Our focus should always be our homes, our neighborhoods and people of California first. However, the war with Iran is already here and affects us all directly.
As an American of Iranian heritage, I am obviously biased and would be very happy to see the end of Iran’s murderous regime. As an American I cannot condone this at the cost of American lives lost or having the blood of innocent people on our hands.
This war is affecting all of us. It profoundly affects military personnel and their families, and Americans with families in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine and across the Middle East. We are all facing higher prices already and for the foreseeable future due to this war.
While the members of congress and senate all scream on camera, and make endless appearances, clearly we the people are the furthest thing from the thoughts of our alleged representatives. And just like all other crises we face, none of our state and local leaders who have direct access to the White House and legislature are taking any action other than theatrics. Yet again, their only priority is their billionaire donors.
Our problem remains the same; We the people of California have no presence or say in our own government. The party rulers serve their donors and we have to live with the consequences again.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
On June 2, we have a chance to reject politics as usual. To send a message that California belongs to its people—not political machines, not party bosses, and not billionaire donors.
If we want different outcomes, we have to bring on different leadership.
Reza Safarnejad
Candidate for Governor of California
