Political clout

January 15, 2008  --  Got something to say?
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*****As the election fever heats up, more and more Filipino Americans are becoming actively involved in the political process. Eligible voters have started to analyze the pros and cons of the presidential contenders in both the Republican and Democratic parties. They are actively discussing with friends and acquaintances about who among the candidates would be the most electable and sympathetic to minority groups. Eligible voters have vowed to register and vote in this years election.

*****These are all good signs. It seems that the candidacy of Vellie Dietrich Hall in Fairfax county last November, unsuccessful though it might have been, and the election of Kris Valderrama as delegate representing Oxon Hill in the Maryland state assembly earlier have helped wake up the Filipino American voters from their stupor. These events have brought about a change in attitude towards elections. They, more than anything else, proved that Filipino Americans can unite if its for a good cause.

***** There is now a growing realization that in order to be recognized, Filipino Americans must have to be more visible and more involved in the political process. They know the only way to political empowerment is to show to the leaders in Washington D.C. that they have the numbers and the votes.

*****This could be done by encouraging local community organizations to make a survey of the approximate number of Filipino American voters residing in their respective areas. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) should take the initiative of conducting a nationwide survey of registered or potential voters throughout the United States. Just announcing that there are more than two-million Filipino Americans is not enough. Neither will anyone believe claims that they now have the clout if this is not backed up with statistics.

*****Once that political muscle is evident and recognized by politicians, Filipino Americans will be listened to not only in Washington D.C., but also in Manila which up to now utilizes the services of lobbyists to promote its interests in the US.

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Posted by News Team | Filed Under Editorial 

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