(unabridged version; orig. published in NOR OR Jan. 2015)
First of a five-part series
By John Perron & Tamar Poladian
When two people from entirely different nations, cultures and community lifestyles meet, they can expect to have many opposing viewpoints. When they join in marriage… they expect to turn their newly shared heart and two separate views into one shared perspective. This is an approach that works regardless of the details, and in spite of the past – in spite of what others may prefer. It is also true within the community.
Husband from a small town in Midwest America is a Democrat. Wife from a big city in Egypt is a Republican. Both move to Los Angeles and find each other, get happily married and are joyfully blessed with many children. The differences shrink in light of the joint responsibilities and common dreams. It is this basic notion that drives us to create a better place, a better life and a better community. We have never had even one political disagreement. How can this be possible? Simple – because we hold to the solid principles of bipartisanship. A liberal Republican and a conservative Democrat are, after all, both centrists. In the “good old days” of American politics there were liberal and conservative wings in both parties – although you would not know this by listening to the latest (and loudest) news stories or hearing others argue about who is right and who is simply trying to ruin everything (and be the loudest).
Well, this husband has one deaf ear and has elected to turn the deaf ear to this fracas. This wife has chosen to continue the legacy passed on from her father, Dr. Artin Poladian, and together we bring a shared perspective from both sides of the world and from both sides of the table by speaking our mind. During a recent campaign for Los Angeles City Council, it became apparent that the members of the greater community have much in common and that most of them feel that they are not being heard by their leaders. Sometimes, it is hard to be heard when we come from such divergent beginnings and have led such different lives. But, we believe with all of our heart that common ground exists, and it is too often ignored because most of the attention is given to the fighting and the fighters.
When someone looks at John and inquires, “You’re not Armenian… are you?” The answer is always the same, “My wife is Armenian. My children are Armenian. We are an Armenian family.” And he is the husband. If you check the definition of husband and husbandry, you will find it has the function of caretaking and defending. It means leading with only good intentions. Animal husbandry means to care for and shelter animals. The same is true of community. To care for and shelter members of our community, we must bring together the political parties and listen to arguments from all sides. It is important not to shut out or shut up opposing voices. If what we say has any strength and truth, no amount of talking or written words will make it untrue, so listening to another opinion cannot hurt.
In the election campaign, there were a number of issues that were raised time and again – Neighborhoods being taken over and redeveloped with residents getting pushed aside and ignored; Public schools not being equal across the financially and culturally diverse districts; Charter schools with hidden agendas.
In the Armenian neighborhoods, certain questions and conversations have been held over from earlier elections and arguments; Why do we seem to split our own vote so often? Who will be our voice? Why should I contribute to political campaigns if I don’t live in the district – or the city? We should have more influence in the world of local and statewide politics. We should not be fighting amongst ourselves.
There are some solutions. Not every solution is perfect and certainly will not satisfy everybody. But, that is not a reason to continue fighting amongst ourselves without reaching accord. This series of articles is intended to give voice to those with mainstream and opposing viewpoints and to suggest some solutions, such as intelligent redevelopment projects in Little Armenia and East Hollywood that include Armenian property owners and business persons so that they can share in the profits. It is time to form a new stronghold for Armenian Americans in California.
Perhaps the local Southern California Armenian political parties can caucus and agree to back the same candidate(s) so that we are properly represented (other qualified candidates will get their turn – when the time comes). Maybe, just maybe, we can also join together to create influence and to shape our own destiny by choosing the right leaders from inside and outside the Armenian community who will band with us and remain loyal.
Our initial solution to these questions and concerns is that we are forming a bipartisan Political Action Committee (PAC). Our voice will be heard. It is certain that not all will agree because dissent is necessary for liberty. It is also certain that in order to forge greater liberty and more excellent freedom, bringing such issues to light is preferable to keeping people in the dark.
John Perron is a political advisor and consultant for nonprofits and business enterprises, Real Estate sales/broker, investments and syndication. John was a candidate for Los Angeles City Council in 2014 and President East Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 2012-2014.
Tamar Poladian Perron is an attorney, a member of the Glendale Community Police Partnership Advisory Council and Glendale Police Advisory Council. Tamar was a Field Representative and Armenian Community Liaison for Los Angeles City Councilman Michael Woo, 13th District, and a former member of the T.C. A. – ArshagDickranian Armenian School.
John and Tamar Perron
Perron Law Group 