(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
Thursday, July 12, 2001
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
Tuesday, January 16, 2001
Two APAs nominated for cabinet positions
Thanks to all of you, history was made again.
Last year, your faxes to President Clinton helped make Norman Mineta the historic first Asian American Cabinet Secretary. This year, your e-mails helped us reach another milestone -- two Asian American cabinet appointments in a single Administration.
As individuals, our voices were not heard. As an organization with 430,000 supporters pouring e-mails and faxes into the Transition Team within a few days, our unified voice was hard to ignore.
Nevertheless, President-elect Bush and Vice President-elect Cheney must be given ample credit. Even a loud and heartfelt voice takes good political listeners to acknowledge and respond positively.
Finally, let's not forget that 80-20's political capital played a role in these appointments. Said capital includes an exponentially expanding e-mail list and war chest, our increasing chapters and affiliates, and our ability to deliver, as a 2-year-old organization, 63% to 35% in California and 54% to 41% nationally to our endorsed presidential candidate (Gore) in election 2000. Decisions by political leaders are at least partially motivated by political consideration -- how to win his/ her next election. By the presidential election of 2004, there is little doubt that 80-20 will deliver votes at an 8 to 2 ratio to our chosen presidential candidate in key states above and beyond California.
Much remains to be done, however. Getting our elite appointed to significant positions is not equivalent to winning equal opportunity in workplaces for all of us. Our next e-mail will address winning equal opportunity for all APAs.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Congratulations to Norman Mineta (to be confirmed as The Secretary of Transportation) and Elaine Chao (to be confirmed as The Secretary of Labor). Best wishes to both of you for smooth confirmation hearings.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A great big "thank you" to reporters in ethnic and non-ethnic media who made numerous inquiries at the Transition Office regarding the possibility of cabinet-level appointments for Asian Americans. Without doubt, those reporters helped add "diversity" to Bush's appointments.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Many APAs thought 80-20 "lost" because Gore didn't win. However, 80-20's leadership has always stated: "So long as we showed unity and strength at the ballot box, APAs would win regardless of which candidate became the president." The 2 appointments, one Democrat and one Republican, proved the correctness of 80-20's central strategy.
Indeed, 80-20 conjectured that APAs would get more "goodies" from the Republican Party should Bush won, because the GOP had wrestled with 80-20 in California and knew how tough 80-20 was, while the Democratic Party, confident of victory in CA, paid little attention to the APA community in CA during the past election. It is hoped that all APAs will now realize that the more we are ready to deliver a swing bloc-vote, the sooner we will win equal justice and opportunity.
**************
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
Last year, your faxes to President Clinton helped make Norman Mineta the historic first Asian American Cabinet Secretary. This year, your e-mails helped us reach another milestone -- two Asian American cabinet appointments in a single Administration.
As individuals, our voices were not heard. As an organization with 430,000 supporters pouring e-mails and faxes into the Transition Team within a few days, our unified voice was hard to ignore.
Nevertheless, President-elect Bush and Vice President-elect Cheney must be given ample credit. Even a loud and heartfelt voice takes good political listeners to acknowledge and respond positively.
Finally, let's not forget that 80-20's political capital played a role in these appointments. Said capital includes an exponentially expanding e-mail list and war chest, our increasing chapters and affiliates, and our ability to deliver, as a 2-year-old organization, 63% to 35% in California and 54% to 41% nationally to our endorsed presidential candidate (Gore) in election 2000. Decisions by political leaders are at least partially motivated by political consideration -- how to win his/ her next election. By the presidential election of 2004, there is little doubt that 80-20 will deliver votes at an 8 to 2 ratio to our chosen presidential candidate in key states above and beyond California.
Much remains to be done, however. Getting our elite appointed to significant positions is not equivalent to winning equal opportunity in workplaces for all of us. Our next e-mail will address winning equal opportunity for all APAs.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Congratulations to Norman Mineta (to be confirmed as The Secretary of Transportation) and Elaine Chao (to be confirmed as The Secretary of Labor). Best wishes to both of you for smooth confirmation hearings.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A great big "thank you" to reporters in ethnic and non-ethnic media who made numerous inquiries at the Transition Office regarding the possibility of cabinet-level appointments for Asian Americans. Without doubt, those reporters helped add "diversity" to Bush's appointments.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Many APAs thought 80-20 "lost" because Gore didn't win. However, 80-20's leadership has always stated: "So long as we showed unity and strength at the ballot box, APAs would win regardless of which candidate became the president." The 2 appointments, one Democrat and one Republican, proved the correctness of 80-20's central strategy.
Indeed, 80-20 conjectured that APAs would get more "goodies" from the Republican Party should Bush won, because the GOP had wrestled with 80-20 in California and knew how tough 80-20 was, while the Democratic Party, confident of victory in CA, paid little attention to the APA community in CA during the past election. It is hoped that all APAs will now realize that the more we are ready to deliver a swing bloc-vote, the sooner we will win equal justice and opportunity.
**************
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
Thursday, July 01, 1999
YOUR VOTE: Do you see value in The 80-20 Initiative?
###############################################
OUR PRIVILEGE to communicate with you (7
e-mails) is used up. If you see value in our
effort, please send this e-mail back and add
the word ENLIST.
###############################################
If you are sick of us, just send this e-mail back to us and
add the word REMOVE. :-)
If you take NO ACTION, we'll send you another 7 e-mails
for the remainder of the year.
WE HOPE YOU WOULD ENLIST.
Sincerely (titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.
Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,
Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering,
Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J.
Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98),
Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100,
Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97),
Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm.,
Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and
S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
OUR PRIVILEGE to communicate with you (7
e-mails) is used up. If you see value in our
effort, please send this e-mail back and add
the word ENLIST.
###############################################
If you are sick of us, just send this e-mail back to us and
add the word REMOVE. :-)
If you take NO ACTION, we'll send you another 7 e-mails
for the remainder of the year.
WE HOPE YOU WOULD ENLIST.
Sincerely (titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.
Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,
Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering,
Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J.
Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98),
Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100,
Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97),
Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm.,
Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and
S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
Tuesday, June 01, 1999
Reactions to 80-20
REACTIONS TO 80-20 (titles for ID purposes only):
- "Your proposal is excellent. I support it 100%." -- C. N. Yang,
Nobel Laureate in Physics - "The 80-20 movement is one of the most sensible strategies
that I've seen in As-Am. community. .. You can count on my
support at Philip-Am. Chamber & the Nat'l Federation of Fil-
Ams" -- Gus Mercado, Regional Chair, PACC & NaFFAA - "Please count on me regarding the mobilization of the Vietnamese
community in this issue." -- Quan Cao - "I have been passing your e-mails to the key people in
various Pakistani organizations and recevd positive resposes.
I favor Model 1." -- Adeel Shah, Director, Human Rights Asia. - "Thanks for the leadership. Count me in." -- Mei Wei Cheng,
President and CEO, Ford Motor (China) Ltd. - "I think your team is doing a model work, and it ought to be
emulated by other groups. Please keep up your good work."
-- Sang Joo Kim, Executive Vice President,
Institute of Corean American Studies (ICAS) - "Thank you for the update. Its interesting that we have to
work so hard to get the attention of the public. ... Glad you
are keeping us informed." -- Roy H. Saigo, Chancellor,
Aubrun University at Montgomery - "Yes, I am interested in being a coordinator in my area .... I
have served as an Assistant District Attorney, and now as an
Assistant Attorney General." -- from a SECOND GENERATION
Asian American. His identity is withheld, owing to possible
sensitivity of his political office. - "Count me in. Thank you for your great leadership. ..... 80-
20 will ignite Asian community." -- Steve Choi, Founder,
Asian American Coalition of Georgia - "I was moved by your blueprint for empowering Asian
Americans, sent to me by Larry Ho, a fellow NAE member. I
will support whatever plan our AA leaders collectively choose
to enact in connection with the 2000 election." -- Chenming
Hu, member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering - "Although I am not yet an American citizen, I would like to
thank you on behalf of my daughter." -- Shiping (steve)
Chen, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland - " ... this project deserves our attention & support." -- John
Kim, President, Nat'l Asso. of Korean Americans - NY Chapter - "I am currently a senior at Whittier College in Whittier, CA,
........ I would like to help in any way I can." -- Jeremy Wang - " We'll be very happy at Asian American Village to help
spread the word of your initiative to our readers."
-- Stewart David Ikeda, Editor, Asian American Village -- an
on-line magazine - "Thanks for your efforts in fighting on our behalf. We are
still in the early teens but we are the future you are fighting
for. .... Much thanks in advance." -- Kevin (Choong) --
A 12 Year Old
HERE'S HOW YOU MAY HELP.
Help spread our message. A single vote from an Asian Am. in
CA in year 2000 may just decide who will be the next president of
the US.
When we can deliver 80-20, the two major political parties
will compete to help us achieve equal opportunity in order to win
our favor ! We and our children benefit. American becomes a
"more perfect Union."
Saturday, May 01, 1999
A Main Objective of 80-20
The following Declaration was send to each presidential candidate requesting his/her written commitment should he/she be elected. Senator Bill Bradley was the first to commit. We have heard from two others but are not satisfied with the degree of their commitment. Our guess is that by January 2000, when candidates begin to seriously focus on the Calif. primary to be held in March, 2000, most will write to commit.
Declaration Concerning The 2000 Presidential Election
by The 80-20 Initiative
"With liberty and justice for all." Thus ends our pledge of allegiance to the flag with a ringing commitment to all citizens.
Unfortunately, liberty and justice remain an unrealized dream for Asian Americans. A low glass-ceiling hangs instead over our heads, denying us the opportunity to rise to the top of our professions, just as it hung over women and blacks until recently.
Statistical evidence, mostly gathered by government sponsored studies, shows a dismal picture: Asian Americans have only one- third the opportunity of all other Americans to "rise to the top," in the academic world, in corporations, or even in federal government.
To illustrate, Asian Americans represent 3.5% of the population of this nation. However, of the 875 active federal judges, only 7 are Asian Americans; of the 250 plus cabinet and sub-cabinet positions in President Clinton's Administration in 1998, only two were held by Asian Americans.
The situation is no better in universities, the so-called bastion of idealism in our society. University administrators are recruited almost exclusively from the ranks of faculty and professionals already employed in universities. Hence the ratio of [administrators / (faculty + professionals)], broken down to races, is a measure of the opportunity enjoyed by American citizens of different races. Nationwide, that ratio for blacks (non-Hispanic) is 0.21. That is, for every 100 black faculty and professionals there are 21 black administrators. The ratio for Native American is 0.20; for white (non-Hispanic) is 0.16; and for Hispanic is 0.15. However, it is only 0.06 for Asian American.
The picture that emerges from the supposedly "enlightened" academic world and federal government is one of inequality and injustice for Asian Americans. The situation in the corporate world is worse, much worse. All Asian American CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, with one recent exception, started the companies themselves.
Therefore, we, the Asian American citizens, declare that the time has come for all presidential candidates to commit themselves to the following to realize the ideal of equal opportunity for all Americans:
1. If elected, will direct his/her cabinet officers to work with Congress in holding public hearings regarding the validity of the huge amount of statistical data strongly suggesting discriminatory practices against Asian Americans in workplaces today,
2. If the data were shown valid, will issue a public statement to reaffirm your Administration's intention to vigorously prosecute all cases of racial discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace,
3. If the data were shown valid, will work to induce the lifting of the glass-ceilings so that Asian Americans will be well on our way to equal opportunity to "rise to the top" within the first term, and
4. If elected, will give due recognition to the services and talents of Asian Americans by appointing qualified persons to policy-making positions in the Judicial and Executive branches of the federal government, possibly including a historic first cabinet position. The number of appointments will represent a significant improvement upon the current drastic under-utilization of Asian Americans.
Asian Americans have contributed with distinction to the well being of the nation. We work hard at our jobs, we help to run business, we serve in governments, and we are well educated, with bachelor degrees per thousand persons twice that of the nation. It is time we are finally given equal opportunity for professional advancement, and to serve in the federal government in positions we deserve.
We ask fellow Asian Americans to join us in our declaration to WITHHOLD financial and other forms of support to any presidential PRIMARY candidates who fail to pledge his/her commitment to our request for equal justice in the workplace.
During the GENERAL presidential election, a different approach is taken. To be effective, we shall form a block-vote in favor of the presidential candidate of that political party that will have helped Asian Americans the most in achieving equal opportunity, between now and August 2000.
Our cause is just. Our requests are fair. As individuals our voices may be weak; TOGETHER WE SHALL OVERCOME.
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
Declaration Concerning The 2000 Presidential Election
by The 80-20 Initiative
"With liberty and justice for all." Thus ends our pledge of allegiance to the flag with a ringing commitment to all citizens.
Unfortunately, liberty and justice remain an unrealized dream for Asian Americans. A low glass-ceiling hangs instead over our heads, denying us the opportunity to rise to the top of our professions, just as it hung over women and blacks until recently.
Statistical evidence, mostly gathered by government sponsored studies, shows a dismal picture: Asian Americans have only one- third the opportunity of all other Americans to "rise to the top," in the academic world, in corporations, or even in federal government.
To illustrate, Asian Americans represent 3.5% of the population of this nation. However, of the 875 active federal judges, only 7 are Asian Americans; of the 250 plus cabinet and sub-cabinet positions in President Clinton's Administration in 1998, only two were held by Asian Americans.
The situation is no better in universities, the so-called bastion of idealism in our society. University administrators are recruited almost exclusively from the ranks of faculty and professionals already employed in universities. Hence the ratio of [administrators / (faculty + professionals)], broken down to races, is a measure of the opportunity enjoyed by American citizens of different races. Nationwide, that ratio for blacks (non-Hispanic) is 0.21. That is, for every 100 black faculty and professionals there are 21 black administrators. The ratio for Native American is 0.20; for white (non-Hispanic) is 0.16; and for Hispanic is 0.15. However, it is only 0.06 for Asian American.
The picture that emerges from the supposedly "enlightened" academic world and federal government is one of inequality and injustice for Asian Americans. The situation in the corporate world is worse, much worse. All Asian American CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, with one recent exception, started the companies themselves.
Therefore, we, the Asian American citizens, declare that the time has come for all presidential candidates to commit themselves to the following to realize the ideal of equal opportunity for all Americans:
1. If elected, will direct his/her cabinet officers to work with Congress in holding public hearings regarding the validity of the huge amount of statistical data strongly suggesting discriminatory practices against Asian Americans in workplaces today,
2. If the data were shown valid, will issue a public statement to reaffirm your Administration's intention to vigorously prosecute all cases of racial discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace,
3. If the data were shown valid, will work to induce the lifting of the glass-ceilings so that Asian Americans will be well on our way to equal opportunity to "rise to the top" within the first term, and
4. If elected, will give due recognition to the services and talents of Asian Americans by appointing qualified persons to policy-making positions in the Judicial and Executive branches of the federal government, possibly including a historic first cabinet position. The number of appointments will represent a significant improvement upon the current drastic under-utilization of Asian Americans.
Asian Americans have contributed with distinction to the well being of the nation. We work hard at our jobs, we help to run business, we serve in governments, and we are well educated, with bachelor degrees per thousand persons twice that of the nation. It is time we are finally given equal opportunity for professional advancement, and to serve in the federal government in positions we deserve.
We ask fellow Asian Americans to join us in our declaration to WITHHOLD financial and other forms of support to any presidential PRIMARY candidates who fail to pledge his/her commitment to our request for equal justice in the workplace.
During the GENERAL presidential election, a different approach is taken. To be effective, we shall form a block-vote in favor of the presidential candidate of that political party that will have helped Asian Americans the most in achieving equal opportunity, between now and August 2000.
Our cause is just. Our requests are fair. As individuals our voices may be weak; TOGETHER WE SHALL OVERCOME.
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
Thursday, April 01, 1999
A Blueprint for Equal Opportunity for AsAms
Here we show how we can win equal opportunity.
AAs voted slightly in favor of Bush in 1992 and slightly in favor of Clinton in 1996. So long as an immigrant "underclass" votes roughly 50-50, no politician will bother to help the group win equal opportunity. To politicians, paying attention to a small constituent group that votes roughly 50-50 is like entering a small business deal with a puny margin of profit. On the other hand, courting a small immigrant group capable of delivering 80-20 is like chasing a small business deal with a huge profit margin of 60%. (The 80% vote obtained by the courting politician minus the 20% vote taken by the opponent yields a net gain of 60% of votes of that constituent group.)
Hence, if we unite to vote 80-20, a very different picture emerges.
AAs are strategically located. AAs represent 6.5% of the voters in CA -- the state with the largest electoral college votes and early primary in the presidential election of 2000. CA is a must for any presidential candidate in year 2000. Winning the March, 2000 CA primary creates so much momentum that it may be tantamount to winning the party nomination. Furthermore, CA has 54 electoral votes -- 20% of what's needed to be the next president.
If we'll unite to SWING to either political party at an 8 to 2 ratio in year 2000, we will be the equivalent of not only a business deal with a huge profit margin but also the make-or-break deal that tips the scale in the fight for market shares. We shall be courted by politicians of both parties IMMEDIATELY, and with that we can win EQUAL OPPORTUNITY for us and our children!
We envisioned a two-stage process in forging unity with the AA community. Uniting the Chinese American community first and then approach the other AA communities to form, as EQUAL partners, a Pan Asian American Committee (PAAC).
More than 90% of the 45,000 As-Ams. we approached become strong or moderate supporters. The Filipino-Am. community has formed a coalition with us. The Korean-Am. and the Pakistani-Am. community are considering doing the same.
November 2000 is around the corner. Will we succeed? THAT DEPENDS ON YOU! If you'll step up and say "COUNT ME IN", your children and grandchildren will thank you.
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
AAs voted slightly in favor of Bush in 1992 and slightly in favor of Clinton in 1996. So long as an immigrant "underclass" votes roughly 50-50, no politician will bother to help the group win equal opportunity. To politicians, paying attention to a small constituent group that votes roughly 50-50 is like entering a small business deal with a puny margin of profit. On the other hand, courting a small immigrant group capable of delivering 80-20 is like chasing a small business deal with a huge profit margin of 60%. (The 80% vote obtained by the courting politician minus the 20% vote taken by the opponent yields a net gain of 60% of votes of that constituent group.)
Hence, if we unite to vote 80-20, a very different picture emerges.
AAs are strategically located. AAs represent 6.5% of the voters in CA -- the state with the largest electoral college votes and early primary in the presidential election of 2000. CA is a must for any presidential candidate in year 2000. Winning the March, 2000 CA primary creates so much momentum that it may be tantamount to winning the party nomination. Furthermore, CA has 54 electoral votes -- 20% of what's needed to be the next president.
If we'll unite to SWING to either political party at an 8 to 2 ratio in year 2000, we will be the equivalent of not only a business deal with a huge profit margin but also the make-or-break deal that tips the scale in the fight for market shares. We shall be courted by politicians of both parties IMMEDIATELY, and with that we can win EQUAL OPPORTUNITY for us and our children!
We envisioned a two-stage process in forging unity with the AA community. Uniting the Chinese American community first and then approach the other AA communities to form, as EQUAL partners, a Pan Asian American Committee (PAAC).
More than 90% of the 45,000 As-Ams. we approached become strong or moderate supporters. The Filipino-Am. community has formed a coalition with us. The Korean-Am. and the Pakistani-Am. community are considering doing the same.
November 2000 is around the corner. Will we succeed? THAT DEPENDS ON YOU! If you'll step up and say "COUNT ME IN", your children and grandchildren will thank you.
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
Monday, March 01, 1999
The American Way to Win Equal Opportunity
You may ask, after reading the last e-mail, why haven't the undersigned who knew of such statistics, tried removing the glass ceiling? We have. However, we found that as individuals our voices were not heard. That's why we searched YOU out, because TOGETHER WE SHALL OVERCOME.
There is a tried-and-true American way through which immigrant groups have gained equal opportunity. THE POLITICAL PROCESS!
A long time ago, when the Irish, Polish and Italian immigrants first arrived in America, discrimination against them was also rampant. The Irish first tried using the ballet box to get politicians to help the Irish get good jobs and succeeded. After that, the Polish and Italians used the same method to win their equal status. In the mid twentieth century, the Jews and blacks followed that recipe to win equal opportunity. More recently, women and Hispanics flexed their political muscles to dislodge their respective glass ceilings. Time is now for Asian Americans to do the same.
First, we must develop a community consensus to vote as a block. That way, we can reward politicians who worked for our equal opportunity and punish those who didn't. Shortly thereafter , most politicians will be working for our equal opportunity.
The African Americans who reside in cities of industrial states vote 9 to 1 in favor of the Democratic presidential candidate. That's one BIG reason why the Democratic party always speaks up for interests of the black community. The Jews have even greater political cohesion. While they voted mostly for Democrats, they could swing, voting in a 8 to 2 ratio, for a candidate of EITHER major political party.
Is our population large enough to have political clout? Mind you, there are only six million Jewish Americans, while there are 10 million AAs.
In e-mail 4, we'll present you with a specific strategy to induce both major political parties to fight for our equal opportunity and form a "more perfect Union."
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
There is a tried-and-true American way through which immigrant groups have gained equal opportunity. THE POLITICAL PROCESS!
A long time ago, when the Irish, Polish and Italian immigrants first arrived in America, discrimination against them was also rampant. The Irish first tried using the ballet box to get politicians to help the Irish get good jobs and succeeded. After that, the Polish and Italians used the same method to win their equal status. In the mid twentieth century, the Jews and blacks followed that recipe to win equal opportunity. More recently, women and Hispanics flexed their political muscles to dislodge their respective glass ceilings. Time is now for Asian Americans to do the same.
First, we must develop a community consensus to vote as a block. That way, we can reward politicians who worked for our equal opportunity and punish those who didn't. Shortly thereafter , most politicians will be working for our equal opportunity.
The African Americans who reside in cities of industrial states vote 9 to 1 in favor of the Democratic presidential candidate. That's one BIG reason why the Democratic party always speaks up for interests of the black community. The Jews have even greater political cohesion. While they voted mostly for Democrats, they could swing, voting in a 8 to 2 ratio, for a candidate of EITHER major political party.
Is our population large enough to have political clout? Mind you, there are only six million Jewish Americans, while there are 10 million AAs.
In e-mail 4, we'll present you with a specific strategy to induce both major political parties to fight for our equal opportunity and form a "more perfect Union."
Sincerely (members of Steering Comm., titles for ID purposes only)
Alex Esclamado, Nat'l President, Filipino-Am. Political Assoc.Kenneth Fong, C.E.O., Clontech Laboratories,Yu-Chi Ho, Harvard Univ., member of Nat'l Acad. of Engineering, Stephen S. Ko, MD, Founder of Asian Am. Political Coalition N.J. Michael Lin, former Nat'l President, Org. of Ch-Ams (1994-98), Henry Tang, Chair , Committee of 100, Chang-Lin Tien, Chancellor, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley (1991-97), Dennis Wong, former Chair, San Francisco-Taipei Sister City Comm., Charles Woo, President, Magatoy, and S. B. Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware (1985-89)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)