Update August 13th: Turns out it was never going great, see the latest news here.
About ten days ago we reported that the Kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, the one that was raided by ICE because it employed hundreds of illegal workers is now bringing Somalis from far and wide. Things are just great, says the mayor (and the AP):
The city’s mayor, Robert Penrod, said the Somalis were blending into Postville’s multiethnic fabric.
“They kind of mingle among themselves, and they don’t bother anybody,” Mr. Penrod said. “Some of them have left because they don’t like slaughterhouses, but a lot of them have decided to stay for now.”
Mr. Ahmed admitted he is still adjusting to the area. Like Mr. Abdi, he came from Minneapolis, where he said he had family and a steady supply of Somali food, such as goat meat.
In Postville, Mr. Ahmed said, he occasionally eats Latino food in local restaurants, but hopes an authentic Somali eatery will open soon.
Mr. Ahmed also said more Somalis were beginning to think about Postville as a long-term option.
“We are wanting to bring in families,” he said. “But we all need to make sure this is long term. So far, so good. We came here because they were hiring quickly, and I stay here as long as I can keep my hours.”
You know its interesting to me that although the Associated Press reporters must know about google, they never seem to pull things together. You would think there might be some reference in this puff-piece story published in the Washington Times (of all places, normally not so politically correct) to indicate things have not gone swimmingly with Somalis arriving in rural towns. Shelbyville, TN and Emporia, KS come immediately to mind!
Gold star to the first reader who finds an article that reports the bloom is off the Postville rose!