Feds search three Somali wire firms in Portland
The head of a Somali group says immigrants are worried now about how to get money to relatives in Africa.
By Matt Wickenheiser mwickenheiser@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND — Federal agents seized computers and records Friday from three Somali businesses that provide money wire transfers.
Under warrants obtained through the U.S. Attorney’s Office, agents searched the Al-Amin Halaal Market on St. John Street, the Dahabshil Inc. money transfer business on Congress Street and Amal Express on Anderson Street, said the owners of those businesses.
Mahdi Ahmed, owner of Al-Amin, and Habib Munye, owner of Dahabshil, provided copies of the warrants, authorized by U.S. Magistrate
Judge John Rich III. The owners at all three businesses said no one was arrested or charged in connection with the seizures.
U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby declined to comment Friday.
The focus of the investigation was unclear. The warrant for Al-Amin referred to any information relating to the wire transfer business, or to food stamp fraud. Documents for Dahabshil didn’t indicate a reason for the search.
Ahmed said agents broke two safes at his store and took cash, checks and records unrelated to the wire transfer business.
“Basically, they took everything,” he said. “I have no idea what they’re looking for; they have no respect.”
Ahmed said 10 agents searched his store Friday morning. One of the documents he was left with after the search and seizure was a subpoena, ordering him to appear before a federal grand jury in March.
More than 20 agents searched the Dahabshil business, showing up at 9 a.m. and staying until about 3 p.m., Munye said through his niece, Halima Abu, who works for her uncle. Some wore business suits while others wore uniforms with bulletproof vests, Abu said.
The paperwork indicated the warrant was served by a Department of Treasury agent.
Abu said she wasn’t upset by the search, saying “the government can look at whatever it wants.” But she said she is concerned about the customers who now cannot use the wire transfer business to send money to relatives in Africa.
At Amal Express, Aynanshe Hersi said he spoke to federal agents on the telephone and agreed to meet them at their offices on Middle Street. They asked him questions about who used the money transfer business, Hersi said, and about money transfer businesses in Lewiston.
Agents also seized money and computers from his business, Hersi said.
Mohamud Barre, president of the Somali Culture and Development Association of Maine, said the immigrant community is confused and worried about its ability to get money to family members in Africa. Many family members there have no income, and survive solely on the money sent from relatives in the United States, he said.
He said his group will try to find out what the government is investigating.
Staff Writer Matt Wickenheiser can be contacted at 791-6316 or at:
mwickenheiser@pressherald.com
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85 COMMENTS
Felix said...
“I have no idea what they’re looking for; they have no respect.”-PPH YOU CAN BET THAT THE ACLU, NAACP, COMRADE DUSON AND EVERY OTHER LEFTY PARASITE WILL BE SCREAMING ABOUT THIS. THESE PEOPLE SIMPLY DO NOT WANT TO ASSIMILATE, DO THEY? OF COURSE IT'S ALL ABOUT DIVERSITY, GOD FORBID THEY BECOME AMERICANS! ACTUALLY NOT A BAD THOUGHT, LET THEM GO HOME.
February 27, 2010 at 2:47 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
If these poor people need to send money home, they should go to Western Union. The only problem that I see is that the money transfer must be legal.
February 27, 2010 at 5:13 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
What the Government considers illegal, others consider it prosperity.
February 27, 2010 at 5:15 AM Report abuse
mutt said...
Well the difference between our country and theirs is the government can't look at whatever it wants! They need a warrant from a judge. Unlike some of the yahoos who post here about nothing to hide it is a foundation on which the founding fathers understood completely.
February 27, 2010 at 6:28 AM Report abuse
RAnderson said...
i have a better idea instead of sending money back to Africa how about sending them back to Africa.Most of the Somali People have no respect for the USA they just want a free handout. Go down to Human Services and see all of them. "What can I get"
February 27, 2010 at 6:31 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
African muslim refugees drain resources and are unwilling to assimilate. They are worthless! Stop importing them!
February 27, 2010 at 7:44 AM Report abuse
Mainiacdan said...
A good first step!
February 27, 2010 at 7:50 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Here we go again with the thinly veiled racist remarkes. It is said that people fear what they don't understand and it must be true because fear is all over these comments. What has wiring money home got to do with assimilating?? please tell me. My wife works and supports her grandparents in Thailand. If she couldn't wire money her grandparents would starve. We are always looking for inexpensive ways to wire money. Western Union is extreemly expensive. Your wrong Mutt, The patriot act allows the government to look at whatever it wants WITHOUT a warrant.
February 27, 2010 at 7:51 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I would love to see one of you rednecks go to a foriegn country and learn the language, get a job and support a family, maybe you would appreciate just how hard it is. Again, these people are refugees brought here by the US State Department who pays for their support. This is US foriegn policy and you should be comforted to know that many thousands who didn't come here have died painful, horrible deaths. You should also be pleased to know that in Iraq and Afganistan the government has killed hundred of thousands in YOUR name. Sleep easy, your killing many more than your helping
February 27, 2010 at 7:57 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
I think comrade tritrailor and comrade Duison should get together and have lunch. Think of all the liberal scams they could drum up in the name of diversity!
February 27, 2010 at 8:06 AM Report abuse
BHO said...
Refugees?.......ummmmm.........do any of you know that refugees do not pay one single dime in taxes for 7 years when they come to our country?......Now does this make me a racist because I've informed you of this fact?....I don't think so...but I'm sure a few Liberal idiots will call me one....Have a good day!
February 27, 2010 at 8:12 AM Report abuse
Player said...
Here we go playing the race card, eh tritrailer? The feds had a warrant issued by a Magistrate Judge. But hey, must be racial profiling, right? I mean, Somalis never break the law do they? IF they are illegal aliens they should be deported. If they broke the law, indict them and convict them, just like the rest of us.
February 27, 2010 at 8:23 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Ok BHO, I'll bite...your a racist. The reason is you run your mouth with a purpose to misinform people about refugees. I'll add that you are also a bully and a coward because you attack a powerless group of people that you know nothing about instead of your government that brought them here and planted them in your back yard. Learn the facts. Refugees pay taxes on the first dollar they earn and every dollar. http://www.risva.org/faq.htm
February 27, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse
jude said...
"The focus of the investigation was unclear." I'll say. The article alludes to possible food stamp fraud, but mentions the Treasury Dept. Part of Treasury's mission is to prevent the transfer of money to terrorist organizations, according to their web site. I think the PPH should have held on to this story until they had some answers. That might prevent some of the wild speculation I've just done.
February 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
Tsisailor is like all liberals. Because their ideology is based on emotion they cannot win an argument so they resort to name calling like racist,bigot,etc. Back up your arguments with data instead of calling people names trisailor!
February 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
"Refugees pay taxes on the first dollar they earn and every dollar." Ha ha! And how much in taxes are they paying on food stamps,section 8 housing,TANF,healthcare and free heating? Go to the Casco Bay Ferries the next time a liner comes in and look at all the muslim Taxi drivers. How many of them are paying taxes????
February 27, 2010 at 8:34 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Well player, if the cowboy boot fits than wear it. Here's my test for you to learn if you are a racist. 1. did you ever say anything even-handed or objective about refugees? 2. Was your motivation to cast refugees in a negitive light? I think we we all know you fail the test. Like fuzzball your also a coward and a bully because your running your mouth before you know what these people did of what the feds were looking for. Again, they are not IMMIGRANTS they are REFUGEES big difference, check it out. I agree 100% with your last comment, if they broke the law they should be punished, let's hold the judgement until the truth comes out.
February 27, 2010 at 8:35 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Thanks for the complement crackhead. Do your own research, I gave you a link to start you out. The fact is that REFUGEES are eligible for the exact same benefits that any American is eligible for. They get a 8 month medicare allowance when they are resettled. I don't know and muslum taxi drivers but I know a lot of white guys who are not paying taxes, collecting benefits.
February 27, 2010 at 8:45 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Your right about one thing crackhead. this is an emotional issue for me because I despise bullys. I always have. People like you pick on this group but wouldn't life a finger to complain to the State Department if you have an issue with the resettelement. I know these people are not perfect, but get your facts straight.
February 27, 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
Trisailer....What color cool-aid are you drinking? You must understand that people are judged by their actions not their country of origin. The person who represents "hate" on this board is you... let me explain: Most people here dislike the actions of the people in the news, you hate the people who hate the actions. I know, I know your a liberal and you believe that you have a higher education and understanding then those around you. Therefore you have the "right" to hate your government for "Killing hundreds of thousands" in YOUR name. Ok, back to your cool-aid.
February 27, 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
"people are judged by their actions" excellent point, thank you for making it. Now, tell me what they have done that they are being judged so poorly. Please give me one fact that supports any of the racist lies spread. Take a look at the police blotter. Do you see any African names? Do you know the facts? Crime by refugees is significantly less than crime by you redneck buddies. Your right, I do hate killing in my name, you should too.
February 27, 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
trisailor, People are saying that these refugees are using up resources and not assimilating. We are not racists we are simply telling the truth. Because you don't want to hear the truth for some reason you resort to name calling. You can't win an argument because deep down you know we are right. 99% of muslim refugees in Maine are on public assistance. That is a fact.You liberals don't want to see the facts when it doesn't fit your agenda
February 27, 2010 at 9:21 AM Report abuse
Scommentname said...
I'm shocked, shocked, to learn that food stamp fraud is going on here!
February 27, 2010 at 9:22 AM Report abuse
crackhead said...
trisailor, People are saying that these refugees are using up resources and not assimilating. We are not racists we are simply telling the truth. Because you don't want to hear the truth for some reason you resort to name calling. You can't win an argument because deep down you know we are right. 99% of muslim refugees in Maine are on public assistance. That is a fact.You liberals don't want to see the facts when it doesn't fit your agenda
February 27, 2010 at 9:23 AM Report abuse
Caveman said...
Saw wa dee, Mr. trisailer. You nit noy left wingy falong huh? Someone maybe break a law and you defendy, no? Not my pusonal stile tho.
February 27, 2010 at 9:29 AM Report abuse
Chinook said...
Send them to Gitmo
February 27, 2010 at 9:35 AM Report abuse
homeboy said...
Another part of the allegations are that they have been buying foodstuffs with their EBT cards, and then taking those goods and selling them at their stores, and then pocketing the cash. It is it possible that the cash that is being transferred is the very same cash that came out of the taxpayers pockets to assist them with their living expenses?
February 27, 2010 at 9:47 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Get the facts: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oma/MulticulturalResource/intro.html Yes, they are using resources, what would you expect? All of the support that they recieve is paid for by the State Department. The City of Portland actually makes a little on administration. You make the claim that 99% are on public assistance, prove it. where did you get that number? Were you crusing kennedy park counting them? My agenda is that I don't like bullys. Frankly I think the policy to bring refugees to Portland is stupid. Everyone knows that Mainers are a bunch of closed minded twits. The state department should have at least offered a little cultural training for the Portland troglodytes. Their there, there not going away, try to adapt.
February 27, 2010 at 9:52 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
caveman, your thai sucks, hum noi, ting tong
February 27, 2010 at 9:54 AM Report abuse
HARRY said...
How can people on welfare and food stamps send money to Somalia? Obviously these Aliens would rather send money to Terrorists and War Lords then become Americans. Deport all of Them.
February 27, 2010 at 9:57 AM Report abuse
Caveman said...
Taking 'smack' on facebook results in suspensions in Brewer. Read the fifth paragraph. http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/137848.html
February 27, 2010 at 9:59 AM Report abuse
nikonwilly said...
Some people have no concept of how hard it would be to re-settle in a new Country....I've traveled extensively in Europe and even those Countries would be hard to settle in without a helping hand or at the very least a friendly face among the crowd. People fear what they do not know, instead of keeping a open mind they are biased from the beginning ! You people should try and respect others ...sure some immigrants like some natives are simply lousy idiots....don't stereotype , it's IGNORANT!
February 27, 2010 at 10:01 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
nikonwilly is correct. It is very difficult to re-settle in a foriegn country. When I moved to Thailand I was lucky to find make a Thai friend who helped me navagate for the first year. One thing that stood out is the wonderful welcoming attitude of the Thai people and I am grateful for that hospitality. My wife is from a small rice farming village and I am treated like a celebrity when I go there. Their kindness and tolerance makes me more inclined to learn the rules of their culture and respect them. I have to say that I recieved a better welcome to Thailand than I got when I moved from Portland to Gardiner.
February 27, 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse
HARRY said...
If these wire transfers were legal then why didn't they use Western Union. Why hide your Illegal Wire transfers with these underground Somali fronts. Bet most of this Illegal Wired money taken from laundered food stamp debit cards is ending up in Terrorists hands. Maine needs to get a court order and find out how many welfare recipients are sending cash to Somalia.
February 27, 2010 at 10:22 AM Report abuse
BSmart said...
Gee....poor immigrants sending money back to Africa. Hmmmm. Wonder where they get the money to send????
February 27, 2010 at 10:27 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
facts, where are your facts? Assumptions are not facts. Making racist assumptions is a hate crime.
February 27, 2010 at 10:40 AM Report abuse
silky said...
why should the u.s.taxpayer subsidize the chronic problems throughout the world? if one believes propaganda that the world hates the good old u.s.,i say let them eat cake or rice and solve their own problems.china is agood example of how capitalism works for their people in a communist state.imagine if we stopped all foreign aid and used the funds to provide free educations at the collegiate level for all qualified children.the u.s.should not be the mother sow of the world.everyone knows the more you give the more they want.how did the world survive this long without u.s.aid?
February 27, 2010 at 11:00 AM Report abuse
NH said...
It would be smarter to help people clean up their own countries rather than export them elsewhere. I've lived overseas (not just visited) and have lots of expat friends from various countries, and let me tell you, immigration isn't easy when you're on your own without State-sponsored help. Bottom line is: when you make the decision to live in another country, you are expected do everything you can to fit in with the 'natives' if you want to be liked and get ahead. You don't refuse to learn the predominant language, refuse to accept the culture, or refuse to learn the laws and follow them. In other words, you're on your best behavior as a guest of your new country. You don't refuse to do this, that, or the other because that's not the way you did it "at home". I firmly believe that all immigrant law-breakers should be deported. You made the choice to immigrate, you suck it up and do what's expected of you.
February 27, 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse
common_cents said...
It will be interesting to see just how much money is sent back to Somalia, and not recorded as income; therefore subject to being taxed. I do have to wonder where all this 'extra' money is coming from; and what portion of it comes from social services, voc. rehab. and other subsidized services? Our immigration policy was founded on the concept of fully integrating into the American Culture; now we have cultural and racial 'ghettos' all in the names of diversity.
February 27, 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse
common_cents said...
Several blocks of downtown Lewiston have been converted into a little Mogadishu, with Somali stores, coffee shops, places of worship. Money transfers are widely advertised. There are public housing projects in L/A. which appear to be mostly Somali....how they accommodate a family where 10 children is not uncommon is not known. Remember, these are for the most part people who were relocated from the Atlanta area; so they are not new to the U.S.
February 27, 2010 at 1:36 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I agree that the policy is bad to dump these folks in Portland or anywhere in the US for that matter. I also agree that we give away too much in aid to these hell holes that are just incubators for future problems. I hate to think of how many REFUGEEs will be comming to Portland from Iraq and Afganistan. I'll say it again I disagree with the hatred and racism that has been shown against the REFUGEES who are already here. They didn't ask to come to Portland, they would have gone anywhere safe and away from the camps. I will go with you rednecks to Washington to protest the policy but I think it is inhuman and discompassionate to bully the REFUGEES who are already here, are not going away. It is up to the people of Portland how well they intigrate.
February 27, 2010 at 1:42 PM Report abuse
SL said...
If you have enough money to be sending back to Africa then why are you getting free rent and food stamps? Why all the hand outs?
February 27, 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
some of you would make great nazi's this is exactly the kind of racist trash that brought rise to the national socialist party. You should be more worried about your repugnent buddies who aim to strip the US of all social safety nets. You'll be begging for food right along with the refugees so you better be nice to them now
February 27, 2010 at 1:59 PM Report abuse
umpy said...
I had a Somali stop me on the street yesturday and asked me for a quarter, he said he was trying to get back to Somali . So I gave him a dollar and said can you take three more with you !
February 27, 2010 at 3:04 PM Report abuse
common_cents said...
Some people seem to believe that racism is genetic; obviously it comes from extreme dislike of the actions and behavior of a particular racial group whose actions are kept in secret....Ignorance triggers racism and discrimination against a particular African subculture. If I get another plea from a Nigerian scamster....
February 27, 2010 at 3:53 PM Report abuse
UofA said...
Is there so many somalians in Portland that they need (3) three money changers just in Portland? Sounds a little like the Nigerians and all of the millions they want to give us with a bank account. I wonder if the warrants were blank. These poor dudes don't know what was being looked for. Is all of this money taxed or accounted for before it goes to Africa?
February 27, 2010 at 3:56 PM Report abuse
Old-school said...
trsailor, your rants about nazis and racism are baseless. You have no idea what was in the application for those warrants. A federal judge read them and found adequate reason to authorize a search and seizure of certain items. Why don't you let the story play out and find out whether indictments come down as a result of what was found. If people are indicted and convicted for money laundering or other illegal activities, I fully expect you to reoognize that this has nothing to do with racism, but a lot to do with preventing some people from abusing a system which they seem to be able to manipulate with some success.
February 27, 2010 at 4:54 PM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
Trisailor, Please, while sipping your cool-aid, feast your eyes on this wonderful Newsweek article. http://www.newsweek.com/id/180035 Is this the truth you seek? Let me know when you are done reading it as I would like to point out the FACTS that are sorely missed.
February 27, 2010 at 5:11 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
The article paints a pretty rosey picture and it was not my experence. I was living in Auburn when the Lewiston wrote his illconcieved letter and it set off a storm. I martched in support of the community because I was taught the golden rule and I believe in fair play. I'm not a fool, I know some of these people are going to cause trouble and I've been saying since the beginning that they shouldn't have been brought here. They are here and they are refugees and we should give them a chance. If they abuse the hand that they have been given than I support deporting them immediatly. Racism has been around a long time. It is the product of a insecure, fearful person who fears what he dosn't understand and wishes to do harm with out ever knowing if the individual he's harming is a friend.
February 27, 2010 at 5:43 PM Report abuse
gle said...
Eenie meeney miney mo, catch them Mudder Forkers and shoot them, AMEN.
February 27, 2010 at 5:53 PM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
hangem by their balls
February 27, 2010 at 9:11 PM Report abuse
fuzzball said...
Trisailer says - "Crime by refugees is significantly less than crime by you redneck buddies." Look at any southern Maine police blotter, speak with any detective in Portland, Lewiston, Biddeford etc. and you will quickly discover that at least 1/4 of violent crimes are committed by African transplants yet they make up less than 5% of the population. Interestingly enough these statistics mirror those nationwide en regards to blacks. By this I mean the rate they committ violent crime is roughly 5x in disproportion to their population. Facts, not racism.
February 27, 2010 at 10:34 PM Report abuse
fuzzball said...
Trisailer - your Thailand story is touching but irrelevant. If you went to Thailand and disrespected their customs, held their authorities in utter contempt, expected, no demanded handouts and committed crimes, I don't believe the villagers would have treated you as a celebrity. Yes there is racism in our country, majority of it is perpertrated by the lefties and ironically the so-called minorities and some die-hard rednecks, but most Americans warmly welcome those that come here striving to better themselves, learn english, assimulate and respect our nation's heritage. Those that don't should be kicked back to whence they sprang from. Trisailer, give yourself a righteous good wank, you'll feel better.
February 27, 2010 at 10:46 PM Report abuse
othermissy said...
I agree with silky..We should stop US aid to foreign countries and help our own. It's foolish. The more we hand out the more they want and the less they are willing to do for themselves. We could stop the problems with education funding in this country and higher education would not be reserved for just a select few. It would be affordable for all US citizens. Maybe healthcare could too if we stopped handing it all out.
February 27, 2010 at 10:55 PM Report abuse
mohonk said...
Why are they sending money to Africa while Americans are supporting them?
February 28, 2010 at 6:05 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
Trisailor. Well said. I agree with you. Give EVERYONE an equal chance.
February 28, 2010 at 7:03 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
Trisailor. Well said. I agree with you. Give EVERYONE an equal chance.
February 28, 2010 at 7:03 AM Report abuse
BillyFiske said...
"Refugees?.......ummmmm.........do any of you know that refugees do not pay one single dime in taxes for 7 years when they come to our country?......Now does this make me a racist because I've informed you of this fact?....I don't think so...but I'm sure a few Liberal idiots will call me one....Have a good day!" -------------------------- Not true. An old hoax that surfaces from time to time. Check it out at Snopes or any of the hoax killing sites.
February 28, 2010 at 8:38 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I don't know where the myth that refugees do not pay taxes started bt they pay the same as everyone else. check it for yourselves. The only benefit that they get over what any American gets is a 8 month medicare benefit. That's it. All I see is a bunch of lies all aimed at creating hate for these people who only want a safe place to live. Just remember, hate does more damage to the vessel it's carried in than the one it is directed towards.
February 28, 2010 at 8:48 AM Report abuse
jude said...
Trisailer takes up way too much space in this forum, saying the same thing over and over. He might as well just type a series of..............below his name because we know exactly what he'll say each time. His obsession with defending immigrant/refugees borders on psychosis.
February 28, 2010 at 8:59 AM Report abuse
silky said...
other missy is on the mark.education is the key to success.how can the u.s.taxpayer subsidize solving all the economic,social and political problems elsewhere when we do not have enough money to subsidze soc. sec.,medicare,and health insurance?add it up.what do we get for our foreign aid?nothing but b/s.take care of our own--first
February 28, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
I have figured out trisailor, he or she is a self loather, hates it's own kind. you know tisailor there is help out there 4 UR kind.
February 28, 2010 at 12:23 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
what I am defending is truth and justice against racism and bigotry. I could personally care less about a bunch of refugees. I have nothing in common with them but I don't think it's right to pick on them when it is the policy that brought them here that is the problem. You may be right about my obsession with bullys, alway was always will be. You rednecks are poor representitives of Americans.
February 28, 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
U R aware Trisailor that , "Redneck" is a racist term. U proved right there that U dislike UR own race, "That's if ur even a real American". The Somalis in question granted are innocent untill proven guilty but are not above investgation by law enforcemnt just because they are refugees or immigrants. I am a Mainer I dislike immigants and refugees such is my choice as and American citizen Trisailor U racist person
February 28, 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
We are providing a nice little hamlet for them and what do we get in return??They have ruined Lewiston and are doing fast work on Portland..No more immigrants and refugees!
February 28, 2010 at 3:44 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
Havwe U actualy read Hamlet or seen the stage play. Do not compare the greats Cablegirl with some greasy immigrants and refugees.
February 28, 2010 at 3:50 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
Trisailer fantasizes about wearing a cape and mask, swooping in and saving the 3rd world's meek and defenseless from the evil westerners. What a cartoonish Walter Mittyesque buffoon. Slayer of the bullies. Are you a cop, in the military, or some ACLU warrior (errr... traitor) or simply an angry limp-wrister who self flagellates himself over the harsh rejection of the Messiah Obama. A pathetic, powerless husk suffering from advanced BDS. I vote for the latter.
February 28, 2010 at 4:49 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
Trisailer fantasizes about wearing a cape and mask, swooping in and saving the 3rd world's meek and defenseless from the evil westerners. What a cartoonish Walter Mittyesque buffoon. Slayer of the bullies. Are you a cop, in the military, or some ACLU warrior (errr... traitor) or simply an angry limp-wrister who self flagellates himself over the harsh rejection of the Messiah Obama. A pathetic, powerless husk suffering from advanced BDS. I vote for the latter.
February 28, 2010 at 4:50 PM Report abuse
BillyFiske said...
"I don't know where the myth that refugees do not pay taxes started bt they pay the same as everyone else..."---------------------------------------------------- They are supposed to pay the same. We may find out if the ones under investigation do when this investigation gets to court. Think there may be some tax evasion in the works?
March 1, 2010 at 2:33 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
I am anxious to see what the outcome of this will be.
March 1, 2010 at 8:07 AM Report abuse
LordNelson said...
Take heart all who are sick of this nonsense. Maybe if convicted they will "flee" like the Iraqi guy in westbrook...funny how he "deported" himself once convicted? We can only hope!
March 1, 2010 at 8:20 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Only a fool hates someone that they don't even know simply because they look different or are the product of a different culture. We have our share of white guys that are not so loveable right here posting there childish nonsense. Some people don't seem to mind going around misinformed and spreading lies because it fits their agenda of being good little dittoheads and they hate being called out. A perfect example is ACHILLES who attacks from the safety of a computer and would no doubt wet himself if confronted face to face. Cowards and bullys ply their trade because they think that it makes them popular when it really just makes them pathetic.
March 1, 2010 at 9:02 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
Trisailor, there is nothing racist or bigoted about wanting to take care of our own poor and needy first.
March 1, 2010 at 10:01 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I agree with you cablegirl and I wasn't talking about your comments. I share your frustration with the governments policy to dump refugees on Portland without any plan to properly support them or prepare the citizens of Portland. I will go with you to protest the policy. What I am saying is lets not attack the refugees who did not ask to come here and only want a safe place like any human.
March 1, 2010 at 10:40 AM Report abuse
Oak said...
Only a fool hates someone that they don't even know simply because they look different or are the product of a different culture. It is ingrained in our nature as humans to identify with those who look the same and are products of the same culture. Racism and bigotry are natural. Political Correctness limit acceptable bigotry to things like smoking and political views. It's perfectly OK now to hate someone for being a smoker or for having different political views, but it's still bigotry.
March 1, 2010 at 11:43 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Some people need to remember the expression "keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer" It is just good sense to welcome these folks into the community and improve the odds that they will become assets rather than drains. For those of you who think I'm a crusader for refugees look at my history of support for our own homegrown folks who need extra support to keep from becomming a burden to the rest of society that dosen't need help.
March 1, 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
Felix Said: "THESE PEOPLE" Hey, Archie Bunker... no one likes to be refered to as "these people"...
March 1, 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
"OAK SAID - It is ingrained in our nature as humans to identify with those who look the same and are products of the same culture. Racism and bigotry are natural." Are you serious? Racism and Bigotry are a result of fear, which may be the closest thing in your statement to being the truth.
March 1, 2010 at 12:33 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
"Only a fool hates someone that they don't even know simply because they look different or are the product of a different culture." I've a better saying 4 ya. Once biten twice shy.....lol
March 1, 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
"Once Bitten twice shy"
March 1, 2010 at 12:52 PM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
I hate haters. Makes me want to rip their throats out I hate haters so much. :)
March 1, 2010 at 1:04 PM Report abuse
LordNelson said...
If this turns out to be funding terrorism and some of these "semester abroad" programs at AQ camps like the Minneaspolis Somalis attended?...what then...will it stop then CCME? I say charges are in order for CCME if this turns out to be true. Any of you Constitutional scholars know the only crime specifically named in it? Or maybe this is just another of hte Prsident's education department reforms?
March 1, 2010 at 4:34 PM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
I agree with Lord nelson 150%! We all need to stand up and say enough is enough, I for one plan to pay close attention to how this pans out and I do hope CCME is held accountable.
March 1, 2010 at 5:22 PM Report abuse
LordNelson said...
My post should have read: "specifically defined" vice "specifically named" in it. The crime of course is: TREASON
March 2, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
bW0wNDA5 said...
Well I know for a fact the store on congress st was committing crimes. My neighbor would go up there to buy smokes, beer, and fake hair on her foodstamp card, using foodstamps, not the cash benefit.
March 3, 2010 at 6:30 AM Report abuse