Opinion … It takes a thick skin to play in the Big Leagues

Welcome to the Big Leagues, Mayor Amer Ghalib.
The mayor will soon face closer scrutiny in the confirmation process in the U.S. Senate in order to become an ambassador to Kuwait. And he’s already facing opposition to the appointment by prominent Jewish organizations that say he “routinely traffics in antisemitism.”
The criticism seems to be wearing on Ghalib, as he’s now lashing out against “yellow” media reportage.
Fair or not, what did Ghalib expect?
The world can be a cruel and critical place, unlike the warm and fuzzy bubble the mayor enjoys here in Hamtramck.
Anyone associated with President Trump is going to get this kind of attention; again, fair or not.
We wish the mayor good luck in his confirmation, but it may not be a slam dunk – or, it could be. Ghalib is a relative newcomer to politics, but he has not shied away from controversy.
Now that he’s under the media microscope, things are only going to get rougher.
And, while we’re at it, and to set the record straight, contrary to what Mayor Ghalib insists, he did not put Hamtramck “on the map” for the first time ever.
Hamtramck has been in the media spotlight – for better or worse – for decades. Fact is, Hamtramck long ago became a media darling – enjoying numerous written articles, television features, and even playing supporting roles in a number of Hollywood movies.
Ghalib has, indeed, put his special stamp and identity on Hamtramck, but this isn’t the first time around the sun for the city. In fact, the city is over 100 years old. Check out its history some day.
Buckle up, mayor, and thicken up your skin. You’re playing in the Big Leagues now, for better or worse.
Posted April 4, 2025