Month: October 2025

From Dearborn to the Dordogne: Your Expert Guide to Moving to France in 2026

If you’ve been dreaming of trading the Michigan snow for a charming Parisian apartment or a sun-drenched vineyard in the South of France, an expert panel of specialists has provided a roadmap for Americans looking to make the move. Here is a summary of the key insights on property, finance, visas, and taxes that you ...

The Green Party Declares a Global Environmental and Peace Emergency!

(The Declaration was adopted by the Green Party of the United States National Committee by a majority vote of 38 States/Caucuses. It was introduced by the Green Party Peace Action Committee (GPAX) and endorsed by five state parties, the Green Party of Hawaii, the Green Party of New Jersey, the Green Party of Michigan, Green Party of ...

Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 5: Sexual Freedom — A Conservative Case for Liberty With Guardrails

Everyone has the right of freedom of choice and expression in their sexual orientation, and the only limitation of law should be related to securing the consent of adults within the sexual relationship and preventing rationally considerable harm related to it. Let me start where many of my friends in Livonia start: with a healthy ...

Elite Teaching in Dearborn Heights: Celebrating Star International Academy’s Nadine Bazzi

Star International Academy educator Nadine Bazzi has been recognized by IXL as one of the Elite 100 teachers worldwide for the 2024–25 academic year—an honor given to classrooms that achieve exceptional learning gains and engagement on IXL. The recognition highlights Metro Detroit’s diverse public schools, the creativity of Dearborn Heights teachers, and the power of ...

Blueprint or Band-Aid? Why the “Levant Peace” Pitch Misses the Mark

A newly advanced U.S. vision for Syria and Lebanon frames them as “next pieces” in a regional peace architecture. But from a pro-Green-Party, pro-Palestine vantage, the plan falls short on sovereignty, justice and lasting remedy. We unpack the fault lines in Tom Barrack’s article and relate them to the values we champion at Dearborn Blog. The ...

Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 4 Freedom of Religion: Defending not only the dignity of the believer—but the humanity of the doubter

.FridayMusings is pleased to provide our readers with Article 4 – Freedom of Religion from the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam Charafeddine, a Livonia author and lecturer. This article is particularly important with its discussion of defending the dignity of the believer–but the humanity of the doubter.Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience ...

الحلقة الثامنة من برنامج (شعراء بين الركام)، مع الشاعرة اللبنانية الدكتورة يسرى البيطار

بكل دفءٍ واعتزاز، نرحب في الحلقة الثامنة من برنامج "شعراء بين الركام" بالشاعرة المتألقة يسرى البيطار، التي تحمل في صوتها نَفَس الأرض وصدق الوجع، وتكتب من بين الرماد قصائد تُشبه نوافذ تُفتح على الضوء.هي شاعرة تضع الكلمة في صف المقاومة، وتجعل من الشعر مرآةً تعكس جراح الناس وأحلامهم، فيغدو النص عندها ساحةً للتحدّي، وفضاءً للبوح، ...

Trump’s Wage Gut Punch to Farmworkers

On October 2, the U.S. Department of Labor published an interim final rule that rewrites how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated for H-2A farmworkers. The change introduces two “skill levels” and a new housing-related deduction that lowers required hourly pay by roughly $1 to $3 (and up to $3.18 in Hawaii), depending ...

Green Wave Overtakes Red Tide

In a stunning turn for British politics, the Green Party under new leader Zack Polanski has surged to record levels—matching, and in one reputable tracker fractionally edging, Labour’s vote share—while membership rockets past 100,000 (and reportedly toward 115,000). It’s not just a poll blip; it’s a structural story about values, climate, fairness, and foreign policy ...

Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 3 – Freedom of Expression and Assembly

“Every human being has the right for freedom of expression without transgression on the rights of others.   Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”From the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam Charafeddine These freedoms have deep historical roots. From Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire to the American ...

On this day in U.S. history

The Immigration Act of 1918, also known as the Alien Anarchists Exclusion Act of 1918, was signed into U.S. law by President Woodrow Wilson on October 16, 1918. It expanded upon the Anarchist Exclusion Act of 1903 to further target anarchists, anti-war protesters and members of radical labor unions. The 1903 law had come in ...

Hostages vs. “Prisoners”: The Language War

Major outlets consistently call Israelis “hostages” while labeling Palestinians “prisoners” or “detainees”—even when thousands of Palestinians are held without charge. Words aren’t neutral; they shape empathy, blame, and policy. Here’s a close read of headlines, data on administrative detention and conviction rates, and how framing flips moral intuition—plus what a fairer, human-rights-centered vocabulary might look ...

From Silence to Spin: How Big Media Fell Down on Gaza

As Gaza’s civilian death toll mounted, America’s flagship newsrooms tripped over their own rules—soft-pedaling language, delaying recognition of mass casualties, and narrowing Palestinian voices—while independent outlets and “third wave” platforms filled the gap. The latest press-freedom clash with the Pentagon shows where this road leads—and why Dearborn’s readers, anchored in community and conscience, must insist ...

Article 2 – The Principle of Equality

From the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam CharafeddineThroughout history, humanity’s understanding of equality has been shaped by both struggle and revelation. While ancient societies often accepted hierarchy as natural, the idea that all human beings are equal began to take root during the Axial Age, around 800–200 BCE, when spiritual and philosophical traditions ...

AI Goes to War: Why This GPAX Webinar Matters—And Why Dearborn Should Tune In

Artificial intelligence is moving from our phones into the barracks, the skies, the seas—and our streets. As governments sprint to weaponize algorithms and drones, the Green Party Peace Action Committee (GPAX) is hosting “AI Goes to War,” a public webinar on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. The event brings together a journalist ...

Thunderbirds Take Flight: Edsel Ford No. 13 in D1

Edsel Ford High School’s boys soccer team has cracked Michigan’s Division I top 15, landing at No. 13 with a sparkling 14-1-2 record. From a defense that smothers, to a midfield that treats possession like a family heirloom, the Thunderbirds are proof that Dearborn soccer is deeper than a single season—it’s a culture. This piece ...

NO THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

The Gaza ceasefire is a necessary relief for a starving, shattered people. It is not a favor from Washington—certainly not from President Trump, a possible war criminal whose prosecution needs to be submitted to the ICC. The United States helped arm the devastation, moved unconscionably late, and tried to kneecap the very court tasked with ...

Reopening “Hass Cash”: Politics, Justice & Community Tensions

In October 2025, authorities reopened a 2019 cocaine and weapons case against “Hass Cash” (Hassan Aoun), sparking fierce reactions across Dearborn and beyond. Was this a legitimate legal revival or a politically motivated effort to silence a vocal critic? We examine all sides, dig into court records and social media, and place this case in the ...

Young Dearborners Moving to Livonia

As Dearborn swells with new generations, many younger Arab Americans are redefining what “home” means — staying in the city, moving outward, or building communities differently. This shift reflects growth, tension, and hope in metro Detroit’s evolving Arab American identity. The skyline of influence in metro Detroit is changing. No longer is the Arab American ...

Michiganders, share your health insurance rate increase letter with me.

The Trump Administration has created a health care crisis, with every single Michigander either losing their health care or paying more than they already have. Starting this month, individuals will start receiving letters from their insurance providers about how much their 2026 plans will cost. So, I'm asking Michiganders to share your health insurance rate ...

Leaving, Because They Left Us: Lebanon’s Flight from a Failed State

Lebanon’s youth are not leaving because they want to; they are leaving because a cartelized, sectarian state has made staying feel impossible. Drawing on the latest migration analysis and child-impact data, this piece distills the core findings of a 2025 Lebanon emigration study and related UNICEF evidence, names the drivers—hyperinflation, political paralysis, and rights backsliding—and ...

Naming Too Late: Silence in 2023–24 Was a Crime

Some now confess genocide in 2025—but those who did not speak or act in 2023 or 2024 share in the responsibility. Redemption demands more than regret: structural rupture, accountability, reparations, and sustained justice. When a crime of mass scale is underway, hesitation is not just cowardice—it partakes in the violence itself. In the Gaza war ...

Waves, Warnings, and a World Gone Quiet

In the Mediterranean this week, Israeli naval forces boarded and seized dozens of civilian boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla as they sailed in international waters toward Gaza. European leaders had promised “protection” and “safety,” yet activists were detained and towed to Ashdod. Meanwhile, despite fiery speeches, Colombia has not formally tabled a “Uniting for ...

Beyond the Ban: Why “The Problem with Comic Sans” Holds a Mirror to Dearborn’s Communication and Community

Dearborn, MI – In our bustling city, where diverse voices are constantly shaping our narrative, the power of clear, intentional, and respectful communication is paramount. From city council meetings to local school flyers, from passionate advocacy for Palestine to Green Party initiatives, how we convey our messages matters. This week, we're taking an unconventional look ...

A Brighter Start in Dearborn Heights: Daystar Children’s Center Opens Its Doors

Daystar Children’s Center celebrated its grand opening in Dearborn Heights, offering personalized, one-on-one, evidence-based support for children—focused on ABA-centered programs, social connection, and family partnership. The center’s mission is simple and profound: create a safe, nurturing place where every child can grow, learn, and shine. Spots are already at capacity, underscoring how urgently Southeast Michigan ...

From Visas to Vente: Securing Your Sustainable Life Abroad While Upholding Justice at Home

Excerpt: For many in Dearborn, the aspiration of a move to France represents a blend of cultural enrichment and life-long stability. This article provides a comprehensive, objective roadmap—from complex visa requirements and favorable tax treaties to real estate purchasing and money transfers—to realize that dream, all while reaffirming the global perspective and commitment to justice ...