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Cambodian Americans in Massachusetts have been asserting themselves for some time. In 1998, Chanrithy Uong became the first Cambodian American elected official after winning a seat on the city council of Lowell, Massuchusetts.
Now comes word that Sam Meas is running for Congress against Democratic incumbent Niki Tsongas in MA-05.. Here's a bit of his bio from his website:
Sam (Sambo) Meas was born in Cambodia, Kandal Province, sometime between 1970 and 1972. As a result of the civil war and the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge that drove Cambodia back into the Stone Age, all institutions and birth and death records were destroyed. The United States Immigration and Naturalization record lists December 31, 1972, as his official date of birth, but Sam could actually be two years younger or older.
In 1983, Sam and his oldest cousin escaped the war zone along the Cambodia-Thai border and made their way to Kao I Dang refugee camp inside Thailand. After several months of living in the camp, Sam’s cousin left Sam in the camp alone, went back to Cambodia, and never returned.
I found it strange that the first thing listed on his bio was his U.S. Citizenship.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Date: 12/31/1972*
Marital Status: Married, two daughters
Residency: Haverhill, Massachusetts 01835
Do non-Asian American candidates or immigrants all have to mention that, too? Strange.
Anyway, Sam seems on the conservative side. Let's hope that Cambodian American community comes up with more progressive candidates.
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| User | Points |
|---|---|
| curtis | 1928 |
| ebeh | 1161 |
| Madhuri | 1145 |
| erinjerri | 1074 |
| spamfriedrice | 551 |
| oliveoil | 457 |
| Calvin Prashad | 358 |
| JennyG | 281 |
| jenn | 219 |
| chriswong | 155 |
It is just about time to have Cambodian American run for U.S. congress. I wish him all the luck. He will get my vote in 2010.
Cambodian American has the largest population in U.S.A. but we don't have any representative in U.S. congress.
I hope you don't simply vote for him because he's Cambodian American. Yes, you want your community represented, but you want GOOD representation. Check out his positions before you vote.
Finally! A Cambodian American Republican--and from Massachusetts--exists! As a fellow Cambodian conservative, I'm very proud of you, Mr. Sam Meas. I wish you success in the up coming election. May you kick those liberal butts in Masschusetts.
Tsongas has got to go. More government is NOT the answer, people Mr. Meas would be a step in the right direction, especially if we're interested in GOOD representation and fiscal constraint.
Leftist/Liberal policies don't empower people, they just make people dependant on government.
I'm Cambodian and i'm proud of this but...i hope u guys dont just vote for him JUST CAUSE he's Cambodian.
To Garrett: Mr. Meas is a Republican. Thefore, most likely he's supporting limited government and fiscal constraint. You're just confused, that's ok.
I also found it interesting that the first thing he listed was his U.S. citizenship. I don't think non Asian American canadiates or immigrants need to list their citizenship. Kinda seems as if he's insecured that people don't think he's not an American in the first place. It's better to say that he's a proud American etc etc.
Not very many people who have great ideas run for Congress. I am very impressed that someone of his nature and background is willing to step up and run for Congress and most likely spreading new ideas-albeit, you may not think they are good ideas, or bad.
I hope you're not kidding! Voting for someone because of their ethnic background shouldn't be THE main reason why you're voting! That's just ... well...stupid! I am a proud 'Khmerican,' but I wish to see that more people look at the issues instead of the ethnicity of the person running. I am not a usual supporter of Republicans, and based on his stances, I'm not too sure about him. He talks a lot about Cambodia and small government here in the US, but I want to know MORE about other issues. Plus, let's get more Khmer Democrats on this political train! It's so rare, but I only want good representation for our community. Let's not go conservative. It'll hurt us more.
Sorry, typo, I meant: "I hope you're kidding!" LOL
Nah, you're confused. You should REALLY get to know your fellow Cambodians. Most are NOT Republicans, so I don't think Mr. Sam Meas would be the right candidate. He's going backwards. We need someone to go forwards! Progressive candidates, where are you?
As for the comments about small vs big government, I'm sure we all here in the US want some sort of control of our properties and things! This whole shannigan about Democrats being dependent on government is taken out of proportion. Cool it, Rush Limbaugh! There are people who like less government intervention but still keep SOME federal interventions as it sees fit! My friends, be smart. Don't fall for conservatisms of some crazy chick up here! :P
We can only hope that Sam is on the conservative side and as for questioning why his citizenship was mentioned first.. maybe because our current President has still not released his birth certificate therefore confirming his citizenship.
If you went to any townhall meetings you would have had a first hand view of what Tsongas is all about. Unfortunately had her name been Smith, she would never have been elected to this position in the first place..
She has to go.... good luck Sam
I`m very proud of you Mr sam
The way of the Founding fathers is new. It is forward. The way of progressives is backwards. It leads to Government bondage. THe progressive way of government is as old as government itself. What is so wrong with anyone can be rich? What is wrong with wealth creation? What is wrong with being self sufficent? Why do the INdians living on reservations in the USA say don't get sick after June?
I heard Sam Meas on Michelle McPhee's radio show and was very impressed. He is what we need in place of Niki Tsongas in Congress.
Jack Everette - Haverhill
I met Sam today, at a Dunkin Donuts, in Lowell, had no idea who he was, but we ended up chatting while we were waiting for coffee. He seemed like a very nice intelligent man, we had a brief conversation about the fact he was on his way to an old age home, to see the elderly. I consider myself a good judge of character, and if I lived in that district I would vote for him. After reading about his backround, I am impressed, alot of people would have turned out differently, having their life start off the way his did. Good Luck Sam !
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