For all the cynics, contacting your representative WORKS!

In an interview published last Monday, US Congressman Henry A. Waxman (D-CA30), whose district boasts a very large number of Iranian Americans, stated that he’s getting “mixed messages” from our community on how to deal with the Iran situation, but recent polling has shown that on the whole there is very minimal support for military action in the Iranian American community.

It is important for our community to recognize the power it does have in changing and influencing the opinions of their members of Congress. This interview is just the latest clear example that they are listening to us and making judgements, in part, based on our opinions.

The Challenge of Universal Human Rights

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ten years after its enactment, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at the United Nations, saying:

Where do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.  In the world of the individual person: the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.

Day 1 with NIAC

One of the great aspects of America is that we have many different cultures and identities living together in relative harmony. As a democracy, the American political institution functions best when citizens participate. The Iranian-American community may be small, but as an important minority it is our duty as US citizens to engage in American civic life. Unfortunately, the Iranian community is largely politically inactive, but non-partisan organizations like NIAC have sought to encourage the community to engage in American civic life to a greater extent.

NIAC launches new logo, amended mission statement to reflect growth

Washington DC - Today, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) launched its new logo and amended mission statement, reflecting the organization’s growth and increased reach.

Since its inception in 2002, NIAC has grown to become the largest grassroots Iranian-American organization in the United States. NIAC’s influence transcends the beltway to affect Iranian Americans all over the US.

NIAC was first formed to enhance Iranian-American participation in American civic life. This original model has been wildly successful. Iranian Americans of all political convictions have used the knowledge and skills they obtained through NIAC and other Iranian-American organizations to meet with their lawmakers, send letters to decision makers, communicate with the media, volunteer with different organizations, and become involved in local politics.

“Google Bombing” a Unique Strategy to Voice Opinion

In an attempt to ensure that all opinions are voiced, Google Inc. has unintentionally taken up the cause of two of the least savory characters in the Middle East. By inaccurately using the moniker of “Arabian Gulf” as an alternative name for what has historically been known as the “Persian Gulf,” the Google Earth application is promoting the same geographically inaccurate term that was first used by the likes of Egyptian General Gamal Nasser and former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Pan-Arab movement of the 1960s.

Voting in Special Elections

April 8^th marks a phenomenal opportunity for Iranian Americans to affect policy through the ballot-box. In light of the recent passing of Tom Lantos (D-CA), the 12^th Congressional District in Northern California will hold a special election to determine his replacement. Special elections are held when a Congressional seat is vacated in the middle of a term.  A few recent examples indicate that Iranian Americans can heavily influence the outcome of the CA-12 Special election.