May 17, 2012

Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for obama

Saturday, October 29, NYC: White House Initiative on AAPIs Hosts Bullying Prevention Summit

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is from our friends at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In short, senior Obama Administration officials will join hundreds of teachers, parents, students and community leaders in New York City tomorrow, Saturday, for a bullying prevention summit to discuss the safety of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Muslim American students. The White House AAPI Initiative hosts the event and will release new government data at the summit that shows bullying is of particular concern to AAPIs and Muslim Americans while dozens of parents and students from across the country will gather to share their stories about bullying and harassment. Experts and officials will also raise awareness about resources available to combat bullying. The White House Initiative sees an immediate need to address bullying so students can succeed in safe environments because new data shows it impacts AAPI boys and girls much more than others. Please share this information.

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

MEDIA ADVISORY:
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26, 2011
CONTACT: Toby Chaudhuri at 978-884-8626 or 

WHITE HOUSE AAPI INITIATIVE TO HOLD SUMMIT ON COMBATING BULLYING ON SATURDAY IN NEW YORK CITY
New Department of Education Data to be Discussed at the Summit Shows Bullying is of Particular Concern to AAPI and Muslim American Student Safety

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Hundreds of parents, teachers, students and community leaders will join Obama Administration and local officials at a bullying prevention summit on Saturday in New York City to address the safety of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Muslim American students. New data from the Department of Education that will be released at the summit shows bullying is of particular concern in AAPI communities.

The summit, convened by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in partnership with the Asian American/Asian Research Institute and Hunter College at The City University of New York, is designed to raise awareness about the harassment of AAPIs and Muslim Americans, encourage community members to report incidents and to discuss next steps to combat bullying. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez will deliver keynote remarks and several students and parents will share their personal experiences.

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE BULLYING PREVENTION SUMMIT

DATE:      Saturday, October 29, 2011
TIME:      9:30 a.m. ET
PLACE: CUNY Hunter College Main Cafeteria, 695 Park Ave., New York City (Media entrance is at 68th St. and Lexington Ave.)
PARTICIPANTS:      Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice

Kiran Ahuja, director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Amy Berman, enforcement director, Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

Deborah Temkin, Bullying Prevention Initiative coordinator, Department of Education

Amardeep Singh, member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Hector Vargas, member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

May Ying Chen, member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

John Liu, New York City Comptroller

Christine Quinn, speaker, New York City Council

Julissa Ferraras, council member, New York City Council

Thomas Mariadason, staff attorney, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Brooke Oberwetter, associate manager, Facebook

Noopur Agarwal, senior director, MTV Networks

Anne Schreiber, vice president, Common Sense Media

Loan Tran, high school student from Charlotte, N.C.

Trang Dang, high student from Philadelphia, Pa.

Shehnaz Abdeljaber, parent from Piscataway, N.J.

**NOTE: Media representatives interested in covering the White House AAPI Initiative’s Bullying Prevention Summit should pre-credential by emailing their name, title, organization and contact information to Toby Chaudhuri at by Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Members of the public must register in advance to attend the summit at http://go.usa.gov/XgS.**

WHITE HOUSE AAPI INITIATIVE BULLYING PREVENTION SUMMIT
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
CUNY Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., New York City

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
**All events listed are open press to pre-credentialed media reps. and all times local**

9:30 a.m. - Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez joins senior Obama Administration and local officials to deliver keynote remarks to hundreds gathered at the White House AAPI Initiative’s bullying prevention summit.

10:30 a.m. - Students and parents share their stories about bullying and advocates and experts discuss bullying effects on AAPI and Muslim American communities.

12 p.m. - Obama Administration officials and public health professionals discuss what to do when bullied.

1 p.m. - Public health professionals and community advocates discuss how to discuss bullying with children and parents.

2:30 p.m. - Representatives from major social media networks discuss online bullying and how to stay safe on the Internet.

4 p.m. - Obama Administration officials discuss the importance of filing harassment claims with the federal government and tools student can use to resolve issues.

###
Filed Under: Anti-AA Violence, Culture, Obama Administration, Social Justice, The Editors Tagged With:

CAPAC Chair Chu Commends President Obama on Diversity of Judicial Nominations & Record High Number of Asian Pacific American Federal Judges

June 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is from our friends at CAPAC, chaired by our Honorary Board member Rep Dr. Judy Chu (D-Ca.). Dr. Chu is an Honorary Board member of the Asian American Action Fund and was endsorsed by the Asian American Action Fund in her successful 2008 election in California’s 32nd Congressional District.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)

CAPAC Chair Chu Commends President Obama on Diversity of Judicial Nominations and a Record High Number of Asian Pacific American Federal Judges
May 31, 2011

President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I want to sincerely thank and congratulate you for all your hard work and your many successes in promoting highly qualified Asian Pacific American candidates to the federal bench. Since January 2009, your Administration has made history in nominating the most Asian Pacific American candidates to the federal bench – nearly doubling the number from 8 to 14. Doing so ensures that the Federal Judiciary fully represents the American people, including the 17.3 million Asian Pacific Americans.

Your successes include, Denny Chin, Edmond Chang, Edward M. Chen, Dolly Gee, Leslie Kobayashi, Lucy Koh, and Jacqueline Nguyen, who have all been confirmed to the bench. But you have also made a significant impact on increasing Asian Pacific American representation as non-Article III judges. Florence Pan and Maribeth Raffinan have been confirmed to the DC Superior Court and Ramona Manglona is pending confirmation to the District Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

And many of these qualified judges have themselves made history because of your efforts.

  • Denny Chin (2nd Cir), the first Asian Pacific American federal appellate court judge ever in the Northeast (First, Second, and Third Circuits).
  • Edmond E. Chang (NDIL), the first Asian Pacific American Article III judge to serve on the bench in Illinois or on any of the courts encompassed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the youngest Article III judge in the country.
  • Edward M. Chen (NDCA), the first Asian Pacific American Article III judge to serve in San Francisco, which has an Asian Pacific American population of approximately 35%.
  • Dolly M. Gee (CDCA), the first Chinese American woman to serve as an Article III Judge.
  • Leslie E. Kobayashi (DHI), the first Japanese American federal judge confirmed during the Obama Administration.
  • Lucy Koh (NDCA), the second Korean American Article III judge in the nation, who also made history as the first female Korean American Article III judge, the first Korean American district court judge and the first Asian Pacific American Judge in the NDCA.
  • Jacqueline Nguyen (CDCA), the first Vietnamese American Article III judge in the history of the United States and the first Asian Pacific American female Article III judge in California history.

For these historic confirmations the Asian Pacific American Community owes you a debt of gratitude. Your commitment to diversity on the federal bench is clearly evident by your actions over the past two years.

I am so thankful for your nomination and steadfast support of Goodwin Liu to add another Asian Pacific American judge to the appellate court. And I really hope that you will continue to look for qualified Asian Pacific American candidates to nominate to the U.S. Court of Appeals to supplement the one active Asian Pacific American Judge you successful nominated to the appellate level.

And though you have brought Asian Pacific Americans higher in the Judicial Branch than any other President, our representation on the federal bench still does not accurately reflect our community’s presence in the United States. I hope we can continue to partner together to reach even greater milestones by making history with adding an Asian Pacific American female federal appellate court judge, adding South Asian Americans to the federal appellate courts and continuing to put forth qualified Asian Pacific American Article III judges at every level – including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I know you remain committed to this cause and understand how much we can still achieve with your continued support for Asian Pacific American judges on the federal bench. Your unwavering support for Asian Pacific American judicial candidates could not be more appreciated. Again, I want to congratulate you for all you have achieved in diversifying the federal bench in just two-and-a-half short years of being in office and for helping the Asian Pacific American community make history seven times on the judiciary to date. I cannot wait to partner together to continue this historic streak and work to being Asian Pacific Americans to even greater heights.

Sincerely,
JUDY CHU
Chair
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.

Filed Under: Demographics, Judy Chu, Obama Administration Tagged With: , ,

WH: Statement by the President on Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act

December 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2010
Statement by the President on the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love.

As Commander-in-Chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known. And I join the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness.

I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Senators Lieberman and Collins and the countless others who have worked so hard to get this done. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed. It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly. I urge the Senate to send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law.

###
Filed Under: LGBT, Obama Administration Tagged With: , ,

WH: 10 Reasons We Need The DREAM Act

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is a reposting of The White House Blog‘s 10 Reasons We Need The DREAM Act. Feel free to read more about this issue and contact your Congressman about the below issue.

In the coming days, Congress will vote on the DREAM Act – a common-sense piece of legislation drafted by both Republicans and Democrats that will give young people who grew up in the United States a chance to contribute to our nation by pursuing a higher education or serving in the U.S. armed forces. It’s limited, targeted legislation that will allow only the best and brightest to earn their legal status, and applies to those brought to the United States as minors through no fault of their own by their parents, and who know no other home.

Here are 10 reasons we need the DREAM Act:

  1. Like Ginkgo Biloba, It’ll Make Us Smarter: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has stated that passing the DREAM Act will “play an important part in the nation’s efforts to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020,” something vital for America to remain competitive in today’s global economy.
  2. For Ivan Rosales: With the DREAM Act, young people like Ivan Rosales, who came to the United States when he was a year old, can become doctors and work towards a cure for cancer. Ivan’s brother, a National Guardsman, and his brother-in-law, an Iraq veteran, inspired his dream to serve as a doctor in the military, before going on to work as a cancer researcher. Without the DREAM Act, Ivan and others like him have no way to even stay in the country, much less serve it.
  3. Uncle Sam Says, The DREAM Act supports our troops: Secretary of Defense Gates has written to DREAM Act sponsors citing the rich precedent of non-citizens serving in the U.S. military and stating that “the DREAM Act represents an opportunity to expand [the recruiting] pool, to the advantage of military recruiting and readiness.
  4. For Gaby Pacheco: So Gaby Pacheco, who was the highest ranked J-ROTC student in her high school and president of her college student government, can serve in the Air Force and eventually live out her dream of working with special needs children.
  5. It Helps Separate The Bad Guys From The Good Guys: Secretary Napolitano believes this targeted legislation provides a firm but fair way to deal with innocent children brought to the U.S. at a young age so that the Department of Homeland Security can dedicate their enforcement resources to detaining and deporting criminals and those who pose a threat to our country.
  6. For David Cho: So David Cho, who graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA, plays seven instruments and is the drum major at UCLA, can live his dream of serving the United States in the Air Force.
  7. It’s Bipartisan: The DREAM Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents by giving them the chance to obtain legal status by pursuing a higher education, or by serving in the U.S. armed forces for the country they've grown up in and love as their own.
  8. For Cesar Vargas: So Cesar Vargas, a proud Brooklyn kid, can live his dream  to serve in the military as a JAG officer or on the front line as an intelligence officer with the Marines. He wants to “earn [his] place next to the great heroes of our nation that have and are fighting to defend our Constitution."
  9. It Will Help Our Economy: According to a recent UCLA study, students that would be impacted by the DREAM Act could add between $1.4 to $3.6 trillion in taxable income to our economy over the course of careers, depending on how many ultimately gain legal status. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the DREAM Act in its current form will cut the deficit by $1.4 billion and increase government revenues by $2.3 billion over the next 10 years.
  10. It’s The Right Thing To Do: It’s just plain common sense and it’s the right thing to do. For more information on the DREAM Act, view the fact sheet.

Stephanie Valencia is an Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement

Filed Under: Economy, Education, Immigration, Obama Administration Tagged With: , , ,

WH: Statement from the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs in Support of the DREAM Act

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is a statement from the White House Initiative on AAPI’s President’s Advisory Commission in support of the DREAM Act including comments from Commerce Secretary Locke.

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office
400 Maryland Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20202

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec.1, 2010
Contact: Public Affairs Office, (202) 401-1576 or

Statement from the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Support of the DREAM Act

The President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders supports the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (“DREAM Act”). The DREAM Act is good for our economy, our security, and our nation.

“Research has shown the potential of undocumented students to contribute to the economy and the U.S. workforce,” said Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce Secretary and Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. “The DREAM Act would offer a rigorous and lengthy pathway towards earned legalization that would be a powerful incentive for young people to stay in school, graduate, stay out of trouble, and contribute to the economic stability of our country.”

According to a University of California report, Asian and Pacific Islander students make up approximately 40 percent of the total undocumented student population enrolled in the University of California system. Additionally, many undocumented Asian students are children of parents who have fled from war-torn countries.

“The DREAM Act would provide an opportunity for eligible undocumented students who have been raised and educated in the United States to earn legal status by pursuing a higher education, or by serving in the U.S. military,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who also serves as Co-Chair of the White House Initiative. “Enacting the DREAM Act would be an important part of our efforts to meet the Administration’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.”

It is estimated that approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, many at the top of their classes, but they cannot go on to pursue their dreams of higher education or continued development. According to the Migration Policy Institute, one in ten potential DREAM Act beneficiaries comes from an Asian country.

“This critical bipartisan legislation will establish a process for hardworking young people who have lived most of their lives in this country and tend to be bicultural and fluent in English to obtain legal residency if they are able to meet certain conditions,” said Daphne Kwok, Chair of the President’s Advisory Commission.

Executive Order 13515, issued by President Obama in October, 2009, established the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Commission advises the President, through the Secretaries of Education and Commerce, on the implementation and coordination efforts of Federal programs as they relate to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the Federal government. In addition, the Commission works to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased access to, and participation in, Federal programs in which they are underserved.

###

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 202-456-1111

Filed Under: Economy, Education, Immigration, Obama Administration Tagged With: , , , , ,

CAPAC: Rep. Honda Applauds Obama's Commitment to Strengthen & Renew US Ties with South and Southeast Asia

November 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is from our friends at CAPAC, chaired by our Honorary Board member Rep Mike Honda (D-Ca.).

November 19, 2010 Contact: Gloria Chan
For Immediate Release Phone: (202) 302.8606

Rep Mike Honda Applauds President Obama’s Commitment to Strengthen and Renew U.S. Ties with South and Southeast Asian Nations

WASHINGTON DC – Rep Michael Honda, Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement on the recent initiatives by the United States to strengthen relationships with South Asian and Southeast Asian nations.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to renew and expand partnerships between US and South and Southeast Asian nations,” said Rep Honda. “Not only are the renewing of these relationships critical for political and economic prosperity between nations, but the President’s commitment bears great significance on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the U.S. because it also sends the message that AAPI cultural, social, economic and political contributions are an essential part of the American fabric.

“The steps taken by the Obama Administration to cultivate friendships and further diplomatic and economic relationship are extremely valuable, and now we must complement these initiatives abroad by fortifying relationships with AAPI communities here at home,” said Rep Honda.

“President Obama’s visit also coincides with Diwali Festival of Lights. Culturally significant for many South Asians and South Asian Americans, Diwali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness, happiness and prosperity that celebrates and enhances greater understanding of Indian American culture. “I wish all celebrating Diwali, from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions, much joy and happiness,” concluded Rep Honda.

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.
http://honda.house.gov/capac/ Phone (202) 225-2631
Filed Under: Culture, Democratic Party, Foreign Affairs Tagged With: ,

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

September 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2010

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key administration posts:

· Sefa Aina, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Debra T. Cabrera, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Kamuela J. N. Enos, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Frances Eneski Francis, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Farooq Kathwari, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Hyeok Kim, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Ramey Ko, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Rozita Villanueva Lee, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Sunil Puri, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Amardeep Singh, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Unmi Song, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Dilawar A. Syed, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Khampha Thephavong, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Doua Thor, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Hector L. Vargas, Jr., Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Hines Ward, Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

· Admiral John B. Nathman, USN (Ret), Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy

· Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, USMC (Ret), Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy

President Obama said, “Our nation will be well-served by the skill and dedication these men and women bring to their new roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key administration posts:

Sefa Aina, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Sefa Aina is the Director of the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) at Pomona College. Prior to coming to Pomona, Mr. Aina worked at the UCLA Asian American Studies Center as a counselor, organizational advisor and instructor. He’s also a founding member of Pacific Islander Education and Retention (PIER), which does tutoring and mentoring for Pacific Islander youth in the Carson, Long Beach and Inglewood areas of Los Angeles. He’s a founding member of the National Pacific Islander Educators Network (NPIEN) and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC). Mr. Aina graduated from UCLA with a BA in History and is currently starting the Masters program in Asian American Studies also at UCLA.

Debra T. Cabrera, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Debra T. Cabrera is currently a social science faculty member at St. John’s School located in Tumon, Guam. From 2008-2009, Dr. Cabrera was Dean of Academic Programs and Services at the Northern Marianas College in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Prior to that, she served many years as a faculty member at the college, earning recognition for her teaching in the social sciences. She has been active in community organizations, namely the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities, where she served as the board chair. Dr. Cabrera holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Kentucky, an M.A. in Sociology from Ohio University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Washington State University.

Kamuela J. N. Enos, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Kamuela Enos is currently the Director of Community Resource Development at MA`O Organic Farms, where he works with low income communities to combat major health issues and promote sustainable agriculture. He worked previously at Empower Oahu on economic and community development initiatives and with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, where he served as a research assistant in the Office of Youth Services Strategic Planning Process. He is a Director of the Hawaii Rural Development Council. Mr. Enos holds a B.A in Hawaiian Studies and a M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa.

Frances Eneski Francis, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Frances E. Francis is currently a partner with Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP, a Washington DC law firm specializing in energy, telecommunications, and regulatory matters. Ms. Francis has primarily worked in the fields of hydroelectric regulation, nuclear decommissioning, and electric rate regulation and contract negotiations. She has also been a visiting professor at George Washington University Law School, an attorney with the Federal Power Commission, and a consultant for the Energy Policy Project and the New England River Basin Commission. Ms. Francis holds a B.A. from Dickinson College, an LLB from Yale Law School, and an M.P.A. from Harvard University.

Farooq Kathwari, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Farooq Kathwari is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ethan Allen Interiors. He has been President of the company since 1985, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1988. Mr. Kathwari serves on many non-for-profit organizations including the chair of the Kashmir Study Group; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; a director of the International Rescue Committee, the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University; a director and former chairman of Refugees International; and a director and former chairman of the National Retail Federation. He holds a B.A. degree in English Literature and Political Science from Kashmir University, an M.B.A. in International Marketing from New York University, and also holds two honorary doctorate degrees.

Hyeok Kim, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Hyeok Kim is currently Executive Director of InterIm Community Development Association, a nonprofit community development agency that works to preserve and revitalize Seattle’s Chinatown/International District, and which advocates on behalf of low- and moderate-wage residents and small businesses in the broader Asian and Pacific Islander community in the Puget Sound region. From 1999 to 2008, Ms. Kim worked for the Washington State Legislature, first as a Legislative Assistant to State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos and then as a policy analyst for the House Democratic Caucus researching and analyzing child welfare, human services, and affordable housing issues. She has also worked as a lobbyist for the Children’s Alliance, a statewide children’s advocacy organization and for the Children’s Administration in Washington. Ms. Kim is a 2010 Marshall Memorial Fellow, as well as a 2010-2011 Fellow with the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Children & Family Fellowship program. Ms. Kim holds a B.A. from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Ramey Ko, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Ramey Ko is currently Associate Judge of the City of Austin Municipal Court. Before being appointed a judge by the Austin City Council in January 2010, Judge Ko was an attorney at the Texas Advocacy Project, a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Prior to his position with the Texas Advocacy Project, Judge Ko was an Equal Justice Works Fellow with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. and focused on direct representation, education, and outreach related to housing issues faced by survivors of domestic violence. Judge Ko is an Advisory Board Member of the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce and serves on the City of Austin Public Safety Commission. Judge Ko holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago.

Rozita Villanueva Lee, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Rozita Lee is currently the National Vice Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. From 1991 to 2010, she was the owner of RVL, Inc., a Polynesian/Hawaiian Entertainment company. Previously, she served as Vice-President of the Nevada Economic Development Company, as special assistant to former Nevada Governor Bob Miller, and as an administrator of the Diversity Training Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). From 1981 to 1983, she produced and hosted a television program called SPECTRUM for PBS Television Channel 10 KLVX TV featuring various ethnic groups in Las Vegas. She was the founding Chairwoman of the Board for the Asian Chamber of Commerce and President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.

Sunil Puri, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Sunil Puri is the President and sole owner of First Rockford Group, Inc., a real estate development firm he founded in 1984. He also sits on a number of boards including the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and the Rockford College Board of Trustees. Mr. Puri holds a B.S. in Accounting from Rockford College. He has also pursued graduate work at Rockford College, London Business School, as well as continuing executive courses at Harvard Business School.

Amardeep Singh, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Amardeep Singh is the co-founder and presently the Director of Programs at the Sikh Coalition, the nation’s largest Sikh civil rights organization. Prior to joining the Sikh Coalition in 2002, Mr.Singh worked as a Researcher in the U.S. Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW). While at HRW, he authored its report, “We Are Not the Enemy: Hate Crimes Against Arabs, Muslims, and Those Perceived to be Arab or Muslim after September 11.” Mr. Singh was also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race where he taught a course on the intersection of ethnic identity and the law. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the South Asian Bar Association of New York. Mr. Singh holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Unmi Song, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Unmi Song is Executive Director of the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, a private foundation that awards $8 million in grants annually to nonprofits serving low-income communities in Chicago with a focus on Arts Education, Education, Employment, and Health. Prior to joining the Fry Foundation in 2003, Ms. Song handled employment program grantmaking, which covered job training and welfare policy issues, at the Joyce Foundation. Before she moved into the nonprofit sector, Ms. Song was vice president of Bankers Trust Company and held positions at Citicorp Investment Bank in New York City, at the First National Bank of Chicago and at Gold Star Tele-Electric Company in Seoul, South Korea. Ms. Song holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Dilawar A. Syed, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Dilawar A. Syed is President and CEO of Yonja Media Group, an emerging markets internet company. Prior to joining Yonja Media, Mr. Syed was head of business strategy and operations in the Platform division at Yahoo!. Mr. Syed was President of a non-profit entrepreneurship organization, OPEN Silicon Valley, and currently serves on the steering committee of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education. Mr. Syed holds an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Khampha Thephavong, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Dr. Khampha Thephavong is currently a primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Fresno, California. Dr. Thephavong also serves on the Board of the Lao-American Advancement Center. Dr. Thephavong holds a BSN degree from the California State University of Fresno and a D.O. degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Doua Thor, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Doua Thor is the Executive Director of Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), a national nonprofit organization advancing the interests of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans through leadership development, capacity building, and community empowerment. Formerly she was a New Voices Fellow with Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND). Currently, she serves on the board of the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), and the Red Cross National Diversity Advisory Council. Ms. Thor holds an undergraduate degree from Wayne State University and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work with a concentration in social policy and evaluation.

Hector L. Vargas, Jr., Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Hector Vargas Jr. is Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), a non-profit association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) healthcare professionals working for equality in healthcare for LGBT people and healthcare providers. From 2001 until earlier this year, Mr. Vargas worked at Lambda Legal, first as Southern Regional Director and later as Deputy Director of the Education and Public Affairs Department, where he played key leadership roles in the organization’s education and communication strategies. Prior to joining Lambda Legal, he also worked at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the American Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Ethics Division and Equal Justice Works (formerly the National Association for Public Interest Law). Mr. Vargas holds a J.D. and B.A. from the University of Georgia.

Hines Ward, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Hines Ward is a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. Born to a Korean mother and an African American father, he has long been an advocate for biracial youths. He is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including starting his own foundation, the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which seeks to help mixed-race children suffering from discrimination.

Admiral John B. Nathman, USN (Ret), Appointee for Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy
Admiral John B. Nathman is a Distinguished Fellow and Member of the Military Advisory Board for the CNA Corporation. He retired from the U. S. Navy in 2007 as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. Admiral Nathman served for 37 years and held many high ranking positions including Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Commander, Naval Air Forces; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements; and Commander, Battle Force Fifty in the Persian Gulf. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with Combat V. He serves on the board of directors for the Custiss Wright Corporation and the Strategic Advisory Board for Boeing Defense, Space and Security. Admiral Nathman received his MS in aero engineering in 1972, graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1970, and is a distinguished graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School.

Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, USMC (Ret), Appointee for Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy
Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen is a veteran fighter pilot who served 38 years in the United States Marine Corps. In 1952 he became the first African-American pilot in the history of the Corps and in 1978 the first African-American Brigadier General. General Petersen served combat tours in Korea and Vietnam and held command positions at all levels of Marine Corps aviation, commanding a Marine fighter Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group and Marine Aircraft Wing. He retired in 1988 as Commander, Marine Corps Combat and Development Command, Quantico, Virginia and as senior ranking aviator in the U.S. Naval Service with the respective titles of “Silver Hawk” (USMC) and “Grey Eagle” (USN). After retirement from the military, General Petersen served as Corporate Vice President of the E.I. DuPont Company, managing the company’s international capital assets. He currently serves as Chairman Emeritus on the National Marrow Donor Board and Director Emeritus on the Education Credit and Management Corp. In 2009 General Petersen was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to serve on the Military Leadership Diversity Commission. He is a graduate of the National War College and received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from George Washington University.

##

Filed Under: Obama Administration Tagged With: , , ,

President Obama Honors Winners of the 2010 Citizens Medal

August 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2010

President Obama Honors Winners of the 2010 Citizens Medal

13 winners from across the country visit White House to receive Presidential award for exemplary service for their fellow citizens

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama will welcome to the White House the 13 winners of the 2010 Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

“What unites these citizens – what makes them special – is the determination they share to find a wrong and right it; to see a need and meet it; to recognize when others are suffering and take it upon themselves to make a difference,” said President Obama.  “These honorees’ lives stand as shining examples of what it means to be an American.  And today, we have an opportunity to tell their stories; to say thank you; and to offer them a small token of our appreciation.”

 The Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.  This year, President Obama chose to use the 2010 Citizens Medal to recognize Americans whose work has had a significant impact on their communities but may not have garnered national attention.  In a video message in January, the President called on members of the public to nominate people in their lives who have performed exemplary deeds of service, including:

·         individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to service in their own community,

·         who have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or more extraordinary acts,

·         whose service relates to a long-term or persistent problem, and/or

·         whose service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided inspiration for others to serve.

 The recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal are:

Roberta Diaz Brinton, Los Angeles, CA

Roberta Diaz Brinton has devoted her time and talents to improving science and technology education for Los Angeles students.  As Director of the University of Southern California’s Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Program, Brinton has opened the doors of opportunity for thousands of disadvantaged and minority inner-city youth.  Brinton receives the Citizens Medal for encouraging America’s next generations to reach for the stars.

Daisy M. Brooks, Chicago, IL

When a pregnant teenager with no place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman in.  What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North Chicago’s young mothers and their infants.  Brooks opened Daisy’s Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and catalyst for young women to improve their lives.  Brooks receives the Citizens Medal for offering guidance and support to young women across Chicago.

Betty Kwan Chinn, Eureka, CA

Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have fallen on hard times.  Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became mute.  When she came to America, she found both her voice and her mission:  aiding those without shelter on our own shores.  Today, Chinn provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming nation.  Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America’s promise by serving those in need.

Cynthia M. Church, Wilmington, DE

Cynthia Church turned a personal battle with cancer into a force for progress and change.  Dismayed by the lack of resources for women of color with breast cancer, Church founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc, an African-American breast cancer support network in Delaware.  Church receives the Citizens Medal for confronting the scourge of this terrible disease and working to halt its spread.

Susan Retik Ger, Needham, MA

Susan Retik Ger understands the importance of empowering women touched by personal tragedy.  After losing her husband on September 11, 2001, she found cause in educating and training Afghan widows and their children.  Her strength of spirit has healed hearts, fostering mutual understanding and brightening our common future.  Retik Ger receives the Citizens Medal for advancing women’s rights and demonstrating the power of America’s ideals.

 Mary K. Hoodhood, Grand Rapids, MI

Physical limitations have not hindered Mary K. Hoodhood’s determination to strengthen her community.  Though a car accident left her paralyzed, Hoodhood began volunteering to feed the hungry through her local Meals on Wheels program.  In 2001, Hoodhood founded Kids’ Food Basket which provides meals to thousands of children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal for her remarkable efforts to nourish our nation’s children.

Kimberly McGuiness, Cave Spring, GA

Parent and advocate, Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students.   Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators helped spur the passage of Georgia’s Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights.  She has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives, raising awareness and support for deaf education.  McGuiness receives the Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve for an entire community.

Jorge Muñoz, New York City, NY

Jorge Muñoz recognizes that we all have a stake in one another.  By giving his time, energy, and resources to feeding the hungry, he has demonstrated the enduring American values of sacrifice and kindness.  Muñoz receives the Citizens Medal for his service and dedication to creating a more hopeful tomorrow for the less fortunate among us.

Lisa Nigro, Chicago, IL

Beginning with a wagon full of coffee and sandwiches, Lisa Nigro’s mission to aid those living on the streets of Chicago has inspired us all.  Her wagon gave way to a restaurant for homeless men and women, expanding with partner organizations to provide housing, job training, and vital support to Chicagoans affected by poverty.  Nigro receives the Citizens Medal for her tireless service to her fellow citizens.

MaryAnn Phillips, Star Valley Ranch, WY

Caring for America’s injured service members, MaryAnn Phillips embodies strength and grace.  An American citizen living in Germany, Phillips volunteers with Soldiers Angels at Landstuhl Air Force Base.  She spends countless hours at the bedsides of our wounded warriors and their families, caring for them, encouraging them, and grieving with them.  Phillips receives the Citizens Medal for putting her patriotism into action on behalf of our troops and our nation.

Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam, Shaftsbury, VT

Devoted to preserving our nation’s public lands, Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam has inspired thousands of America’s youth to protect our natural bounty.  Her vision to offer land restoration and maintenance service opportunities became a reality with the birth of the Student Conservation Association.  Putnam receives the Citizens Medal for helping ensure that our nation’s treasured public lands are enjoyed by future generations.

Myrtle Faye Rumph, Inglewood, CA

For decades, Myrtle Faye Rumph has lent her talent and compassion to impacting the lives of at-risk youth.  Her commitment to reducing gun and gang violence in her community has steered countless young people away from dangerous habits, and altered the course of their futures.  Rumph receives the Citizens Medal for replacing violence and despair with a beacon of hope and humanity.

Geo. J. Weiss, Jr., Marine, MN

George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States Marine Corps, reflects our nation’s generous and selfless heart.  In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans.  Weiss receives the Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation’s veterans and their families.

###

Filed Under: Obama Administration Tagged With: ,

CAPAC congratulates Kagan on her Supreme Court confirmation

August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Ed. Note: The below is a reposting of the original from our friends at CAPAC, chaired by our Honorary Board member Rep Mike Honda (D-Ca.).

July 27, 2010 Contact: Gloria Chan
For Immediate Release Phone: (202) 302.8606

CAPAC congratulates Solicitor General Kagan on her confirmation to the Supreme Court

Washington, DC – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued the following statements on the confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court:

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15): “I congratulate Solicitor General Elena Kagan on her Senate confirmation for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Throughout her distinguished career, she has broken through glass ceilings, excelling in her field and gaining the recognition of her colleagues in the legal profession. With a strong legal, academic, and public service background, she was the first woman to serve as Dean of Harvard Law School, and as the Solicitor General of the United States. President Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan not only shows his commitment to a highly qualified bench of the highest integrity, but also his commitment to diversity that truly reflects America. There will soon be three women sitting on the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time in American history. I applaud the Senate on this historic vote and once again congratulate Elena Kagan on her well deserved confirmation.”

Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI):  “Elena Kagan is widely-regarded as one of the nation’s leading legal scholars.  Her public service and legal experience, work as a teacher, service as a White House and Senate aide, and representing the government as the nation’s Solicitor General, have contributed to Ms. Kagan’s intellect, judgment, and independence. I have no doubt that Ms. Kagan will be an exceptional addition to the Supreme Court.  I had the chance to meet with the Solicitor General and was impressed with her intellect and demeanor.  Her judicial temperament, integrity and ability to navigate complex issues will be an asset to our highest court.  I have had the privilege of seeing the makeup of the court diversify through the years and it is a better institution because of it.”

Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI): "I was proud to support Elena Kagan's confirmation. She is highly qualified and exceptionally intelligent, and I know that she will do a tremendous job upholding our Constitution. Her confirmation is another example of the positive impact President Obama has already had on our country: When she is sworn in, there will be three sitting female justices on the court for the first time in our history.  The court is now closer to reflecting America."

Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU): “I congratulate U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan on her confirmation as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. As the fourth female Justice in Supreme Court history, I am confident that Justice Kagan’s experiences and perspective will positively influence the Court as it seeks to impartially evaluate the laws of our nation.”

Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31): “With a lifelong record to prove it, Justice Elena Kagan will be a consensus builder on the Supreme Court and I commend the Senate for confirming her with a bipartisan vote. From her start as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall to her service as Dean of Harvard Law School and as this nation’s Solicitor General, Elena Kagen’s real world experiences will serve the Court and our country admirably. Thanks to President Obama, for the first time in our history, three of the nine Justices will be women the next time the Court convenes.”

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32): “With today’s confirmation of Elena Kagan, our nation’s highest court gains a sharp legal mind and a consummate consensus builder. Justice Kagan’s background as a professor, lawyer and counselor to presidents is exemplary in itself.  I have no doubt she will continue this success during her time on the court. Ensuring women possess an equal voice at every branch of government is essential to the health of our democracy.  Justice Kagan’s confirmation today represents another great step toward that goal.”

Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (AS): “I want to congratulate Solicitor General Elena Kagan on her recent confirmation to the Supreme Court.  She will be the fourth woman ever to serve in the nation’s highest court.  Ms. Kagan’s confirmation reaffirms President Obama’s commitment for diversity on the federal bench.   Ms. Kagan will be fair in her decisions given her extensive professional background and astute knowledge of the law.  With looming issues such as states’ rights, health care reform, and immigration, Ms. Kagan’s input will be critical.  Again, I want to congratulate Ms. Kagan on her confirmation,” concluded Faleomavaega.

Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02): “I congratulate Elena Kagan on her confirmation to our United States Supreme Court as one of only three sitting women justices. In a country as diverse as ours, where women are over 50 percent of the population, her confirmation is cause for celebration. Ms. Kagan brings to the Court a wealth of experience as a top legal scholar, as Dean of one of our country’s premier law schools, and as Solicitor General. I expect her to serve with great distinction.”

Rep. Doris O. Matsui (CA-05): “I had the great privilege of working with Justice Kagan during the Clinton Administration. Elena has held a broad range of positions in and out of government, working on a wide range of issues and I am confident she will be a great addition to the Supreme Court bench.”

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI): “On behalf of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, I congratulate Elena Kagan on her confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. I am confident that President Obama and the United States Senate have made a very sensible choice in selecting this extremely well-qualified person to the Nation’s highest court. I am particularly glad to see a third woman on the Supreme Court, which, ideally, should include a broad range of experience and be representative of our Nation at large.

Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03): "I congratulate Solicitor General Kagan on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court.  Her scholarship and her years of service and achievements as a United States Supreme Court Clerk, practicing attorney, law professor, Dean of the Harvard Law School and Solicitor General of the United States give her superb qualifications to serve on the nation’s highest court. "

 

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.
http://honda.house.gov/capac/ Phone (202) 225-2631
Filed Under: Obama Administration Tagged With: ,

Statement by NSC Spokesman Mike Hammer on 60th Anniversary of US–Pakistan Fulbright Program

June 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2010

Statement by NSC Spokesman Mike Hammer on the 60th Anniversary of the U.S. – Pakistan Fulbright

Program

Today, the United States and Pakistan celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fulbright academic exchange program and the growth of U.S. – Pakistan educational cooperation. President Obama congratulates the bilateral U.S. – Pakistan Fulbright Program and welcomes the latest group of 158 Pakistani Fulbright students coming to study in America. Our countries are strengthened by the people-to-people ties built by this program and the alumni of other U.S. sponsored academic and professional exchanges. As the President has said “both America and Pakistan care deeply about the education of our young people for the jobs and economies of the future.”

As part of the growing U.S.-Pakistan relationship, the United States has dramatically increased academic and professional exchange programs with Pakistan. This year the United States will send almost 2,500 Pakistani students, teachers and other professionals to the United States on exchange programs and will also send American scholars to teach and conduct research at universities in Pakistan.

###

Filed Under: Education, Foreign Affairs, Obama Administration Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts