Sam Meas and his daughters, Monique and Sydney. (Courtesy of Sam Meas)August 13, 2010
By Staff Writer
Sampan (New England, USA)
Born under the Khmer Rouge regime as an orphan, Sam Meas does not know which year he was born, since the all the birth records were destroyed by the regime. But he knows he should be somewhere between 37 and 40 years old. He grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand was later adopted by an American when he was a teenager. Despite his tough childhood, Meas, a Haverhill resident, has big dreams. For one, he is running as a Congress candidate in the Republican primary in November, representing the Fifth District. Meas opens up to the Sampan at his past, present and future.
Sampan: First, tell us about yourself.
Meas: I decided several years ago to settle in MA and to raise my family in the 5th District. I first came to the United States as an orphan immigrant via a refugee camp inside Thailand called Kao-I-Dang by way of Catholics Charities of Richmond, Virginia in 1986. I was adopted by a single parent who provided me with unconditional love and affection.
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 1996. Upon graduation, I moved to New England, and I’ve been settled here ever since. I was a Principal with State Street Global Advisors prior to my resignation in April to campaign full time.
I am married to Leah, my beautiful wife, for over eight years. Together, we have two beautiful daughters, Monique and Sydney Suan-Meas. By chance, Monique and Sydney have the same birthday, March 24. They are exactly two years apart.
Spending time with my wife and two daughters are now my primary interests. I like to hike, hunt, fish, golf and visit science museums. As the girls get older, we would like to take them on cross country trips to see America the beautiful! America is such a great country and there is so much to see!
We believe that America is not just like any other country. America is an exceptional country and we are proud to be Americans. We believe in the exceptional spirit of the American people. We have great respect and profound admiration for the “American Dream”. We will protect and defend the United States Constitution so that we can pass on the blessing of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Sampan: When did you come to the United States? Describe your immigrant experience.
Meas: I was born in Cambodia between 1970-1972. I don’t know my own birthday. I lived in a refugee camp inside Thailand for three years. I came to the United States as an orphan immigrant by way of Catholics Charities of Richmond, Virginia in 1986. I was adopted by a single parent who provided me with unconditional love and affection.
Like most immigrants, I initially had difficulty adjusting to life in the United States. I experienced cultural and language barriers just like many other immigrants. The culture shock was overwhelming at first. I survived the genocidal communist regime of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, lived in a refugee camp, and received hardly any formal education. And within a span of about 24 hours, I left hell to come to heaven. Simple things such as my st time using the toilet, taking a shower and sleeping on a bed with sheets and pillows were novelties to me.
But luckily, I came the US when I was young and was able to learn English, by watching a lot of TV – mainly soap operas – and to assimilate to the American culture. I was also very fortunate to be taken in by American families.
I moved to Massachusetts in 1999 after I graduated from Virginia Tech. This is where I met my wife. After four years of long distance dating, my job transferred me to San Francisco and New York. We got engaged and married in June 2002. Massachusetts is my home and where I am proud to work and raise my family I hope that my children, after they graduate from college, will also get married, settle down and raise their family in Massachusetts.
Sampan: How have you been involved with the Asian-American communities in Massachusetts?
Meas: From 2001 until I took a leave of absence in 2008, I was a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit agency called North Suffolk Mental Health Association. A significant number of the agency’s clients are South East Asians. The agency provides an array of services, including but not limited to, early childhood, independent living, and psychological/psychiatric care.
Prior to my decision to run for US Congress, I had very little active political involvement. But I have voted in almost every local, state and federal election. However, for quite sometime now, I have been observing politics from afar.
In the special election in January 2009, my Cambodian team and I organized a voting drive for the Scott Brown Senatorial Campaign. We helped get approximately 800 votes for Scott.
Now that my daughters are older, I am certain that my wife and I will be members of many social clubs. We are very involved with our daughters and our professional lives.
Sampan: What is your professional background? How do you see it play a role in the world of politics and policy-making?
Meas: I learned how to develop a teamwork type of environment to get things done within the financial world:
a. I learned to develop a common sense approach to situations, which is sorely lacking right now in Congress. If we apply the common sense approach, I believe that we can solve most of the complex issues that both our nation and the world are facing. Politics in Washington is too polarized. We must come together, to work together for the good of this country and for our future. I came from nothing to work for something – I have achieved my very own American Dream. I was poor, destitute and starved, so I will not be afraid to stand up and fight for the principles and values on which this great nation of ours was founded upon. I will fight for those who are less fortunate. We need more people like myself in Washington fighting for lower taxes and less bureaucracy. There is too much government waste.
b. My experience as a Principal with State Street Global Advisors gave me the ability to collaborate and motivate others to focus on the task at hands as well as the short term and long term goals.
Sampan: This is your first time running for office. Why did you set Captiol Hill as your first political destination?
Meas: I’m fed up with the way Washington has become out of control. Something has to be done now and this is where I can make a real difference for our community, the 5th District and the state of Massachusetts. The policies being developed and pushed are not good for our families, small business and the future of this country. Something has to be done and I couldn’t sit here and watch my family, friends and our community suffer. Since coming to this country, I have always been interested in the political process and I decided to finally give something back. After giving considerable thought to running for office, family and friends urged me that someone of my background and experience would be perfect for representing the 5th District in Washington. Every day of the last year, while out in the District talking to voters, has confirmed to me that this is the right race for me and that my messages of responsible government, less burden on our families and small business community, immigration and fiscal responsibility are the appropriate ones for this time.
Sampan: Why running as a Republican candidate?
Meas: I’ve been supporting the Republican Party since I came to this country and the Republican Party is closest to the ideology I have developed due to my background. I’ve worked hard to mobilize the Asian community for other Republican candidates in MA – like Scott Brown.
Sampan: Where do you stand on Arizona’s anti-immigrant law and the Immigration Reform?
Meas: I fully support what Gov. Brewer is doing in Arizona. Just like here in Massachusetts, the US government is failing to enforce the current laws on the books. We do need to discuss a comprehensive overhaul of the guest worker program. I do not support amnesty to illegal immigrants who are already here in the US. Everyone who wishes to come to the US must come legally just like I did. Everyone must respect the laws of this country. Giving amnesty to the illegal immigrants who are already here is just like giving a free pass to someone who cuts in line. It is inherently unfair to those who are already waiting in line.
Sampan: How do you plan to garner the support from Asian-American voters?
Meas: I hope they will see that I represent their interests. It is time they have someone to stand by their side and show them that they need to get involved in the American political system. They, like the district, need a stronger voice in Washington– traditionally they haven’t had a voice and I hope to be that voice. But it is also important to remember, I am not just representing the Asian-Americans… I’m here to represent the District and the good of the District. The district hasn’t had solid representation since Niki Tsongas came into office. So it is not just the Asian-Americans who deserve a vote, the whole 5th District deserves a vote.
Sampan: What issues do you plan to take on if elected?
Meas: Economy & Out of control spending: Congress is out of control and must adjust to a new course: I plan to be a vocal opponent of increasing Govt. control in the lives of Americans. There is too much spending, waste, and regulation. It has to be stopped as our debt is unsustainable going forward. Hard working families and small businesses cannot survive under the weight of all this. Access to credit is a must for small businesses, middle class tax cuts, cuts in the federal budget as debt spirals recklessly out of control. How can a business want to hire more employees when the Govt, keeps changing the rules and making it more expensive to operate their businesses? It can’t work that way and it has to be stopped!
Healthcare: I plan to fight to defund the healthcare bill that was passed and try to lead a coalition on repealing it. I do believe there are ways we can help those get the care they need. I just don’t feel the Govt. has all the answers.
National Security / Immigration: I feel these both go hand-in-hand. If we cannot secure our borders, how can we ever know who is coming here to destroy our country? We must secure our borders.
Jobs and Economy: One of the most important things, if not the most important thing, I will do while in Congress will be to fight hard to bring new jobs and economic relief back home to our District. The current unemployment levels are unacceptable and it is burdening our communities, families and, ultimately, our futures. Where Tsongas, Pelosi and Washington have failed have been to raise taxes, tighten available credit to small businesses and bring additional jobs to the workforce. While the budget and debt continue to rise under Congress’s out of control spending habits, the jobless rate continues to rise. I find this unacceptable and we must create jobs immediately.
Sampan: Is there anything you would like to add?
Meas: Yes, I was joined by some very honorable candidates running to represent you in Washington. Over the last few months of hard campaigning, I have traveled the district and talked many voters. I’ve learned a lot from listening to them and learning what they need. I know what this district needs and we’re going to take our message of change and sensible government to Washington to shake things up. I have also been told on many occasions that I am the only candidate who can beat Niki Tsongas. I am the only candidate who can bring in new voters from the Asian community, other immigrant communities and Republicans and Democrats together for common goals to represent this district. It is new candidates, like I, that are the future face of the Republican Party. This will allow this voting block to have a voice in American politics. I am the only candidate who has experience living under a tyrannical socialist government, and knows what it is like to have a government that controls every aspect of one’s life. My life experiences have given me the resolution that I will not back down from doing what is needed to be done. I will not bend or give up when the going gets tough. But it is my fresh ideas and leadership that this district needs. We don’t need professional politicians, who are the same old party establishment candidates, running our government. These are the types of policies and candidates that have contributed to the current mess we are in. We need common sense, real solutions and real representation in Washington that we can count on.
Sampan: First, tell us about yourself.
Meas: I decided several years ago to settle in MA and to raise my family in the 5th District. I first came to the United States as an orphan immigrant via a refugee camp inside Thailand called Kao-I-Dang by way of Catholics Charities of Richmond, Virginia in 1986. I was adopted by a single parent who provided me with unconditional love and affection.
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 1996. Upon graduation, I moved to New England, and I’ve been settled here ever since. I was a Principal with State Street Global Advisors prior to my resignation in April to campaign full time.
I am married to Leah, my beautiful wife, for over eight years. Together, we have two beautiful daughters, Monique and Sydney Suan-Meas. By chance, Monique and Sydney have the same birthday, March 24. They are exactly two years apart.
Spending time with my wife and two daughters are now my primary interests. I like to hike, hunt, fish, golf and visit science museums. As the girls get older, we would like to take them on cross country trips to see America the beautiful! America is such a great country and there is so much to see!
We believe that America is not just like any other country. America is an exceptional country and we are proud to be Americans. We believe in the exceptional spirit of the American people. We have great respect and profound admiration for the “American Dream”. We will protect and defend the United States Constitution so that we can pass on the blessing of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Sampan: When did you come to the United States? Describe your immigrant experience.
Meas: I was born in Cambodia between 1970-1972. I don’t know my own birthday. I lived in a refugee camp inside Thailand for three years. I came to the United States as an orphan immigrant by way of Catholics Charities of Richmond, Virginia in 1986. I was adopted by a single parent who provided me with unconditional love and affection.
Like most immigrants, I initially had difficulty adjusting to life in the United States. I experienced cultural and language barriers just like many other immigrants. The culture shock was overwhelming at first. I survived the genocidal communist regime of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, lived in a refugee camp, and received hardly any formal education. And within a span of about 24 hours, I left hell to come to heaven. Simple things such as my st time using the toilet, taking a shower and sleeping on a bed with sheets and pillows were novelties to me.
But luckily, I came the US when I was young and was able to learn English, by watching a lot of TV – mainly soap operas – and to assimilate to the American culture. I was also very fortunate to be taken in by American families.
I moved to Massachusetts in 1999 after I graduated from Virginia Tech. This is where I met my wife. After four years of long distance dating, my job transferred me to San Francisco and New York. We got engaged and married in June 2002. Massachusetts is my home and where I am proud to work and raise my family I hope that my children, after they graduate from college, will also get married, settle down and raise their family in Massachusetts.
Sampan: How have you been involved with the Asian-American communities in Massachusetts?
Meas: From 2001 until I took a leave of absence in 2008, I was a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit agency called North Suffolk Mental Health Association. A significant number of the agency’s clients are South East Asians. The agency provides an array of services, including but not limited to, early childhood, independent living, and psychological/psychiatric care.
Prior to my decision to run for US Congress, I had very little active political involvement. But I have voted in almost every local, state and federal election. However, for quite sometime now, I have been observing politics from afar.
In the special election in January 2009, my Cambodian team and I organized a voting drive for the Scott Brown Senatorial Campaign. We helped get approximately 800 votes for Scott.
Now that my daughters are older, I am certain that my wife and I will be members of many social clubs. We are very involved with our daughters and our professional lives.
Sampan: What is your professional background? How do you see it play a role in the world of politics and policy-making?
Meas: I learned how to develop a teamwork type of environment to get things done within the financial world:
a. I learned to develop a common sense approach to situations, which is sorely lacking right now in Congress. If we apply the common sense approach, I believe that we can solve most of the complex issues that both our nation and the world are facing. Politics in Washington is too polarized. We must come together, to work together for the good of this country and for our future. I came from nothing to work for something – I have achieved my very own American Dream. I was poor, destitute and starved, so I will not be afraid to stand up and fight for the principles and values on which this great nation of ours was founded upon. I will fight for those who are less fortunate. We need more people like myself in Washington fighting for lower taxes and less bureaucracy. There is too much government waste.
b. My experience as a Principal with State Street Global Advisors gave me the ability to collaborate and motivate others to focus on the task at hands as well as the short term and long term goals.
Sampan: This is your first time running for office. Why did you set Captiol Hill as your first political destination?
Meas: I’m fed up with the way Washington has become out of control. Something has to be done now and this is where I can make a real difference for our community, the 5th District and the state of Massachusetts. The policies being developed and pushed are not good for our families, small business and the future of this country. Something has to be done and I couldn’t sit here and watch my family, friends and our community suffer. Since coming to this country, I have always been interested in the political process and I decided to finally give something back. After giving considerable thought to running for office, family and friends urged me that someone of my background and experience would be perfect for representing the 5th District in Washington. Every day of the last year, while out in the District talking to voters, has confirmed to me that this is the right race for me and that my messages of responsible government, less burden on our families and small business community, immigration and fiscal responsibility are the appropriate ones for this time.
Sampan: Why running as a Republican candidate?
Meas: I’ve been supporting the Republican Party since I came to this country and the Republican Party is closest to the ideology I have developed due to my background. I’ve worked hard to mobilize the Asian community for other Republican candidates in MA – like Scott Brown.
Sampan: Where do you stand on Arizona’s anti-immigrant law and the Immigration Reform?
Meas: I fully support what Gov. Brewer is doing in Arizona. Just like here in Massachusetts, the US government is failing to enforce the current laws on the books. We do need to discuss a comprehensive overhaul of the guest worker program. I do not support amnesty to illegal immigrants who are already here in the US. Everyone who wishes to come to the US must come legally just like I did. Everyone must respect the laws of this country. Giving amnesty to the illegal immigrants who are already here is just like giving a free pass to someone who cuts in line. It is inherently unfair to those who are already waiting in line.
Sampan: How do you plan to garner the support from Asian-American voters?
Meas: I hope they will see that I represent their interests. It is time they have someone to stand by their side and show them that they need to get involved in the American political system. They, like the district, need a stronger voice in Washington– traditionally they haven’t had a voice and I hope to be that voice. But it is also important to remember, I am not just representing the Asian-Americans… I’m here to represent the District and the good of the District. The district hasn’t had solid representation since Niki Tsongas came into office. So it is not just the Asian-Americans who deserve a vote, the whole 5th District deserves a vote.
Sampan: What issues do you plan to take on if elected?
Meas: Economy & Out of control spending: Congress is out of control and must adjust to a new course: I plan to be a vocal opponent of increasing Govt. control in the lives of Americans. There is too much spending, waste, and regulation. It has to be stopped as our debt is unsustainable going forward. Hard working families and small businesses cannot survive under the weight of all this. Access to credit is a must for small businesses, middle class tax cuts, cuts in the federal budget as debt spirals recklessly out of control. How can a business want to hire more employees when the Govt, keeps changing the rules and making it more expensive to operate their businesses? It can’t work that way and it has to be stopped!
Healthcare: I plan to fight to defund the healthcare bill that was passed and try to lead a coalition on repealing it. I do believe there are ways we can help those get the care they need. I just don’t feel the Govt. has all the answers.
National Security / Immigration: I feel these both go hand-in-hand. If we cannot secure our borders, how can we ever know who is coming here to destroy our country? We must secure our borders.
Jobs and Economy: One of the most important things, if not the most important thing, I will do while in Congress will be to fight hard to bring new jobs and economic relief back home to our District. The current unemployment levels are unacceptable and it is burdening our communities, families and, ultimately, our futures. Where Tsongas, Pelosi and Washington have failed have been to raise taxes, tighten available credit to small businesses and bring additional jobs to the workforce. While the budget and debt continue to rise under Congress’s out of control spending habits, the jobless rate continues to rise. I find this unacceptable and we must create jobs immediately.
Sampan: Is there anything you would like to add?
Meas: Yes, I was joined by some very honorable candidates running to represent you in Washington. Over the last few months of hard campaigning, I have traveled the district and talked many voters. I’ve learned a lot from listening to them and learning what they need. I know what this district needs and we’re going to take our message of change and sensible government to Washington to shake things up. I have also been told on many occasions that I am the only candidate who can beat Niki Tsongas. I am the only candidate who can bring in new voters from the Asian community, other immigrant communities and Republicans and Democrats together for common goals to represent this district. It is new candidates, like I, that are the future face of the Republican Party. This will allow this voting block to have a voice in American politics. I am the only candidate who has experience living under a tyrannical socialist government, and knows what it is like to have a government that controls every aspect of one’s life. My life experiences have given me the resolution that I will not back down from doing what is needed to be done. I will not bend or give up when the going gets tough. But it is my fresh ideas and leadership that this district needs. We don’t need professional politicians, who are the same old party establishment candidates, running our government. These are the types of policies and candidates that have contributed to the current mess we are in. We need common sense, real solutions and real representation in Washington that we can count on.
26 comments:
So what? get lost Sam Meas.
Be careful of this guy. He has a strong tendency with Ah Hun Sen/CPP. If you vote for him, Hun Sen will get more grip in the US Congress.
12:39AM - Thanks for saying that. I hope Koe Meas will be elected to the congress and help Hun Sen to build a stronger tie with US.
correction - Sam Meas, not Keo Meas
Good luck to you Sam! Just don't forget your promised once elected. As for the haters out there...Chill out! He's worked long and hard to get to the level he's at. I'm sure most of us can sympathise with that. As for the die hard opponents of Hun Sen gov't...y'all need to settle down for the sake of unity...put our differences aside and think of the future. The guy is representing Cambodian for one of the most powerful elected positions in the world. So what if Sam has some leniency toward CPP. one vote out of 435 plus 100 senate does not amount to much control in the US legislative branch. Furthermore, If at anytime in the future Sam does not act on the interest of US citizens as a whole and decide to sway..you think the American voters in his district will tolerate it? Give the guy a chance...and please please UNITE. stop fighting amongst each other!
R-U
Khmer tend to be jelous of each other. The above comments are a good example of it.
How you sure he is Khmer 1:20AM! are you a hater too?
Sam Meas,
You are an American.As such,you should work for America and American interest only.Anything else is secondary.I hope you lose because i am a liberal democrat.
Rigth 1:19
We must unite. Hatred should no longer in our heart...
A book I wish Sam Meas could read is: Grave influence. This a book on how the Leftists still influence political arena from their graves for the destruction of the American ways.
Honesty, I never read the book myself but I listen to the author of the book on his radio archive shows. The UN is much involved in undermining the American ways of life,liberty and pursuit of holiness in the living God.
All of Cambodian Americans MUST vote for him,
BUT the question is why they should not vote for him ?
You must find something if you don't want to vote for him.
1:20 AM I LOVED YOU MAN!!!
1) MERCEDES/BMW/LEXUS
2) 9 TO 5 EVERYDAY
3) COFFEE SHOP/KARAOKE
BLAH, BLAH, AND BLAH HIM/HER!
SAM MEAS is truly good politician. He represents all Khmer who aspire to the liberty, the real democracy, the better life. As a Khmer, I am very proud of you and wish you good luck.
Dear All,
Please do not be narrow minded. All USA-Cambodian should unite together and vote for this man Sam Meas regardless what he stands for.
Having a Cambodian to stand as a candidate for American congress is making Cambodian prouded.
In Australia, we are very prouded to have Cambodian MP and local Mayor and in New Zealand we have many Cambodian standing for member of parliament and local government. we must learn to be global citizen and be competented to run public office anywhere in the world.
Areak Prey
I like the idea that Sam Meas is representing Cambodian and running for the US congress; however, I want to see someone who is more qualified than he is to step up. If you read his responses to the questions, he has lots of good answers but he lacks substance to back those big ideas. His responses are drawn from Republican playbook which in the grand scheme of things do not hold water. Remember actions speak louder than words. He started off by attacking Washington and the current democratic congressmen. Then he claims he wanted to work together to get things done for America. How can you work with democrats when you lacks substance to back up your claim? My advice to Sam is this: before you make any statement for your political campaign you should have all the facts straight. For example, he alluded to how Washington is in a state of uncontrolled spending. But he had no idea how Washington's annual budgets are allocated to national programs such as education, small businesses, defense spending, social security programs, and so on. In my opinion, Mr. Sam Meas does not have a strong political platform to run on. He seems to rant on hollow ideas.
Anybody from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos .. or any other present or former communist country should vote democrat. Democratic Party supported left-wing tyranies and betrayed the freedom, democratic congress denied the help to Cambodia and help the Khmer Rouge take over... just read the old newpaper.. NEVER FORGET!
Cambodia Town
Long Beach, Ca
Sam Meas, I wish you to be elected as U.S congress soon.
New Phally
I wish you get elect Sam. I don't think you forget your root if you elected. How can people who live outside MA can help you?
From WA
I just wonder if there were a conflict between U.S and Cambodia as had happened during Sihanouk's era .What side are all the khmer people in the U.S on ?.I hope they are on U.S side.
This guy is so full of you know what. Look all the promises he made! yeah! like hell, he 's gonna keep those promises. Politics as usual, folks! Don't be fool by this guy! He doesn't represent Cambodian people; he represents all the people in his district. What struck me the most was, the way he supported senator Scott Brown. Give me a break! Scott Brown is a jerk! Mr. Brown could care less about working middle class. He's only support the upper and the rich. So, if you are upper middle class or rich, go ahead and vote for Mr. Meas. If you are a middle class, like myself, vote for someone who supports working middle class and minority people.
This guy, Mr. Meas, is one of Bush/Chaney men. We don't need another person especially in today's economy. God bless America! My home sweet home!
I urges Khmer people in Lowell, MA would you please votes for him to get Govt, Jobs I hardly seeing Khmer people gots a good Jobs in U.S.A. Not like Chinese or Youn I saw alots of VietCong working in the fucking Govt jobs. Khmer please stoped jelousy to each other would you helps our Compatriots please.
P.S.K. L.L. BOYZ.
Well educated and good character Khmer orphans always love to help our country Cambodia and the Khmer people. I am sure Mr. Meas is able to serve our Khmer people in the US also in Cambodia.
Congratulation to you! Pls our respected countrymen vote for him, by putting aside political ideology differences and VOTE for ONE KHMER.
This is the spirit of our Khmer people!
Regards
I don't know you personally, but I, as one of the Khmers living the America, wish you to succeed in your attemp to become one of the US congreesmen. Good luck!
I would never vote for any republicain candidate who either black or white or yellow. period!!!
Republicain party is good only war and hypocrite. Cambodia is my secondary option, my job and healthcare, and economic here are my top priority and Republicain are not on my side on these issues
He won't make it!
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