I am a conservative. Being born and raised in Bangladesh, I did not grow up in a Republican or a Democrat family. I arrived in the United States when I was 19 years old, as an adult. My faith, my family, the way I was raised, and the principles I inherited from my mother make me a strong conservative.
People who know me, whether in my academic life, professional life, or personal life, would know that I am always ready for a conversation on public policy issues. I have friends with a wide range of beliefs – conservative, liberal and those in the middle. Whether someone agrees with my policy positions or not, I am always happy to have a discussion on issues that affect our lives.
Having been raised in a fairly new country with a parliamentary system of government (Bangladesh, independent as of 1971) and then moving to the United States, being educated in universities in both Dhaka and Wisconsin, experiencing the life of an immigrant and then a naturalized U.S. citizen, and being a lifelong learner in the field of public policy, I am always open to talking with people about economic, social and political issues that impact our lives. I am happy to listen to people’s views (whether those views are similar to mine or not) and to express my opinions and the reasons for my beliefs. Freedom of speech is precious and must be protected.
In spite of my openness to dialogue, it is sad to see that I still receive hate mail in my personal email account. There is no room for name-calling and personal attacks and insults if we want to have a decent dialogue to express our views on policy issues and to listen to the views of others around us.
I have always expressed my thoughts and opinions fearlessly, through speech and writing, and I will continue to do so.
I thank everyone who have shown and continue to show their support for me.
Good morning from Colorado Springs, Tawsif.
Nancy and I retired two years ago and are enjoying living near our son Brian and his family here. Brian is lead pastor of our church in Monument, CO.
El Paso County and Colorado Springs are well governed and conservative politically, even while the state of Colorado is temporarily under the control of liberals. We hope to change that!
We also stay in touch with government and politics in WI (and nationally, of course), and with good friends in the Madison and Racine areas.
Thanks for expressing your views so well in your column, and for the friendship we built while working together (though for different causes) in the Badger State.
Take care, Tawsif, and thanks again!
GP
Good morning George,
My apologies for the delayed reply!
It is wonderful to hear from you! Glad to know that you are doing well in Colorado, with family. Thank you for your words of appreciation regarding my writings! I truly enjoying writing, as well as speaking, on issues that I care deeply about.
Please let me know next time you are visiting Wisconsin. It would be nice to catch up!
I look forward to staying in touch! Best wishes to you and family!
Sincerely,
Tawsif
P.S. If you have not checked out my podcast yet, please do so! You may like it. I’d be interested to hear your comments.
http://www.exploreandengagewithanam.buzzsprout.com