As a conscientious voter, I do my best to keep an open mind and learn as much as I can about all candidates in an approaching election. This extends to elections where I already have a preferred candidate in mind, for there is always something to be learned, sometimes unexpected, from such explorations. For a local election, keeping an open mind includes seeking out events where I can meet and hear from the candidate in person.
In the case of Mazi Pilip, that historically has been difficult. Events for her current campaign for Congress and her previous ones for Nassau County Legislature have been held mostly behind closed doors, in synagogues or private civic associations, and have rarely if ever been advertised openly to the general public.
However an opportunity finally appeared when a flyer was circulated for a “Meet and Greet” with Mazi Pilip to be held on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 4:45 p.m. at a dance school at 84 Middle Neck Road, in the center of town across from the Haagen Dazs ice cream shop. The flyer, in both English and Chinese, said nothing about “members only” or anything to indicate it was a closed event, so I decided I would go.
An inviting “Mazi Pilip” sign on the sidewalk outside the entrance greeted me when I arrived at 4:45 p.m. sharp. I entered through the doorway where I was welcomed warmly by a woman who appeared to be an official of whoever was the sponsoring organization. I took a place near the back of the room and waited quietly as more attendees gradually filled the room, ultimately about 40-50 of them, mostly but not exclusively Asian-Americans.
After about 15 minutes, Pilip was ushered into the front of the room and the event began with introductory remarks by two unnamed people. Then Pilip spoke for about 10-12 minutes, after which the floor was opened up for questions from the audience. A few hands went up including mine, but a gentleman from the front of the room was chosen first. His question was a rhetorical one: What was Tom Suozzi trying to “fix” re his campaign slogan “Let’s fix this!” and complaining that Suozzi’s 10-point plan was a copy of Pilip’s (not true – Suozzi’s plan was released weeks before Pilip’s – but never mind, I was there to learn).
At that point, now 25 minutes into the event, a large man in a suit came over to me and told me I had to leave. I asked why and he said “this is a private event.” I politely disputed him based on the flyer, but he reiterated his statement.
As I turned to go, I asked “is it because I’m white and not Asian-American”? He replied sarcastically “yeah, that’s why”. I asked him his name and he said “Lou.” I asked what was his capacity with Ms. Pilip’s campaign. His cryptic reply: “3 gallons a minute.”
Then to my astonishment, he said “you’ve shown your true colors” and once again told me to leave. “Lou” was built like a pro football linebacker, so I wasn’t about to argue with him.
Prior to this exchange, I had not spoken a word or done anything to make myself noticed, but clearly Lou had sniffed me out as “not one of them.” As I walked back to my car, questions swirled surreally through my head:
What country was I in? Had I stepped through a time/space warp of some kind?
What kind of American campaign would eject a silent, polite, non-protesting, and perfectly well-behaved citizen from a “meet and greet” for their candidate?
What kind of candidate wouldn’t proudly put forth their platform to ALL, supporters and non-supporters alike, and seek to communicate with people of all persuasions, as Tom Suozzi has done in actively seeking Republicans to come to his events which have been notable for their inclusiveness?
The right of free speech (including the right to remain silent) and the right of free and peaceful assembly are enshrined in our Constitution and part of long-established norms of our democracy. What candidate who purports to represent all people in her district and who claims to promote “the American Dream” for all, would allow this?
Ms. Pilip, your staff’s behavior in this incident was un-American and antithetical to everything you claim to stand for.
“But are there not many fascists in your country?”
“There are many who do not know they are fascists but will find it out when the times comes.”
“But you cannot destroy them until they rebel?”
“No,” Robert Jordan said. “We cannot destroy them. But we can educate the people so that they will fear fascism and recognize it as it appears and combat it.”
― Ernest Hemingway, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
I proudly cast my early vote for Tom Suozzi for Congress and urge the same from all voters who value their freedoms.
Oh…my intended question for Ms. Pilip, had I been able to ask it: Have you ever read the Constitution of the United States?
Robert Yamins
Great Neck