A Time to Reflect

Peace be upon you all,

I believe that this is a fitting opportunity to reflect upon some concepts and challenges that face our society today. After the loss of a great friend and brother, and most importantly a great asset to the American community (Mukit Hussain), one realizes the short breadth of life and the importance of making the most of it.

Not only that, but after the recent events of the shooting of the Congresswoman, one may also reflect upon societal extremes and our goals in contributing to the betterment of America. In the past event, we have seen pure evil at its ugliest, the murder of six among which was a young innocent child by a ruthless and heartless criminal. While at the same time, we are mourning the loss of a member that exemplifies true leadership and progressive American values: a leader who with his example has done so much for both Muslims and society at large.

It is in light of these two poles that gives us a chance to recognize the great evil or good produced of a deed, I believe that today, it is unfortunate that a very narrow enclave of Muslims have defined Islam by the former, when examples such as Mukit Hussain and others are epitomes of the vast latter. Terroristic groups such as Al-Qaeda, etc. have created a challenge of the negative extreme for Americans citizens, of which Muslim Americans are included, and it is our duty to do all that is in our capability to combat this national crisis.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the writing and reminders of the famous American poet Robert Frost and former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. May we all learn from his preconceived wisdom:

Fire and Ice

Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

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"We must be the great arsenal of democracy" --FDR

Vote is Power, Please Vote on Nov 2, 2010

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 2nd 2010

Get Out & VOTE

Then call your friends to VOTE too...

Every Vote Counts!

Remember to Vote Tomorrow, Nov. 2nd

VIRGINIA Polling Places will be OPEN FROM 6AM TO 7PM
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DC Polling Places will be OPEN FROM 7AM TO 8PM


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PEACE,

Esam

Remember Our brave men and women on Memorial Day

As we prepare to begin the Memorial Day weekend, it is important for each of us to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning for the day. While it can be viewed as the unofficial start of summer and a chance to enjoy a family picnic, we all should recognize Memorial Day is truly a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make our Nation free.

Our brave, selfless, and devoted men and women have fought and died to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy every day. This is our opportunity to honor them.

As a Americans and a Democrats, we should set an example and educate our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Memorial Day and remind them of the tremendous privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to the valiant service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

As you enjoy the long weekend with friends and family, I ask you to remember the ideals that make our country great and those who have sacrificed to protect those ideals.

Attend one of the many memorial services across the state. Proudly display the Flag. If you see a veteran or person currently serving our Nation in the Armed Forces, tell them "thank you," because we owe a debt to them that can never fully be repaid. And say a prayer for all those currently serving our Nation in harm's way.

Happy Memorial Day and may God continue to bless Virginia and the United States!

Esam Omeish

Shovel Snow Safely

- Clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks can be physically challenging and dangerous work, so you need to take proper health and safety precautions, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

In 2007, more than 118,000 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical facilities for injuries suffered while shoveling or doing other types of snow and ice removal, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That same year, there were 15,000 snow blower-related injuries, triple the number in 2006.

"People tend to think of snow removal as just another household task, but it is really involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting, particularly in wet snow," AAOS spokesman Dr. Robert Dunbar said in an academy news release. "It may be especially dangerous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their bodies, specifically back, shoulder and arm muscles, may not be prepared for that level of activity."

The AAOS offered advice on how to prevent injuries while shoveling or using a snow blower
• Get your doctor's opinion about whether you should be shoveling snow. If you have a medical condition or don't exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove snow.
• Wear light, layered, water-repellent clothing that provides both ventilation and insulation. It's also important to wear appropriate head coverings, as well as gloves/mittens and thick, warm socks. If you start getting too hot or cold, take a break.
• Be sure you can see what you're doing. Don't wear hats or scarves that block your vision. Watch for uneven surfaces and ice patches. Wear boots with slip-resistant soles.
• Clear snow early and often so that it doesn't build up into packed heavy snow.
• Before shoveling, warm up your muscles with light exercise for 10 minutes. Be sure to include your leg muscles.
• Take frequent breaks and drink water to prevent dehydration.
• If you experience chest pains, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency medical care.
• Use a shovel that's comfortable for your height and strength. Don't use a shovel that's too heavy or too long for you. Push snow instead of lifting it, as much as you can. If you must lift snow, take small amounts at a time and lift with your legs. Don't throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• When using a snow blower, never stick your hands or feet in the machine. If snow becomes too compacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid object to clear snow or debris from the chute.
• Don't leave a snow blower unattended when it's running. If you have to leave the machine, shut off the engine.
• If you're using an electric snow blower, always keep on eye on the cord so you don't trip and fall.


If you're using an electric snow blower, always keep the cord behind you, and keep your eyes on the cord so you don't trip and fall.

Have a safe and fun snow days…
Dr. Esam Omeish

New Diabetes Genetic Variants Found

More genetic variants that influence blood sugar and insulin have been identified.



A major international study with leadership from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers has identified 10 new gene variants associated with blood sugar or insulin levels. Two of these novel variants and three that earlier studies associated with glucose levels were also found to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Along with a related study from members of the same research consortium, associating additional genetic variants with the metabolic response to a sugary meal, the report will appear in Nature Genetics and has been released on-line.

“Only four gene variants had previously been associated with glucose metabolism, and just one of them was known to affect type 2 diabetes. With more genes identified, we can see patterns emerge,” says Jose Florez, MD, PhD, of the MGH Diabetes Unit and the Center for Human Genetic Research, co-lead author of the report. “Finding these new pathways can help us better understand how glucose is regulated, distinguish between normal and pathological glucose variations and develop potential new therapies for type 2 diabetes.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe that we will witness more discoveries about the meaning of genetic variants than we’ve seen in all years prior to that because genetic testing costs are falling so far so fast. Costs have dropped by orders of magnitude and continue to drop rapidly. Scientists face a blizzard of data from which they will be able to tease out many discoveries.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe that we will witness more discoveries about the meaning of genetic variants than we’ve seen in all years prior to that because genetic testing costs are falling so far so fast. Costs have dropped by orders of magnitude and continue to drop rapidly. Scientists face a blizzard of data from which they will be able to tease out many discoveries.

Esam Omeish

Steve King: I Opposed "Yet Another Bill" To Commemorate Slavery, In Order To Protect Judeo-Christian Heritage

RADICAL RIGHT -- REP. KING VOTES AGAINST ACKNOWLEDGING SLAVE LABOR THAT BUILT THE U.S. CAPITOL:

On Tuesday, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) was the only House member to vote against a measure to erect a plaque in the Capitol Visitors Center that would acknowledge the role that slave labor had in constructing the building. After his opposition caused a flurry of criticism, King claimed that his vote was in defense of the nation's "Judeo-Christian heritage." He also said in a statement that he opposed the slave labor resolution because it was put up for a vote before a resolution for the depiction of "In God We Trust" in the Visitor Center. Yesterday, however, King changed his justification in a radio interview in Iowa. He said that he voted against the bill because the slave labor resolution wasn't a "balanced depiction of history." He added, "[O]f the 645,000 Africans that were brought here to be forcibly put into slavery in the United States, there were over 600,000 people that gave their lives in the Civil War to put an end to slavery. And I don't see the monument to that in the Congressional Visitor Center, and I think it's important that we have a balanced depiction of history." In fact, there are multiple Civil War monuments around the Capitol. Right outside the Capitol is the Ulysses S. Grant memorial, a monument that commemorates the former general of the Union Army. That statue is flanked on either side by monuments to the Union's Artillery and Cavalry groups. Grant's statue faces west towards the Lincoln Memorial, which honors the President who led the effort to free the slaves. Additionally, in the Congressional Cemetery lies the Arsenal Monument, a memorial in honor of women who died while performing services for the Union Army. And there's also an African American Civil War Memorial that honors the contributions that African-American troops made to the war effort.

By Eric Kleefeld - July 8, 2009, 4:20PM

Thank you..... Greetings and Peace be upon all,

Dear friends and supporters, last night we made history and we came a long way.

When we started this journey over six months ago, we had a dream and a vision for a brighter future --

A dream of mobilizing and uniting our community for the service and greater good of all communities

A vision of an organized, proactive, participatory, community with exemplary, faithful, citizenship and membership

The dream today is a robust reality as a result of this awesome journey.

The vision, as compelling and as lucid as it may be, is closer to being achieved than any other time, certainly much closer than when we started this arduous track.

I want above all to thank my wife and best supporter Badria, my loving kids Abrar, Anwar, Yousof, and Ibrahim and parents, brothers and sister Samar.

I want first to thank all the pillars of the campaign (not just members or employees) but pillars, your countless efforts and selfless acts despite the ups and downs of the campaign are most greatly appreciated and my feelings of gratitude are immeasurable -- thank you.


I also cannot thank enough our volunteers, it is very clear from the get go, that no campaign can be successful without its volunteers, those who invest their time, resources and energies in it, those who believe in its message and vision and those who recognize the dire need for the work that our campaign is doing, your performance yesterday at the polls was stellar and is a testament of every one’s tenacity and willingness to help and participate -- thank you.

To all those who have been generous and tremendously gracious in supporting our campaign financially, thank you and may the Almighty bless you and your families in abundance and in multitude for what you have given. Campaigns depend heavily on strong resources and their success is directly linked to its ability to bring in resources. Our campaign was ranked as the best performing campaign in the last quarter of this race, not just among the challenger campaigns, but also with the incumbent ones, because of your generosity and support -- thank you.

I want to also thank my colleagues for the races they ran and the efforts they have exerted.

Tonight we are one family and we are joined by our common goal, to keep the 35th district Democrat and espouse the values and principles of common sense progressive policies of our Democratic party. We have an uphill battle to convert the general assembly house of delegates to a Democratic balance to enable our Democratic governor and lieutenant governor to continue the progressive uplifting policies of Governor Kaine and from before Senator Warner.

We have big challenges to tackle especially in the face of a faltering economy and a sobering job market. We are blessed to be in the 35 district and we have enjoyed the prosperity of Fairfax County. We will do everything we can to maintain the very reasons why it is today what it is. The excellence in our schools and the breadth of services provided in Fairfax County must be maintained despite difficult budgetary constraints. We also need to be innovative and responsible as we tackle age-long transportation problems and as we remain environmentally conscientious, while we sustain our support for business and economic growth. We need inclusive independent strong leadership to move us forward in Virginia.

Lastly, today is a celebration of the diversity of our Virginia and the robustness of our great democracy. People from all different communities came out to choose a more representative general assembly to reflect the beautiful colors of Virginia in the General Assembly. There’s nobody better than the Democratic Party to champion this diversity and foster this progress. Thank you FCDC, and fellow Democrats.

This campaign in its ascendancy has met several challenges and many more remain ahead. We are proud of where we are today, but the work is far from over. As I have mentioned earlier, this campaign opened curious eyes and turned inquisitive heads as well as inspired yearning hearts and infused needed energy into souls passionate about community activism and civic engagement. We will engage our inquisitors, inspire our fans and supporters and train and develop those enthralled by the mission of civic engagement and outreach for the greater good.

We will always take the higher road and transcend any difficulties or conflict so that we can concentrate our energies and passions on working together and paving common grounds. We must be ready to serve our constituency in the 35th district well, and be ready to address its challenges and maximize its opportunities for the progress and prosperity of Fairfax County and the 35th district.

We will reach out to all our friends and supporters and create common venues for dialogue and understanding for everybody. We wish to serve, and serve well, every member, every community of the 35th district and address every issue and matter that our district faces today

Esam Omeish