80-20 NAAPAC e-Newsletter No. 2019-09-04
- ICAS Polling IV: SURVEY SHOWS GSOMIA CANCELLATION WITH JAPAN A SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO SECURITY ARCHITECTURE OF THE US-SOUTH KOREA-JAPAN
- Filipinos organize to Get-Out-The-Count
- Latest News from AAUC – August 2019
ICAS Polling IV: SURVEY SHOWS GSOMIA CANCELLATION WITH JAPAN A SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO SECURITY ARCHITECTURE OF THE US-SOUTH KOREA-JAPAN
ICAS Polling IV
from Sang Joo Kim ICAS
SURVEY SHOWS GSOMIA CANCELLATION WITH JAPAN A SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO SECURITY ARCHITECTURE OF THE US-SOUTH KOREA-JAPAN US AND SOUTH KOREA WILL REMAIN CREDIBLE PARTNERS SOUTH KOREA UNABLE TO DEFEND AGAINST MILITARY THREATS AND UNPREPARED TO PAY POLITICAL PRICE
Washington, D.C. September 2, 2019 (ICAS) — A fourth new poll conducted by the Institute for Corean-American Studies (ICAS) continues to identify how the current state of the South Korea (SK)-Japan (JP) and the US-SK relationships as well as some of the Korean Peninsula issues are viewed.
Conducted to an ICAS audience on the Hill, the poll shows that 90% of the respondents do not believe that SK Government’s (SKG) cancelling the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the Government of JP (JPG) will benefit SK from the standpoint of (i) security vis-a-vis North Korea (NK), (ii) SK economy, (iii) the US-SK alliance, (iv) the SK-JP relations and (v) the national interests of SK. The poll also shows that more than 85% believe the cancellation of the GSOMIA will be detrimental to the trilateral security architecture of the US-SK-JP.
To the question of who will not benefit from terminating the GSOMIA, the poll shows SK (31%), JP (30%), US (28%), China (3%), Russia (3%), and NK (2%), respectively.
Despite the overwhelming negative implications arising from the cancelling the GSOMIA as above, more than 67% of the respondents believe SK and US would remain credible partners for the bilateral alliance. 67% believe that SK will not be able to defend itself against neighbours’ apparent military threats and only 9% of the respondents agree that SK is prepared to pay a political price for not being able to defend itself
The survey was conducted from August 22 to August 30, 2019 via email with a moderate credibility interval. Supplemental graphic data are available on www.icasinc.org/strategy.html
Inquiry to ICAS@icasinc.org
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About Institute for Corean-American Studies (ICAS): ICAS was established in 1973, as a non-profit, non-partisan, and private educational and research organization and it is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ICAS is not an agent of any government and/or a foreign principal, and is solely supported by voluntary contributions. Its activities and programs rely on the private donations of the general public, i.e., individuals, foundations, and corporations. ICAS promotes pertinent relations and conducts appropriate activities with a special emphasis on multilateral relations between the United States and Asia-Pacific rim nations. Its membership includes individuals from varied sectors embracing academic, corporate, cultural, educational, international and other related fields. ICAS strives to provide public services pro bono public
Filipinos organize to Get-Out-The-Count
Thank you National Empowerment Conference, and where will we be next?
Our National Field Director made an appearance at the National Federation of Filipino American Associations’ (NaFFAA) 13th National Empowerment Conference to make sure the Filipino community is ready for Census 2020.
Last week, our National Field Director, Eric Salcedo, presented at the National Federation of Filipino American Associations’ (NaFFAA) 13th National Empowerment Conference. The morning session was a fun, engaging way to make sure the Filipino community was prepared for the upcoming 2020 Census. Energized after learning the in’s and out’s of the upcoming Census count, NaFFAA attendees broke out into generational groups and presented their pitches as to how they would educate and activate their peers for Census 2020.
Carissa Villacorta, Executive Director, of NaFFAA says that “The information, motivation and inspiration that Eric Salcedo and the APIA[Vote] team provided last Friday were so valuable in convincing NaFFAA’s regional leaders and delegates not only to count themselves in, but to make sure that they influence as many people as possible to be counted.” Villacorta also says that the learning about the census was “philosophical in a way that no matter where you came from, no matter who you love, no matter your age, position or citizenship, you count as one. But if every one came together, we can show our power in numbers. If we want services and attention to our community’s needs to improve, we need to show that we count, in more ways than one. Let’s get involved and participate to create a brighter future for us all.”
Salcedo also participated in the conference’s Day 2 Lunch Plenary, “Be Included: The Importance of Census 2020” alongside Census Partnership Specialist Ivy Daulo, Complete Count Committee Regional Program Manager Sara Pol-Lim, and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ)-LA Stewart Kwoh.
A huge thank you to NaFFAA for hosting us as well as to all of those in attendance of our training!
As we continue to travel across the country, we will continue NYMLI trainings to help communities be better prepared for the 2020 Census and the Presidential Elections, visiting 30 cities by the time we are done. Now more than ever, it is important to make sure our communities participate and are fully counted in 2020.
Our upcoming trainings for August are as follows:
Our NYMLI training features personalized tactics to help you Get-Out-The-Count for the 2020 Census, and will also cover regionally tailored strategies to help Get-Out-The-Vote for the upcoming 2020 Presidential elections and is open to everyone regardless of experience level. If you want to be more active within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, make sure to register today FOR FREE.
To review a full list of our trainings, see apiavote.org/events. To RSVP for a training or to get to the most up-to-date information, see apia.vote/NYMLI2019. For general information or questions on our trainings, email: census@apiavote.org. We hope to see you there!
JUST RELEASED: see an official sample copy of the 2020 Census Questionnaire here.
Latest News from AAUC – August 2019
“Asian Americans shall either win equal citizenship UNITED or suffer discrimination separately
Vision, Mission and Roles of AAUC
Our vision is to gain Equal Citizenship for all AAPI to Achieve our American Dreams.
Our mission is to Forge Unity among All Diverse AAPI organizations. Empower to speak with One Voice.
Our role is to Connect, Coordinate, Collaborate, Contribute, Unite and Empower among all AAPI.
AAUC Update – Diversity. Unity. Equality
In the past month, the AAUC transition team had completed the work on its Constitution and Bylaws. Much of our effort is now focused on connecting, coordinating, collaborating and contributing to the 2019 National Civic Leadership Forum (2019 NCLF) in Washington DC this September. We are also planning for the AAUC Fall General Meeting in Washington DC as well. In Oregon and Alaska we have been supporting local groups and hosted the visit of the Ambassador from the Republic of the Philippines in Anchorage.
The AAUC Fall General Meeting will be held on September 15, 12 pm-6 pm in the Crowne Plaza, Crystal City, Arlington VA where the 2019 NCLF event will take place. We invite all interested party to join our meeting. On the agenda: We will adopt the amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws; decide on the transition process to become an operating 501 c (3) organization starting in 2020; and other short and long term strategic plans. We will also identify leaders for the AAUC in 2020 as well as recruiting new members to join AAUC.
Through working on the 2019 NCLF event our team collaborated with many other national and local AAPI organizations and individuals who share the same vision as AAUC. Some specific examples include establishing very close working relationship with Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affair (APAPA), Civic Leadership USA (CLUSA), United Chinese American (UCA), National Federation of Indian American Association (NFIA), Ding Ding TV (DDTV), 80-20 United, and Nexus Community Leaders in Minnesota, We also connected with the leaders from Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) in Minnesota; participated in the networking event hosted by the Philippines American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, and coordinating in the 2020 census planning for AAPI community in Portland, Oregon.
2019 NCLF in Washington DC – The registration is now closed. According to our registration data we have over 120 leaders representing 71 different AAPI organizations 14 different ethnicity from around the country attending this event. We still have capacity for the Congressional Press Conference & Reception on September 17, 5:30 – 8:00 pm. We will be extending invitation to the AAPI leaders in the Greater Washington DC area.
To recognize AAPI organizations that have done outstanding civic engagement activities three award categories are created in the area of 1) Civic Education and Training; 2) Community Outreach and Engagement; 3) Overcome Racial Discrimination. Three award winners will be recognized during our welcome dinner on Monday September 16.
During the press conference, we are expecting to release a joint statement with all the different AAPI organizations present endorsing: A Full-Scale Civic Engagement of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Congress members: Judy Chu, Lloyd Doggett, and Ed Royce as well as senator Norman Mineta will be recognized for their contribution to the AAPI community during the Congressional Reception.
Rising Tide Lifts All Boats:
A Call for Full Scale Civic Engagement of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Population growth, economic success, and professional achievements led to a political awakening in Asian American community. Multiple Asian American candidates are running for the United State Presidency in 2020. Nonetheless, the Asian American community as a whole has yet to engage in the political and civic life of America. Our voting rate is the lowest among all racial groups.
It is time to call Asian Americans for full-scale civic engagement which includes volunteerism, donation, voter registration, social advocacy, community service, and political participation at local, state, and national levels. This is a process of self-empowerment and we have much to learn from other immigrants such as Irish Americans, Italian Americans and particularly African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans.
Over the next two decades America will transform into a society without a majority racial group. We no longer want to be considered a “mute” minority group, but a community dedicated to the betterment of this nation. Whether one votes for Asian American candidates is a personal decision, but the increase in political participation will benefit all members of our community. A rising tide lifts all boats.
America is a nation of immigrants. We have an obligation to join with our fellow Americans in building a multi-ethnic democracy with population proportional representation. We have a powerful opportunity to shape the future of America and add our unique strand to the tapestry of our nation.
Contributed by Xiaoyin Zhang, a community Activist
Ambassador of the Philippines Visit to Alaska
The Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Alaska (AAPICA) hosted the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America, His Excellency Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, joined by the Filipino American community in Anchorage and other dignitaries at a Town Hall Meeting, 3pm-5pm Sunday, at the Lucy Cuddy Hall at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, along with other dignitaries who are part of his entourage to Alaska. Those who joined Ambassador Romualdez as members of the Philippine delegation were Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Minister and Consul Gunther Emil Sales of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., Consul Jed Llona of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, & Third Secretary and Vice Consul Darell Ann Artates of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.. His Excellency Jose Manuel G. Romualdez visited Alaska for the first time as the country’s Chief Envoy and brought the country’s engagement with the State of Alaska to new beginnings and promoted a closer and mutually beneficial bilateral tie between the Philippines and the United States of America. He also reaffirmed the Philippine Government’s strong alliance with the United States of America. Immediately preceding the Town Hall meeting, an informational tables session, from 2pm- 3pm, for organizations that want to distribute information about their organization was held.
Special guests were United States Senator Dan Sullivan and Consul Masatoshi Sato, Head Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage. The visit is a collaborative effort of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Alaska (AAPICA) in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
Contirbuted by Jesse Vizcocho, President of AAPICA
Let’s Not Make America Hate Again
Perspective of an Asian Indian Immigrant – By Ved P. Chaudhary, Ph.D.
I share my personal political observations and experience over the last 32 years in USA and express my concern for the welfare of Indian/South Asian Americans, and all people of color.
I started my political involvement in NJ state politics in 1987 because a hate group of youth calling themselves Dotbusters were hurling abuses at the newly arriving Indian immigrants, shouting “Go Back to Where you came From” in the main streets of Jersey City. Their name Dotbusters referred to the red “dot” Indian women wear on their forehead as a sacred mark of their tradition. These hate-mongering High School youth were beating up Indian men, women and children in broad daylight to scare them to sell their properties and leave Jersey City and to discourage new immigrants from coming to their city. A couple of innocent Indian men were beaten to death. The police did nothing. Later we found out that the Police Chief himself was instigating this youth gang to attack Indian immigrants. His son was the gang leader and the all-white police force was in cahoots. White people did not want dirty brown uncultured Indians, and women in traditional Indian sarees, to settle in their city and buy properties. Indians were an eye sore for the white establishment.
I still remember how I felt at the time. My son was in High School and I heard that the wave of youth calling themselves Dotbusters was spreading to other High Schools in New Jersey. We all know how High School kids are attracted to bad acts like cigarette smoking, drugs and gangs. I felt I cannot live and raise my family in a place where we cannot live with safety and dignity. I considered leaving my job with Bell labs and going back to India. But I thought it would be cowardly, against the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, for me to retreat in the face of injustice, to pack up and go back to India….
Learn more about hate crimes >