I believe that our fight should transcend personal gain or position and instead be fueled by the noble cause that truly matters: Unity. My name is Nirav Sheth, from Ahmedabad, India, where I was raised in a lower middle-class family. When I first arrived in the USA in 2008, my family could barely afford a ticket. Nonetheless, I embarked on a journey as a student of computer and electrical engineering. After my arrival it was not easy.
The struggle I faced was not merely a battle for survival, but a relentless fight to preserve my core values and unwavering principles. I found myself ensnared in the clutches of a deceitful college that had swindled my hard-earned fees. Reduced to homelessness on the unforgiving streets of Florida, I persevered. Day after day, I mounted my bike and traversed a treacherous nine-mile journey to a menial job that paid a meager six dollars per hour. Every pedal stroke was fueled by the immense determination to feed my own hungry stomach and support my family back in India.
Yet, amidst the despair and adversity, my faith in this country remained unwavering. I had always harbored an unyielding desire to serve in the United States Military, and finally, the stars aligned, granting me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream.
In 2011, I took a momentous step and joined the Marines while still pursuing my studies. For four years, I served with unwavering dedication in Yuma, Arizona. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as a police officer in Lakewood, Washington, from May to October 2017. Unfortunately, due to injuries sustained during my military service, I had to resign, including hearing loss.
Currently, I am an enterprising individual residing in Pierce County, Washington. Through serendipitous encounters, I have had the privilege of connecting with a community of like-minded individuals who have inspired me to pursue public office in the state of Washington.
My experiences as a Marine veteran and former police officer have instilled within me an unyielding belief in the importance of public service and the imperative to safeguard our community. Having personally witnessed the sacrifices and challenges inherent in serving, my passion burns brightly to fight for the fundamental rights of our people, guarantee community safety, fortify our infrastructure, and foster a robust economy that will secure a promising future for generations to come. This profound sense of purpose has led me to make the resolute decision to run for Congressional District 10th. I am determined to stand up for the people and leave an indelible mark that will endure for years to come.
My story is pretty simple, I fell, I stood back up and I leaned from my mistakes and I progressed. That’s what normal people do everyday in their daily lives.
But Let me tell you why I am here today, I am tired. Weary body can be dealt with but weary soul is something else. I am deeply concerned about the political landscape we find ourselves in. Our sheer force of will and determination is constantly being eroded by a system that is failing us at every turn. I am tired, tired of the incompetence and corruption that plagues our leadership, tired of policies that only benefit the privileged few, tired of an education system that fails to adequately prepare our children for the future.
But it doesn’t stop there. Our monetary system is broken, favoring the wealthy and leaving the working class struggling to make ends meet. Our food system is failing, with corporations putting profit above the health and well-being of the people. Our healthcare system is in shambles, leaving millions without access to affordable and quality care. And our law enforcement system, meant to protect and serve, has become a tool of political power tool, suppressing our freedoms and rights rather than upholding them.
What has happened to the beacon of freedom and democracy that our country once was? It is becoming the epicenter of government tyranny, where laws are selectively enforced to maintain control and power. Our fundamental rights are being trampled upon, as powerful individuals seek to control every aspect of our lives. They want to dictate our health choices, control the food we eat, manipulate our financial systems, and shape the education of our children.
And let’s not forget the issues that are conveniently used to divert our attention and line the pockets of the few. Climate crisis and homelessness, real problems that require urgent attention, are being exploited by certain individuals who see them as opportunities for personal gain. They use illegal tax reforms and policies to channel funds into their own pockets, while normal individuals struggle every day to provide for their families.
I have personally witnessed the heartbreaking struggles of hardworking individuals, like single mothers working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I have seen the tears of a mother forced to choose between a sudden necessary expense and putting food on the table for her children. This is not the society we should tolerate or accept.
It is time for us to rise up and demand change. We must hold our leaders accountable, insist on policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens, and fight for a system that truly serves the people. Our democracy is at stake, and it is our duty to reclaim it from the clutches of those who seek to control and manipulate us. Together, we can build a future where our will and determination are not constantly undermined, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.