This is my America?
I was proud of my country not long ago. They saw past race and elected the first black president. I was as proud as an American can be; the operative word is “was”.
You see, I didn’t count on what had happen the past 10 to 15 years in politics. A party, lead by people so desperate to gain and hold as much power as possible, sold us all out. This country was created so the people could have a strong central government that represented all. In a democracy of any kind, the people are the government. But, that all changed when a party decided to highlight the bad and downplay the good that exist in any democracy. When deals were made and alliances created that went against American policy. When they decided to separate and conquer.
The religious were brought in despite separation of church and state. Politicians played to these beliefs and used it for votes. The poor was portrayed as being on the “dole” and lazy just living off the people in spite of the actual working poor or those who had no choice but to rely on handouts. True, some abused but most didn’t. To farther divide, pictures of minorities were used to help most Americans separate their feelings of walking away from the poor. Even though welfare has more white than minorities. Minorities were also used to show how tough on crime they were and how they protected Americans when most minority crimes are against themselves.
The government was painted as evil, raising taxes, bad managers (even when the managers, the leaders, were speaking of themselves). They managed to fool the public into thinking the government was some huge, suppressing entity when in reality, the government was the people.
The rich, the powerful, corporations were substituted for the government as good and what was right for the people. The “free market” and private industry was given as the great alternative. The people cheered and went along while companies such as Enron, WorldCom, AGI, to name a few, grew bigger and stronger while the government, the people, became weaker. They in time had more power and say so than the people with their own elected leaders.
We were heading toward a new America. A new government was emerging in which the few controlled the many; a totalitarian government. Democracy was about to die with the blessings of the people with cries like “Greed is good”.
But, mistakes happened. Some of the corporations became too greedy, too powerful. Those in charge began to believe they where untouchable and mistakes began to be made; the house of cards fell.
Then, a man came, intelligent and charismatic and the people, already in trouble, turned to this man in droves for help. They didn’t realize changes made fast cost. But, the people was used to being given promises and having a bone thrown to then every now and again to keep them quiet. But, no bone was thrown, only hard work to return the government to the people where it belonged.
Meanwhile, the losing side, with money power and anger, tried to destroy all. When a hand was extended to them for peace, the shook the hand and plotted. They attacked without end to keep the direction of America changing in their new direction. The attacked without mercy, spreading lies and deceit while a media frenzy feed of the hate and helped to spread the lies. They watered down a stimulus package in the guise of “bi-partisanship”. Then complain about how ineffective it is. The place a black face on its white party to show they are not what they appear to be. They take an unintentional comment and make it into something it was not “racist”. All the while manipulating a media looking for the next big story and hiding behind slogans such as “fair and honest” and “unbiased reporting” while forgetting the truth they promised the people.
A black man, one in which I am proud to say I look up to, is being compared to a history monster. Good intentions are being destroyed and the truth buried. So many lies have gotten the public confused; lives of public officials are being threatened. All the while the powerful and true leaders of the right, the rich, the corporations, look and wait.
You see, a weak government makes them more powerful and rich, so they create chaos and watch as their political mouthpieces defend the actions as “free speech”. A health care plan aimed at not only helping our economy but also to help keep 400 to 1600 men, women and children from dying each year is being sold as “socialism”. We have again placed money before lives, how do we explain to a mother who has just lost her child the in was just too expensive?
But, I have seen the worst, children wearing swastikas and calling a black man Hitler. What is this country becoming?
I heard a reporter once ask, “how can a black man be ashamed of his country?” At this moment, I ask, how can he not.
“A disappointed black man”
As we prepare to begin the Memorial Day weekend, it is important for each of us to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning for the day.
While it can be viewed as the unofficial start of summer and a chance to enjoy a family picnic, we all should recognize Memorial Day is truly a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make our Nation free.
Our brave, selfless, and devoted men and women have fought and died to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy every day. This is our opportunity to honor them.
As a Americans and a Democrats, we should set an example and educate our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Memorial Day and remind them of the tremendous privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to the valiant service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
As you enjoy the long weekend with friends and family, I ask you to remember the ideals that make our country great and those who have sacrificed to protect those ideals.Attend one of the many memorial services across the state. Proudly display the Flag. If you see a veteran or person currently serving our Nation in the Armed Forces, tell them "thank you," because we owe a debt to them that can never fully be repaid. And say a prayer for all those currently serving our Nation in harm's way.
Happy Memorial Day and may God continue to bless Virginia and the United States!
Esam Omeish
Dr. Esam Omeish is running for the House of Delegates in Virginia's 35th District here in Fairfax County. He is also the Chief of Surgery at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, a first generation immigrant, a father of four, a community leader, and a long time advocate for quality healthcare and job creation. Please come help us get this amazing leader elected!
Call it a sign of the times. Despite his stellar record in the community as both a physician and activist for the needy, there is a vocal minority with extreme views in the blogosphere and media who want to distort and tarnish the good name of Dr. Esam Omeish. Read below a few direct comments made by a variety of well-respected community leaders and professionals about Dr. Esam Omeish as they defend his character: Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine: "Dr. Omeish is a respected physician and community leader." Father Jerry Creeden, : "Words of support from the Faith community, the Commonwealth (of Virginia) is for all of us." Rabbi J. Moline: "I am sorry that the juggernaut of prejudice" "I would welcome your defense. This is an extended hand from my community, let us do something together." Attorney Vic Glasberg: "You have handled with grace the indignity visited upon you. What you said was understandable and suitable for its context, and its misuse is regrettable and an injury to us all." Kate Hanley, Virginia Secretary of State: "Dr. Omeish is one of two elected from his peers from among more than 300 physicians, and he was the recipient of the "Outstanding Physician of the Year Award" for 2007 in Alexandria Hospital". Many doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, and patients who know Dr. Omeish personally also felt compelled to write their words of support for him. Below is just a couple of statements exemplifying how strongly his colleagues support him. Dr. L. Kerness: "I have known you (Dr. Omeish) as a caring and skilled surgeon, a gentleman, and a family man. It is hard to imagine you as anything other that a pacifist. Rest assured that I, and all those I have spoken to, have not waivered in our support of you as a person and a surgeon, and are not swayed by media hype and political propaganda. I wish you and your family peace during this stressful time, and remember that this too shall pass." E. Bushmiller, RN, CNOR, B. Engler, BSN, CNOR, C. Hortman, RN: "The one thing we would like to make clear is the commitment Dr. Omeish has to democracy and more importantly peace. He is a committed family man, hard working and capable surgeon, and a good person. He is knowledgeable in basic tenets of the three Abrahimic religions and points to areas where they intersect, always searching for common ground. We are upset and disheartened with what has happened to Dr. Omeish. We wish to speak up on his behalf." As the Chief of General Surgery at Alexandria Hospital, Dr. Esam Omeish has earned the highest praise from his colleagues and patients because of his tireless and unconditional advocacy for the highest quality patient care, regardless of a patient's financial status. With your assistance, Dr. Esam Omeish will represent Virginia's 35th District with the same passion as a healthcare advocate at it's General Assembly. He will bring to Richmond his same caring ethical standards and proven leadership skills that have led Dr. Omeish to winning the "Outstanding Physician of the Year Award" in 2007. We must be able to compete and deliver our winning message of building on the successes of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The time to make a much-needed investment in our campaign is now.Even a small contribution of $10 or $20 makes a real difference.DonateOver the past few days, Esam has withstood attacks and has continued to focus on talking to voters about his fresh ideas, chairing his comprehensive plans for Accessible quality healthcare, improve NoVA transportaion, Conscientious environmental stewardship, and Continued excellence in education. With just less than one month to go, we need your help to make sure Esam can be heard over the chorus of attacks, and spread his positive message throughout the 35th District.To take a stand with Esam, please make a contribution today.Let's give Dr. Omeish the opportunity to be the same role model for Virginians for which he has already been awarded by his medical peers at Alexandria Hospital. Help Dr. Omeish to give excellence in healthcare to all Virginians.
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I realize that Virginians are facing the toughest economic times since The Great Depression. Because the nation's economic downturn has taken it's toll on Virginia's workers, I support President Barack Obama's recently passed Stimulus Package (Congress' American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). I support it because it provides Virginians with $4 billion to improve it's state infrastructure while it puts more Virginians back to work. The bill also allows for $125 million in assistance to extend insurance benefits and provide retraining assistance to unemployed Virginians. Given the opportunity to serve Virginia as the 35th District Delegate, I would not elect to send the Stimulus funds back to Washington. Instead I would support Gov. Tim Kaine's statement that an additional $4.50 per worker annually is manageable for Virginia's employers.This is particularly true since the additional $4.50 per worker would only be paid for those Virginians still unemployed 2 years after the Stimulus funds have taken their effect on Virginia's economy. This is a relatively small price to pay to avoid a worsening middle class economic meltdown that would otherwise translate into more suffering for our Virginia neighbors across the board. I would instead seek to provide immediate relief for unemployed Virginian workers to help them manage their financial affairs during what is the worst economic crisis they have suffered since The Great Depression.Looking ahead, I see Virginia's 35th District as a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community with much untapped economic potential. I would seek to help generate more "green" jobs to lead Virginia towards a renewable energy economy while we respect and protect Virginia's natural beauty and environment. I would also seek to invest more funds for providing greater internet access to further develop Virginia's electronic infrastructure. Additionally, I would support more research and development funding for Virginia's universities. This would encourage a Virginia economy based on "the best and the brightest" it has to offer it's citizens. Expanded funding for small business and entrepreneurship programs will also help Virginia continue as a national leader in job innovation.With your help, I will be able to help Virginia's citizens heal their economy as I represent it's 35th Delegate District. I will work to have Virginia's General Assembly consider policies that will encourage even greater opportunities and prosperity for Virginia's businesses and workers as we strive for a complete and full economic recovery. Help me be Virginia's next 35th District DelegateTo GET INVOLVED! To Contribute
Together, we can!Esam
When I came to the United States as an ESL student, I chose to apply myself academically in order to meet my personal goals in life. I realized that to make my dreams of being both a doctor and a public servant in America come true, I would need to work extra hard to learn English as well as all other required high school subjects. Despite the great language challenges that I faced, I was able to excel at school. I graduated from Fairfax County's J.E.B. Stuart High with honors and a perfect 4.0 grade point average.I have appreciated from an early age the opportunities that hard work combined with a quality education can provide to anyone living in America. I pursued my education with a double major in Biology and Government at Georgetown University, making the Dean's List each year. I then completed my schooling at The Georgetown School of Medicine. With the support of my nearby parents and siblings, I was proud to become the first doctor ever in the Omeish family.I am now raising the next Omeish generation as students of the same Fairfax County public school system that I attended. As the beneficiary of a system nurturing academic excellence, I would like my children to have the same quality education I was fortunate enough to have available growing up. I will work hard to preserve the same high standard of education I benefited from as a Fairfax County student for my own children as well as for all of the students of Virginia.With your help, I would like to represent Virginia's citizens on education issues as Virginia's 35th District Delegate. I will work to have Virginia's General Assembly consider policies that will encourage even greater opportunities for our next generation of students. I know that the brightest future possible for Virginians will only be through a Virginia education system that provides our youth with a solid foundation critical for it's success.
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Today, as Virginians and residents of the 35th District celebrate Earth Day, it’s a great opportunity to take this time and reflect where we are and where we are going in terms of responsible, renewable green energy that both protects our environment and provides jobs for the Commonwealth. As we look to the future of our families, community and Commonwealth, we can all agree that strengthening Virginia’s economy, protecting our precious natural resources and building an exciting, renewable energy future will be the key to ensuring a healthier community in which to live and work. The future of our environment is an issue which transcends politics. However, as delegate it would be my responsibility to fight for policies which protect our environment, strengthen our economy and compliments the efforts people make on a daily basis to make Virginia a better place. According to a recent poll, 76% of Virginians think that global warming is real and will adversely affect our environment. Capitalizing on alternative energy sources and investing in smart, green technology that taps into local talents and resources will help ensure Virginia becomes and remains a leader in the stewardship for a better community for us all.
The campaign could use your help so please sign up today to volunteer! Any amount of time will help us reach our goal. After all, TOGETHER WE CAN!
Esam
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Special political guests who came to congratulate Dr. Esam Omeish included Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Bulova, State Senator of VA 39th District George Barker, Drainesville District Board of Supervisors John Foust, and Maryland State Delegate Saqib Ali.
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