The Serbian diaspora in the USA would solve problems more easily with political involvement
The Serbian diaspora in the USA currently does not have a representative in Congress and will not become politically stronger if there is no individual political engagement, Branko Terzic, the former commissioner of the US Federal Energy Commission of Serbian origin, pointed out in Washington.
At a conference dedicated to Kosovo, organized by the Embassy of Serbia in the USA, Terzic called on his compatriots to join political parties, primarily the ruling ones, from the local level, because that way they decide who will represent them in the institutions.
“Then you should support the candidate, with your work or financially. I helped, and when that candidate became a senator, he later supported me. It is a long-term process, which cannot happen overnight, but when you have your candidate, you can present your problems to him,” said Terzic.
He recalled Republican Senator George Vojinovic, who was mayor of Cleveland before becoming a senator and two-term governor of Ohio, as well as Helen Delic Bentley, a journalist who also entered politics.
“We should support our Serbian candidates. Parties are open to new members. I am the first Serbian immigrant to be appointed by a senator,” he added.
He illustrated how important it is to get involved politically in order to solve the problems of the community, as well as the home country, by quoting a Greek proverb that says “if you don’t take an interest in politics, politics will take an interest in you”.
“It is not easy to be a candidate and enter the election race for a high position, but it is feasible. Each of you can become a candidate”, said Terzic.
The well-known motivational speaker of Serbian origin, Nick Vujicic, in a video address, said that it was time for Christians to start being political.
“The priority is for America to know the truth. Serbs should not continue to be considered bad. We need each other,” said Vujicic.