Running Head: ‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’ 1

‘Designated Survivor’ smeared Dearborn and no one cared

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‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’ 2

Introduction

Earlier this week, a Facebook page referred to as "Dearborn Underground" posted a video

criticizing Dearborn City Council President and judge candidate Susan Dabaja for her

engagement in a 10-year-old federal criminal case. A blog that goes by the name Dearborn

Underground has previously attacked many Arab-American activists, including the publisher of

this newspaper. Susan struck back, labeling the attack as "rumors." Specifically, she denied the

claims, calling them false and malicious. Many residents fear that a day may soon come wherein

a Donald Trump world, federal government officials will round up all the Muslims as a

preventive measure to stop terrorism. During the second episode of the Kiefer Sutherland-led

drama, Dearborn was branded as a hub for radical Islam

Analysis

Sutherland plays President Tom Kirkman, who condemns the governor's unconstitutional

actions. Tom, previously secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development,

became president through the line of succession after an attack on the Capitol during the State of

the Union. The governor, whom Tom subsequently had arrested on charges of treason, had

Dearborn Muslim members rounded up before anyone knew who was responsible for the attack.

A subplot implies evidence may have been planted to point the finger at a particular group and

an FBI agent investigates why a senator who survived wasn't in his seat at the time of the attack.

The series also showed the Dearborn Police Department in negative terms, as an aggressive force

that brutalizes its citizens.

In April 2004, federal prosecutors filed an indictment accusing 19 defendants of engaging

in a racketeering plot to illegally sell contraband cigarettes. The principal defendant was Imad
‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’ 3

Hammoud, and the other defendant was Majid Hammoud, Dabaja's husband. Majid Hammoud,

who was named in numerous allegations in the lengthy indictment, was alleged to have

participated in and profited from the criminal enterprise. In one allegation of the indictment, a

property that had been ill-gained from the criminal enterprise was discussed: On May 4, 2001,

Majid Hammoud and quitclaimed lot 1981 of Dearborn Manor subdivision to Fadi Haydous for

$67,000. In December 2008 he pleaded quit and sentenced in 2009.

The video broadcast by Dearborn Underground was shoddily done and quite sensational.

The accusation that Susan was part of a criminal enterprise may have been exaggerated, but not

completely without merit. Recent examples include Quran-burning pastor Terry Jones protesting

against the Sharia Law and a report that the city had the second largest number of residents on a

"terror watch list" across the country. Given our current political climate, networks and television

producers should be more responsible and reconsider what they term as entertainment. The series

appears to be a huge hit for TV audiences and an even bigger hit on DVR.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the added publicity will no doubt help Susan's campaign, just as the press

is helping Trump get elected. Candidates are judged by their actions, not by the actions of others,

whether it be an inept husband or the opinions of a biased website such as the Dearborn

Underground that won't allow comment on its rhetoric. Speaking of character, look at another

woman running for a much higher office, the highest political one in the land, President. Has she

told a lie or two or what? Shall we judge her by hanging onto a husband who takes advantage of

young woman interns, while president, and even defends his actions? So far, Susan has done a

decent job as president of the city council.