A tense exchange unfolded at a recent Dearborn City Council meeting, where one resident’s call for unity clashed head-on with the mayor’s defense of a controversial honor. Edward “Ted” Barham, a local Christian who has called Dearborn home for years, stepped to the microphone to voice his unease over new street signs bearing the name of Osama Siblani, the publisher of the Arab American News. What began as a plea for peace quickly devolved into a public shaming that left many questioning the boundaries of civility in a city known for its diverse population.
Barham, identifying himself simply as “Ted Barham, Dearborn resident,” didn’t mince words about his concerns.
“He’s a promoter of Hezbollah and Hamas,” he stated, pointing to Siblani’s history of inflammatory rhetoric. To drive the point home,
Barham recited a striking passage attributed to Siblani himself: “He talks about how the blood of the martyrs irrigates the land of Palestine … whether we are in Michigan and whether we are in Yemen. Believe me, everyone should fight within his means. They will fight with stones, others will fight with guns, others fight with planes, drones, and rockets.”
Those words, delivered in a context of endorsing resistance against Israel, carry the weight of glorifying violence that has long shadowed groups like Hezbollah—designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. government for attacks that include the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which claimed 241 American lives.
Barham drew a stark parallel, likening the signs to dubbing a road “Hezbollah Street or Hamas Street,” and described them as nothing short of “provocative.” As a man of faith in a community where tensions over Middle East conflicts often simmer, he sought to rise above division.
Wrapping up his remarks, Barham invoked a timeless call to harmony, quoting Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” It was a measured appeal, rooted in his own beliefs, aimed at reminding everyone in the room that Dearborn’s streets should foster reconciliation, not reopen old wounds.
The council chamber, however, wasn’t in a listening mood. Members cut in, cautioning Barham against “personal attacks” and noting that the city held no sway over the decision—the signs, after all, grace Warren Avenue, a county road under Wayne County’s jurisdiction.
One councilor spelled it out: “The sign that was placed on Warren Avenue which is a County road and that was done by the Wayne County Executive.”
Barham pushed back gently, arguing that the signs still loomed large over Dearborn’s daily life, affecting residents like him who simply wanted to navigate their neighborhood without symbols of strife.
Enter Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, whose response turned the meeting into a spectacle of exclusion. Dismissing Barham’s input outright, the mayor quipped, “The best suggestion I have for you is to not drive on Warren Avenue or to close your eyes while you’re doing it. His name is up there and I spoke at a ceremony celebrating it because he’s done a lot for this community.”
Hammoud’s praise for Siblani glosses over the publisher’s track record, which includes not just pro-Palestinian advocacy but calls for Israel’s destruction and hosting fundraisers tied to Hezbollah. In one particularly pointed instance during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, Siblani urged that displaced Israelis be barred from returning home and shipped off to Poland—a remark that echoes deep-seated animosities far removed from community service.
But Hammoud didn’t stop at sarcasm. He leveled a barrage of accusations, branding Barham “a bigot, and you are racist, and [you’re an Islamophobe].”
The mayor’s rhetoric escalated to a chilling ultimatum: “Although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. And the day you move out of the city will be the day that I launch a parade celebrating the fact that you moved out of this city.”
Imagine the scene: a taxpayer, voicing dissent in good faith, reduced to an unwelcome intruder in his own hometown. For a leader sworn to serve all constituents, such words sting as a betrayal of the inclusive ideals that should bind a place like Dearborn together.
This isn’t the first time Siblani’s influence has stirred debate in metro Detroit. As editor of the Arab American News, he’s built a platform that amplifies voices critical of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, often crossing into territory that flirts with support for designated terror groups. Wayne County’s choice to immortalize him with signage—unveiled in a ceremony attended by Hammoud and other officials—speaks to the sway such figures hold in local politics. Yet for residents like Barham, it feels like a thumb on the scale, prioritizing one community’s heroes over the shared fabric of the city.
Dearborn, with its proud Muslim majority, has always wrestled with its identity as a microcosm of America’s immigrant story. Polling places buzzed with energy during last November’s election, where Arab American voters flexed their muscle on issues from Gaza to local governance. But moments like this council meeting expose fractures: When does honoring a leader cross into endorsing division? Barham’s stand, grounded in a desire for peace, met with outright rejection, raises doubts about whether every voice gets a fair hearing in City Hall.
Fox News reached out to Hammoud’s office and Siblani for their side of the story, but calls went unanswered. Barham, too, couldn’t be reached by phone. In the absence of clarification, the video of the exchange—captured by the city’s own cameras—speaks volumes, a raw clip circulating online that captures the raw edge of discord in an otherwise vibrant community. As Dearborn moves forward, the real test will be whether its leaders can bridge these gaps, or if such public spats will only deepen the divides.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
There will be no appeasement. Like it or leave it. Islam is like that, it does not budge. World domination is coming. Tolerance is weakness.
Amanda Grace prophetic word from God/Ark of Grace Ministries/current blog Feb. 5, 2025 (excerpt)
January 27, 2025 And says the Lord of Hosts, they are coming, says the Lord, they are coming with sword and spear and javelin for the President of the United States. The one called Trump who is an announcement who grabs the attention of nations. The ancient spirits that attempt to hold territories within the earth. The Middle East especially, the ones that attempt to grip territories in your nation, New Orleans, Chicago, Denver, New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, Detroit, Deer Born, oh yes says the Lord, a plot is being formed and birthed out of DEER born. Asahel chased and pursued what he was not authorized to do.
A Fiery Word from the Lord: Brace Yourselves
August 25th, 2025
by Amanda Grace
And says the Spirit of the Lord this day, what is born out of Dearborn has traveled to New York, says the Lord. A red thread, a LIVE thread that leads back to plots of destruction, there shall be an implosion in Dearborn for what they attempt to birth is very disfigured, and their own plot shall blow up on themselves, says the Lord. Watch the malfunction, says the Lord, it’s going to blow a hole in Dearborn.
Islam is wholly incompatible with Western culture, which, whether you like it or not, has its foundation in Christianity.
Islam is the worship of satan. If one doesn’t voluntarily convert to islam, muslims are commanded to kill that individual. THAT is a cult of evil that must be defeated and eradicated.
Unless you convert, you can not live peacefully with islam. You can not co-exisit with islam. You can not “understand” with islam. And you certainly can not have a “conversation” with islam.