A Cup of Joe: Perpetual foreigners in the political game

By Joe Nguyen, AsiaXpress.com

Jan. 13, 2008

This Tuesday, the Democrats are holding a presidential debate in Nevada that is focusing on minority issues.

Well, issues pertaining to the black and Hispanic communities. Apparently the organizers of the debate forgot that Asians are a minority, too.

After reading recent coverage about the rise of racial politics from news organizations such as the Associated Press and MSNBC, one would believe that the only minorities in this country are blacks and Hispanics.

In an effort to remedy their mistake, Democratic leaders are rushing to create an Asian-American rally with Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. that is set for Jan. 14 at Las Vegas’ Chinatown Plaza.

But is that really enough? Asians have the second-highest growth rate, percentage-wise, among minorities, behind Hispanics. And in Nevada, their numbers are comparable to those of the black population.

Far too long, politicians have been ignoring us, “the silent minority.” It’s time we have to speak up and make our voices heard.

Joe Nguyen is the editor in chief of AsiaXpress.com. He can be reached via e-mail at joe (at) asiaxpress.com.