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By:
Harrison Maina
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Posted:
Oct,11-2018 22:49:52
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Kenyans in the USA aim to help power one of their own, Japheth Matemu, to Congress in North Carolina's Second District race as voter registration deadlines for this year's November 6 mid tem elections start to kick in on a State by State basis.
Luckily for Matemu, there are still a few more days for last minute supporters to register to vote as the North Carolina deadline is this Friday October 12. (To view a voter registration deadline and register in your state, state,click here >>>>>)
A WhatsApp page to support Matemu's candidacy has gone into overdrive with many supporters from different racial backgrounds, including Caucasians, Latinos, Asians and African Americans, vowing to do whatever it takes to mobilize funds and efforts to make the dream a reality.
Running as an independent Libertarian Candidate, Matemu hopes to upset mainstream Democratic and Republican candidates campaigning hard for the same seat.
During a telephone interview with Ajabu Africa News, Matemu said he is running to give a change to many voters in North Carolina who feel disenfranchised from the process to make their lives better by the bitter Democratic and Republican philosophic divide that tends to get worse with every election cycle.
He said that whether he wins or not, the idea is to give a platform to issues that bother many people who do not subscribe to either democratic or republican ideals and feel caught up or lost in the middle.
"It is not just about winning. You run because you believe in certain ideas that you want to bring to congress if elected. I don't have to believe in Democratic or Republican principles. I'm running to create awareness and hopefully bring a certain kind of change," Matemu said.
"There are a lot of people who don't tolerate the things that republicans and democrats have done in the political process. Republican strongholds are extremely gerrymandered, just as democratic strongholds are. You have to be at the extreme of both sides if you want to win," he lamented.
The married father of two added that the US Congress right now is made up of 2 extremes with nobody there to represent the issues that most people want.
"Democrats want government to regulate everything, including healthcare provided on a universal basis. Republicans want a wall built, reduced taxes, etc. If you don't subscribe to the extreme ideology, then you don't have anyone to represent you," said Matemu.
He said that his candidacy will bring a fresh outlook in Congress for the issues that affect most people and go unnoticed due to the current political rancor.
He hopes to move congress to reduce the massive incarceration that exists especially among minority communities. He also wants immigrants categorized into different groups for immigration benefits, instead of lumping them into one category of "illegal immigrants" and demonizing them as undeserving.
He also wants congress to reduce interest rates on student loans now adding $1.3 trillion to the national deficit as students default in big numbers. In addition, he hopes to institute more interstate licensing for various professions so as to improve services and reduce costs. The decriminalization of marijuana is also on his agenda.
"We have to divide immigrants into categories. Gang members, we don't want them here; they need to be deported. DACA kids; we should not deport them. Visa overstays; they need to have a right to renew. People who have worked here for a long time and have shown great value to the community, like first responders, healthcare specialists, police, military, etc.; give them a right to be able to work."
"You cannot say all immigrants are illegal and bad. Deal with each immigrant on a case by case basis according to their category," Matemu, a seasoned Supreme Court-accredited immigration attorney, who recently won a landmark immigration case at the Supreme court against attorney general Jeff Sessions, said. Recp Here (Kenyan born US Lawyer wins landmark case against Jeff Sessions)
"We need to decriminalize marijuana.There is no study that has ever shown people who use marijuana are likely to commit more crimes. The fact that it is illegal has opened the door to discrimination. Whites and blacks use weed at the same rate, but we have 70% blacks in jails for marijuana as compared 30% whites arrested with similar charges. When cops pull you over because they suspect you might have the drug, they start investigating you on many other things like child support, outstanding driver license violations, immigration violations, etc. This is grossly unfair," he added.
Matemu expressed hope that he will get a lot of votes if enough people get to hear of his message especially since records indicate more voters in North Carolina are now politically unaffiliated than those allied to either the Democratic or Republican Party.
He urged Kenyans and friends in the diaspora to donate to his campaign so he can have enough funds to put a last minute effort to get the vote out as well as fund logistics on voting day.
"Although only eligible Kenyans in North Carolina can help with actual votes, any one from any other state can help out with donations. People can donate any amount they wish online at:www.JeffMatemu.org.No amount is too little, even a $5 donation goes a long way," he told Ajabu Africa News.
According to US election laws, the maximum donation anyone can make to a political campaign is $5,700. One must be a permanent resident or US citizen in order to make such a contribution. However, anyone else regardless of their immigration status can participate in the process by volunteering to knock on doors, mobilize voters or help with Election Day logistics.
In May, the Somali community and friends in Minnesota helped elected Ilhan Omar as the first ever Muslim woman to represent the Democratic Party in the 5th Congressional District race, where she is widely expected to win on November 6.
Two weeks ago, the Ugandan community in Boston helped elect Sharlene Nabulime to the Waltham City Council, becoming the first woman of color to serve in such capacity in the highly diverse city, home to thousands of Ugandan immigrants.
The voting deadline for Massachusetts is October 17. Most states now allow online voter registration.
During a recent round table meeting with African immigrants in the city of Lowell, Mayor Bill Samaras expressed dismay that most African immigrants eligible to vote as naturalized citizens do not bother to register as they feel their votes may not make a difference.
Mayor Bill Samaras receive a recognition award from members of the African community in Lowell during a recent round table meeting at City Hall to explore ways of having the community involved in local civic and political process. AJABU AFRICA NEWS PIC/H.MAINA |
The mayor said it was very critical for Africans to participate in the voting process in order for their voice to be heard. He vowed to do whatever it takes to help the growing community get over hurdles that may exist in the city that keep Africans and minority communities from participating in the process.
The mayor however praised the Lowell Cambodian community for being actively engaged in local politics, a situation that has seen them represented by a councilor (Vesna Noon) in the council and other positions within the city governance.
The round table consultative meetings are taking place once a month (3rd Thursday, at 5:00 p.m.) at the Mayor's Chamber at Lowell City hall. Any member of the black community, (African immigrants or African Americans) interested in the civic advancement of the black community in Lowell is welcome to attend.
To view a voter registration deadline and register in your state, state,click here >>>>> |
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