In the inspiring life story of Steve Chan, which serves as a testament to belief, responsibility, and common sense, we witness a tale of immigrant struggle. From his challenging childhood after losing his mother, working in sweatshops during his youth, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, spending 27 years in the New York City Police Department, to finally stepping into the political arena, Chan’s journey encapsulates his love for America and dedication to the community. He shares his values, experiences, and reflections on America in a recent interview.
Growing up almost like an orphan after his mother’s early passing at the age of three, Steve Chan felt disconnected even after his father remarried when he was ten. His only solace was to make the most of the cards life dealt him. Fortunately, the support of good friends and their families, whether from religious or Chinese backgrounds, guided him in the right direction through his formative years.
At the age of eleven, Chan moved from Hong Kong to Brooklyn with his parents and, like many immigrant children, worked in various sweatshops – sewing buttons on shirts, steaming clothes, laboring at a plastic factory for his uncle, washing dishes at a potato chip factory and restaurant, doing jobs that many would avoid. He missed out on the joys of childhood due to these responsibilities.
Thus, he emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present moment and quality time with loved ones. As children grow up, they face increasing responsibilities, deadlines, and pressure, diminishing the time they have to enjoy each other’s company. His hope for his daughter is not simply to rush through college but to truly learn and grow beyond exam scores.
During his early days as an immigrant, he faced difficulties in integrating into society and pressures from gangs, much worse than today. Trained in martial arts in Hong Kong and raised with biblical teachings, he had the moral compass to distinguish right from wrong early on.
Despite encounters with gangs during his teenage years, Chan’s foundation in martial arts and biblical values steered him away from a destructive path. Choosing to enlist in the Marine Corps and later serving in the NYPD for 27 years reinforced his commitment to public service and safety.
Reflecting on incidents of discrimination experienced in the United States, Chan acknowledges that it doesn’t represent everyone, recounting how a kind white Christian played a crucial role in his family’s immigration to the U.S. in 1977. The narrative dispels notions of systemic racism and highlights individual responsibility and gratitude toward those who offered a helping hand.
Having weathered discrimination and hardships, Chan underscores the importance of individual responsibility, perseverance, and hard work. He cautions against blaming others and emphasizes taking charge of one’s own destiny.
His journey from a U.S. Marine to a continuous dedication to community service and now a Senate position symbolizes his unwavering commitment to upholding American values and ideals. His poignant account of being among the first responders at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, highlights the unity and resilience that propelled America in its darkest hour.
However, as he reflects on the current state of division and extremism in the nation, particularly in the wake of recent violent incidents, Chan attributes the rift to the left’s radicalization and departure from common sense. This shift in the Democratic Party compelled him to switch allegiance to the Republican Party, grounded in fiscal responsibility, law and order, and family values – the pillars sustaining America’s strength.
Chan’s narrative underscores the necessity of instilling critical thinking in education, steering clear of political indoctrination. He emphasizes the importance of teaching history accurately to foster a deep understanding of the nation’s struggles, unity, and triumph over evil.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Chan views this milestone as an opportunity to showcase the nation’s greatness and ideals to the world. He acknowledges the need for cooperation and unity across party lines in local politics, citing successful partnerships with Democratic colleagues in his community as examples to emulate.
In navigating the waters of social and political upheaval, Chan advocates for a return to basics, emphasizing self-reliance, hard work, and the avoidance of entitlement mentalities that breed complacency and moral decay. His advocacy for a return to fundamental values and rejection of socialist ideologies echoes through his personal and political journey.
Despite recent attacks on his character and values by certain media outlets, Chan remains resolute in his dedication to serving his community and defending American principles. His unwavering commitment to upholding American values and his staunch belief in individual responsibility and fiscal stewardship shine through his narrative.
As he navigates the complexities of contemporary politics and social challenges, Steve Chan stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and integrity, embodying the enduring spirit of the American dream and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow – a narrative woven with threads of struggle, perseverance, and unwavering patriotism.