Remarks at the PACC Dinner For Congressman Jim Talent
By Dr. William Tao
Congressman Talent, Missouri Senators Klarich and Gibbons, Thomas, member of the APCC Organizing Committee, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have a confession to make. After working hard for over 60 years of which 55 years was in St. Louis, I decided this year, I would take an inactive role in public affairs so that I can be relaxed to enjoy my late life.
That is why I have not been active in the Republican Party this year until only a few days ago when I was approached by Thomas Wong and Francois Ho to participate in this event. I am very impressed by this group of young people who step forward organizing this Coalition in order political candidates be aware of the concerns and needs of Asian Pacific Americans, and to provide our support and endorsement to those whom we feel can best represent us. Thus, I am very much honored to have this opportunity to make a few remarks.
Congressman Talent is no stranger to the Asian Community. He appeared before a number of Asian Community forums when he ran for the congress about 10 years ago. During his tenure in Washington, he has many accomplishments of which the following stands out:
He helped write and pass the historic welfare reform legislation ending millions of people of their dependency on welfare to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.
He served on the Armed Services Committee improving the preparedness of our country.
He was Chairman of the Small Business Committee and passed many house bills that helped small businesses and entrepreneurs, not just big businesses and corporations.
As we all know, traditionally, most Asian Americans are small businessmen and entrepreneurs, and so are over 80% of Americans. We know our other senator, Kit Bond is also an advocate for small business. It will be even more effective if we will have another Senator from Missouri who can speak up for most of us too.
The demographics of Missouri also have changed since 10 years ago. The population of Asian Americans and permanent residences has more than triples, exceeding 30,000 in St. Louis area alone. The educational level of new immigrants also drastically changed. They are scientists, engineers, physicians, Internet operators, businessmen, and entrepreneurs. Those people will unquestionably contribute to the growth and prosperity of America, but they also need to be heard and be represented.
Another topic of special interest to the Asian American community is our country’s immigration policy as most of the Asian Americans are new immigrants because this country has only opened its door to Asians after World War II having hundred of years of exclusion policy. We believe this country should continue to open its door to qualified persons who choose freedom, equality and equal opportunities. We believe the United State should clamp down on illegal immigrants, but must treat new legal immigrants with equality, dignity, obligations and privileges.
The 911 tragedies have awoken all of us that this country cannot be isolated from this turbulent world. While we must hunt down those terrorists to bring justice to the civilized world, we must also seek a permanent solution for a lasting peace of the world we live in. The Asian Pacific Americans stand behind our government on a united front, but we must also elect those representatives who are intelligent, levelheaded, non-prejudiced, and creative, so that our government of the people, by the people and for the people will be best represented.
I believe our candidate is a man of honor and a dedicated servant to the people of Missouri. We look forward hearing from him. |
