The Awakening of AsAm Political Power 
Dear fellow Asian Americans,
In the tough and long fight for our civil rights, Lao Tze taught us, “A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step” and Mahatma Gandhi urged, “You must be the change you wish to see in this world.”
The 2008 Presidential election represents a crucial turning point for all of us. So much is at stake in the 80-20 Movement for Equal Opportunity and Justice and we are at last within sight of the biggest milestone thus far in our struggle.
This may be the single most important email you will read about Asian American (AsAm) civil rights movement to date.
For the sake of our future, and that of our children, please reflect on it and then take action. We must each do our part. Together, we will soon make history!
WHAT IS 80-20 AND WHAT HAS IT GOT TO DO WITH MY LIFE?
The 80-20 Initiative is an Asian American political organization that seeks to form an Asian American voting bloc affecting the United States presidential election. It derives its name from its goal of uniting 80% of Asian American voters in supporting one presidential candidate, and its mission is to remedy the oppressive and long-standing inequities facing Asian Americans across academia, private enterprise and the federal government. For example: In spite of the fact that there are proportionately more qualified legal scholars amongst Asian Americans who comprise 4.5% of the US population, not even one of the 179 federal circuit court judges is an Asian American!! (see EEOC analysis at http://www.80-20initiative.net/action/equalopp_glassceiling.asp#1)
We seek to empower Asian Americans by endorsing politicians who are committed to working for equal opportunity and justice for Asian Americans. In addition to its work concerning presidential elections, the 80-20 Initiative has also involved itself in a range of issues that affect Asian Americans. For summary and details, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80-20_Initiative and http://www.80-20initiative.net.
OUR HISTORY
When 80-20 was founded in 1998, it was but a seedling with little influence, and a big dream. Its ambitious goal was to reward Presidential candidates who support us with an Asian American bloc vote and to try to defeat those who don’t. Even though we reach out to Republican and Democratic candidates alike, No Republican candidate has bothered to work with us since 2004, which is why we have NOT endorsed any Republican candidate. This will change, as we win more battles and make history.
In 2004, we obtained support from several Democratic presidential candidates. There were fewer iron-clad promises, but it was the best we could get at that time, and we made a conditional endorsement for Kerry. The surprising effect of the AsAm bloc vote was unmistakably felt for two consecutive presidential elections. It was reported in mainstream media and confirmed by research studies at leading universities. Politicians sat up and noticed our arrival.
(See http://www.80-20initiative.net/about/unity1_achievements.asp)
80-20 also fights for you in other ways. For example, in 2007, working in concert with other AsAm organizations, we helped to shut down one racist NYC radio program and secured an apology from another in NJ for attacking an AsAm political candidate as a “foreigner.”
Supporters of 80-20 have since grown to 700,000 and we’ve become strong as a banyan tree. Our shade is now big enough to protect Asian Americans, if they come and stand in solidarity under the 80-20 tree. The vision and dream of 80-20’s founders are about to come true.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SO FAR IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Every presidential election cycle is a precious chance to advance AsAm civil rights. It must never be squandered. 80-20 faithfully approached all Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in June 2007 for their commitment to our cause. Building on our hard earned and hard fought political muscle, this time 80-20 sought 7 specific iron-clad YES commitments to significant civil rights goals that can be MEASURED. See our sample signed questionnaire at http://www.80-20initiative.net/news/preselect2008.asp.
We would no longer accept nonspecific sweet promises that Politician X will do his/her “best” to “help” us!
AsAm want and DESERVE concrete measurable promises. We will no longer be fooled by empty promises. Or settle for crumbs from the table! We will show our fighting spirit and battle our way to victory!
As of January 31, 2008, one by one, all the Democratic presidential candidates answered all YESes to our questionnaire.
Remember, AsAm are not asking for favoritism or special treatment! We are only asking for a long standing injustice to be REMEDIED!
As a PAC (Political Action committee), 80-20 has to fight hard but fight SMART (that is, fight tactically). We have to stay focused in getting a front runner WHO SUPPORTS US into the White House so that the iron-clad promises made can be delivered to benefit all Asian Americans.
We now have a historic chance, using our bloc vote to put a front runner who is COMMITTED to work for AsAm civil rights in real measurable ways.
No longer will Asian Americans be naïve and gullible enough to settle for sweet words, empty promises and crumbs from the table. We have moral courage; and we have strong spines.
The future of AsAm equality and justice is now within reach and almost in our hands. Many doubt that we have the political determination to flex our muscle collectively. We must shatter that stereotype, and prove ourselves now! We must stand up and fight!
Together and united, let’s do it for ourselves, our children, and a better, more equitable, America.
Thank you!
Kathleen To
President, 80-20 Initiative
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