your LETTERS Mixed Messages You featured gambling as your title story. You talk about gambling addictions, people losing their stores, their homes and the toll it takes on families. I thought it was irresponsible to publish an ad promoting a casino, in this case, the Greektown Casino, at the same time that you were featuring casinos and the hardships that result from frequenting these establishments. I feel you are sending mixed messages. I know the money that an ad generates is important, but sometimes a moral issue should outweigh a monetary issue. Sherry Hakim Farmington Hills Post Warnings Although I couldn’t agree more with the articles, I do feel that both the writers of these articles and the staff of the Chaldean News were well aware of this epidemic prior to July 2008. That being said, maybe the sales or marketing teams should focus on non-gaming advertisements. Is it not hypocritical for someone to read your articles then turn the page to a half-page ad for Greektown Casino claiming you can “strike it rich”? I understand that without sponsors the magazine could not operate. I respect the hard work and dedication that your staff puts in. The least you can do is force these casino marketing campaigns to also post clear warnings on their ads for responsible gaming and hotlines for help. I sincerely hope that one day your magazine becomes so successful that you will no longer have to concede to these types of advertisements. Duraid Hallak San Diego, CA Hypocritical Just a comment (and I’m sure that I’m not the only one who noticed this): On pages 8 and 9, Vanessa Denha-Garmo and the editorial staff condemn gambling. Then turn the page and see a half-page ad for Greektown Casino. That would seem more than a little hypocritical, wouldn’t it? Michael J. Acho Birmingham Where’s the Beef? I liked the article about Melissa Siirila [“Finding Family, July 2008] but I wanted to know more, and think it could have been better. Although I know Melissa and her Godmother Hanna personally, and have met her future mother-in-law Nawal and know her story, as a reader I was asking questions and wanted to know more: what her sessions with Hanna were like and Hanna’s perspectives on what she thought when given this task as a Catholic educator. Was there doubt? What did the motherin-law think about this strange woman entering their house? Was she there out of her whole heart, or were there motives behind all of this? Did she want to be saved and shown the light, or just become Catholic to marry Jeff? Melissa has an amazing story, one for the movies and even more for a book. A lot of it is private and personal and not everything can or should be shared, but more light should be shed. I love reading the Chaldean News, but it’s so “surfacy.” We’re Chaldean — we want details. Antonia Kassab West Bloomfield Setting an Example I would like to take a moment to comment on Crystal Jabiro’s article in regards to CASA [“CASA Controversy,” June 2008]. She commented on the direct actions of the individuals. In no way did she plagiarize comments, interject her own opinion or engage in “yellow journalism.” These university students who represent SOCA/CASA are the leaders of our community. No one asks them to donate their time. It is freely given, done on their own volition. When I was a college student, I remember how difficult it was to balance my time between my studies, work and commitment to society. Their efforts should not be minimized or mocked. We as a community should not stand by and watch them be “taken over.” They have done nothing but bring pride to the Chaldean name through their works during the Chaldean Commencement and at their respective universities. As a society we must self-regulate the actions that counter the democratic ideals. In particular, the good work that we do for our Chaldean members should never have justification through ill-conceived methods. The end does not justify the means. What kind of example does this set for our community? Belinda S. Kakos D.O. Farmington Hills 12 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST2008
GUEST column It’s the dog days of August, so open your heart to puppy love “ It’s just a dog.” That’s all I would hear from friends and family who never had a pet. When my Shih Tzu Oreo had to be put to sleep after 16 years, my family was a mess. After the first month we got him in 1991, my parents gave him away because my mom, just like a lot of Chaldean moms, said, “dogs are not clean.” After my brother and I protested food and school, we got Oreo back from an elderly couple the next week. From then on, he became one of us, learning Chaldean and Arabic and having “rizza and merocca” on the regular. “Mom, Dad, can we get a puppy? I’ll take care of it.” What parent has not heard these words? Dogs are great pets and faithful friends but please do yourself and the dog a favor and think first. Puppies are cute and cuddly but know in advance that the cute little creature might start doing not-so-cute things. From the beginning, potty training can be a challenge. You can try to teach them to go outside but they might enjoy it a little too much. They might start lifting their leg at the tree, then go back inside and start lifting their leg against walls, doorposts or baskets. Ikhlas Kashat of West Bloomfield says no matter how many times her children beg for a dog, she will not get one. “Every mom I know tells me having a dog is just like having another kid in the house, and it’s the mom who raises that kid, too, no matter how much the other kids swear they’ll take care of it,” she said. JOVAN KASSAB SPECIAL TO THE CHALDEAN NEWS Left: Jino has learned that it’s not always easy being a big brother. Below: The late great Oreo. Veterinarian Frank Miskena of the Northwest Animal Hospital in Redford and Southfield suggests a family agree on the size of the dog, the breed and if it sheds or not — which is especially important for those who have allergies. And keep in mind that a dog is just like having a child — they need regular checkups too. Miskena says dogs can teach you a lot and keep you safe and healthy. “It can keep you mentally sharp and level your blood pressure,” he said. “When you pet a dog and they give you the love and attention back, your blood pressure goes down.” For older people, dogs can provide family and friendship, something to care for and to be recognized by. There is a reason they call dogs “a man’s best friend.” There is a special human-animal bond between an owner and their dog, Miskena says. “I’ve seen families cry more over their dog passing away than a family member.” Jenny Garmo Curis of Troy got her 8-year-old Pug, Jino, when he was just 6 weeks old. “He follows me around wherever I go and I try to include him in everything I do,” she said. “Everyone knew him and loved him.” Unfortunately for Jino, things have changed since Curis became a mother. “There is definitely not enough time in the day when you have a child and the one who suffers from that is Jino. He had to get used to coming second instead of always coming first,” she said. Jino has adjusted pretty well, and is very protective over the baby, Michael. “When my husband and I leave at night, Jino sleeps by Michael’s door until we get home. It’s adorable.” There is a lot to be aware of before getting any type of pet, especially a dog — so do your research because this animal will become a big part of your life. Chaldeans who disdain pets should think again. As Miskena says, “They give you all they have and ask for nothing in return.” AUGUST2008 CHALDEAN NEWS 13
