PolickTips

Compiled by Michelle Phipps Evans

Asian Fortune magazine’s new column explores news, views and cues in the exciting political sphere. The column touches the three branches of the federal government, state-level political tidbits, little known historical facts, and on occasion, a dose of gossip.

May Recognized as AAPI Heritage Month

DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in a proclamation that recognized the contributions of the more than 27,000 AAPIs who live in the District of Columbia. May also highlighted the 10^th anniversary of the Language Access Act. This year, the District’s Office on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs hosted many events during the month including a panel discussion with fashion designers, a discussion on substance abuse within the AAPI community, and a signature event recognizing the pioneers of the Language Access Act and highlighting those instrumental in assisting limited English proficient speakers.

Besides Mayor Gray, the Republican National Committee’s Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day also recognized AAPI Heritage Month with part of the following statement: “The generations of Asian and Pacific immigrants who have come to America were driven by the search for a better life. They came from diverse background and different countries, and they spoke different languages, but theirs was a common pursuit: the American Dream. The United States is a more vibrant place because of them, and we honor that legacy when we re-dedicate ourselves to the defense of freedom and equal opportunity for all.”

President Visits Asia for the Fifth Time
President Barack Obama’s fifth trip to Asia during his time in office will underscore a continued focus on the Asia-Pacific region and commitment to his vision of rebalancing the world’s largest emerging region, according to the White House’s website. President Obama’s visit to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines from April 22 to 29, 2014, focused on the U.S.’s major priorities in the region: modernizing its alliances; supporting democratic development; advancing the Trans-Pacific Partnership and commercial ties; investing in regional institutions; and deepening cultural and people-to-people ties. Obama’s trip comes about a month after First Lady Michelle Obama’s trip to Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu in China, from March 19 to 26. As previous international trips, during her trip to China, the First Lady focused on the power and importance of education, both in her own life and in the lives of young people in both countries.

Fourteen New Appointees to President’s AAPI Advisory Commission

In late April, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint 14 individuals to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This commission is charged with working to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) through increased participation in and access to federal programs. The appointees will advise the President on innovative ways to engage AAPIs across the country and to improve their health, education, environment, and well-being. Coming from all over the country, and from across a wide range of disciplines, these individuals will work to advance the inclusion of the AAPI community and to uplift the community’s contributions to America. For a full list, visit www.whitehouse.gov.

Son of Chinese Immigrants runs for Congress as a Republican

George Leing will run this November for Congress to represent Colorado’s Second Congressional District. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a lawyer in the finance and energy fields. Most recently, Leing worked as senior counsel to a renewable power development and construction company and is currently in private practice. Up until his announcement to run for Congress, he has been serving as Chairman of the Republican Party in Boulder County and was elected by a group of other Republican chairs to serve on the Executive Committee of the State Party. Leing was also appointed by Secretary of State Scott Gessler to serve on the Advisory Committee on a Uniform Voting System. Leing was on hand recently at the May 6 launch of Asian Republican Coalition (ARC) at the Newseum in the District. The ARC works to educate decision makers on issues directly affecting Asians. He said that it was about time such an organization was created.

The youngest of four children of Chinese immigrants who came to America in 1947, Leing was born and raised in New York City. He holds a degree from New York University, a law degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in religion from Yale University. George lives in Niwot with his wife of 23 years, Sarah, and their son Thomas, a high school sophomore.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Under Fire; Won’t Resign

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki faced a barrage of bipartisan outrage on May 15 with senators from both parties pointing to systemic problems at the department he manages. Shinseki told a Senate committee that he was “mad as hell” about allegations of deadly waiting times and cover-up at VA hospitals but that he doesn’t plan to resign, despite calls for his removal by the American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans-service group. Previously published and aired reports going back since the earlier 2000s revealed that at least 40 veterans died waiting for appointments at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Many of those veterans were placed on a secret waiting list, sources said. At the Senate hearing, Shinseki continued to urge patience, saying that the Office of the Inspector General needs to be allowed to complete its work to investigate the allegations surrounding the VA. On the day before the hearing, the White House dispatched President Obama’s deputy chief of staff, Rob Nabors, to evaluate the VA’s scheduling practices, signaling the White House’s growing concern over the alleged cover-ups.

Little Known Historical Fact

George Ariyoshi, a Democrat, was the first Asian American who was elected as the third governor of Hawaii in 1974 and served three terms to 1986. He also holds the record as the longest-serving state governor in Hawaii, a record that will never be broken because of term limits.