Originally published on GV Wire, June 8, 2018 In our news meeting this morning, we held a moment of silence for Anthony Bourdain and then talked about his gift for bringing people together. His death Friday by suicide affected me greatly, and I’d like to share with you why. The...
Congress, Can You Hear Us? Please Pass Immigration Reform Now.
Originally published on GV Wire, Feb 7, 2018 Two weeks ago, after millions of Americans righteously voiced their frustration with Congress, our nation’s lawmakers ended the three-day government shutdown and promised to work on two important issues: a permanent federal spending bill and immigration issues. What have they done since...
Illegal Immigrants will ruin America. But only if we Boot them Out.
Originally published in The Fresno Bee, April 28, 2017 Would it surprise you to learn that illegal immigrants have the potential to ruin our country – if they leave? In fact, mass deportation would abruptly collapse our agriculture, construction, and hospitality industries leading to a downward spiral of our economy....
What have you done to assist Aleppo refugees?
As a Muslim immigrant from Iran of almost 40 years living in this beautiful country, I believe when we face our maker in the next life, we will be asked: What did you do for your brothers and sisters who were suffering in other parts of the world? Were you...
Will our next mayor’s vision be alligned with Fresno’s needs?
Our city has become handicapped in many ways, and we are falling behind our neighbors. In May of 2015, Gallup named Fresno out of the 100 largest cities nationwide the city where people are least likely to feel safe. The Brookings Institute ranked Fresno 93rd out of 100 major cities nationwide in prosperity growth...
Muslim Immigrant: Don’t let terrorists define American values
The events in Paris and San Bernardino were outrageous. There is no way to predict when or where the next atrocity will occur. My first reaction was to bomb the Islamic State into oblivion, cut off their money supply and destroy their leadership. I sounded like some of our Republican...
Iran Nuclear Agreement shows U.S. Leadership
America has always been a beacon of hope, a shining city on the hill. We stand for justice, peace, opportunity and respect for human dignity. Growing up in Iran, I can attest to the affection everyday Iranians have toward America. The hearts and minds of teachers, family and friends, bus...
Here’s how to fix California’s roads, bridges and highways
Whenever there is an aggressive change in direction away from the principles America was founded upon, our country has a way of coming together to restore them. As it has in the past, this process of renewal played out on election night. With a 3.7 % national unemployment rate, a booming economy, and accelerating...
Fresno needs realistic plan for revitalization
I love Fresno. This community has been instrumental in the success of my family and my company, and for that, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for its revival. Fresno has rich cultural diversity, a booming agriculture industry, excellent school districts, affordable homes, and one-of-a-kind access to the Sierra...