Two people were taken to Newman Regional Health and a third later required treatment after a car drove into the front of the Ayan Restaurant, 728 E. 12th Ave. The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Emporia Police Officer Larry Clay said that the driver of the late-model Chevrolet Lumina, Farhiya Ares, 608 East 10th Ave., apparently was turning into the restaurant parking lot when she lost control of the car and drove through the yard in front of the business. The car struck a concrete block that is part of a sign base, then turned northwest, where it crashed through a rail fence and into the southwest entrance to the restaurant.
Abdiwahab Awale and Abdirahman Warsame, both of 1007 East St., who were seated on the fence, saw the car approaching, jumped from the fence and tried to get out of the way. Warsame apparently was run over by the car. No one inside the restaurant was hurt.
Both men were taken to Newman. Ares later called for an ambulance from her home and also was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A Newman spokesman said this morning that she was not allowed to release information on any of the injured people.
johncanyon (anonymous) says...
Thats the second building, that I know of, to be run into by a Somalian. Its bad enough having to dodge them on the streets. Now we are not even safe in a building, on a sidewalk or in a parking lot. Do they give the Somalians a driving test befor, giving them a drivers lisence, or is that just one of the many free things they get when they come into our country?
March 29, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mommy_15 (anonymous) says...
I may not be the best driver on the road but I sure as heck have never done or ever came close to doing any of the following. Lose control turning into a parking lot and run over a man. Drive into a pole that is 5 feet away from the street. Mistake the brake pedal for the gas pedal and drive into a house almost seriously injuring a baby. Do these people who are driving these vehicles actually pass the same driving tests everyone else has to take and if so HOW??? When is enough going to be enough?
March 29, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2cents (anonymous) says...
It's too bad that this has happened, I know that we all make mistakes in our driving, but hopefully the injured people will all be no worse for the wear.
Emporia needs to do a little more to "coexist" with other racial and ethnic groups, some of the Somalians that are here are refugees from their own war torn country- camel herders to make a living. American were all taught how to drive in school or home on the farm- some better than others.
If you have a problem with the way that you "have to dodge them on the streets" are you volunteering to coach/teach them better driving habits? Imagine coming from a country that doesn't require you to operate a vehicle to get from work to home to the store. I think your services of driving coach would be welcomed with open arms, johncanyon.
As far as I can tell, the streets of Emporia are still MUCH more safe than those of Dallas, LA, New York or DC- driving being the only issue we're talking about. If you don't like it- maybe you could work around "their" schedule.
Emporia, could you be more discriminatory, prejudiced or judgemental? I am ashamed of you all! What happened to society's overall goal of attempting to blur the lines of racial-ethnic bounds?
Shame on you for thinking in such a way!
March 29, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
I have also had to dodge and slam on the brakes because of the poor driving of the Somalians. I have seen them giving driving lessons on the streets of Emporia at the expense of the rest of the drivers on the road. It is not my job to teach other people how to drive. They should not be allowed to drive if they can not pass a driving test. It has nothing to do with prejudice or being judgemental. It has to do with my safety and the safety of every other Emporian, on or off the streets!!
March 29, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
Does anyone know of a group helping these people learn safe driving skills? I'd volunteer to help teach, if I had an "official" guidance group to go to--like SOS for battered women, or Salvation Army for the needy--a "Sensible Driving for Somalians" class. I'm not comfortable just walking up to a complete stranger and asking if they'd like some help. That doesn't seem wise....It'd be nice if Tyson or the Islamic Center or SOMEONE would set up a "buddy system" and let people volunteer.
March 29, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2cents (anonymous) says...
If it has nothing to do with being prejudiced toward "them", then I would have to say that I too have had to slam on my brakes- for EVERY ethnicity that Emporia has to offer. Don't single just one group out.
Mom's talking on their cells, truck drivers jutting out at stop signs, elderly people taking up two lanes, high school aged students running stop signs/lights.
An official guidance group for any new group is a great idea. Driver's Ed does so much good for our students, is there a way to expand it to adults that want/need the extra assistance? Larger cities have adopted these classes, Emporia could too.
By the way, johncanyon, you should check your wallet your "drivers lisence" may be expired...You should get the new one that has the spelling "driver's license" on it? (That's a little more than a harmless typo.)
March 29, 2007 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abc123 (anonymous) says...
I have personally been in a near miss accident with a vehicle driven by a person from Somalia, they were running a red light, the one by the post office and we all know how bad the traffic is there anyways. I had the green light and they screeched to a halt just a few feet away from my driver side door! I also had my baby with me. This could have happened with any race I understand, I don't blame them. I blame our government that allows them drive with less than adequate skills. Here is a silver lining though - down by the Rec Center I did witness a Somalian person stop at an intersection that DID NOT have a stop sign and allow a small child to cross the street safely. It warmed my heart and gave me hope for all of them. I agree we should all be more understanding and try to help them, or encourage our city, or better yet TYSON, to fund a program to help them since they are bringing them here. Hey there is an issue one of the candidates could take up!! But for now we just all need to be defensive drivers like we were taught, stay off the phone and be AWARE of your surroundings!! peace
March 29, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasonandashley (anonymous) says...
Yes, they do have to take a drivers test, but guess what everyone!! It's not the same test that we the legal and law abiding citizens of the United States have to take. Their tests consist of PICTURES!! That's it!!! Nothing written, just pictures and as long as they can make and X for their signature, they get a license. Sometimes I think the people at the DMV pass them just so they don't have to deal with them again. The somalian women should definitely not be allowed to drive...they don't know the difference between the gas and the brake. I'm tired of them not paying attention to what's going on and I'm tired of them getting away with so much it's rediculous!! They are disrespectful, rude and don't care how late it is they're gonna stay up and party all night!!! I can't stand it anymore! Thank goodness we are getting ready to move back out in the country.
When someone is disrespectful of me and my property then why in the world would i want to smile at them and make them my friend. If that's how they are going to be towards me and my family, then by golly we can dish it right back!
March 29, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tunit (anonymous) says...
It is not the fact that Somalians are bad drivers, but they do not understand the traffic laws. I know of several cases where they have been involved in an accident with a vehicle and they leave the scene. Also, it seems to be that Somalians think that when they get a instructional permit, they think that it is a license to drive without a licensed driver. There are a lot of Somalians driving around with only a instructional permit without a licensed driver or they are driving on a restricted license outside of their restriction.
March 29, 2007 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Phil_Dillon (anonymous) says...
ABC123
I agree with you. Tyson profits because of the Somalis and I believe they have some obligation to the community in this regard.
We've all seen the problem and it has nothing to do with race or ehtnicity. If someone doesn't apply the brakes sensibly to this problem someone will be killed needlessly. It could be someone crossing the street. I could be a child on the way home from school. It has nothing to do with prejudice.
We just moved my wife's mother down here from Kansas City. She's 88 and still has a driver's license, but we're at the point where we're doing the driving for her because we don't want something to happen to her or someone's child. We know she has no bad intent, but we also know that she's not as capable as she once was. I don't think my wife and I have an ounce of prejudice against her. We love her and want the best for her. I can say with assurance that we don't harbor any prejudice against the Somalis living here either.
The things that are happening are matters of public safety, not prejudice. They need to be fixed!
Phil Dillon
Candidate for City Commission
March 29, 2007 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
I seriously doubt if you would feel welcome in their restaurant. While on the topic of the Sammies and restaurants, what was the event several weeks ago involving some of them and the China buffet?
March 29, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
situveux1 (anonymous) says...
Amen to the partying all night long. My question is where is the police department? Are they writing these people tickets? I live in East Street and I hardly ever see a cop. The Somalians think they're still in Somalia and they can stand in the middle of the street, even if a car is coming. If they don't understand that a learners permit is NOT a drivers license, then maybe they need to learn ENGLISH! Oh no! You mean conform!!! NEVER!
March 29, 2007 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Joe (anonymous) says...
It is a darn shame what has happened to this community. As a life long resident of Emporia, it is awful what Tyson has done to this town. Even their seasoned workers complain of their environment but have no other alternative. I will not live here much longer and will not raise my children in this community. It has nothing to do with racism or prejudice. It has everything to do with quality of life and the quality of life and opportunity for my children. The citizens running for city commission all want to add good paying jobs and business growth to Emporia. They should start by eliminating the bad ones. Shame on Mike Fehler of Tyson for allowing this to happen. A man that cares nothing of the ruination of this community. Have another drink and forget all about it.
March 29, 2007 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realkscitizen (anonymous) says...
Everyone is absolutely correct.....The somalians (lack of) drivings skills has nothing to do with being prejudice, it's the fact that since this story was posted look at all the feedback and how everyone has the same opinion. By the way, none of which is positive.
Nothing against the Emporia Police Department but what is really getting done about the somalians and the fact that most probably don't have any form of drivers' license and definetly have no business driving until they REALLY obtain one...(it is the police job to enforce the law)
You best believe that if you are from this area especially if your WHITE and don't have a driver's license or your driving badly, or breaking any laws... guess what they will haul your butt to jail (NO QUESTIONS asked) I guess some of you are right they figure that if they don't fight them, or that it is a waste of time, or it won't do much good,
my thoughts are if they don't have a VALID DL haul them to jail, just like the police would do to you or me.... And since you don't see their names posted in the newspaper obviously they are getting away with driving w/o a DL....
THIS IS AMERICA, and the LAWS DO APPLY TO EVERYONE....
I don't feel ashamed to speak my mind on this because something needs to be done about enforcement of this issue.... And we all know how it's gonna end.....SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO DIE before it will change.....well, NO, we have to speak out and get something done.....PERIOD.....My thoughts seem rambled but everyone gets the point......DOn't make excuses....do something about it.
March 29, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
"It's better on the East Side."
March 29, 2007 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnight_rider (anonymous) says...
AMEN - They park in no parking zones, and hit & run. They also think they own the post office. Maybe those ladies ought to take off those head coverings and look where they are headed.
WAL-MART - They are just as rude in Wal-Mart. What about them stealing from Wal-Mart and trying to break into the cars parked out there at night? Really safe for their employees. Where are the police then? You would think it would make more sence for Wal-Mart to have some security. What they would save in stolen products would surely pay for a security officers salary.
EQUAL RIGHTS - When is my employer going to build a chapel at work so I can take a break whenever I want to go meditate and pray?
DINING OUT IN EMPORIA - I also heard about the somalians going into China Buffet and when they were through they took their left-overs back to the buffet line and dumped it all back in and the big money that tyson paid for that one. But I also heard it happened at Golden Corral. Really makes me want to shop and eat in Emporia.
Thank you dear mr. fehler -
.
March 29, 2007 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tunit (anonymous) says...
Snake, what the heck are you talking about? I don't eat there, never will. And why do you say bring it on? I don't think you got the memo, but that line went on the uncool list about 10 years ago. Emporia is turning into one of the worst places to live/raise a family. I sure am glad I will only be here for another year. Good Luck to the rest of you! "IF YOU CAN DODGE A CAR YOU CAN DODGE A BALL"
March 29, 2007 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
westcoaster (anonymous) says...
You people make me sick. You take hearsay and rumors as fact. You should all be ashamed. I used to live in Emporia and I am still shocked at the ability you people have to hate anyone who is slightly different from yourself.
Imagine a world where you don't have enough to eat, you are not safe in your home (and don't you tell me that you know what that is like living in Emporia-you haven't got a clue), your children are murdered if they walk on the street, you have NO chance for a job of any kind and your family is starving. Try to put yourself in their shoes for just one moment. Perhaps they dumped food back into the bins because they didn't want to waste it (if it ever really happened). Can you imagine wasting food when you were starving?
I am sure that if YOU were put in an entirely different culture/ nation you would fit in immediately... Grow up and try to have compassion with these people. I am sure they are trying. Living on the West Coast now, I see people of all kinds living together in relative harmony. It is certainly not perfect, but people have figured out how to get along in the same environment. You all could use a lesson or two. Think to yourself: What would Jesus do? I bet you know if you dig deep.
March 29, 2007 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnight_rider (anonymous) says...
Since you don't live here in Emporia, I really do not care at all what you think. Keep your west coast opinions to yourself. And as for Jesus, he would want them to obey the laws and believe in His Holy Word, the BIBLE, not the Koran. Remember that these are muslims and they are taught to KILL us infidels.
March 29, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ladybug (anonymous) says...
I sent out a pretty rude and racist email to my friends and family with a link to this blog. I live in Emporia and have worked in the schools. Now that I have calmed down, I have some suggestions for this community.
1. Set up a drivers education program for those coming into this community from other countries that do not drive. I believe that this would aid in bringing the community together and help with the safety issues.
2. The drivers education program should have the same requirements of those teenagers that are learning to drive.
3. Let's campaign to treat everyone equal. I know in my heart that I only hate an abusive ex and that I am not racist towards one group of people or another. I know Emporia has had some issues but I think that if we really try, we can make the community the way it was when I was a child.
4. EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE!!! You wouldn't know how to spell your name or how to drive a car or how to act in a public setting if you weren't educated. Let's see if we can't get some public education classes set up for people. I don't think it should just be for the forgieners but for anyone wanting to attend. Do we have to charge for these? You know, I don't think we should. There are plenty of people willing to do this for free if we ask around.
This is just my two cents. It might be unrealistic for some but I think it might be worth a try.
What do our city commission candidates think?
March 29, 2007 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
Wow, I can't believe you are blaming this on Tyson, I bet they are responsible for global warming too. They hire Somolians so that they can have workers. If you didn't know there aren't too many other ethnicities that can pass through the pre-employment phase. Maybe the adult education center or the Technical College should show some responsibility in helping educate the Somolians on speaking/reading english, and helping them learn to drive. As for Tyson hiring a lot of Somolians, do you consider Dolly, Menu, Wal-Mart, etc. racist for not hiring them?? I do. As for the conditions of the locker rooms/bathrooms at Tyson, I have been in both the mens and womens and don't believe everything that you hear. As for blaming Mike Feihler for Emporia's problems, that is a bunch of bull. He is employed by Tyson and has people to answer to, that don't live in Emporia. To put the blame on one single person is absurd.
March 29, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Joe (anonymous) says...
As I read these comments. I feel the frustration of the community. I was born an American, Kansan, Emporian and a proud citizen of all three. I know that America was founded and developed by vast cultures and peoples. But where does it end? We can't protect the world, feed the world, or free the world of tyranny and oppression. Emporia used to be a middle class community. It has now become the town of have and have nots. Their is very little opportunity left in this town. I said it before in my comments and I will say it again. Tyson, Inc. has been the downfall of this community. When first opened this was not true. IBP brought great middle income jobs to this community and helped it grow and blossom. But corporate wealth and greed has destroyed all that. Their motto is now to generate more production at the exspense of the worker. That means bring in any able body that can work and once they have used them up, ship in more of any able bodied soul. That is utterly sinister. The business owners and community leaders of Emporia feel that this town can not survive without Tyson. I say that in the short run it would hurt but I believe that in order to save our community you need to live with a little pain and this town would thrive. Anyone that has visited the post office on a Friday knows where this community's money is going. I am interested to know what burden Tyson has put on the county and municipal health care system and social services, not to mention the cost and strain of law enforcement and its facilities. For those workers that have been there the longest and from the beginning, you have my admoration and sympathy. Shame on Tyson, Inc. Shame on Mike Fehler. Shame on the community leaders of Emporia that have stood by and done nothing.
March 29, 2007 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
Dolly, Menu and Wal-Mart are not getting paid an outrageous amount of money for each Somalian that they hire. Do you think Tyson hires them out of the goodness of their heart? I have also been in the bathrooms and it is true!!!
March 29, 2007 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Joe (anonymous) says...
To "peanutbutter", I would rather be unemployed, broke and miserable than help ruin a community. We all have someone to answer to. It is the answers we give that make us who we are.
March 29, 2007 at 9:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cookatwork (anonymous) says...
I have always been taught to treat everyone equally and that is what I try to do.
I agree - these people left there country to be free of the tyranical government and to feel safe in the place that they live.
My question is - if they feared for their lives in their country for doing something as simple as standing around in groups, or stealing or not obeying the laws - which by my understanding some of their laws are pretty outrageous and strict - then WHY wouldn't they continue to be well behaved in another country knowing that they are guests. This is not just for the somalians but for everyone. I myself would be afraid of being sent back to the country I fled.
BUT............ to look at the other side of this coin. Maybe they are trying to "fit in" - they drive cars, they have cell phones, they have tv. The tv, especially the news, is filled with all the things that people are complaining about - they are seeing exactly HOW many of the American people treat their own land.
I have been cut off, flip off, pushed out of line, in near miss accidents, many rude things - at the hands of................... people of every race and age - just yesterday it was a teenager barrelling out of the highschool without stopping at the stop sign at the end of the parking lot.
Yes - I think there is A LOT wrong with bringing refugees to this country and GIVING them the amenities that many Americans who are deserving cannot get - I think ONE of the many things that is missing in this equation is the follow up and education. Last I knew, people who wanted to become US citizens had to go through classes and take an OATH- but i may be mistaken.
March 29, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
"vankamp" do you know for sure that Tyson gets money for hiring Somolians, and "Joe" bite your tongue if you think this community is ruined than leave.
March 29, 2007 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
Not surprising! But around here everybody knows that "No Parking-Fire Lane" is Spanish for "Park here and block the handicapped spots while the old lady is in the store".I read somewhere that bringing in people from Africa was the US's way of garnering favor with some Somali warlords over there.Trying to create some good will over there in a damn desperate situation,I guess.But I think these people got"dumped"here.It's a big change for them.For us,too! Mostly I don't care who anybody is,where they come from,or who they sleep with- just that they come legally and do their part to make this country a better place than where they were.Some of the workhouses like Tyson's would rather have illegals.They're cheaper and too afraid to even mention "rights" or "union".But the fed is the one that brought 'em here -with no idea of "western infidel customs".
March 29, 2007 at 11:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2cents (anonymous) says...
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
with conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
-Emma Lazarus
The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has grown to include freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship.
March 30, 2007 at 12:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Good GOD, people. I can't help but say it, there are some real blind people that post here. I am going to address 1 subject and 1 subject only in this post, and that is the driving.
I am not a racist. I don't care if you're white, black, brown, yellow, purple, polka-dotted, if you pray to God, Allah, Buddha, the Moon, or your cat. I don't care if your ethnicity is European, Asian, Mexican, Somalian, or Martian. All I ask is that if YOU are behind the wheel of a vehicle driving on the streets of Emporia, than YOU should have to pass the SAME TEST that everyone takes, (if you don't speak English, then it should be in your language, but NOT just pictures) and you should have to prove the same proficiency level at driving as everyone else before you are given a license. For those of you who jump all over everyone else and call them intolerant, if an American runs a light and runs into your son or daughter or wife and kills them in an auto accident, its a terrible thing, but if you find out that the driver did NOT have a license, or did NOT know how to drive, or lost their license because of violations, and still got behind the wheel and killed your loved one, HOW will you feel THEN? So when these people that have been brought in and given the green light to drive without really showing the ability to do so are the ones that are responsible for the death of your loved one, I'm sure you will treat it totally different than you would if it was an AMERICAN at fault, you will just say "oh well", since you continually spout that they deserve special priveleges over those of us who live here.
Ever notice how its always the people who aren't affected that try to tell the rest of us we are intolerant? It's always someone who hasn't been hit by an unqualified driver, who hasn't lost their job to someone cheaper. As I've said before, Tyson WON'T hire anyone else anymore. Only Somalians. They are pretty much trying to make the current employees as miserable as possible so they will quit, so they can be replaced with cheaper help. Yep, you're right. Just the jobs nobody wants. Make the job crappy enough, and nobody will want it. Didn't used to be that way. I wonder why? Duh.....
March 30, 2007 at 12:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
For those of you continually spouting to the rest of us how "intolerant" we are. Do a little research on the Somalian practice of female circumcision. 98% of all Somalian girls have their clitoris removed between the ages of 8 and 10. Keep your cattle from straying.
How's that for tolerance and understanding? Maybe if we can get enough of them here, they can vote in Sharia law and make it mandatory for ALL Emporian girls....
Yes, I'm being sarcastic. The point I'm trying to make is: Keep and honor your heritage, your ethnicity, where you came from. But if you come to America, then respect OUR laws, and conform to OUR society. This is the "Great Melting Pot". I've been to quite a few foreign countries. I never dreamed that I deserved to be given a driver's license if I couldn't adapt to driving on the other side of the road, or if I didn't and couldn't understand the local laws. I at no time ever expected any of the laws and customs of the country I was in to be changed to suit ME. I did not go around expecting to find every sign and menu and ATM in ENGLISH. I would consider myself a very ignorant, uneducated, selfish, egotistical snob to go to any foreign country and expect them to bend over backwards and put their own citizens at risk just to accommodate ME. So, how is it that we are all branded intolerant for simply asking for the same respect here? In OUR OWN COUNTRY?????
March 30, 2007 at 12:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gazette_reader (anonymous) says...
I moved here from Southern California a few years ago and I can honestly say I generally felt safer driving in LA during rush hour than I often do here. I've never been in a wreck in Los Angeles. Here, I regularly barely miss getting hit by cars running stop signs, crossing over double-yellow lines on S-curves, and then there is the famous Emporia left-hand turn that involves nearly running down any car waiting at the stop sign of the street the driver is turning on to.
But how do these bad habits proliferate? My theory is this: one person takes the driving test, squeaks by, and then becomes a real driver. That person then teaches the next person - along with all of their not-so-solid driving skills. I can easily see this happening amongst our Somali residents.
Several community members are responsible for helping our Somali neighbors transition to Emporia. Some of them are at the Tyson plant; there are other community leaders in other places, such as the Flint Hills Technical College. I would really like to see them step forward and offer a true driving school targeting this population, just as they no doubt helped these people find jobs, housing, the library, etc.I think it must be very hard to be a 20+ something adult learning to drive when you see kids zipping past you all over the road.
March 30, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnight_rider (anonymous) says...
Excuse me but -
When I was in school my parents had to PAY for me to take drivers education. It was not FREE. Driving is a privilege. If they do not know how to drive correctly, they should just continue to take the Tyson short bus.
Does anyone remember Ellis Island, Remember the place where probably most of your great-grandparents passed through, before they were allowed to live in America. They had to pass physical tests, etc., and If they did not pass they were sent back. Some how it just does not seem fair that they can bring their TB and HIV into our community and the community leaders and health department do nothing about it.
Does anyone remember the movie Blackhawk Down? If you don't I suggest you go rent it this weekend. It is not just a hollywood movie, IT REALLY DID HAPPEN.
March 30, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
I don't know how fair it is to say that the HD is not doing anything about the TB you think is just overpowering out community. And as for Tyson "WON'T" hire anybody but Somolians, that is a crock.
If "ignorance is bliss" than a lot of you must be having the time of your life!
March 30, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
I don't care what nationality you are , the color of your skin, who you choose to worship or your social standing. All I ask is that you take care of your business and I'll take care of mine. You have rights but when YOUR rights infringe on MY rights we have a problem. You have the right to play loud music but if your loud music won't let me sleep at 3 a.m., I WILL call the police and I WILL sign the complaint if you are too stupid and inconsiderate to turn the music down. If I were to go to a foreign country, I'd be pretty darned arrogant to expect the whole country to change to accomodate me. Free medical care, picture driver's license tests, the native citizens to learn my language, etc.? No way would I expect that. I have no problem with LEGAL immigration. Legal immigrants should pay taxes and abide by the same laws that apply to me. I am barely making ends meet and I can't afford to "help" much more. The free ride needs to stop. Now. As for the driving issue, I told both of my daughters that if they could drive well in Emporia, Kansas, they could drive well anywhere. Come on, if you meant to stop and are accelerating instead, how tough is it to figure out you need to do something else? As for accidents and traffic citations involving Somalis, the public doesn't know the half of it. Remember that an officer has to have a REASON to stop a vehicle. It's called PROBABLE CAUSE and the Supreme Court says that to stop a vehicle to simply ask to look at a driver's license doesn't cut it. Give law enforcement a break - they can't teach the public at large how to drive, they have no input as to who does or does not receive any kind of license. People of all races ARE being cited and officers do what they can with traffic enforcement but they CAN NOT be everywhere all of the time. Remember too that these same officers are also responsible for other calls for service from a homicide to a domestic disturbance to a nuisance dog to a complaint of a neighbor mowing his lawn a little too early in the day to suit his neighbor. Wail until this school year begins and the new students enter the system. There will also be a new, larger group of Somalis arriving and the free ride assistance given to the first group will run out at about the same time. You also need to know that in addition to the Somalis there are also Bantus moving into the area. Ages ago, the Somalis captured and sold Bantus into slavery and though most of the U.S. has somewhat come to terms on how deplorable slavery was, there is a genuine hatred between Somalis and Bantus to this day. They won't be in the same room with each other. Hang onto your hats, this mess has only just begun. The police HAVE been dealing with a lot of this and will attempt to continue to do so but they have a lot of irons in the fire we just don't have enough of them.
March 30, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johncanyon (anonymous) says...
Hooo Weee......This is fun
And I want to thank "my2sentcworth" for the spelling lecson
I cant believe I mixed up my s's and c's on a word like "license" or is it "lisence" I guess I better check my wallet........ Yep, you are right It is "license" Its even spelled the same on my expired one, go figure.
And even though I can't seem to spell much better than a 3rd grader. I can at least drive in this town and usually I have to drive defensively (did I spell that right) Because of the "Samolians" Who seem to just "Aim" their vehicles down the road instead of drive them.
Oh and by the way.. I am not going to work around "there" schedual. This is my country not theirs, (yet) They need to learn the rules and laws here and not try to implement there
own. Maybe they should do the "coexisting" and learn the rules and not be so ignorant of them. And I can, imagine going to another country to live, I would strive to learn the rules, the laws, the customs, the LANGUAGE and I would not go there oblivious to the way things are. War torn country or not.
Oh and by the way.... For those of you that said you are not prejudice, I say B.S. Every one is prejudice to some degree. So don't go getting all self ritious here. "Im not prejudice "but".....
I hope I can count on "my2centsworth" for a spell check on this post.
March 30, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
As stated repeatedly: this is not about a race.
But, that being said, why are the newly imported residents of the once fair Emporia standing out? It's simple. Now imported into the community is a group of people who do not wish to assimilate into our culture.
Why? What reason would a person have to move to a country (of wealth and opportunity) that they have no plans to become a part of? No desire to learn the laws, consider our customs, or to become "one of us". For this answer all we have to do is to observe their cultural background. It's not a problem with the totallity of their culture, but with a specific element of their culture.
Years ago I was an ESU grad. I have a love for E-town and all the valued friendships that is has given me. Over recent years I have noticed something shocking and that is the Muslim presence in Emporia. That statement has nothing to do with anyone's race...it has strictly to do with the value system that this element embraces. As a professor of national security related issues it's no secret "who" terrorists are; the problem is that Americans are resistant to embrace the facts of "why" they do what they do. It is because of the teachings of the Koran and the zealous pursuit the extreme elements of this cult exibit. Americans resist acknoledging this because we mistakenly associate it with 'race'. The simple explanation as to why it should not be associated with race is because you can't choose which race you want to be; but you can choose your actions and you choose what value system you embrace.
Know this: The Koran directs the followers of Islam to "...kill the infidel...", a.k.a. Jews and Christians. And it directs them to "...conquer all the world..." and to "...never question [the Koran] or risk never seeing heaven...".
These are the people that Tyson has imported into the community. A people reared on value of deadly hatred for their enemy and a directive to never blend in. So, now the local citizens are surprised when this element comes into the community and pays no attention to the rules. Forces your industry to shut down to observe its religious practices (time = money). Ruins your rental properties. And stands defiantly in your face because it knows that you will do nothing while it knows that it will grow and grow and grow; and one day soon be able to control much of that which was once yours. They will infiltrate your schools, your jobs, and your neighborhoods.
Understand this also; the world threat to democracy and freedom comes almost exclusively from the Islamic population, and it stands defiantly, without pause, and without excuse in support of terror, in the name of Allah. Nearly all terrorist actors share three factors: young, male, muslim.
continued on next post...
March 30, 2007 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
continuation:...
Why have I gone this route over a humorous car accident? Simple. Emporia now has an 'Islamic Center' right across from the college; and the local beef processing plant employs a group of people who have direct ties to this group.
A beef processing plant in the heart of America that employs people with direct links to every terrorist agency on planet earth...think about it.
And if you don't think that could happen; rewind to December 11, 2001 and you tell me if you thought that event was possible, even as you watched American citizens jump to their deaths out of burning buildings because of what muslim terrorists did. You remember.
Won't happen in America? Why not...the odds? There are 1.2 billion muslims in the fastest growing religion world, what if only ten percent are so zealous that they'll do what their religion commands? That narrows it down to one hundred and twenty million. Want even better odds...okay, just one percent of that 1.2 billion is still twelve million. Twelve million people from THAT value system. Even one tenth of a percent is well over a million people!
Don't think it can't happen. Don't think it can't happen in Emporia (just like a small asain man wouldn't walk into a little Baptist church - in Emporia - on a Sunday morning and open fire on the congregation with an automatic pistol and kill a man...late 1980s ringing a bell?).
I don't live in Emporia any more; but it miss some of the warmer friendlier elements of what it was. A collegue of mine recently came to Emporia for a possible career position with the university. Upon returning he withdrew his application and found me out to ask me what was going on in your town.
I wish you all luck. Perhaps the first order of business would be to hold your city commissioners responsible for dealing with the Tyson industry. The research I've done finds that the "owners" of the plant don't have a vested interest in the community because they don't even live in the state. My most sincere advice is to get control of your city managers and demand that they address this issue. My thoughts are that this issue is that serious.
Good luck. And please remember to respect the individual while dealing with the problem.
March 30, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gazette_reader (anonymous) says...
"When I was in school my parents had to PAY for me to take drivers education. It was not FREE"
You're right, driver's education is not free. However, you're also not required to take driver's education to get a driver's license. Many, many pass the what, 20 question test to get a learner's permit, have a friend or family member teach them the basics, and then go back to test for their full license - which involves little more than a quick drive around the block.
Some places, like Germany, REQUIRE extensive and expensive driver's education (including first aid training). The U.S., and Kansas in particular, does not. Kansas requires getting 18 out of 20 questions right on a multiple choice test, and, when I took the test in Kansas City, four right-hand turns around a block and back to the DMV.
March 30, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citizenx (anonymous) says...
eatasheep, are you retarded? Somebody running their car in to a building is not a terrorist attack. You are blaming Muslims for all the ills of the world, but who you really mean to blame are extremists, and there are more than Muslim extremists. Do you not remember the Oklahoma City bombing, Eric Rudulph, or doctors being shot because they give abortions. Many religious texts, especially the Bible, promote violence against outsiders and law breakers.
"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 10:27
What the Bible is trying to say is that if some one does not worship Jesus, they should be destroyed. There is no possibility of forgiveness or mercy towards those with different religious beliefs. There is no "love thine enemies" option here.
Most, but not all, Christians ignore these passages, just as most, but not all muslims ignore similar passages in the Koran.
Secondly, the Islamic Center that you appear to be so afraid of was build years before the Somali influx to, I assume, give exchange students a place to congregrate and worship.
Thirdly, I don't remember what happened on December 11, 2001. It seemed to be an ordinary day.
March 30, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
i_am_the_batman (anonymous) says...
Blah blah blah hate. Blah blah blah bigotry. Blah blah blah clever comeback to previous hate and/or bigotry statement.
This discussion is funny as hell. I laughed so hard I think I tinkled in my Bat-suit. By the way, it was SEPTEMBER 11th, 2001 (9-11), that is what citizenx was hinting at. The Batman has spoken.
March 30, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Phil_Dillon (anonymous) says...
Citizenx
Luke 10:27 is a response to a question Jesus asked a lawyer who was trying to trap Jeus in a mini debate about eternal life. It reads, "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself."
Jesus then went on and told the story of the Samaritan and mercy.
That's hardly advocating violence.
If you're referring to Luke 19, the context wasn't advocacy. It was a parable about the final judgement.
For me, the story of the accident is important because it's a public safety issue, not race. I'm concerned that someone is going to get hurt. And that someone could be Somali, African-American, or Irish-American. It has nothing to do with race. As I said in an earlier response in this comment thread, my wife and I have placed strict limit's on her mother's driving because we don't want her to get hurt or to hurt anyone else. I can assure you that we love her and want what's best for her and the community. That same concern holds for Somalis, who unfortunately have been involved in two of these types of incidents recently.
When I worked in New Jersey one of my closest professional and personal associations with a young Muslim from Palestine. I loved him like a brother. We had two different worldviews and I never hesitated to express my Christian view with him. The friendship developed to the point where he would bring Muslim scholars to NJ diners so that I could debate, in the spirit of love and brotherhood, the distinctives of my Christian faith.
That should be the tenor of the debate, and mis-using or twisting the context of Holy Writ to prove a point doesn't move the dialogue along in a productive manner. You would gain a much more receptive response if you you used the Bible in a more productive way.
I think you make some valid points. They just could be made better without mis-representing things that Jesus said.
March 30, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
Well Snake, I actually DON'T work at Tyson but I have family that does. I don't know Mr. Feihler from Adam and I don't suck up to anybody. But I do have respect for others, which you obviously lack. "Snake" is the perfect unsername for you. Keep up with your snide comments. We all have the right to our opinions.
March 30, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
It is a crime to have the Bible in your possession in Saudi Arabia. 98% of all Somalian girls have their clitoris removed between the ages of 8 and 10, presumably to "keep them in line". We routinely hear about women in Pakistan and Afghanistan being sentenced to beatings or death because somebody else raped THEM. We have a nut in Iran whos stated purpose is to wipe first Israel off the face of the earth, then America, and eventually all Christians, Jews, Hindus, and all infidels. We have an even worse nut in the acting business named Sean Penn who thinks Iran's little dictator is just a wonderful human being. We have Britain and Germany basically having civil wars within brought about by Muslims who do NOT want to assimilate, but impose THEIR rule. We have genocide going on in Darfur.
Sure, you can point out Oklahoma City bombing, Eric Rudolph, etc.... humans are humans and none are perfect. No matter what their ethnicity or religion. But comparing those is akin to someone having their roof destroyed by a devastating hail storm, and someone else coming along and pointing out that they saw a couple of acorns drop out of the tree on the roof also, so you can't single out the hail as being at fault for the roof damage. Come on.
Yes, the Old Testament was pretty violent at times. But Jesus came along and declared the old laws gone and replaced by the new laws, and we are to all love our brother. Problem is, the Koran hasn't replaced their old violent laws. By the way, in the Koran, I believe it is permissible to lie to an infidel. So beware.
True - not all Muslims are extremists. But it is a huge and growing problem, that the world can no longer ignore. And the even bigger problem is that the moderate Muslims have ignored it for far too long. THEY are the ones that need to do something about the cancer within them. Or they will be swallowed up along with the rest of us.
March 31, 2007 at 12:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Statements about Tysons hiring practices "being a crock".
Ok, back it up. Show me some figures. Talk to a trainer there, and ask what the new hire ratio is. Ask how many maintenace workers there have quit in the last few months. Inquire as to the percentage of the "hard working" Somalians that are on "light duty" as compared to the rest of the work force. Ask the people who have recently worked there how Tyson is continually cutting benefits, insurance, etc - basically trying to make the job as unappealing as possible. Right, so it will become the "job none of us lazy people want".
Look at the wages - have they kept pace over the last 20 years? Certainly not with the cost of living.
So do it. Go get a job there. Work there for a few months and report back. Sounds like a great independent study project....
March 31, 2007 at 12:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Oh, and I forgot to mention my favorites - we have children in the Islamic schools in the Middle East being turned out by the thousands daily taught that Jews and infidels are not human, they are the offspring of apes and pigs. (REALLY!!!). And, my absolute favorite, we have thousands of them willing to strap bombs on themselves and walk into schools, kindergartens, churches, hospitals, universities, and kill themselves and as many others as possible - and all for what? So they can get some prime poontang in heaven. I've read the stories about the suicide bombers yelling "Virgins, here I come!!!" right before they detonate. Yep, that's what heaven's all about. One Big Orgy. Wow.
March 31, 2007 at 12:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Concerned_Emporian (anonymous) says...
The real issue is safety. Non-drivers should not be allowed to endanger the streets (and buildings) of Emporia, regardless of ethnicity or age. No one has addressed the question of auto insurance. Are any of the victims of these accidents compensated by insurance coverage? It's illegal in Kansas to operate a vehicle without insurance, so if many of the new residents don't have valid licenses, I assume they also don't have insurance. I agree that we have to demand action before someone dies. Who will step forward to ask the tough questions and force some action?
March 31, 2007 at 12:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gazette_reader (anonymous) says...
"They had to pass physical tests, etc., and If they did not pass they were sent back. Some how it just does not seem fair that they can bring their TB and HIV into our community and the community leaders and health department do nothing about it."
Incidentally, in order to obtain a legal permanent residence card or become a citizen of the United States, you do have to pass health examinations. You can read up on this at http://www.uscis.gov. While I cannot obviously speak for all of our immigrant population, my understanding of the Somali residents is that as refugees, they would have transitioned from refugee camps in Kenya (where they would have received vaccinations and medical treatment) to centers in Minnesota and/or Nebraska. Many of these refugees have been in the U.S. for several years. If they are carrying any sorts of illnesses, they very well could have caught them here.
A word about TB - you have to remember that pretty much everyone coming from developing countries will probably test positive for exposure to TB. This would have even been true for immigrants from Europe as recently as 25 years ago. This does not mean that they have TB, but it does mean that they've been exposed to it. Even U.S.-born citizens would have generally tested positive just 50 or 60 years ago, too. Read up on the Waverly Hills Sanitorium in Kentucky, where nearly 60,000 Kentuckians died of TB from something like 1930 to 1960. That's more than twice the population of Emporia. We are not that far removed from the disease.
March 31, 2007 at 1 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goneforgood (anonymous) says...
I was born and raised in Emporia, but now live somewhere else in Kansas. My parents still live in Emporia and I visit them frequently. I understand that fact that many people from many different countries come to the United States for asylum. But, as others have said, the Somalians are in Emporia because TYSON brought them there. I have no problem with a person's race, choice of religion, personal hygiene habits, etc...but I do have a problem with rude, non-compliant people who could possibly be passing infectious disease to people in a town filled with my family.
Remember the (Somalian) worker who was killed at the Tyson plant a few months ago? No, gazette-reader, he did not just test positive for TB, he had full-blown, active TB. And, a word (or two) about TB to you, gazette-reader, "TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected." "People with active TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers." Remember this the next time you are at Wal-Mart and the Somilian next to you coughs. Or, when your friend that works at the Tyson plant is telling you about how they have been not been feeling well. You know, fever, chills, night sweats, coughing. . .And the part about "if they are carrying any sorts of illnesses, they could have caught them here?" In all REPORTED cases of TB in 2005, of US born people, 2.5 per 100,000; of foreign born people, 21.8 per 100,000. That means the reported case of TB was 8.7 times greater in a foreign born person. And, 82% of all reported TB occurred in racial and ethnic minorities. (you can read up on this at www.cdc.gov) Please note that this was not 1930 to 1960. This was 2005.
p.s. I am a RN who works on a hospital unit titled, Adult Medical, Surgical, and Infectious Diseases. We are the unit who takes care of people with active TB. Kinda know a word or two about it.
March 31, 2007 at 4:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goneforgood (anonymous) says...
To "westcoaster":
The "rumor" I "heard" about the happenings at The China Buffet..
The Somlians were not putting food back into the bins so that it was not wasted. They were going through the buffet line taste testing. What they didn't like, they SPIT back into the bins. The restaurant had to be shut down so they could discard and recook all of the food.
And, if they were putting the food back into the bins, I wonder which hand they were using? I hope the "clean" hand. Yes, they do not use toilet paper. They use the "dirty" hand.
March 31, 2007 at 5:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
A lot of good dialogue has gone back and forth on the issues but we seem to be straying from the original article. The driving of Somalians. Mr. Dillon has made some comments in this discussion and since he is on the ballot this Tuesday I would like to know what he would do to correct the situation, before I go to vote. I of course would like to hear the other candidates idea's as well.
March 31, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
been_there (anonymous) says...
You peope are exhausting me with these conversations! Why does an article about an accident have to get so much attention and turn into a bashing of a 'community' of people or a company or a person that runs that company. It is true that the Somalis do not drive well but it is also true that there is not a program that they can access to gain the skills needed. If we are all so worried about it why are we not contacting organizations that can help us correct this problem by organizing a driver's education class that is available to ALL citizens who are need of it, the Somalis are not the only ones. And I have stopped to offer assistance when I saw of few of their accidents and each time the owner of the vehicle was there and they did have proof of valid insurance.
As far as Tyson 'bringing' the Somalis here. I believe the initial group came a year ago when they were put out of a job when Tyson closed a plant in Nebraska. ALL people who worked at this plant were given the option to accept transfers to other Tyson plants. A group of people, white, hispanic and somali, came from that plant to here. The influx came when these people called their families and friends and told them that Emporia was a very nice place to live and they could find work at Tyson. Over the years this has happened with all the people that have found jobs with Tyson. In the 80's the asian population called their family and friends and encouraged them to come here. In the 90's the hispanic population brought their families and friends from El Salvador and other areas to Emporia and Tyson. Because they came in slowly the community didn't really notice.
March 31, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
been_there (anonymous) says...
Granted, Tyson has not kept up with the wages but they are consistent within the industry. No one HAS to work there, we all have the opportunity to gain employment wherever we want or are qualified to work. Many have chosen this option and bettered themselves with an education to get a better job. Tyson does offer a lot to the community and I believe they would be greatly missed in Emporia if they were forced to shut their doors. I know a lot of people will disagree with me but you need to seriously think about it. Yes a lot of money does leave the community on Friday but it is not only going to families of the Somalis, several hispanic and asian people send money home to help their families also. A lot of money does stay here in the community. If you are a landlord, who is paying the rent on your properties? If Tyson closed, how many of YOU would be able to find someone to rent your house or apartments. ESU does not bring in that many students and if they do, they generally don't rent for the entire year. What about the the school system? They receive funding according to the amount of students they have. If Tyson closed, many families would leave and take their children with them. There goes a large amount of funding and would also lead to a decrease in the amount of teachers and aides we need.
None of us are perfect! If some of you making these comments are then I apologize but let's get real. Quit being a group of people complaining and start looking for ways to solve our problems. I personally would be willing to help teach anyone needing assistance in learning how to drive on a volunteer basis to help make the streets of Emporia safer. What are you going to do? Write a post on here how I'm totally missing the point and should take off my 'binders'? A little less talk and a lot more action people!
March 31, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
"open_eyes" you seem to be ALL KNOWING and very into Somalian culture and how Tyson operates, have you thought about running for office?
March 31, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
No I have/am not :)
March 31, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
POINT / COUNTERPOINT for "been_there"
Sir, while I respect you; you seem to be genuinely trying to be pro-active...I also, respectfully, submit my opinion of dissent.
1. "You are exhausting me with these conversations..."
> It's called the 1st Amendment. Suggestion: don't read this.
2. (I paraphrase here) "Why so much attention to specific people and corporate practices"
> Again, see 1st Amendment...same suggested cure.
3. "...the Somalies don't drive well but it is also true that there is not a program that they can access to gain the skills needed..."
> A false statement. The state offers drivers education classes as do several private agencies; even to the extent of driver safety courses for motorcycles that are semi-public as well as private. All offered right there in Lyon county.
4. "As far as bringing the Somalies here..." and you go on to basically say that it's not Tyson's fault.
> Regardless of where Tyson is located, if they hire them and recruit them into the community...Tyson hired them, and recruited them.
5. I paraphrase the rest of your first post comparring 80s, 90s, and present day 'groups' of people that are working at Tyson.
> The American-Asain population as well as the American-Hispanic population that worked at the plant were exactly that: American first. Many of these group's children are friends of mine. They are American because they wanted to be American. (only American Indians are true NATIVE Americans) These groups fly Old Glory and if they recognize their heritage, they don't hold another culture above their American heritage.
You see, this is the biggest difference between the Islamic cult population and the rest of us...if they embrace their Koran directives, they must never assymilate into America.
-Part 1
March 31, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
POINT / COUNTERPOINT part 2
1. You open with some positive elements of the Tyson plant. I agree with much of what you said, still:
> Some of Tyson's practices could be better. They could set up programs helping the 'new' hire assymilate into the community. As one of your public servants states earlier, Jesus said the most important thing to do is to show them true 'love'. This would mean to help them at all possible costs. I don't believe Tyson has made an effort there, and if they are a part of the community, they have certain duties to the community...it's an expectational part of a social contract.
2. Paraphrase: you comment on landowners having ESU students who "...aren't that many..." and "...generally don't rent for the entire year...". I don't know. But I estimate that you do not know either. I hypothesize that ESU property renters predominantly DO stay for the year as they have outside jobs and many do not want to go back home for the summer. It is the dorm student who traditionally goes home for the summer. (again, an estimation on my part, I do NOT know...it is this way at the university that I work at, so I don't know why ESU would be different). As far as "not that many"; again, I surmise that neither of us actually KNOW, but I think the ESU enrollment is somewhere around 8 to 10 thousand students and I don't know what the dorm-to-offcampus dwelling rate is, but I'd say the college has a significant impact on rental properties, and I would again guess that it is at least as prominent as the plant workers. But again, I do not KNOW for certain.
3. From your first paragraph...sorry, I'm a bit busy and missed it for 'part 1'...please forgive this disruption in literary flow: You state "I have stopped to offer assistance when I saw a few of their accidents and each time the owner of the vehicle was there and they did have proof of valid insurance."
> Interesting; how does this come up in conversation? You stop and say "Are you alright?" and oh, by the way, I need to see your proof of current insurance." ...just curious.
Again, you seem very pro-active and that's good, as action will be needed to produce a solution to these problems; 'action instead of words' and 'nobody is perfect'...well said, sir.
However, to pretend that this element is not a problem is to re-visit Europe before WWII. Ignoring them and thinking the problem is not that severe will allow the problem to grow unabated. Soon, your community will be in a state of "appeasement" (which has already happened to Tyson, bowing to cult practices and lowering productive out-put). If the community continues to ignore the problem, the problem will become powerful enough to impose itself upon you...regardless of how long that Islamic center has been there...and old bomb is still a bomb, is it not?
My best wishes to the good people of Emporia.
March 31, 2007 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gazette_reader (anonymous) says...
"TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected."
goneforgood, I am aware of this. My understanding is that the TB only spreads if it is active. My understanding is that in Kansas, if you have ACTIVE TB, you are required to take your treatment (is it still multiple cycles of antibiotics?) in front of a county health worker, but you do not have to do so if you are treating inactive TB. It is known that many people will not complete their treatment cycles if they don't have to, which can create a resistant strain of TB. It is also my understanding that someone can have inactive TB for quite some time, only for it to become active if the person has a weakened immune system or stress. Is it not possible that this person might have been identified as having latent TB, been prescribed the drugs, and not taken them accordingly? What that tells me is that if TB is becoming a problem, perhaps even people with latent TB should be required to go to the county health department on a daily basis to take their medication.
What fascinates me about this conversation is how, in many ways, "Somali" has replaced "Spanish-speaking." Not even two years ago, the town was up in arms about the Mexicans (whether they were Mexican or not) and how they don't want to participate in proper American culture, didn't want to learn English, how they didn't want to be here, just here to earn money, etc. And now there are people in this discussion claiming that they are American first. I am wondering if we were to have a large group of Australians move in, would they displace the Somalians as the new obnoxious-troublesome-unpatriotic-barely-English-speaking group?
March 31, 2007 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
This is all very interesting and a great discussion of a community issue. Keep it up!
March 31, 2007 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanutbutter (anonymous) says...
I bet the Gazette is loving all of this. We are providing so much for them! Anyway, I am guilty too, but when did this become about TB, and everything else. The article is about an accident at a restaurant that happens to be owned by Somalians. Maybe everybody who is unhappy with all of the above issues should get involved and help contribute to our economy in Emporia. Help educate ALL foreign people, and realize that it's not just ONE company that is to blame for Emporia's issues. Tyson has some responsibility, but to put all the blame on them, in my opinion, is not living in reality.
March 31, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandyestabrook (anonymous) says...
Wow, I've been reading this for hours it seems. All very interesting with many valid points. I too would like to hear the persons running for city commission give their opinions on what they would do to resolve these issues. But the initial issue was the driving and the safety factor for everyone and therefore I will hope and pray that some responsible group will step up and do something. That should be Tyson as they are the reason the Somalians are here. I would not hold my breath on that one though. I moved here 5 yr ago from Dodge City where we went through a tramatic change in that community because of the workers hired by Tyson. Many good people came but also some not so good and very disrespectful to the locals. When I first moved here and would have people complain to me, I said, you just don't know how lucky you are to live here. Many of my friends have since moved from Dodge City. There is a very rural cowboy mentality out there and when you don't work things out for the best of everyone then the situation only deteriorates. Dodge City used to have a 4 yr college, St. Mary's of the Plains and we noticed a change when it closed. I told all my friends here, Emporia is a city of culture and education with ESU and that will never happen here. I'm sure there are enough educated people here that they can brain-storm the problems and come to a reasonable solution. Someone needs to step up to the plate before there is someone killed and the animosity grows.
Please don't let me down!
Coming from a community where negative responses reigned, it will only bring you down and forever change the town you love so much.
April 1, 2007 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Last night I watched a special on CNN called "The War Within" about the problems with radical Islamists in Britain. Over half the mosques in Britain do not allow women inside, and almost every other mosque has a radical preaching hatred and intolerance. Very disturbing were the rap videos being put out showing how to build crude bombs - to rap music. But it also showed some encouraging signs - moderate or mainstream Muslims starting to speak up against the radicals. They had a large conference where the radicals would get up and talk about hate, killing, (I believe one of the quotes was something along the lines of "You want to go to your pub, and go home and watch your TV - fine - do what you want. But if you do anything to a Muslim, we will kill you"). It was awesome to see other muslims walk up to the podium and tell people like this that "there was no chance in HELL that they would ever get to heaven by strapping bombs on theirselves and blowing up innocent people". As I've said before, this is what needs to start happening - the title refered to the enemy within Islam, not within Britain.
Now, I apologize (again) that watching the news, researching, finding out the facts, and trying to speak intelligently about a subject apparently makes me "ALL KNOWING", but it really isn't that hard. I invite any and everyone to just do a little homework, open your eyes to what is happening in the world, learn from history, and you too can be branded "ALL KNOWING" by extreme liberals, even if you really don't know all that much like me, but do try to discuss reality, and not emotional idealism. Good luck to all :)
April 1, 2007 at 10:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksbrdwtchr (anonymous) says...
Coming in to this a little late. I was out of town last week and did not see this. Clearly this topic has generated a lot of discussion and a lot of people have opinions about this. Seen some topics discussed in the above posting about the Ayan Cafe, Somalians as drivers, Somalians as tenants, TB, and terrorism. I don't know any thing first hand about terrorism. I do know a few things from first hand knowledge about those other topics.
I have eaten at the Ayan Cafe several times. I was made to feel very welcome there. I had rice, kabobs, and some thing called sambusa. A sambusa is a bit like the Somalian version of a bierock. I am a fat middle aged white guy and there is no way any one would mistake me for Somalian. The food was good. I did not get sick from it. I would like it if the restaurant was kept a little cleaner. If you eat there I would warn you that some Somalians eat with their fingers. In their culture that is normal so don't let it surprise you. The manager is quite nice and gave me complimentary cup of tea with spices in it.
All of the Somalian people that I have met have been polite enough to me when I speak to them directly. When they are on foot they are polite.
Yes, I have had problems with some of these folks when they are driving a car. I had two of them pull in behind me and stop their cars to have a conversation. They blocked me into my parking space to have their discussion. That was just plain rude. They didn't back up until I got out of my car. I've noticed some of them also don't like to take turns at intersections with stop signs.
These are all things I know for a fact from my own experience. This next bit is second hand and not from my own personal knowledge. Been told that the Somalians make good tenants by landlords who rent to them.
A Somalian person died from TB and it was in the newspaper and every one is suddenly talking about it. I've got news for you. They have had problems at that meat packing plant with TB before this. It just did not make front page of the newspaper before. I worked at that plant for a lot of years when IBP owned it. A relative of mine worked there and got TB in the late 1980's. When there are illegal aliens coming from all parts of Central America working in a place with false papers there is no control over what illnesses they come across the border with. The Somalian man who died wasn't the first case of TB we have ever had in Emporia.
April 3, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksbrdwtchr (anonymous) says...
A lot of people have opinions on this topic. It is clear that there is a lot of interest and emotion generated by this topic. I think it might be good idea for the Emporia Gazette to look into a few things.
I would like to see the Gazette reprint sections of the driving test that Somalian people take. Is it the same test I have to take to renew my license? Does the State of Kansas have facts and figures about how many Somalian drivers only have the learning permit and not an unrestricted license? What does the Emporia Police Department have to say? Are they having a disproportionate number of traffic citations given out to Somalian people? Are the police having trouble with drivers who don't have proper licenses? It would satisfy my curiosity about Somalians being good or bad drivers.
April 3, 2007 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wifeandmother (anonymous) says...
Snake, you are spitting out a lot of venom. I feel sorry for you. May you find peace and heal your soul.
April 10, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wifeandmother (anonymous) says...
You need to read the Bible and contemplate Christ's teachings. Right now you're missing His whole point. If you were truly following Christ's teachings you would be reaching out to help the Somalian refugees.
Again, may you find peace and heal your soul.
April 11, 2007 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
treynewkirk (anonymous) says...
The story is good written by the gazette and also the story written by KVOE on their website. Its an event that happened in our town, great job of getting the news out. But really all the racist comments wether the people posting them know it or not, and all the lets try and feel bad for the new people here in emporia. I agree with tyson to a degree, are you going to quite your high paying cushy jobs to go work their i think not, they are filling the jobs with people who are working the jobs. Cheap labor maybe, diffrent lifestyle of the people coming here from what we are used to definatly. I believe in free speach and really agree this forum should have these comments from everyone no matter how rude or unliked the opinions are. It shows truly what kind of a person you are to leave the comment that you do. Now as far as what should be done, nobody ever handed me anything ever if the new addition to our town wants to climb the ladder i say bust your butt as hard as everyone else trying to climb to the top. don't conform to what everyone wants you to do, so they feel comfortable but position yourself for growth. As far as everybody else, keep your opinions and racist comments or bible thinking comming great stuff but realize there are many ways of thinking and living. And its a new world we live in that changes every day. Open minds are the only way to grow and move forward. And if your going to leave comments you should be able to take credit for them. My name is Trey Newkirk
April 11, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandyestabrook (anonymous) says...
Trey, good for you standing behind your beliefs! I think you are right on the money. Unfortunately or fortunately, however one choses to look at it, our little town is part of the big world as everything is global now. Take what recently happened at Menue and China's involvement. The good old USA is still the beacon for the world's poor, political refugees and just others seeking a better life. Unless we want to revert back to isolationism then we are going to have to learn to live with all those who come here legally. It is a give and take situation and hopefully everyone learns to get along in the process.
April 13, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Xmarksthespot (anonymous) says...
Ok, i've listened, read, listened some more. Man alot of you don't understand whats going on here. I work out there and I have to say I can't stand it anymore. I've been there since they first started coming in. They are rude and everything mentioned. I will say some of them have manners but very few, AS do some work very hard. they push their way in line, they will shove you out of the way, they pray when they feel like it, our lives out at the plant have been turned inside out. we go in different breaks because of their prayer times. But what I cannot live with is the fact that TB is a very real disease and most of them are at risk of having it. I dont want to be exposed to it but i have been. they do have their own stalls. one in each bathroom, there are two bathrooms. they also use the old shower room to clean their feet, I've also seen them place their feet in the hand wash sinks to clean their feet AFTER having walked BAREFOOT on the nasty dirty floor. I wash my hands in that sink for crying out loud!!! Thats just gross. What Tyson does with their money is not my business to an extent. But when my hours are cut and I dont bring enough money in to feed my family thats when I get mad. I have not seen any of their check stubs to see if they have taxes taken out so I cant say they do or don't. But i'm betting they dont. But i can say this, Tyson was caught in a lie when the lyon county hd lied about no active tb at the plant. That was their own fault. whoever said it was gonna take someones death for them to wakeup was right, as sad as that is. I'm all for helping people i've been reading my bible pretty much every day i can. I do try to help the ones i work with and i get a long with most of them but when they go out of their way to hurt or try to hurt me or someone if they are in a car or on foot, thats not right. i cannot step aside and let a bad deed go unpunished. understanding is one of the best things a person can do in this situation. and no i'm not defending them, i'm just saying dont jump to conclusions. dont judge a book by its cover, the next time u c a Somolian, c how they react to you being nice and saying hey hows it goin? if you c them out of the plant. dont let them push u around but dont try to smash em down either. THey think we're all out to get em. thats what we think of them. I cant get food stamps, they can, i pay taxes, who knows if they do. i've been angry enough that my nerves are frazzled to nothing. But i cant afford to let my bp get that high again, they aren't worth me getting all worked up anymore. So do what you have to do to deal with them, hope you make it thru that light without getting hit.....later all. Peace....
June 10, 2007 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Xmarksthespot (anonymous) says...
I commented before, had to leave a few things out. forgive me if i repeat myself. have you ever been to a place where everyone looked at u like u were an alien but u didnt know why?? ever forget to wash ur hands in a public restroom cuz u were in a hurry to get ur kids out of the restaurant? have you ever run a stop light cuz u were in a hurry to get home and watch a movie with ur family? we all make mistakes, the thing is, do we correct them and move on? Most of us do. we dont repeat stupid mistakes. I cant say that for most Somolians, maybe they dont know what their doing wrong, or just dont care cuz they know they will get away with it. I spoke to a teacher at the FHTC and he didnt know anything about a drivers ed course at the tech college, after it had been posted at the plant that one had been offered. Make sense?? when they get in an accident, why are the press people at the hospital told not to release info on the victims? why the coverup? Someone needs to investigate and get to the bottom of all this and find out the real truth. Seems like the govt is goin all out to protect those who keep breaking the law doesn't it??? later, Peace
June 10, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I would at least like to see WalMart management teach their checkout employees to not service people who cut in line and push their way in line. They should have a store policy to not service those people till they go back to the end of the line like all the rest of us infidels...
June 11, 2007 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
someone (anonymous) says...
Emporia is slowly starting to go down the drain and I'm glad I got out after 23 years of living there. I dread going back for family functions or anything that requires me to visit that dying community. Thanks Tyson.
June 11, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DeniseDorcey (anonymous) says...
As an Emporia resident, I have not encountered one negative circumstance with the new Somalian population here.
I often see Somalian families shopping at Aldi. Though reserved, on first meeting, these people are quick to smile and say hello when the same salutation is offered to them first.
I have heard of complaints about certain circumstances but when I have asked further questions of the complainant, found it was a matter of not understanding our culture or language, not flagrant rudeness or disregard of others.
I am much more concerned about the white, American folks I encounter that demonstrate poor judgment and taste.
June 11, 2007 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
DeniseDorcey,
You need to get out more. I have had them try to shove in front of me at Aldi's more then once and if you drive on the east side of town you will sooner or later have to slam on your brakes because they do not know the stick figure for stop.
June 12, 2007 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DeniseDorcey (anonymous) says...
I've had the same experiences with white folks here. I'm wondering if these situations are more noticeable to some when the person is of another nationality?
Denise Dorcey
June 12, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I know of at least 1 incident at Walmart where the irate husband flattened the pusher after he threw an elbow at his wife. Problem is, many times it's just women in line and their husband isn't around to stick up for them. That's why I say Walmart employees need to be taught how to handle the situation - don't wait on people that cut in line - direct them to the end of the line like all the other infidels.
June 12, 2007 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DeniseDorcey (anonymous) says...
I'm not trying to impress anyone. I am simply stating my experience and my opinion on the subject.
We live in America where I have a Constitutional right to state my opinion in a public forum. It is also your Constitutional right, snake or anyone else, to disagree in the same public forum.
I will not lower myself to name-calling. It serves no purpose but to incite anger and lessen the integrity one's statements.
Denise Dorcey
June 12, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )