Ed. Note: We are pleased to welcome Olivia Luk, a Chicago intellectual property lawyer, to our Blog. Olivia will cover a range of subjects, and will initially focus on her husband Jonathan Bedi’s campaign for the Illinois State Senate. AAA-Fund of Greater Chicago has not made an endorsement in his race.

My name is Olivia Luk and I would like to introduce you to my husband, Jonathan Singh Bedi, who is running for State Senate in the 5th District of Illinois. Jonathan is the son of Gurminder Singh Bedi and Tricia Bedi. Gurminder is Punjabi Sikh from India and Tricia is the American daughter of Irish immigrants.

Jonathan’s biracial upbringing spanned multiple locations. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jonathan moved to Sao Paolo, Brazil for a few years before attending Loyola University Chicago earning degrees in Political Science and Marketing, and a minor in Peace Studies. After that, Jonathan earned his Juris Doctor at the American University Washington College of Law (where we met in the library!) in Washington, D.C.

The bitter, cold winters beckoned Jonathan to return to Chicago . Jonathan moved back to work in the General Counsel’s Office of a large, manufacturing company. He resigned from corporate law to enter the world of political consulting because of his passion for public service.

I knew when I married him that a campaign would be in our future. I just did not know it would be NOW. The decision to run was huge – but I am glad we did it. It has taken over our lives, but I know it was the right choice. We were disappointed with our current representation. The senator had been in office for 14 years, becoming complacent and lazy in his position. Because of his bad relationships with other politicians, funds were and are tied up, not getting to the people and programs of the district.

The people want a change and Jonathan is the right leader for it. Jonathan Bedi is A Vision for a Better Tomorrow – and starting tomorrow, January 1, 2008, I will keep a daily (I hope) blog of our campaign efforts for the next 35 days leading up to SUPER DUPER TUESDAY, February 5, 2008.

Please check out Jonathan’s website at www.jonathanbedi.com so you know who I am blogging about this month!

– Olivia Luk

Olivia Luk | No Comments »

Ed note: While we will not make a pre-primary endorsement, AAA-Fund invites every Democratic Presidential campaign to reach out to Asian Americans.

AAA-Fund will not endorse a Presidential candidate before there is a clear Democratic nominee. But involvement in pre-nomination campaigns is encouraged by all Asian and Pacific Island Americans. In addition to being involved in AAA Fund, I have been involved in Democratic Presidential campaigns since the 1970’s. As an appointee of President Bill Clinton, of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and as a long time advocate for Asian Pacific American interests I am proud to share my view on the opportunities of 2008. These thoughts are my own and neither approved by Barack Obama for President nor AAA Fund.

Asian and Pacific Americans have, as all Americans, seen the results of seven years of bad leadership from the White House. Any of the Democrats would be an improvement. On most issues, the candidates are fairly close. But our best choice should be someone who not only can win this election, but build a new political decade beyond the rules set by Newt Gingrich and Karl Rove. That leader is Senator Barack Obama.

The Iraq war is only one issue before us, but it has shown the weakness of our current leaders. As the most powerful military force, the U.S. must use our might thoughtfully. Responding to the terrorist attacks of 2001 made sense if that reaction could be focused on the source of the attack and done with plans as to what will follow. Clearly, the Iraq invasion did not fit that bill. We are paying that price now.

The complicated morass that the administration has created will require international cooperation and the support, and counsel, of neighbors, and contact with traditional foes and allies alike. In my mind, the bigger question, however, is who will show the wisdom when tough decisions need to made again. Too many supported the blank check given to President Bush when he started this war. Barack Obama, running for the Senate at the time, risked that candidacy by taking the clearly unpopular stand of questioning that rush to war. He, and the few others who said that Bush had not made the case, are the ones most likely to avoid that mistake in the future. The polls showed massive support for President Bush at the time, so from a political point of view, Democratic reluctance in challenging him isn’t surprising. But it isn’t leadership.

Formulas and polling are the reality of politics today. They cannot replace leadership. The most damaging criticism of our party is that we haven’t led, but followed the polls. All of our candidates are guilty of this to some degree. But I believe that Senator Obama provides the greatest ability to inspire the nation beyond their existing assumptions. As voters and activists this is our chance to lead – the endorsements of big names should not compel our choice.

Viable? A candidate that has raised amounts equal to the frontrunner through most of the contest without PAC money, Senator Obama has raised record funds through a combination of larger individual and small internet contributions. He is in a dead heat through the early primary states where people have gotten to know him. The Republicans aren’t ready for him, but the people are showing that they are.

Experience is one factor that can be useful in assessing candidates. It will not guarantee, however, the right choice. Bill Richardson has held the widest range of both domestic and foreign policy positions. Dennis Kucinich has served both as a big city Mayor (one of America’s toughest jobs) and a Congressman. Senators Dodd and Biden have the most years in government. Senator Clinton had the unique experience of being First Lady and advisor to a President at least on domestic issues. But experience is as experience does. The rush to the Iraq war is one way to see the value of that experience.

There are other experiences that are important. Senator Obama has the unique background of spending time working in the inner city to organize people around the difficult issues that they face. As one who has worked at that level the Asian and other minority communities, I can tell you that experience changes your view of the role of government. Barack has also worked in the Illinois legislature, as Abraham Lincoln did prior to his brief Congressional term. He excelled at working with Republican leaders and he melded the needs of his city constituents with suburban and rural needs.

In 1960, Vice President Richard Nixon made the case that a young Senator from Massachusetts lacked the experience to lead the nation during the cold war. John F. Kennedy won that election in large part due to his ability to inspire Americans and call us to a higher calling than mere politics. When the Soviet Union challenged the peace by placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, both the military and civilian voices of experience told President Kennedy that invasion or at least a massive attack on Cuba was the only course. His instincts told him otherwise and he sold a blockade that gave the Soviets a chance to back down, to a fearful world. If the voices of experience prevailed, nuclear war was certain. We are here today due to the risk a bare majority of Americans took in placing their faith in a young Senator whose wisdom was proven when it counted.

Both President Kennedy and former Congressman Abraham Lincoln had limited government experience when elected President. Both showed the leadership that the world needed in their time. Barack Obama has the potential to do the same in these troubled times.

Most of the Democrats are better than the Republicans on immigration, though none have been as forthright as I would like. But after two years of unsuccessful efforts at immigration reform and fear mongering by the Republicans and some Democrats, we need to reverse this negative trend that threatens America’s future. I believe Senator Obama, son of an African and someone who has lived in Hawaii and Indonesia, is the one best equipped to start the inspiration of the American people around our immigrant heritage. He has already inspired Democrats about reaching out to all parts of our nation and across traditional party lines. I trust him to start us on the road back.

Senator Obama is comfortable with people of different backgrounds. He grew up in Hawaii where there was a majority of Asian Pacific Americans. He did live at a young age in Indonesia. He represented one of Chicago’s most racially diverse districts in the state senate. He has relatives that are Asian American. His vision of diversity includes us at the table. Senator Obama is the first candidate for President who embraces his multi-racial background, a significant reality for our community. He will make history and could also provide a refreshing take on the difficult issues of race in America.

We have seen excruciatingly close elections in the last several Presidential contests. If we play our cards as we have in the past, we may squeak by, we may not. The time to take responsibility for our future is now. Splitting the difference isn’t the answer. Senator Obama will make possibilities that have not been there before. Democrats are close on the issues, but the voters have generally supported our party’s positions even when electing Republicans.

Ken Burns, documentary historian, in endorsing Senator Obama has drawn on his own study to see someone who will seize the opportunity to unite a troubled world. When President Obama is sworn in on January 20, 2009, the nation will be taking a huge step forward and the world will be in our corner more than they have for decades.

Join me and let’s make history together for an America that belongs to all of us. Visit AAPI for Obama.

- Paul Igasaki

Paul Igasaki, President 2008 | No Comments »

The waiting, the anticipation of what might happen once we wake up. Of course, I’m talking about January 3rd, and the Iowa caucuses.

I can’t wait to see what happens this primary season, and who becomes our Democratic candidate. I know we shouldn’t talk about horse races, but the fact that Iowa is a dead heat makes it all the more exciting. I mean, the pollsters can’t necessarily get into the hearts and minds of Iowans, so as each day passes, we tick a little bit closer.

Oh boy, it is almost like Christmas! (At least for a political junkie like me.) Except then we get the race for New Hampshire, and Nevada and South Carolina. So maybe it’s more like Hanukkah, except it stretches out for far more than 8 days. Maybe I should make an advent calendar for the political season. Instead of chocolate, behind every window lies a new poll or story touting X, Y, or Z as the front runner, and Q as a potential spoiler. Then I can market it to all the 726 other people who follow this stuff as closely.

Anyone want to provide the capital for such a venture?

-Caroline

Caroline, President 2008 | No Comments »

Another Asian American could soon join AAA-Fund endorsee Rep. Hubert Vo in the Texas House of Representatives. Democrat Sandra Phuong VuLe, a respected attorney and community leader, is running for an open seat in Northeast Dallas County (District 112). When she fled from Vietnam to the U.S. at the age of six, VuLe only knew two words of English: “yes” and “no.” But that did not stop her from earning a business degree from Washington University (St. Louis) and a law degree from Southern Methodist University.

If elected, VuLe would become the first APA state official from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (where this writer happened to grow up). Her candidacy has intrigued the authoritative Burnt Orange Report. Stay tuned…

– Gautam Dutta

Campaign Update, Democratic Party, Gautam Dutta, Grassroots Activism, Running for Office | No Comments »

Why haven’t more Asian Americans been elected in San Francisco, which boasts the nation’s oldest Chinatown? While this scenic city’s population is nearly one-third Asian American, only one of its 11 Supervisors are Asian American (and she was just appointed). V.I. King at CAUSE flags an interesting article on the APA community’s uphill climb.

Gautam Dutta, Running for Office | 2 Comments »

According to a key Giuliani campaign spokesperson, “the Muslims” need to be “chased back to their caves.” More at Talkingpointsmemo.com. Will Giuliani stand by these abhorrent remarks?

Update: The offending spokesperson has been kicked out of Giuliani’s campaign.

Gautam Dutta, President 2008, Religion | No Comments »

Why has the 80-20 Initiative gratuitously attacked Sen. Obama? Reappropriate.com has all the details.

– Gautam Dutta

Update: Jenn at Reappropriate.com critiques 80-20′s latest diatribe.

Campaign Update, Gautam Dutta, President 2008 | 11 Comments »

Ed Note: While we will not make a pre-primary endorsement, AAA-Fund invites every Democratic Presidential campaign to reach out to Asian Americans. Ask A Staffer is a new and ongoing series of informal interviews with Democratic staffers who care about APA issues.

A native Virginian and graduate of the University of Virginia, S. R. Sidarth currently works as Special Project Coordinator in the communications office for Governor Bill Richardson’s Presidential campaign. In 2006, he shot a video in which former Sen. George Allen mocked Sidarth because of his skin color – galvanizing Asian Americans and Democrats to defeat Allen, elect Sen. Webb, and retake the U.S. Senate. In May 2007, Sidarth graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Government. Our questions are in bold and Sidarth’s (SRS) responses are below.

1) What drew you to your candidate?

SRS: Having spent nearly a quarter-century in a variety of positions in public service, Governor Richardson is the most qualified candidate in the Presidential field. Of the major candidates, he has proposed the only plan that truly will end the war in Iraq: to remove all of our troops and use diplomacy to promote reconciliation in the region. Governor Richardson also possesses the ability to win the general election by bringing the southwestern United States into play for Democrats.

2) How will your candidate benefit Asian Pacific Americans as President of the United States?

SRS: Having grown up in a bicultural household, Bill Richardson understands the value of diversity. As Governor of New Mexico, 2/3 of his senior staffers are either minorities or women. His practice of hiring the most qualified person for the job will continue as President. In addition, Richardson will continue to work on issues important to APAs, including ending the war in Iraq and restoring America’s leadership in the world, improving our education system, and fixing our broken immigration system.

3) How did you become involved in politics and what led you to campaign life?

SRS: I started working in politics in 2003 upon enrolling at the University of Virginia. Being involved in a campaign is the best way to understand how the political process works.

4) What’s one thing that you didn’t know about campaign life beforehand that you’d like to share?

SRS: Until this past year, I did not know how gratifying it would be to help elect a candidate who truly represents what you believe in.

5) How do you think the Asian Pacific American community has evolved politically this campaign cycle and where do you see us going by the next election?

SRS: Thanks to groups like the AAA Fund, we are making significant strides. However, more APAs need to get involved in campaigns and run for office. As public service becomes more prevalent in the APA community, our interests will be better represented.

****

Like the Ask A Staffer series? Write in the comments section with more questions or suggestions for potential interviewees. And spread the word by linking us or forwarding this interview.

Caroline, President 2008 | No Comments »

Happy holidays from the AAA Fund blog team! Whether you’re in the far-flung reaches of Alaska or in the warm climes of Florida, we hope you are having a warm holiday season with your friends and family.

We’re introducing a new and ongoing “Ask the Staffer” interview series with Democratic staffers who care about Asian American issues. We’re doing it so that interested Asian Americans and other political junkies can find out more about what it’s like to be involved with political campaigns from an “on the ground” perspective. We’re starting with presidential campaigns, but we hope to interview state and local staffers as well. Think of it as an easy way to find out:

1) what it’s like to work on a political campaign; and

2) more information about different candidates (AAA Fund is all about helping others become more political active and aware.)

We plan on expanding this interview series to candidates as well, so look forward to that feature. Meantime, let us know if there are questions you’d like to see included in future interview series, or if you have any campaigns you’d like us to interview.

We’re kicking this off with S. R. Sidarth of Governor Richardson’s campaign. (Yes, that S. R. Sidarth who got mocked by former Senator George Allen, got it on tape, and helped pick up a Democratic Senate seat in Virginia, as well as a stellar new Senator – Jim Webb, who was one of AAA Fund’s endorsed winners in 2006.

We hope this series will inspire you to get active as well, because you never know how much one person can change – just look at Sidarth. And no matter which candidate you support, we’re just here to get you more informed, because we can all toast to that. Enjoy the New Year!

Caroline, Democratic Party | No Comments »

Like her father and two brothers, Benazir Bhutto has met a violent death — with more violence for her country in the offing. Bhutto was certainly no political reformer. Earlier, when she was Prime Minister, her husband was dubbed “Mr. 10 Percent” for allegedly receiving kickbacks — providing the military with a pretext for removing her from power. Nevertheless, before she was assassinated, Bhutto’s party had been favored in the Jan. 8 national parliamentary elections. Instead, her nation is now in a dangerous state of disarray, with embattled dictator Pervez “Let’s Arrest the Supreme Court” Musharraf precariously clinging to power. Although Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is in safe hands (for now), the Bush Administration must swiftly reach out to the country’s democratic opposition before it is too late.

– Gautam Dutta

Gautam Dutta | 4 Comments »

Ed Note: While we will not make a pre-primary endorsement, AAA-Fund invites every Democratic Presidential campaign to reach out to Asian Americans. Elena Ong is Southern California Co-Chair, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary Clinton. Learn more about the Presidential candidates and election at http://aaafund.org/campaigns/president08/index.asp and http://www.aaa-fund.com/?p=72 .

Why APAs Should Vote Clinton

BY ELENA ONG

According to The Field Poll’s Survey of Likely Voters in California’s February 5, 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary, conducted December 10-17, 2007, Hillary Clinton is California’s Democratic Frontrunner.

Hillary Clinton is California’s #1 Choice for President.

Hillary Clinton is the #1 choice of nearly every California demographic.

From 18 to 65+, from men to women, from Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to Non-Hispanic Whites, from Liberals to Conservatives, from union households to non-union households, Hillary Clinton is their #1.

Hillary’s Top 5 strongholds are:

1. The Elderly: 45% chose Clinton as their #1, with a 34-point lead over her closest opponent,

2. The Poor/Middle Class (<$40,000): 45% chose Clinton as their #1, with an 18 point lead over her closest opponent,

3. Asian American Pacific Islanders*: 44% chose Clinton as their #1, with a 24 point lead over her closest opponent,

4. Latina/os: 42% chose Clinton as their #1, with a 20 point lead over her closest opponent, and

5. Women: 41% chose Clinton as their #1, with a 21-point lead over her closest opponent.

As the Southern California Co-Chair of AAPIs for Hillary, and Member of the California State Women for Hillary Leadership Council, I am impressed by Hillary’s lead, and ranking, among Asian American Pacific Islanders and women!

After all, AAPIs comprise 7% of likely voters in California’s Democratic Primary, 8% of California’s Permanent Absentee Voter Registrants, 15% of California’s population, and 39% of America’s Asian American Pacific Islander vote. It been said, how AAPIs vote in California’s Democratic Primary (which starts January 7 and ends February 5, 2008) could determine the direction of the nation’s AAPI vote! So as an advocate for full civic engagement, I take no vote for granted, and I’m courting the 17% of AAPI voters who have not yet decided how they’re going to vote, and courting the emerging AAPI vote (17-year-olders who will come of age to vote in 2008, students away at college or studying abroad, and American citizens-in-waiting).

What are the top three reasons why AAPIs support Hillary Clinton for President?

#1. Hillary Clinton’s Experience, Knowledge & Respect for the AAPI Community

US Senator Hillary Clinton knows and appreciates the rich diversity and history of the AAPI community.

During Asian Pacific Heritage Month 2007, Hillary appointed Congresswoman Doris Matsui to lead one of the largest, and most diverse, Asian American political organizations ever-assembled to advance a presidential candidate’s victory. It is comprised of elected officials and community leaders, from New York to Hawaii, of Chinese-American, Hmong-American, Filipino-American, Japanese-American, Korean-American, South Asian American, Taiwanese-American and Vietnamese-American descent.

Of all the presidential campaigns, Hillary has the largest percent of AAPIs staffing her presidential campaign ( http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2007/11/01/racial-diversity-in-presidential-campaign-staffs/)

Of all the presidential candidates, Hillary has the largest number of endorsements from AAPI elected officials throughout the United States, including US Senator Inouye and former Governor Gary Locke.

#2. Hillary Clinton’s Vision & Commitment to the AAPI Community

As President, Hillary is committed to ensuring that our nation’s policies respond to the needs and interests of the AAPI community. Hillary will promote an agenda that provides the opportunity, support and tools AAPIs need to realize the American dream.

To honor this commitment, Hillary will continue to fight racial discrimination, reform our immigration system and prioritize reuniting families, make college affordable and accessible, provide for universal health care for all, support small businesses and engage in our international partners to promote democracy and human rights around the world.

(See attached for official one-pager).

#3. Hillary Clinton has the Best Chance of Being Elected President in the November 2008 General Election

According to two new polls, Hillary Clinton is leading Iowa by 5-7 points, leading New Hampshire by 19 points, and leading South Carolina by 14 points! The polls also show Hillary is the most electable Democrat. In California, the Field Poll shows that the majority, 52%, believe that Hillary Clinton has the best chance of being elected President in the General election, 34 points ahead of her closest opponent!

Iowa: Iowa St U poll: Hillary 31%, Edwards 24%, Obama 20%.

New Hampshire: AP-Pew poll: Hillary 38%, Obama 19% and Edwards 15%.

South Carolina: AP-Pew poll: Hillary 45%, Obama 31%, Edwards 10%.

California: Field Poll: Hillary: 36%, Obama 22%, Edwards 13%.

So if you’re an Asian American Pacific Islander, who supports Hillary, and/or is undecided, I invite you to join AAPIs for Hillary. For information about AAPIs for Hillary, contact Elena Ong, So Cal Co-Chair of AAPIs for Hillary at presidentialelection2008@gmail.com, or Irene Bueno, National AAPI Outreach Consultant for Hillary Clinton for President at ibueno@nvgllc.com. We’re organizing AAPIs in Iowa to win the January 3 Iowa Caucus, we’re organizing AAPIs in Nevada to win the January 19 Nevada Caucus, and we’re organizing AAPIs in California to win the absentee and in-person vote between January 7 through February 5!

If you’re a woman, who supports Hillary, and/or is thinking about who to support for 44th President of the United States, I invite you to join Women for Hillary at www.hillaryclinton.com or contact me at presidentialelection2008@gmail.com. After all, women will comprise 58% of the vote in Democratic Presidential Primary and 52% of the vote in the Republican Presidential Primary.

It’s almost New Year’s.

Now is the time to make a New Year’s Resolution.

Now is the time to make a Lunar New Year’s Resolution.

To unite the power of the AAPI vote (7%) with the power of the women’s vote (58%), and the power of other phenomenal constituencies, so together, we can win!

Because for those of us who look at the world through a race, ethnicity, poverty and gender lens, and want to see change in America and abroad, I’m glad that the one presidential candidate who has championed human rights in America, and abroad, has earned the respect and confidence of voters across the board

That’s why The Field Poll shows that Hillary Clinton the #1 presidential choice of men and women, non-white and whites, the poor and the middle class. and those coming of age to vote, generations x, y and z, the shadow-boomers, and those who are redefining age and retirement.

That’s why Hillary Clinton is the most electable candidate in the 2008 California Presidential Primary, and the 2008 General Election.

So get involved.

Let’s do more than analyze the numbers.

Let’s create the numbers that will create the change AAPIs, and all Americans, want and deserve.

Get involved! Get out the vote!

Join AAPIs for Hillary. Join Women for Hillary. Join GenerASIANs NeXXt for Hillary. Join Iowans for Hillary. Join Nevadans for Hillary. Join Californians for Hillary. Join Americans for Hillary. Join New Americans & Emerging Voters for Hillary.

* AAPIs are categorized as AAPIs/Others in The Field Poll.

___________________

Elena Ong is a Public Policy Consultant, the Southern California Co-Chair of AAPIs for Hillary Women for Hillary Leadership Council, and Diversity Chair of the National Women’s Political Caucus. She is the past First Vice Chair of the California Commission for Women and past Chair of the California Democratic Party API Caucus.

Campaign Update, Democratic Party, Guest Blogger, President 2008 | No Comments »

The United States was founded, among other things, to allow for religious freedom. The Constitution prohibits the government from “establishing” any religion or infringing on the free exercise of any religion or lack of religion. The Civil Rights Act prohibits employers or the government from discriminating against anyone due to their religious beliefs or affiliations.

That should be clear enough, but every election it seems that religion, that of the candidates or of whether one is adhering to specific religious beliefs, seems to be a major area of consideration. Religion is one’s right, but it is a dangerous and unwise trend for it to dominate the political discourse. Nobody more than Asian Pacific Americans should be more aware of this – we are more diverse than any racial group, with more major religions represented and, as for others, with our share of atheists, ethical humanists and agnostics.

The big picture is filled with religion as we approach 2008. Our Republican friends are competing to see who is the closest to the party’s evangelical Christian conservatives. Former Governor Romney’s Mormon faith has raised questions among many primary voters. Former Governor Huckabee’s Baptist minister background seems to have helped him in that party.

On the Democratic side, each candidate, while not having to prove their Christian purity to the same degree, also feel compelled to tell their religious story. This has been more true since Jimmy Carter was so open with his born-again credentials. But the issue isn’t new. John F. Kennedy, as the first Roman Catholic President, had to go public with an assurance that the Pope wouldn’t give him orders and that his religion, one way or another should not be the issue. Interestingly, Mitt Romney recently gave a similar speech. The main difference, and a key one, was that while Senator Kennedy included in the speech his strong belief that religion should stay out of government, Governor Romney suggested that we should allow more government connection with religion. I disagree.

In this year also, playing upon the fear and hate driven bigotry against Muslims in the wake of terrorist attacks, we see and continue to see a very ugly lie pushed about Senator Barack Obama suggesting he was schooled in a radical Muslim school in Indonesia and that his candidacy is in some way promoted by Muslim terrorists. Fanned both by falsehoods on Fox television and even more scurrilous internet stories, despite the mainstream media’s condemnation of the lies, it continues to “have legs.” Of course, Senator Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ, the denomination of my parents and I can assure you that it is as Christian as any other church. He has never been a Muslim. Beyond that, as a very young grammar school boy in Indonesia he attended a secular, not a religious, school. Yes, some of his classmates and neighbors were Muslims, though he did not grow up with Muslim family members. It is sad that some would use that small contact at a young age as a reason for political rejection. One of the reasons the U.S. was blindsided by the attacks of 2001 is that we don’t understand either the moderate mainstream sects or the militant sects or that there are indeed substantial differences in each. Using this against Senator Obama is against the most basic of American principles and is, in my mind, bigoted as well as unethical.

As a Buddhist, I am aware that the many forms of Buddhism are not well understood either. And, after Pearl Harbor, bigotry against Japanese extended to Buddhists, both the religion and the philosophy. Of course, like most religions and philosophies, Buddhism is strongly rooted in values of peace.

Without doubt, a government official’s morality affects their work. Knowing a President’s values helps build confidence in their judgment. But religions don’t differ much in their mainstream tenets at least as they affect the professional acts of an individual. And, there isn’t a religion, or a philosophy for that matter, that doesn’t have as many that identify with that faith who nevertheless act in ways contrary to its rules as those who follow them. So religion, in fact, offers very little help to voters. It isn’t wrong to have one’s positions compelled by faith; certainly we expect one’s acts to be guided by whatever her/his morality may be. But using the labels has the likely result in allowing people to avoid thorough analysis and, worse, for many to discriminate by religion.

So many Asian Pacific Americans would be disqualified due to coming from a minority and misunderstood religion, at least in America. That could include Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism or a host of other religious beliefs. Too few of us get considered as it is. The same applies to the many APIA’s that are Christian, of whatever denomination. Certainly, Jewish Americans still face religious discrimination. While there have been candidates for President, never a nominee and only one Vice Presidential nominee. We need to follow President Kennedy’s lead and shut the door on religious affiliation as a legitimate political factor.

-Paul Igasaki

Issues, Paul Igasaki | No Comments »

Many candidates have ads recognizing the holiday season. I suggest you watch each ad before enjoying my commentary.

Rudy Giuliani has two ads: one for the web and one for tv. In both, Giuliani appears to be a bagboy at the local grocery store, and Santa inexplicably appears. Is Giuliani trying to say he’s endorsed by Santa? He’s redundant in his web ad. Strict constructionist judges are fruitcakes. Maybe the big red bow is what Bork needed to get past the Senate. He’s correct in his tv ad. You can’t have lower taxes and government spending less than it takes in.

Mike Huckabee: Boy, that cross keeps sneaking up closer and closer to Huckabee. I mean those bookshelves keep sneaking. They’re so conveniently well-lit, too. Does he really expect us to believe no one noticed this? That would mean everyone from the cameraman to the editors and beyond didn’t notice. Is Huckabee saying his ad people are that incompetent? Perhaps he should instead just run this alternative ad.

John McCain: The media isn’t jumping on McCain for using the cross. Does the media just have it out for Huckabee now, or is the difference McCain’s overt use versus Huckabee’s “accidental” use? I find the ad painful, but it evokes pain. Granted, I’m not the target audience of the ad, but instead of pain, I want kittens trying to find their way out of a Christmas – sorry, Holiday – stocking in an ad.

Ron Paul: Production quality feels less like a 30 second presidential campaign commercial and more like a 30 second bad infomercial. He can afford better. But should he spend money on this commercial at all? Is a “by the way, I have a family” commercial an effective investment? He could have a commercial about bringing the troops home so they could be with their families for the holidays and the rest of the year.

Hillary Clinton: There’s something very “Martha Stewart” about this ad. There’s also something very “government handout” about this ad. But the worst part is how she addresses the gifts. Why is she addressing them as their contents?

John Edwards: I’m confused who he’s addressing. If “we” speak for “them,” then how can “them” also be “you?” Did whoever wrote this listen to I Am The Walrus before writing this ad with all its confusing pronoun usage? The ad also makes me feel bad for having a tofurkey on the table this holiday season.

Barack Obama: I can’t help but smile towards the end of this ad for the clear winner of the AAA-Fund straw poll earlier this month in Los Angeles. I think I like it because it’s a little bit Bobby Kennedy and also the closest a political ad will get to the kittens in the stocking.

- Justin Gillenwater

Justin Gillenwater, President 2008 | No Comments »

Ed. Note: The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) played a critical role in helping Amul Thapar, the first South Asian federal judge, get confirmed. We have reprinted its press release welcoming Judge Thapar’s confirmation.

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
1612 K Street. N.W., Suite 1400
Washington, D.C. 20006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Les Jin, (202) 775-9555

December 18, 2007

NAPABA CELEBRATES CONFIRMATION OF THE NATION’S FIRST SOUTH ASIAN AMERICAN ARTICLE III JUDGE

Washington, DC — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is pleased to announce that Amul R. Thapar was confirmed as a federal district court judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky on December 13, 2007. Mr. Thapar becomes the first South Asian American Article III judge in the history of the United States. Mr. Thapar becomes only the seventh Asian Pacific American Article III judge currently active, and only the second Asian Pacific American Article III judge outside of California and Hawaii.

“This is truly an exciting moment in history,” said Helen B. Kim, President of NAPABA. “Mr. Thapar is a dynamic, accomplished attorney who will make a distinct contribution as a federal district court judge. He is the first South Asian American federal judge, and we are confident that he will reflect well on our community.” Ms. Kim noted, however, that “Asian Pacific Americans still represent less than one percent of the federal judiciary and that greater efforts need to be made to ensure that the judiciary reflects the American population as a whole.”

Mr. Thapar brings many years of federal court experience to the bench. As one of currently only two Asian Pacific American U.S. Attorneys, he has served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky since March 2006. Mr. Thapar previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and for the District of Columbia. Combined with past clerkships with The Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and The Honorable S. Arthur Spiegel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Mr. Thapar’s federal court experience in four different jurisdictions is extensive and diverse. Mr. Thapar has been recognized by, among others, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for his ability to lead successful complex, multi-agency investigations involving violent crimes as well as white-collar offenses.

Mr. Thapar also brings a range of perspectives to the bench. He has worked at the private law firms of Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C. and Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition, Mr. Thapar taught as an adjunct professor for over six years at Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Mr. Thapar also has found time to serve on boards of directors for several nonprofit organizations.

NAPABA has been working towards Mr. Thapar’s confirmation since this summer. “NAPABA would in particular like to thank Senators Patrick Leahy and Arlen Specter for their leadership in the confirmation of Mr. Thapar,” said Les Jin, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Both Senators recognized the importance of this confirmation for the Asian Pacific American community.” Mr. Jin added that “NAPABA also appreciates the efforts of Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning of Kentucky for recommending Mr. Thapar, and the President for nominating him.”

— Gautam Dutta

Gautam Dutta | No Comments »

Well, I was excited to see Politico‘s article on a new study by the Harvard Institute of Politics on how Asian American youth are going strongly Democratic:

47 percent identify themselves as Democratic, 15 percent Republican and 39 percent independent — making them more Democratic than any other ethnic group except African-Americans in the survey.

Plus AAA Fund Advisory Board Member Betsy Kim gets a shout out in her new capacity as DNC American MajorityPartnership Executive Director:

But Kim said that as Asian-Americans have become more assimilated, young Asian Americans more closely reflect the views of their own generation. And, like Wong, they are particularly critical of the Bush administration for its policies on the Iraq war.

“If it wasn’t for the war, I don’t think Asian-Americans my age would be Democratic,” said Wong.

That is almost certainly an overstatement. Young Asian-Americans are significantly more Democratic than young whites, who are roughly evenly split between the two major parties. And Asian-Americans of all ages have been trending Democratic for years.

But they were once a dependable Republican constituency.

So what accounts for this upsurge in Democratic interest? It couldn’t hurt that the vast majority of APA candidates and officials are Democrats.

But I think it’s not just the war, but the continuing economic downturn which leads to fears about finding a job after college, the lack of health care, the Patriot Act and the lingering suspicion of brown men flying, which is parodied so well in the trailers for Harold and Kumar 2. And it’s also the “Macaca” factor.

Don’t laugh. So many people saw the footage of Senator George Allen calling then college student S. R. Sidarth a “macaca,” aka a monkey. And we recognize ourselves in Sidarth, and the worst elements of the Republican Party in Allen’s schoolyard taunts of “Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia!” (WaPo) Younger Asian Americans who grew up so distinctly American and yet never fully accepted because of our funny names or the color of our skin see ourselves in him, and we see the GOP’s backward looking ways in Allen’s willingness to use the politics of division. Ultimately, Sidarth (who appeared at a Los Angeles debate sponsored by the AAA Fund) outclassed a U.S. Senator who was easily twice his age who should have known better.

Congressman Mike Honda, Vice Chair of the DNC and President of the AAA Fund Honorary Board of Directors, also weighs in on why Asian Americans are moving more solidly into the Democratic column:

“Some politicians were trying to drive a wedge between communities,” Honda said of California Republicans, like then-Gov.Pete Wilson, who were pushing the anti-immigrant ballot initiative Proposition 187. “That started to cause resentment not only among the targeted group of Latinos, but Asian-Americans realized that affected them, too.”

Incidents like George Allen’s infamous “macaca moment” — when the former Republican senator from Virginia directed an ethnic slur at an Indian-American young man — have also alienated Asian-Americans, Honda said. “That touched a nerve with Asians across the country.”

It’s not the only reason, but I think it’s an emblematic exchange – younger Asian Americans are tired of war, of lies, of economic insecurity and the politics of fear. We, like the rest of the country, want to move forward. That’s why we are supporting Democrats in far greater numbers than ever before – we crave leadership and vision, and we want to be able to look up to our President again.

Consider the highlights from AALDEF’s exit polls from 2006, courtesy of USA Today:

Four out of five Asian-American voters supported Democratic candidates in top races such as the Senate contests in New Jersey and Virginia. South Asians — such as Asian-Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis — were the most Democratic, the report said.

Southeast Asians, such as Vietnamese, were the least likely to be enrolled in the Democratic Party. Filipinos had the highest rates of people enrolled in the Republican Party (22%), but a majority (52%) were Democrats and nearly a quarter (24%) were not enrolled in either party.

For the 2008 elections, Asian-Americans said they want the presidential candidates to address issues in this order: economy/jobs (28%), health care (19%), war in Iraq (15%) and education (15%). Immigration was chosen by 9% of the Asian-Americans surveyed, the report said.

These polls were conducted on a wide range of ages, but I think it reflects our younger community’s top issues. This was back in 2006, and the economy is only weaker now than it was before. Friends of mine who had well-paying Wall Street jobs are getting canned, and those who are on the job market have been looking for half a year, even those with advanced degrees. The unfortunate truth is that our parents are getting laid off and downsized, and so are we.

The other interesting thing about the study is the large percentage who consider themselves independents – it signifies that the GOP has really turned off a large percent of young APA voters, and that Democrats have made inroads, but that almost 40 percent are a swing vote, and need to be courted assiduously to cement their political leanings.

Maybe more Asian American star surrogates on the campaign trail would do the trick. Masi Oka or Grace Park anyone? Who would you like to see?

-Caroline

Caroline, Democratic Party, Economy, President 2008 | No Comments »