Michigan, USA - Obama’s relations with Muslims were further stressed as a private back-door meeting spiraled downward over Jewish support.    Among over 150 African-American community leaders and a handful of Arab-Americans were invited to the private meeting.  An argument ensued between Obama and  Osama Siblani regarding the presidential hopeful’s public support of Israel. 

“The more people learn about him the more they feel he is like any other politician,” says Husam Abid, a Chaldean business man in Detroit, Michigan.  “I was told that the Arabs at the meeting made it clear that they want Obama to return to his roots and stand against Jews.  Others feel Obama is purposely alienating Muslims to mask his heritage and show he would not favor Islam.”

Chaldean community leaders, like Ramzi Dalloo, of Troy Michigan  are hopeful that Obama’s efforts to reach out to the two communities are reciprocated.  Nonetheless, tension between Jews and Obama grows.  A website sharing Jewish frustration titled, www.JewsAgainstObama.com is gaining national attention.  The site catalogs Obama’s anti-Jewish stance.  Danny Ayalon, Israel's former ambassador in Washington adds to the growing discourse in a published article in the Jerusalem Post.  Ayalon writes that the Democratic candidate wasn’t entirely forthright regarding Israel. 

Michigan, USA - 28-year old West Bloomfield attorney John Kuriakuz officially filed paperwork last week with Oakland County establishing himself as a Democratic candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 39. Last week also marked his last day at a Detroit law firm, where he walked away from a six-figure salary to focus full-time on winning the race to represent his hometown in the State House.

In January, Kuriakuz filed papers with the Secretary of State showing that before the New Year even began, his campaign had already raised over $45,000.

"I am passionate about serving my hometown in the State Legislature and am very grateful for the amount of support I've received so early on," Kuriakuz said. "I am especially proud to announce that unlike many candidates, I did not raise any money from special interest groups. All of my supporters are longtime friends, neighbors and relatives who have known me for years, believe in my abilities and support my vision for the State of Michigan."

Washington DC, USA – Top broadcast journalist, Raymond Arroyo of the EWTN Global Catholic Network, brings the plight of Christian minorities directly to the feet of the U.S. president.  During an exclusive interview with the U.S. President George Bush Arroyo questions U.S. support of Iraqi minority human rights and what more can be done to protect Iraqi Christians.  Portions of the interview have been released to www.CHALDEAN.org prior to the public airing of the interview on EWTN on Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m. on the “The World Over.”

The interview will air on the eve of Pope Benedict’s April 15th – 20th visit to the U.S. and is expected to cover U.S. relations with the Holy See, the papal visit, Iraq, and much more. 

“Chaldeans are eager to watch the interview this Friday,” says Farouk Slewa.  “We are hopeful that the suffering for all Iraqis comes to an end soon.  Our people have mixed feelings over how the war is being handled.  One political party is for oil and the other party wants the war to end horribly for their own gain.  In the middle are real humans.  What is needed is more attention and discussion of the honest issues.  Why is America not covering these issues more?”

The U.S. political machines are out in full force, promising voters, holding town hall meetings, and most importantly claiming to listen.  They say they hear the calls for government fairness, government accountability, and government justice. 

What Chaldean Caucus member, Jonas Shemi says is that, “Chaldeans need only close their ears and open their eyes.”  The Sterling Heights, Michigan resident adds, “Look at their voting records, look at what they have done, look at any pledges they have taken, and then keep looking.  Politicians, their press agents, and the media all work together to manipulate the people.  They bang the drums for the politicians they want and quietly ignore, roll their eyes, or giggle with any mention of a politician they don’t.  Remember the media is owned by corporations and all they want is someone in office they can easily influence.”

The following joke about a politician that goes before St. Peter and is given an option to tour both Heaven and Hell seems to best illustrate the point Shemi seems to be making.

California, USA - It seems the Arab Jewish conflict in the Middle East is fast spreading through congress as political and cultural jousting matches get underway. 

“It doesn’t matter if they are Arab or Jew, just as long as the American people are shown justice and fairness.  Isn’t that the American way?” says David Karim, Chaldean political science major in San Diego.  “Sunshine is the greatest disinfectant and it seems Issa is upsetting a whole bunch of people that want to keep things hush, hush.”  

Issa, a Lebanese American has drawn the ire of Jewish groups and pro-Israel congressmen, news papers and media.  Hatred for the representative grew so fierce that Issa was the target of an assassination attempt by Jewish terrorists.  An attempt that implicated two members of the Jewish Defense League and was thwarted by the FBI just days before it was carried out. 

California, USA - Chaldeans have long complained of the unfair practices of distributors.  However, the lack of an organized business voice has left Chaldean store owners with slimmer margins and less service.  “Distributors have long capitalized on the backs of Chaldean community who maintain a market for products in areas where retail giants fear to tread,” says Nick Mansour, owner of Gas and Go in Dearborn, Michigan.  “They pre-price their products, refuse to take damage goods, and treat the businesses with a lack of respect.  How can we compete and give customers a better price when the distributor forces you to charge a certain amount.”

Lobbyist groups like the Anti-Saloon League long convinced U.S. politicians that it was in the country’s best interest to give distributors free market protective status.  They made the case so effectively that, even after Prohibition was lifted in 1933, most states insisted on keeping alcohol manufacturers far away from alcohol sellers. The favored solution: a three-tier distribution system requiring manufacturers to sell to wholesalers, and wholesalers to sell to retailers.

A system Chaldeans have long contested as a state sanctioned monopoly that hurts the consumer.  All that may soon change, when giant warehouse retailer Costco weighs in on what Chaldeans have long said, “Distributors are anti-competitive.”