Afghan Arts Festival

Speech from Gwendolyn Beck, Candidate for the US House of Representatives, Virginia's 8th District

"As Salem Aliikum" "Peace be with You"

The Afghan culture enriches the fabric of America, and I am honored to be here today!

Most people in the world want freedom and liberty, most people in the world want justice and peace and prosperity. And, the American culture is comprised of many different immigrants from all over the world. Most from war torn countries! I am a first generation American and like many here, my family experienced war - in the south of Holland during WWII. I grew up with stories of oppression, death and terrorism. We then came to the US and experienced the greatness of the American Dream, and achieved prosperity in this peaceful environment. I wish this for all of you.

But, there are challenges in the US government now. I believe we can fix them if we stand together.

"Shoulder to Shoulder" "Shonna bah Shonna" we stand together to address these problems and challenges our great nation faces.

"Hand in Hand" "Doust bah Doust" we will move forward in a logical way to solve these problems, especially the issue of getting the business of the United States of America done.

"Heart to Heart" "Qaleb bah Qaleb" Afghans have become an integral element of the American culture and will take their place to solve our issues and make the US a stronger country.

I don't believe the US should walk away from Afghanistan. We have stood together "Shoulder to Shoulder", "Shonna bah Shonna", "Hand in Hand" "Doust bah Doust", "Heart to Heart" "Qaleb bah Qaleb" to make Afghanistan an important player in the world stage. And, we will continue this work.

I see Afghans taking their place in US society, working hard, breaking down barriers and becoming very successful in the US.

"Drop by drop a river is made" "Qatra Qatra Daryia May Jawad" Together -- you, me and others. Together we create power and together we are powerful.

But, I fear for the greatness of America, as the Democrats and Republicans continue their fight in Congress. The two factions are at odds with each other; both have become very powerful and the business of America is not getting done.

The only way to fix the gridlock and get our work done is to send someone who can build badly needed coalitions, who can get the two sides to work with each other, who can get the business of America done. We can work together to break down these barriers, but it can only be done with your "very powerful' vote.

The success of a person can be seen by how people talk about you when you are gone. My goal is to work hard and accomplish our objectives, so you will talk well of me.

Our campaign is dedicated to cancer awareness; when you see our hot pink signs please remember not only to vote, but to get your cancer screenings.

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