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Update from the campaign (10/7)

October 7, 2010 By 1 Comment

Events:

On Tuesday we hosted a 350.org event, entitled Panel for the Planet. It was a great success, with attendees from across the political spectrum all supporting environmental responsibility. Dr. Fred Van Dyke, professor of biology at Wheaton College, was the keynote speaker, and discussed how politics could address the environmental issues facing us.

Ben, speaking afterwards, said:

I’m thankful that everyone could be here and that Dr. Van Dyke could lead us in a frank discussion of what we need to do to create a more just and sustainable future. We desperately need good jobs in Illinois, and the clean energy economy is our best option for putting people back to work while tackling the urgent climate crisis. That is why, unlike my competitor, incumbent Peter Roskam, I strongly support robust clean energy legislation. It is just the right thing to do for our community. Clean energy is not solely a Democratic or Republican priority; it is a moral priority, an American priority, and one that I am proud to champion for our district.

Yesterday Ben spoke at three Political Science/American Government classes at College of DuPage, each time answering questions on his positions, on his thoughts on politics, and on why he decided to run (and to run the way he is running, free from special interests). Something he said really hit home: “Only when we have people who will win the right way will we have people who will govern the right way.”

Amen, brother.

(You can find some pictures from the events, and our campaign pumpkin here.)

Donations:

We recently talked to a local businessman, a Wheaton grad and a pillar of the community—he’s been overseeing his company for over 50 years! He said he’s done with supporting political candidates who simply feed into the broken status quo. But, meeting with him yesterday, he said to Ben, “You’re different. You’re the only one I’m supporting.”

The fact is, Ben’s decision not to take money from interests—to run with integrity and conviction—is refreshing for many people.

If you’d like, you’re welcome to give here. This is a grassroots campaign, energized, supported and run by volunteers. This is your campaign.

Filed Under: 2010 Campaign, Justin Fung Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Update from the campaign (10/3)

October 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

From the campaign trail this week …

Canvassing:

Over the last few days, we’ve spent time canvassing around the Wheaton, Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, and Lombard neighborhoods. We’ve handed out flyers, lawn signs, talked to folks, and it’s been real encouraging. We’ve gotten a great reception from people–Republicans, Democrats, independents–especially when we mention that Ben (1) isn’t taking money from PACs or special interests; and (2) is a newcomer to politics. People are looking for fresh insights, and for someone that challenges the status quo where money dictates politics rather than politicians being responsive to the people who elected them.

One afternoon, when I was canvassing with Ben, we spotted a lawn sign that was already up, and decided to pay a surprise visit. The couple, who’d moved out to Elk Grove Village from Chicago, were delighted to meet Ben, and reiterated their gratitude that he was running.

Events

Yesterday afternoon, we had a “Meet the Candidate” session at Elk Grove Village Public Library. It was a smaller crowd, but what was very encouraging was the articulation of support for Ben. “It’s good to have someone who represents your views, who stands for what you stand for,” said one lady.

People talked about their concerns: poverty, often overlooked in the suburbs of the 6th; immigration reform, including young immigrants brought to the country as children and the approximately 12 million undocumented people living in the shadows; and an energy policy that continues to devastate our environment. Here too, people were excited to have a candidate who refused to be bought by big corporations, and stood up for the people of the district.

Later in the afternoon, we headed over to a fall fair at a church in the area, browsed the stalls, chatted to vendors, ate some hot dogs, and bought a campaign pumpkin to support the Navajo Indians. Once we get it carved, we’ll get a picture up!


For more info, visit Lowe for Congress.

Filed Under: 2010 Campaign, Justin Fung, Running for Office Tagged With: , , ,

In Need of Comfort

February 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Inspired by Gautam’s Faith You Can Believe In and other elements of the President’s inaugural address which still ring in my head, I consider how difficult economic times typically see an increase in an interest in faith. Some examples include increased divinity school enrollments, increased church attendance, a turn of attention on spirituality websites, etc. For Asian-Americans of all political persuasions, how do faith and spirituality (but not
necessarily religion) influence our politics? One way is to polarize and divide, destroying opposing plans without a sufficient, worthy, and informed alternative of one’s own. To that idea, I present a famous American quote:

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

I’ve written before against fearmongering. It is useful to recall that fear is also within us. If you have been made unemployed or poorer in these times, remember that necessity is the other of invention. Needy times ask for more faith, intellect, and encouragement. AAA has some ways you can help to engage yourself. I end with a reminder at the end of FDR’s speech: “May He protect each and every one of us.”

- Richard Chen

Filed Under: Economy, Religion, Richard Chen Tagged With: , , ,