Monday, December 25, 2006

Acceptance Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have a few words to say. They are addressed to all Egyptian Americans who reside in Greater Houston, whether they are present or absent, Moslems or Christians; remember religion is between you and God while the country is for all. Therefore, neither division nor separation should exist.
I have been asked to lead and have been elected to do so. However among you, I am sure that there are those who are better than me. Thus I am seeking your help. Without you there would be no society. It is each one’s responsibility to think of the wellbeing of the Society and make suggestions if he thinks that would improve the situation. But please don’t be abrasive. Be brief, and better put your suggestion in writing. Thus there is no place for misunderstanding, and it also gives me an opportunity to present it to the Board. By speaking your mind you should feel good and consider you did your duty. It is our responsibility to see it through. However, if the Board did not follow your recommendation, don’t feel bad and angry, because your way is one road and there are many roads that lead to Rome.
One word for our youth. This Society is yours. We are just custodians. You are one wing of the society. Please actively participate in every aspect. Don’t be shy. Our ladies constitute the other wing. You have a lot of responsibility to keep this society alive. With these two wings the society can soar to reach higher levels and new horizons.
We Egyptian Americans should realize that we have a debt to Egypt. Despite her limited resources, we were raised there and had free education. We should always help in every way we can. Remember, we are all ambassadors of Egypt. All peoples with whom we interact watch us. Therefore, we should prove that we have the spirit, the will, and the endurance of a 7000-year civilization. We should be hard working, honest in our relationship, good to our neighbors, and peace-loving. I say your slogan should be 5 R’s:
Learn, Labor, Love, Live, and Laugh.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope to meet your expectation; I wish you the best, and God bless you all.
Ezzat Abouleish,M.D. Houston, TX, Dec.09.2006

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