{"article":{"id":103461,"heading":"did you know saddam was once made an honorary citizenof detroit","author":"brian","created":"2004-02-22 03:33:33","modified":"2004-02-22 03:33:33","last_modified":"Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:33:33","article":"

Years before Saddam Hussein became an enemy to the United States, he was reportedly seen as a friend and made an honorary Detroit citizen.

In 1980 when Saddam Hussein was on good terms with America, he was quite the giver. Hussein donated money to help several churches in the motor city, Detroit.

There are pictures of a meeting between a Detroit priest and Saddam Hussein when he accepted the donation.

Father Jacob Yasso of the Sacred Heart Chaldean Church says, \"He said, 'We hear you have a debt on your church'. I said, 'Yes Mr. President'. He said, 'How much?'. I said '$170,000'. He said, 'I'll pay it off for you'.\"

Father Yasso returned the favor at that same meeting 23 years ago. He gave Hussein a key to the city of Detroit making him an honorary citizen.

http:\/\/www.wndu.com\/news\/032003\/news_19147.php<\/a><\/p>\n","contact":"","link":"","address":"","phone":"","parent_id":0,"mime_type":"text\/plain","summary":"in 1980. An odd story, apparently true. It shows he had a brighter side. When did any president last offer to pay off a churches debt?","numcomment":0,"fileurl":"\/uploads\/","filesize":null,"article_url":"\/news\/2004\/02\/103461.php"},"attachments":[],"comments":[]}