Dearborn: The City Where the Mayor Thinks He’s the Sultan (And Publishes the Guest List)

You don’t live here unless Hammoud says you do.

Dear reader, gather ’round—because there’s a new monarchy in town, and his name is Hammoud.

Let’s get one thing straight: until now, “mayor” meant someone who serves the people. You know — listens, mediates, occasionally appears in ribbon‐cutting selfies. But in Dearborn, circa September 2025? The mayor’s role has quietly been upgraded to Supreme Arbiter of Belonging. He no longer presides over City Council: he presides over your right to exist.

Yes, you read that right. In a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud interrupted a Christian resident—Edward “Ted” Barham—and told him, “Although you live here … as mayor, you are not welcome here.”

Then: “The day you move out … will be the day I launch a parade celebrating that you moved out.”

Translation: Dearborn is not a city. It’s Hammoud’s personal estate. And you’re just a tenant—on a very conditional lease.

Act I: The Coronation We Didn’t Ask For

Imagine this:

• You walk into Dearborn, pass under an arch that reads “Welcome to Hammoudistan.”

• You’re asked to recite a Dua, confirm your “Arab credentials,” and swear you’ve never liked bacon.

• If you’re not “approved,” you’re shown the side exit marked “Not Welcome Lane.”

  
  

Because apparently, that’s how democracy works here now.

It’s not enough to be a resident or citizen. You must pass the Hammoud Test:

1. Never criticize Siblani (or mention his glorification of Hezbollah or Hamas).

2. Always wear the certified good Arab hat.

3. If you raise dissent—you get the boot (or at least—you’re “not welcome”).

   
   

Hammoud’s argument is: “You might live here, but I, the mayor, have final say on your belonging.” The audacity is weaponized.

Act II: The Rules of the New Regime

Under Hammoud’s reign:

• Free speech is conditional. If your criticism doesn’t align with what’s acceptable to “community leadership,” you’re not a participant—you’re a target.

• Gatekeeping culture becomes official culture. Want to live here? Cool. But don’t dare disagree.

• Protests or objections become personal insults. You’re not raising a policy issue—you’re a bigot, Islamophobe, or traitor. (He used those words directly.)

• Parade threats as policy? Setting your enemies’ exit as a public celebration? That’s not governance—that’s spectacle.

  
  

Act III: The Absurd Logic

Let’s replay the logic:

1. Person objects to honoring someone controversial (Siblani).

2. Mayor calls the objector a “bigot, racist, Islamophobe.”

3. Mayor then declares: “You are not welcome here.”

4. And threatens to parade when that person leaves.

   
   

This is not rhetoric—this is ruling by humiliation. It’s a power play masquerading as moral high ground.

Act IV: Why This Matters (Beyond the Drama)

This isn’t just “that one meeting blew up.” The stakes are bigger:

• Precedent: If a mayor can publicly exile a critic, what stops the next from silencing entire swathes of opposition?

• Identity policing: Who counts as “us” vs “them” in our own neighborhoods?

• Legitimacy: A city thrives when dissent is channeled—not crushed.

• Hypocrisy alert: Hammoud now claims Dearborn “represents the best of America,” where all faiths can live in peace. Yet he can’t even allow a Christian dissent.

  
  

Act V: The Real Dearborn

Let’s talk about the real Dearborn. The one that exists beyond Hammoud’s throne. The one where voices matter. Where dissent isn’t a dirty word. Where we can challenge the status quo without fear of a parade celebrating our exit.

In this Dearborn, we embrace diversity. We celebrate differences. We don’t just tolerate dissent; we invite it. Because that’s how communities grow. That’s how we evolve.

And let’s be clear: the phrase "you are not welcome here" is not just a slogan; it’s a rallying cry. It’s a reminder that we must fight for our right to belong. We must challenge those who would silence us.

Epilogue: A New Meme Is Needed

They say the pen is mightier than the sword. But maybe in Dearborn, the meme is mightier than the mayor.

We need posters, posts, memes, slogans:

• “In Hammoud We Trust—but Only If We Don’t Dissent.”

• “Dearborn: Property of Hammoud, Tenants Not Welcome.”

• The literal quote: “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE” — framed above a picture of Hammoud on a throne made of baklava trays.

  
  

We need visual proof that we see what’s happening: not ideological purity, but ideological monogamy enforced.

So, let’s rise up. Let’s reclaim our city. Let’s make Dearborn a place where everyone truly belongs.

Yours truly,

Habib