Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish the Assyrian community in the Central Valley and across the world a Happy New Year. One of my fondest memories growing up in Turlock was spending afternoons with my Assyrian neighbor, who was like a grandmother to me. Her name was Nana Bitpera. Every day, she would pick grape leaves in her backyard while she made rice, so my brother and I could enjoy fresh, homemade dolmas after school. She would tell me stories about the incredible contributions of the Assyrian culture to art and literature: how Assyrians built the first human cities, were the first to domesticate crops, and how they literally invented the wheel. She also told me about the centuries of persecution that Assyrians faced that caused so many to come for a new future in America. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the year 6769, I want to tell the Assyrian community how grateful I am to be their neighbor, and may this new year bring their families joy and happiness. ____________________”