Sam Meas (Photo: http://www.sammeasforcongress.com)Opinion by P. from Long Beach
Long Beach, Monday, January 18, 2010
Dear Mr. Sam Meas,
I was somewhat taken aback by the letter you sent to Mr. Baphuon (see below) regarding your attendance of the 07 January party hosted by the CPP in Lowell on January 10, 2010, which was posted on the public bulletin board Camdisc. Lest you misunderstand what I am about to say below, I would like to preempt beforehand that I am very proud to see you presenting your candidacy to the US Congress. In my humble opinion, this void has been left vacant for far too long and I am very elated to read about your candidacy in the news, irrespective of your political affiliation with any major US parties.
That being said, I have nothing much to say about you attending or not attending the 07 January party, in spite of the fact that I have always marked this event as being another decade of Khmer slavery to Big Brother Vietnam, nor do I have any comment on whether you feel happy or sad about this event for this is our personal choice and our personal life experience prevails here.
On the other hand, I was quite amused to read your statement: “My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of homeland politic. I need the votes from all Khmers regardless of their political affiliation. I need to appeal to every Khmer to unite as one singular voice.”. It just occurs to me that you are after all a political candidate, are you not? If indeed you are, politicking is the realm of politicians, is it not? If all the above is true, why should a politician display his dirty laundry in public? That’s what puzzle me and tickle me to the extreme. It is, as if an adventurer walking into a red lantern district, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a rather aged prostitute would pop up in front of him and tell him that he should spend some time with her because she is still a virgin. I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with the lady advertising herself as such because she needs to make a living, but should the adventurer fall for it, then I would highly question his judgment, wouldn’t you? From this hypothetical case, shall we make a parallel to your statement? Are we suppose to believe that your supporters to be so naïve? I do not think so, but, I could be wrong here as well.
As I learn about the US history and live my American life, I was/am really amazed to see how free spirited the Americans are: starting from their revolution against the British, the Boston tea party to Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery, to John F. Kennedy telling the Soviet Union: “Ich bin ein Berliner”, to Martin Luther King delivering his “I have a dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, to Ronald Reagan telling Gorbachev at the Berlin Wall: “Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”, to Obama stating in his inauguration speech: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” The US is a great nation because its people are willing to stand up for the cause they believe and they are willing to speak up their mind openly. Should Ronald Reagan cower in front of the Soviet Union, the latter would have never collapsed, and consequently, Vietnam would have never pulled out of Cambodia in the 90s.
I will be the first to admit that the US is far from being perfect, I still have dark memories from the day when the US decided to drop Cambodia and leave our fate in the hands of the Khmer Rouge. I still shiver when I see the George W. Bush administration cozying up to Mr. Hun Sen’s regime, in the name of fighting terrorism. I still shake my head when, in the name of influence peddling against with China, the Obama administration would waver on the statement he delivered at his inauguration about those “who cling to power” in Cambodia more specifically. But, in general, in my mind, the US was and still remains the flag bearer for and the champion of democracy in the world, and this is what I like most about this country.
From my limited observations of political life in the US, even US Congressmen and Congresswomen, US Senators, politicians from all creeds are willing to stand up and champion causes that promote democracy worldwide. The recent bi-partisan hearing held by the US Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on “human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia” is a vibrant example of such deed. To my knowledge, and I may be wrong here, the US Congress was the only institution in the world to hold such hearing while others, such as French President Nicolas Sarcozy, were busy cozying up to Cambodia’s ruler – a former Khmer Rouge commander none the least – by inviting him and his wife to stand on their national podium to celebrate their national holiday, all for the sake of oil and financial interest.
Therefore, Mr. Meas, I would entreat you to please uphold your righteousness. You have chosen the path of a politician and, through this very choice, you have charted your own path by choosing a political affiliation, and you can no longer please everybody at all time. Per your statement, you have admitted that you have already stepped on several toes, but, to me, that is normal, that is the way of life of a politician. However, your wavering on “on all matters of homeland politic” in Cambodia is a disservice to all your Cambodian-American supporters. Simply put, you just cannot have a cake and eat it too! Otherwise, I would have to ask myself whether the US has turned into “the land of the free and home of the brave … neutral politicians and virgin prostitutes”.
Furthermore, as an elected US Congressman, you will be called to make hard decision on US international policy, will you be able tell your constituents: "My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of your country's politic simply because I need your vote and I know for sure that some of you support or reject this US policy that could affect your country"? That is the question only you can answer, and answer quickly you must!
I sincerely hope that you would not view my opinion as a personal attack on you, because I do really admire you, even if I do not know personally, and I would really like to see a righteous and strong-minded character Cambodian-American politician to represent us, as well as other US citizens, in Washington.
I wish you success in your pursuit of your dream to Congress. I would sincerely hope to be able to shake your hand in front of the Congress building one day.
With my humble respect and utmost admiration,
P. from Long Beach
-------
The following is the content of Mr. Sam Meas’ email for Mr. Baphuon:
From: sam@sammeasforcongress.com
To: baphuon@aol.com
Sent: Mon, Jan 18, 2010 7:27 am
Subject: Sam's statement
Lok Pou:
I did attended the party hosted by CPP in Lowell on January 10, 2010. I did consult with Ratha regarding the invitation to this party. We agreed that I should attend the party for the following reasons:
1) There will be a lot of potential Khmer people attending the party - potential voters for me - a good place to advise my message and candidacy.
2) I am running for US Congress with potentially two other candidates for the Republican nomination. I need all the Asian votes from all over South Asia (Khmer, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand) all American votes. My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of homeland politic. I need the votes from all Khmers regardless of their political affiliation. I need to appeal to every Khmer to unite as one singular voice.
3) As a guest and a candidate, I must not speak ill of anyone
4) I must not take a position to support or against any party or anyone
There, I was interviewed by the so called Khmer World News and Soy Sopeak group. I was asked about my feeling regarding January 7. I told them that was happy I escaped death on that day. But in no under certain term, stated or implied, I support the CPP party. But the reporter twisted my word while reporting the event and my interview to insinuate that I support the CPP party and the policy of Mr. Hun Sen. This is False!
There is a group in MA has been pressuring me to publicly denounce Hen Sen and the CPP and to declare my affiliation with one political group in Cambodia for their own political gain. This group is shorted sighted in their political outlook. They are malicious in their attack on my candidacy. They are jealous of my candidacy. They even advised me against me running for US Congress. They are all Democrats and long time supporters of my political opponent. Since my announcement, they have not raised a single penny for my campaign. Never once come to any of my meeting or register one single new voter for me ( a few came to my fundraising event in August). Instead they organize campaign events for the Democrats and for my opponent as recently as this past Saturday.
This past Saturday event that they organized was not well-publicized to the public. Only few people know about it. On the contrary, over this past weekend, Ratha, Vannak, Somoel and I registered ONE HUNDRED new Khmer voters.
They are afraid of my political success as it will marginalize them and their material benefit as a result of their alignment with the Democratic party. They anointed themselves as the Khmer community leaders but have not done much to advance the interest of Khmers in Lowell. Under their so called leadership, instead of progressing, Khmer community in Lowell is regressing. This past Nov 2009 city council election in Lowell, of the 19 candidates not one was Khmer. Their focus and priority are in the wrong place!
Now they are spreading vicious rumors and falsehood about me. They are tearing me down because I refused to be politically & philosophically aligned with them. I remained independent in my philosophy and vision for our community. I was born as Kuon Khmer. And I will die as Kuon Khmer. It is psychologically and emotionally excruciatingly painful to see my people and my Srok Khmer are so destitute and so fractured in every way. We Khmers deserve better!
One of the reasons that I decided to run for office is the election of Joseph Cao, a Vietnamese American in Louisiana, to Congress in 2008. I told myself I MUST stand up to defend the Khmer people interest, honor and dignity in America. We Khmers are just equal a citizen as any ethnic group. I believe that in order for me to help Srok Khmer, I must help build a strong foundation of Khmer community in America. With my name, Sam Meas, on ballot box of a major political party in the US, We Khmers Win regardless of the election result.
But I want to win and I can win in 2010! The political momentum and the timing is right for my candidacy in 2010! We Khmer, together, will make history!
As you are aware, I am represent roughly around 650,000 people, a typical size of a Congressional District, with diverse ethnic backgrounds and interest. I am running to represent them, Americans. I will continue to be friendly to everyone and anyone from all walk of life. I will continue to reach out, appeal attend any meeting, when invited, of any group with any political so that I can get message out..that's including reporters from Cambodia, Vietnam or Lao. But I will not make specific statement or comment about any political issue, for or against, a political party. But I will continue to speak out against oppression and for justice and human rights.
I thank you for your support and ask you to dispel any rumor about me. Let's focus on getting me elected so that we can advance our Khmer interest here in the USA.
Strength in Unity~
Sam Meas
Republican Candidate for US Congress
Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District
Committee To Elect Sam Meas
P.O. Box 1323
Haverhill, MA 01831
(978) 482-0752
www.sammeasforcongress.com
Dear Mr. Sam Meas,
I was somewhat taken aback by the letter you sent to Mr. Baphuon (see below) regarding your attendance of the 07 January party hosted by the CPP in Lowell on January 10, 2010, which was posted on the public bulletin board Camdisc. Lest you misunderstand what I am about to say below, I would like to preempt beforehand that I am very proud to see you presenting your candidacy to the US Congress. In my humble opinion, this void has been left vacant for far too long and I am very elated to read about your candidacy in the news, irrespective of your political affiliation with any major US parties.
That being said, I have nothing much to say about you attending or not attending the 07 January party, in spite of the fact that I have always marked this event as being another decade of Khmer slavery to Big Brother Vietnam, nor do I have any comment on whether you feel happy or sad about this event for this is our personal choice and our personal life experience prevails here.
On the other hand, I was quite amused to read your statement: “My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of homeland politic. I need the votes from all Khmers regardless of their political affiliation. I need to appeal to every Khmer to unite as one singular voice.”. It just occurs to me that you are after all a political candidate, are you not? If indeed you are, politicking is the realm of politicians, is it not? If all the above is true, why should a politician display his dirty laundry in public? That’s what puzzle me and tickle me to the extreme. It is, as if an adventurer walking into a red lantern district, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a rather aged prostitute would pop up in front of him and tell him that he should spend some time with her because she is still a virgin. I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with the lady advertising herself as such because she needs to make a living, but should the adventurer fall for it, then I would highly question his judgment, wouldn’t you? From this hypothetical case, shall we make a parallel to your statement? Are we suppose to believe that your supporters to be so naïve? I do not think so, but, I could be wrong here as well.
As I learn about the US history and live my American life, I was/am really amazed to see how free spirited the Americans are: starting from their revolution against the British, the Boston tea party to Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery, to John F. Kennedy telling the Soviet Union: “Ich bin ein Berliner”, to Martin Luther King delivering his “I have a dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, to Ronald Reagan telling Gorbachev at the Berlin Wall: “Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”, to Obama stating in his inauguration speech: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” The US is a great nation because its people are willing to stand up for the cause they believe and they are willing to speak up their mind openly. Should Ronald Reagan cower in front of the Soviet Union, the latter would have never collapsed, and consequently, Vietnam would have never pulled out of Cambodia in the 90s.
I will be the first to admit that the US is far from being perfect, I still have dark memories from the day when the US decided to drop Cambodia and leave our fate in the hands of the Khmer Rouge. I still shiver when I see the George W. Bush administration cozying up to Mr. Hun Sen’s regime, in the name of fighting terrorism. I still shake my head when, in the name of influence peddling against with China, the Obama administration would waver on the statement he delivered at his inauguration about those “who cling to power” in Cambodia more specifically. But, in general, in my mind, the US was and still remains the flag bearer for and the champion of democracy in the world, and this is what I like most about this country.
From my limited observations of political life in the US, even US Congressmen and Congresswomen, US Senators, politicians from all creeds are willing to stand up and champion causes that promote democracy worldwide. The recent bi-partisan hearing held by the US Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on “human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia” is a vibrant example of such deed. To my knowledge, and I may be wrong here, the US Congress was the only institution in the world to hold such hearing while others, such as French President Nicolas Sarcozy, were busy cozying up to Cambodia’s ruler – a former Khmer Rouge commander none the least – by inviting him and his wife to stand on their national podium to celebrate their national holiday, all for the sake of oil and financial interest.
Therefore, Mr. Meas, I would entreat you to please uphold your righteousness. You have chosen the path of a politician and, through this very choice, you have charted your own path by choosing a political affiliation, and you can no longer please everybody at all time. Per your statement, you have admitted that you have already stepped on several toes, but, to me, that is normal, that is the way of life of a politician. However, your wavering on “on all matters of homeland politic” in Cambodia is a disservice to all your Cambodian-American supporters. Simply put, you just cannot have a cake and eat it too! Otherwise, I would have to ask myself whether the US has turned into “the land of the free and home of the brave … neutral politicians and virgin prostitutes”.
Furthermore, as an elected US Congressman, you will be called to make hard decision on US international policy, will you be able tell your constituents: "My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of your country's politic simply because I need your vote and I know for sure that some of you support or reject this US policy that could affect your country"? That is the question only you can answer, and answer quickly you must!
I sincerely hope that you would not view my opinion as a personal attack on you, because I do really admire you, even if I do not know personally, and I would really like to see a righteous and strong-minded character Cambodian-American politician to represent us, as well as other US citizens, in Washington.
I wish you success in your pursuit of your dream to Congress. I would sincerely hope to be able to shake your hand in front of the Congress building one day.
With my humble respect and utmost admiration,
P. from Long Beach
-------
The following is the content of Mr. Sam Meas’ email for Mr. Baphuon:
From: sam@sammeasforcongress.com
To: baphuon@aol.com
Sent: Mon, Jan 18, 2010 7:27 am
Subject: Sam's statement
Lok Pou:
I did attended the party hosted by CPP in Lowell on January 10, 2010. I did consult with Ratha regarding the invitation to this party. We agreed that I should attend the party for the following reasons:
1) There will be a lot of potential Khmer people attending the party - potential voters for me - a good place to advise my message and candidacy.
2) I am running for US Congress with potentially two other candidates for the Republican nomination. I need all the Asian votes from all over South Asia (Khmer, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand) all American votes. My position as well as statement must remain neutral on all matters of homeland politic. I need the votes from all Khmers regardless of their political affiliation. I need to appeal to every Khmer to unite as one singular voice.
3) As a guest and a candidate, I must not speak ill of anyone
4) I must not take a position to support or against any party or anyone
There, I was interviewed by the so called Khmer World News and Soy Sopeak group. I was asked about my feeling regarding January 7. I told them that was happy I escaped death on that day. But in no under certain term, stated or implied, I support the CPP party. But the reporter twisted my word while reporting the event and my interview to insinuate that I support the CPP party and the policy of Mr. Hun Sen. This is False!
There is a group in MA has been pressuring me to publicly denounce Hen Sen and the CPP and to declare my affiliation with one political group in Cambodia for their own political gain. This group is shorted sighted in their political outlook. They are malicious in their attack on my candidacy. They are jealous of my candidacy. They even advised me against me running for US Congress. They are all Democrats and long time supporters of my political opponent. Since my announcement, they have not raised a single penny for my campaign. Never once come to any of my meeting or register one single new voter for me ( a few came to my fundraising event in August). Instead they organize campaign events for the Democrats and for my opponent as recently as this past Saturday.
This past Saturday event that they organized was not well-publicized to the public. Only few people know about it. On the contrary, over this past weekend, Ratha, Vannak, Somoel and I registered ONE HUNDRED new Khmer voters.
They are afraid of my political success as it will marginalize them and their material benefit as a result of their alignment with the Democratic party. They anointed themselves as the Khmer community leaders but have not done much to advance the interest of Khmers in Lowell. Under their so called leadership, instead of progressing, Khmer community in Lowell is regressing. This past Nov 2009 city council election in Lowell, of the 19 candidates not one was Khmer. Their focus and priority are in the wrong place!
Now they are spreading vicious rumors and falsehood about me. They are tearing me down because I refused to be politically & philosophically aligned with them. I remained independent in my philosophy and vision for our community. I was born as Kuon Khmer. And I will die as Kuon Khmer. It is psychologically and emotionally excruciatingly painful to see my people and my Srok Khmer are so destitute and so fractured in every way. We Khmers deserve better!
One of the reasons that I decided to run for office is the election of Joseph Cao, a Vietnamese American in Louisiana, to Congress in 2008. I told myself I MUST stand up to defend the Khmer people interest, honor and dignity in America. We Khmers are just equal a citizen as any ethnic group. I believe that in order for me to help Srok Khmer, I must help build a strong foundation of Khmer community in America. With my name, Sam Meas, on ballot box of a major political party in the US, We Khmers Win regardless of the election result.
But I want to win and I can win in 2010! The political momentum and the timing is right for my candidacy in 2010! We Khmer, together, will make history!
As you are aware, I am represent roughly around 650,000 people, a typical size of a Congressional District, with diverse ethnic backgrounds and interest. I am running to represent them, Americans. I will continue to be friendly to everyone and anyone from all walk of life. I will continue to reach out, appeal attend any meeting, when invited, of any group with any political so that I can get message out..that's including reporters from Cambodia, Vietnam or Lao. But I will not make specific statement or comment about any political issue, for or against, a political party. But I will continue to speak out against oppression and for justice and human rights.
I thank you for your support and ask you to dispel any rumor about me. Let's focus on getting me elected so that we can advance our Khmer interest here in the USA.
Strength in Unity~
Sam Meas
Republican Candidate for US Congress
Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District
Committee To Elect Sam Meas
P.O. Box 1323
Haverhill, MA 01831
(978) 482-0752
www.sammeasforcongress.com
17 comments:
I just wonder why this P. wants to remain anonymous. After all he is writing to a candidate for U. S. congress. Or did KI-Media keep him anonymous?
But what he and some other US-Khmer don't seem to understand is that there is U. S. politics and there is Cambodian politics. If roughly 200,000 Cambodians in the U. S. the majority of whom is apolitical to begin with) hope to influence U. S. policy towards Cambodia they are very much mistaken. They are no Cubans, or other Hispanics. So in that sense, influence Cambodian politics where it counts: in Cambodia. Everything else is pathetic.
People are fairly divided as good and evil. He, like Sam Meas, who takes side or advocate the evil, will get their votes. I, as a Khmer-US citizen, won't waste my vote for you and you won't lose because only one person, me, don't vote for you.
all the best..sam meas!!!!!
we should be united as one, khmer&cambodian!!!!
I wish every single Cambodian man and woman living in foreign country dare to stand once for their lifetime for contesting their National election so that they can experience their political experience in their host country.
Areak Prey
5:53
I hope that email would explain you something. i too do not support evils in our society. i share your goal but still i think we should put house together...
we should keep our house together.
By attending the 07 January event is a silence supporting of the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia and the CPP it installed since then.
Your reasoning of attending the event is not clever. You said you are looking for a support from all asian so on and so fort, but you are mentioning of attack the cambodian democrate party. If this is not hypocrite, I don't know what is hypocrite mean to you Mr. Sam Meas.
I believe you if you are not speaking against another group of Khmer.
You are Youn admirer. You view 07 Jan as a liberator not an occupier.
Had not the international and the khmer resistance fighters along the border, and the fall of the Soviet Union, Youn is still occupying Srok Khmer.
Why did you leave Srok Khmer and turn around to support the Government who was installed by Youn!
Based on Mr. Sam Meas' professional background, I think he still lacks political experience. Not sure if he is ready for politics. Being a politician you cannot be neutral. As Mr. Bush said "You are either with US or you are with the Axis of Evils!". Politician needs convey his/her core values: Tax cuts, fight poverty, protect domestic jobs, transparency, believe in human righs for all, etc. You cannot tell people that you are neural to every thing!!!or the same as to say to people "oh I don't know yet..I'll tell you when I get elected!"
As Koun Khmer, I still wish Mr. Sam Meas great success!!!And represent Khmer well!!!
Khmer Angkor.
When you can't make clear decision by staying neural, you will be attacked by the left and right.
especially the 7 Jan. invader!
Dear Mr. Sam Meas,
When dealing with Khmer with a chip on their shoulders...ask question...what can you do for my campaign...? Yes, I heard your issues...and gripes, but can you write my campaign a check...say in the amount of $2500 per person.
Once you get this check...tell them, when I am elected, we will deal with their issues by...calling them up for a meeting in your office at the capitol, and express the most sincerest thanks... and go visit Cambodia and site seeing....
What a pity that Cambodian-American are so divided and so naive.
To Sam Mease,
Stand up with what you believe, and thanks to those who oppose you because those oppose you it can reflic your wisdom and advance you.
Those oppose you are the tests to see how strong you stand with what you run for.
I'm on Democratic party, but I vote you.
Sincerely,
Red-Ant.
sam meas won't be elected as long as you don't know what direction he should choose. being on western lifestyle or choosing a dicatature like hunsen by using a word as neutral. why u just don;t let khmer in USA know : u'r supporting hunsen's governement, so that 's way we have an idea, becuz we support any khmer for a congress but however not a hunsen's governemnt. becuz we khmer are clear we 'r not supporting vietnamisation in cambodia.
Mr. Sam Meas. I don't think you really have a clue of how to a be politician.
As Khmer, I really admire and praise for you as a khmer entering in an american politic, but I don't think you will be successful.
You need a 101 poly sci class.
Sounds really smart there 6:22 AM, real smart...
Maybe it's time for KI-Media to close comment to Anonymous...
that was a poorly written article. i stopped after the example about an old prostitute. it seemed out of place to be comparing meas' silence on some issues with an old woman wanting to prostitute herself. the poor spelling and grammar didn't help either.
and if sam meas wants my vote or anyone else's vote, he's going to have to do a lot more than just appealing to the fact that we're both cambodian, because simply supporting someone just because you're of the same ethnicity? i mean...that doesn't sound very smart at all.
know who the candidate is and what issues they REALLY stand for before you go to the ballot.
Hi There,
I found your comment very pleasurably entertained such "why should a politician display his dirty laundry in public? ", and "aged prostitute would pop up in front of him and tell him that he should spend some time with her because she is still a virgin."
It is rather contadicting with your hypothetical approach..."Aged prostitute and still virgin?." Anyhow, that is your wonder!
The politicians in general are not shy away from publically displaying their dirity laundries and/or any difference from "Aged prostitute and still virgin." That was why, Sam Meas was there at the Jan. 07, 10 in Lowell, MA. hoping to collect a handful of votes from Lowell Khmer-American without realizing that many of them are non-registered. The bottom line, are because they are Khmers.
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