Here is how. See how 80-20 single-handedly forced a political TV ad that fanned the fear of "yellow peril" off the air in one day!On 10/27/00, at 9 a.m. EDT, 80-20 became aware of a New York Times article reporting that a conservative wing of the Republican Party was airing a TV ad in small towns in the Midwest (i.e. avoiding areas with significant APA population), fanning "yellow peril" in order to get people to vote for Bush.
By noon, an 80-20 e-mail was sent to our 230,000 supporters urging them to phone, fax and/or e-mail the headquarters of the Bush campaign and The National Republican Committee (RNC) to demand that they "PULL that ad MMEDIATELY." That e-mail is shown below as Attachment (a).
S.B. Woo, representing 80-20's Steering Committee, called Jim Nicholson, Chairman of RNC, without reaching him. S.B. left a message urging Nicholson to get the TV ad off the air immediately or face 80-20's wrath.
At the same time , 80-20 also e-mailed a list of 350 mainstream and ethnic reporters urging them to make inquiries to Bush and RNC headquarters asking how GOP could tolerate such a "hate" ad? Many reporters made similar inquiries.
A huge number of faxes, phone calls and e-mails from 80-20's supporters went into the Bush camp and RNC on the same day. Some posted a copy to S.B.; a selected few are shown below as Attachment (b). Read to appreciate the emotion and courage of their contents! No other APA or mainstream organizations had asked
for the Bush campaign to pull the TV ad off the air, to our best knowledge.One day later, on 10/28/00, the Republican Party announced that it has persuaded that particular Republican group to pull the TV ad off the air, explaining that the reason for the withdraw was "to not hurt Bush's campaign".
Note that the reason for pulling off the ad was NOT that it was wrong, but "to not hurt Bush's campaign". 80-20 understands how politicians think. See attachment (a) to satisfy yourself on how 80-20 went straight to what would "hurt Bush's campaign" asking APAs to spread the word and vote against Bush in the contested
states. That was what produced the result.********
NOTE TO READERS : This email is not intended as an indictment against
the Republican Party. Both parties have acted against APAs in the past.
This e-mail demonstrates how politics works when we are united. 80-20
is non-partisan. The party that helps the APA community the most
wins 80-20's help.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Attachment a] 80-20's e-mail of 10/27/00 calling on its supporters to take action to stop the "Daisy" TV ad:Subject: A TV ad that'll bring on more W.H. Lee cases
The conservative wing of the Republican party is playing the
"yellow terror" card again? It was the same type of fear-mongering
that led to racial profiling and the Wen Ho Lee case. YOU MUST READ the
following New York Times article:- - - - - - - - -
"Infamous Political Commercial Is Turned on Gore"
By Leslie Wayn October 27, 2000A remake of the "Daisy" commercial -- perhaps the most infamous of all political attack advertisements -- is being shown in several states today, but the target this time is Vice President Al Gore, not Barry Goldwater. The commercial contends that because the Clinton-Gore adminis tration "sold" the nation's security "to Communist Red China in exchange for campaign contributions," China has "the ability to threaten our homes with long-range nuclear warheads." It then shows a girl, counting down as she plucks daisy petals. Her counting is then replaced by a countdown of a missile, which is followed by a nuclear bomb explosion. "Don't take a chance. Please vote Republican," then appears on the screen.
The commercial is a copy of one that was made for President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The commercial created such a furor -- with its tacit suggestion that Mr. Goldwater's views were so extreme that they would lead to nuclear annihilation -- that IT WAS WITHDRAWN AFTER APPEARING ONLY ONCE. But it has been remembered for decades.
A Texas-based nonprofit organization, Aretino Industries, paid for the new commercial, which will run in several closely contested states, including
Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, & Pennsylvania. Carey Cramer, a spokesman for the organization, in McAllen, Tex., declined to identify any of its members or the source of its money.
...
[For the full NY Times article, visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/27/politics/27DAIS.html]
- - - - - - - - - - -If you are outraged by that TV ad, call or fax or e-mail RNC and Bush headquarters, and ask it to PULL that ad IMMEDIATELY.
RNC: ph- 202-863-8500, fax-202-863-8820, email-info@rnc.org
Bush: ph- 512-637-2000, fax- 512-344-4602,
Bush's e-mailing system is state dependent. For example:
california@georgewbush.com, texas@georgewbush.com ,
Washington@georgewbush.comIn politics, most people believe in "Don't get mad, GET EVEN." Those of you in contested states** should immediately tell the Bush camp that you are WITCHING FROM BUSH TO GORE and telling all your friends and relatives to switch.
DO IT NOW. PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
**Contested states: Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Indiana, Florida,
Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin [Attachment a] ENDS.[Attachment b] See
http://www.80-20initiative.net/unity2.html#Ex2a
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
How to fight back when being stepped on
Monday, January 21, 2002
APA Heroism on September 11th
New York State Governor George E. Pataki talked about 14 heroes
in his January 9, "2002 State of the State Address." Two of the 14
heroes were APAs, when our population in NY is only 6%. See: http://www.state.ny.us/sos2002text.htmlBeing conspicuous in patriotism is the APA image that 80-20 wants to
help convey to the mainstream society. That is the best way to erase
the "perpetual foreigners" image.Do you recall that 80-20 featured Zhe Zeng in a post-9/11 e-mail? It was based on an article published in the Chinese-language World Journal, translated into English by Charlie Sie of Los Angeles.
80-20 spread it to the APA community and pushed it to the main- stream
media. N.Y. Times followed up and did an article entitled "ZHE ZENG
-- Completely Selfless Person." Now Governor Pataki has picked
up the same theme.That is how the image of a person or a community is changed.
Here is what Gov. Pataki said about Zhe Zack Zeng.
"Zack Zeng -- a 29-year-old employee at the Bank of New York
-- emigrated to America from mainland China as a teenager. He worked his way through the University of Rochester, built a promising career in business and became an EMT to help his neighbors. He was living the American Dream.Zack wasn't at the World Trade Center on the morning of September
11th. But he knew that his emergency training could save lives. So he ran
toward the danger and confusion. He was last seen on television caring
for others. He died an American hero."Gov. Pataki also featured police office David Lim.
"Thanks to Port Authority Police Officer David Lim, hundreds of people
who were trapped in a smoky stairwell are alive today. By urging them to
continue downward rather than switching stairwells, he led them to safety just moments before the North Tower collapsed. He was trapped in the rubble for nearly five hours before being rescued. "
......"We are joined today by these heroes and the family members of
those who died. Zack Zeng's mother is proud that we are honoring her son. Unfortunately, she couldn't be here. But we are joined by Anne and Michael Angelini. I know that nothing any of us say can ease your pain. Your loss, the loss of one father, one son, two heroes, was a tragedy no one should have to suffer. But I hope this day reminds you that this state and this nation continue to stand beside you during this difficult chapter of your lives."
Communication is power. 80-20 has 375,000 APA individuals and households
on its e-mail list. That's why 80-20 succeeds in most of the projects
it promotes.Each of us counts. Together, we shall overcome.
Saturday, January 12, 2002
Lest you forget the tough times
Do you remember the following tough times?
- In 1996, when the Campaign Finance Scandal, referred to as "The Asian Gate"
by the N.Y. times, was producing an article a day portraying Asian Americans
as corrupting the American political system,
- In 1999, when Cox Committee Report fanned suspicions of Chinese Americans
by charging that China had stolen U.S. secrets that helped it to miniaturized
nuclear weapons for use in intercontinental missiles,
- In 1999 to 2000, when Wen Ho Lee was accused as a spy, convicted by the
press, without the due process of law,
- In 2001, when a formal survey sponsored by The Committee of 100, and done
by a well-known polling firm, revealed that a large fraction of our fellow
Americans doubted our loyalty to America, and
- In 2001, when our plane collided with a Chinese plane near Hainan island,
and anti-Chinese-government sentiments surfaced as anti-APA sentiments.
your ability to enjoy equal justice and equal opportunity in workplaces?
Did you wish that there would be a powerful APA political group to speak
out for you and protect you?
Did you intellectually understand that such an organization would have
to be painstakingly put together over a period of time?
Did you intuitively understand that you would have to do your share
to help put together a powerful organization like that?
80-20 is such an organization. If you doubt whether 80-20 is effective,
visit http://www.80-20initiative.net/unity1.html
After the visit to the site, if you deem 80-20 ineffective, unsubscribe
us. However, if you agree that 80-20 has been surprisingly effective,
then
You must pitch in and do your share to make 80-20 a permanent
institution. Be a member.
If you are already a member, having helped enriched our war chest by
$100K in the last 2 months, we thank you.
- - -- - - - - - - - -
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
PERSONAL Checks are payable to "80-20 PAC", mailed to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
** Remember to write your E-MAIL ADDRESS on your check.
****************
FRANK WU, author of many books ,who writes about 80-20 often has a
new book, entitled "YELLOW Race in America Beyond Black and
White." He is on a Book tour. In the next few weeks, he'll
be touring:
Dayton, Ohio: Books & Company, 7 p.m., January 18, 2002
Columbus, Ohio: Barnes & Noble (Lennox Ctr.), 5 p.m., Jan. 19, 2002
Seattle: University Bookstore, 7 p.m., January 29, 2002
San Francisco: Modern Times, 7 p.m., January 30, 2002
Palo Alto, California: Stanford Bookstore, 7 p.m., January 31, 2002
Berkeley, California: Cody\222s (Telegraph), 7 p.m., February 1, 2002
Pasadena, California: Pacific Asia Museum, 2 p.m., February 2, 2002
Santa Monica, CA: Midnight Special, 5 p.m., Feb. 3, 2002 [note time]
New York City: 6:30 p.m., Asia Society, February 13, 2002
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Why Members? III
As individuals, APAs are dragons and tigers. As a group, the APA community is a worm. Why? Because we can not unite and work together to build up our group power.
The conclusion is obvious. We need to unite in order to win our rights and become an equal partner in the making of the American Dream.
However, unity is easy in theory, but very hard to forge. Why? Because unity requires trust. Trust is very hard to come by, unless there is a written contract that is fair to all involved.
80-20's bylaws is such a contract. It is fair for every dues-paying member & for every component of the APA community. See
http://www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
If 80-20 has one million Basic members today, our annual war chest will be $35,000,000. Our community will no longer be treated like a worm. We'll win our respect and become an equal partner with the mainstream within the next 12 months. Imagine that!
A dream fulfilled if you'd only do your share!
Will you please join?
A Journey of a thousand miles begin with the first step. Your own commitment is the first step.
You spend thousands of dollars a year for home, health, and auto insurance. Would you consider spending less than 1% of that amount to insure the way of life you've struggled so hard to achieve in America? Do you want the same thing happened to Wen Ho Lee (and more recently Arab-Americans) to happen to you and your children?
What is your children's future worth to you? $35 is a small price to pay.
Please step up and be counted. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html .
PERSONAL Checks are payable to "80-20 PAC", mailed to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
The conclusion is obvious. We need to unite in order to win our rights and become an equal partner in the making of the American Dream.
However, unity is easy in theory, but very hard to forge. Why? Because unity requires trust. Trust is very hard to come by, unless there is a written contract that is fair to all involved.
80-20's bylaws is such a contract. It is fair for every dues-paying member & for every component of the APA community. See
http://www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
If 80-20 has one million Basic members today, our annual war chest will be $35,000,000. Our community will no longer be treated like a worm. We'll win our respect and become an equal partner with the mainstream within the next 12 months. Imagine that!
A dream fulfilled if you'd only do your share!
Will you please join?
A Journey of a thousand miles begin with the first step. Your own commitment is the first step.
You spend thousands of dollars a year for home, health, and auto insurance. Would you consider spending less than 1% of that amount to insure the way of life you've struggled so hard to achieve in America? Do you want the same thing happened to Wen Ho Lee (and more recently Arab-Americans) to happen to you and your children?
What is your children's future worth to you? $35 is a small price to pay.
Please step up and be counted. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html .
PERSONAL Checks are payable to "80-20 PAC", mailed to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Monday, December 17, 2001
Why Members? II
There are critics who don't believe that 80-20 will be open, democratic, and governed by our bylaws as explained in the last email. Here are the answers to five tough questions for 80-20.
1) Many organization have members and bylaws. Are all such organizations therefore "a property of the community, by the community, and for the community?"
Not necessarily. However, 80-20's bylaws are unique.
2) What is so unique about 80-20's bylaws?
80-20's bylaws require that
a) all Board members and its officers, and the Chairperson of the nomination committee be elected by dues-paying members. This prevents the leadership from passing power within a small clique of friends,
b) there must be at least two candidates for each available elective position. Many organizations nominate one person for each available elective position, making a mockery of the democratic procedure, and
c) a term limit is set for every elective position, which compels and induces the infusion of new blood into the organization.
3) I've heard of each of such provisions before. Tell me more.
To our best knowledge, there is not a single non-governmental organization with all three provisions. A few may have one or two of the above three. This combination is the best and tightest to prevent selfish leaders from using 80-20 for their personal benefit.
4) Is your Executive Director elected?
The Executive Director (E.D.) is an employee. S/he can be hired and fired by the Board at any time. So long as the Board is held strongly accountable to members by bylaws, there is no worry about having an E.D.,who is not responsive to the dues-paying members.
5) Bylaws are just words. Why should words matter?
Bylaws are not spoken words but written rules. If 80-20 doesn't abide by its own rules, its Board of Directors can be sued.
**********
You be the judge.
Is 80-20 worth your $35 or $50? You must do your share. You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
*****
Your membership to 80-20 is the best gift you can give your children and grandchildren this holiday season.
1) Many organization have members and bylaws. Are all such organizations therefore "a property of the community, by the community, and for the community?"
Not necessarily. However, 80-20's bylaws are unique.
2) What is so unique about 80-20's bylaws?
80-20's bylaws require that
a) all Board members and its officers, and the Chairperson of the nomination committee be elected by dues-paying members. This prevents the leadership from passing power within a small clique of friends,
b) there must be at least two candidates for each available elective position. Many organizations nominate one person for each available elective position, making a mockery of the democratic procedure, and
c) a term limit is set for every elective position, which compels and induces the infusion of new blood into the organization.
3) I've heard of each of such provisions before. Tell me more.
To our best knowledge, there is not a single non-governmental organization with all three provisions. A few may have one or two of the above three. This combination is the best and tightest to prevent selfish leaders from using 80-20 for their personal benefit.
4) Is your Executive Director elected?
The Executive Director (E.D.) is an employee. S/he can be hired and fired by the Board at any time. So long as the Board is held strongly accountable to members by bylaws, there is no worry about having an E.D.,who is not responsive to the dues-paying members.
5) Bylaws are just words. Why should words matter?
Bylaws are not spoken words but written rules. If 80-20 doesn't abide by its own rules, its Board of Directors can be sued.
You be the judge.
Is 80-20 worth your $35 or $50? You must do your share. You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
*****
Your membership to 80-20 is the best gift you can give your children and grandchildren this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
"Why members?" -- 1 of 3 short e-mails
Here is why!
Being a political powerhouse is not good enough. 80-20 must forever be the property of the community, by the community, and for the community.
To achieve such a goal, 80-20 must be (1) open, (2) democratic, and (3) governed by its own written bylaws.
(1) To be open,
80-20 invites any interested person to have a voice in 80-20. To achieve that goal, without creating chaos, there must be dues-paying members.
(2) To be democratic,
80-20's bylaws provides all members with the right to vote and run for office. In addition, 80-20 requires that all Board members and its officers, with at least two candidates for each contested position, be elected by dues-paying members.
(3) To be governed by its own written bylaws,
80-20 has adopted a set of detailed bylaws, and posted them on its web site. In the long future, any change in the bylaws will required the 2/3 approval of dues-paying members.
The Basic annual membership is set at a modest $35 -- only 10 cents per day. You spend much more than that for your daily coffee.
Is 80-20 urging you to join because it wants your money? Perhaps. You be the judge. Here is the statistical breakdown for the $78,000 in membership contribution that 80-20 has collected in its first 6 weeks.
Those who pay the minimum $35 or $50 represent more than 90% of 80-20's voters, while providing less than 22% of its revenue. 80-20 has anticipated such a trend and deems it ideal. 80-20 is a grassroots organization with the unique mix of the elite. Visit: http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html to see how many generous persons have paid $1,000 to $10,000 to be Life members.
You must join, if you want 80-20 to work for you now and for decades to come. Many of the current leaders will soon fade away.
"Why have members, II?" will be in your mailbox soon.
Being a political powerhouse is not good enough. 80-20 must forever be the property of the community, by the community, and for the community.
To achieve such a goal, 80-20 must be (1) open, (2) democratic, and (3) governed by its own written bylaws.
(1) To be open,
80-20 invites any interested person to have a voice in 80-20. To achieve that goal, without creating chaos, there must be dues-paying members.
(2) To be democratic,
80-20's bylaws provides all members with the right to vote and run for office. In addition, 80-20 requires that all Board members and its officers, with at least two candidates for each contested position, be elected by dues-paying members.
(3) To be governed by its own written bylaws,
80-20 has adopted a set of detailed bylaws, and posted them on its web site. In the long future, any change in the bylaws will required the 2/3 approval of dues-paying members.
The Basic annual membership is set at a modest $35 -- only 10 cents per day. You spend much more than that for your daily coffee.
Is 80-20 urging you to join because it wants your money? Perhaps. You be the judge. Here is the statistical breakdown for the $78,000 in membership contribution that 80-20 has collected in its first 6 weeks.
Those who pay the minimum $35 or $50 represent more than 90% of 80-20's voters, while providing less than 22% of its revenue. 80-20 has anticipated such a trend and deems it ideal. 80-20 is a grassroots organization with the unique mix of the elite. Visit: http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html to see how many generous persons have paid $1,000 to $10,000 to be Life members.
You must join, if you want 80-20 to work for you now and for decades to come. Many of the current leaders will soon fade away.
"Why have members, II?" will be in your mailbox soon.
Thursday, December 06, 2001
$55,000 Raised & Touching E-mails
Thanks to all of you, in one month, 80-20 raised $55,000 by recruiting hundreds of dues-paying members. Note, however, that not all of our big donors are rich. See below how some of our supporters sacrificed themselves to accomplish "Together, we shall overcome."
From Seattle, Mei-Ling Wu Hsu, enrolling as Life member, e-mailed: "Yes, I would like to help. But under the current circumstances, I am not able to come up with the lump sum of the money, not even $500 at a time. If you would, I could do monthly contribution of $50 for two years to become the life member. I am a single mother. Would you consider it? Thanks."
From a lady: "Dear Prof. Woo, thank you for all the information about 80-20. As I am over 80 and in retirement, I can only be a due-paying member of this project. I shall send my check to Prof. Wong today. Aili"
From Stella Yu of Denver, CO, who sent in $2,000 and pledged another $3,000: "Since you are doing all the work and the thinking, money is the least that I can contribute. $5000 is a lot for me on a City government employee wages, but I will be happy to do it if I can contribute in installments. .... Denver respects cultural diversity in its public and employment policies and I get to contribute as an Associate Director (in the Office of Art, Culture & Film). I want other Asians to have that opportunity."
There are other role models. Some simply sent in checks, large or small. Others gave not only money but encouragement:
From K.P. Chen: "I did make a $50.00 contribution today... proud to be an 80-20 ers... Thanks for the opportunity to be in a triple winning team.... US wins, 80-20 wins, I win as well... KP"
From David Yao of Yorktown Heights, NY : "I'll send in a check of $1500 first thing tomorrow. 80-20 has done a marvelous job. I salute you in particular for the time and effort you've put into the organization and the cause. Happy Holidays, David Yao"
80-20's membership drive was helped greatly by Ken and Pam Fong who enrolled as Honorary Life Family members for $10,000. May So and Stella Yu enrolled as Honorary Life members, at $5,000 each. Seven other couples enrolled as Life Family members at $1,500 each. Eleven others enrolled as Life members at $1,000 each. These names are on permanent display on 80-20's web site:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
"Together, we shall overcome" is a profound principle but an empty slogan, unless you put your shoulder to the wheel. Counting on you.
**** Special Note for 80-20 Supporters in NY/NJ ****
Please mark your calendar for 12/14/01 (Friday). 80-20 wants to organize a strong APA political org. in NYC. S.B. Woo will be in NYC to talk about it. He'll be the keynote speaker at OCA-NY chapter's 25th Anniversary Gala, when he’ll be honored with the "Visionary Award."
Place: Harmony Palace Restaurant, 98 Mott St., NY, NY
Time and cost: 6 p.m. ; $60.00 per person
-------- Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Inc. --------
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
From Seattle, Mei-Ling Wu Hsu, enrolling as Life member, e-mailed: "Yes, I would like to help. But under the current circumstances, I am not able to come up with the lump sum of the money, not even $500 at a time. If you would, I could do monthly contribution of $50 for two years to become the life member. I am a single mother. Would you consider it? Thanks."
From a lady: "Dear Prof. Woo, thank you for all the information about 80-20. As I am over 80 and in retirement, I can only be a due-paying member of this project. I shall send my check to Prof. Wong today. Aili"
From Stella Yu of Denver, CO, who sent in $2,000 and pledged another $3,000: "Since you are doing all the work and the thinking, money is the least that I can contribute. $5000 is a lot for me on a City government employee wages, but I will be happy to do it if I can contribute in installments. .... Denver respects cultural diversity in its public and employment policies and I get to contribute as an Associate Director (in the Office of Art, Culture & Film). I want other Asians to have that opportunity."
There are other role models. Some simply sent in checks, large or small. Others gave not only money but encouragement:
From K.P. Chen: "I did make a $50.00 contribution today... proud to be an 80-20 ers... Thanks for the opportunity to be in a triple winning team.... US wins, 80-20 wins, I win as well... KP"
From David Yao of Yorktown Heights, NY : "I'll send in a check of $1500 first thing tomorrow. 80-20 has done a marvelous job. I salute you in particular for the time and effort you've put into the organization and the cause. Happy Holidays, David Yao"
80-20's membership drive was helped greatly by Ken and Pam Fong who enrolled as Honorary Life Family members for $10,000. May So and Stella Yu enrolled as Honorary Life members, at $5,000 each. Seven other couples enrolled as Life Family members at $1,500 each. Eleven others enrolled as Life members at $1,000 each. These names are on permanent display on 80-20's web site:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/members.html
You can be a member today using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
"Together, we shall overcome" is a profound principle but an empty slogan, unless you put your shoulder to the wheel. Counting on you.
**** Special Note for 80-20 Supporters in NY/NJ ****
Please mark your calendar for 12/14/01 (Friday). 80-20 wants to organize a strong APA political org. in NYC. S.B. Woo will be in NYC to talk about it. He'll be the keynote speaker at OCA-NY chapter's 25th Anniversary Gala, when he’ll be honored with the "Visionary Award."
Place: Harmony Palace Restaurant, 98 Mott St., NY, NY
Time and cost: 6 p.m. ; $60.00 per person
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, November 26, 2001
Money talks. Make it talk for us.
Money talks. If 80-20 raises a lot of $$$ through your help, our dream for first class citizenship will become A reality in a few years. Why? Because money talks loudly in politics.
Funds raised will be spent on political education and persuasion in the 2004 presidential election. It includes persuading presidential candidates to take pro-Asian American positions, getting AAs to register and vote, organizing a bloc vote in the general election, and paying our staff. Steering Committee members are not paid.
Make your money talk for you and your children, as only an organization like 80-20 can. Whatever the amount you contribute, it'll probably be the most effective money you've ever given politically.
You can be a member today using a credit card. Click here.
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in permanent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. We want to let the political world know not only the amount we can raise, but also the speed with which we can raise it. Counting on you!
SB :-)
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
80-20 is registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC). Its books have been audited at the most stringent level by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney, P.C. of Boston, MA. Contributions to a PAC are not tax deductible. Both US citizens and permanent residents may contribute.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Funds raised will be spent on political education and persuasion in the 2004 presidential election. It includes persuading presidential candidates to take pro-Asian American positions, getting AAs to register and vote, organizing a bloc vote in the general election, and paying our staff. Steering Committee members are not paid.
Make your money talk for you and your children, as only an organization like 80-20 can. Whatever the amount you contribute, it'll probably be the most effective money you've ever given politically.
You can be a member today using a credit card. Click here.
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in permanent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. We want to let the political world know not only the amount we can raise, but also the speed with which we can raise it. Counting on you!
SB :-)
80-20 is registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC). Its books have been audited at the most stringent level by O'Brein, Fitzgerald, Taylor, and Keaveney, P.C. of Boston, MA. Contributions to a PAC are not tax deductible. Both US citizens and permanent residents may contribute.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Friday, November 09, 2001
Reminders
Reminder I:
Veterans' Day is only 2 days away. Please display your flag. Show your patriotism. If we don't want the "perpetual foreigner's image" and all the baggage that comes with that image, we need to be pro-active.
Group benefit can only be achieved by group action.
Reminder II:
Are you aware that your 80-20 membership is good for 14 months till the end of 2002? So please join today.
80-20 is only as strong as you are. Members of 80-20's Steering Committee feed off your courage, your willingness to sacrifice a little, and your willingness to respond promptly. We need you. Please help.
You can sign up using a credit card. Click here.
Or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. Please do your fair share. Thank you.
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
PS: Brian Ng was the first to enroll in Family Life membership. Cheng C. Yue was the first to enroll as a Life member. We are still looking for the first Honorary Life member and the first Honorary Family Life member. :-)
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Veterans' Day is only 2 days away. Please display your flag. Show your patriotism. If we don't want the "perpetual foreigner's image" and all the baggage that comes with that image, we need to be pro-active.
Group benefit can only be achieved by group action.
Reminder II:
Are you aware that your 80-20 membership is good for 14 months till the end of 2002? So please join today.
80-20 is only as strong as you are. Members of 80-20's Steering Committee feed off your courage, your willingness to sacrifice a little, and your willingness to respond promptly. We need you. Please help.
You can sign up using a credit card. Click here.
Or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Join today. Please do your fair share. Thank you.
- - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
PS: Brian Ng was the first to enroll in Family Life membership. Cheng C. Yue was the first to enroll as a Life member. We are still looking for the first Honorary Life member and the first Honorary Family Life member. :-)
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, November 05, 2001
Norman Mineta on Internment
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana
Do APAs have something to learn from the backlash on Arab Americans since 9/11? Do we need to think about our own future, should, God forbid, there be a war between America and one of the larger Asian nations?
With the above in mind, 80-20 directs your attention to a Newsweek Web Exclusive which interviews Norman Mineta regarding his internment experience. For the complete interview, visit http://www.msnbc.com/news/644274.asp?cp1=1
To provide you with a sense of what the interview was about, we've condensed part of the article into a vignette. We also provide a direct quote:
a) A Vignette:
On 9/12, President Bush held a cabinet meeting. When asked about the backlash on Arab Ams., Bush pointed to Mineta and said "We don't want to have happen today (to minority Ams.) what happened to Norm Mineta's family."
Would President Roosevelt have signed the Executive Order to intern Japanese Am. during WWII, had there been a Japanese American cabinet member at the time? If your answer is, "Who knows. It might have stopped it," then we begin to see the significance of getting APAs appointed to cabinet positions!
80-20 made a unique historic contribution to realize those appointments. Support 80-20 to act proactively for you & your children. Be a member today.
b) An Excerpt:
Newsweek: Could what happened to your family happen again?
Mineta: The possibility is always there, and that's why we have to be vigilant. We don't have to be vigilantes, but vigilant so that what happened to a group of Americans back in the 1940s does not happen again. There was a recent Gallup poll indicating that close to 50 percent of people felt that Arab-Americans should carry special ID."
To "be vigilant," 80-20 needs a war chest. Please be a member or a Life or Honorary Life member. Help 80-20 grow. Help it today!
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
You can sign up using a credit card. Visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
OR pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Thank you.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Do APAs have something to learn from the backlash on Arab Americans since 9/11? Do we need to think about our own future, should, God forbid, there be a war between America and one of the larger Asian nations?
With the above in mind, 80-20 directs your attention to a Newsweek Web Exclusive which interviews Norman Mineta regarding his internment experience. For the complete interview, visit http://www.msnbc.com/news/644274.asp?cp1=1
To provide you with a sense of what the interview was about, we've condensed part of the article into a vignette. We also provide a direct quote:
a) A Vignette:
On 9/12, President Bush held a cabinet meeting. When asked about the backlash on Arab Ams., Bush pointed to Mineta and said "We don't want to have happen today (to minority Ams.) what happened to Norm Mineta's family."
Would President Roosevelt have signed the Executive Order to intern Japanese Am. during WWII, had there been a Japanese American cabinet member at the time? If your answer is, "Who knows. It might have stopped it," then we begin to see the significance of getting APAs appointed to cabinet positions!
80-20 made a unique historic contribution to realize those appointments. Support 80-20 to act proactively for you & your children. Be a member today.
b) An Excerpt:
Newsweek: Could what happened to your family happen again?
Mineta: The possibility is always there, and that's why we have to be vigilant. We don't have to be vigilantes, but vigilant so that what happened to a group of Americans back in the 1940s does not happen again. There was a recent Gallup poll indicating that close to 50 percent of people felt that Arab-Americans should carry special ID."
To "be vigilant," 80-20 needs a war chest. Please be a member or a Life or Honorary Life member. Help 80-20 grow. Help it today!
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
You can sign up using a credit card. Visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html
OR pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Thank you.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Wednesday, October 31, 2001
You can help 80-20 grow
You are known to us as a pillar of strength for the welfare of our community. If you think 80-20 has done a good job, this is the time you must step up and help 80-20 grow. A person like you sets examples for others, including your family & friends.
Within one year, 80-20's current Steering Comm. will be replaced by a Board of Directors and its officers, all to be elected. Only dues-paying members may zvote/ run for office*.
There are six types of memberships:
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1,000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Here is a summary of why 80-20 needs your support:
80-20 is:
Public-minded,
(all Steering Committee members work for free),
Cealn,
(its finances were cleared by the most stringent audit),
Effective,
(delivered a bloc vote to Gore and induced Pres. Bush to make the
historic appointment of two APAs to his cabinet ) and
Politically astute.
(80-20 knows that a swing bloc vote will win political clout for you.)
You can become a member today, using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Specify on your check: your city, state, zip code & e-mail address (1 for single membership; 2, if possible, for family membership). You must be a citizen or permanent resident. Donations to 80-20 are NOT tax deductible. Due to gov. regulations, if your check is for more than $200.00, please include your occupation and employer. All non-life memberships will last till 12/31/02.
Help a good organization like the 80-20 grow. Help 80-20 work for you & your children. Do your share. Become a member today!
Better yet, be a Life or Honorary Life member. If you choose either, please let S.B. know by replying to this e-mail. We want this good news immediately, with which to motivate others! Please be generous.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
*All other APAs will still receive our free e-mail newsletter.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Within one year, 80-20's current Steering Comm. will be replaced by a Board of Directors and its officers, all to be elected. Only dues-paying members may zvote/ run for office*.
There are six types of memberships:
1. Basic (1 vote) -- $35
2. Family (for couples only, 2 votes) -- $50
3. Life** -- $1,000
4. Family life** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $1,500
5. Honorary Life** -- $5,000
6. Honorary Family** (couples only, 2 votes) -- $10,000
** Membership names in prominent display on 80-20's web site.
Here is a summary of why 80-20 needs your support:
80-20 is:
(all Steering Committee members work for free),
Cealn,
(its finances were cleared by the most stringent audit),
Effective,
(delivered a bloc vote to Gore and induced Pres. Bush to make the
historic appointment of two APAs to his cabinet ) and
Politically astute.
(80-20 knows that a swing bloc vote will win political clout for you.)
You can become a member today, using a credit card, visit
http://www.80-20initiative.net/membership.html,
or pay with a check, payable to 80-20 PAC, and mail to:
Professor Chun Wa Wong
3780 Keystone Ave.
Suite 106
Los Angeles, CA 90034-6363
Specify on your check: your city, state, zip code & e-mail address (1 for single membership; 2, if possible, for family membership). You must be a citizen or permanent resident. Donations to 80-20 are NOT tax deductible. Due to gov. regulations, if your check is for more than $200.00, please include your occupation and employer. All non-life memberships will last till 12/31/02.
Help a good organization like the 80-20 grow. Help 80-20 work for you & your children. Do your share. Become a member today!
Better yet, be a Life or Honorary Life member. If you choose either, please let S.B. know by replying to this e-mail. We want this good news immediately, with which to motivate others! Please be generous.
- - - Paid for by 80-20 PAC, Incorporated - - -
*All other APAs will still receive our free e-mail newsletter.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, October 22, 2001
Great News to Serve You Better
To serve you better, 80-20's Steering Committee has adopted policies that will make 80-20 an organization that is ruled by its own bylaws, democratic and transparent, all within one year.
Such changes are normally not easy to come by without external pressure. That 80-20's leadership volunteered to take on such a sea change is a measure of its dedication to serve you.. It is great news for you and your children.
Within one year, 80-20 will be:
Please read the following press release describing key decisions made by 80-20's Steering Comm. in its meeting in Washington D.C. on 10/20-21. Be sure to read at least its first paragraph. If you want more details, visit our web site. Or you can wait; important details will be e-mailed to you in the next few days.
For Immediate Release
Contact Person: S. B. Woo (302 366-0259)
80-20's Steering Committee concluded a meeting, held in Washington D.C. on October 20 and 21. Its major decisions include (1) the institutionalization of 80-20, (2) exploring ways to unseat elected officials who unfairly attack the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, (3) establishing an endowment of at least $5 million, and (4) adding 2 members to the Steering Committee.
Peter Suzuki, Chair of the Bylaws Committee and former national President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) said: "Our bylaws aim to make the 80-20 Initiative an organization that is ruled by law, democratic and transparent. Here is how democratic the organization will be. Within one year, the initial Steering Committee will be replaced by nationally elected officers and a board of directors. What is more, every elected position is term limited and is required to have at least two candidates. The last requirement is extra-ordinary because it makes every election truly competitive."
He also said, "To make our organization transparent, the criteria and procedure of 80-20's endorsement process for the next president of the US is spelled out in detail in Article 7 in our bylaws." A copy of the said bylaws is available at www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
S. B. Woo, a Steering Committee member and former Lt. Governor of Delaware (1985-89) said, "It's a gigantic advance in the political maturity of the APA community, when our Steering Committee approved exploring ways to unseat politicians who denigrate our community for political expediency.
Sometimes that is the only way to pass an effective message to politicians. 80-20 shall be extremely judicious. We will not exercise such a severe form of censure unless the politician deserves it and that we have a reasonable chance to unseat him/her. In the 2002 election, many congressional districts have 20% or more APA constituents. That fact makes 80-20's newly adopted strategy viable."
The Steering Committee also approved preparation to drive for a $5 million endowment fund. Larry Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor of Applied Mathematics said, "80-20 has a tough job. First, it serves a community that is very diverse in cultural and ethnic background. Secondly, it operates in the rough-and-tumble world of politics where vicious attacks and rumors are commonplace. These are disruptive forces that 80-20 must handle daily. A significant endowment will help stabilize 80-20. I hope the well-to-do folks in our community will have the wisdom to step forward to fulfill this need."
Jenny Yang of Houston, TX and Shaie-Mei Temple of New Orleans, LA were elected Steering Committee members. Jenny Yang was a recipient of 80-20's "Great Doer Award." Shaie-Mei Temple was a delegate to 80-20's Endorsement Convention of last year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Such changes are normally not easy to come by without external pressure. That 80-20's leadership volunteered to take on such a sea change is a measure of its dedication to serve you.. It is great news for you and your children.
Within one year, 80-20 will be:
having leaders who will be more representative (owing to elections) and more dedicated (owing to bylaws that require performance of duties by elected directors and officers or face forced resignation or impeachment),- financially stronger with a stable income from membership dues,
- politically stronger, because of the above factors, and
- therefore, in a better position to win equal opportunity and justice for you.
Please read the following press release describing key decisions made by 80-20's Steering Comm. in its meeting in Washington D.C. on 10/20-21. Be sure to read at least its first paragraph. If you want more details, visit our web site. Or you can wait; important details will be e-mailed to you in the next few days.
For Immediate Release
Contact Person: S. B. Woo (302 366-0259)
80-20's Steering Committee concluded a meeting, held in Washington D.C. on October 20 and 21. Its major decisions include (1) the institutionalization of 80-20, (2) exploring ways to unseat elected officials who unfairly attack the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, (3) establishing an endowment of at least $5 million, and (4) adding 2 members to the Steering Committee.
Peter Suzuki, Chair of the Bylaws Committee and former national President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) said: "Our bylaws aim to make the 80-20 Initiative an organization that is ruled by law, democratic and transparent. Here is how democratic the organization will be. Within one year, the initial Steering Committee will be replaced by nationally elected officers and a board of directors. What is more, every elected position is term limited and is required to have at least two candidates. The last requirement is extra-ordinary because it makes every election truly competitive."
He also said, "To make our organization transparent, the criteria and procedure of 80-20's endorsement process for the next president of the US is spelled out in detail in Article 7 in our bylaws." A copy of the said bylaws is available at www.80-20initiative.net/bylaw.html .
S. B. Woo, a Steering Committee member and former Lt. Governor of Delaware (1985-89) said, "It's a gigantic advance in the political maturity of the APA community, when our Steering Committee approved exploring ways to unseat politicians who denigrate our community for political expediency.
Sometimes that is the only way to pass an effective message to politicians. 80-20 shall be extremely judicious. We will not exercise such a severe form of censure unless the politician deserves it and that we have a reasonable chance to unseat him/her. In the 2002 election, many congressional districts have 20% or more APA constituents. That fact makes 80-20's newly adopted strategy viable."
The Steering Committee also approved preparation to drive for a $5 million endowment fund. Larry Ho, 80-20's Treasurer and a Harvard professor of Applied Mathematics said, "80-20 has a tough job. First, it serves a community that is very diverse in cultural and ethnic background. Secondly, it operates in the rough-and-tumble world of politics where vicious attacks and rumors are commonplace. These are disruptive forces that 80-20 must handle daily. A significant endowment will help stabilize 80-20. I hope the well-to-do folks in our community will have the wisdom to step forward to fulfill this need."
Jenny Yang of Houston, TX and Shaie-Mei Temple of New Orleans, LA were elected Steering Committee members. Jenny Yang was a recipient of 80-20's "Great Doer Award." Shaie-Mei Temple was a delegate to 80-20's Endorsement Convention of last year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Friday, October 19, 2001
80-20 Honors Two Great Doers
On October 20, 2001, 80-20 will honor two great doers of the Asian Pacific American community with a banquet in Washington, D.C. They are Jenny Yang of Houston, Texas, and David Chu, who is an expatriate living in Switzerland. They will be presented with the Great Doer Award, a diamond-shaped crystal pillar symbolizing their illustrious quality.
Jenny Yang, wife and mother of two, is an executive in an oil company. She has always set aside time to serve our community, often volunteering for the toughest tasks.
In 2000, she spearheaded the Houston drive for 10,000 signatures to petition then-candidate Bush to commit to 80-20’s 4-point Declaration. In a city with an estimated Asian Am. population of 80,000, that is a Herculean task. She and her friends gathered signatures in shopping malls in countless weekends, rain or shine. Those 10,000 signatures from Houston helped launch 80-20 as a grass-roots organization.
This year, Jenny spearheaded 80-20’s flag project in Houston. She and her co-workers planted 1000 flags in the walkways of Chinatown on July 4. Weeks in advance, they walked Houston's Chinatown asking shop owners to display flags. During that process, they learned that many shops have brick fronts for which the installation of a flag holder would be very difficult, and immediately alerted the National 80-20 to adjust its strategy in the "Flag Campaign." That timely advice contributed to 80-20’s successful flag campaign in Boston, NY, Fremont, Washington, D.C., Oakland, Cleveland, LA, etc.
David Chu, husband and father of three, is an executive in global technology management. He has been active in the Asian American equal rights movement since 1972. Whenever inequities perpetrated by the mainstream media appeared, David wrote to the editor and normally got his view published.
Since learning about 80-20 last year, David has participated in LA80-20 chapter, when he is visiting US. He has written essays promoting 80-20's ideals and goals, essays that were widely read and having deep impact on their readers.
One of those essays sprang from his intensely personal tragedy. On August 28, 2000, David's son Jamie was killed in a car accident. While waiting outside the hospital room of his seriously injured wife, David wrote a three-part article in remembrance of Jamie's life as an Asian American boy growing up in the United States. He wrote about Jamie’s joy and privileges as an American, as well as Jamie’s frustrations when he was discriminated against in school. Those articles inspired his readers to work harder for the Asian Am. community, particularly our children. David also wanted something meaningful to remember Jamie by. He and his friends raised more than $20,000 to set up a Jamie Chu Memorial Fund in care of 80-20, to be used to fund community outreach and in particular youth outreach.
David Chu and Jenny Yang are doers, not talkers. They are first in battle, last to accept credit. They enrich our community by setting personal examples.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Jenny Yang, wife and mother of two, is an executive in an oil company. She has always set aside time to serve our community, often volunteering for the toughest tasks.
In 2000, she spearheaded the Houston drive for 10,000 signatures to petition then-candidate Bush to commit to 80-20’s 4-point Declaration. In a city with an estimated Asian Am. population of 80,000, that is a Herculean task. She and her friends gathered signatures in shopping malls in countless weekends, rain or shine. Those 10,000 signatures from Houston helped launch 80-20 as a grass-roots organization.
This year, Jenny spearheaded 80-20’s flag project in Houston. She and her co-workers planted 1000 flags in the walkways of Chinatown on July 4. Weeks in advance, they walked Houston's Chinatown asking shop owners to display flags. During that process, they learned that many shops have brick fronts for which the installation of a flag holder would be very difficult, and immediately alerted the National 80-20 to adjust its strategy in the "Flag Campaign." That timely advice contributed to 80-20’s successful flag campaign in Boston, NY, Fremont, Washington, D.C., Oakland, Cleveland, LA, etc.
David Chu, husband and father of three, is an executive in global technology management. He has been active in the Asian American equal rights movement since 1972. Whenever inequities perpetrated by the mainstream media appeared, David wrote to the editor and normally got his view published.
Since learning about 80-20 last year, David has participated in LA80-20 chapter, when he is visiting US. He has written essays promoting 80-20's ideals and goals, essays that were widely read and having deep impact on their readers.
One of those essays sprang from his intensely personal tragedy. On August 28, 2000, David's son Jamie was killed in a car accident. While waiting outside the hospital room of his seriously injured wife, David wrote a three-part article in remembrance of Jamie's life as an Asian American boy growing up in the United States. He wrote about Jamie’s joy and privileges as an American, as well as Jamie’s frustrations when he was discriminated against in school. Those articles inspired his readers to work harder for the Asian Am. community, particularly our children. David also wanted something meaningful to remember Jamie by. He and his friends raised more than $20,000 to set up a Jamie Chu Memorial Fund in care of 80-20, to be used to fund community outreach and in particular youth outreach.
David Chu and Jenny Yang are doers, not talkers. They are first in battle, last to accept credit. They enrich our community by setting personal examples.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Thursday, October 04, 2001
80-20 Going To Bat For You
"Communication is power." That point was vividly made by 80-20's last e-mail, entitled "Heroism & Fear Related to 9/11." Besides sending the message to you, 80-20 also sent it to 50 prominent mainstream reporters -- a rare 80-20 practice. 80-20's purposes were:
(1) To spread words about Zhe Zeng's heroic act to the community at large. Up till that time, the mainstream media had NOT reported on how heroically Zeng has volunteered his service to his new found nation, and
(2) To remind the mainstream media that not only Arab Ams. but also Asian Ams. live under the FEAR of unjustified internment, as befell Japanese Ams.
Both aims were achieved. 80-20 is proud to report to you below, how it went to bat for you and your children and made things happen.
(A) On Zhe Zeng's heroic and selfless act:
Yesterday, Jane Leung Larson who saw 80-20's e-mail to reporters, e-mailed 80-20: "... I talked to Zeng's manager at the bank who said that several mainstream journalists had contacted her recently. ... Maybe thanks to you, we'll see the story in more media."
Today (10/3), the NY Times covered Mr. Zeng's heroic act, with a picture of him:
“ZHE ZENG
Completely Selfless Person'
Zhe Zeng was safe. The first plane struck the north tower as he was leaving the Brooklyn Bridge subway stop, and he could have stayed in his Barclay Street office, blocks away from the carnage, at the Bank of New York, where he was project manager for American depositary receipts.
But Mr. Zeng, 29, who was known as Zack, was also a certified emergency medical technician, and after stopping by his office for some supplies, he plunged into the maelstrom of dust and ash. A news video broadcast later that day showed him working, still in his business suit, over a prostrate form. But he has not been seen since.
"It didn't surprise anybody who knew him," said Peggy Farrell, his supervisor. "He was a completely selfless person. He was just someone who would automatically volunteer his assistance. To me it was a truly heroic display.""
What a moving story to illustrate APA patriotism! We trust a few more, maybe many more, mainstream media will use the story.
Some 80-20 supporters, moved by Mr. Zeng's sacrifice, e-mailed 80-20 asking how to send money to his mother. If you want to make a contribution, please e-mail us for her address.
(B) On Preventing Future Internment:
80-20's e-mail to journalists asked reporters to research the Korematsu Decision of the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of interning Japanese Americans purely on account of their race. That Decision has never been reversed and provides a precedent for the future internment of other politically weak minorities such as Arab Ams. and APAs, not to mention permanent residents, immigrants and tourists.
Many articles has since appeared in the mainstream press. Almost all criticized the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and mentioned explicitly the Korematsu Decision, either coincidentally or owing to 80-20's suggestion.
80-20 is exploring the possibility of spending its political capital to get either the Executive or the Legislative or the Judiciary branch, or combinations of the above, to take an action whereupon no ethnic group of US citizens may ever again be placed in internment as a group. Individuals who are proven disloyal to the US may of course be interned. If you are a legal or political expert and know what kind of action is needed, please e-mail sbw@udel.edu. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a SWING bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
(1) To spread words about Zhe Zeng's heroic act to the community at large. Up till that time, the mainstream media had NOT reported on how heroically Zeng has volunteered his service to his new found nation, and
(2) To remind the mainstream media that not only Arab Ams. but also Asian Ams. live under the FEAR of unjustified internment, as befell Japanese Ams.
Both aims were achieved. 80-20 is proud to report to you below, how it went to bat for you and your children and made things happen.
(A) On Zhe Zeng's heroic and selfless act:
Yesterday, Jane Leung Larson who saw 80-20's e-mail to reporters, e-mailed 80-20: "... I talked to Zeng's manager at the bank who said that several mainstream journalists had contacted her recently. ... Maybe thanks to you, we'll see the story in more media."
Today (10/3), the NY Times covered Mr. Zeng's heroic act, with a picture of him:
“ZHE ZENG
Completely Selfless Person'
Zhe Zeng was safe. The first plane struck the north tower as he was leaving the Brooklyn Bridge subway stop, and he could have stayed in his Barclay Street office, blocks away from the carnage, at the Bank of New York, where he was project manager for American depositary receipts.
But Mr. Zeng, 29, who was known as Zack, was also a certified emergency medical technician, and after stopping by his office for some supplies, he plunged into the maelstrom of dust and ash. A news video broadcast later that day showed him working, still in his business suit, over a prostrate form. But he has not been seen since.
"It didn't surprise anybody who knew him," said Peggy Farrell, his supervisor. "He was a completely selfless person. He was just someone who would automatically volunteer his assistance. To me it was a truly heroic display.""
What a moving story to illustrate APA patriotism! We trust a few more, maybe many more, mainstream media will use the story.
Some 80-20 supporters, moved by Mr. Zeng's sacrifice, e-mailed 80-20 asking how to send money to his mother. If you want to make a contribution, please e-mail us for her address.
(B) On Preventing Future Internment:
80-20's e-mail to journalists asked reporters to research the Korematsu Decision of the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of interning Japanese Americans purely on account of their race. That Decision has never been reversed and provides a precedent for the future internment of other politically weak minorities such as Arab Ams. and APAs, not to mention permanent residents, immigrants and tourists.
Many articles has since appeared in the mainstream press. Almost all criticized the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and mentioned explicitly the Korematsu Decision, either coincidentally or owing to 80-20's suggestion.
80-20 is exploring the possibility of spending its political capital to get either the Executive or the Legislative or the Judiciary branch, or combinations of the above, to take an action whereupon no ethnic group of US citizens may ever again be placed in internment as a group. Individuals who are proven disloyal to the US may of course be interned. If you are a legal or political expert and know what kind of action is needed, please e-mail sbw@udel.edu. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a SWING bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
Heroism & Fear Related to 9/11
80-20's e-mail line located in WTC was cut since 9/11.
(A) Heroic Act of an APA on 9/11
Right after the first AA Airline plane hit the WTC, Zhe Zeng, who works at Bank of New York on Wall Street, called his mother and said "I'm okay. It's chaotic outside. I'm going to help other people." and he hanged up the phone. Zhe has never been heard from since. A few days later, one of his friends saw Zhe in the Fox News' TV coverage of the rescue efforts around WTC just before the buildings
collapsed.
Zhe is 29 year old and got his MBA from the University of Rochester. Zhe came from Quanzhou to New York with his parents when he was 15 years old. He was a trained and certified rescue worker. While at Styvesant High in lower Manhattan, he was a honor student and was always willing to help the other students specially in math. He was so well liked such that the landlord where his family lived even lowered the rent in order to lighten his family's burden.
Zhe's mother, a former schoolteacher in China, said "Since we have immigrated to America, we have to think this land as our country. I always taught young people to serve their society and its people. I may have lost Zhe, but I'm very proud of what he did. I hope mainstream America will understand that there are Chinese Americans who are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to help others. Now I only want to find out what happened to Zhe. I pray that there would not be war, because more innocent people will be killed"
[The above was reported in The World Journal and translated by Charlie Sie, an 80-20 supporter and member of C-100. See article
(Chinese Big 5 format) ]
(B) Fear -- 1/3 of New Yorkers Support Internment
Camps
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- One third of New Yorkers favor establishing internment
camps for "individuals who authorities identify as being sympathetic to terrorist causes," according to a poll from the Siena College Research Institute.
Fifty percent of those surveyed for the statewide poll said they were
opposed to that idea while 15 percent had no opinion.
Internment camps have been controversial since World War II when the United States ordered thousands of Japanese-Americans into such facilities.
Douglas Lonnstrom, director of the research institute, said that given that World War II experience he found it "startling" that 34 percent of those polled supported the creation of new internment camps.
Lonnstrom said he didn't know if those questioned equated the phrase "sympathetic to terrorist causes" to Arab-Americans.
Thursday, September 13, 2001
Doing Our Share
America is under attack. Wounded fellow Americans need blood.
80-20 urges all its supporters to roll up our sleeve, do our share and donate blood!
There are three things you may want to know before giving blood:
1) Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 1-800-448-3543 to find out where to go,
2) You must be 17 or older, and weigh over 110 lb.
We demand equal rights. Therefore we must share equal burden. Many of us are displaying a flag at half staff. Some are wearing a black arm-band.
Above all, please do your share to donate blood. There may be long lines of people donating blood out there. However, if our fellow citizens can wait, then we can wait to do our share.
**********************
Emergency appeal: 80-20's T1 line for sending e-mails to you routed through the World Trade Center and was therefore cut off. Any one who can help provide 80-20 with a broad band communicate line, temporarily or permanently, please contact sbw@udel.edu with a copy to szhang@udel.edu so that we may recover our ability to communicate with our vast number of supporters. Right now we are only communicating with 1/20 of our supporters, with difficulties. 80- 20 will pay the necessary fees. Please help. *****************
Wednesday, September 05, 2001
Evidence of Our Growing Political Clout
The seeds that you helped sow through 80-20 are flowering.
Politicians, nationally and in cities, counties and states with a large APA population, have gotten the message. The message is this: APAs have demonstrated the ability to organize a bloc vote, therefore we had better given them what is due. They reason: If APAs can organize a national bloc vote in 2000, after just a two-year effort, then APAs will know how to organize a bloc vote locally, sooner than later. They are now showing us respect -- not as much as we deserve, but the rest will come.
Nationally, it started with President Bush. His appointments
of APAs were significant and in record numbers. He is not
asking us for inputs regarding his appointments yet, but that will come.
State-wide, recent development pushed the envelope of our political
clout. Modeled after the success of the National 80-20, our New Jersey
chapter did an endorsement meeting to choose a gubernatorial candidate.
Just like the National, its has 33 endorsement-delegates, composed of equal
numbers of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
The gubernatorial candidates from both major parties attended the meeting. According to Dr. Steven Ko, Chair of 80-20NJ, "Such a meeting with Asian Americans has never happened before in New Jersey." It probably has not happened in other states either, not even California.
Each gubernatorial candidate made a pitch to be endorsed, gave promises and answered questions for one hour. Mayor James McGreevey won the endorsement. Who will win the election is not important. APAs in NJ will win enhanced attention and respect, provided that 80-20NJ delivers in votes &/or $$$ &/or volunteers.
At the city level, 80-20's Los Angeles chapter endorsed a candidate for LA mayoral, after an endorsement meeting that both top candidates attended. The LA chapter endorsed James Hahn, who won.
After the election, Hahn appointed 9 deputy mayors, three of whom were Asian Americans. Again, Hahn didn't seek input from 80-20LA regarding his appointments. However, as was said before, in time that will come.
Soon the politicians will realize that seeking our input creates a win-win. Appointing APAs who don't identify with our community at heart and who have never gone to bat for our community will not win votes for the politician who make such appointments. 80-20 will recommend those who actually identify with us. Just watch, it's only a matter of time.
Unity is power. Events have demonstrated it.
The mainstream media is agreeing with us. Hardly a month goes by, without a big mainstream media mentioning 80-20. In the last few months, it was Newsweek, LA Times, NY Times, Boston Globe, etc. This month, it was Business Week Magazine. An article entitled "Pols Are Salivating Over Asian Americans" was published in its Sept. 10, 2001 issue, pp 42-43. In the contents page, the same article was referred to as "A Minority's Newfound Clout -- Courting As. Am. Votes."
You are a vital part of 80-20. Together we are making history.
Visit www.80-20initiative.net. We have a user friendly "Job Search Database" page for you. It is produced in association with with IMDiversity.com's Asian-American Village Online.
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20 who better represents the interest of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net.
Politicians, nationally and in cities, counties and states with a large APA population, have gotten the message. The message is this: APAs have demonstrated the ability to organize a bloc vote, therefore we had better given them what is due. They reason: If APAs can organize a national bloc vote in 2000, after just a two-year effort, then APAs will know how to organize a bloc vote locally, sooner than later. They are now showing us respect -- not as much as we deserve, but the rest will come.
Nationally, it started with President Bush. His appointments
of APAs were significant and in record numbers. He is not
asking us for inputs regarding his appointments yet, but that will come.
State-wide, recent development pushed the envelope of our political
clout. Modeled after the success of the National 80-20, our New Jersey
chapter did an endorsement meeting to choose a gubernatorial candidate.
Just like the National, its has 33 endorsement-delegates, composed of equal
numbers of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
The gubernatorial candidates from both major parties attended the meeting. According to Dr. Steven Ko, Chair of 80-20NJ, "Such a meeting with Asian Americans has never happened before in New Jersey." It probably has not happened in other states either, not even California.
Each gubernatorial candidate made a pitch to be endorsed, gave promises and answered questions for one hour. Mayor James McGreevey won the endorsement. Who will win the election is not important. APAs in NJ will win enhanced attention and respect, provided that 80-20NJ delivers in votes &/or $$$ &/or volunteers.
At the city level, 80-20's Los Angeles chapter endorsed a candidate for LA mayoral, after an endorsement meeting that both top candidates attended. The LA chapter endorsed James Hahn, who won.
After the election, Hahn appointed 9 deputy mayors, three of whom were Asian Americans. Again, Hahn didn't seek input from 80-20LA regarding his appointments. However, as was said before, in time that will come.
Soon the politicians will realize that seeking our input creates a win-win. Appointing APAs who don't identify with our community at heart and who have never gone to bat for our community will not win votes for the politician who make such appointments. 80-20 will recommend those who actually identify with us. Just watch, it's only a matter of time.
Unity is power. Events have demonstrated it.
The mainstream media is agreeing with us. Hardly a month goes by, without a big mainstream media mentioning 80-20. In the last few months, it was Newsweek, LA Times, NY Times, Boston Globe, etc. This month, it was Business Week Magazine. An article entitled "Pols Are Salivating Over Asian Americans" was published in its Sept. 10, 2001 issue, pp 42-43. In the contents page, the same article was referred to as "A Minority's Newfound Clout -- Courting As. Am. Votes."
You are a vital part of 80-20. Together we are making history.
Visit www.80-20initiative.net. We have a user friendly "Job Search Database" page for you. It is produced in association with with IMDiversity.com's Asian-American Village Online.
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote, ideally directing 80% of our community's votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20 who better represents the interest of all APAs. Hence, the name "80-20" was created. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net.
Thursday, July 12, 2001
A New Affiliate/Improving Odds for AsAm Candidates
(1) Good news: 80-20 adds a new Affiliate to its family of Affiliates in SF. The new member is The Vietnamese-Cambodian-Loatian Association of Ethnic Chinese, VCL Assoc. The others are Citizens for Better Community (CBC) of Fremont, Chinese Am. Political Assoc. of N. California, and Silicon Valley Voter Education Service Center. These Affiliates exhibited superb leadership in 80-20's recent flag-project, for which 80-20 is most grateful
(2) A Proposal: 80-20 was asked by leaders in SF, LA and NYC to submit a proposal to the APA community to improving the chance of victory for APA candidates running a big cities.
Unless you live in a big city and are intimately involved with supporting APA candidates, its contents may not be of high interest to you.
- - - - - - - - -
Subject: A Proposal To Improve The Chance Of Victory For APA Candidates Running In Big Cities In cities like Houston, NY, LA and SF, the probability of having two or more significant APA political candidates competing against each others (e.g. City council or a party primary) has increased greatly, owing to our growing population. Often the multi-candidate situation resulted in a defeat for all APA candidates, while a single APA candidate could have won the election.
80-20 believes that such unfortunate situations should be avoided. Our numbers are small. Our strength lies in our unity. Hence, 80-20's Steering Committee resolves to recommend the following proposal to the APA community, although 80-20 itself does not intend to get involved in local elections.
Whenever two or more significant APA candidates compete for the same position, our community may want to mediate so that there will be one APA candidate only. Failing to mediate, an equitable way should be found so that a straw vote will be held within the APA community to advise the competing candidates. The one who loses the straw vote by a large margin must drop out or be ostracized by the community in his/her future races. If the straw vote is close and one of the candidate is willing to withdraw, then varying amount of future help should be committed by the community to the withdrawing candidate.
Stating a general principle is easy, the devil is in details. Questions such as 1) who may participate in the straw vote, and 2) what represents "a large margin," 3) what is "a close vote," 4) How good is the commitment for the future help, are hard to define and must be agreed upon, before a straw vote is held.
One way that some of above questions can be settled is for the relevant local community to first hold a "Unity Fundraiser" whose net intake should be at least 25% of the expected cost of the relevant race or $500,000 whichever is the smaller. That is, if a race is expected to cost one million dollars, the Unity Fundraiser should raise at least $250,000. If the race is expected to cost 6 million, the unity-fundraiser should deliver at least $500,000.
A fundraising committee composed of committed supporters of all significant candidates, and uncommitted "movers and shakers" should be formed first. Checks are written and signed, but the "payable to" is not filled out. The voting power of participants is decided by the dollar figure in their checks. Winner of the straw vote takes all the money. That way all relevant significant candidates are likely to encourage their supporters to participate in the fundraiser and are likely to respect the result of the straw vote.
The larger the total dollar figure of the fundraiser, the larger the collective clout of the organizers of the "Unity Fundraiser. A straw vote is not guaranteed to get the losing candidate to bow out. However, it is almost guaranteed to rally support for the winner of the straw vote. That candidate will be at least $500,000 or 25% ahead in the war chest on day one. The other candidate(s) will in effect be forced to drop out.
Note that the method does not favor the rich. An activist who is not financially wealthy could go out and collect 100 checks of $100 each thereby earning the equivalent voting power of $10,000. A billionaire does not dictate the straw vote. The maximum contribution by a participant in the straw vote must be the same as the maximum set by the state law.
The Unity Fundraiser is not a perfect device to break impasses between APA candidates. However, it is overall a win-win policy. The candidates will win for two reasons. The candidate winning the Unity Fundraiser will 1) have a united community behind her/him, and 2) getting a large sum of "early seed money," critical for election victory. Even the losing candidate wins. He/she may get early commitment from the community for his/her next race. The community wins. It captures political seats that it otherwise may not.
The 80-20 National will not participate in local elections or its straw votes for two main reasons. First, all politics is local. 80-20's National normally does not know enough about local politics. Secondly, participating in local elections may damage 80-20's effectiveness in uniting the APA community during the presidential election.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
(2) A Proposal: 80-20 was asked by leaders in SF, LA and NYC to submit a proposal to the APA community to improving the chance of victory for APA candidates running a big cities.
Unless you live in a big city and are intimately involved with supporting APA candidates, its contents may not be of high interest to you.
- - - - - - - - -
Subject: A Proposal To Improve The Chance Of Victory For APA Candidates Running In Big Cities In cities like Houston, NY, LA and SF, the probability of having two or more significant APA political candidates competing against each others (e.g. City council or a party primary) has increased greatly, owing to our growing population. Often the multi-candidate situation resulted in a defeat for all APA candidates, while a single APA candidate could have won the election.
80-20 believes that such unfortunate situations should be avoided. Our numbers are small. Our strength lies in our unity. Hence, 80-20's Steering Committee resolves to recommend the following proposal to the APA community, although 80-20 itself does not intend to get involved in local elections.
Whenever two or more significant APA candidates compete for the same position, our community may want to mediate so that there will be one APA candidate only. Failing to mediate, an equitable way should be found so that a straw vote will be held within the APA community to advise the competing candidates. The one who loses the straw vote by a large margin must drop out or be ostracized by the community in his/her future races. If the straw vote is close and one of the candidate is willing to withdraw, then varying amount of future help should be committed by the community to the withdrawing candidate.
Stating a general principle is easy, the devil is in details. Questions such as 1) who may participate in the straw vote, and 2) what represents "a large margin," 3) what is "a close vote," 4) How good is the commitment for the future help, are hard to define and must be agreed upon, before a straw vote is held.
One way that some of above questions can be settled is for the relevant local community to first hold a "Unity Fundraiser" whose net intake should be at least 25% of the expected cost of the relevant race or $500,000 whichever is the smaller. That is, if a race is expected to cost one million dollars, the Unity Fundraiser should raise at least $250,000. If the race is expected to cost 6 million, the unity-fundraiser should deliver at least $500,000.
A fundraising committee composed of committed supporters of all significant candidates, and uncommitted "movers and shakers" should be formed first. Checks are written and signed, but the "payable to" is not filled out. The voting power of participants is decided by the dollar figure in their checks. Winner of the straw vote takes all the money. That way all relevant significant candidates are likely to encourage their supporters to participate in the fundraiser and are likely to respect the result of the straw vote.
The larger the total dollar figure of the fundraiser, the larger the collective clout of the organizers of the "Unity Fundraiser. A straw vote is not guaranteed to get the losing candidate to bow out. However, it is almost guaranteed to rally support for the winner of the straw vote. That candidate will be at least $500,000 or 25% ahead in the war chest on day one. The other candidate(s) will in effect be forced to drop out.
Note that the method does not favor the rich. An activist who is not financially wealthy could go out and collect 100 checks of $100 each thereby earning the equivalent voting power of $10,000. A billionaire does not dictate the straw vote. The maximum contribution by a participant in the straw vote must be the same as the maximum set by the state law.
The Unity Fundraiser is not a perfect device to break impasses between APA candidates. However, it is overall a win-win policy. The candidates will win for two reasons. The candidate winning the Unity Fundraiser will 1) have a united community behind her/him, and 2) getting a large sum of "early seed money," critical for election victory. Even the losing candidate wins. He/she may get early commitment from the community for his/her next race. The community wins. It captures political seats that it otherwise may not.
The 80-20 National will not participate in local elections or its straw votes for two main reasons. First, all politics is local. 80-20's National normally does not know enough about local politics. Secondly, participating in local elections may damage 80-20's effectiveness in uniting the APA community during the presidential election.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
Monday, July 09, 2001
A Giant First Step
Thanks to all of you, our FLAG project was a great success as a first try. It generated a lot of positive images for the APA community (See details below). It also won great accolades for 80-20.
The World Journal, the largest paper in the Ch-Am community, published an editorial on July 4th: "FLAG Project Effective .."
".... In the past, proposals from APA organizations rarely
induce visible response from the community. They seemed
like the "solo" performances of the elite. But this flag
project has excited our community. Buying flags, selling flags,
and giving away flags have become the fashion. ..."
What better proof is there that 80-20 is a unique grass-roots organization?
Sing Tao Daily, the second largest paper in the Ch-Am community, stated:
"... Asian Americans will become first-class citizens when the
mainstream stops doubting us. This FLAG project is just a
too lovely strategy."
Please visit www.80-20initiative.net for the editorials, pictures of our grass-roots enthusiasm in action and "seas of flags." Digitized video tapes will be available later. The URLs for the editorials are:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/WJ070401pA2.html (World Jrnl)
http://www.80-20initiative.net/ST070401pB2.html (Sing Tao)
In the rest of the e-mail, we list (1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media, (2) Locations with Significant FLAG Activities, (3) Episodes That Tightened My Throat, and (4) Areas Needing Improvement in the Future.
(1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media (those known to us):
NY Times
LA Times
Boston Globe
Plain Dealer, Ohio
Newsweek Magazine (Web version)
South China Morning Post, Hong Kong
ABC, Philadelphia
NBC, NY
KRON/NBC, SF
KCRA/NBC Sacramento
FOX TV, Houston
WOR TV, NY
Nat'l Public Radio, N. CA
2. MAJOR Locations where organizations participated (Individual homes with flags are not included in this list):
NYC, New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
Washington, D.C.
Phoenix, Arizona
Cleveland, Ohio
Boston & Wellesley, MA
Dallas and Houston, Texas
Finally, the Great State of California:
San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, Cupertino, Los
Angeles and Monterey Park
3. Episodes That Touched My Heart:
"Our day began with planting and flying flags in Chinatown area. 1000 small flags were planted along the esplanade (walkway) and 2' x 3' flags were hang between light poles in a shopping center. While we were working on it, some passers-by showed their support by honking or raising their thumbs. Some liked the flags so much that they either asked us for a flag or were willing to take a risk of having an accident and stop in the middle of the traffic while swiping a flag off from the esplanade."
- Jenny Yang, who spearheaded the Houston effort
"It was worth the blisters and sweat for Kitipot and me!"
- Pat and Kitipot Charnveja who helped plant the 100 flags.
"American Flags all over Boston's Chinatown!!!" - Perry Fong
"American flags in Chinatown are hung or taped to street lights, mailboxes, green and gold pagoda-topped red Verizon payphones -- literally anything that doesn't move." - wls
"To your colleagues & Mr. Woo,
Hats off to you,
Americans True,
For Sharing With Others,
Some Red White and Blue." - a poem from James Villa
"Lower Rancho, Acadia, CA. A flag in front of every lawn"
"We won the ‘MOST PATRIOTIC SPIRIT’ Award in the Fremont Parade."
- Garrett Yee, President, CBC
Title of Boston Globe's article on the FLAG Project:
"Embracing Independence"
Title of the Newsweek article:
"We Are Americans, Too"
Title of NY Times article:
"Independence Fete in Chinatown"
Will such coverage improve our image? You be the judge.
(3) A Long, Long Way to Go
Thus far we have pockets of "seas of flags" only. We must persist. We must have more non-Ch-Am organizations join us the next time. If we get so much good publicity this time, after just a 4-week campaign, image what we could get next time. In five to six years, our image will improve greatly.
Again, thank all of you so very much.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net [Visit our new "Discrimination Watch"]
The World Journal, the largest paper in the Ch-Am community, published an editorial on July 4th: "FLAG Project Effective .."
".... In the past, proposals from APA organizations rarely
induce visible response from the community. They seemed
like the "solo" performances of the elite. But this flag
project has excited our community. Buying flags, selling flags,
and giving away flags have become the fashion. ..."
What better proof is there that 80-20 is a unique grass-roots organization?
Sing Tao Daily, the second largest paper in the Ch-Am community, stated:
"... Asian Americans will become first-class citizens when the
mainstream stops doubting us. This FLAG project is just a
too lovely strategy."
Please visit www.80-20initiative.net for the editorials, pictures of our grass-roots enthusiasm in action and "seas of flags." Digitized video tapes will be available later. The URLs for the editorials are:
http://www.80-20initiative.net/WJ070401pA2.html (World Jrnl)
http://www.80-20initiative.net/ST070401pB2.html (Sing Tao)
In the rest of the e-mail, we list (1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media, (2) Locations with Significant FLAG Activities, (3) Episodes That Tightened My Throat, and (4) Areas Needing Improvement in the Future.
(1) Positive Coverage in Mainstream Media (those known to us):
NY Times
LA Times
Boston Globe
Plain Dealer, Ohio
Newsweek Magazine (Web version)
South China Morning Post, Hong Kong
ABC, Philadelphia
NBC, NY
KRON/NBC, SF
KCRA/NBC Sacramento
FOX TV, Houston
WOR TV, NY
Nat'l Public Radio, N. CA
2. MAJOR Locations where organizations participated (Individual homes with flags are not included in this list):
NYC, New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
Washington, D.C.
Phoenix, Arizona
Cleveland, Ohio
Boston & Wellesley, MA
Dallas and Houston, Texas
Finally, the Great State of California:
San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, Cupertino, Los
Angeles and Monterey Park
3. Episodes That Touched My Heart:
"Our day began with planting and flying flags in Chinatown area. 1000 small flags were planted along the esplanade (walkway) and 2' x 3' flags were hang between light poles in a shopping center. While we were working on it, some passers-by showed their support by honking or raising their thumbs. Some liked the flags so much that they either asked us for a flag or were willing to take a risk of having an accident and stop in the middle of the traffic while swiping a flag off from the esplanade."
- Jenny Yang, who spearheaded the Houston effort
"It was worth the blisters and sweat for Kitipot and me!"
- Pat and Kitipot Charnveja who helped plant the 100 flags.
"American Flags all over Boston's Chinatown!!!" - Perry Fong
"American flags in Chinatown are hung or taped to street lights, mailboxes, green and gold pagoda-topped red Verizon payphones -- literally anything that doesn't move." - wls
"To your colleagues & Mr. Woo,
Hats off to you,
Americans True,
For Sharing With Others,
Some Red White and Blue." - a poem from James Villa
"Lower Rancho, Acadia, CA. A flag in front of every lawn"
"We won the ‘MOST PATRIOTIC SPIRIT’ Award in the Fremont Parade."
- Garrett Yee, President, CBC
Title of Boston Globe's article on the FLAG Project:
"Embracing Independence"
Title of the Newsweek article:
"We Are Americans, Too"
Title of NY Times article:
"Independence Fete in Chinatown"
Will such coverage improve our image? You be the judge.
(3) A Long, Long Way to Go
Thus far we have pockets of "seas of flags" only. We must persist. We must have more non-Ch-Am organizations join us the next time. If we get so much good publicity this time, after just a 4-week campaign, image what we could get next time. In five to six years, our image will improve greatly.
Again, thank all of you so very much.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net [Visit our new "Discrimination Watch"]
Tuesday, July 03, 2001
Exciting News on the Flag Front
Many exciting things are happening on the flag front. It has substance and image; evidence of growing unity in the APA community, and with that growing political clout.
1. NEWSWEEK has an article on 80-20's flag project in its newest web issue.
Its title is "We are Americans too" -- exactly the message that 80-20 wants to pass to America. See www.newsweek.com and scroll down to "We're Americans Too."
2. ABC, Philadelphia will air the following in the evening on July 4th:
"In the taping was a Vietnamese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, and a South Pacific Islander, all in their home country attire and all holding an American flag."
Skip Voluntad, Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia.
The shoot will give just the substance and image we want. We are proud of our own heritage, and are loyal citizens of America.
3. An NBC affiliate, gave us 30 sec in San Francisco, and almost 3 minutes in San Diego, interviewing Tim Chen, one of two full-time 80-20 staff, featuring 80-20's flag project.
4. A Sea of Flags in Houston
80-20's Houston Chapter resolved to "plant 1000 small flags (8" x 12") in the esplanade (walkway) in part of Chinatown on July 4."
5. Republican Nat'l Comm Chair, James Gilmore stated:
Chairman Gilmore was in Silicon Valley, CA having a meeting with APA Republican leaders when he was asked by a reporter concerning 80-20's flag project. He stated that he supported it and thought the idea should spread to all other ethnic group and make it a national movement for a renewed patriotic move. John Tsu, an elder statesman in the APA Republican circle was also present. This was reported in the World Journal.
6. More Media Coverage:
Voice of Am., and Orange County Registry, having the nation's 26th largest circulation, contacted 80-20 to seek an interview regarding our flag project.
The World Journal gave Page A1 coverage to 80-20’s flag project.
7. Some "Returns" Are Already In
"Just to report: Drove past Chinatown in DC yesterday (7/1) and already, some of the flags are up. Good job!"
Myrna Watanabe, a resident of Connecticut who happened to drive past D.C.
Please e-mail 80-20 to tell us what you will have seen in your neighborhood on July 4th. We'll build on what we have, the fruits of a 4-week campaign only, to ensure that there will be seas of flags across the nation in areas identified with Asian Pacific Americans. It takes an image to replace and image. Together, we shall overcome.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
1. NEWSWEEK has an article on 80-20's flag project in its newest web issue.
Its title is "We are Americans too" -- exactly the message that 80-20 wants to pass to America. See www.newsweek.com and scroll down to "We're Americans Too."
2. ABC, Philadelphia will air the following in the evening on July 4th:
"In the taping was a Vietnamese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, and a South Pacific Islander, all in their home country attire and all holding an American flag."
Skip Voluntad, Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia.
The shoot will give just the substance and image we want. We are proud of our own heritage, and are loyal citizens of America.
3. An NBC affiliate, gave us 30 sec in San Francisco, and almost 3 minutes in San Diego, interviewing Tim Chen, one of two full-time 80-20 staff, featuring 80-20's flag project.
4. A Sea of Flags in Houston
80-20's Houston Chapter resolved to "plant 1000 small flags (8" x 12") in the esplanade (walkway) in part of Chinatown on July 4."
5. Republican Nat'l Comm Chair, James Gilmore stated:
Chairman Gilmore was in Silicon Valley, CA having a meeting with APA Republican leaders when he was asked by a reporter concerning 80-20's flag project. He stated that he supported it and thought the idea should spread to all other ethnic group and make it a national movement for a renewed patriotic move. John Tsu, an elder statesman in the APA Republican circle was also present. This was reported in the World Journal.
6. More Media Coverage:
Voice of Am., and Orange County Registry, having the nation's 26th largest circulation, contacted 80-20 to seek an interview regarding our flag project.
The World Journal gave Page A1 coverage to 80-20’s flag project.
7. Some "Returns" Are Already In
"Just to report: Drove past Chinatown in DC yesterday (7/1) and already, some of the flags are up. Good job!"
Myrna Watanabe, a resident of Connecticut who happened to drive past D.C.
Please e-mail 80-20 to tell us what you will have seen in your neighborhood on July 4th. We'll build on what we have, the fruits of a 4-week campaign only, to ensure that there will be seas of flags across the nation in areas identified with Asian Pacific Americans. It takes an image to replace and image. Together, we shall overcome.
* * * * * * * * * * *
80-20 is a national nonpartisan Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equality and justice for all Asian Pacific Americans through a swing bloc-vote. For more details, visit http://www.80-20initiative.net
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