"When will Turkish-Americans run for political office in the US?
HEYECAN VEZİROĞLU
‘Determination is the fuel to keep going ahead in spite of all obstacles or discouragement’
I feel within me a void which cannot be filled easily; there isn’t any Turkish-American individual in the United States Congress. What does it feel like to be a minority in a large, crowded political arena in the States? As you can imagine, this is a sensitive subject. How could we awaken the Turkish-American spirit? First of all, we should have an innovative leadership team; I mean a strategist, a good communicator, and friendly media contacts. I consider innovation as an important trait of leadership; effective leaders make motivational speeches and inspire others to action. Always aim for a long-term networking. This team has to educate, register, and mobilize voters. Citizen participation must be stimulated in policy formulation. A project of this scope requires considerable team planning, effort and recruitment of volunteers. Increased attention and visits to U.S. Congress staff and Presidential offices will help to improve its connection with the local community. The Turkish-American Associations, with a reflection of the spirit of the Turkish-Americans and their intellectual vibrancy, has organizational features of Turkish society and social activities. Dear Turkish-American friends, please do not keep out of federal, state or local politics! You can make a stronger connection with today’s diverse voters and audiences. Press members could be urged to give careful consideration not only to the qualifications of each candidate but to their diverse backgrounds as well. You could be great negotiators and problem solvers if you are given a chance to get elected to the U.S. Congress. You can work hard to prevent the anti-Americanism which is growing in the last decade in the Middle East and develop sound projects to prevent xenophobia in Europe. As we are concerned with the Middle East, this is of vital importance. We see many Europeans of Turkish origin as members of Parliaments, especially in the German Parliament, in the European Continent."
More:When will Turkish-Americans run for political office in the US? - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review
