An Asian American's view on politics
| by Heidi M. Pascual No one of note has ever asked me about what I think of the ongoing presidential primaries. Much as I wanted to be “visible” in this area, no one seems to count me in. As an Asian American, there’s no doubt in my mind that many like me are not really “counted,” except those Asian Americans who own big corporations or the moneyed folks who are able to contribute big chunks of their profits or “savings” to candidates’ campaign funds, or perhaps the few politically active Asian Americans who are truly able to send their chosen candidates to office. I hate to admit that there is a reason why Asian Americans are perceived this way. Most of us would rather remain quiet, be in the background, prefer not to stir or create anything that would make people label us “whiners” or controversial figures. Many of us just want to mind our own business and let others do or lead the stirring. Many of us are scared to change the status quo. And when things change — and they do — many of us piggyback on others’ efforts. Once and for all, I hope that ALL Asian Americans of voting age wake up from their deep slumber, divert a bit away from their undivided focus on searching for our American Dream (which, unfortunately, has largely been focused on securing our economic wealth), be intellectually informed of the issues being faced by ALL Americans and candidates’ stand on these issues, be analytical and discuss these with others, and go to the polls well prepared. I won’t endorse any politician to you, because to me, having worked in the Philippine legislature for more than 20 years, several months in the Office of President Corazon Aquino (who toppled the Marcos Regime in 1986), almost a year in the U.S. Congress, and having had that rare opportunity to be in the company of politicians during international conferences, I have had more than enough exposure to some politicians’ great oratorical skills, extraordinary stage presence, and the sad truths of poor performance and forgotten promises after elections are over. Politicians have always been under pressure to “give back” to those who really made a difference in their victory at the polls. This is precisely why, to me, a politician’s REAL/CONCRETE record of accomplishments is more important than how well he/she speaks, or how magnificent his/her resume is. Thus, we should prepare a table of comparison carefully filling it up with REAL/CONCRETE actions done or promises delivered on important issues relevant to our lives as Americans. We shouldn’t rely on reporters, especially of the mainstream media, who themselves try to shape public opinion about certain candidates. We should do our own research. In this day and age when information is readily available through our computer screens, go to official websites such as the U.S. Congress or Senate. Check out the voting record of your favorite or least liked candidates. You might be surprised to find out that on many very important issues, our favorites actually flipped flopped as many times as they said they didn’t! Don’t let the media dig information for you. As I always say to my close friends, “Talk is cheap,” and “You won’t really know a person’s character until you lived with him or her for many years.” But at least, a well-documented record of good work reflecting love and commitment to the people he/she serves is a good start. PS — It would be wonderful to change for the better, remove the real power from corporate biggies, and clean up and reorganize a flawed system that ideally would reflect how our mothers clean up and organize our homes ... and, most of the times ... our lives. |
