PAAIA Congratulates Barack Obama’s Election as the 44th President of the United States
November 5, 2008, Washington, D.C. – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) congratulates President-elect Obama on his historic election victory and his leadership through a nearly flawless campaign. PAAIA also offers the Iranian American community’s full support to the Obama administration as it begins to address the many challenges facing the nation, and looks forward to working with the incoming administration and Congress on issues of importance to our community.
The extraordinary significance of an African American being elected to our country’s highest office cannot be overstated. “No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday, showing a watching world the strides we have made toward a more perfect union,” explained President George W. Bush. Iranian Americans share in that sense of pride, and join their fellow Americans in embracing Obama’s election as an affirmation of how far we have progressed as a country that offers equal opportunity for all.
Judging by the world’s overwhelmingly positive reaction, Barack Obama’s election is also unmistakable proof, yet again, of the strength and vitality of American democracy as well as the American dream that continues to inspire countless people from all corners of the globe. Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and a civil rights icon, put it best by suggesting that Obama’s victory demonstrates that every person can dare to dream of wanting to change the world into a better place. Obama’s election as President culminates a journey represents the triumph of the American story: a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation.
PAAIA also acknowledges and commends the many Iranian Americans who in unprecedented numbers and with renewed enthusiasm volunteered their time and energy to play an active role in the 2008 election. By participating in phone drives, canvassing door to door, raising funds, organizing events, and serving in leadership campaign roles as policy advisors, finance chairs or otherwise, Iranian Americans demonstrated their increasing commitment to active engagement in the civic life of the United States, a process that we are confident will continue with the support of organizations such as PAAIA.
