chaldean DIGEST What
chaldean DIGEST What others are saying about Chaldeans Eric Esshaki on the campaign trail Middle East Eye Trump-backed candidate hopes to become first Iraqi Christian in Congress BY ALI HARB Eric Esshaki, a Republican running for Congress in Michigan, says his Iraqi-Christian heritage taught him about hard work, family and faith, and “the value of the American dream”. The 36-year-old lawyer, who worked as a registered nurse in his early 20s, is backed by US President Donald Trump to unseat Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens. If elected, he would become the first Iraqi-Christian Chaldean to serve in Congress. Michigan is home to a large community of Chaldeans - Iraqi Catholics who are mostly politically conservative. “My dad came here because he wanted to partake in the American dream,” Esshaki told MEE. “He knew that if he worked hard and made sacrifices, it wouldn’t be easy but that he could create a better life for himself and his family, and he passed those general sentiments on to me.” Despite the rampant anti-immigrant rhetoric in his Republican party, the candidate invoked his father to assert conservative values. “He knew that the American dream wasn’t a handout from the government. It was about having the opportunities, and if you’re willing to seize those opportunities and work hard, you can do what you want to do in this country.” The Chaldean community had favored Trump in 2016. Early this year, the president vowed to keep Michigan’s “wonderful” Iraqi Christians in the country, but most of those targeted for deportation are still in drawn-out court battles to secure their stay in the United States. PHOTO COURTESY OF ESSHAKI CAMPAIGN The Detroit News Editorial: Our pick for Congress from the 11th District BY THE DETROIT NEWS EDITORIAL STAFF The 2018 Democratic landslide in Michigan turned the 11th Congressional District, a longstanding Republican stronghold, blue. Democrat Haley Stevens won the seat and is now completing her freshman term. Stevens is a good retail politician and has worked to familiarize herself with the district. She’s also a reliable vote for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s progressive agenda. The race this year presents the 11th District with an opportunity to return to its traditional conservative roots, as well as help provide a better ideological balance to Congress. Republican challenger Eric Esshaki is a principled conservative with a good feel for the people of the district and the challenges they face. He’s prolife, pro-Second Amendment and sees the nation’s monumental debt as a threat to the future of his two sons. That’s how all Americans should view today’s prolific unfunded spending. The district covers southern Oakland and western Wayne counties and comprises one of the nation’s most diverse and prosperous business communities. Esshaki advocates a review of regulations impacting small businesses and revoking those that impose a needless burden. He supports vigorous, legal immigration to fuel growth. And he sees a limited role for government in the private economy. Eric Esshaki has the potential to become an influential, young conservative voice in Congress, and the voters of the 11th District should send him there. 12 CHALDEAN NEWS NOVEMBER 2020
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 In tough times, communities must come together. Avoid large public/social gatherings. Practice social distancing. Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands and cover coughs and sneezes. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Do your part and wear a mask. Keep Communities Safe. #MaskupMichigan CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 586-722-7253 CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG NOVEMBER 2020 CHALDEAN NEWS 13
