By
Dr. Uma A. Segal, Professor of University of Missouri
- St. Louis
The first meeting of the National 80-20 Organization
was held on April 3, 2004 at the University of
Missouri-St. Louis and was organized by Professor Hung
Gay Fung, the Dr. YS Tsiang Endowed Professor of
Chinese Studies in the University, School of Business.
This meeting was called to order to explore the
possibility of establishing a St. Louis Chapter of the
80-20 organization, a Political Action Committee (PAC)
that serves to bring awareness of Asian American
concerns into the political arena. Too often, Asian
Americans are perceived as a "model
minority" and a silent minority, with no
particular needs. However, Asians in the United States
evidence a bi-modal distribution of success, with
several being success and well-adjusted, but a large
number living at, or below, the poverty line and
experiences numerous difficulties. Furthermore, there
is sufficient evidence that even those who are
"well-adjusted" encounter discrimination
that affects their lives on a consistent basis.
 
Mr. and
Mrs. Frank & Grace
Lo
Dr. Uma A. Segal
The
purpose of the 80-20 organization is to affect
election results by helping Asians collaborate in
identifying their unique concerns, recognizing which
politicians are ready to address them, and providing a
united front in voting behavior. There is indication
that several Asian Americans tend to vote on issues,
not along party lines. There is also indication that
frequently, Asians "wash" out votes, as
about 50% votes in one direction, while the other 50%
votes in the other. The 80-20 initiative aims to
address this. Its description is that of...
...a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee
(PAC) dedicated to the enhancement of the welfare of,
and winning equal opportunity and justice of Asian
Pacific Americans (APAs). The goal is reached through
the creation of a swing block vote, ideally directing
80% of our community’s votes and money to the
presidential candidate endorsed by 80-20, who better
represents the interest of all APAs.(1)
Individuals
and families whose origins are in the Asian continent
are encouraged to join 80-20 St. Louis. This PAC will
be composed of people with similar concerns that pool
their resources (financial and non-monetary) to elect
candidates to public office who will enhance their
goal. Becoming an 80-20 St. Louis member results in
the following benefits:(2)
1. It helps to promote the welfare of APAs in general,
and in Missouri in particular
2. It helps to remove prejudice and discrimination
against APAs in our country and state
3. It catches politicians' attention to and earns
their respect of the need and welfare of APAs in
Missouri
4. It makes the nation and the state a better place
for us and our children
5. It makes America a better country and stronger
nation
This organization is designed to focus on practice
issues, not on ideological ones, and the aim is to
unify all Asians, accentuating similarities and shared
concerns. Membership dues are $35.00 for individuals
and $50.00 for families.
Eighteen members were in attendance at this two-hour
meeting that was animated and interesting. A decision
was taken to establish a chapter in St. Louis, and a
nominating committee was establish to develop a slate
for elections for its board of directors. In the
meantime, if there are any questions, they can be
addressed to Dr. Hung Gay Fung (314-516-6374) or
fungh@umsl.edu.
1, 2: Taken from the agenda of the first meeting.
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