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At an instance, the US congress halts the delivery of
helicopters for which Turkey has already made payment.
At an instance, one will witness the name of Turkey, a
50-year ally of the United Stated missing from the list,
the US government calls "Most Favorite Trade Nation
Status", when China, the 50-year old foe of the US is in
that list.
I have to state unequivocally that the average American
citizen holds no grudge against Turkey or the Turks. As
a matter of fact, as someone who has been in all 50
states of this wonderful country, having been the house
guest of countless Americans, and as someone who has
come to fully appreciate and understand the American
society in his long years in America, I can state with
the most absolute certainty that Americans are some of
the most friendly, hospitable, generous, and humanist
people.
However, there is also another group of Americans whom I
call "the out of the ordinary." These are those, who
either have been poisoned with the hatred of Turks
earlier in life due to ancient ethnic reasons, or they
are those who are obligated to forgo their better
judgment for various reasons; some in the media for
their subscription numbers, therefore a financial
benefit, and some politicians for votes, therefore
political longevity.
In that case, when the anti-Turk mongers are in such a
minority, why do we then witness the bilateral relations
of 50-year-old allies, Turkey and America experience
periodic difficulties? The answer lies within the United
States Congress. Without fully understanding this
assessment, and without fully comprehending how the US
Congress works, sometimes being negative towards America
is an unfair feeling on the part of us, the Turks.
The Hellenic Caucus in the US Congress has roughly 190
members. The Armenian Caucus numbers reach 130s.
Therefore, when an issue concerning Turkey is brought on
the floor of the house, the final result of a vote taken
on Turkey, or even Azerbaijan does not require extreme
mathematical genius. The members of congress who have
been elected by the out-of-the-ordinary, but diligent
American minority have the upper hand. This particular
reality must not have any bearing on the average
conscientious American on the street.
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NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN RUSH HOLT |
NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN BILL PASCRELL |
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The only path of action to
change this equation goes through a conscious act on our
part to attempt to reverse the balances on the US
Congress.
Currently, there are entities such as the lobby firm who
get paid handsomely also attempt for a change in this
balance. In addition of course, there are those amateurs
and plain citizens such as us who produce an effort only
because we desire to repay some of our debt to Turkey.
Two of the many US congressmen to whom I paid visits
during last year, agreed to join the Turkish Caucus only
because I happened to ask.
I visited a Democrat, Mr. Ben Chandler of Kentucky at
his office. He welcomed me warmly at his door. I
introduced myself, and shared with him some thoughts on
the Turkish-American alliance and friendship. At one
point, he interjected enthusiastically:
"You know, I was in Turkey during my school years."
"I loved it."
"My Mom just returned from Turkey"
"I admire Ataturk."
"You have an extraordinary country."
Then, he paused and added: " Ercument, how can I help
you? What can I do for my Turkish friends?".
I wasn't even certain whether it was my place to even
declare to an American congressman, but I did blurt out
the question: "Would you consider joining the Turkish
Caucus?". I was struck by his answer, "No problem, count
me in!"
Can it be that easy, I thought to myself. After all,
this was the job for professionals.
After a few minutes truthfully, thinking that I was
talking to a politician, I revisited my earlier request,
and asked him: "Sir, you did agree, but what is next?
Should we send you a letter requesting it formally, and
wait for a formal reply, or would you be calling the
chairmanship of the Turkish Caucus, Mr. Wexler to
indicate your intention?"
"What is there to complicate things? he said turning to
his aid and said: "Call Mr. Wexler and tell him I am
in."
I was quite touched. I didn't quite know how to thank
him. Whether to get up and hug him or send him my
gratitude in a letter later!
As I asked for permission to leave, I asked to have a
photo taken with him. Uncommon to many Americans, he
came beside me and out his arm on my shoulder. I was
further humbled by the this gesture and sincerity of
this Southerner.
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VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN FRANK WOLF |
As I left Ben Chandler's office, I could not help it,
therefore I asked: "Sir, you have such affinity with
Turkey, why then have you not joined the Turkish Caucus
earlier? His answer was one that made me saddened: "No
one asked me!"
Dear friends, this particular incident was experienced
by me twice. The second congressman who joined the
Turkish Caucus just because I happened to ask, and
stated at the end: "No one ever asked me?" was a
Republican, Paul Gillmor of Ohio. And during this
exchange, I wasn't alone. I was accompanied by my
assistant Terken Hacaloglu, and the Washington
Representative of Turkmen Front of Iraq, Mr. Orhan
Ketene.
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