Wadie Deddeh passionately believes in democracy. For 27 years, Wadie Deddeh's warm personality and artful collaboration at the California State Legislature earned him the respect and ... See full summary

Wadie Deddeh passionately believes in democracy. For 27 years, Wadie Deddeh's warm personality and artful collaboration at the California State Legislature earned him the respect and friendship of Republicans and Democrats alike. Determined to honor his immigrant roots as a Chaldean Christian from Iraq, Wadie Deddeh knew the secret for creating respectful political partners and as a result, changed California's highway system for the better. Most notably, he formed the California Department of Transportation, earning his recognition as the "Father of Caltrans". Arriving penniless in America in 1947 and against all odds, he became the highest ranking Iraqi ever to hold political office in the California State Legislature. Despite death threats against him and his family during the Gulf War, his unwavering patriotism for America earned him a reputation as a dedicated American and family man. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bonni Rooney paints an intimate portrait about the life of a true ...