APA Heroism on September 11th

New York State Governor George E. Pataki talked about 14 heroes
in his January 9, "2002 State of the State Address." Two of the 14
heroes were APAs, when our population in NY is only 6%. See: http://www.state.ny.us/sos2002text.html

Being conspicuous in patriotism is the APA image that 80-20 wants to
help convey to the mainstream society. That is the best way to erase
the "perpetual foreigners" image.

Do you recall that 80-20 featured Zhe Zeng in a post-9/11 e-mail? It was based on an article published in the Chinese-language World Journal, translated into English by Charlie Sie of Los Angeles.

80-20 spread it to the APA community and pushed it to the main- stream
media. N.Y. Times followed up and did an article entitled "ZHE ZENG
-- Completely Selfless Person." Now Governor Pataki has picked
up the same theme.

That is how the image of a person or a community is changed.

Here is what Gov. Pataki said about Zhe Zack Zeng.

"Zack Zeng -- a 29-year-old employee at the Bank of New York
-- emigrated to America from mainland China as a teenager. He worked his way through the University of Rochester, built a promising career in business and became an EMT to help his neighbors. He was living the American Dream.

Zack wasn't at the World Trade Center on the morning of September
11th. But he knew that his emergency training could save lives. So he ran
toward the danger and confusion. He was last seen on television caring
for others. He died an American hero."

Gov. Pataki also featured police office David Lim.

"Thanks to Port Authority Police Officer David Lim, hundreds of people
who were trapped in a smoky stairwell are alive today. By urging them to
continue downward rather than switching stairwells, he led them to safety just moments before the North Tower collapsed. He was trapped in the rubble for nearly five hours before being rescued. "

......

"We are joined today by these heroes and the family members of
those who died. Zack Zeng's mother is proud that we are honoring her son. Unfortunately, she couldn't be here. But we are joined by Anne and Michael Angelini. I know that nothing any of us say can ease your pain. Your loss, the loss of one father, one son, two heroes, was a tragedy no one should have to suffer. But I hope this day reminds you that this state and this nation continue to stand beside you during this difficult chapter of your lives."

Communication is power. 80-20 has 375,000 APA individuals and households
on its e-mail list. That's why 80-20 succeeds in most of the projects
it promotes.

Each of us counts. Together, we shall overcome.