly, staring for a quiet moment at the piece of paper that bore his name, his photo and the seal of approval that allows the New Brighton man the rights of a U.S. citizen, including the right to vote and serve on a jury.
“I’m happy, very happy, of course,” Kaznessis said.
The 37-year-old man from Greece had waited 14 years to become a citizen. He was among almost 100 area residents who were naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony Wednesday at St. Cloud City Hall.
Many government officials said it was the first naturalization ceremony in St. Cloud in recent memory.
Among the 34 countries represented were Cambodia, Liberia, Pakistan and Peru. About 15 Somalis took part in the ceremony as well, with aid in the naturalization process from Lutheran Social Service, said Mohamed Yusuf, the agency’s program manager for refugee employment and social service.
“The face of our country is changing rapidly,” said U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery, who presided over the ceremony. “These ceremonies represent the changing face of America.”
Citizenship rises
More than 10,000 immigrants became citizens in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin last year, up from 4,600 in 2000. Federal judges in the state have scheduled 55 naturalization ceremonies for this year, up from 37 last year.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plan to have about 1,300 people participate in a naturalization ceremony Sept. 9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
St. Cloud immigration attorney Laura Tripiciano, who is a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, helped organize the local naturalization ceremony, saying she works with many immigrants to become citizens. It was her dream to have a ceremony here, she said.
“They would have to go the Twin Cities, and it would be hard to have family members and friends come to participate,” she said.
Among the audience members were several elected government officials including Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, and St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis.
Proud of the U.S.
The newly recognized U.S. citizens waved their small American flags proudly as flashes from cameras and loud cheers from their friends and family surrounded them.
Among them was Deyo Ajayi, who came from Nigeria with her husband about five years ago. Ajayi said she relocated to the country for her husband’s job.
“I want to be able to serve the country with my love and provide an opportunity to my children,” Ajayi said.
Kleis addressed the audience, saying that often American-born citizens take the country’s freedoms for granted, but he knew that the new incoming citizens would not.
“You chose to be U.S. citizens,” Kleis said. “It’s a day of pride for the community.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Group seeks funds to help minorities
Create CommUNITY sets focus areas
Group seeks funds to help minorities
By Charles Pulliam • cpulliam@stcloudtimes.com • August 7, 2008
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A new business plan is in motion for St. Cloud-based Create CommUNITY, a five-year-old organization founded to respond to increasing diversity in Central Minnesota.
Create CommUNITY has set three focus areas for the next three years with the help of ClearPath LLC of St. Cloud.
But to meet its goals, it needs money — $2.1 million.
“In order to continue what we do, that’s the amount of money we need,” Create CommUNITY coordinator Hedy Tripp said. “We are hoping a number of businesses will fund us ... even if it is small, it all helps.”
The sum was computed after months of meetings, discussions and ongoing conversations by the Create CommUNITY steering committee, she said.
For the next three years, the organization will focus on housing and health care access for people of color and educational improvement.
The plan is aimed at strengthening the community by dismantling racism.
“Those were the three focus areas that everything basically falls in, not saying other areas aren’t as important, but we have limited resources and want to do as much as we can,” Tripp said.
The organization used $110,000 in grants to community projects to work on closing racial gaps in the past year.
A recent $40,000 grant to the Minnesota International Health Volunteers launched a Community Health Worker Program and allowed the hiring of a Somali staff person to work directly with the Somali community.
“If we have this money, this is what we do,” Tripp said, adding that patient satisfaction for Somalis has improved with the addition of the new staffer.
Recent figures
Minorities make up about 12 percent of St. Cloud’s population, but 97 percent of area homes are owned by white people, according to a community analysis by Upfront Consulting in St. Cloud. Racial discrimination may play a role: The St. Cloud Human Rights Office confirmed 37 cases of housing discrimination in 2006.
The Upfront analysis also found that minorities are underserved in the health care system.
The research revealed that basic health care for people of color in the area is hindered by the lack of insurance.
Less than 6 percent of white Minnesotans are uninsured, compared with 34 percent of Hispanics, 21 percent of American Indians, 13 percent of African-Americans and 10 percent of Asian-Americans, according to Create CommUNITY’s research.
In the classroom, students of color are not only less likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, but they are falling further behind in math and reading achievement.
On the 2005-06 Minnesota Comprehensive Achievement tests, 49 percent of black eighth-graders met the state’s standards for reading, compared with 67 percent for white students.
In math, the number for black students who met the standards dipped to 20 percent, compared with 58 percent for white students.
White students also held a 93 percent graduation rate from high school, while 63 percent of black students graduated.
Funding breakdown
If the goal of raising $2.1 million is met, Create CommUNITY’s blueprint for using the funds includes allotting $719,000 to build awareness and support professional training, community education and increased marketing for Create CommUNITY and other initiatives.
To combat housing discrimination, Create CommUNITY plans to use $301,000.
A partnership with Tri-County Action Programs is arranged to create seminars directed toward communities of color, which includes rental meetings in native languages when appropriate.
Other goals include the development and administration of a third-party housing discrimination test, which would be conducted randomly until signs of discrimination are eliminated.
Create CommUNITY wants to appropriate $468,000 to expand the local Community Health Worker Program and $116,000 to support projects that would help improve academic performance for minority students.
The $2.1 million figure also includes operation costs to coordinate efforts and measure results, estimated at $298,000 over the next three years, while $225,000 in grants is needed to continue to boost the three target areas.
“Our journey isn’t going to be easy, but we have to open our minds to our differences,” Tripp said. “This is our plan, and this is what we want to do.”
In your voice
Read reactions to this story
Group seeks funds to help minorities
By Charles Pulliam • cpulliam@stcloudtimes.com • August 7, 2008
Read Comments(152)Recommend (1)Print this page E-mail this article
Share this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this?
A new business plan is in motion for St. Cloud-based Create CommUNITY, a five-year-old organization founded to respond to increasing diversity in Central Minnesota.
Create CommUNITY has set three focus areas for the next three years with the help of ClearPath LLC of St. Cloud.
But to meet its goals, it needs money — $2.1 million.
“In order to continue what we do, that’s the amount of money we need,” Create CommUNITY coordinator Hedy Tripp said. “We are hoping a number of businesses will fund us ... even if it is small, it all helps.”
The sum was computed after months of meetings, discussions and ongoing conversations by the Create CommUNITY steering committee, she said.
For the next three years, the organization will focus on housing and health care access for people of color and educational improvement.
The plan is aimed at strengthening the community by dismantling racism.
“Those were the three focus areas that everything basically falls in, not saying other areas aren’t as important, but we have limited resources and want to do as much as we can,” Tripp said.
The organization used $110,000 in grants to community projects to work on closing racial gaps in the past year.
A recent $40,000 grant to the Minnesota International Health Volunteers launched a Community Health Worker Program and allowed the hiring of a Somali staff person to work directly with the Somali community.
“If we have this money, this is what we do,” Tripp said, adding that patient satisfaction for Somalis has improved with the addition of the new staffer.
Recent figures
Minorities make up about 12 percent of St. Cloud’s population, but 97 percent of area homes are owned by white people, according to a community analysis by Upfront Consulting in St. Cloud. Racial discrimination may play a role: The St. Cloud Human Rights Office confirmed 37 cases of housing discrimination in 2006.
The Upfront analysis also found that minorities are underserved in the health care system.
The research revealed that basic health care for people of color in the area is hindered by the lack of insurance.
Less than 6 percent of white Minnesotans are uninsured, compared with 34 percent of Hispanics, 21 percent of American Indians, 13 percent of African-Americans and 10 percent of Asian-Americans, according to Create CommUNITY’s research.
In the classroom, students of color are not only less likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, but they are falling further behind in math and reading achievement.
On the 2005-06 Minnesota Comprehensive Achievement tests, 49 percent of black eighth-graders met the state’s standards for reading, compared with 67 percent for white students.
In math, the number for black students who met the standards dipped to 20 percent, compared with 58 percent for white students.
White students also held a 93 percent graduation rate from high school, while 63 percent of black students graduated.
Funding breakdown
If the goal of raising $2.1 million is met, Create CommUNITY’s blueprint for using the funds includes allotting $719,000 to build awareness and support professional training, community education and increased marketing for Create CommUNITY and other initiatives.
To combat housing discrimination, Create CommUNITY plans to use $301,000.
A partnership with Tri-County Action Programs is arranged to create seminars directed toward communities of color, which includes rental meetings in native languages when appropriate.
Other goals include the development and administration of a third-party housing discrimination test, which would be conducted randomly until signs of discrimination are eliminated.
Create CommUNITY wants to appropriate $468,000 to expand the local Community Health Worker Program and $116,000 to support projects that would help improve academic performance for minority students.
The $2.1 million figure also includes operation costs to coordinate efforts and measure results, estimated at $298,000 over the next three years, while $225,000 in grants is needed to continue to boost the three target areas.
“Our journey isn’t going to be easy, but we have to open our minds to our differences,” Tripp said. “This is our plan, and this is what we want to do.”
In your voice
Read reactions to this story
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Somalis now Iowa meatpackers
By Henry C. Jackson, The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 07/28/2008 10:51:38 PM PDT
POSTVILLE, Iowa - Scores of Somali immigrants are taking jobs at the nation's largest kosher meatpacking plant, replacing Hispanic workers arrested in a huge immigration raid and forcing a remote Iowa town to make another cultural shift.
Before the May 12 raid at Agriprocessors, hundreds of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants maintained a vibrant community in Postville, a largely white community of 2,200 people in northeast Iowa.
Now the stoops and haunts once occupied by Hispanics are being filled by about 150 Somali men.
Aydurus Farah, a 21-year-old who emigrated from Somalia in 2004, set out for work in meatpacking plants to make money for his family back home in Somalia.
He planned to begin work at Agriprocessors this week, drawn from Minneapolis to Postville by the promised wages.
"They said over there they pay, like, 13 dollars an hour; very good money," Farah said as he stood outside Sabor Latino, a popular Mexican restaurant.
He said he also appreciates the city's small-town charms.
"I did not like Minneapolis - too many people, too many cars," he said. "I like small towns. I am small-town guy, so this is nice place. Maybe I can raise family here."
The influx of Somalis has been met with some surprise in a community still bewildered by the Agriprocessors raid, the largest action of its kind in the United States. Federal agents arrested 389 people, mostly Guatemalans and Mexicans who had
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
established roots and become part of the community.
The new immigrants have "raised some eyebrows, which is pretty normal when you get somebody different in town," Postville Mayor Robert Penrod said.
"That said, as far as I know they haven't caused a whole lot of problems. They've been keeping to themselves," he said.
It's not the first cultural change in Postville. The slaughterhouse attracted eastern Europeans in the 1990s, including emigrants from Bosnia, Poland, Russia and former Soviet Republics. Hispanics became the majority in the past decade.
Article Last Updated: 07/28/2008 10:51:38 PM PDT
POSTVILLE, Iowa - Scores of Somali immigrants are taking jobs at the nation's largest kosher meatpacking plant, replacing Hispanic workers arrested in a huge immigration raid and forcing a remote Iowa town to make another cultural shift.
Before the May 12 raid at Agriprocessors, hundreds of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants maintained a vibrant community in Postville, a largely white community of 2,200 people in northeast Iowa.
Now the stoops and haunts once occupied by Hispanics are being filled by about 150 Somali men.
Aydurus Farah, a 21-year-old who emigrated from Somalia in 2004, set out for work in meatpacking plants to make money for his family back home in Somalia.
He planned to begin work at Agriprocessors this week, drawn from Minneapolis to Postville by the promised wages.
"They said over there they pay, like, 13 dollars an hour; very good money," Farah said as he stood outside Sabor Latino, a popular Mexican restaurant.
He said he also appreciates the city's small-town charms.
"I did not like Minneapolis - too many people, too many cars," he said. "I like small towns. I am small-town guy, so this is nice place. Maybe I can raise family here."
The influx of Somalis has been met with some surprise in a community still bewildered by the Agriprocessors raid, the largest action of its kind in the United States. Federal agents arrested 389 people, mostly Guatemalans and Mexicans who had
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertisement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
established roots and become part of the community.
The new immigrants have "raised some eyebrows, which is pretty normal when you get somebody different in town," Postville Mayor Robert Penrod said.
"That said, as far as I know they haven't caused a whole lot of problems. They've been keeping to themselves," he said.
It's not the first cultural change in Postville. The slaughterhouse attracted eastern Europeans in the 1990s, including emigrants from Bosnia, Poland, Russia and former Soviet Republics. Hispanics became the majority in the past decade.
After raid, Iowa town deals with Somali immigrants By HENRY C. JACKSON, Associated Press Writer
POSTVILLE, Iowa - Scores of Somali immigrants are taking jobs at the nation's largest kosher meatpacking plant, replacing Hispanic workers arrested in a huge immigration raid and forcing a remote Iowa town to make another cultural shift.
ADVERTISEMENT
Before the May 12 raid at Agriprocessors, hundreds of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants maintained a vibrant community in Postville, a largely white community of 2,200 people in northeast Iowa.
Now the stoops and haunts once occupied by Hispanics are being filled by about 150 Somali men.
Aydurus Farah, a 21-year-old who immigrated from Somalia in 2004, set out for work in meatpacking plants to make money for his family back home in Somalia.
He planned to begin work at Agriprocessors this week, drawn from Minneapolis to Postville by the promised wages.
"They said over there they pay like 13 dollars an hour, very good money," Farah said as he stood outside Sabor Latino, a popular Mexican restaurant.
He said he also appreciates the city's small-town charms.
"I did not like Minneapolis — too many people, too many cars," he said. "I like small towns. I am small town guy, so this is nice place. Maybe I can raise family here."
The influx of Somalis has been met with some surprise in a community still bewildered by the Agriprocessors raid, the largest raid of its kind in the United States. Federal agents arrested 389 people, mostly Guatemalans and Mexicans who had established roots and become part of the community.
The new immigrants have "raised some eyebrows, which is pretty normal when you get somebody different in town," Postville Mayor Robert Penrod said.
"That said, as far as I know they haven't caused a whole lot of problems. They've been keeping to themselves," he said.
It's not the first cultural change in Postville. The slaughterhouse attracted eastern Europeans in the 1990s, including immigrants from Bosnia, Poland, Russia and former Soviet Republics. Hispanics became the majority in the last decade.
The result is that a town that barely covers two square miles is home to people from 24 nationalities speaking 17 languages.
Farah and others said the Somali community in Minneapolis and elsewhere is abuzz with talk of well-paying meatpacking jobs at Agriprocessors.
That runs counter to stories told by workers at the plant who described pay before the raid as $10 an hour or lower with no extra for overtime. Some also claimed the plant hired underage employees and forced its workers to endure unsafe conditions.
Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Agriprocessors, said the company wouldn't comment on pay or staffing issues.
Regardless of previous claims, Hassam Jilmale said he left work at a Tyson plant in Nebraska because he heard he could make more money with better conditions at Agriprocessors.
The 26-year-old said he was starting at the plant on Tuesday.
"We make much more money here," he said. "At the other place, they did not like Somalis. They were no good. So far this is good. It's nice here."
Farah lives with three others in a cramped apartment on Postville's main street — located just above a Latino bakery and Sabor Latino, and down the street from a Hispanic clothing store and a Guatemalan restaurant.
Many of the Somalis who have come to Postville are legal immigrants with roots in Minneapolis, which has one of the nation's largest concentrations of Somali immigrants.
Hassan Mohamud, a Somali native who works as a legal advocate at The Legal Aid Society in Minneapolis, said the young men leave because low-skilled factory jobs are scarce in the Twin Cities and they need to provide for their families.
"It is almost always financial reasons," he said. "Here there are less jobs and the workers cannot cover their financial needs. So they leave so that they can give back ... and they can get a job that doesn't require skills and languages."
No new businesses or mosques have opened in Postville to support the new community, but residents said they are leery about adjusting to another foreign culture even as the outcry over the May raid lingers.
The raid made Postville an unlikely flashpoint in the immigration debate. On Sunday, about 1,000 people, including many Postville residents, marched through the city's streets to protest the immigration raid and Agriprocessors' treatment of employees.
Dave Hartley watched from the street as people marched through the town and past the meatpacking plant. The town's situation is regrettable, he said, and it has thrown many of the residents off balance.
The Mexican and Guatemalan communities "had good and bad ones, but they policed their own," he said.
The new Somali residents seem fine, but he fears there is only so much upheaval the town can take.
"We're just always adjusting and it's scary, it's hard," he said. "We get all these new people and we don't know who they are."
ADVERTISEMENT
Before the May 12 raid at Agriprocessors, hundreds of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants maintained a vibrant community in Postville, a largely white community of 2,200 people in northeast Iowa.
Now the stoops and haunts once occupied by Hispanics are being filled by about 150 Somali men.
Aydurus Farah, a 21-year-old who immigrated from Somalia in 2004, set out for work in meatpacking plants to make money for his family back home in Somalia.
He planned to begin work at Agriprocessors this week, drawn from Minneapolis to Postville by the promised wages.
"They said over there they pay like 13 dollars an hour, very good money," Farah said as he stood outside Sabor Latino, a popular Mexican restaurant.
He said he also appreciates the city's small-town charms.
"I did not like Minneapolis — too many people, too many cars," he said. "I like small towns. I am small town guy, so this is nice place. Maybe I can raise family here."
The influx of Somalis has been met with some surprise in a community still bewildered by the Agriprocessors raid, the largest raid of its kind in the United States. Federal agents arrested 389 people, mostly Guatemalans and Mexicans who had established roots and become part of the community.
The new immigrants have "raised some eyebrows, which is pretty normal when you get somebody different in town," Postville Mayor Robert Penrod said.
"That said, as far as I know they haven't caused a whole lot of problems. They've been keeping to themselves," he said.
It's not the first cultural change in Postville. The slaughterhouse attracted eastern Europeans in the 1990s, including immigrants from Bosnia, Poland, Russia and former Soviet Republics. Hispanics became the majority in the last decade.
The result is that a town that barely covers two square miles is home to people from 24 nationalities speaking 17 languages.
Farah and others said the Somali community in Minneapolis and elsewhere is abuzz with talk of well-paying meatpacking jobs at Agriprocessors.
That runs counter to stories told by workers at the plant who described pay before the raid as $10 an hour or lower with no extra for overtime. Some also claimed the plant hired underage employees and forced its workers to endure unsafe conditions.
Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Agriprocessors, said the company wouldn't comment on pay or staffing issues.
Regardless of previous claims, Hassam Jilmale said he left work at a Tyson plant in Nebraska because he heard he could make more money with better conditions at Agriprocessors.
The 26-year-old said he was starting at the plant on Tuesday.
"We make much more money here," he said. "At the other place, they did not like Somalis. They were no good. So far this is good. It's nice here."
Farah lives with three others in a cramped apartment on Postville's main street — located just above a Latino bakery and Sabor Latino, and down the street from a Hispanic clothing store and a Guatemalan restaurant.
Many of the Somalis who have come to Postville are legal immigrants with roots in Minneapolis, which has one of the nation's largest concentrations of Somali immigrants.
Hassan Mohamud, a Somali native who works as a legal advocate at The Legal Aid Society in Minneapolis, said the young men leave because low-skilled factory jobs are scarce in the Twin Cities and they need to provide for their families.
"It is almost always financial reasons," he said. "Here there are less jobs and the workers cannot cover their financial needs. So they leave so that they can give back ... and they can get a job that doesn't require skills and languages."
No new businesses or mosques have opened in Postville to support the new community, but residents said they are leery about adjusting to another foreign culture even as the outcry over the May raid lingers.
The raid made Postville an unlikely flashpoint in the immigration debate. On Sunday, about 1,000 people, including many Postville residents, marched through the city's streets to protest the immigration raid and Agriprocessors' treatment of employees.
Dave Hartley watched from the street as people marched through the town and past the meatpacking plant. The town's situation is regrettable, he said, and it has thrown many of the residents off balance.
The Mexican and Guatemalan communities "had good and bad ones, but they policed their own," he said.
The new Somali residents seem fine, but he fears there is only so much upheaval the town can take.
"We're just always adjusting and it's scary, it's hard," he said. "We get all these new people and we don't know who they are."
Agriprocessors: We’re immigrants too!
Two days after immigrants and their advocates marched in Postville, Agriprocessors released this statement:
The founders of Agriprocessors, the Rubashkin family, are a Jewish refugee family that escaped the clutches of Communism decades ago. Aron and Rivka Rubashkin fled Soviet Russia after experiencing oppression in the anti religious regime. Mrs. Rubashkin’s uncles were imprisoned in Siberia due to their religious beliefs. Mr. Rubashkin noted: “As immigrants in America we found freedom and opportunity. We fully understand the pain and suffering which immigrants are going through in building better lives.”
Agriprocessors is dedicated to providing economic prosperity, quality jobs and a safe environment for all its employees. Chaim Abrahams, a company spokesman, explained: “We are committed to follow all federal, state and local regulations in our plant.” In reiterating the company policy, Mr. Rubashkin pointed to the hiring of Jim Martin, a former US Attorney in the state of Missouri, as the chief compliance officer of Agriprocessors. “ He is insuring that our company excels in the area of compliance to government regulation” noted Abrahams. Among other things, Mr. Martin established a 24-hour anonymous hotline for any complaints of workers.
Since the plant opened in 1988, it has created a new era of prosperity in the region. The plant has created jobs, and given a boost to the area. Our plant is modern, clean, and consistently focused on food safety and the safety of our workers.
Agriprocessors is deeply concerned about the plight of the immigrant families in Postville. The Rubashkin family feels that it can help others. Aron Rubashkin explained “As an immigrant family we want to provide our workers with the opportunity to share in the American dream. In recent weeks we have been helping the local families with their daily needs”.
The founders of Agriprocessors, the Rubashkin family, are a Jewish refugee family that escaped the clutches of Communism decades ago. Aron and Rivka Rubashkin fled Soviet Russia after experiencing oppression in the anti religious regime. Mrs. Rubashkin’s uncles were imprisoned in Siberia due to their religious beliefs. Mr. Rubashkin noted: “As immigrants in America we found freedom and opportunity. We fully understand the pain and suffering which immigrants are going through in building better lives.”
Agriprocessors is dedicated to providing economic prosperity, quality jobs and a safe environment for all its employees. Chaim Abrahams, a company spokesman, explained: “We are committed to follow all federal, state and local regulations in our plant.” In reiterating the company policy, Mr. Rubashkin pointed to the hiring of Jim Martin, a former US Attorney in the state of Missouri, as the chief compliance officer of Agriprocessors. “ He is insuring that our company excels in the area of compliance to government regulation” noted Abrahams. Among other things, Mr. Martin established a 24-hour anonymous hotline for any complaints of workers.
Since the plant opened in 1988, it has created a new era of prosperity in the region. The plant has created jobs, and given a boost to the area. Our plant is modern, clean, and consistently focused on food safety and the safety of our workers.
Agriprocessors is deeply concerned about the plight of the immigrant families in Postville. The Rubashkin family feels that it can help others. Aron Rubashkin explained “As an immigrant family we want to provide our workers with the opportunity to share in the American dream. In recent weeks we have been helping the local families with their daily needs”.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Man assaulted with frying pan
Man assaulted with frying pan
Times staff report • July 17, 2008
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One man was taken to jail after another man received a blow to the head with a frying pan Wednesday, St. Cloud police said.
Mohamed S. Mohamed, 23, of St. Cloud was arrested on suspicion of assault. Police say he hit a 40-year-old man with the frying pan, leaving a small cut on the top of his head. The man was taken to St. Cloud Hospital.
The incident happened at 6:09 p.m. in the 1300 block of 15th Street North.
Times staff report • July 17, 2008
Read Comments(200)Recommend (3)Print this page E-mail this article
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One man was taken to jail after another man received a blow to the head with a frying pan Wednesday, St. Cloud police said.
Mohamed S. Mohamed, 23, of St. Cloud was arrested on suspicion of assault. Police say he hit a 40-year-old man with the frying pan, leaving a small cut on the top of his head. The man was taken to St. Cloud Hospital.
The incident happened at 6:09 p.m. in the 1300 block of 15th Street North.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Somalis mark their country's independence day with dance, food
Somalis mark their country's independence day with dance, food
By Dave Schwarz • dschwarz@stcloudtimes.com • July 2, 2008
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Community members gathered Tuesday in the Apollo High School auditorium for St. Cloud’s first celebration of Somali independence.
Somalia gained independence from Great Britain on June 26, 1960, and from Italy on July 1, 1960.
The celebration featured speeches by several local Somali elders, including Ismail Ali, Mohamoud Mohamed and Mohamed Yusuf. Music by Hibo Nura and UK Ali and local Somali youth groups also was performed.
The event featured dancers holding Somali and American flags and ended with a traditional Somali meal served in the Apollo High School cafeteria.
Speakers noted that Somalis in the area are lucky because they are able to celebrate both Somali and American independence days in the same week.
By Dave Schwarz • dschwarz@stcloudtimes.com • July 2, 2008
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Community members gathered Tuesday in the Apollo High School auditorium for St. Cloud’s first celebration of Somali independence.
Somalia gained independence from Great Britain on June 26, 1960, and from Italy on July 1, 1960.
The celebration featured speeches by several local Somali elders, including Ismail Ali, Mohamoud Mohamed and Mohamed Yusuf. Music by Hibo Nura and UK Ali and local Somali youth groups also was performed.
The event featured dancers holding Somali and American flags and ended with a traditional Somali meal served in the Apollo High School cafeteria.
Speakers noted that Somalis in the area are lucky because they are able to celebrate both Somali and American independence days in the same week.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
St. Cloud immigrants address diversity at forum
St. Cloud immigrants address diversity at forum
By Kari Petrie • kpetrie@stcloudtimes.com • June 19, 2008
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St. Cloud residents have to celebrate their diversity by sharing their diversity, participants in a forum for and about new immigrants said Wednesday.
The forum was a part of St. Cloud's first Listening Week, a six-day event that started Monday during which residents can meet with officials. Each day a handful of topics is discussed, including public services and public safety. Mayor Dave Kleis said the aim is to give residents a chance to voice concerns in a casual environment.
“We are here to listen," he said.
A diverse group of residents gathered Wednesday at City Hall to discuss with Kleis issues relating to new immigrants and diversity. About 30 people gathered in the council chambers to share a meal and talk. Some comments focused on creating more understanding between groups while others focused on immediate needs.
Mohamed Yusuf suggested the city start a welcome center to serve as a one-stop shop for resources and information about the community.
Brianda Cediel agreed with the idea and said the city needs to be better prepared for more refugees who come to the area.
Cediel also said it's important for others in the community to get to know their new neighbors. She encouraged Kleis to spread the word that neighbors should get to know each other better. With more communication between different groups, “both sides are going to feel integrated," she said.
Neighbors should celebrate each other's diversity and learn more about each other's culture, Oladele Gazal said. He said there should be time set aside when all communities can come together and learn more.
“This place is changing," he said. “We need to know each other."
Gazal said the Listening Week event was the first time he had the opportunity to sit down and really talk with Kleis about his ideas. But it really is a starting point.
“We need to take this outside to everyone," he said. “That's my two cents."
By Kari Petrie • kpetrie@stcloudtimes.com • June 19, 2008
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St. Cloud residents have to celebrate their diversity by sharing their diversity, participants in a forum for and about new immigrants said Wednesday.
The forum was a part of St. Cloud's first Listening Week, a six-day event that started Monday during which residents can meet with officials. Each day a handful of topics is discussed, including public services and public safety. Mayor Dave Kleis said the aim is to give residents a chance to voice concerns in a casual environment.
“We are here to listen," he said.
A diverse group of residents gathered Wednesday at City Hall to discuss with Kleis issues relating to new immigrants and diversity. About 30 people gathered in the council chambers to share a meal and talk. Some comments focused on creating more understanding between groups while others focused on immediate needs.
Mohamed Yusuf suggested the city start a welcome center to serve as a one-stop shop for resources and information about the community.
Brianda Cediel agreed with the idea and said the city needs to be better prepared for more refugees who come to the area.
Cediel also said it's important for others in the community to get to know their new neighbors. She encouraged Kleis to spread the word that neighbors should get to know each other better. With more communication between different groups, “both sides are going to feel integrated," she said.
Neighbors should celebrate each other's diversity and learn more about each other's culture, Oladele Gazal said. He said there should be time set aside when all communities can come together and learn more.
“This place is changing," he said. “We need to know each other."
Gazal said the Listening Week event was the first time he had the opportunity to sit down and really talk with Kleis about his ideas. But it really is a starting point.
“We need to take this outside to everyone," he said. “That's my two cents."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Man arrested after knife assault
Times staff writer • June 17, 2008
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A St. Cloud man was arrested late Monday after a woman told police she had been assaulted with a knife.
Michael Lee Hunter, 41, was arrested a short time later. He was taken to Stearns County Jail and could be charged with assault.
The assault took place at 523-54th Ave. N about 11:30 p.m. The 30-year-old victim sustained minor injuries and did not need medical treatment
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A St. Cloud man was arrested late Monday after a woman told police she had been assaulted with a knife.
Michael Lee Hunter, 41, was arrested a short time later. He was taken to Stearns County Jail and could be charged with assault.
The assault took place at 523-54th Ave. N about 11:30 p.m. The 30-year-old victim sustained minor injuries and did not need medical treatment
Monday, May 19, 2008
what is happening in St,Cloud
first my name is jamal,last couple of years that i lived in st,cloud, i have been hearing thing that happen to some of my family members,friends and general to Somali Community, i have been dynied all that years there are any racial issue or tention,i also beleived that there are good people in this community,and becuase of that, you should not be painted one brush all poeple, to my believe it is "wrong" if you call all poeple one name, because every individual has a name,deferent beleive,deferent behevor and inditity so they can not be all in same,and there is a saying "DO nt punish a crime a one to another" for example if a man does a crime should hir wife or girl friend punish,becuase of his crime althought they are close people. i beleive the answer is NO.
i know there are organzations who have been working tiresless to change st,cloud and welcoming to others not only somalian but including all other moniroties blacks,hispanics,jews, and Somalians. and create health community, last year St,clout state and other agencies held a large meeting in civic center about racial issue and racism in St,cloud, mayor was there, and large poeple majority i would say local people we there, i remember they talked about how maniroty house owner ship is low,they talked about young hispanic and black are not gratuating in school bruce witkin was the person who said they will do some thing about that.
after the issue of the dog i asked my self question if local people are not fair between a dog and somalis. will they be fair to a white person againt somali. i came to conclution. to starting writting story about somalis and that is why i create a blog and youtube account, i want to create a web to contunie a dialogue about this issue and news paper.
i know there are organzations who have been working tiresless to change st,cloud and welcoming to others not only somalian but including all other moniroties blacks,hispanics,jews, and Somalians. and create health community, last year St,clout state and other agencies held a large meeting in civic center about racial issue and racism in St,cloud, mayor was there, and large poeple majority i would say local people we there, i remember they talked about how maniroty house owner ship is low,they talked about young hispanic and black are not gratuating in school bruce witkin was the person who said they will do some thing about that.
after the issue of the dog i asked my self question if local people are not fair between a dog and somalis. will they be fair to a white person againt somali. i came to conclution. to starting writting story about somalis and that is why i create a blog and youtube account, i want to create a web to contunie a dialogue about this issue and news paper.
Police car rammed; man arrested
A St. Paul man was arrested after he intentionally rammed a St. Cloud police car, police said.
Abdi Ibrahim Ahmed, 32, was arrested and is being held on suspicion of second-degree assault, reckless driving and criminal damage to property.
Officers were called at 7:45 p.m. Saturday to 33rd Avenue North and Veterans Drive after receiving calls about erratic driving. Officers found the car at 710-33rd Ave. N. The suspect rammed the police car twice, police said.
The suspect and officer were not injured. The police car received minor front-end damage.
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redbear20 wrote:
Replying to mrsseaytobe:
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal. Regardless of his background, he is still a loser....
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on.
i think dill hole is hyphenated
5/19/2008 7:52:00 PM
redbear20
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal.
5/19/2008 7:25:57 PM
.
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on. mrsseaytobe
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AngieD wrote:
5/19/2008 5:52:38 PM I'm thinking that maybe he wanted to get khat.
Kidding aside, I think the Somolis get a bad rap as a group simply because they are "new". All eyes are upon them to watch for mistakes, mistakes some will surely make because they aren't familiar with the ways of the land. There will still be some bad apples in the end, but most will learn the ways in time, and by that time, there may be a "new" population to take the spotlight. Most Somolis know you can't ram a Police car so I'm guessing this one is just one bad apple in the bunch. AngieD
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CheezyEggz wrote:
Replying to CheezyEggz:
As for the article....
LOL! I ripped on someone's grammar and then I screw up!
It's scary to know that there are...................
5/19/2008 5:44:11 PM
LOL! I ripped on someone's grammar and then I screw up!
It's scary to know that there are...................
CheezyEggz
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CheezyEggz wrote:
As for the article....
What the heck was this man thinking??? It's scary to know that are angry peeps like him out on the roads.
CheezyEggz wrote:
5/19/2008 5:21:06 PM I think cloudgirl should learn proper grammar and punctuation before insulting others. JMO. CheezyEggz
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sharpsshooter wrote:
Replying to FilthPaste:
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this)
OMG you really don't have a clue about Police training and tactics...what utter B.S.
5/19/2008 4:48:02 PM
OMG you really don't have a clue about Police training and tactics...what utter B.S. sharpsshooter
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beebee82 wrote:
Comment, way to completely "mis-remember" that story. The landlord of an apartment called the police because a tenent (who happened to be Somali) had spit in his or her face (can't remember the gender of the landlord.)
The man was arrested for a low-level assault. So...um....he did get punished.
I guess I'd have a warped opinion about an entire race of people too if I only read and heard what I wanted to hear only to confirm my already pre-conceived prejudices against them =/
5/19/2008 3:56:11 PM Comment, way to completely "mis-remember" that story. The landlord of an apartment called the police because a tenent (who happened to be Somali) had spit in his or her face (can't remember the gender of the landlord.)
The man was arrested for a low-level assault. So...um....he did get punished.
I guess I'd have a warped opinion about an entire race of people too if I only read and heard what I wanted to hear only to confirm my already pre-conceived prejudices against them =/ beebee82
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Comment12 wrote:
Replying to lakelover:
Replying to Comment12:
Well, this guy was arrested, just like you or I would be if we rammed a cop car. So what was your point? When have any somalis ever gotten a lighter punishment than deserved? Do you have even one example or do you just keep "hearing" that?
5/19/2008 3:28:37 PM there was actually an article back in april where police responded to a complaint. in this apartment the police found a group of somali men in a back room, and when police asked them to keep noise down one of the men spit in the cops face, and another hit a cop in the side of the head. If you or I did that we would be on the ground from the taser. but in this case it was a "miscommunication" because go figure the somalis didnt speak or understand english. all im saying is that they get away with a lot more than we could.
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Sigh. Sometimes I wish that people needed a license to post things online.
5/19/2008 12:21:46 PM Sigh. Sometimes I wish that people needed a license to post things online. KristianT
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greendove wrote:
Cloud girl,
Although this man obviously violated the law and should be prosecuted , your comments are a despicable overgeneralization about a whole group of people. The same things were said about the Irish and Italians, Polish, German's you name them. I believe we need to judge people individually based on their actions not by a group, race or religion. It's your kind of ignorance that will make it harder for the good and law abiding Somalis to adjust and get a fair shake at assimilation.
5/19/2008 12:20:31 PM Cloud girl,
Although this man obviously violated the law and should be prosecuted , your comments are a despicable overgeneralization about a whole group of people. The same things were said about the Irish and Italians, Polish, German's you name them. I believe we need to judge people individually based on their actions not by a group, race or religion. It's your kind of ignorance that will make it harder for the good and law abiding Somalis to adjust and get a fair shake at assimilation. greendove
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow Cloudgirl... did you not get your bowl of Cheerios this morning? What an ignorant thing to say. You cannot just assume that everyone is the same because of their race. Grow up. And I suppose 90% of whatever you identify yourself as are perfect???(sarc) Probably not. I am going out on a branch for that one...
Anyways..wow... I think this guy deserves to get a good hefty chunk of time for using his car as a weapon. He better be thanking his higher power they didnt decide to shoot him over this debacle!
5/19/2008 12:18:43 PM Wow Cloudgirl... did you not get your bowl of Cheerios this morning? What an ignorant thing to say. You cannot just assume that everyone is the same because of their race. Grow up. And I suppose 90% of whatever you identify yourself as are perfect???(sarc) Probably not. I am going out on a branch for that one...
Anyways..wow... I think this guy deserves to get a good hefty chunk of time for using his car as a weapon. He better be thanking his higher power they didnt decide to shoot him over this debacle! mrsseaytobe
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Police are the most complained about professionals in the world, however, they are the first called when there is a problem (unless you have a crazy uncle bob in the closet who only comes outdoors when there is a problem). I don't complain about them (expect when they target dumb things like left hand turns or seatbelt usage when it seems like someone was getting robbed at the same time...) with that being said, I still respect them enough- they have a hard job to do- babysitting the masses of ignorant folks who cant seem to pull their heads out of their bottoms to act right
5/19/2008 12:14:35 PM Police are the most complained about professionals in the world, however, they are the first called when there is a problem (unless you have a crazy uncle bob in the closet who only comes outdoors when there is a problem). I don't complain about them (expect when they target dumb things like left hand turns or seatbelt usage when it seems like someone was getting robbed at the same time...) with that being said, I still respect them enough- they have a hard job to do- babysitting the masses of ignorant folks who cant seem to pull their heads out of their bottoms to act right mrsseaytobe
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redbear2019 wrote:
Replying to cloudgirl:
It sounds like a somalis name to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! send them back to where they came from all they do is run people off the roads,they are EXTREMELY VIOLENT people always fighting on school bus AND in school THEY R TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR COUNTRY and 90%of them are no good and dirty bring all sorts of germs illnesses parasites and other NASTY crap hare YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you change roads to lands, then you just described white people to me, so should they leave as well?
cloudgirl wrote:
cloudgirl's comment is abusive and has been removed.
5/19/2008 12:06:48 PM cloudgirl's comment is abusive and has been removed. cloudgirl
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Comment12 wrote:
Replying to lakelover:
I did not say they arent punished at all....i simply stated that it does not seem that they are punished the way you or i would be. They are favored because they are foreign and nobody wants to offend them.
But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff.
5/19/2008 11:52:21 AM I did not say they arent punished at all....i simply stated that it does not seem that they are punished the way you or i would be. They are favored because they are foreign and nobody wants to offend them.
Comment12
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FilthPaste wrote:
Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this)
5/19/2008 11:46:10 AM Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this) FilthPaste
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Deonisio wrote:
Send him to Philadelphia
5/19/2008 11:42:13 AM Send him to Philadelphia Deonisio
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But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff.
5/19/2008 10:58:08 AM But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff. lakelover
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TheConcerned wrote:
Replying to HundredProof:
How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite...
I would imagine you will be doubling up for quite some time as I would imagine this gentleman will be our guest for a bit of time. There had to be six police cars that were at the scene with the rammed Officer having to pull his weapon on the gentleman.
5/19/2008 10:31:01 AM
I would imagine you will be doubling up for quite some time as I would imagine this gentleman will be our guest for a bit of time. There had to be six police cars that were at the scene with the rammed Officer having to pull his weapon on the gentleman. TheConcerned
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HundredProof wrote:
How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite...
5/19/2008 10:15:56 AM How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite... HundredProof
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lakelover wrote:
Replying to Comment12:
Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get.
----Gimme a break, somalis (if that's even what he is) are just like any other group of people (including white Americans): there's good ones and there's bad ones. You can always tell the intelligence of someone who starts out a biased-based hate-filled comment with "I keep hearing..."
5/19/2008 9:47:08 AM
----Gimme a break, somalis (if that's even what he is) are just like any other group of people (including white Americans): there's good ones and there's bad ones. You can always tell the intelligence of someone who starts out a biased-based hate-filled comment with "I keep hearing..." lakelover
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KiddsCuz wrote:
Send him back where? How do we know he's Muslim? How do we know he wasn't born here? C'mon folks, I know you're just having a little fun, but these kinds of attitudes don't help the situation
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Comment12 wrote:
Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get.
5/19/2008 9:36:04 AM Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get. Comment12
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HundredProof wrote:
HundredProof's comment is abusive and has been removed.
5/19/2008 9:00:37 AM HundredProof's comment is abusive and has been removed. HundredProof
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Baskerville wrote:
send him back (sarc)
5/19/2008 8:26:15 AM send him back (sarc) Baskerville
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow.. That's funny. What on earth can you be so mad at that you feel the urge to ram a cop? I can spell Stupid- can he??
5/19/2008 8:09:59 AM Wow.. That's funny. What on earth can you be so mad at that you feel the urge to ram a cop? I can spell Stupid- can he?? mrsseaytobe
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TheConcerned wrote:
Not a smart way to end a day.
5/19/2008 8:08:21 AM
Abdi Ibrahim Ahmed, 32, was arrested and is being held on suspicion of second-degree assault, reckless driving and criminal damage to property.
Officers were called at 7:45 p.m. Saturday to 33rd Avenue North and Veterans Drive after receiving calls about erratic driving. Officers found the car at 710-33rd Ave. N. The suspect rammed the police car twice, police said.
The suspect and officer were not injured. The police car received minor front-end damage.
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redbear20 wrote:
Replying to mrsseaytobe:
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal. Regardless of his background, he is still a loser....
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on.
i think dill hole is hyphenated
5/19/2008 7:52:00 PM
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal. Regardless of his background, he is still a loser....i think dill hole is hyphenated
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on.
redbear20
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal.
Regardless of his background, he is still a loser....
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on.
5/19/2008 7:25:57 PM
Wow. once again St. Cloud's finest has had a run in with another stupid criminal. Regardless of his background, he is still a loser...
.
It is funny to me that race is always an issue here on these boards... Doesnt anyone but me realize that it was just a stupid criminal who did this?? regardless of race or gender?? just another dill hole who thought they could beat the law.
Think again buddy-boy!!! The police up here actually LIKE to do more than just give you a ticket for not having your seatbelts on. mrsseaytobe
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AngieD wrote:
I'm thinking that maybe he wanted to get khat.
Kidding aside, I think the Somolis get a bad rap as a group simply because they are "new".
All eyes are upon them to watch for mistakes, mistakes some will surely make because they aren't familiar with the ways of the land. There will still be some bad apples in the end, but most will learn the ways in time, and by that time, there may be a "new" population to take the spotlight. Most Somolis know you can't ram a Police car so I'm guessing this one is just one bad apple in the bunch.
5/19/2008 5:52:38 PM I'm thinking that maybe he wanted to get khat.
Kidding aside, I think the Somolis get a bad rap as a group simply because they are "new". All eyes are upon them to watch for mistakes, mistakes some will surely make because they aren't familiar with the ways of the land. There will still be some bad apples in the end, but most will learn the ways in time, and by that time, there may be a "new" population to take the spotlight. Most Somolis know you can't ram a Police car so I'm guessing this one is just one bad apple in the bunch. AngieD
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CheezyEggz wrote:
Replying to CheezyEggz:
As for the article....
What the heck was this man thinking??? It's scary to know that are angry peeps like him out on the roads.
LOL! I ripped on someone's grammar and then I screw up!
It's scary to know that there are...................
5/19/2008 5:44:11 PM
As for the article....
What the heck was this man thinking??? It's scary to know that are angry peeps like him out on the roads.
LOL! I ripped on someone's grammar and then I screw up!
It's scary to know that there are...................
CheezyEggz
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CheezyEggz wrote:
As for the article....
What the heck was this man thinking??? It's scary to know that are angry peeps like him out on the roads.
CheezyEggz wrote:
I think cloudgirl should learn proper grammar and punctuation before insulting others. JMO.
5/19/2008 5:21:06 PM I think cloudgirl should learn proper grammar and punctuation before insulting others. JMO. CheezyEggz
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sharpsshooter wrote:
Replying to FilthPaste:
Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this)
OMG you really don't have a clue about Police training and tactics...what utter B.S.
5/19/2008 4:48:02 PM
Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this)
OMG you really don't have a clue about Police training and tactics...what utter B.S. sharpsshooter
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beebee82 wrote:
Comment, way to completely "mis-remember" that story. The landlord of an apartment called the police because a tenent (who happened to be Somali) had spit in his or her face (can't remember the gender of the landlord.)
The man was arrested for a low-level assault. So...um....he did get punished.
I guess I'd have a warped opinion about an entire race of people too if I only read and heard what I wanted to hear only to confirm my already pre-conceived prejudices against them =/
5/19/2008 3:56:11 PM Comment, way to completely "mis-remember" that story. The landlord of an apartment called the police because a tenent (who happened to be Somali) had spit in his or her face (can't remember the gender of the landlord.)
The man was arrested for a low-level assault. So...um....he did get punished.
I guess I'd have a warped opinion about an entire race of people too if I only read and heard what I wanted to hear only to confirm my already pre-conceived prejudices against them =/ beebee82
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Comment12 wrote:
Replying to lakelover:
there was actually an article back in april where police responded to a complaint. in this apartment the police found a group of somali men in a back room, and when police asked them to keep noise down one of the men spit in the cops face, and another hit a cop in the side of the head. If you or I did that we would be on the ground from the taser. but in this case it was a "miscommunication" because go figure the somalis didnt speak or understand english. all im saying is that they get away with a lot more than we could.
Replying to Comment12:
Well, this guy was arrested, just like you or I would be if we rammed a cop car. So what was your point? When have any somalis ever gotten a lighter punishment than deserved? Do you have even one example or do you just keep "hearing" that?
5/19/2008 3:28:37 PM there was actually an article back in april where police responded to a complaint. in this apartment the police found a group of somali men in a back room, and when police asked them to keep noise down one of the men spit in the cops face, and another hit a cop in the side of the head. If you or I did that we would be on the ground from the taser. but in this case it was a "miscommunication" because go figure the somalis didnt speak or understand english. all im saying is that they get away with a lot more than we could.
Well, this guy was arrested, just like you or I would be if we rammed a cop car. So what was your point? When have any somalis ever gotten a lighter punishment than deserved? Do you have even one example or do you just keep "hearing" that?Comment12
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Sigh. Sometimes I wish that people needed a license to post things online.
5/19/2008 12:21:46 PM Sigh. Sometimes I wish that people needed a license to post things online. KristianT
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greendove wrote:
Cloud girl,
Although this man obviously violated the law and should be prosecuted , your comments are a despicable overgeneralization about a whole group of people. The same things were said about the Irish and Italians, Polish, German's you name them. I believe we need to judge people individually based on their actions not by a group, race or religion. It's your kind of ignorance that will make it harder for the good and law abiding Somalis to adjust and get a fair shake at assimilation.
5/19/2008 12:20:31 PM Cloud girl,
Although this man obviously violated the law and should be prosecuted , your comments are a despicable overgeneralization about a whole group of people. The same things were said about the Irish and Italians, Polish, German's you name them. I believe we need to judge people individually based on their actions not by a group, race or religion. It's your kind of ignorance that will make it harder for the good and law abiding Somalis to adjust and get a fair shake at assimilation. greendove
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow Cloudgirl... did you not get your bowl of Cheerios this morning? What an ignorant thing to say. You cannot just assume that everyone is the same because of their race. Grow up. And I suppose 90% of whatever you identify yourself as are perfect???(sarc) Probably not. I am going out on a branch for that one...
Anyways..wow... I think this guy deserves to get a good hefty chunk of time for using his car as a weapon. He better be thanking his higher power they didnt decide to shoot him over this debacle!
5/19/2008 12:18:43 PM Wow Cloudgirl... did you not get your bowl of Cheerios this morning? What an ignorant thing to say. You cannot just assume that everyone is the same because of their race. Grow up. And I suppose 90% of whatever you identify yourself as are perfect???(sarc) Probably not. I am going out on a branch for that one...
Anyways..wow... I think this guy deserves to get a good hefty chunk of time for using his car as a weapon. He better be thanking his higher power they didnt decide to shoot him over this debacle! mrsseaytobe
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Police are the most complained about professionals in the world, however, they are the first called when there is a problem (unless you have a crazy uncle bob in the closet who only comes outdoors when there is a problem). I don't complain about them (expect when they target dumb things like left hand turns or seatbelt usage when it seems like someone was getting robbed at the same time...) with that being said, I still respect them enough- they have a hard job to do- babysitting the masses of ignorant folks who cant seem to pull their heads out of their bottoms to act right
5/19/2008 12:14:35 PM Police are the most complained about professionals in the world, however, they are the first called when there is a problem (unless you have a crazy uncle bob in the closet who only comes outdoors when there is a problem). I don't complain about them (expect when they target dumb things like left hand turns or seatbelt usage when it seems like someone was getting robbed at the same time...) with that being said, I still respect them enough- they have a hard job to do- babysitting the masses of ignorant folks who cant seem to pull their heads out of their bottoms to act right mrsseaytobe
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redbear2019 wrote:
Replying to cloudgirl:
It sounds like a somalis name to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! send them back to where they came from all they do is run people off the roads,they are EXTREMELY VIOLENT people always fighting on school bus AND in school THEY R TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR COUNTRY and 90%of them are no good and dirty bring all sorts of germs illnesses parasites and other NASTY crap hare YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you change roads to lands, then you just described white people to me, so should they leave as well?
cloudgirl wrote:
cloudgirl's comment is abusive and has been removed.
5/19/2008 12:06:48 PM cloudgirl's comment is abusive and has been removed. cloudgirl
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Comment12 wrote:
Replying to lakelover:
I did not say they arent punished at all....i simply stated that it does not seem that they are punished the way you or i would be. They are favored because they are foreign and nobody wants to offend them.
But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff.
5/19/2008 11:52:21 AM I did not say they arent punished at all....i simply stated that it does not seem that they are punished the way you or i would be. They are favored because they are foreign and nobody wants to offend them.
But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff.
Comment12
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FilthPaste wrote:
Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this)
5/19/2008 11:46:10 AM Well nowadaze, if you are pulled over the cops are trained to try and jump into your vehicle to stop you if you wait until they get up to you, then at that point in them trying to stop you, if you don't stop, you will get shot. I guess I don't disagree, but it is kind of wierd. But I am guessing this police cruiser simply parked in front of the man, and the dude was like what the hell.
(assumption, but from multiple police videos and articles I am led to believe this) FilthPaste
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Deonisio wrote:
Send him to Philadelphia
5/19/2008 11:42:13 AM Send him to Philadelphia Deonisio
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But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff.
5/19/2008 10:58:08 AM But, according to "Comment12", they are never punished for doing this kind of stuff. lakelover
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TheConcerned wrote:
Replying to HundredProof:
How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite...
I would imagine you will be doubling up for quite some time as I would imagine this gentleman will be our guest for a bit of time. There had to be six police cars that were at the scene with the rammed Officer having to pull his weapon on the gentleman.
5/19/2008 10:31:01 AM
How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite...
I would imagine you will be doubling up for quite some time as I would imagine this gentleman will be our guest for a bit of time. There had to be six police cars that were at the scene with the rammed Officer having to pull his weapon on the gentleman. TheConcerned
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HundredProof wrote:
How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite...
5/19/2008 10:15:56 AM How do we know he's Muslim? umm? Cuz i work right next to him...looks like i double up on jobs tonite... HundredProof
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lakelover wrote:
Replying to Comment12:
Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get.
----Gimme a break, somalis (if that's even what he is) are just like any other group of people (including white Americans): there's good ones and there's bad ones. You can always tell the intelligence of someone who starts out a biased-based hate-filled comment with "I keep hearing..."
5/19/2008 9:47:08 AM
Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get.
----Gimme a break, somalis (if that's even what he is) are just like any other group of people (including white Americans): there's good ones and there's bad ones. You can always tell the intelligence of someone who starts out a biased-based hate-filled comment with "I keep hearing..." lakelover
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KiddsCuz wrote:
Send him back where? How do we know he's Muslim? How do we know he wasn't born here? C'mon folks, I know you're just having a little fun, but these kinds of attitudes don't help the situation
In your voice
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Comment12 wrote:
Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get.
5/19/2008 9:36:04 AM Why do they think they can spit on, punch, and now ram police? I keep hearing these stories of somalis doing this kind of stuff, and not having the punishment any other person would get. Comment12
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HundredProof wrote:
HundredProof's comment is abusive and has been removed.
5/19/2008 9:00:37 AM HundredProof's comment is abusive and has been removed. HundredProof
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Baskerville wrote:
send him back (sarc)
5/19/2008 8:26:15 AM send him back (sarc) Baskerville
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mrsseaytobe wrote:
Wow.. That's funny. What on earth can you be so mad at that you feel the urge to ram a cop? I can spell Stupid- can he??
5/19/2008 8:09:59 AM Wow.. That's funny. What on earth can you be so mad at that you feel the urge to ram a cop? I can spell Stupid- can he?? mrsseaytobe
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TheConcerned wrote:
Not a smart way to end a day.
5/19/2008 8:08:21 AM
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