As individuals, APAs are dragons and tigers. As a group, the APA community is a worm. Why? Because we can not unite and work together to build up our group power.
The conclusion is obvious. We need to unite in order to win our rights and become an equal partner in the making of the American Dream.
However, unity is easy in theory, but very hard to forge. Why? Because unity requires trust. Trust is very hard to come by, unless there is a written contract that is fair to all involved.
80-20's bylaws is such a contract. It is fair for every dues-paying member & for every component of the APA community. See
http://www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
If 80-20 has one million Basic members today, our annual war chest will be $35,000,000. Our community will no longer be treated like a worm. We'll win our respect and become an equal partner with the mainstream within the next 12 months. Imagine that!
A dream fulfilled if you'd only do your share!
Will you please join?
A Journey of a thousand miles begin with the first step. Your own commitment is the first step.
You spend thousands of dollars a year for home, health, and auto insurance. Would you consider spending less than 1% of that amount to insure the way of life you've struggled so hard to achieve in America? Do you want the same thing happened to Wen Ho Lee (and more recently Arab-Americans) to happen to you and your children?
What is your children's future worth to you? $35 is a small price to pay.
Please step up and be counted. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html .
PERSONAL Checks are payable to "80-20 PAC", mailed to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Monday, December 17, 2001
Why Members? II
There are critics who don't believe that 80-20 will be open, democratic, and governed by our bylaws as explained in the last email. Here are the answers to five tough questions for 80-20.
1) Many organization have members and bylaws. Are all such organizations therefore "a property of the community, by the community, and for the community?"
Not necessarily. However, 80-20's bylaws are unique.
2) What is so unique about 80-20's bylaws?
80-20's bylaws require that
a) all Board members and its officers, and the Chairperson of the nomination committee be elected by dues-paying members. This prevents the leadership from passing power within a small clique of friends,
b) there must be at least two candidates for each available elective position. Many organizations nominate one person for each available elective position, making a mockery of the democratic procedure, and
c) a term limit is set for every elective position, which compels and induces the infusion of new blood into the organization.
3) I've heard of each of such provisions before. Tell me more.
To our best knowledge, there is not a single non-governmental organization with all three provisions. A few may have one or two of the above three. This combination is the best and tightest to prevent selfish leaders from using 80-20 for their personal benefit.
4) Is your Executive Director elected?
The Executive Director (E.D.) is an employee. S/he can be hired and fired by the Board at any time. So long as the Board is held strongly accountable to members by bylaws, there is no worry about having an E.D.,who is not responsive to the dues-paying members.
5) Bylaws are just words. Why should words matter?
Bylaws are not spoken words but written rules. If 80-20 doesn't abide by its own rules, its Board of Directors can be sued.
**********
You be the judge.
Is 80-20 worth your $35 or $50? You must do your share. You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
*****
Your membership to 80-20 is the best gift you can give your children and grandchildren this holiday season.
1) Many organization have members and bylaws. Are all such organizations therefore "a property of the community, by the community, and for the community?"
Not necessarily. However, 80-20's bylaws are unique.
2) What is so unique about 80-20's bylaws?
80-20's bylaws require that
a) all Board members and its officers, and the Chairperson of the nomination committee be elected by dues-paying members. This prevents the leadership from passing power within a small clique of friends,
b) there must be at least two candidates for each available elective position. Many organizations nominate one person for each available elective position, making a mockery of the democratic procedure, and
c) a term limit is set for every elective position, which compels and induces the infusion of new blood into the organization.
3) I've heard of each of such provisions before. Tell me more.
To our best knowledge, there is not a single non-governmental organization with all three provisions. A few may have one or two of the above three. This combination is the best and tightest to prevent selfish leaders from using 80-20 for their personal benefit.
4) Is your Executive Director elected?
The Executive Director (E.D.) is an employee. S/he can be hired and fired by the Board at any time. So long as the Board is held strongly accountable to members by bylaws, there is no worry about having an E.D.,who is not responsive to the dues-paying members.
5) Bylaws are just words. Why should words matter?
Bylaws are not spoken words but written rules. If 80-20 doesn't abide by its own rules, its Board of Directors can be sued.
You be the judge.
Is 80-20 worth your $35 or $50? You must do your share. You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
*****
Your membership to 80-20 is the best gift you can give your children and grandchildren this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
"Why members?" -- 1 of 3 short e-mails
Here is why!
Being a political powerhouse is not good enough. 80-20 must forever be the property of the community, by the community, and for the community.
To achieve such a goal, 80-20 must be (1) open, (2) democratic, and (3) governed by its own written bylaws.
(1) To be open,
80-20 invites any interested person to have a voice in 80-20. To achieve that goal, without creating chaos, there must be dues-paying members.
(2) To be democratic,
80-20's bylaws provides all members with the right to vote and run for office. In addition, 80-20 requires that all Board members and its officers, with at least two candidates for each contested position, be elected by dues-paying members.
(3) To be governed by its own written bylaws,
80-20 has adopted a set of detailed bylaws, and posted them on its web site. In the long future, any change in the bylaws will required the 2/3 approval of dues-paying members.
The Basic annual membership is set at a modest $35 -- only 10 cents per day. You spend much more than that for your daily coffee.
Is 80-20 urging you to join because it wants your money? Perhaps. You be the judge. Here is the statistical breakdown for the $78,000 in membership contribution that 80-20 has collected in its first 6 weeks.
Those who pay the minimum $35 or $50 represent more than 90% of 80-20's voters, while providing less than 22% of its revenue. 80-20 has anticipated such a trend and deems it ideal. 80-20 is a grassroots organization with the unique mix of the elite. Visit: http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html to see how many generous persons have paid $1,000 to $10,000 to be Life members.
You must join, if you want 80-20 to work for you now and for decades to come. Many of the current leaders will soon fade away.
"Why have members, II?" will be in your mailbox soon.
Being a political powerhouse is not good enough. 80-20 must forever be the property of the community, by the community, and for the community.
To achieve such a goal, 80-20 must be (1) open, (2) democratic, and (3) governed by its own written bylaws.
(1) To be open,
80-20 invites any interested person to have a voice in 80-20. To achieve that goal, without creating chaos, there must be dues-paying members.
(2) To be democratic,
80-20's bylaws provides all members with the right to vote and run for office. In addition, 80-20 requires that all Board members and its officers, with at least two candidates for each contested position, be elected by dues-paying members.
(3) To be governed by its own written bylaws,
80-20 has adopted a set of detailed bylaws, and posted them on its web site. In the long future, any change in the bylaws will required the 2/3 approval of dues-paying members.
The Basic annual membership is set at a modest $35 -- only 10 cents per day. You spend much more than that for your daily coffee.
Is 80-20 urging you to join because it wants your money? Perhaps. You be the judge. Here is the statistical breakdown for the $78,000 in membership contribution that 80-20 has collected in its first 6 weeks.
Those who pay the minimum $35 or $50 represent more than 90% of 80-20's voters, while providing less than 22% of its revenue. 80-20 has anticipated such a trend and deems it ideal. 80-20 is a grassroots organization with the unique mix of the elite. Visit: http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html to see how many generous persons have paid $1,000 to $10,000 to be Life members.
You must join, if you want 80-20 to work for you now and for decades to come. Many of the current leaders will soon fade away.
"Why have members, II?" will be in your mailbox soon.
Thursday, December 06, 2001
$55,000 Raised & Touching E-mails
Thanks to all of you, in one month, 80-20 raised $55,000 by recruiting hundreds of dues-paying members. Note, however, that not all of our big donors are rich. See below how some of our supporters sacrificed themselves to accomplish "Together, we shall overcome."
From Seattle, Mei-Ling Wu Hsu, enrolling as Life member, e-mailed: "Yes, I would like to help. But under the current circumstances, I am not able to come up with the lump sum of the money, not even $500 at a time. If you would, I could do monthly contribution of $50 for two years to become the life member. I am a single mother. Would you consider it? Thanks."
From a lady: "Dear Prof. Woo, thank you for all the information about 80-20. As I am over 80 and in retirement, I can only be a due-paying member of this project. I shall send my check to Prof. Wong today. Aili"
From Stella Yu of Denver, CO, who sent in $2,000 and pledged another $3,000: "Since you are doing all the work and the thinking, money is the least that I can contribute. $5000 is a lot for me on a City government employee wages, but I will be happy to do it if I can contribute in installments. .... Denver respects cultural diversity in its public and employment policies and I get to contribute as an Associate Director (in the Office of Art, Culture & Film). I want other Asians to have that opportunity."
There are other role models. Some simply sent in checks, large or small. Others gave not only money but encouragement:
From K.P. Chen: "I did make a $50.00 contribution today... proud to be an 80-20 ers... Thanks for the opportunity to be in a triple winning team.... US wins, 80-20 wins, I win as well... KP"
From David Yao of Yorktown Heights, NY : "I'll send in a check of $1500 first thing tomorrow. 80-20 has done a marvelous job. I salute you in particular for the time and effort you've put into the organization and the cause. Happy Holidays, David Yao"
80-20's membership drive was helped greatly by Ken and Pam Fong who enrolled as Honorary Life Family members for $10,000. May So and Stella Yu enrolled as Honorary Life members, at $5,000 each. Seven other couples enrolled as Life Family members at $1,500 each. Eleven others enrolled as Life members at $1,000 each. These names are on permanent display on 80-20's web site:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
"Together, we shall overcome" is a profound principle but an empty slogan, unless you put your shoulder to the wheel. Counting on you.
**** Special Note for 80-20 Supporters in NY/NJ ****
Please mark your calendar for 12/14/01 (Friday). 80-20 wants to organize a strong APA political org. in NYC. S.B. Woo will be in NYC to talk about it. He'll be the keynote speaker at OCA-NY chapter's 25th Anniversary Gala, when he’ll be honored with the "Visionary Award."
Place: Harmony Palace Restaurant, 98 Mott St., NY, NY
Time and cost: 6 p.m. ; $60.00 per person
-------- Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Inc. --------
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
From Seattle, Mei-Ling Wu Hsu, enrolling as Life member, e-mailed: "Yes, I would like to help. But under the current circumstances, I am not able to come up with the lump sum of the money, not even $500 at a time. If you would, I could do monthly contribution of $50 for two years to become the life member. I am a single mother. Would you consider it? Thanks."
From a lady: "Dear Prof. Woo, thank you for all the information about 80-20. As I am over 80 and in retirement, I can only be a due-paying member of this project. I shall send my check to Prof. Wong today. Aili"
From Stella Yu of Denver, CO, who sent in $2,000 and pledged another $3,000: "Since you are doing all the work and the thinking, money is the least that I can contribute. $5000 is a lot for me on a City government employee wages, but I will be happy to do it if I can contribute in installments. .... Denver respects cultural diversity in its public and employment policies and I get to contribute as an Associate Director (in the Office of Art, Culture & Film). I want other Asians to have that opportunity."
There are other role models. Some simply sent in checks, large or small. Others gave not only money but encouragement:
From K.P. Chen: "I did make a $50.00 contribution today... proud to be an 80-20 ers... Thanks for the opportunity to be in a triple winning team.... US wins, 80-20 wins, I win as well... KP"
From David Yao of Yorktown Heights, NY : "I'll send in a check of $1500 first thing tomorrow. 80-20 has done a marvelous job. I salute you in particular for the time and effort you've put into the organization and the cause. Happy Holidays, David Yao"
80-20's membership drive was helped greatly by Ken and Pam Fong who enrolled as Honorary Life Family members for $10,000. May So and Stella Yu enrolled as Honorary Life members, at $5,000 each. Seven other couples enrolled as Life Family members at $1,500 each. Eleven others enrolled as Life members at $1,000 each. These names are on permanent display on 80-20's web site:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
"Together, we shall overcome" is a profound principle but an empty slogan, unless you put your shoulder to the wheel. Counting on you.
**** Special Note for 80-20 Supporters in NY/NJ ****
Please mark your calendar for 12/14/01 (Friday). 80-20 wants to organize a strong APA political org. in NYC. S.B. Woo will be in NYC to talk about it. He'll be the keynote speaker at OCA-NY chapter's 25th Anniversary Gala, when he’ll be honored with the "Visionary Award."
Place: Harmony Palace Restaurant, 98 Mott St., NY, NY
Time and cost: 6 p.m. ; $60.00 per person
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, November 26, 2001
Money talks. Make it talk for us.
Money talks. If 80-20 raises a lot of $$$ through your help, our dream for first class citizenship will become A reality in a few years. Why? Because money talks loudly in politics.
Funds raised will be spent on political education and persuasion in the 2004 presidential election. It includes persuading presidential candidates to take pro-Asian American positions, getting AAs to register and vote, organizing a bloc vote in the general election, and paying our staff. Steering Committee members are not paid.
Make your money talk for you and your children, as only an organization like 80-20 can. Whatever the amount you contribute, it'll probably be the most effective money you've ever given politically.
You can be a member today using a credit card. Click here.
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in permanent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. We want to let the political world know not only the amount we can raise, but also the speed with which we can raise it. Counting on you!
SB :-)
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
80-20 is registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC). Its books have been audited at the most stringent level by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney, P.C. of Boston, MA. Contributions to a PAC are not tax deductible. Both US citizens and permanent residents may contribute.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Funds raised will be spent on political education and persuasion in the 2004 presidential election. It includes persuading presidential candidates to take pro-Asian American positions, getting AAs to register and vote, organizing a bloc vote in the general election, and paying our staff. Steering Committee members are not paid.
Make your money talk for you and your children, as only an organization like 80-20 can. Whatever the amount you contribute, it'll probably be the most effective money you've ever given politically.
You can be a member today using a credit card. Click here.
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in permanent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. We want to let the political world know not only the amount we can raise, but also the speed with which we can raise it. Counting on you!
SB :-)
80-20 is registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC). Its books have been audited at the most stringent level by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney, P.C. of Boston, MA. Contributions to a PAC are not tax deductible. Both US citizens and permanent residents may contribute.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Friday, November 09, 2001
Reminders
Reminder I:
Veterans' Day is only 2 days away. Please display your flag. Show your patriotism. If we don't want the "perpetual foreigner's image" and all the baggage that comes with that image, we need to be pro-active.
Group benefit can only be achieved by group action.
Reminder II:
Are you aware that your 80-20 membership is good for 14 months till the end of 2002? So please join today.
80-20 is only as strong as you are. Members of 80-20's Steering Committee feed off your courage, your willingness to sacrifice a little, and your willingness to respond promptly. We need you. Please help.
You can sign up using a credit card. Click here.
Or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. Please do your fair share. Thank you.
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
PS: Brian Ng was the first to enroll in Family Life membership. Cheng C. Yue was the first to enroll as a Life member. We are still looking for the first Honorary Life member and the first Honorary Family Life member. :-)
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Veterans' Day is only 2 days away. Please display your flag. Show your patriotism. If we don't want the "perpetual foreigner's image" and all the baggage that comes with that image, we need to be pro-active.
Group benefit can only be achieved by group action.
Reminder II:
Are you aware that your 80-20 membership is good for 14 months till the end of 2002? So please join today.
80-20 is only as strong as you are. Members of 80-20's Steering Committee feed off your courage, your willingness to sacrifice a little, and your willingness to respond promptly. We need you. Please help.
You can sign up using a credit card. Click here.
Or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. Please do your fair share. Thank you.
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
PS: Brian Ng was the first to enroll in Family Life membership. Cheng C. Yue was the first to enroll as a Life member. We are still looking for the first Honorary Life member and the first Honorary Family Life member. :-)
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, November 05, 2001
Norman Mineta on Internment
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana
Do APAs have something to learn from the backlash on Arab Americans since 9/11? Do we need to think about our own future, should, God forbid, there be a war between America and one of the larger Asian nations?
With the above in mind, 80-20 directs your attention to a Newsweek Web Exclusive which interviews Norman Mineta regarding his internment experience. For the complete interview, visit http://www.msnbc.com/news/644274.asp?cp1=1
To provide you with a sense of what the interview was about, we've condensed part of the article into a vignette. We also provide a direct quote:
a) A Vignette:
On 9/12, President Bush held a cabinet meeting. When asked about the backlash on Arab Ams., Bush pointed to Mineta and said "We don't want to have happen today (to minority Ams.) what happened to Norm Mineta's family."
Would President Roosevelt have signed the Executive Order to intern Japanese Am. during WWII, had there been a Japanese American cabinet member at the time? If your answer is, "Who knows. It might have stopped it," then we begin to see the significance of getting APAs appointed to cabinet positions!
80-20 made a unique historic contribution to realize those appointments. Support 80-20 to act proactively for you & your children. Be a member today.
b) An Excerpt:
Newsweek: Could what happened to your family happen again?
Mineta: The possibility is always there, and that's why we have to be vigilant. We don't have to be vigilantes, but vigilant so that what happened to a group of Americans back in the 1940s does not happen again. There was a recent Gallup poll indicating that close to 50 percent of people felt that Arab-Americans should carry special ID."
To "be vigilant," 80-20 needs a war chest. Please be a member or a Life or Honorary Life member. Help 80-20 grow. Help it today!
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
You can sign up using a credit card. Visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
OR pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Thank you.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Do APAs have something to learn from the backlash on Arab Americans since 9/11? Do we need to think about our own future, should, God forbid, there be a war between America and one of the larger Asian nations?
With the above in mind, 80-20 directs your attention to a Newsweek Web Exclusive which interviews Norman Mineta regarding his internment experience. For the complete interview, visit http://www.msnbc.com/news/644274.asp?cp1=1
To provide you with a sense of what the interview was about, we've condensed part of the article into a vignette. We also provide a direct quote:
a) A Vignette:
On 9/12, President Bush held a cabinet meeting. When asked about the backlash on Arab Ams., Bush pointed to Mineta and said "We don't want to have happen today (to minority Ams.) what happened to Norm Mineta's family."
Would President Roosevelt have signed the Executive Order to intern Japanese Am. during WWII, had there been a Japanese American cabinet member at the time? If your answer is, "Who knows. It might have stopped it," then we begin to see the significance of getting APAs appointed to cabinet positions!
80-20 made a unique historic contribution to realize those appointments. Support 80-20 to act proactively for you & your children. Be a member today.
b) An Excerpt:
Newsweek: Could what happened to your family happen again?
Mineta: The possibility is always there, and that's why we have to be vigilant. We don't have to be vigilantes, but vigilant so that what happened to a group of Americans back in the 1940s does not happen again. There was a recent Gallup poll indicating that close to 50 percent of people felt that Arab-Americans should carry special ID."
To "be vigilant," 80-20 needs a war chest. Please be a member or a Life or Honorary Life member. Help 80-20 grow. Help it today!
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
You can sign up using a credit card. Visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
OR pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Thank you.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Wednesday, October 31, 2001
You can help 80-20 grow
You are known to us as a pillar of strength for the welfare of our community. If you think 80-20 has done a good job, this is the time you must step up and help 80-20 grow. A person like you sets examples for others, including your family & friends.
Within one year, 80-20's current Steering Comm. will be replaced by a Board of Directors and its officers, all to be elected. Only dues-paying members may zvote/ run for office*.
There are six types of memberships:
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1,000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Here is a summary of why 80-20 needs your support:
80-20 is:
Public-minded,
(all Steering Committee members work for free),
Cealn,
(its finances were cleared by the most stringent audit),
Effective,
(delivered a bloc vote to Gore and induced Pres. Bush to make the
historic appointment of two APAs to his cabinet ) and
Politically astute.
(80-20 knows that a swing bloc vote will win political clout for you.)
You can become a member today, using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Specify on your check: your city, state, zip code & e-mail address (1 for single membership; 2, if possible, for family membership). You must be a citizen or permanent resident. Donations to 80-20 are NOT tax deductible. Due to gov. regulations, if your check is for more than $200.00, please include your occupation and employer. All non-life memberships will last till 12/31/02.
Help a good organization like the 80-20 grow. Help 80-20 work for you & your children. Do your share. Become a member today!
Better yet, be a Life or Honorary Life member. If you choose either, please let S.B. know by replying to this e-mail. We want this good news immediately, with which to motivate others! Please be generous.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
*All other APAs will still receive our free e-mail newsletter.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Within one year, 80-20's current Steering Comm. will be replaced by a Board of Directors and its officers, all to be elected. Only dues-paying members may zvote/ run for office*.
There are six types of memberships:
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1,000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Here is a summary of why 80-20 needs your support:
80-20 is:
(all Steering Committee members work for free),
Cealn,
(its finances were cleared by the most stringent audit),
Effective,
(delivered a bloc vote to Gore and induced Pres. Bush to make the
historic appointment of two APAs to his cabinet ) and
Politically astute.
(80-20 knows that a swing bloc vote will win political clout for you.)
You can become a member today, using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Specify on your check: your city, state, zip code & e-mail address (1 for single membership; 2, if possible, for family membership). You must be a citizen or permanent resident. Donations to 80-20 are NOT tax deductible. Due to gov. regulations, if your check is for more than $200.00, please include your occupation and employer. All non-life memberships will last till 12/31/02.
Help a good organization like the 80-20 grow. Help 80-20 work for you & your children. Do your share. Become a member today!
Better yet, be a Life or Honorary Life member. If you choose either, please let S.B. know by replying to this e-mail. We want this good news immediately, with which to motivate others! Please be generous.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
*All other APAs will still receive our free e-mail newsletter.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, October 22, 2001
Great News to Serve You Better
To serve you better, 80-20's Steering Committee has adopted policies that will make 80-20 an organization that is ruled by its own bylaws, democratic and transparent, all within one year.
Such changes are normally not easy to come by without external pressure. That 80-20's leadership volunteered to take on such a sea change is a measure of its dedication to serve you.. It is great news for you and your children.
Within one year, 80-20 will be:
Please read the following press release describing key decisions made by 80-20's Steering Comm. in its meeting in Washington D.C. on 10/20-21. Be sure to read at least its first paragraph. If you want more details, visit our web site. Or you can wait; important details will be e-mailed to you in the next few days.
For Immediate Release
Contact Person: S. B. Woo (302 366-0259)
80-20's Steering Committee concluded a meeting, held in Washington D.C. on October 20 and 21. Its major decisions include (1) the institutionalization of 80-20, (2) exploring ways to unseat elected officials who unfairly attack the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, (3) establishing an endowment of at least $5 million, and (4) adding 2 members to the Steering Committee.
Peter Suzuki, Chair of the Bylaws Committee and former national President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) said: "Our bylaws aim to make the 80-20 Initiative an organization that is ruled by law, democratic and transparent. Here is how democratic the organization will be. Within one year, the initial Steering Committee will be replaced by nationally elected officers and a board of directors. What is more, every elected position is term limited and is required to have at least two candidates. The last requirement is extra-ordinary because it makes every election truly competitive."
He also said, "To make our organization transparent, the criteria and procedure of 80-20's endorsement process for the next president of the US is spelled out in detail in Article 7 in our bylaws." A copy of the said bylaws is available at www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
S. B. Woo, a Steering Committee member and former Lt. Governor of Delaware (1985-89) said, "It's a gigantic advance in the political maturity of the APA community, when our Steering Committee approved exploring ways to unseat politicians who denigrate our community for political expediency.
Sometimes that is the only way to pass an effective message to politicians. 80-20 shall be extremely judicious. We will not exercise such a severe form of censure unless the politician deserves it and that we have a reasonable chance to unseat him/her. In the 2002 election, many congressional districts have 20% or more APA constituents. That fact makes 80-20's newly adopted strategy viable."
The Steering Committee also approved preparation to drive for a $5 million endowment fund. Larry Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor of Applied Mathematics said, "80-20 has a tough job. First, it serves a community that is very diverse in cultural and ethnic background. Secondly, it operates in the rough-and-tumble world of politics where vicious attacks and rumors are commonplace. These are disruptive forces that 80-20 must handle daily. A significant endowment will help stabilize 80-20. I hope the well-to-do folks in our community will have the wisdom to step forward to fulfill this need."
Jenny Yang of Houston, TX and Shaie-Mei Temple of New Orleans, LA were elected Steering Committee members. Jenny Yang was a recipient of 80-20's "Great Doer Award." Shaie-Mei Temple was a delegate to 80-20's Endorsement Convention of last year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Such changes are normally not easy to come by without external pressure. That 80-20's leadership volunteered to take on such a sea change is a measure of its dedication to serve you.. It is great news for you and your children.
Within one year, 80-20 will be:
having leaders who will be more representative (owing to elections) and more dedicated (owing to bylaws that require performance of duties by elected directors and officers or face forced resignation or impeachment),- financially stronger with a stable income from membership dues,
- politically stronger, because of the above factors, and
- therefore, in a better position to win equal opportunity and justice for you.
Please read the following press release describing key decisions made by 80-20's Steering Comm. in its meeting in Washington D.C. on 10/20-21. Be sure to read at least its first paragraph. If you want more details, visit our web site. Or you can wait; important details will be e-mailed to you in the next few days.
For Immediate Release
Contact Person: S. B. Woo (302 366-0259)
80-20's Steering Committee concluded a meeting, held in Washington D.C. on October 20 and 21. Its major decisions include (1) the institutionalization of 80-20, (2) exploring ways to unseat elected officials who unfairly attack the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, (3) establishing an endowment of at least $5 million, and (4) adding 2 members to the Steering Committee.
Peter Suzuki, Chair of the Bylaws Committee and former national President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) said: "Our bylaws aim to make the 80-20 Initiative an organization that is ruled by law, democratic and transparent. Here is how democratic the organization will be. Within one year, the initial Steering Committee will be replaced by nationally elected officers and a board of directors. What is more, every elected position is term limited and is required to have at least two candidates. The last requirement is extra-ordinary because it makes every election truly competitive."
He also said, "To make our organization transparent, the criteria and procedure of 80-20's endorsement process for the next president of the US is spelled out in detail in Article 7 in our bylaws." A copy of the said bylaws is available at www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
S. B. Woo, a Steering Committee member and former Lt. Governor of Delaware (1985-89) said, "It's a gigantic advance in the political maturity of the APA community, when our Steering Committee approved exploring ways to unseat politicians who denigrate our community for political expediency.
Sometimes that is the only way to pass an effective message to politicians. 80-20 shall be extremely judicious. We will not exercise such a severe form of censure unless the politician deserves it and that we have a reasonable chance to unseat him/her. In the 2002 election, many congressional districts have 20% or more APA constituents. That fact makes 80-20's newly adopted strategy viable."
The Steering Committee also approved preparation to drive for a $5 million endowment fund. Larry Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor of Applied Mathematics said, "80-20 has a tough job. First, it serves a community that is very diverse in cultural and ethnic background. Secondly, it operates in the rough-and-tumble world of politics where vicious attacks and rumors are commonplace. These are disruptive forces that 80-20 must handle daily. A significant endowment will help stabilize 80-20. I hope the well-to-do folks in our community will have the wisdom to step forward to fulfill this need."
Jenny Yang of Houston, TX and Shaie-Mei Temple of New Orleans, LA were elected Steering Committee members. Jenny Yang was a recipient of 80-20's "Great Doer Award." Shaie-Mei Temple was a delegate to 80-20's Endorsement Convention of last year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Friday, October 19, 2001
80-20 Honors Two Great Doers
On October 20, 2001, 80-20 will honor two great doers of the Asian Pacific American community with a banquet in Washington, D.C. They are Jenny Yang of Houston, Texas, and David Chu, who is an expatriate living in Switzerland. They will be presented with the Great Doer Award, a diamond-shaped crystal pillar symbolizing their illustrious quality.
Jenny Yang, wife and mother of two, is an executive in an oil company. She has always set aside time to serve our community, often volunteering for the toughest tasks.
In 2000, she spearheaded the Houston drive for 10,000 signatures to petition then-candidate Bush to commit to 80-20’s 4-point Declaration. In a city with an estimated Asian Am. population of 80,000, that is a Herculean task. She and her friends gathered signatures in shopping malls in countless weekends, rain or shine. Those 10,000 signatures from Houston helped launch 80-20 as a grass-roots organization.
This year, Jenny spearheaded 80-20’s flag project in Houston. She and her co-workers planted 1000 flags in the walkways of Chinatown on July 4. Weeks in advance, they walked Houston's Chinatown asking shop owners to display flags. During that process, they learned that many shops have brick fronts for which the installation of a flag holder would be very difficult, and immediately alerted the National 80-20 to adjust its strategy in the "Flag Campaign." That timely advice contributed to 80-20’s successful flag campaign in Boston, NY, Fremont, Washington, D.C., Oakland, Cleveland, LA, etc.
David Chu, husband and father of three, is an executive in global technology management. He has been active in the Asian American equal rights movement since 1972. Whenever inequities perpetrated by the mainstream media appeared, David wrote to the editor and normally got his view published.
Since learning about 80-20 last year, David has participated in LA80-20 chapter, when he is visiting US. He has written essays promoting 80-20's ideals and goals, essays that were widely read and having deep impact on their readers.
One of those essays sprang from his intensely personal tragedy. On August 28, 2000, David's son Jamie was killed in a car accident. While waiting outside the hospital room of his seriously injured wife, David wrote a three-part article in remembrance of Jamie's life as an Asian American boy growing up in the United States. He wrote about Jamie’s joy and privileges as an American, as well as Jamie’s frustrations when he was discriminated against in school. Those articles inspired his readers to work harder for the Asian Am. community, particularly our children. David also wanted something meaningful to remember Jamie by. He and his friends raised more than $20,000 to set up a Jamie Chu Memorial Fund in care of 80-20, to be used to fund community outreach and in particular youth outreach.
David Chu and Jenny Yang are doers, not talkers. They are first in battle, last to accept credit. They enrich our community by setting personal examples.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Jenny Yang, wife and mother of two, is an executive in an oil company. She has always set aside time to serve our community, often volunteering for the toughest tasks.
In 2000, she spearheaded the Houston drive for 10,000 signatures to petition then-candidate Bush to commit to 80-20’s 4-point Declaration. In a city with an estimated Asian Am. population of 80,000, that is a Herculean task. She and her friends gathered signatures in shopping malls in countless weekends, rain or shine. Those 10,000 signatures from Houston helped launch 80-20 as a grass-roots organization.
This year, Jenny spearheaded 80-20’s flag project in Houston. She and her co-workers planted 1000 flags in the walkways of Chinatown on July 4. Weeks in advance, they walked Houston's Chinatown asking shop owners to display flags. During that process, they learned that many shops have brick fronts for which the installation of a flag holder would be very difficult, and immediately alerted the National 80-20 to adjust its strategy in the "Flag Campaign." That timely advice contributed to 80-20’s successful flag campaign in Boston, NY, Fremont, Washington, D.C., Oakland, Cleveland, LA, etc.
David Chu, husband and father of three, is an executive in global technology management. He has been active in the Asian American equal rights movement since 1972. Whenever inequities perpetrated by the mainstream media appeared, David wrote to the editor and normally got his view published.
Since learning about 80-20 last year, David has participated in LA80-20 chapter, when he is visiting US. He has written essays promoting 80-20's ideals and goals, essays that were widely read and having deep impact on their readers.
One of those essays sprang from his intensely personal tragedy. On August 28, 2000, David's son Jamie was killed in a car accident. While waiting outside the hospital room of his seriously injured wife, David wrote a three-part article in remembrance of Jamie's life as an Asian American boy growing up in the United States. He wrote about Jamie’s joy and privileges as an American, as well as Jamie’s frustrations when he was discriminated against in school. Those articles inspired his readers to work harder for the Asian Am. community, particularly our children. David also wanted something meaningful to remember Jamie by. He and his friends raised more than $20,000 to set up a Jamie Chu Memorial Fund in care of 80-20, to be used to fund community outreach and in particular youth outreach.
David Chu and Jenny Yang are doers, not talkers. They are first in battle, last to accept credit. They enrich our community by setting personal examples.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Thursday, October 04, 2001
80-20 Going To Bat For You
"Communication is power." That point was vividly made by 80-20's last e-mail, entitled "Heroism & Fear Related to 9/11." Besides sending the message to you, 80-20 also sent it to 50 prominent mainstream reporters -- a rare 80-20 practice. 80-20's purposes were:
(1) To spread words about Zhe Zeng's heroic act to the community at large. Up till that time, the mainstream media had NOT reported on how heroically Zeng has volunteered his service to his new found nation, and
(2) To remind the mainstream media that not only Arab Ams. but also Asian Ams. live under the FEAR of unjustified internment, as befell Japanese Ams.
Both aims were achieved. 80-20 is proud to report to you below, how it went to bat for you and your children and made things happen.
(A) On Zhe Zeng's heroic and selfless act:
Yesterday, Jane Leung Larson who saw 80-20's e-mail to reporters, e-mailed 80-20: "... I talked to Zeng's manager at the bank who said that several mainstream journalists had contacted her recently. ... Maybe thanks to you, we'll see the story in more media."
Today (10/3), the NY Times covered Mr. Zeng's heroic act, with a picture of him:
“ZHE ZENG
Completely Selfless Person'
Zhe Zeng was safe. The first plane struck the north tower as he was leaving the Brooklyn Bridge subway stop, and he could have stayed in his Barclay Street office, blocks away from the carnage, at the Bank of New York, where he was project manager for American depositary receipts.
But Mr. Zeng, 29, who was known as Zack, was also a certified emergency medical technician, and after stopping by his office for some supplies, he plunged into the maelstrom of dust and ash. A news video broadcast later that day showed him working, still in his business suit, over a prostrate form. But he has not been seen since.
"It didn't surprise anybody who knew him," said Peggy Farrell, his supervisor. "He was a completely selfless person. He was just someone who would automatically volunteer his assistance. To me it was a truly heroic display.""
What a moving story to illustrate APA patriotism! We trust a few more, maybe many more, mainstream media will use the story.
Some 80-20 supporters, moved by Mr. Zeng's sacrifice, e-mailed 80-20 asking how to send money to his mother. If you want to make a contribution, please e-mail us for her address.
(B) On Preventing Future Internment:
80-20's e-mail to journalists asked reporters to research the Korematsu Decision of the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of interning Japanese Americans purely on account of their race. That Decision has never been reversed and provides a precedent for the future internment of other politically weak minorities such as Arab Ams. and APAs, not to mention permanent residents, immigrants and tourists.
Many articles has since appeared in the mainstream press. Almost all criticized the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and mentioned explicitly the Korematsu Decision, either coincidentally or owing to 80-20's suggestion.
80-20 is exploring the possibility of spending its political capital to get either the Executive or the Legislative or the Judiciary branch, or combinations of the above, to take an action whereupon no ethnic group of US citizens may ever again be placed in internment as a group. Individuals who are proven disloyal to the US may of course be interned. If you are a legal or political expert and know what kind of action is needed, please e-mail sbw@udel.edu. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a SWING bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
(1) To spread words about Zhe Zeng's heroic act to the community at large. Up till that time, the mainstream media had NOT reported on how heroically Zeng has volunteered his service to his new found nation, and
(2) To remind the mainstream media that not only Arab Ams. but also Asian Ams. live under the FEAR of unjustified internment, as befell Japanese Ams.
Both aims were achieved. 80-20 is proud to report to you below, how it went to bat for you and your children and made things happen.
(A) On Zhe Zeng's heroic and selfless act:
Yesterday, Jane Leung Larson who saw 80-20's e-mail to reporters, e-mailed 80-20: "... I talked to Zeng's manager at the bank who said that several mainstream journalists had contacted her recently. ... Maybe thanks to you, we'll see the story in more media."
Today (10/3), the NY Times covered Mr. Zeng's heroic act, with a picture of him:
“ZHE ZENG
Completely Selfless Person'
Zhe Zeng was safe. The first plane struck the north tower as he was leaving the Brooklyn Bridge subway stop, and he could have stayed in his Barclay Street office, blocks away from the carnage, at the Bank of New York, where he was project manager for American depositary receipts.
But Mr. Zeng, 29, who was known as Zack, was also a certified emergency medical technician, and after stopping by his office for some supplies, he plunged into the maelstrom of dust and ash. A news video broadcast later that day showed him working, still in his business suit, over a prostrate form. But he has not been seen since.
"It didn't surprise anybody who knew him," said Peggy Farrell, his supervisor. "He was a completely selfless person. He was just someone who would automatically volunteer his assistance. To me it was a truly heroic display.""
What a moving story to illustrate APA patriotism! We trust a few more, maybe many more, mainstream media will use the story.
Some 80-20 supporters, moved by Mr. Zeng's sacrifice, e-mailed 80-20 asking how to send money to his mother. If you want to make a contribution, please e-mail us for her address.
(B) On Preventing Future Internment:
80-20's e-mail to journalists asked reporters to research the Korematsu Decision of the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of interning Japanese Americans purely on account of their race. That Decision has never been reversed and provides a precedent for the future internment of other politically weak minorities such as Arab Ams. and APAs, not to mention permanent residents, immigrants and tourists.
Many articles has since appeared in the mainstream press. Almost all criticized the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and mentioned explicitly the Korematsu Decision, either coincidentally or owing to 80-20's suggestion.
80-20 is exploring the possibility of spending its political capital to get either the Executive or the Legislative or the Judiciary branch, or combinations of the above, to take an action whereupon no ethnic group of US citizens may ever again be placed in internment as a group. Individuals who are proven disloyal to the US may of course be interned. If you are a legal or political expert and know what kind of action is needed, please e-mail sbw@udel.edu. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a SWING bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
Heroism & Fear Related to 9/11
80-20's e-mail line located in WTC was cut since 9/11.
(A) Heroic Act of an APA on 9/11
Right after the first AA Airline plane hit the WTC, Zhe Zeng, who works at Bank of New York on Wall Street, called his mother and said "I'm okay. It's chaotic outside. I'm going to help other people." and he hanged up the phone. Zhe has never been heard from since. A few days later, one of his friends saw Zhe in the Fox News' TV coverage of the rescue efforts around WTC just before the buildings
collapsed.
Zhe is 29 year old and got his MBA from the University of Rochester. Zhe came from Quanzhou to New York with his parents when he was 15 years old. He was a trained and certified rescue worker. While at Styvesant High in lower Manhattan, he was a honor student and was always willing to help the other students specially in math. He was so well liked such that the landlord where his family lived even lowered the rent in order to lighten his family's burden.
Zhe's mother, a former schoolteacher in China, said "Since we have immigrated to America, we have to think this land as our country. I always taught young people to serve their society and its people. I may have lost Zhe, but I'm very proud of what he did. I hope mainstream America will understand that there are Chinese Americans who are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to help others. Now I only want to find out what happened to Zhe. I pray that there would not be war, because more innocent people will be killed"
[The above was reported in The World Journal and translated by Charlie Sie, an 80-20 supporter and member of C-100. See article
(Chinese Big 5 format) ]
(B) Fear -- 1/3 of New Yorkers Support Internment
Camps
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- One third of New Yorkers favor establishing internment
camps for "individuals who authorities identify as being sympathetic to terrorist causes," according to a poll from the Siena College Research Institute.
Fifty percent of those surveyed for the statewide poll said they were
opposed to that idea while 15 percent had no opinion.
Internment camps have been controversial since World War II when the United States ordered thousands of Japanese-Americans into such facilities.
Douglas Lonnstrom, director of the research institute, said that given that World War II experience he found it "startling" that 34 percent of those polled supported the creation of new internment camps.
Lonnstrom said he didn't know if those questioned equated the phrase "sympathetic to terrorist causes" to Arab-Americans.
Thursday, September 13, 2001
Doing Our Share
America is under attack. Wounded fellow Americans need blood.
80-20 urges all its supporters to roll up our sleeve, do our share and donate blood!
There are three things you may want to know before giving blood:
1) Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 1-800-448-3543 to find out where to go,
2) You must be 17 or older, and weigh over 110 lb.
We demand equal rights. Therefore we must share equal burden. Many of us are displaying a flag at half staff. Some are wearing a black arm-band.
Above all, please do your share to donate blood. There may be long lines of people donating blood out there. However, if our fellow citizens can wait, then we can wait to do our share.
**********************
Emergency appeal: 80-20's T1 line for sending e-mails to you routed through the World Trade Center and was therefore cut off. Any one who can help provide 80-20 with a broad band communicate line, temporarily or permanently, please contact sbw@udel.edu with a copy to szhang@udel.edu so that we may recover our ability to communicate with our vast number of supporters. Right now we are only communicating with 1/20 of our supporters, with difficulties. 80- 20 will pay the necessary fees. Please help. *****************
Wednesday, September 05, 2001
Evidence of Our Growing Political Clout
The seeds that you helped sow through 80-20 are flowering.
Politicians, nationally and in cities, counties and states with a large APA population, have gotten the message. The message is this: APAs have demonstrated the ability to organize a bloc vote, therefore we had better given them what is due. They reason: If APAs can organize a national bloc vote in 2000, after just a two-year effort, then APAs will know how to organize a bloc vote locally, sooner than later. They are now showing us respect -- not as much as we deserve, but the rest will come.
Nationally, it started with President Bush. His appointments
of APAs were significant and in record numbers. He is not
asking us for inputs regarding his appointments yet, but that will come.
State-wide, recent development pushed the envelope of our political
clout. Modeled after the success of the National 80-20, our New Jersey
chapter did an endorsement meeting to choose a gubernatorial candidate.
Just like the National, its has 33 endorsement-delegates, composed of equal
numbers of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
The gubernatorial candidates from both major parties attended the meeting. According to Dr. Steven Ko, Chair of 80-20NJ, "Such a meeting with Asian Americans has never happened before in New Jersey." It probably has not happened in other states either, not even California.
Each gubernatorial candidate made a pitch to be endorsed, gave promises and answered questions for one hour. Mayor James McGreevey won the endorsement. Who will win the election is not important. APAs in NJ will win enhanced attention and respect, provided that 80-20NJ delivers in votes &/or $$$ &/or volunteers.
At the city level, 80-20's Los Angeles chapter endorsed a candidate for LA mayoral, after an endorsement meeting that both top candidates attended. The LA chapter endorsed James Hahn, who won.
After the election, Hahn appointed 9 deputy mayors, three of whom were Asian Americans. Again, Hahn didn't seek input from 80-20LA regarding his appointments. However, as was said before, in time that will come.
Soon the politicians will realize that seeking our input creates a win-win. Appointing APAs who don't identify with our community at heart and who have never gone to bat for our community will not win votes for the politician who make such appointments. 80-20 will recommend those who actually identify with us. Just watch, it's only a matter of time.
Unity is power. Events have demonstrated it.
The mainstream media is agreeing with us. Hardly a month goes by, without a big mainstream media mentioning 80-20. In the last few months, it was Newsweek, LA Times, NY Times, Boston Globe, etc. This month, it was Business Week Magazine. An article entitled "Pols Are Salivating Over Asian Americans" was published in its Sept. 10, 2001 issue, pp 42-43. In the contents page, the same article was referred to as "A Minority's Newfound Clout -- Courting As. Am. Votes."
You are a vital part of 80-20. Together we are making history.
Visit www.80-20initiative.net. We have a user friendly "Job Search Database" page for you. It is produced in association with with IMDiversity.com's Asian-American Village Online.
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20 who better represents the interest of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net.
Politicians, nationally and in cities, counties and states with a large APA population, have gotten the message. The message is this: APAs have demonstrated the ability to organize a bloc vote, therefore we had better given them what is due. They reason: If APAs can organize a national bloc vote in 2000, after just a two-year effort, then APAs will know how to organize a bloc vote locally, sooner than later. They are now showing us respect -- not as much as we deserve, but the rest will come.
Nationally, it started with President Bush. His appointments
of APAs were significant and in record numbers. He is not
asking us for inputs regarding his appointments yet, but that will come.
State-wide, recent development pushed the envelope of our political
clout. Modeled after the success of the National 80-20, our New Jersey
chapter did an endorsement meeting to choose a gubernatorial candidate.
Just like the National, its has 33 endorsement-delegates, composed of equal
numbers of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
The gubernatorial candidates from both major parties attended the meeting. According to Dr. Steven Ko, Chair of 80-20NJ, "Such a meeting with Asian Americans has never happened before in New Jersey." It probably has not happened in other states either, not even California.
Each gubernatorial candidate made a pitch to be endorsed, gave promises and answered questions for one hour. Mayor James McGreevey won the endorsement. Who will win the election is not important. APAs in NJ will win enhanced attention and respect, provided that 80-20NJ delivers in votes &/or $$$ &/or volunteers.
At the city level, 80-20's Los Angeles chapter endorsed a candidate for LA mayoral, after an endorsement meeting that both top candidates attended. The LA chapter endorsed James Hahn, who won.
After the election, Hahn appointed 9 deputy mayors, three of whom were Asian Americans. Again, Hahn didn't seek input from 80-20LA regarding his appointments. However, as was said before, in time that will come.
Soon the politicians will realize that seeking our input creates a win-win. Appointing APAs who don't identify with our community at heart and who have never gone to bat for our community will not win votes for the politician who make such appointments. 80-20 will recommend those who actually identify with us. Just watch, it's only a matter of time.
Unity is power. Events have demonstrated it.
The mainstream media is agreeing with us. Hardly a month goes by, without a big mainstream media mentioning 80-20. In the last few months, it was Newsweek, LA Times, NY Times, Boston Globe, etc. This month, it was Business Week Magazine. An article entitled "Pols Are Salivating Over Asian Americans" was published in its Sept. 10, 2001 issue, pp 42-43. In the contents page, the same article was referred to as "A Minority's Newfound Clout -- Courting As. Am. Votes."
You are a vital part of 80-20. Together we are making history.
Visit www.80-20initiative.net. We have a user friendly "Job Search Database" page for you. It is produced in association with with IMDiversity.com's Asian-American Village Online.
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20 who better represents the interest of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net.
Thursday, July 12, 2001
A New Affiliate/Improving Odds for AsAm Candidates
(1) Good news: 80-20 adds a new Affiliate to its family of Affiliates in SF. The new member is The Vietnamese-Cambodian-Loatian Association of Ethnic Chinese, VCL Assoc. The others are Citizens for Better Community (CBC) of Fremont, Chinese Am. Political Assoc. of N. California, and Silicon Valley Voter Education Service Center. These Affiliates exhibited superb leadership in 80-20's recent flag-project, for which 80-20 is most grateful
(2) A Proposal: 80-20 was asked by leaders in SF, LA and NYC to submit a proposal to the APA community to improving the chance of victory for APA candidates running a big cities.
Unless you live in a big city and are intimately involved with supporting APA candidates, its contents may not be of high interest to you.
- - - - - - - - -
Subject: A Proposal To Improve The Chance Of Victory For APA Candidates Running In Big Cities In cities like Houston, NY, LA and SF, the probability of having two or more significant APA political candidates competing against each others (e.g. City council or a party primary) has increased greatly, owing to our growing population. Often the multi-candidate situation resulted in a defeat for all APA candidates, while a single APA candidate could have won the election.
80-20 believes that such unfortunate situations should be avoided. Our numbers are small. Our strength lies in our unity. Hence, 80-20's Steering Committee resolves to recommend the following proposal to the APA community, although 80-20 itself does not intend to get involved in local elections.
Whenever two or more significant APA candidates compete for the same position, our community may want to mediate so that there will be one APA candidate only. Failing to mediate, an equitable way should be found so that a straw vote will be held within the APA community to advise the competing candidates. The one who loses the straw vote by a large margin must drop out or be ostracized by the community in his/her future races. If the straw vote is close and one of the candidate is willing to withdraw, then varying amount of future help should be committed by the community to the withdrawing candidate.
Stating a general principle is easy, the devil is in details. Questions such as 1) who may participate in the straw vote, and 2) what represents "a large margin," 3) what is "a close vote," 4) How good is the commitment for the future help, are hard to define and must be agreed upon, before a straw vote is held.
One way that some of above questions can be settled is for the relevant local community to first hold a "Unity Fundraiser" whose net intake should be at least 25% of the expected cost of the relevant race or $500,000 whichever is the smaller. That is, if a race is expected to cost one million dollars, the Unity Fundraiser should raise at least $250,000. If the race is expected to cost 6 million, the unity-fundraiser should deliver at least $500,000.
A fundraising committee composed of committed supporters of all significant candidates, and uncommitted "movers and shakers" should be formed first. Checks are written and signed, but the "payable to" is not filled out. The voting power of participants is decided by the dollar figure in their checks. Winner of the straw vote takes all the money. That way all relevant significant candidates are likely to encourage their supporters to participate in the fundraiser and are likely to respect the result of the straw vote.
The larger the total dollar figure of the fundraiser, the larger the collective clout of the organizers of the "Unity Fundraiser. A straw vote is not guaranteed to get the losing candidate to bow out. However, it is almost guaranteed to rally support for the winner of the straw vote. That candidate will be at least $500,000 or 25% ahead in the war chest on day one. The other candidate(s) will in effect be forced to drop out.
Note that the method does not favor the rich. An activist who is not financially wealthy could go out and collect 100 checks of $100 each thereby earning the equivalent voting power of $10,000. A billionaire does not dictate the straw vote. The maximum contribution by a participant in the straw vote must be the same as the maximum set by the state law.
The Unity Fundraiser is not a perfect device to break impasses between APA candidates. However, it is overall a win-win policy. The candidates will win for two reasons. The candidate winning the Unity Fundraiser will 1) have a united community behind her/him, and 2) getting a large sum of "early seed money," critical for election victory. Even the losing candidate wins. He/she may get early commitment from the community for his/her next race. The community wins. It captures political seats that it otherwise may not.
The 80-20 National will not participate in local elections or its straw votes for two main reasons. First, all politics is local. 80-20's National normally does not know enough about local politics. Secondly, participating in local elections may damage 80-20's effectiveness in uniting the APA community during the presidential election.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
(2) A Proposal: 80-20 was asked by leaders in SF, LA and NYC to submit a proposal to the APA community to improving the chance of victory for APA candidates running a big cities.
Unless you live in a big city and are intimately involved with supporting APA candidates, its contents may not be of high interest to you.
- - - - - - - - -
Subject: A Proposal To Improve The Chance Of Victory For APA Candidates Running In Big Cities In cities like Houston, NY, LA and SF, the probability of having two or more significant APA political candidates competing against each others (e.g. City council or a party primary) has increased greatly, owing to our growing population. Often the multi-candidate situation resulted in a defeat for all APA candidates, while a single APA candidate could have won the election.
80-20 believes that such unfortunate situations should be avoided. Our numbers are small. Our strength lies in our unity. Hence, 80-20's Steering Committee resolves to recommend the following proposal to the APA community, although 80-20 itself does not intend to get involved in local elections.
Whenever two or more significant APA candidates compete for the same position, our community may want to mediate so that there will be one APA candidate only. Failing to mediate, an equitable way should be found so that a straw vote will be held within the APA community to advise the competing candidates. The one who loses the straw vote by a large margin must drop out or be ostracized by the community in his/her future races. If the straw vote is close and one of the candidate is willing to withdraw, then varying amount of future help should be committed by the community to the withdrawing candidate.
Stating a general principle is easy, the devil is in details. Questions such as 1) who may participate in the straw vote, and 2) what represents "a large margin," 3) what is "a close vote," 4) How good is the commitment for the future help, are hard to define and must be agreed upon, before a straw vote is held.
One way that some of above questions can be settled is for the relevant local community to first hold a "Unity Fundraiser" whose net intake should be at least 25% of the expected cost of the relevant race or $500,000 whichever is the smaller. That is, if a race is expected to cost one million dollars, the Unity Fundraiser should raise at least $250,000. If the race is expected to cost 6 million, the unity-fundraiser should deliver at least $500,000.
A fundraising committee composed of committed supporters of all significant candidates, and uncommitted "movers and shakers" should be formed first. Checks are written and signed, but the "payable to" is not filled out. The voting power of participants is decided by the dollar figure in their checks. Winner of the straw vote takes all the money. That way all relevant significant candidates are likely to encourage their supporters to participate in the fundraiser and are likely to respect the result of the straw vote.
The larger the total dollar figure of the fundraiser, the larger the collective clout of the organizers of the "Unity Fundraiser. A straw vote is not guaranteed to get the losing candidate to bow out. However, it is almost guaranteed to rally support for the winner of the straw vote. That candidate will be at least $500,000 or 25% ahead in the war chest on day one. The other candidate(s) will in effect be forced to drop out.
Note that the method does not favor the rich. An activist who is not financially wealthy could go out and collect 100 checks of $100 each thereby earning the equivalent voting power of $10,000. A billionaire does not dictate the straw vote. The maximum contribution by a participant in the straw vote must be the same as the maximum set by the state law.
The Unity Fundraiser is not a perfect device to break impasses between APA candidates. However, it is overall a win-win policy. The candidates will win for two reasons. The candidate winning the Unity Fundraiser will 1) have a united community behind her/him, and 2) getting a large sum of "early seed money," critical for election victory. Even the losing candidate wins. He/she may get early commitment from the community for his/her next race. The community wins. It captures political seats that it otherwise may not.
The 80-20 National will not participate in local elections or its straw votes for two main reasons. First, all politics is local. 80-20's National normally does not know enough about local politics. Secondly, participating in local elections may damage 80-20's effectiveness in uniting the APA community during the presidential election.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, July 09, 2001
A Giant First Step
Thanks to all of you, our FLAG project was a great success as a first try. It generated a lot of positive images for the APA community (See details below). It also won great accolades for 80-20.
The World Journal, the largest paper in the Ch-Am community, published an editorial on July 4th: "FLAG Project Effective .."
".... In the past, proposals from APA organizations rarely
induce visible response from the community. They seemed
like the "solo" performances of the elite. But this flag
project has excited our community. Buying flags, selling flags,
and giving away flags have become the fashion. ..."
What better proof is there that 80-20 is a unique grass-roots organization?
Sing Tao Daily, the second largest paper in the Ch-Am community, stated:
"... Asian Americans will become first-class citizens when the
mainstream stops doubting us. This FLAG project is just a
too lovely strategy."
Please visit www.80-20initiative.net for the editorials, pictures of our grass-roots enthusiasm in action and "seas of flags." Digitized video tapes will be available later. The URLs for the editorials are:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/WJ070401pA2.html (World Jrnl)
http://www.80-20initiative.net/ST070401pB2.html (Sing Tao)
In the rest of the e-mail, we list (1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media, (2) Locations with Significant FLAG Activities, (3) Episodes That Tightened My Throat, and (4) Areas Needing Improvement in the Future.
(1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media (those known to us):
NY Times
LA Times
Boston Globe
Plain Dealer, Ohio
Newsweek Magazine (Web version)
South China Morning Post, Hong Kong
ABC, Philadelphia
NBC, NY
KRON/NBC, SF
KCRA/NBC Sacramento
FOX TV, Houston
WOR TV, NY
Nat'l Public Radio, N. CA
2. MAJOR Locations where organizations participated (Individual homes with flags are not included in this list):
NYC, New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
Washington, D.C.
Phoenix, Arizona
Cleveland, Ohio
Boston & Wellesley, MA
Dallas and Houston, Texas
Finally, the Great State of California:
San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, Cupertino, Los
Angeles and Monterey Park
3. Episodes That Touched My Heart:
"Our day began with planting and flying flags in Chinatown area. 1000 small flags were planted along the esplanade (walkway) and 2' x 3' flags were hang between light poles in a shopping center. While we were working on it, some passers-by showed their support by honking or raising their thumbs. Some liked the flags so much that they either asked us for a flag or were willing to take a risk of having an accident and stop in the middle of the traffic while swiping a flag off from the esplanade."
- Jenny Yang, who spearheaded the Houston effort
"It was worth the blisters and sweat for Kitipot and me!"
- Pat and Kitipot Charnveja who helped plant the 100 flags.
"American Flags all over Boston's Chinatown!!!" - Perry Fong
"American flags in Chinatown are hung or taped to street lights, mailboxes, green and gold pagoda-topped red Verizon payphones -- literally anything that doesn't move." - wls
"To your colleagues & Mr. Woo,
Hats off to you,
Americans True,
For Sharing With Others,
Some Red White and Blue." - a poem from James Villa
"Lower Rancho, Acadia, CA. A flag in front of every lawn"
"We won the ‘MOST PATRIOTIC SPIRIT’ Award in the Fremont Parade."
- Garrett Yee, President, CBC
Title of Boston Globe's article on the FLAG Project:
"Embracing Independence"
Title of the Newsweek article:
"We Are Americans, Too"
Title of NY Times article:
"Independence Fete in Chinatown"
Will such coverage improve our image? You be the judge.
(3) A Long, Long Way to Go
Thus far we have pockets of "seas of flags" only. We must persist. We must have more non-Ch-Am organizations join us the next time. If we get so much good publicity this time, after just a 4-week campaign, image what we could get next time. In five to six years, our image will improve greatly.
Again, thank all of you so very much.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net [Visit our new "Discrimination Watch"]
The World Journal, the largest paper in the Ch-Am community, published an editorial on July 4th: "FLAG Project Effective .."
".... In the past, proposals from APA organizations rarely
induce visible response from the community. They seemed
like the "solo" performances of the elite. But this flag
project has excited our community. Buying flags, selling flags,
and giving away flags have become the fashion. ..."
What better proof is there that 80-20 is a unique grass-roots organization?
Sing Tao Daily, the second largest paper in the Ch-Am community, stated:
"... Asian Americans will become first-class citizens when the
mainstream stops doubting us. This FLAG project is just a
too lovely strategy."
Please visit www.80-20initiative.net for the editorials, pictures of our grass-roots enthusiasm in action and "seas of flags." Digitized video tapes will be available later. The URLs for the editorials are:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/WJ070401pA2.html (World Jrnl)
http://www.80-20initiative.net/ST070401pB2.html (Sing Tao)
In the rest of the e-mail, we list (1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media, (2) Locations with Significant FLAG Activities, (3) Episodes That Tightened My Throat, and (4) Areas Needing Improvement in the Future.
(1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media (those known to us):
NY Times
LA Times
Boston Globe
Plain Dealer, Ohio
Newsweek Magazine (Web version)
South China Morning Post, Hong Kong
ABC, Philadelphia
NBC, NY
KRON/NBC, SF
KCRA/NBC Sacramento
FOX TV, Houston
WOR TV, NY
Nat'l Public Radio, N. CA
2. MAJOR Locations where organizations participated (Individual homes with flags are not included in this list):
NYC, New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
Washington, D.C.
Phoenix, Arizona
Cleveland, Ohio
Boston & Wellesley, MA
Dallas and Houston, Texas
Finally, the Great State of California:
San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, Cupertino, Los
Angeles and Monterey Park
3. Episodes That Touched My Heart:
"Our day began with planting and flying flags in Chinatown area. 1000 small flags were planted along the esplanade (walkway) and 2' x 3' flags were hang between light poles in a shopping center. While we were working on it, some passers-by showed their support by honking or raising their thumbs. Some liked the flags so much that they either asked us for a flag or were willing to take a risk of having an accident and stop in the middle of the traffic while swiping a flag off from the esplanade."
- Jenny Yang, who spearheaded the Houston effort
"It was worth the blisters and sweat for Kitipot and me!"
- Pat and Kitipot Charnveja who helped plant the 100 flags.
"American Flags all over Boston's Chinatown!!!" - Perry Fong
"American flags in Chinatown are hung or taped to street lights, mailboxes, green and gold pagoda-topped red Verizon payphones -- literally anything that doesn't move." - wls
"To your colleagues & Mr. Woo,
Hats off to you,
Americans True,
For Sharing With Others,
Some Red White and Blue." - a poem from James Villa
"Lower Rancho, Acadia, CA. A flag in front of every lawn"
"We won the ‘MOST PATRIOTIC SPIRIT’ Award in the Fremont Parade."
- Garrett Yee, President, CBC
Title of Boston Globe's article on the FLAG Project:
"Embracing Independence"
Title of the Newsweek article:
"We Are Americans, Too"
Title of NY Times article:
"Independence Fete in Chinatown"
Will such coverage improve our image? You be the judge.
(3) A Long, Long Way to Go
Thus far we have pockets of "seas of flags" only. We must persist. We must have more non-Ch-Am organizations join us the next time. If we get so much good publicity this time, after just a 4-week campaign, image what we could get next time. In five to six years, our image will improve greatly.
Again, thank all of you so very much.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net [Visit our new "Discrimination Watch"]
Tuesday, July 03, 2001
Exciting News on the Flag Front
Many exciting things are happening on the flag front. It has substance and image; evidence of growing unity in the APA community, and with that growing political clout.
1. NEWSWEEK has an article on 80-20's flag project in its newest web issue.
Its title is "We are Americans too" -- exactly the message that 80-20 wants to pass to America. See www.newsweek.com and scroll down to "We're Americans Too."
2. ABC, Philadelphia will air the following in the evening on July 4th:
"In the taping was a Vietnamese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, and a South Pacific Islander, all in their home country attire and all holding an American flag."
Skip Voluntad, Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia.
The shoot will give just the substance and image we want. We are proud of our own heritage, and are loyal citizens of America.
3. An NBC affiliate, gave us 30 sec in San Francisco, and almost 3 minutes in San Diego, interviewing Tim Chen, one of two full-time 80-20 staff, featuring 80-20's flag project.
4. A Sea of Flags in Houston
80-20's Houston Chapter resolved to "plant 1000 small flags (8" x 12") in the esplanade (walkway) in part of Chinatown on July 4."
5. Republican Nat'l Comm Chair, James Gilmore stated:
Chairman Gilmore was in Silicon Valley, CA having a meeting with APA Republican leaders when he was asked by a reporter concerning 80-20's flag project. He stated that he supported it and thought the idea should spread to all other ethnic group and make it a national movement for a renewed patriotic move. John Tsu, an elder statesman in the APA Republican circle was also present. This was reported in the World Journal.
6. More Media Coverage:
Voice of Am., and Orange County Registry, having the nation's 26th largest circulation, contacted 80-20 to seek an interview regarding our flag project.
The World Journal gave Page A1 coverage to 80-20’s flag project.
7. Some "Returns" Are Already In
"Just to report: Drove past Chinatown in DC yesterday (7/1) and already, some of the flags are up. Good job!"
Myrna Watanabe, a resident of Connecticut who happened to drive past D.C.
Please e-mail 80-20 to tell us what you will have seen in your neighborhood on July 4th. We'll build on what we have, the fruits of a 4-week campaign only, to ensure that there will be seas of flags across the nation in areas identified with Asian Pacific Americans. It takes an image to replace and image. Together, we shall overcome.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
1. NEWSWEEK has an article on 80-20's flag project in its newest web issue.
Its title is "We are Americans too" -- exactly the message that 80-20 wants to pass to America. See www.newsweek.com and scroll down to "We're Americans Too."
2. ABC, Philadelphia will air the following in the evening on July 4th:
"In the taping was a Vietnamese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, and a South Pacific Islander, all in their home country attire and all holding an American flag."
Skip Voluntad, Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia.
The shoot will give just the substance and image we want. We are proud of our own heritage, and are loyal citizens of America.
3. An NBC affiliate, gave us 30 sec in San Francisco, and almost 3 minutes in San Diego, interviewing Tim Chen, one of two full-time 80-20 staff, featuring 80-20's flag project.
4. A Sea of Flags in Houston
80-20's Houston Chapter resolved to "plant 1000 small flags (8" x 12") in the esplanade (walkway) in part of Chinatown on July 4."
5. Republican Nat'l Comm Chair, James Gilmore stated:
Chairman Gilmore was in Silicon Valley, CA having a meeting with APA Republican leaders when he was asked by a reporter concerning 80-20's flag project. He stated that he supported it and thought the idea should spread to all other ethnic group and make it a national movement for a renewed patriotic move. John Tsu, an elder statesman in the APA Republican circle was also present. This was reported in the World Journal.
6. More Media Coverage:
Voice of Am., and Orange County Registry, having the nation's 26th largest circulation, contacted 80-20 to seek an interview regarding our flag project.
The World Journal gave Page A1 coverage to 80-20’s flag project.
7. Some "Returns" Are Already In
"Just to report: Drove past Chinatown in DC yesterday (7/1) and already, some of the flags are up. Good job!"
Myrna Watanabe, a resident of Connecticut who happened to drive past D.C.
Please e-mail 80-20 to tell us what you will have seen in your neighborhood on July 4th. We'll build on what we have, the fruits of a 4-week campaign only, to ensure that there will be seas of flags across the nation in areas identified with Asian Pacific Americans. It takes an image to replace and image. Together, we shall overcome.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Friday, June 29, 2001
Our Flag Project Spreading Like Wildfire
Our flag project is spreading like wildfire. This e-mail has 3 sections: A) Mainstream Media Attention B) Tip of the Iceberg in Individual Actions, & C) Spreading like Prairie Fire Among Organizations.
It takes an image to replace an image. 80-20 is helping to create a positive image for the APA community. See in particular Section A) on Mainstream Media Attention.
If, unfortunately, there was to be another Congressional Hearing denigrating the loyalty of APAs, 80-20 will bring photos, video tapes, articles of seas of flags to present a counter-balancing view. However, a positive image may not be enough to stop some politicians from smearing APAs to advance their own career. For them, there is always the APA group-political-clout that 80-20 has carefully nurtured for the past 2.5 years. We may just resort to a bloc vote against those politicians who continue to smear us.
A) Mainstream Media Attention
Coverage includes Newsweek Magazine, LA Times, Plain Dealer (largest paper in Cleveland, Ohio) and South China Morning Post of Hong Kong.
B) The Tip of the Iceberg in Individual Action
By now hundreds of individuals have e-mailed to say that they've bought a flag, or installed a holder, or asked their friends and relatives to do the same, or asked the local ethnic radio station to make announcement of 80-20's flag project on July 4th. The standard political guess-timate is that for every one who takes the trouble to call or write an original letter (as opposed to, say, signing a pre-written post card), there are 40 persons thinking the same thoughts or doing the same things. So what 80-20 has seen through its e-mails is but the tip of the iceberg. Check it out for yourself on July 4th.
C) Spreading Like Prairie Fire Among APA Orgs.
1) Washington, D.C.
Hank Chao, Exec. Director of Ch. Consolidated Benevolent Assoc., CCBA,
e-mailed:
"I decided to donate 20 flags, so does Mr. Thomas Jao the President of
CCBA Washington D.C. Mr. Jao will also personally contact every
merchant in D.C. Chinatown to support this event; and, I will install
the flags for all merchants."
"I also contacted three Chinese news paper about your event. They all
strongly support your event, and willing to pass the information to
readers in Washington D.C. area."
2) Washington, D.C.
Republican Asian American Alliance joins the FLAG project:
"Members of the Republican Asian American Alliance will be
encouraged to fly our American flag on July 4, especially
in the nation's capital area. Your good idea is greatly
appreciated." John J. Tzeng (for RAAA)
3) Manhattan, New York
American Legion Post of Chinatown, NYC has just resolved to plant
1200 flags in Chinatown, NY.
4) Monterey Park, CA
Mayor Frank Venti, a person of Italian descent, e-mailed:
"I will be more than happy to ask our residents in Monterey Park to fly
the American Flag on the Fourth of July. As you may know 62% of the
population of Monterey Park is Asian. GREAT IDEA!!!" Mayor Venti
5) Fremont, CA
The Citizens for Better Community, CBC, an Affiliate of 80-20, will join
a parade on July 4th. The entry will feature traditional Chinese Lion
Dance .... "HOWEVER, in support of the 80-20 initiative, there will be
large groups of Ch. Ams. who are either members of CBC, the Fremont
Chinese School, or a local Chinese American Boy Scout Troop, carrying
and waiving American flags as they walk down the parade route."
6) Oakland, CA
Richard Mak, President of Oakland's equivalent of CCBA, will hold a
Flag Raising Ceremony on 7/4 in Chinatown inviting the Mayor and
City Councilmen. He walked the Chinatown area with Tim Chen, 80-
20's Special Asst., and asked merchants to display flags. 700 paper
flags are printed and will be given to merchants to post on their store
windows this weekend.
7) Contra Costa, CA:
Chinese American Political Association, CAPA, an Affiliate of 80-20,
resolved:
"The first 200 Asian Americans who supply a receipt demonstrating to
CAPA that they have purchased an American flag by July 4, 2001, will
be reimbursed up to $10 per family. The sole condition is that they
must fly their flags on the three above mentioned national holidays."
8) Milpias, CA
"To mark the Flag Project and to commemorate the alliance between
AAPPI & the Asian American Times, you are invited this Fourth Of July
to a reception with Congressman Mike Honda:
Date: July 4, 01, Time: 4-6 PM, Venue: Mayflower Restaurant"
Kim Singh, Director, Asian American Public Policy Institute, AAPPI
9) Cupertino, CA
"Here in Cupertino CA we are doing more than flying the US flags. For
the first time, we will have an all Chinese-American singing group
standingonstage leading the Patriotic Sing-along for the local July 4th
celebration." David Fong, Cupertino, California
10) Cleveland, Ohio
"I have sent letters to all the Chinese restaurants in Northern Ohio
asking them to flying the American flag on 4th July. Asian American
News have published your message on June 15 issue in English and will
publish it again on June 27 in Chinese."
Tenax Corporation, Anthony Y. Yen
Volunteers will be visiting APA merchants this weekend to post
100 paper flags.
11) Houston, TX
"Spread words to hundreds of non-e-mail supporters;
sell, install and hang flag for stores; &
a big July 4th Celebration at the Chinese Community Center, with the
Joint Chinese College Alumni Assoc." Jenny Yang, Houston Chapter
It takes an image to replace an image. 80-20 is helping to create a positive image for the APA community. See in particular Section A) on Mainstream Media Attention.
If, unfortunately, there was to be another Congressional Hearing denigrating the loyalty of APAs, 80-20 will bring photos, video tapes, articles of seas of flags to present a counter-balancing view. However, a positive image may not be enough to stop some politicians from smearing APAs to advance their own career. For them, there is always the APA group-political-clout that 80-20 has carefully nurtured for the past 2.5 years. We may just resort to a bloc vote against those politicians who continue to smear us.
A) Mainstream Media Attention
Coverage includes Newsweek Magazine, LA Times, Plain Dealer (largest paper in Cleveland, Ohio) and South China Morning Post of Hong Kong.
B) The Tip of the Iceberg in Individual Action
By now hundreds of individuals have e-mailed to say that they've bought a flag, or installed a holder, or asked their friends and relatives to do the same, or asked the local ethnic radio station to make announcement of 80-20's flag project on July 4th. The standard political guess-timate is that for every one who takes the trouble to call or write an original letter (as opposed to, say, signing a pre-written post card), there are 40 persons thinking the same thoughts or doing the same things. So what 80-20 has seen through its e-mails is but the tip of the iceberg. Check it out for yourself on July 4th.
C) Spreading Like Prairie Fire Among APA Orgs.
1) Washington, D.C.
Hank Chao, Exec. Director of Ch. Consolidated Benevolent Assoc., CCBA,
e-mailed:
"I decided to donate 20 flags, so does Mr. Thomas Jao the President of
CCBA Washington D.C. Mr. Jao will also personally contact every
merchant in D.C. Chinatown to support this event; and, I will install
the flags for all merchants."
"I also contacted three Chinese news paper about your event. They all
strongly support your event, and willing to pass the information to
readers in Washington D.C. area."
2) Washington, D.C.
Republican Asian American Alliance joins the FLAG project:
"Members of the Republican Asian American Alliance will be
encouraged to fly our American flag on July 4, especially
in the nation's capital area. Your good idea is greatly
appreciated." John J. Tzeng (for RAAA)
3) Manhattan, New York
American Legion Post of Chinatown, NYC has just resolved to plant
1200 flags in Chinatown, NY.
4) Monterey Park, CA
Mayor Frank Venti, a person of Italian descent, e-mailed:
"I will be more than happy to ask our residents in Monterey Park to fly
the American Flag on the Fourth of July. As you may know 62% of the
population of Monterey Park is Asian. GREAT IDEA!!!" Mayor Venti
5) Fremont, CA
The Citizens for Better Community, CBC, an Affiliate of 80-20, will join
a parade on July 4th. The entry will feature traditional Chinese Lion
Dance .... "HOWEVER, in support of the 80-20 initiative, there will be
large groups of Ch. Ams. who are either members of CBC, the Fremont
Chinese School, or a local Chinese American Boy Scout Troop, carrying
and waiving American flags as they walk down the parade route."
6) Oakland, CA
Richard Mak, President of Oakland's equivalent of CCBA, will hold a
Flag Raising Ceremony on 7/4 in Chinatown inviting the Mayor and
City Councilmen. He walked the Chinatown area with Tim Chen, 80-
20's Special Asst., and asked merchants to display flags. 700 paper
flags are printed and will be given to merchants to post on their store
windows this weekend.
7) Contra Costa, CA:
Chinese American Political Association, CAPA, an Affiliate of 80-20,
resolved:
"The first 200 Asian Americans who supply a receipt demonstrating to
CAPA that they have purchased an American flag by July 4, 2001, will
be reimbursed up to $10 per family. The sole condition is that they
must fly their flags on the three above mentioned national holidays."
8) Milpias, CA
"To mark the Flag Project and to commemorate the alliance between
AAPPI & the Asian American Times, you are invited this Fourth Of July
to a reception with Congressman Mike Honda:
Date: July 4, 01, Time: 4-6 PM, Venue: Mayflower Restaurant"
Kim Singh, Director, Asian American Public Policy Institute, AAPPI
9) Cupertino, CA
"Here in Cupertino CA we are doing more than flying the US flags. For
the first time, we will have an all Chinese-American singing group
standingonstage leading the Patriotic Sing-along for the local July 4th
celebration." David Fong, Cupertino, California
10) Cleveland, Ohio
"I have sent letters to all the Chinese restaurants in Northern Ohio
asking them to flying the American flag on 4th July. Asian American
News have published your message on June 15 issue in English and will
publish it again on June 27 in Chinese."
Tenax Corporation, Anthony Y. Yen
Volunteers will be visiting APA merchants this weekend to post
100 paper flags.
11) Houston, TX
"Spread words to hundreds of non-e-mail supporters;
sell, install and hang flag for stores; &
a big July 4th Celebration at the Chinese Community Center, with the
Joint Chinese College Alumni Assoc." Jenny Yang, Houston Chapter
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
It Takes Image To Solve Our Image Problem
Creating seas of flags on July 4th in well-known APA localities, and flying a flag in front of your own house wherever you may live, is catching on faster than 80-20 has anticipated. See the great response from everywhere, particularly in Calif. where 40% of APAs reside.
1) Community Response
The incoming president of Oakland, CA's equivalent of "Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Society" -- well-established, fairly conservative business association composed of 13 organizations, Mr. Mok stated publicly that he selected 80-20's flag project as his immediate top priority project and promised a sea of flags in Oakland's Chinatown.
In addition, two large well-established and respected organizations, Chinese American Political Assoc. (CAPA) of East Bay, CA and Citizens for a Better Community (CBS) of Fremont, CA are presenting plans to their respective boards to support the flag project on July 4th.
Immediate past Commander of The American Legion Post of Chinatown, NY, Frank Gee, e-mailed to let us know that his Post will be putting up flags in Chinatown, NY.
Am. Legion Post 50, Phoenix, AZ may be supporting out flag project through the help of Edward Yue.
Simon Cheng of Cupertino is working with his community association to get its 400 households to fly flags.
2) Media response
The World Journal's West Coast edition which circulates in CA, OR and WA give 80-20's flag project top headline coverage twice last week in page B1, plus a number of articles and a very supportive commentary by a popular columnist, the Gold-Mountaineer. The World Journal is the large nat'l newspaper in the Ch. Am community.
Two radio stations in LA, KWRM 1370 and KAZN 1300 are broadcasting 80-20's call to fly a flag on July 4th as a public service to the community. In addition, the stations are doing hours long interviews centered about the 80-20's flag project.
TV stations in SF are covering 80-20's flag project.
Cherie M. Querol Moreno, Publisher and Editor of Philippines Times e-mailed to promise "passing the word."
Chun Wa Commetary, a paper published by The Vietnamese-Cambodian-Loatian Association of Ethnic Chinese promoted 80-20's flag project as a top headline on its June 15, 2001 issue. The Association will soon be an Affiliate of 80-20.
The Daily Breeze, a community paper in Greater LA, promoted 80-20's flag project.
The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, Ohio, a mainstream paper, is interviewing 80-20 about its flag project. The arrangement is made via the good office of Ray Chen, editor, Asian America News of Ohio.
Indian Am and Filipino Am supporters are contacting radio stations in Houston, TX and Chicago IL respectively to make announcements of 80-20's flag project.
Don't get us wrong, we are not expecting seas of flags all over the nation this July 4th. Before installing a flag holder on a brick store fronts, landlord permission to drill, city ordinance, and building codes are all practical problems that need to be solved. However, there is no doubt in our mind that in 3 years there will be seas of flags on July 4th in Little Saigon/ Chinatown/ Little India/etc. Doubts about our loyalty as citizens will decrease. Together, we shall overcome.
Please do your part.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
1) Community Response
The incoming president of Oakland, CA's equivalent of "Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Society" -- well-established, fairly conservative business association composed of 13 organizations, Mr. Mok stated publicly that he selected 80-20's flag project as his immediate top priority project and promised a sea of flags in Oakland's Chinatown.
In addition, two large well-established and respected organizations, Chinese American Political Assoc. (CAPA) of East Bay, CA and Citizens for a Better Community (CBS) of Fremont, CA are presenting plans to their respective boards to support the flag project on July 4th.
Immediate past Commander of The American Legion Post of Chinatown, NY, Frank Gee, e-mailed to let us know that his Post will be putting up flags in Chinatown, NY.
Am. Legion Post 50, Phoenix, AZ may be supporting out flag project through the help of Edward Yue.
Simon Cheng of Cupertino is working with his community association to get its 400 households to fly flags.
2) Media response
The World Journal's West Coast edition which circulates in CA, OR and WA give 80-20's flag project top headline coverage twice last week in page B1, plus a number of articles and a very supportive commentary by a popular columnist, the Gold-Mountaineer. The World Journal is the large nat'l newspaper in the Ch. Am community.
Two radio stations in LA, KWRM 1370 and KAZN 1300 are broadcasting 80-20's call to fly a flag on July 4th as a public service to the community. In addition, the stations are doing hours long interviews centered about the 80-20's flag project.
TV stations in SF are covering 80-20's flag project.
Cherie M. Querol Moreno, Publisher and Editor of Philippines Times e-mailed to promise "passing the word."
Chun Wa Commetary, a paper published by The Vietnamese-Cambodian-Loatian Association of Ethnic Chinese promoted 80-20's flag project as a top headline on its June 15, 2001 issue. The Association will soon be an Affiliate of 80-20.
The Daily Breeze, a community paper in Greater LA, promoted 80-20's flag project.
The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, Ohio, a mainstream paper, is interviewing 80-20 about its flag project. The arrangement is made via the good office of Ray Chen, editor, Asian America News of Ohio.
Indian Am and Filipino Am supporters are contacting radio stations in Houston, TX and Chicago IL respectively to make announcements of 80-20's flag project.
Don't get us wrong, we are not expecting seas of flags all over the nation this July 4th. Before installing a flag holder on a brick store fronts, landlord permission to drill, city ordinance, and building codes are all practical problems that need to be solved. However, there is no doubt in our mind that in 3 years there will be seas of flags on July 4th in Little Saigon/ Chinatown/ Little India/etc. Doubts about our loyalty as citizens will decrease. Together, we shall overcome.
Please do your part.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Thursday, June 07, 2001
80-20 to Invest $50K to Erase APA's "Foreigners" Image
What if? What if, it were known across America that there were more flags on display in Koreatown/Chinatown/Little Saigon/Japantown ... on Independence, Memorial, and Veteran Days? What if, ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC picked up on it and routinely used those "seas of flags" as photo opportunities or special write-ups during our national holidays?
Will most of our compatriots still think of us as foreigners? No way!
Can we turn this vision into reality? Yes, if we each do our share!
80-20's Steering Comm. has appropriated $50,000 to propagate this symbolic message to America. As a start, APAs in CA and NY will soon hear a 30-sec radio ad in English, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. TV ads will follow.
***************** Draft Script for 30-sec radio ad *************
Grandson (age 10): "Grandpa. My schoolmates think I'm a foreigner.
They said all people from Asia are foreigners."
Grand Pa (age 75): "Sigh! It's a perception that will harm your
quality of life and career. But I don't have a way to
change it. I am sorry, grandson."
Granddaughter (age 16): "I have a way! 80-20 says people will realize
that we are Americans, if they routinely see seas of flags in
Chinatown/koreatown/Japantown on Independence
Day. I just bought a flag. It costs 10 bucks."
Grandpa: "Humm, interesting! Let's hang a flag in front of our house
AND our shop on July 4th. A visible, symbolic message changes
people's perception subconsciously. I agree with 80-20."
Announcer voice: "Fly a flag on July 4th. Paid for by The 80-20 PAC."
******************
Want to read unsolicited e-mails supporting 80-20's "Little Things We Can do to Erase the "Foreigners" Image"?
A partial collage is shown below. Note that strong support came from every ethnic sector in the APA community.
*******************
That's a wonderful idea! It's a shame it's needed, but a great idea
anyway. Andy Park
I like your suggestion and everyone should do it. Hanging a flag
of the place or country you live in should be a natural phenomena.
Harilal Patel
I agree with you and we are also doing just that. Spencer Sakai
Only ignorant Americans (a small minority) think bad thoughts about
any of their fellow Americans. However, your flag idea is a great way to
reinforce the case that we are all in the same boat!! James Villa
Thanks for the reminder. We will hang the flag outside our house.
Christine
I will definitely do that for the coming July 4th. These are perhaps
the little things that I have neglected over the years. Alex
I will buy a flag for my house after work. Thank you. Keep up your
great work on behalf of our community. Here's some good news. Did
you hear about my father's mayoral election here in West Windsor, NJ?
He beat the incumbent by the widest margin in history of our
town. -Steve Shueh
Good suggestion. As matter of fact, I do as a Korean-American. Thanks.
Thy Tim
I am so impressed with your e-mail that I forwarded it to 20 fellow
Asian American who have successfully overcome the barrier of
prejudice and became a highly successful member of this WASP
dominated society. Keep Up the Nobel work! Steven Sohn
Gettin' a flag is a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. Jon Wu
I am for 80-20 initiative. Thanks for organizing it. - yuet yeh
Thank you for your service for Asian Americans. GOD who created this
whole world will richly bless you and your service. Peter
It's very challenging and encouraging when I receive your E-mail.
Many of them are full of energy and positive thoughts. Please continue
to do it. Asian Pacific Americans' future is holding in our own hands!
We need to be awaken in politics for ourselves as well as our children.
Janie Chien
Yes, I'll definitely hang up and display the Stars and Stripes even
though it isn't the 4th of July! About time I reminded them who's also
an "American," .... Warren Chang
Excellent suggestions! I must behave like a citizen of the United States
before I expect others to recognize me as ones. Chuan-Fu Wu
I just saw your email about flag idea. It is great. ...
Catherine Anderson from Omaha, Nebraska
Rudy, Thanks for forwarding the article (i.e. 80-20s recent e-mail)
The article has a great ending, "seeing US flags flying in China Town."
Thanks. We, the American Pacific Asian are the most wonderful people
the United States could have. We were taught in our youth" to be loyal
to our country." Ming-je Pan
That's a beautiful idea, thank you for sharing it with everyone.
Maya Rani Gupta
That's a great idea. As the citizen of this country, we should be
grateful for the independence the early American had fought for!. Reba
I think the flag message is very important. ...parade ... And on the
other side of the street, in a little knot, isolated, and looking very
much as if they wanted to participate, was an APA family--clearly
in front of their house. A flag on the house or the kids waving
flags would have made a difference. Myrna Watanabe
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Will most of our compatriots still think of us as foreigners? No way!
Can we turn this vision into reality? Yes, if we each do our share!
80-20's Steering Comm. has appropriated $50,000 to propagate this symbolic message to America. As a start, APAs in CA and NY will soon hear a 30-sec radio ad in English, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. TV ads will follow.
***************** Draft Script for 30-sec radio ad *************
Grandson (age 10): "Grandpa. My schoolmates think I'm a foreigner.
They said all people from Asia are foreigners."
Grand Pa (age 75): "Sigh! It's a perception that will harm your
quality of life and career. But I don't have a way to
change it. I am sorry, grandson."
Granddaughter (age 16): "I have a way! 80-20 says people will realize
that we are Americans, if they routinely see seas of flags in
Chinatown/koreatown/Japantown on Independence
Day. I just bought a flag. It costs 10 bucks."
Grandpa: "Humm, interesting! Let's hang a flag in front of our house
AND our shop on July 4th. A visible, symbolic message changes
people's perception subconsciously. I agree with 80-20."
Announcer voice: "Fly a flag on July 4th. Paid for by The 80-20 PAC."
******************
Want to read unsolicited e-mails supporting 80-20's "Little Things We Can do to Erase the "Foreigners" Image"?
A partial collage is shown below. Note that strong support came from every ethnic sector in the APA community.
*******************
That's a wonderful idea! It's a shame it's needed, but a great idea
anyway. Andy Park
I like your suggestion and everyone should do it. Hanging a flag
of the place or country you live in should be a natural phenomena.
Harilal Patel
I agree with you and we are also doing just that. Spencer Sakai
Only ignorant Americans (a small minority) think bad thoughts about
any of their fellow Americans. However, your flag idea is a great way to
reinforce the case that we are all in the same boat!! James Villa
Thanks for the reminder. We will hang the flag outside our house.
Christine
I will definitely do that for the coming July 4th. These are perhaps
the little things that I have neglected over the years. Alex
I will buy a flag for my house after work. Thank you. Keep up your
great work on behalf of our community. Here's some good news. Did
you hear about my father's mayoral election here in West Windsor, NJ?
He beat the incumbent by the widest margin in history of our
town. -Steve Shueh
Good suggestion. As matter of fact, I do as a Korean-American. Thanks.
Thy Tim
I am so impressed with your e-mail that I forwarded it to 20 fellow
Asian American who have successfully overcome the barrier of
prejudice and became a highly successful member of this WASP
dominated society. Keep Up the Nobel work! Steven Sohn
Gettin' a flag is a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. Jon Wu
I am for 80-20 initiative. Thanks for organizing it. - yuet yeh
Thank you for your service for Asian Americans. GOD who created this
whole world will richly bless you and your service. Peter
It's very challenging and encouraging when I receive your E-mail.
Many of them are full of energy and positive thoughts. Please continue
to do it. Asian Pacific Americans' future is holding in our own hands!
We need to be awaken in politics for ourselves as well as our children.
Janie Chien
Yes, I'll definitely hang up and display the Stars and Stripes even
though it isn't the 4th of July! About time I reminded them who's also
an "American," .... Warren Chang
Excellent suggestions! I must behave like a citizen of the United States
before I expect others to recognize me as ones. Chuan-Fu Wu
I just saw your email about flag idea. It is great. ...
Catherine Anderson from Omaha, Nebraska
Rudy, Thanks for forwarding the article (i.e. 80-20s recent e-mail)
The article has a great ending, "seeing US flags flying in China Town."
Thanks. We, the American Pacific Asian are the most wonderful people
the United States could have. We were taught in our youth" to be loyal
to our country." Ming-je Pan
That's a beautiful idea, thank you for sharing it with everyone.
Maya Rani Gupta
That's a great idea. As the citizen of this country, we should be
grateful for the independence the early American had fought for!. Reba
I think the flag message is very important. ...parade ... And on the
other side of the street, in a little knot, isolated, and looking very
much as if they wanted to participate, was an APA family--clearly
in front of their house. A flag on the house or the kids waving
flags would have made a difference. Myrna Watanabe
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, June 04, 2001
Audit and Expenditure Report on 80-20
The following is a very important report to you from 80-20. 80-20 is proud of how much money it has received from you; how it has spent it; and how it has used the money to create a small amount of political clout for the community. Rome was not built in one day. We still have a long way to go. Thank you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contact Person: Yu-Chi HO
For Immediate Release
Subject: Audit and Expenditure Report on 80-20
The 80-20 PAC is proud to announce that it invited the most stringent audit upon itself, and received a clean bill of health. There are 3 different levels of audit. The most stringent level involves the independent verification of receipts and disbursements. The audit was done by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney Accounting firm, located in Waltham, MA. The standard report from the firm is posted on 80-20's web site: www.80-20initiative.net.
Yu-Chi Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor, said: "80-20 is aware of its immense responsibility to our community. We want to demonstrate to our community that an APA organization can be deeply involved in politics and yet be in complete compliance with the law of the land. Our community knows that 80-20 has the courage and political know-how to fight for our community. But 80-20 is clearly aware thst it is but a servant of our community. Our people gave us the money; we want to report to them our expenditures."
The 80-20 raised about $400K and spent about $300K. Detailed receipts and expenditures are available at the Federal Election Commission in 324 pages at a nominal cost. A breakdown of 80-20's expenditures since its inception is:
Salary 38%
TV, radio, and newspaper ads 25%
e-mailing cost 8%
Office expenses & equipment (computers, fax, stamps) 6%
Fundraising expenses in SF(1 event) & LA(2) 20%
LA Chapter Development 3%
Prof. Ho used 80-20's expenditure to illustrate 80-20’s structure and operation. "Our expenditure explains the strengths of 80-20 as a cyber space organization. There is no office rental, we only need computers. Salary is only 38% of our expenditure, although we currently have two full-time staff, one each in SF and LA. Most organizations spend 70% or more of its money on people. Note that our Steering Committee members, some working hundreds of hours per month for 80-20, are not paid."
"Our expenditure also shows how 80-20 focuses its resources on its primary objectives -- generating a bloc vote to empower our community. Hundreds of TV and radio ads were broadcast in SF and LA in Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean languages. They were on and off the air for a period of about 8 weeks prior to the presidential election of 2000. The first wave of ads told viewers what 80-20 was all about. The second wave urged APAs to vote as a bloc for Gore. 80-20 also leased an exclusive T1 phone line year-round for e-mailing. Even then it took 72 hours to finish e-mailing one SINGLE message to all of its 430,000 supporters. The combined power of our e-mails and political ads produced a historic bloc vote of 70 to 28 in CA for the Asian Am. community, that was verified by a national survey of the APA community, partially funded by The National Science Foundation. These two items consumed 32% of 80-20's financial resources, not counting the staff cost. At least 75% of our staff time was devoted directly to the historic creation of a bloc vote."
Prof. Ho also said, "About 3/5 of our war chest was raised through e-mail which has practically no overhead. Traditional fundraisers generate political momentum above and beyond the dollars raised, but unfortunately have large overhead."
Prof. Ho also announced that The 80-20 PAC has been incorporated with Delaware as a non-stock and non-profit corporation. He is looking for a volunteer in MA to assist him in bookkeeping for 80-20.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contact Person: Yu-Chi HO
For Immediate Release
Subject: Audit and Expenditure Report on 80-20
The 80-20 PAC is proud to announce that it invited the most stringent audit upon itself, and received a clean bill of health. There are 3 different levels of audit. The most stringent level involves the independent verification of receipts and disbursements. The audit was done by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney Accounting firm, located in Waltham, MA. The standard report from the firm is posted on 80-20's web site: www.80-20initiative.net.
Yu-Chi Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor, said: "80-20 is aware of its immense responsibility to our community. We want to demonstrate to our community that an APA organization can be deeply involved in politics and yet be in complete compliance with the law of the land. Our community knows that 80-20 has the courage and political know-how to fight for our community. But 80-20 is clearly aware thst it is but a servant of our community. Our people gave us the money; we want to report to them our expenditures."
The 80-20 raised about $400K and spent about $300K. Detailed receipts and expenditures are available at the Federal Election Commission in 324 pages at a nominal cost. A breakdown of 80-20's expenditures since its inception is:
Salary 38%
TV, radio, and newspaper ads 25%
e-mailing cost 8%
Office expenses & equipment (computers, fax, stamps) 6%
Fundraising expenses in SF(1 event) & LA(2) 20%
LA Chapter Development 3%
Prof. Ho used 80-20's expenditure to illustrate 80-20’s structure and operation. "Our expenditure explains the strengths of 80-20 as a cyber space organization. There is no office rental, we only need computers. Salary is only 38% of our expenditure, although we currently have two full-time staff, one each in SF and LA. Most organizations spend 70% or more of its money on people. Note that our Steering Committee members, some working hundreds of hours per month for 80-20, are not paid."
"Our expenditure also shows how 80-20 focuses its resources on its primary objectives -- generating a bloc vote to empower our community. Hundreds of TV and radio ads were broadcast in SF and LA in Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean languages. They were on and off the air for a period of about 8 weeks prior to the presidential election of 2000. The first wave of ads told viewers what 80-20 was all about. The second wave urged APAs to vote as a bloc for Gore. 80-20 also leased an exclusive T1 phone line year-round for e-mailing. Even then it took 72 hours to finish e-mailing one SINGLE message to all of its 430,000 supporters. The combined power of our e-mails and political ads produced a historic bloc vote of 70 to 28 in CA for the Asian Am. community, that was verified by a national survey of the APA community, partially funded by The National Science Foundation. These two items consumed 32% of 80-20's financial resources, not counting the staff cost. At least 75% of our staff time was devoted directly to the historic creation of a bloc vote."
Prof. Ho also said, "About 3/5 of our war chest was raised through e-mail which has practically no overhead. Traditional fundraisers generate political momentum above and beyond the dollars raised, but unfortunately have large overhead."
Prof. Ho also announced that The 80-20 PAC has been incorporated with Delaware as a non-stock and non-profit corporation. He is looking for a volunteer in MA to assist him in bookkeeping for 80-20.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
Little Things We Can do to Erase the "Foreigners" Image
What if people see a sea of American flags on Memorial Day and Independence Day, when they drive through Chinatown/Little Saigon/Japantown or a residential area known for concentration of APAs? Will it change a lot of minds that APAs are foreigners?
You bet your life, it would.
Why not go buy a flag for $10 and hang it in front of your residence or shop on July 4th, our upcoming Independence Day. Katy and I always hang a flag in front of our house on such days.
You bet your life, it would.
Why not go buy a flag for $10 and hang it in front of your residence or shop on July 4th, our upcoming Independence Day. Katy and I always hang a flag in front of our house on such days.
Thursday, May 24, 2001
Beware. C-100 survey results cut both ways
Beware! The Comm. of 100 survey results could cut both ways. At its worst, it could simply reinforce our compatriot's negative attitudes towards Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. The bigots could simply be emboldened by knowing that so many others share their views. At its best, 12 million Asian Americans could be spreading the powerful facts provided below to wipe away the prejudice, now that we know it is there.
How do we counter unjust negative attitudes towards Asian Americans?
Build up our own political clout. Learn from American history! White immigrants such as Irish, Polish and Italians; Jewish Americans, Caucasian women, blacks and Latinos were all viewed negatively by other Americans once upon a time. They all labored to build their own political clout so as to get the immense resources of the federal and state governments to help combat the prejudice and discrimination against them. We must do the same. Each of us need give a little and sacrifice a little for that historic mission.
How do we counter doubts that we are more loyal to our "old country" than to America?
Tell our non-Asian compatriots these facts.
1) Twenty one (21) Japanese Americans won Medals of Honor fighting for America in Europe, while their family members were kept in concentration camps in America as "enemy aliens."
2) The campaign finance scandal of 1996 was characterized by NY Times columnist William Safire as the "Asian Connection." The media made it seem as if the entire Asian American community was involved. Actually, it involved no more than a dozen Asian Americans.
During that period, the Senate Comm. on Governmental Affairs, chaired by Fred Thompson of TN (R) open with the sensational claim of "hard evidence" of a Chinese scheme to influence the presidential election. The hearing closed without presenting information to substantiate the claim.
3) The Cox Congressional Committee Report in 1999 fanned suspicion of Chinese Americans by charging that China had stolen U.S. secrets that helped it to miniaturize nuclear weapons for use in intercontinental missiles. The report was debunked by a report by Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation entitled "The Cox Committee Report: An Assessment." Recently, Danny B. Stillman, an American who probably knows more about China’s nuclear weapons program than any other American, questioned it. In a front page article in Washington Post (5/16/2001), it reported that "Stillman said in an interview that he believes the Chinese nuclear program made its important advances without resorting to espionage."
4) Dr. Wen Ho Lee was refused bail before his trial and kept in solitary confinement for 9 months because he was convicted by the media as a spy stealing the crown jewels of our nuclear weapon for China. The presiding judge, however, discovered that an FBI agent presented false testimony. The judge apologized to Dr. Lee. The NY Times did a self analysis of why it didn't sufficiently check the facts before publishing its articles. The government dropped 58 of 59 counts against Dr. Lee, keeping only one count of illegally retaining national defense information, and set Dr. Lee free.
The collective weight of sensational but inaccurate statements by politicians and reporters against Asian Americans beats down on us and our children. We must fight back with skill and unity.
Help spread the above powerful facts. You are one of 430,000 receiving this message. If each of us spreads it to 10 Americans, imagine the total impact! With your help, 80-20 will help make lemonade out of lemons.
How do we counter unjust negative attitudes towards Asian Americans?
Build up our own political clout. Learn from American history! White immigrants such as Irish, Polish and Italians; Jewish Americans, Caucasian women, blacks and Latinos were all viewed negatively by other Americans once upon a time. They all labored to build their own political clout so as to get the immense resources of the federal and state governments to help combat the prejudice and discrimination against them. We must do the same. Each of us need give a little and sacrifice a little for that historic mission.
How do we counter doubts that we are more loyal to our "old country" than to America?
Tell our non-Asian compatriots these facts.
1) Twenty one (21) Japanese Americans won Medals of Honor fighting for America in Europe, while their family members were kept in concentration camps in America as "enemy aliens."
2) The campaign finance scandal of 1996 was characterized by NY Times columnist William Safire as the "Asian Connection." The media made it seem as if the entire Asian American community was involved. Actually, it involved no more than a dozen Asian Americans.
During that period, the Senate Comm. on Governmental Affairs, chaired by Fred Thompson of TN (R) open with the sensational claim of "hard evidence" of a Chinese scheme to influence the presidential election. The hearing closed without presenting information to substantiate the claim.
3) The Cox Congressional Committee Report in 1999 fanned suspicion of Chinese Americans by charging that China had stolen U.S. secrets that helped it to miniaturize nuclear weapons for use in intercontinental missiles. The report was debunked by a report by Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation entitled "The Cox Committee Report: An Assessment." Recently, Danny B. Stillman, an American who probably knows more about China’s nuclear weapons program than any other American, questioned it. In a front page article in Washington Post (5/16/2001), it reported that "Stillman said in an interview that he believes the Chinese nuclear program made its important advances without resorting to espionage."
4) Dr. Wen Ho Lee was refused bail before his trial and kept in solitary confinement for 9 months because he was convicted by the media as a spy stealing the crown jewels of our nuclear weapon for China. The presiding judge, however, discovered that an FBI agent presented false testimony. The judge apologized to Dr. Lee. The NY Times did a self analysis of why it didn't sufficiently check the facts before publishing its articles. The government dropped 58 of 59 counts against Dr. Lee, keeping only one count of illegally retaining national defense information, and set Dr. Lee free.
The collective weight of sensational but inaccurate statements by politicians and reporters against Asian Americans beats down on us and our children. We must fight back with skill and unity.
Help spread the above powerful facts. You are one of 430,000 receiving this message. If each of us spreads it to 10 Americans, imagine the total impact! With your help, 80-20 will help make lemonade out of lemons.
Thursday, May 03, 2001
Very Negative Perception of Chinese Americans/ Asian Americans
"Study Finds Persistent Negative Perceptions of Ch. Ams." -- Los Angeles Times
"25% of U.S. View Chinese Ams Negatively, Poll Says" -- Washington Post
What are the articles all about? They are about a poll commissioned* by The Committee of 100 that was released on 4/25 surveying American attitude towards Chinese Americans. Its major finding is:
25% have "very negative attitudes" toward Ch. Ams. Another 43% have "somewhat negative attitudes."
One may note that the survey was completed before the US-China plane accident. If the survey were done today, the "Very Negative" will probably increase greatly. However, the sum of "Very Negative" and "Somewhat Negative" is not likely to increase much. One should also note that the study confirmed what Asian Ams. have always known. That is, Americans do not distinguish between Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. For the complete poll, visit www.80-20initiative.net .
How do we counter the severe negative image?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Think of the groups that had image problems in the past, and how they solved their problem. Such groups include the Jewish, Irish, Polish, Italians, blacks, and women. Here are the facts.
"All men are created equal" was declared in 1776. However, for 87 more years, Blacks remained slaves; for 144 more years white-women were not allowed to vote. White women won their equal opportunity only recently, after they organized N.O.W. and Emily's List; Blacks began to make progress after organizing the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rainbow Coalition, etc.
Would white males, who could be stereotyped into groups that were without political clout, be exempt from discrimination? No! Read American history or visit the Kennedy Library in Boston. You'll learn about the rampant discrimination against Irish-, Polish- and Italian- Americans when they first immigrated to America. How did they combat discrimination? They organized bloc votes to build the necessary political clout to win equal opportunity.
How about the Jewish? They too combated prejudice and discrimination with bloc votes.
How about Hispanics? Bloc votes.
How about Asian Pacific Americans? 80-20 is the only APA organization that advocates a swing bloc vote. 80-20 also succeeded in delivering a bloc vote in year 2000. For evidence, visit our web site. See the poll funded by the National Science Foundation.
Join & help us. 80-20 is currently organizing a coalition to fight against APA bashing, and raising a war chest, called The Anti-Bashing Fund (ABF). Please do your share.
Send a check to
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Make it payable to 80-20. Maximum contribution allowed by FEC is $5000 per person per year. Corporate checks are not allowed. Partnership checks are ok. Only citizens and permanent residents may contribute. If your donation exceeds $200.00, please provide occupation and employer. Your giving is not tax deductible.
Your name will be on permanent display on our website http://www.80-20initiative.net/donors.htm , if your cumulative donation to 80-20 reaches $500 or more. When it reaches $10,000, your name will be in The Founder's Circle. Go take a look. Your name may just be there.
*The poll was done by Yankelovich, a very reputable firm that has done similar surveys to measure American attitudes toward Jewish Americans since the 1960s.
"25% of U.S. View Chinese Ams Negatively, Poll Says" -- Washington Post
What are the articles all about? They are about a poll commissioned* by The Committee of 100 that was released on 4/25 surveying American attitude towards Chinese Americans. Its major finding is:
25% have "very negative attitudes" toward Ch. Ams. Another 43% have "somewhat negative attitudes."
One may note that the survey was completed before the US-China plane accident. If the survey were done today, the "Very Negative" will probably increase greatly. However, the sum of "Very Negative" and "Somewhat Negative" is not likely to increase much. One should also note that the study confirmed what Asian Ams. have always known. That is, Americans do not distinguish between Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. For the complete poll, visit www.80-20initiative.net .
How do we counter the severe negative image?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Think of the groups that had image problems in the past, and how they solved their problem. Such groups include the Jewish, Irish, Polish, Italians, blacks, and women. Here are the facts.
"All men are created equal" was declared in 1776. However, for 87 more years, Blacks remained slaves; for 144 more years white-women were not allowed to vote. White women won their equal opportunity only recently, after they organized N.O.W. and Emily's List; Blacks began to make progress after organizing the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rainbow Coalition, etc.
Would white males, who could be stereotyped into groups that were without political clout, be exempt from discrimination? No! Read American history or visit the Kennedy Library in Boston. You'll learn about the rampant discrimination against Irish-, Polish- and Italian- Americans when they first immigrated to America. How did they combat discrimination? They organized bloc votes to build the necessary political clout to win equal opportunity.
How about the Jewish? They too combated prejudice and discrimination with bloc votes.
How about Hispanics? Bloc votes.
How about Asian Pacific Americans? 80-20 is the only APA organization that advocates a swing bloc vote. 80-20 also succeeded in delivering a bloc vote in year 2000. For evidence, visit our web site. See the poll funded by the National Science Foundation.
Join & help us. 80-20 is currently organizing a coalition to fight against APA bashing, and raising a war chest, called The Anti-Bashing Fund (ABF). Please do your share.
Send a check to
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Make it payable to 80-20. Maximum contribution allowed by FEC is $5000 per person per year. Corporate checks are not allowed. Partnership checks are ok. Only citizens and permanent residents may contribute. If your donation exceeds $200.00, please provide occupation and employer. Your giving is not tax deductible.
Your name will be on permanent display on our website http://www.80-20initiative.net/donors.htm , if your cumulative donation to 80-20 reaches $500 or more. When it reaches $10,000, your name will be in The Founder's Circle. Go take a look. Your name may just be there.
*The poll was done by Yankelovich, a very reputable firm that has done similar surveys to measure American attitudes toward Jewish Americans since the 1960s.
*** Paid for by The 80-20 Political Action Committee ***
Thursday, April 26, 2001
Call to Action -- Stop The APA Bashing
Conflict between the US and China, unfortunately, leads to bashing of Chinese Americans and the Chinese people. Its consequence, however, spills to all Asian Pacific Americans since we are not, in general, physically distinguishable. Recall that Vincent Chin was killed by two unemployed Detroit autoworkers who mistook him for a Japanese American.
If such bashing is left unchecked, damage to our lives creeps in and exacerbates, including psychological pressure and career obstacles. It seems impossible now, but the internment of Japanese Americans began in this same manner. What could happen if, God forbid, the conflict escalates?
80-20 is determined to nip the bashing in the bud. This e-mail is a call to action!
Yesterday, 80-20's Steering Comm. resolved to take on the anti-bashing fight. We'll help organize a grand coalition of APA organizations. Separately, 80-20 is setting up its own Anti-Bashing Fund (ABF).
If you want to see bashing stopped, send a check to
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Make it payable to 80-20 but specify for ABF . Citizens and permanent citizens may contribute, personal checks only. Your giving is not tax deductible. Please state your occupation and employer if your donation exceeds $200.00. Please e-mail S.B.
to let him know that you are helping. If you total contribution to 80-20 since its foundation exceeds $500, your name will be on permanent display on our web site: http://
www.80-20initiave.net.
The rest of this e-mail contains (A) What is bashing, (2) How to stop
bashing, and (3) How you can help?
(A) What is bashing?
Criticizing policies of a foreign nation or specific acts of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community or its subsets is not bashing.
Stereotyping the supposed comical physical features of Asians, e.g. slant eyes, buck- teeth, and thick glasses is bashing. A recent example is a cartoon by Patrick Oliphant published in a national circulation. A cartoon is to ridicule the politics, not the people.
Demonizing is bashing. You may recall that 80-20 mobilized the APA community and the mainstream media on 10/27 of last years to compel the pulling of a Republican TV ad imitating the infamous "Daisy" TV ad fanning the fear of "yellow peril." The ad was pulled within 24 hours.
Castigating all persons of Asian descent on account of our nation's conflict with any Asian country is bashing. Recent examples in various radio and TV broadcasts include: the boycott of Chinese restaurants, the barring of "Chinese" from the Erron baseball field in Houston, putting "Chinese" in concentration camps, and sending "Chinese" back where they came from.
Such advocacy makes no difference between Asian nationals and American citizens of Asian descent. Even supposing a distinction is made and the attack is centered on specific Asian nationals only, it is still too indiscriminate and hateful. First amendment
right has limits. The first amendment does not give a person the right to shout "Fire" in a crowded theater; joke "I am carrying a bomb" in an airplane; or express hate towards a race or ethnic group.
Even in less obvious cases, we must speak out. The first amendment may protect the right of a skit actor to utter "Ching, ching, chong, chong." imitating how an Asian talks in order to draw a cheap laugh. However, the same first amendment protects our right to protest against the insensitivity of that skit.
(B) How to stop it?
When there is concrete evidence involving a significant media personality and/or a major media outlet that has clearly crossed the line, the proposed Coalition will pounce. National attention will focused on our protest giving landmark significance to the subsequent corrective measures taken by the offending personalities
/media outlet.
Thereafter, the news will spread among media workers that bashing APAs is no longer a free shot.
(3) How you can help?
Help tape the offending broadcasts and report them to 80-20. Get you recorders ready. Give financially to ABF. We are only as strong as you are. Tell us that you are strong.
*** This mailing is paid for by The 80-20 PAC ***
Wednesday, February 07, 2001
The "ABCs" of Lobbying
80-20 is ready to mount a frontal assault on the glass ceiling above you & your children. 80-20 has worked long and hard, gathering political capital bit by bit, just for this moment!80-20'll begin with a lobbying effort to secure Congressional hearings on the huge amount of statistical evidence documenting the existence of glass ceiling above APAs. To help this lobbying effort succeed, most of us may want to acquire some basic knowledge about lobbying.
Hopefully, you may agree that, ultimately, our community's political clout depends on our collective political maturity.
At the risk of boring some of you, here are the "ABCs" of lobbying for an issue, as opposed to, say, lobbying to get someone confirmed or get a treaty passed.
There are 3 basic ways that Congress may be asked to support an issue:
- to pass a bill favoring the issue,
- to pass a resolution favoring the issue, and
- to open congressional hearings by relevant committees that end the hearings with favorable reports.
(1) Of the three, passing a bill is the hardest. Once a bill passes both Houses and is signed by the president, it becomes a law. The violation of a law requires a penalty. Hence, 99% of the bills are required to contain languages specifying appropriate punishment, should the law be violated.(2) Passing a resolution is the easiest. There are many forms of resolutions - House Resolution, Senate Resolution, Concurrent Resolution, and Joint Resolution. Although a resolution needs to pass the House or the Senate or both, resolutions are nothing but lip service. A resolution, even after passage, could be violated by any person at will, without penalty. Resolutions are mostly used by politicians to please constituents "on the cheap."
A Joint Resolution passed by unanimous consent and signed by the President will have the temporary effect of law for the duration of the Congressional session. It's used for passing budgets.
(3) To schedule Congressional hearings by relevant committees is the middle choice. A committee chair may call a public hearing on a relevant matter. The committee may then issue a report on that subject. The matter could end there, without being turned into a bill. If ample publicity is achieved during the hearings and if the report is very favorable to a given issue, it could be very effective. For example, if a committee report suggests to a federal agency that certain results seem desirable, and if no progress is made by next year's budget hearing for that agency before the same committee, there could be budgetary repercussions for that agency.
During hearings, at least one congressional member on the committee must be present. A hearing lasting several days will cost members much time and is therefore a serious investment by the committee. In contrast, a resolution may be passed by both the House and the Senate in a few seconds without any congressional member paying any attention.
Keep tuned to 80-20's effort on your behalf and please, if you are good in writing Chinese articles, volunteer to join 80-20's letters-to-the-editors team by e-mailing S.B. Woo and saying "Count Me In."
Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to work for equality and justice for all Asian Americans. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Tuesday, February 06, 2001
Forming A Mighty Army for Eq. Opportunity
A mighty lobbying force is getting in shape to win equal opportunity in workplaces for all APAs.
What does equal opportunity mean?
It means "for every man, woman and child to go as far and rise as high, as their ambition and ability will take them." You, your loved ones, and your future offspring deserve equal opportunity not just in entry-level jobs, not just in all levels of technical jobs but also in rising to the top in any field, any institution.
Thus far, a glass ceiling has severely hindered our ability to rise to the top. In theory, there should be equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, gender, etc. Our mighty lobbying force, once organized, aims to get that for you in practice.
In less than one week, 80-20 has organized a lobbying army of 325 volunteers, covering 34 states. While that is extremely encouraging, our army still has weaknesses. We don't have people covering the following states for the APA community:
Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Will you or your friends and relatives who reside in the above states please step forth and be counted? If you know people in those states, help 80-20 recruit them. Volunteers need to fill out the following form. Do it today. Thank you.
Survey
1. I want to be involved in this lobbying effort which centers on holding public congressional hearings by relevant congressional committees on the glass-ceiling over APAs (visit congressional delegates, write letters, make phone calls, give financially, ..., etc.)
Ans: Yes, I want to help. My name is ___________, and I reside in
_________ (name of state or Washington D.C.)
2. I have lobbied either the state legislature or the Congress before?
Ans: Yes/No (If yes, please specify whether state legislature or Congress or both.)
3. Please list the names of members of Congress, whom you are willing to approach for supporting a Committee hearing in glass-ceiling over Asian Pacific Americans:
Ans: Senator(s) : ____________________________.
Representative(s) : ______________________________
Please place an asterisk behind the names of those who know you by your first name.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to work for equality and justice for all Asian Americans. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
What does equal opportunity mean?
It means "for every man, woman and child to go as far and rise as high, as their ambition and ability will take them." You, your loved ones, and your future offspring deserve equal opportunity not just in entry-level jobs, not just in all levels of technical jobs but also in rising to the top in any field, any institution.
Thus far, a glass ceiling has severely hindered our ability to rise to the top. In theory, there should be equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, gender, etc. Our mighty lobbying force, once organized, aims to get that for you in practice.
In less than one week, 80-20 has organized a lobbying army of 325 volunteers, covering 34 states. While that is extremely encouraging, our army still has weaknesses. We don't have people covering the following states for the APA community:
Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Will you or your friends and relatives who reside in the above states please step forth and be counted? If you know people in those states, help 80-20 recruit them. Volunteers need to fill out the following form. Do it today. Thank you.
Survey
1. I want to be involved in this lobbying effort which centers on holding public congressional hearings by relevant congressional committees on the glass-ceiling over APAs (visit congressional delegates, write letters, make phone calls, give financially, ..., etc.)
Ans: Yes, I want to help. My name is ___________, and I reside in
_________ (name of state or Washington D.C.)
2. I have lobbied either the state legislature or the Congress before?
Ans: Yes/No (If yes, please specify whether state legislature or Congress or both.)
3. Please list the names of members of Congress, whom you are willing to approach for supporting a Committee hearing in glass-ceiling over Asian Pacific Americans:
Ans: Senator(s) : ____________________________.
Representative(s) : ______________________________
Please place an asterisk behind the names of those who know you by your first name.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to work for equality and justice for all Asian Americans. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Our Ultimate Goal & You. Please read!
Getting our elite appointed to the top positions in the federal government, though helpful, is not equivalent to winning equal opportunity in work places for all APAs.80-20 is getting ready to help reach our ultimate goal – equal opportunity
in workplaces for all.A successful outcome will benefit you, your loved ones and most certainly your grandchildren and beyond. However, the road ahead will be long and hard, perhaps too long and too hard, unless you help.
A survey is being done to assess 80-20's ability to mount a successful
lobbying effort with the Congress. We are looking for public hearings
by relevant Congressional committees on the glass-ceiling over APAs in the corporate world, academia, the media, state governments, ..., etc.
We need you. If at all possible, please participate in this survey.The first part of the following provides background information, and the second part is the survey asking for "What You Can Do To Help."
Background
In 80-20's Declaration to Presidential Candidates of 2000, it has four
requests. The fourth dealt with appointment to top federal positions, a goal we have achieved. The first three requests are:1. To request the "Congress (to hold) public hearings regarding the
validity of the huge amount of statistical data strongly suggesting discriminatory
practices against Asian Americans in workplaces,"2. To urge our President "to vigorously prosecute all cases of racial
discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace," if Congressional
hearings confirm the prevalent existence of discrimination against APAs in workplaces.3. To ask our President to use the power of his office "to induce the lifting of glass-ceilings so that Asian Americans will ... (substantially enjoy) equal opportunity to "rise to the top," within the president's first term."
Survey
80-20 has a number of strategic options in mind regarding a successful
lobbying effort. However, 80-20 needs to know our strengths and weakness
before selecting an option. That's why this survey is extremely important.1. I want to be involved in this lobbying effort which centers
on holding public congressional hearings by relevant congressional committees
on the glass-ceiling over APAs (visit congressional delegates, write letters,
make phone calls, give financially, ..., etc.)Ans: Yes, I want to help. My name is ___________, and I
reside in (name of state or Washington D.C.)2. I have lobbied either the state legislature or the Congress before?
Ans: Yes/No (If yes, please specify whether state legislature or Congress or both.)
3. Please list the name of U.S. senators and Congress-person, whom you are willing to approach for supporting a Committee hearing in which he/she is a member:
Ans: Senator(s) : ____________________________.
House of Representative(s) : ________________________________
Please specify the ones who know you by first name.
Return this survey today. Together we shall overcome.
Our children and grandchildren will thank you.* * * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated
to work for equality and justice for all Asian Americans. For more
details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net