Filams are waking up

February 19, 2008  --  Got something to say?
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Good news, There is excitement in the air. Filipino Americans are now waking up from their long political stupor. Many are coming out of their shell, unafraid to express their political leanings or their preference for certain candidates. They are now intently analyzing the qualifications of the presidential candidates from both parties.

Aware of their growing political power in the Washington metropolitan area, campaign organizations have started recruiting volunteers from the community. Some Filipino Americans have, on their own volition, volunteered to work for their favorite candidates.

After last years election in which a Filipino American won a seat in the Maryland assembly and another obtained a substantial number of votes even though it was her first try for a public office, the major parties have taken notice. Filipino American Republican or Democratic groups are now actively involved in the campaign, courting and wooing potential voters.

Today, in most gathering of Filipino Americans, discussions often become lively when bets are made as to who among the presidential candidates will finally emerge as the standard bearer of their respective parties. Reflective of the national consensus, the young Democrats tend to lean more towards Obama while the older ones for Hillary. The same tend exists among the Republicans.

Years ago, most of the topic of conversations in Filipino American gatherings were about politics back home. And often the excuse for not being interested in US politics was the same as it was in the Philippines:: Will my vote count?

And the community is divided. Professionals tend to lean more towards the Republicans, mainly because of their pro-business and no-tax policy. The ordinary office workers are in favor of the Democratic party because of what they terms as its social conscience. This probably explains why most Filipino Democrats work with labor unions or socio-civic groups.

The involvement of Filipino Americans is expected to intensify when the candidates are selected and the campaign goes into high gear.

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Posted by News Team | Filed Under Editorial 

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