Steponose
11-13-2006, 12:39 PM
Pleroma, you're a fairly new member of this forum yet you have made yourself heard with your views and oppinions on differing subjects. You are quite mysterious in the eyes of many members. Tell us about yourself.
Am I really mysterious, or are you just saying that to get into my pants? ;) I work in a nightclub part time, and go to school full time. When I wake up in the morning, I have wood. I love flirting with women. I hate people who smell.
What are your goals or plans in life regarding your career path?
Finish my undergrad in math and go to grad school for my MBA or masters in econ and/or policy. I might work in the video game industry, if they come knockin’. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to make a video game or work in the industry in some way.
How confident are you that you can achieve these goals and aspirations?
Very.
What are some of your hobbies and how much time do you spend catering to them? Have they changed from when you were a child?
Video games, love. Ever since I was a kid video games were pretty much my only hobby. Now that I'm older and have a social life and friends, I don't have the desire to play them much anymore. One exception is the Metal Gear series. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING wets my panties more than hearing about a new game in the series."SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!"
PS: Buy me a Playstation 3!
I'm sure there are times when you look back at your childhood or your adolescent years and get a kick out of some moments. What particular moments make you say "whoa, what was I thinking?"
Too many to recall. :) My life is filled with gleefully embarrassing and/or stupid moments. In catechism I was the troublemaker, and I pissed off Father Frank all the time (back then he was Brother Frank), to the point that he had to talk to my mom. I almost didn't take communion.
You tend to act like a rock star with your views on women. Why the cold shoulder? Have you had your heart broken or is it something else that makes you go with the motto "love 'em and leave 'em"?
Growing up, I saw how my mom used my dad and ruled his life. It made him absolutely miserable. And then I looked around to other people's relationships and saw the same thing: men kissing women's asses and spoiling them, and women disrespecting men by taking their money and divorcing them. And I didn't like that one bit. I thought it was dishonest and deceitful. The idea of buying a girl shit just because she was a girl and didn’t do anything special to deserve felt very wrong to me. As if I was supposed to be ashamed about being a man, and I had to compensate by buying her shit just because she has tits & ass.
The real turning point was in junior year, I had a crush on a female friend of mine, who I thought was amazing. She was smart, funny, pretty, we had the same taste in everything, but she had a crush on my other friend. Of course I waited too late to tell her how I feel before my friend dated her, because I was too shy. And she'd tell me all this stuff about how much of a jerk he is and blah blah blah, and eventually I caved in and wrote her a love letter. Stupid idea. She said no, we stopped being friends after that. So I was lonely and I lost a good friend. After that I realized that I was never, ever, ever going to let a woman have that power over me. So I became the person that I am today, and I’m still changing. Why change, instead of just waiting around for “someone special”, that my galpals would often advise me to do?
If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten. Words to live by, gentleman. Change was necessary. Nowadays I know how to deal with women. I know how women operate, to a level that most men would envy. I don’t know everything there is to know about women, but I know more than you, and probably more than lots of women too. And I’m just getting started. :D
BTW, I don’t “love ‘em and leave ‘em”. I love women, I respect women and their views, and I relate to women much better now than I ever have. I love talking to women and connecting with them, and learning about all their desires and quirks that make them special. I’d say I appreciate women much more than other guys that have always been good with women because getting a girl NEVER came easy for me. I was terribly shy about even letting a girl know that I had any feelings for her. I never would have thought that a girl would ever want anything to do with me. Being the way I am with women now took a LOT of work and self-improvement, which I’m still doing to this day. I’m not some kind of pickup god, but I am better than most and am getting even better. I don’t brag about my conquests to everyone. I’m not a misogynist—I don’t think women are inferior to me. But I have high standards with women. I’m not intimidated by a woman’s looks, and I don’t kiss a woman’s ass just because she’s hot. I don’t tolerate bullshit from women, no matter how hot they are. If they cross the line with me, I’m through with them, no exceptions. And if I find someone that’s more than a pretty face & body, that has all the qualities I’m looking for, I’ll keep her and be faithful to her. Girls like that are rare. I don’t need a woman in my life to feel complete.
Have you ever lied to a girl to get into her pants?
No, and I never would. Players do that, and I am NOT a player. I’m more advanced than a “player”. When it comes to women I am very ethical, and I don't believe in lying to get what I want. Lying hurts, and women and men lie to each other way too much anyway. It goes back to that whole respect thing. I'm not ashamed of my sexual desire. If I have to lie to a girl to get into her pants, that means that she's emotionally and/or sexually insecure, and I don't want anything to do with those kinds of girls.
Who's pants would you like to get into? ;)
You'll hate me for saying this, but if the rest of Teffo is as pretty as her eye, then you better pray she never meets someone like me. I think Pink acts like a stuck up bitch, but I'd make a cuckold of her husband anyway. I'd deflower Sava too, but I'm not sure because I don't really like younger girls. I'd consider giving her a reason to go to confession on Sunday, and you can bet it would make the priest a bit jealous. ;) But it’s not set in stone (sorry Sava).
And of course who could forget Renee? Woman, I would give you a six pack every night. A six pack, baby. I'm not talking about abs; I'm talking about six orgasms a night.
How old were you when you got your first kiss? How did your first date go?
Oh god, I was 16. She was my friend's sister, and we went to see Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Then I dropped her home and asked "Can I kiss you?" She said sure, and we pecked each other on the lips. I've learned since then how to be more romantic in going for the first kiss. :D
What kind of a kid were you in High school? Geeky, cool, athletic, a druggy?
I was a huge geek. If a hot chick talked to me at all, it's because I was in the friend zone and she needed to bitch about her boyfriend that she loved so much but is mistreating her. There was actually a good amount of girls that were attracted to me, but I was too socially retarded with women to recognize it, or do anything about it.
On these boards, you seem to speak your mind and tell it how you see it. But, are you the same way in real life? Do you think this is a good trait to have or can it be ones downfall? Why do you think more people don't speak what they truly think and cover it up to save face?
Yes, I'm the same way in person. I flirt sexually with women almost all the time. Unless I'm around close-minded Chaldean people, in which case I take subtle stabs at things while managing to save face, so to speak. Subtlety is my strong point. I think speaking your mind is the best trait to have. It kicks ass to live in a society that lets us do that. I think most Chaldean Americans don't think that way, because they're strongly influenced by their parents, who aren't accustomed to living in western society where there's such a free exchange of ideas and beliefs.
If you could punch anyone in the face for whatever reason, who would it be and why?
Larry the Cable Guy. He's a total hack, and he glorifies ignorance.
What made you want to meet up with umi and how did that go?
I was in his neck of the woods at the time, and I was pretty bored since most of my friends in Arizona weren't able to hang out. All we did was see Clerks 2 and talk in the parking lot about CC members: I talked about the ones I'd bone, and he talked about the ones he'd convert. :) Actually he's quite a friendly person. And I thought I would annoy him with all my questions, since I had so many to ask a person such as him. I think it's bullshit that people in the community don't like him or his family or talk shit about them because they’re Muslim.
If you could spend 24 hours with any person in this world, who would it be and why?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRR9iHdG__4
If I were to meet you today, what would my first impression of you be?
"You're NOT Chaldean!" I get that all the time.
If you were struggling financially, would you ever sell drugs, sell your sperm, sell your kidney, or participate in a porno to support yourself?
Yes, yes, yes, why not.
Please complete this favourites list:
book - Alphabet of Manliness
movie - Goodfellas
music genre - Metal :band:
food - Chili, the hotter the better
sport - MMA
quote - " My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher."
This is kind of random but... what cell phone carrier are you with and which one do you think is the best?
That's such a Chaldean thing to ask...:) Nextel. I don't give a shit about cellphones, so I don't care who the "best" is. You're just asking me so you can sell me a new phone!
How did you find chaldeanchat and what made you stick around?
I was farting around on the net one day, and ta-da! I joined to see how people would react to someone of my beliefs, as a sort of litmus test to find out what will happen when I do it IRL. I'm here because I find it fascinating to interact with Chaldeans again, since I don't really have many Chaldean friends and I don't see my cousins that often anymore. Growing up I was in a Chaldean neighborhood, and I wasn't much different than any of my peers. Now I notice a definite difference.
You have stated why you choose to keep your identity hidden. But to those who don't know why, could you once more elaborate why you choose to do so.
Well, I don't trust Chaldeans. There are people on the site that I do know and possibly more that I don't that I don't want prying into my personal life, spreading rumors about me, or talking about things that they don't understand. My family doesn't really need that shame or nuisance. My beliefs are nobody's business.
What are your views on the Chaldean culture?
It's just as intolerant, bigoted, misogynistic, pretentious, and superstitious as anything out there. The only reason Chaldeans aren't bombing Muslims and going on killing raids in Iraq is because there simply is not enough of us and too many of them to do so. If there was a Chaldean majority in Iraq, I could see religious nutjobs like my father going to Muslim homes and forcing them to leave at gunpoint...in the name of Jesus Christ. Look at the Maronite Christians in the Lebanese Civil War--they're Christians and they killed Muslim civilians and did all sorts of things we think only Muslims do. They even betrayed their Arab brothers by receiving support from the Israelis (read: Sabra and Shatila massacres). Back to Chaldean culture, I'm not fond of it, but like Samuel and I discussed, it's definitely helped shape who we are today.
I think Chaldeans in America are way too materialistic and bigoted. It shows when I tell people that I’m Chaldean; they don’t believe it because I’m not a complete asshole. Also, the whole “thug life” attitude with the guys has to GO. Someone needs to not take idiot rappers so seriously. You’re not a thug, you’re not hard, you live in ****ing West Bloomfield and you drive a brand new BMW your parents bought you. Grow up and do something with your life other than opening up a store. The women…I don’t need to go there, but I am optimistic that there are some really awesome Chaldean girls that aren’t manipulative, lazy, bitchy (a little bitchiness isn’t that bad), and greedy. I think there’s a few who are intelligent, beautiful, open-minded, articulate, have class (most say they’re classy but wouldn’t know real class even if it was a sale at the mall), sexually adventurous (love you too Renee), aren’t stuck-up, have some passion in life that isn’t going to the mall or looking pretty, and act like a woman instead of a girl.
Within many of the religious topics, you have stated your views on religion. Tell us when you denounced religion and how you came about the decision. Was there a particular event?
It happened over a span of about 9 years, up until now. It all started in 6th grade; I started to read some not-Christian books about religion and philosophy. At first I would reconcile my new beliefs within the framework of my current Catholicism. However, as time went on, I became more disillusioned with the Catholic Church's rigidity, and the Chaldean community's vehement intolerance of outside beliefs. More and more I came to realize that being Christian had inhibited me; I had spent all my life just hoping that I wouldn't piss god off enough that he wouldn't condemn me to hell. Now I believe that I'd rather burn in hell than spend an eternity with a morally corrupt and hypocritical god. The important thing to understand is that it didn't happen overnight; it took a lot of years and there were a few relapses where I'd be Christian again and go to church. It's only been for the past three years that I've truly given up all those old beliefs, and inshallah (note the irony) I'll be this way until I die. It was a hard thing to give it up at first, because I was afraid of being found out and becoming an outcast. Now that I'm older, I'm willing to do that if that's how the cookie crumbles, and I'm ready for it. Most of my close family members, if they don't already know, wouldn't really care, because they know I'm a smart cookie, and that if I became an atheist, I probably had a good reason for it.
Much has been made in the muslim world about the Pope's comments. Do you think there actions were justified or was it just an excuse to lash out against the "West"?
I think the Pope's comments were hypocritical, since the Bible isn’t exactly candy canes and rose pedals. I don't agree with the Muslim reaction, because if they can't take criticism, no matter how absurd, in a civil manner, that's a problem. Just because someone accuses me of being a serial killer doesn't give me the right to go blowing up buildings.
In your oppinion, what (realistically) needs to be done to ensure a safe middle-east and a definitive truce between the Israelis and the Palestinians?
That's a hefty question. I believe in a one-state solution; a place where Israelis and Palestinians can live as equal citizens with equal economic, political, and religious rights. That would mean good-bye to Israel's Jewish majority, but what good is a Jewish majority if you're surrounded by 200 million Arabs who hate you? They can't isolate themselves from the Arab world. It's not possible.
Saddam Hussein has recently been sentenced to death. He has also asked to be executed soldier style. Do you think he should be executed? If so, how should he be executed?
That's a hard question. I don't see how anyone can defend his right to live, BUUUUUUUT...for political reasons, it's probably better to have him rot in jail, under US or Shi'a supervision to be on the safe side.
Democrat or Republican?
I voted Democrat this election, but as soon as the GOP gets rid of the fanatical neoconservative evangelical ****tards, I'll vote Republican again. I really dislike evangelicals.
What are you views on the state of the USA in regards to health care, education, the economy and the immigration problem?
Health care - Make it universal. I don't have health care, and money's always been tight in my family. If something should happen to me or my mom, I don't know what would happen.
Education - Make it free or close enough to it. Tuition is ****ing expensive, and I'd be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant that I'd be getting a well-funded education which won't put my ass in debt so soon. We can publicly fund the k-12 education system, so why can't we fund college, at least up to the undergraduate level? Accessible, affordable education should be a right for everyone. Everyone in society would benefit from that.
The economy - Do away with the Bush tax cuts. They don't help the middle class, unless you're making profits on your investment dividends, which if you are, you probably aren't middle class. Provide more government funding for energy education and alternative energy research. Start a huge government effort to wean America off of fossil fuels. The Bush's current energy plan doesn't do nearly enough for such a serious problem. Without affordable energy, we would be living in the 18th century.
Immigration - Give 'em amnesty. If anything, they help our economy, and they'd be helping more if their incomes were taxed and they could contribute to the public services they use, such as transportation, public schooling, etc. Other than that, they're not hurting anyone.
What do you think needs to be done in Michigan and nation wide to boost the economy and to ensure that our future generation can live a similiar, if not better, life that we live?
Diversifying the economy beyond the auto industry. Instead of just using the alternative energy research in Michigan towards cars, why not use it for mass electricity generation? Natural gas won't be around forever. We should use our technical know-how and branch off into mass energy production by means of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hell, even tidal. Fuel cells alone won't get us off of fossil fuels. Also, do away with suburbanization and the car culture of America. Big SUVs are the reason why oil demand has increased at a greater rate than supply increases. You don't need a PH.D in economics to see that higher gas prices hurt auto sales, which is why Michigan's economy is the worst right now, and unlike the auto crunches of the 80's, this one could very well become permanent if these companies don't adapt to the realities of the energy industry.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. I'm sure a lot of people on these forums wanted to know more about you and they finally have some more insight on who you are. Do you have any last statements or thoughts you would like to share?
Thanks to anyone that reads this entire interview. A lot of my answers are pretty ****ing long, but I put the effort into them to get my point across and give clear up any misconceptions people may have about me. Good questions, but I still think I'd make a better interviewer than you. ;)
Am I really mysterious, or are you just saying that to get into my pants? ;) I work in a nightclub part time, and go to school full time. When I wake up in the morning, I have wood. I love flirting with women. I hate people who smell.
What are your goals or plans in life regarding your career path?
Finish my undergrad in math and go to grad school for my MBA or masters in econ and/or policy. I might work in the video game industry, if they come knockin’. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to make a video game or work in the industry in some way.
How confident are you that you can achieve these goals and aspirations?
Very.
What are some of your hobbies and how much time do you spend catering to them? Have they changed from when you were a child?
Video games, love. Ever since I was a kid video games were pretty much my only hobby. Now that I'm older and have a social life and friends, I don't have the desire to play them much anymore. One exception is the Metal Gear series. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING wets my panties more than hearing about a new game in the series."SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!"
PS: Buy me a Playstation 3!
I'm sure there are times when you look back at your childhood or your adolescent years and get a kick out of some moments. What particular moments make you say "whoa, what was I thinking?"
Too many to recall. :) My life is filled with gleefully embarrassing and/or stupid moments. In catechism I was the troublemaker, and I pissed off Father Frank all the time (back then he was Brother Frank), to the point that he had to talk to my mom. I almost didn't take communion.
You tend to act like a rock star with your views on women. Why the cold shoulder? Have you had your heart broken or is it something else that makes you go with the motto "love 'em and leave 'em"?
Growing up, I saw how my mom used my dad and ruled his life. It made him absolutely miserable. And then I looked around to other people's relationships and saw the same thing: men kissing women's asses and spoiling them, and women disrespecting men by taking their money and divorcing them. And I didn't like that one bit. I thought it was dishonest and deceitful. The idea of buying a girl shit just because she was a girl and didn’t do anything special to deserve felt very wrong to me. As if I was supposed to be ashamed about being a man, and I had to compensate by buying her shit just because she has tits & ass.
The real turning point was in junior year, I had a crush on a female friend of mine, who I thought was amazing. She was smart, funny, pretty, we had the same taste in everything, but she had a crush on my other friend. Of course I waited too late to tell her how I feel before my friend dated her, because I was too shy. And she'd tell me all this stuff about how much of a jerk he is and blah blah blah, and eventually I caved in and wrote her a love letter. Stupid idea. She said no, we stopped being friends after that. So I was lonely and I lost a good friend. After that I realized that I was never, ever, ever going to let a woman have that power over me. So I became the person that I am today, and I’m still changing. Why change, instead of just waiting around for “someone special”, that my galpals would often advise me to do?
If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten. Words to live by, gentleman. Change was necessary. Nowadays I know how to deal with women. I know how women operate, to a level that most men would envy. I don’t know everything there is to know about women, but I know more than you, and probably more than lots of women too. And I’m just getting started. :D
BTW, I don’t “love ‘em and leave ‘em”. I love women, I respect women and their views, and I relate to women much better now than I ever have. I love talking to women and connecting with them, and learning about all their desires and quirks that make them special. I’d say I appreciate women much more than other guys that have always been good with women because getting a girl NEVER came easy for me. I was terribly shy about even letting a girl know that I had any feelings for her. I never would have thought that a girl would ever want anything to do with me. Being the way I am with women now took a LOT of work and self-improvement, which I’m still doing to this day. I’m not some kind of pickup god, but I am better than most and am getting even better. I don’t brag about my conquests to everyone. I’m not a misogynist—I don’t think women are inferior to me. But I have high standards with women. I’m not intimidated by a woman’s looks, and I don’t kiss a woman’s ass just because she’s hot. I don’t tolerate bullshit from women, no matter how hot they are. If they cross the line with me, I’m through with them, no exceptions. And if I find someone that’s more than a pretty face & body, that has all the qualities I’m looking for, I’ll keep her and be faithful to her. Girls like that are rare. I don’t need a woman in my life to feel complete.
Have you ever lied to a girl to get into her pants?
No, and I never would. Players do that, and I am NOT a player. I’m more advanced than a “player”. When it comes to women I am very ethical, and I don't believe in lying to get what I want. Lying hurts, and women and men lie to each other way too much anyway. It goes back to that whole respect thing. I'm not ashamed of my sexual desire. If I have to lie to a girl to get into her pants, that means that she's emotionally and/or sexually insecure, and I don't want anything to do with those kinds of girls.
Who's pants would you like to get into? ;)
You'll hate me for saying this, but if the rest of Teffo is as pretty as her eye, then you better pray she never meets someone like me. I think Pink acts like a stuck up bitch, but I'd make a cuckold of her husband anyway. I'd deflower Sava too, but I'm not sure because I don't really like younger girls. I'd consider giving her a reason to go to confession on Sunday, and you can bet it would make the priest a bit jealous. ;) But it’s not set in stone (sorry Sava).
And of course who could forget Renee? Woman, I would give you a six pack every night. A six pack, baby. I'm not talking about abs; I'm talking about six orgasms a night.
How old were you when you got your first kiss? How did your first date go?
Oh god, I was 16. She was my friend's sister, and we went to see Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Then I dropped her home and asked "Can I kiss you?" She said sure, and we pecked each other on the lips. I've learned since then how to be more romantic in going for the first kiss. :D
What kind of a kid were you in High school? Geeky, cool, athletic, a druggy?
I was a huge geek. If a hot chick talked to me at all, it's because I was in the friend zone and she needed to bitch about her boyfriend that she loved so much but is mistreating her. There was actually a good amount of girls that were attracted to me, but I was too socially retarded with women to recognize it, or do anything about it.
On these boards, you seem to speak your mind and tell it how you see it. But, are you the same way in real life? Do you think this is a good trait to have or can it be ones downfall? Why do you think more people don't speak what they truly think and cover it up to save face?
Yes, I'm the same way in person. I flirt sexually with women almost all the time. Unless I'm around close-minded Chaldean people, in which case I take subtle stabs at things while managing to save face, so to speak. Subtlety is my strong point. I think speaking your mind is the best trait to have. It kicks ass to live in a society that lets us do that. I think most Chaldean Americans don't think that way, because they're strongly influenced by their parents, who aren't accustomed to living in western society where there's such a free exchange of ideas and beliefs.
If you could punch anyone in the face for whatever reason, who would it be and why?
Larry the Cable Guy. He's a total hack, and he glorifies ignorance.
What made you want to meet up with umi and how did that go?
I was in his neck of the woods at the time, and I was pretty bored since most of my friends in Arizona weren't able to hang out. All we did was see Clerks 2 and talk in the parking lot about CC members: I talked about the ones I'd bone, and he talked about the ones he'd convert. :) Actually he's quite a friendly person. And I thought I would annoy him with all my questions, since I had so many to ask a person such as him. I think it's bullshit that people in the community don't like him or his family or talk shit about them because they’re Muslim.
If you could spend 24 hours with any person in this world, who would it be and why?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRR9iHdG__4
If I were to meet you today, what would my first impression of you be?
"You're NOT Chaldean!" I get that all the time.
If you were struggling financially, would you ever sell drugs, sell your sperm, sell your kidney, or participate in a porno to support yourself?
Yes, yes, yes, why not.
Please complete this favourites list:
book - Alphabet of Manliness
movie - Goodfellas
music genre - Metal :band:
food - Chili, the hotter the better
sport - MMA
quote - " My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher."
This is kind of random but... what cell phone carrier are you with and which one do you think is the best?
That's such a Chaldean thing to ask...:) Nextel. I don't give a shit about cellphones, so I don't care who the "best" is. You're just asking me so you can sell me a new phone!
How did you find chaldeanchat and what made you stick around?
I was farting around on the net one day, and ta-da! I joined to see how people would react to someone of my beliefs, as a sort of litmus test to find out what will happen when I do it IRL. I'm here because I find it fascinating to interact with Chaldeans again, since I don't really have many Chaldean friends and I don't see my cousins that often anymore. Growing up I was in a Chaldean neighborhood, and I wasn't much different than any of my peers. Now I notice a definite difference.
You have stated why you choose to keep your identity hidden. But to those who don't know why, could you once more elaborate why you choose to do so.
Well, I don't trust Chaldeans. There are people on the site that I do know and possibly more that I don't that I don't want prying into my personal life, spreading rumors about me, or talking about things that they don't understand. My family doesn't really need that shame or nuisance. My beliefs are nobody's business.
What are your views on the Chaldean culture?
It's just as intolerant, bigoted, misogynistic, pretentious, and superstitious as anything out there. The only reason Chaldeans aren't bombing Muslims and going on killing raids in Iraq is because there simply is not enough of us and too many of them to do so. If there was a Chaldean majority in Iraq, I could see religious nutjobs like my father going to Muslim homes and forcing them to leave at gunpoint...in the name of Jesus Christ. Look at the Maronite Christians in the Lebanese Civil War--they're Christians and they killed Muslim civilians and did all sorts of things we think only Muslims do. They even betrayed their Arab brothers by receiving support from the Israelis (read: Sabra and Shatila massacres). Back to Chaldean culture, I'm not fond of it, but like Samuel and I discussed, it's definitely helped shape who we are today.
I think Chaldeans in America are way too materialistic and bigoted. It shows when I tell people that I’m Chaldean; they don’t believe it because I’m not a complete asshole. Also, the whole “thug life” attitude with the guys has to GO. Someone needs to not take idiot rappers so seriously. You’re not a thug, you’re not hard, you live in ****ing West Bloomfield and you drive a brand new BMW your parents bought you. Grow up and do something with your life other than opening up a store. The women…I don’t need to go there, but I am optimistic that there are some really awesome Chaldean girls that aren’t manipulative, lazy, bitchy (a little bitchiness isn’t that bad), and greedy. I think there’s a few who are intelligent, beautiful, open-minded, articulate, have class (most say they’re classy but wouldn’t know real class even if it was a sale at the mall), sexually adventurous (love you too Renee), aren’t stuck-up, have some passion in life that isn’t going to the mall or looking pretty, and act like a woman instead of a girl.
Within many of the religious topics, you have stated your views on religion. Tell us when you denounced religion and how you came about the decision. Was there a particular event?
It happened over a span of about 9 years, up until now. It all started in 6th grade; I started to read some not-Christian books about religion and philosophy. At first I would reconcile my new beliefs within the framework of my current Catholicism. However, as time went on, I became more disillusioned with the Catholic Church's rigidity, and the Chaldean community's vehement intolerance of outside beliefs. More and more I came to realize that being Christian had inhibited me; I had spent all my life just hoping that I wouldn't piss god off enough that he wouldn't condemn me to hell. Now I believe that I'd rather burn in hell than spend an eternity with a morally corrupt and hypocritical god. The important thing to understand is that it didn't happen overnight; it took a lot of years and there were a few relapses where I'd be Christian again and go to church. It's only been for the past three years that I've truly given up all those old beliefs, and inshallah (note the irony) I'll be this way until I die. It was a hard thing to give it up at first, because I was afraid of being found out and becoming an outcast. Now that I'm older, I'm willing to do that if that's how the cookie crumbles, and I'm ready for it. Most of my close family members, if they don't already know, wouldn't really care, because they know I'm a smart cookie, and that if I became an atheist, I probably had a good reason for it.
Much has been made in the muslim world about the Pope's comments. Do you think there actions were justified or was it just an excuse to lash out against the "West"?
I think the Pope's comments were hypocritical, since the Bible isn’t exactly candy canes and rose pedals. I don't agree with the Muslim reaction, because if they can't take criticism, no matter how absurd, in a civil manner, that's a problem. Just because someone accuses me of being a serial killer doesn't give me the right to go blowing up buildings.
In your oppinion, what (realistically) needs to be done to ensure a safe middle-east and a definitive truce between the Israelis and the Palestinians?
That's a hefty question. I believe in a one-state solution; a place where Israelis and Palestinians can live as equal citizens with equal economic, political, and religious rights. That would mean good-bye to Israel's Jewish majority, but what good is a Jewish majority if you're surrounded by 200 million Arabs who hate you? They can't isolate themselves from the Arab world. It's not possible.
Saddam Hussein has recently been sentenced to death. He has also asked to be executed soldier style. Do you think he should be executed? If so, how should he be executed?
That's a hard question. I don't see how anyone can defend his right to live, BUUUUUUUT...for political reasons, it's probably better to have him rot in jail, under US or Shi'a supervision to be on the safe side.
Democrat or Republican?
I voted Democrat this election, but as soon as the GOP gets rid of the fanatical neoconservative evangelical ****tards, I'll vote Republican again. I really dislike evangelicals.
What are you views on the state of the USA in regards to health care, education, the economy and the immigration problem?
Health care - Make it universal. I don't have health care, and money's always been tight in my family. If something should happen to me or my mom, I don't know what would happen.
Education - Make it free or close enough to it. Tuition is ****ing expensive, and I'd be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant that I'd be getting a well-funded education which won't put my ass in debt so soon. We can publicly fund the k-12 education system, so why can't we fund college, at least up to the undergraduate level? Accessible, affordable education should be a right for everyone. Everyone in society would benefit from that.
The economy - Do away with the Bush tax cuts. They don't help the middle class, unless you're making profits on your investment dividends, which if you are, you probably aren't middle class. Provide more government funding for energy education and alternative energy research. Start a huge government effort to wean America off of fossil fuels. The Bush's current energy plan doesn't do nearly enough for such a serious problem. Without affordable energy, we would be living in the 18th century.
Immigration - Give 'em amnesty. If anything, they help our economy, and they'd be helping more if their incomes were taxed and they could contribute to the public services they use, such as transportation, public schooling, etc. Other than that, they're not hurting anyone.
What do you think needs to be done in Michigan and nation wide to boost the economy and to ensure that our future generation can live a similiar, if not better, life that we live?
Diversifying the economy beyond the auto industry. Instead of just using the alternative energy research in Michigan towards cars, why not use it for mass electricity generation? Natural gas won't be around forever. We should use our technical know-how and branch off into mass energy production by means of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hell, even tidal. Fuel cells alone won't get us off of fossil fuels. Also, do away with suburbanization and the car culture of America. Big SUVs are the reason why oil demand has increased at a greater rate than supply increases. You don't need a PH.D in economics to see that higher gas prices hurt auto sales, which is why Michigan's economy is the worst right now, and unlike the auto crunches of the 80's, this one could very well become permanent if these companies don't adapt to the realities of the energy industry.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. I'm sure a lot of people on these forums wanted to know more about you and they finally have some more insight on who you are. Do you have any last statements or thoughts you would like to share?
Thanks to anyone that reads this entire interview. A lot of my answers are pretty ****ing long, but I put the effort into them to get my point across and give clear up any misconceptions people may have about me. Good questions, but I still think I'd make a better interviewer than you. ;)