By Leslie Su Cheng

With the election only a month away, a group was formed within the Chinese American community to campaign for John Kerry's run for presidency. This grassroots organization has no affiliation with either Democratic Party or any other Kerry campaign groups. It was initiated within the community and organized by a group of like-minded Chinese Americans, who consider themselves Independents with no fixed party affiliations. The primary goal of the organization is, of course, turning out more decisive votes for Kerry. It is also hoped that through the mobilization and outreach efforts of this organization, more interests will be generated within the community to fully participate in the political process.

The main motivation for forming this group is the unprecedented importance of the coming election. The result will have far reaching impacts beyond the next four years. It will resonate throughout the future generations. With the stark differences between the two candidates and the closeness of the race, a few votes could essentially decide the future of this country. Within this context, the Chinese American community, with many new voters to take part in the American political process for the first time, could play a crucial role.

Judging from past four years' experience with Bush administration, members of the organization feel his reelection will have disastrous consequences for the country: with the quagmire in Iraq, the depressing economy, high unemployment rate, depleted environment, skyrocketing deficits, isolation in the world, impossibly expensive health insurance costs, etc. But the most important of all, Bush had lied to the American people about the war in Iraq, swinging through a spectrum of excuses to fool its people in order to cover up his real agenda. He has shamelessly exploited 9/11 -- the greatest tragedy of this country - not only to launch his war but to cover up his administration's total failure. He blames 9/11 for the bad economy, the unemployment, the deficit, and he uses it as excuse to violate human rights and to curb freedom of speech. Even with thousands of Americans killed and wounded in Iraq and tens of thousands of Iraqis dead and displaced, he keeps on lying about the real situation in Iraq, just to get more votes. Strategic mistakes or even incompetence by a president can be pardoned, but not politically motivated lies to gain advantages at the expense of people's lives and wellbeing.

The committee cites the excellent voting records in the Senate by John Kerry as the main argument why Kerry is a better replacement for Bush. Kerry has consistently fought for the middle class, the working Americans and the minorities. His voting record on environment is especially impressive. Nothing can say more about Kerry's courage and his love for the country than his well decorated service in Vietnam and his anti-war stand afterwards. It is outrageous that Bush, with his questionable service records in Vietnam era, would ridicule a war hero like Kerry or derive his much contrived "flip-flop" mantra from Kerry's changed position on Vietnam. Kerry's changed position on Vietnam further demonstrates his ability for deeper reflections and a willingness to use judgment - precisely the qualities we want to see in a leader. If a president who can only stubbornly hold on to one principle is considered superior, then we are better off sending in a robot.

Unfortunately, under the attacks of Bush's negative campaign tactics, Kerry's achievements and records have been distorted beyond recognition. Part of this group's mission is precisely to clarify and to educate.

"Chinese Americans for Kerry" welcome more like-minded people to join them. The committee members include Martin Chen, Leslie Su Cheng, Iris Lee Chou, Albert Chou, Jean Chou, Linda Zou, Berlin Ho, Grace Yin Lo, Frank Lo, Mary Lu, George Wang, Joseph Yang, and Jim Zhou. Please contact Grace Yin Lo (636-532-4557), Zou Dan (314-569-4069, 314-878-0127), Jim Zhou (314-680-5747), Leslie Su Cheng (314-432-8454, lscheng@swbell.net).

Front left to right, front row : Leslie Su Cheng, Grace Yin Lo, Iris Lee Chou, Linda Zou, Mary Lu; back row: Martin Chen, Joseph Yang, Albert Chou, Frank Lo, Berlin Ho, Jim Zhou