Many Chaldeans are well aware of how “Big Government” and “Big Businesses” use laws to pick their winners and losers rather than provide real justice.  “Saying laws are only intended for justice is a joke.  Most laws are meant to control the masses to submit to the will of Big Businesses,” says Kevin Shonea of Chula Vista, California. 

Shonea is the president of Web Logics and Analysis, an online company that evaluates the impact of online technology on a company’s bottom line.  “Politicians and big business lobbyists plan new laws and hatch talking points and scenarios to get the public to swallow new laws under the guise of justice or creating jobs.” 

{In this article Chaldean entrepreneur Kevin Shonea and legal Scholars Anne Bishu and Marvin Ammori tackle Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), also known as H.R. 3261}

Leonard Leo’s video interview with Terry Jeffrey at CNSNews.com that despite the long-term U.S. military occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, Christianity may well be wiped out in the region because, as CNSNews put it, of "severe and persistent persecution of Christians there" by Muslims.

During the interview Jeffrey asked “We are looking at two different countries where the United States invaded, occupied, changed their governments in the last decade — Iraq and Afghanistan — where it’s possible Christianity might be eradicated in our lifetime?”

Leo responded, “Yes, and, unfortunately, that is sort of the pattern throughout the Middle Eastern region. The flight of Christians out of the region is unprecedented and it’s increasing year by year. It’s a very, very alarming situation.”

The situation for Chaldeans and other Christians throughout the Mideast is worsening.  In its annual report, USCIRF observed:

Turkey, Gavur – Hidden from many is a small town in Turkey of peaceful survivors of Gavur.  Defying all odds these humble groups of villagers have survived the holocaust of WWI and continue to rebuild their lives under ongoing persecution and threat. 

The town’s name alone makes the point.  Gavur is an offensive ethnic slur used by Muslims in Turkey and the Balkans to describe infidels, with particular reference to Christians like Chaldeans, Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians, Serbs and Assyrians. The term is considered highly offensive and meant to say somebody is inferior, an immoral creature, less than human. 

In Turkish history gavur is so deeply rooted in society as an insult. The Ottoman leaders in the First World War were motivating their soldiers by convincing them they were fighting a war against infidels.

Between 1919 and 1923, large number of Christians that lived in Anatolia and surrounding regions were made as scapegoats and targeted for annihilation. 

By ROBIN SCHWARTZ
WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (WJBK) - A totaled Lincoln flipped over along I-75 just north of Eight Mile in Hazel Park.  21-year-old Feras Salem and 26-year-old Madonna Jarbo, both from Sterling Heights, were killed at the scene.

I-75 Wreck in Hazel Park Claims Two Lives: MyFoxDETROIT.com

California, USA - Tears were wept, emotions were stirred, and the presence of God was felt for the first time in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Friday, March 25 as Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo consecrated the new church in front of a congregation of literally hundreds of faithful who came from as far as Arizona to witness and commemorate the momentous occasion. Among the crowd were our seminarians and sisters, who drove 8 hours on Thursday in order to stand alongside the 70 families who belong to the new parish.

[Please select the bleow link within the article to view photos of the event]

Californai, USA - Chaldean leaders from around the world recently met in Rancho San Diego, California to discuss the ongoing challenges the Christians of Iraq continue to face.  Frustrated over the lack of support and reluctance to support Christians of the Middle East, the representatives gathered to discuss options.  Chaldean leaders from as far as Australia, Canada, UK, Syria, Jordon, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Mexico, Norway, and the US made up over 15 countries of delegates.  A historic gathering they called it. The first of its kind -- at least in modern memory, they said.

More than 300 people attended the local conference, which took place March 30 and April 1.  Including Ambassador Peter Bodde, assistant chief with the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, spoke at the conference.  Bodde told the group that the U.S. government is working to safeguard Chaldeans and other minority communities in Iraq. A U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state also attended, telling the group that the Obama administration has requested funds from Congress to promote the safety of Christians in Iraq.

Illinois, USA – Foregoing any open tournaments and soft early-season scheduling, Northwestern University (NU) dove headfirst into exciting dual competition to begin the year.   NU made the trek to Stanford University looking to avenge a 27-6 loss to the Cardinal in 2009 and managed to do just that, rallying from a 13-6 deficit to win the dual, 18-16.  Helping to lead the effort was Chaldean wrestler Andrew Nadhir (149 lbs.) posting a major decision victory to ensure a successful debut for first-year head coach Drew Pariano.

Nadhir is a three-time Detroit Catholic League champion, Michigan High School Athletics Association all-state and Detroit News second-team all-state selection.  Nadhir ended his high school career with a 37-29 record in three seasons on varsity while leading the Catholic Central Shamrocks to three district championships and one regional championship.  The young scholar chose Northwestern over Duke and Michigan State choosing to major in economics.

Baghdad, IRAQ – The massacre of Iraqi Christians by Muslim fanatics sent cold shivers of shock across the Western world.  “The heinous killing of women and infants shows what Islam is turning into,” says Fathel Barto, a Chaldean ambulance driver in Iraq through a translator.  “They have become the poison of a snake killing helpless and defenseless women and babies for no reason.  These people do not fight and they do not harm anyone.  These ignorant and barbaric men have sinned against Islam.  Any true believer of Mohammed would be just as mad and openly condemn them and who they are.”

Barto’s assumptions seem to have fallen on deaf ears as Muslim leaders and politicos remain silent and apathetic to what has come to be known as the Massacre of Martyrs.  The attack on the congregation of Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church was the bloodiest single attack on an Iraqi Christian church in recent history. The latest toll now reached nearly a hundred dead and 78 tragically wounded.  Many of the dead and dreadfully wounded were women, toddlers, and small babies attending Sunday services. 

American Chaldeans who have been calling on Washington DC have been turned away with sympathetic nods and comments of condolence.  “They are snakes with forked tongues these politicians.  All they do is talk and write letters showing they share our concern, but do nothing of substantial,” says David Kuza of Rochester, Michigan.  “I voted for Gary Peters and Carl Levin.  People in our community said these politicians can help us.  Instead all they do is write hallmark letters.  If they are serious about helping us let them take a stand by not voting or blocking any new legislation unless serious action is taken to protect Iraqi citizens.”

When Justin Meram scored a game-winning goal for the Michigan soccer team in the 89th minute last week against Oakland, he was thrilled to see good friend Brendan Gibbons cheering in the stands.

At some point, he plans to return the favor.

Meram, who became friends with the Michigan placekicker while practicing with the football team during summer camp, expects Gibbons will boot a game-winner for the Wolverines.

“It’s like soccer or any other sport,” Meram said. “When you have, say, some swagger, your confidence is high and everything is going right. I told Brendan after the Notre Dame game, if he would have made the first, chances are he would have made the second.”

A group of religious refugees are finding a home in East Tennessee. Chaldean Catholics, native to Iraq, are fleeing their home country to avoid persecution.

Many Chaldeans are tortured, even murdered over their religious beliefs. There are an estimated 150,000 Chaldeans in the United States, including over 100 in East Tennessee. On Saturday, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim of the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Chaldean Diocese, which covers the Eastern US, said mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville to help teach local Catholics about the Chaldean's plight.

"Usually they believe that all Iraqis are Muslims, but no, we are Christians even from the beginning, before Islam was there, Christians were there," Bishop Ibrahim said.

Joining him are members of the newly formed organization "Iraqi Christians in Need".

Chaldean Caucus of Michigan is a non-partisan group of politically knowledgeable Chaldeans.  We serve the Chaldean community by engaging and encouraging Chaldeans to be more politically active.  Some of our efforts include helping Chaldean candidates run for office, registering and encouraging Chaldeans to vote, and educating the community about local politicians and where they stand on issues important to the Chaldean community.

We use our community culture as a measuring stick in responses to questionnaires, researching the candidates, reviewing voting records, and making these recommendations for our community.

The following candidates are officially endorsed by the Chaldean Caucus of Michigan.  All Chaldeans are encouraged to go out and vote Tuesday August 3rd in the Michigan primary.  We tend to list only those offices where a large Chaldean population exists.  If your particular city or district is not listed please contact us for a custom guide.  You may VOTE in ONLY ONE party's primary - either Republican or Democratic.  If you attempt to vote in more than one party's primary, your ballot will be invalidated.  In a Primary election, voters CANNOT "split their ticket" for the Partisan offices.

Michigan, USA – Chaldeans continue to serve Michigan.  Employing nearly 76,000 Michigan residents Chaldeans are known for their business talent.  With the State in the worse condition it has been in the last decade Chaldeans are offering their talents to help stabilize the ailing the state. 

Among the Chaldean community leaders looking to help revitalize Michigan is Michael Shallal.  The talented linguist professional and business man has decided to run as a Michigan Representative in the State Legislature serving the 30th district in Macomb County.  The district covers the cities of Sterling Heights and Utica.

Residents of the two cities seem to like Shallal as he continues to surge in the polls.  Residents are eager to get out and vote tomorrow August 3rd in the primary for Shallal.  “He is not like the old stale politicians that make promises only to get votes.  Mike is patriot.  He is independant, smart, a fresh thinker, and someone who does not owe anyone anything.  Instead he owes America and proudly claims that,” says Jennifer Harris, a Tea Party Patriot member and resident of Sterling Heights.  “We need people like Mike in office.  It brings in leaders who know they work for us and sends a message to the stale incumbents who think they are royalty.  This is the change we want.  We want Mike and we will vote tomorrow for him.”

Baghdad, IRAQ – Chaldean Bishop Andreas Abouna of Iraq died this past Tuesday, July 27th, 2010.  The 67 year old Bishop suffered from ongoing kidney complications and passed in an Erbil hospital located in northern Iraq.  Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, presided at Bishop Abouna’s funeral at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Ankawa, near Erbil.

The ailing Bishop was known for his peaceful calls, optimism, and concern for the youth of Iraq.  Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil described him as a pastor who was “always smiling, even in very difficult situations”.  Amid his increasing health problems, Bishop Abouna remained in war-torn Baghdad.  Without care for his own well-being the Bishop often held youth events and activities.  He counseled young Iraqis of all faiths as increasing horrific violence pervaded their daily lives.  The bishop also responded to a shortage of priests by serving at the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, in the one of Iraq’s most dangerous city’s in the Al Mansour district.

Bishop Abouna was born on March 23, 1943 in the village of Bedar, outside the northern Iraqi town of Zakho.  At the age of 14, he joined St Peter’s Seminary, then based in the northern city of Mosul, and was ordained a priest for the Chaldean Catholic Church on June 5, 1966.

Michigan, USA –The Chaldean community has seen horrible devastation as Chaldeans are again persecuted for their Christian faith.  Nonetheless, Chaldeans remain unwavering and continue marching towards their faith amidst distressing struggles. 

“The pain we feel is hard,” says Husam Bodia.  “Our people have been ripped apart for believing in Jesus Christ.  Our women and children have been thrown to wolves; the men tortured and killed.  No matter.  We will not turn away from our faith.  Thank God our church remains.  Our Church is saving our people and our way of life. It is a cold glass of water in the desert.”

Bodia, like many other Chaldeans celebrate the Chaldean Church’s leadership in reaching out to the injured and needy.  “Our prayers have been answered.  We have more priests and deacons ordained than at any time in our history,” Bodia adds that the most recent ordination being Fr. Fawa Kako.  

Kako’s ordination marks another example of the Chaldean Churches in America dramatic and bold steps in serving the community.  Chaldean religious leaders across America have been tirelessly working to organize and prepare for the care and comfort of those in need. 

California, USA  – Senseless death after senseless death rocks the Chaldean community.  From news of loved ones murdered for their religion in Iraq, refugees able to escape the religious persecution are forced into subhuman conditions and feared dead, and in America as the economic toll of the country takes its course, Chaldeans remain especially vulnerable to robbery, mayhem, and murder. 

For a culture with strong family relations, the devastation is catastrophic.  “Chaldeans value their family relationships,” says Raymond Bahri, a Michigan social worker.  “They tend to come from a large family and pull their resources together to survive.  The family traditions and get-togethers like birthdays, communions, and graduations are widely celebrated as feasts.” 

Perhaps that is why the pain of losing a loved one to a senseless murder over money is so devastating to the Chaldean community.  “Something as priceless as the family relationship being ripped apart by murder is shocking,” adds Bahri.  “It breaks my heart to learn of the murder.”