Endorsements

Abigail L.,
Editor
Don't you DARE give up. You did amazingly well considering how the decks were stacked against you. Next time, you will win.

 

Nancy K.
I've been following your campaign for months, and I'm sad that you didn't win this time. But don't give up! You have a very bright future ahead, and we need people like you to represent us.

 

Carol T.
I'm sorry to hear that the election winds did not blow your direction this year. It is heartening to see how many votes you did receive in a primarily Republican area.

Thank you for running. Aside from the hope you've instilled in women all over the world, I imagine you've helped grease the wheels of change. Thank you, again.

 

Steven P.
Republican
My name is Steve …. I am a registered Republican and readily admit that I disagree with your positions on several important issues. However, when I heard of your candidacy for the California State Assembly this morning during my drive to work, it reminded me just how privileged we Americans are to live in a country where a woman born in Saudi Arabia can become a citizen and run for elected office. I have only one regret, since I live in Arizona I will not have the pleasure of casting my vote for you.

I wish you the best of luck in your campaign and I sincerely hope that you win a seat in the State Assembly. What you are working for stands as a shining example to all the people of the world of what America is truly all about - especially during these troubled times.

May God bless you, your son Omar, and your entire family. I will keep all of you in my prayers. America is a better place for you and your family's contribution to our
Country.

 

Unknown
Dear Mrs. Masry,

I heard your interview on NPR this morning and it gave me great hope for women around the globe. I am a 22 year old woman from New Jersey, a recent College graduate, and have no rhyme or reason to write to you but I just wanted you to know how important I think it is that you are running of office. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Pakistan. I am in the process of getting my Masters Degree in Global Sociology and hope to work for an international organization promoting human rights; especially with regard to women as well as international development so countries overseas can become self-sustaining. Your story and your devotion came as a great resource for me, I will use you as an example to empower other women from similar backgrounds to yours. I wish you all the luck in the world next Tuesday! Thank you.

 

Karen S.
Hi,

After my morning walk I heard NPR's interview with Ferial Masry. I was very inspired when I heard her story. My eyes are constantly being opened to the plight of women's rights around the world. I am inspired by Ferial's story and her values.

Congratulations on your campaign and the support that has come your way.

I am a resident of Maine but I cheer you on in California!

 

Unknown
Omar,

I realize I don't know you but I wanted to write and hope you don't find this an intrusion. Your mother's State Assembly Campaign was featured on NRR (on NCRW) this morning. I was truly moved and inspired by her story. She seems to be a remarkable woman with an equally remarkable family. I understand the local paper is endorsing her candidacy, something they haven't done for a democrat in years. I hope that this enables her to win the election. We need a voice like hers in government at any level.

The report also led me to you where I found your blog. It was one of the most interesting things I have read regarding our military presence there. It appears from the many things that I have read that the apple does not fall far from the tree. Your family must be so proud to have to among them two individuals who put their words into action.

I am so conflicted over this military action. I believe that war is wrong, but I also feel that force is sometimes necessary. I just wish the administration had pursued this action more legitimately. Mostly I feel for the Iraqi people. We hear the reports everyday of our men and women and other foreigners who have found themselves in harms way.

Then there will be some tiny blurb about the number of Iraqi casualties. No one seems to be counting them. The numbers must be astronomical. My heart breaks for these people.

Though I am very uneasy about the war, I realize that you and the other brave soldiers there who are doing good work deserve our support. I pray that this mess is over soon, that you will be able to do the job you went to do, and that all of you will return safely. And when you do, let me be one of the first to buy you a beer.

My best wishes to you, your family and your fellow soldiers.

 

Jay L.
Dear Mrs. Masry,

I have heard about your campaign (both today on NPR and among local Dems in Malibu) and wish to make a contribution today of $100. Where and how can I send it? Bravo, bravo to you! You represent the very best of America.

 

Michelle G.
Dear Ferial,

I'm so sorry I didn't call - I was on an assignment, and the folks in Oakland needed a longer notice to get their act together to meet you. Maybe if you come back to the area we can arrange it. Please keep me posted about your campaign. If someone will be interested in a story about you I'll let you know. Would you like me to send you a copy of the story I did about you for Israel public radio - for your web site?

 

Omar H.
Dear Ms. Ferial Masry

Greetings. I heard your interview with Amy Goodman on ‘Democracy Now’ program. I want to convey my admiration for your courage and convictions, and wish you the best for your campaign. Though I do not live in the 37th District, I shall pass your word to many family and friends who do live you area. I shall be glad to provide you with whatever help I can. Most importantly, you have my prayers.

I was fascinated to hear about your son, who is currently serving in Iraq. I share your ambivalence as a mother who has a son fighting for the US in a war that we know is wrong. It is more wrong because it has put so many of our sons and daughters, who believe in their duty to their country, in harms way. At a time when some ugly elements in the US society are actively spreading hatred against Muslims, your son’s service is so much more eventful. I am indeed proud of his doing his bit to deliver sanity to his comrades in arms. I pray for his safe return home. He and I share a great name!

Cleveland High School must be proud to have you as a teacher. Because my mother was a teacher all her life, I have a special respect for teachers. And I have a daughter going to Granada High School. I am sure that among other challenges facing our children at school, you will bring to forth your concerns about the their future as (1) the politicians of both parties (and particularly the Bush administration) continue to divert funds in to endless war efforts at the detriment to their education, (2) as their future is burdened with debts that these politicians are creating in their war mongering, and (3) how their attention to studies suffer as aggressive military recruiters hunt them down for military service for more wars.

I encourage you to raise these issues both in your campaign, and as a Congresswoman, which I am sure you will become.

 

Jeff C.
Mrs... Masry,

Although I am not one of your constituents and cannot vote for you I offer you support and thanks in your bid.

If America is to truly be great we must assimilate all niches in the legislature and I truly hope you win so you can add your unique perspective to the decision making process.
I appreciate your courage in even running.

 

Patti M.
Dear Ferial, I just saw you on Democracy Now! and I wanted to contact you to offer my support and encouragement. I don't know if you remember me, we met two summers ago at the economic seminar at UCLA and went for walks for coffee. My prayers are with you for your son, I couldn't tell from the show if he was still in Iraq or not. He seems like such a wonderful young man, I remember meeting him during our week at UCLA. What a precious gift he is for you. I can't imagine how hard this must be for your family.

My deepest respect goes to you and your family for being active with your passion for making this a better world.

I was not surprised when Amy Goodman announced you as the candidate on her show. We need more people with your purity to do the right things with our government. I would like to offer myself and some of my time to your campaign. My limitations are that I live in Santa Cruz and I am just a substitute teacher right now ( I got laid off from teaching government due to a decrease in the student population in high school here). I can't offer money for your campaign but it is possible that I can offer some of my time this summer and maybe even right before the election. I have worked on campaigns before. I was the administrative assistant to a candidate in the past.

I have relatives in Chatsworth I could stay with (all Democrats) but I would also be willing to stay with others working closely on the campaign with you if you needed late hour efforts. Stay well, Ferial. My home number is (831)…...

Thanks for doing this work.

 

S.
Just read an article about you on the BBC website. I'm a British-Yemeni living in London (UK), campaigning on Arab issues. You are doing a fantastically worthy and valuable task, and I wish more Arabs were politically active.

Best of luck, and I look forward to many years of supporting you in office.

 

N. T., Ph.D.
Women's Studies Department
California State University, Northridge
Dear Ferial,

I just wanted to thank you on behalf of my students and myself for your truly inspiring and dynamic lecture at our campus on Nov. 8, 2004. Students found you as a very good role model for being an agent of change toward improvement of our democracy and betterment of our lives in this country and abroad. Many thanks for taking the time to visit our campus and best wishes in your social and political activities for a democratic and peaceful world.

 

Ann P.
Northampton, MA
Dear Ms. Masry:
I heard about you this morning on my local NPR station, and must say yours is the most inspirational story I have heard in a long, long time. There has been very little in the news to make me proud to be an American (since 2000 or so, anyway--you may draw your own conclusions as to why 8-), but your story made even this jaded Democrat proud.

Having lived in Morocco as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I have perhaps a better-than-average idea than most Americans of what your candidacy represents--it's a miracle, plain and simple. God is great, indeed!

The story this morning noted that you are an inspiration to women throughout the Muslim world--might I add you're also a tremendous inspiration to at least one woman in Western Massachusetts.

 

Ann
Dear Ferial:

Well, you've certainly energized this Democrat! How wonderful that you're going to run again--your message is one Americans sorely need to hear, especially in light of the election results.

Thank you for your inspiring message--and please let me know if I can be of any further support.

 

Kate G.
Dear Ms. Masry -
I heard about your campaign in a National Public Radio story and was very impressed with your efforts. I hope you continue to seek public office; our country needs people like you as our leaders. If I could, I would have voted for you (I'm a registered Missouri voter)! Don't give up!

 

 

Lisa H.
Thousand Oaks, CA
Dear Ms. Masry,

I just heard on the news this morning that you plan to file the paperwork for the 2006 election next week. After the disappointment of the presidential election this week, it was especially good news to hear another of my favorite candidates is planning to run again. Given the strong republican leanings of Ventura County and the challenges of running against an incumbent, I think the gains you made in this campaign were highly commendable, and I look forward to supporting you on the road to victory in 2006!

Good luck and thank you for not giving up!

 

Bob E.
Burnaby, BC

Sorry to hear you didn't make it in the election. I was praying for you since hearing your interview on PBS and ABC Person of the Week award. I am an American living in British Columbia and wish I could have voted for you. Don't give up...your final result was amazing against such a formidable incumbent. I hope you will continue the fight in another election...maybe next time the Democratic party will support you more in your fight.

 

Katherine B.

Dear Ms. Masry,

I am writing to you today to display my admiration for you. By running in this election you have not only broken through barriers of your own culture, you have also been a beacon of hope for all oppressed women. We continue to fight for our rights and equality and the rights of our sisterhood across the world. You are certainly a woman that I look up to and admire. Thank you for your courage,

 

A voter in northern CA.

Regardless of the outcome of this race, you are already the winner, and an inspiration to all Californians.

 

W.M.

Just wanted to drop a quick line by saying good for you! I'm a registered Republican in Maryland and I will NOT be voting Republican this election. First time in the 26 years that I have been voting. I will be changing my party affiliation after this election.

 

Unknown

Dear Ms. Masry:

I heard about you this morning on my local NPR station, and must say yours is the most inspirational story I have heard in a long, long time. There has been very little in the news to make me proud to be an American (since 2000 or so, anyway--you may draw your own conclusions as to why 8-), but your story made even this jaded Democrat proud.

Having lived in Morocco as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I have perhaps a better-than-average idea than most Americans of what your candidacy represents--it's a miracle, plain and simple. God is great, indeed!

The story this morning noted that you are an inspiration to women throughout the Muslim world--might I add you're also a tremendous inspiration to at least one woman in Western Massachusetts

*The Designations are for description only
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