Home > Gwinnett > Rick Badie / My Opinion > Archives > 2008 > August > 28 > Entry
Kindness and justice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When her family lived in the Middle East, she saw kids working in the fields and scouring garbage bins for items to sell.
“It’s pretty sad over there,” said Fatimah Fye, 15, of Lilburn. “The kids work like adults. They ride donkeys. You see adults doing the same thing. It’s really sad.”
Time spent there inspired the teen to write a fictional short story - “Kindness and Justice.” In it, a poor boy named Adil - which means judicious in Arabic - is the main character. He lives with a family on a farm. Adil dislikes injustice, which is the moral of the 15-page children’s story.
“There’s a part in the story where a bully is picking on these kids,” Fatimah said. “Adil tries to make things fair and tells the bully that what he does is wrong. In the end, he and the bully become friends.”
Fatimah’s mother, Sally Faal, thought the world might benefit from a sincere, heartfelt tale told in a child’s prose. She searched the Internet for a self-publishing company and found Zavia Books and Printing in Appomatox, Va.
Atia Nasar, Zavia’s executive director, thinks there’s a market for “Kindness and Justice.” Plans are to publish it, then sell it as part of the company’s children and young adult fiction division.
“For a young lady, she grasped the context and presented the message in a very entertaining way,” said Nasar, who also had her 15-year-old daughter read the text. “Amina thought it was entertaining as well.”
Fatimah says it took her about three months to write the story. She also drew the illustrations that accompany it. Some of the aspiring artist’s drawings have been included in displays at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center.
“I like writing and drawing,” she said. As for the book, she said, “It’s really fun to educate people on how they should treat one another and to be thankful for what they have. Even though Adil and his parents are really poor, they are a happy family.”
It’s a message that Faal, a nursing student at Georgia Perimeter College, has tried to instill in her three children. Look at the content and character of a person, she tells them. Don’t judge someone based on their race, religion or economic status.
“I’m trying to raise my children to be good, loving and gentle people,” she said. “There is a lot of hatred going on regarding race, color and religion. We are one big family regardless of all that.”
For more information, E-mail Sally Faal at hopeful4paradiseofdelight@yahoo.com. Rick Badie updates his Gwinnett blog Monday through Friday. His column appears on Saturdays in the print edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Readers may post comments online (www.ajc.com/gwinnett) or contact Badie directly. He may be reached at 770-263-3875 or E-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
Permalink | Comments (30) | Post your comment | Categories: Rick Badie
Comments
By LT5000
August 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
And then you get into the real world and realize that it isn’t fair.
By the way, any idiot can write and be published these days. Badie is living proof of that.
Another yawner.
On another note….
Hey Blubbering Badie, did you see the latest GDP reports? 3.3%. And just two days after your ignorant article about the Economic stimulus package of 2008.
And those stimulus checks didn’t help?
I’m glad you prove yourself a moron in such a timely manner.
At any point would you like to issue a retraction to your moronic “Recession” article? A journalist with even a modicum of integrity would do just that. That’s why I don’t expect it.
LT5000
By What're you an idiot
August 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
You Idiot
Citing positive GDP data from last quarter as proof the economy is robust is like ignoring Osama Bin Laden’s entire body of work except for the fact that he built a couple of schools.
You really are not very bright.
By Bruce Wilcox
August 28, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
The strong GDP data in the United States is very misleading, having been artificially bolstered by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. The data will certainly be heralded by the administration as a sign of an economic turnaround, but most market observers believe that the recent difficulties will only get worse in coming months.
By LT5000
August 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Idiot,
*Gross Domestic Product. The total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports. *
Yes idiot, the GDP is a direct measurment of the “robustness of the economy. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the most important numbers to an economist.
Thanks for living up to your namesake.
LT5000
By Stan
August 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
LT,
If you look at the top left of the page you will notice a picture of Rick, just above that pic you will see printed not once but twice “Rick Badie / My Opinion”. Do you have a grasp of the concept of “opinion”? It seems not but maybe you just never noticed it being there before.
The messed up part of this is I agree with the bulk of you views, though not your silly insults. I am simply sick of seeing you berate Rick for no good reason. Go screw with Bookman or Tucker. They are idiots.
And as to the robust economy, I agree that we are not in a recession, as I know the definition of recession, but I would not call the economy booming either.
By Michael H. Smith
August 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Is it not peculiar that where religious freedom exists as it does here in the United States of America that kindness, justice and economic prosperity in such countries as ours always exceeds that of other nations which are dominated (often under law) by one religion or one church?
By What're you an idiot
August 28, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Spare me the Milton Friedman act.
Just last week Warren Buffet reiterated his assertion that the US economy was in a recession and he expected it to continue for the next few months (you should recall that he was one of the other Blubbering Badies that made that assertion in the early part of this year). Buffet freely admits that the textbook definition of a recession may not apply, but the practical and common sense definition that most Americans are worse off than a year ago does apply.
LT, you likely don’t have the historical perspective of having worked for a few decades so you don’t really know what is and isn’t a recession. If you had a little more of life’s experiences you wouldn’t hold so tightly to such a narrow, textbook definition of a widely used economic concept.
You’d figure out that with the dollar at historic lows, oil and other commodity prices at historic highs, foreclosures rates at historic highs, US household incomes not growing, bank failures occurring, retirees reentering the workforce because of investment losses…. the economy is in the tank and anyone who argues that it is not, is without a clue.
By Michael H. Smith
August 28, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Do consider that technically and traditionally defined recessions are often declared only after a recovery is well under way.
By LT5000
August 28, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I quote Blubbering Badie from 1/12/2008 when the chances for an Obama Presidency seemed as real as the Triple Whopper sitting in front of him.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about the bipartisan economic stimulus package. The economy’s a mess. It’s hard to say whether we’re at the beginning of a recession or knee-deep in one.”
What an economic prognosticator Badie is. He has the fiscal acumen of Jimmy Carter combined with the insight of Mike Dukakis.
Brucie, on the other hand has 0.5 more IQ points than Badie. The GDP growth was3.3% as opposed to the predcited 1.9%.
That’s 1.4% higher than expected. And the average GDP growth in the US for the past 10 years has been about 2.5%-3.0%.
And hey, Brucie et al, jobless numbers are dropping too.
I guess for the Obamessiah followers out here, Growing GDP and declining unemployment numbers can only be signs of a coming Depression.
Here, as always, with the facts.
LT5000
By What're you an idiot
August 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
LT,
Do you work? Do you pay rent or a mortgage? Do you have children and a spouse? Have you needed healthcare in the past year? Have you shopped in a grocery store and put gas in a car?
The way you dig in your heels and grasp on to this…. you seem to have no practical economic acumen.
I used to give you grief about about watching Blues Clues but I really do feel like I’m arguing with a teenager who’s obstinate and just can’t consider that he may be wrong.
Over the past couple of years the economy has been in the tank. People are getting their a$$ kicked on a daily basis by this economy. I know educated, skilled, talented people that were shown the door after years of dedicated and outstanding work only because the bottom line said that cuts needed to happen and its too bad if you’ve got a family and mortgage and 2 car payments, etc…
You really must either be a kid, or an idiot.
By LT5000
August 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Idiot,
Working two decades at the Drive Thru of Hardees does not give you insight into the economy.
In all my economics textbooks, the definition of a Recession does not include what Warren Buffett thinks.
Maybe you and Badie can get your GED’s someday and take a trip to a place called a library. They have books on economics and a place for you guys to color as well.
You might even see Brucie cruising the restrooms.
LT5000
By What're you an idiot
August 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ok, now we’re getting somewhere.
You’re right, what Warren Buffet thinks has nothing to do with the textbook definition of a recession. But Buffet, being one of the most successful businessmen of his and any generation, is entitled to leeway and reasonable people wouldn’t criticize him for stating that the economy is in a recession.
Anyone who had lived outside the protection of their parents would easily understand this.
You also avoided answering some pretty basic queries which would give everyone a frame of reference as to your life’s experiences. Instead you launched some juvenile insults.
You live with your parents, don’t you? If they make you pay anything, its a couple hundred dollars a month, isn’t it? You don’t buy groceries or go to the doctor and you’ve never been faced with a quandary like which bill am I not going to pay this month because my transmission is shot and I can’t put off getting it fixed any more. You haven’t lived so you don’t know.
By What're you an idiot
August 28, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
LT sure went silent.
Its pretty easy to denigrate others when you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
If the illegal immigrants you choose to hate had Mommy and Daddy pay their way through college and bought them a car and folded their undies every week, it’d be pretty easy for them to waltz through life and feel superior to others.
Child… grow up.
By fedupingwinnett
August 28, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Perhaps LT has other things to do besides sit in front of his computer for hours on end, ever think of that?
By LT5000
August 28, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Idiot,
Sorry to break it to you, but I had more important things to do than point out the numerous ways you are a moron.
Once again, the country is not in a Recession. Basic economics here. At least for people here who made it out of the 8th grade.
Those are the facts no matter what Warren Buffet whispered in your ear. No matter that people aren’t ordering as many large fries from you in the Hardees Drive Thru. No matter that your chewing tobacco has risen in price.
Your arguments are desperate and foolish.
I rely on the facts to bolster my arguments. While you can only rely on anectdotal stories and something you saw on TV.
The facts always win and you will always lose.
Facts 5000 Idiot 0
Game point match
LT5000
By Bruce Wilcox
August 29, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Free speech protects the idiots and the intelligent, for that we all should be thankful for. An idiot like LT,whose life never goes farther than his/her computer is one to be pitied, not bashed. Over the extended time I have witinessed LT’s behavior, I realize that he has a serious problem, may it be that he’s handicapped or mentality defective.
The Right to Free Speech does have it’s limit’s, people didn’t die for fools to drool on others idea’s. People have died for the very Right of Free Speech, to abuse it is an insult to all our veterans and those serving now.
Think about it LT. Time to start thinking for yourself and not be dictated to.
To the AJC, with blogs you have a good thing going, you’ll soon loss that too.
By What're you an idiot
August 29, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
LT
you can continue to hold on to your textbook knowledge because you are too young to have any life lessons.
Your comments are juvenile drivel.
Grow up little boy and debate like a man.
By LT5000
August 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Brucie and idiot,
I’ve already won the debate. With the facts.
There is not Recession. Please point out where I am wrong, which you can’t.
For Brucie to claim my comments are an “insult to all our veterans and those serving now” is laugable considering his recent quote about our soldiers” is laughable.
Brucie spews ant-american venom that would make Obama mentor Willian Ayers proud.
By the way, I’ve been in the workforce for over 15 years. All through that time I have continued learning, obatining certifications and a graduate degree thus increasing my intrinsic value.
I’m not a civil servant, like Brucie, just waiting for the government to hand me a check. I earn it.
My financial situation is great because I have saved my money, made smart investments. If you are one paycheck from being broke you need to listen to Dave Ramsey.
LT5000 wins again. And Brucie and Idiot will have to hold each other for comfort. Dreaming of an Obama presidency.
LT5000
By Stan
August 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
LOL @ LT winning an internet debate, Good job LT!!!
What’s next for you? Special olympics?
STFU
By what're you an idiot
August 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I doubt it LT.
Your body of work here on the Badie blog doesn’t square with this bio you’ve tried to fabricate.
Your textbook facts don’t mesh with reality either.
And if your financial situation is solid, its because Mom and Dad have been picking up the tab. I tell you what, any time you want to continue to improve your financial situation you can come mow my lawn.
By LT5000
August 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Stan,
When my competition consists of halfwits like you, Brucie or Idiot, the debate is won before I even type a word. It’s almost too easy.
I have the facts on my side, while you guys only have hyperventilating. Once again, I issue the challenge.
Show me where I am wrong.
FU Stan.
LT5000
By Stan
August 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
LT, What part of “I agree with most of your philosophy” do you not understand?!? You are not winning ANY debate against me due to 2 things, 1) We are for the most part (90ish%) on the same side and 2) you are not debating/competing. You are simply insulting while spouting off something you heard or read elsewhere that you agree with.
I don’t have a problem with your philosophy, I have a problem with your approach. Stop being a dumba$$ and an internet tough guy and things will be a lot more enjoyable.
STFU with the insults!
There is that better for your sensitive ego?
By What're you an idiot
August 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Little Troll
To claim victory in a war semantics may feel good and maybe Mommy will give you a gold star, but ignoring the reality that the economy has been in the crapper for many quarters just continues to prove the point that you’re a fool.
Prices are up, job losses are up, the federal deficit is up, home foreclosures are up, wages are down, home equity is down, the value of the dollar is down, the markets are down, or did you miss those facts?
When you’re done with the lawn you can clean my garage.
By LT5000
August 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Idiot,
The debate is over. I won.
You spouted off and were proven wrong. End of story.
I was speaking of a Recession. The total economic picture, not the bits and pieces that provide only anectdotal evidence to support your positons.
Idiot, I realize it costs you more to get service from a young twink in Piedmont Park, but that doesn’t mean the economy is falling apart.
Even your wife has raised her price $5.00. Now it’s $5.50. But again, that doesn’t indicate a Recession.
I asked before to show me where I was wrong. You can’t because I am not.
Stan, FU.
LT5000
By Stan
August 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Whew…I guess you really put me in my place! You can’t even come up with a witty response to anything I say, you must be butt hurt.
STFU
By What're you an idiot
August 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Now that’s the Little Troll we’ve come to expect.
Yes, infantile homo-erotic commentary that one would only expect from a 30-something with a graduate degree, 15 years in the workforce, and increasing intrinsic value.
Certainly a teenager hacking away in his parents’ basement couldn’t be expected to lash out in such a well articulated manner.
What better describes the state of the current economy? An anomalous statistic like this:
Or numerous facts like this:
Congratulations on your self proclaimed victory. You conducted yourself well, as always.
When you’re done with the garage I’ll let you scrub out the inside of my trash can. Oh wait, that’s right your too busy with continued learning and obatining [sic] certifications.
By LT5000
August 29, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Idiot,
Still waiting to be proven wrong.
Prove to me there is a Recession. Show the negative GDP growth that indicates there is one.
As stated before, your arguments are desperate and foolish and each time you make them you prove what a fool you are.
You suffer from the same disease as Brucie, not AIDS, but the incurable disease of ignorance.
You seem to think if you don’t believe something is true than it cannot be true. The sign of a idiot that forms an opinion without facts.
I, however, rely on the facts and therefore, never look like an idiot.
Are you working the late shift at Hardees tonight? I may stop by and get some fries. Tell Stan to take it easy on the salt.
LT5000
By Cindy
August 29, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Ya’ll either need to raise the insult bar a little or else I’m too stupid to realize what’s menial work, because quite frankly, I’m perfectly willing to earn money by cutting your grass, cleaning your garage and scrubbing your trashcan. And if I have to, I’ll even work at Hardee’s and serve fries to you. My real job is professional but i’m not above laboring for pay, and I don’t consider myself less intelligent than any of you.
By I was an idiot
August 30, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Cindy
you are right and I apolpgize. I didn’t intend to demean anyone that works hard, I only meant to ridicule LT.
I see my comments were offensive to others.
Please accept my apology and I will try to avoid posting like an idiot in the future.
I can’t make any guarantees but I will try.
By Cindy
August 30, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Idiot, Thanks! But seriously no apology was necessary at all. I was just indicating to both of you that to me those were not actually insults, in my opinion. Just ways to make supplemental money, to me. You guys were jabbing at each other, indicating that’s the only work each of you does…I got it…and I laughed right out loud about it. Just had to throw it out there though that the jobs y’all were listing were in fact things I don’t mind doing. haha.
On an episode of The Shield, Shane had messed up really bad with his choice of girls to mess with, and Vic got onto him and told him he needed to “raise the mistress bar a little bit. ” Like pick better mistresses…that’s the concept I was elluding to when I said “raise the insult bar.”
:)