Dr Syed Taj will be the Democratic candidate for the United States Congress from Michigan's District 11, which has a sizeable population of Asians, especially Indian Americans. George Joseph reports
During the recent redistricting, 60 per cent and 40 per cent of two adjoining districts were joined together to make the District 11. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, who represented the larger part of the new district, could be Taj's Republican opponent. He faces a primary in August. Bihar-born Taj has no opponent in the primary.
Of the over 500,000 voters, at least 10 per cent is Asian, mostly Indians and Pakistanis. "This is a district where people are highly educated and affluent compared to other parts of Michigan," Taj said.
The physician jumped into politics after feeling frustrated with the system. He ran for Canton Township trustee in 2008, where he became the first elected Democrat in recent times to the board.
"My trustee position has given me the opportunity to listen and work with the community, serve on the board of directors of the Canton Community Foundation and the Wayne County Senior Alliance," he said. "I worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to aggressively attract businesses, lowered the personal property tax and offset the rising cost of water for our township."
"Let me tell you why I decided to run for Congress. I have been very fortunate to be able to provide for my family and put my son through college. However, many of my patients and constituents are not as fortunate, though they are hardworking and skilled," he said.
"Many could not find work due to Michigan's high unemployment. As a small business owner, I understand how jobs are created and I will work with the private sector to bring good paying jobs to Michigan. As a physician, I understand how the financial and the medical side of our health system actually work. This experience has taught me how to treat the symptoms of a problem and when to treat the actual problem."
"Americans are tired of Washington's political games and the failed divide and conquer strategies of our current system. They want an independent voice who can work across the aisle."
Taj, an alumnus of Patna Medical College, moved to the US in the 1970s to obtain his postgraduate training in medicine. In 1982, he moved to Michigan with his wife Sofiya, an artist, Urdu writer and poet. Their son Asad is at the University of Michigan in preparation for medical school next year.
Taj started his career as a medical resident and worked his way up to become chief of medicine at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn.
Asian Americans are the fastest-growing population in Michigan. According to the 2010 Census, the Asian-American population in Michigan grew 34.9 percent from 2000 to 2010, to a total of 238,199.
Taj wants to focus on education, and safeguards against Chinese predatory trade practices.
"I am a firm advocate of the use of smart power to address national security concerns and foreign affairs," he said. "Combining diplomacy, aid, and military strength while promoting US values like freedom of speech, assembly, and religion are hallmarks of smart power. Secretary (of State) Hillary Clinton has shown great leadership here."
"Our strategy in Libya was successful for these same reasons. Smart power has led to great successes in our fight against terrorism. By making better use of our intelligence services and engaging in targeted strikes, the United States has taken out the world's most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden and several other key Al Qaeda affiliates."
Taj thinks it is time to end the war in Afghanistan. "The longest war in US history," he said, "has gone on long enough."
Image: Dr Syed Taj
