Asian/American women wrestling with body image issues

from BuzzFeed

NO, NO, NO! STOP IT, RIGHT NOW!

Just as we're starting to promote healthier attitudes towards body images and self-acceptance, along comes a new phenomenon that could derail that path. A new Internet challenge that started in China and is trending fast across the rest of the globe is the goal of having a waist the size of a piece of paper.

Women are taking pictures of themselves and posting on social media to show how slim they are compared to the width of sheet of paper. They're calling an "#AA4WaistChallenge," a reference to the A4 paper size, a little over 8 inches wide.

It is unrealistic and kind of disturbing. But some of the women are claiming that this is how they are naturally. The key word is "naturally." Love how you are naturally, and don't use a piece of paper to judge yourself.

The trend points out the type of social pressure Asian women are under to fit the stereotype of petiteness attributed to Asian women. (See the BuzzFeed video, above.) Some credit the "skinny gene" or "Asian metablolism" but it's more like the "crazy gene." 

The #A4WaistChallenge gained steam on Weibo, the Chinese micro-blogging site, and has since picked up traction on Instagram and Twitter.

This is clearly not a healthy obsession and women should ignore it. It can lead to eating disorders along with self-image problems. About the only good thing coming out of this trend is the reactions mocking the challenge.

Social networkers on Instagram and Twitter mocked it with poses behind multiple papers taped together, holding A4 sheets with body-positive messages written on them, or using university diplomas and asking: “Does this degree make me look fat?”

This unhealthy obsession with skeletal dimensions is the modern-day equivalent to the bound feet Chinese women were painfully forced to conform to back in the 19th century because the so-called standard of beauty was tiny feet..

Anybody who spends any amount of time with Asian women know they come in all shapes and sizes and the petite look is really the exception, not the rule. Beauty, comes in all shapes, sizes, pigments and heights. 

This is a social media trend that we have to - stop - right - now! The challenge is a total waste.

###

Steven Yeun gets a breakout role in action movie

Stephen Yeun is one of the few Asian/Americans
to grace the cover of a U.S. magazine.

SPOILER ALERT! 'Walking Dead' fans who don't want to know what might happen in the next few episodes should stop reading now!

GOOD NEWS: Steven Yeun has signed on to star in the motion picture Mayhem. 

BAD NEWS: Does this mean he has more time because his character Glenn Rhee might have been killed on in The Walking Dead?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Yeun will be the male lead in Mayhem opposite Australian actress Samara Weaving.

Mayhem is scheduled to begin filming in Serbia later this month and will likely be released in some form in 2017.

The finale for TWD has already been taped and all the actors have been saying that it was one of the toughest episodes to do emotionally, indicating that one of the core group of survivors is going to meet his or her end.

Both Andrew Lincoln (Rick) and Lauren Cohan (Maggie) said they felt so sick with the fate of one of their castmates that it was difficult to drag themselves to work on the final day.

There has been wide speculation that it would be Glenn, apparently the only Asian/American survivor in the zombie apocalypse. Some say that the producers are making Glenn's supposed fate too obvious. He was the first to see the photographs of Negan's victims' bashed heads; a not too subtle foreshadowing of what may come.

Fans point out that the show always does an episode fleshing out a character prior to their ultimate death. That's bad news for Carol, the abuse victim turned badass survivor to someone unwilling to kill anymore.

RELATED: The rest of The Walking Dead's episodes are going to be brutal

But, don't forget Maggie, Glenn's wife, who in a previous episode told Glenn, "I can't do this anymore," after killing her captors. If she dies, it would be equally devastating for TWD fans since she is the last of her family and Glenn's reason for living.

The totally unexpected death of Dr. Denise, excellently portrayed by actress Meredith Wever, has thrown comic book followers off-balance. She was shot through the eye with a crossbow arrow, the same death that was supposed to befall red-head Abraham. But he still lives.

The fact that Abraham is still alive demonstrates that the show runners are not afraid to go off-script, which might be good news for Glenn fans, but that also puts the fate of other characters up in the air.

Yeun's casting in Mayhem will present a rare situation in Hollywood. He'll be that rare creature - an Asian/American leading man in a U.S.-made motion picture. Let's hope its a harbinger of things to come.

Yeun will play Derek Sanders (don't be surprised if the character's name gets changed to reflect Yeun's Korean/American heritage). Sanders gets fired and on the same day, a virus breaks out that allows people to act out their wildest impulses. He is trapped in a quarantined building and has to fight for his job, fight for survival and escape. Pretty bad day at the office, I'd say. Think Die Hard meets Walking Dead. Right up Yeun's alley.

It will be Yeun's biggest role to date outside of Walking Dead and could be a breakout role commercially for the actor, who is being primed as an Everyman's action-hero - a role he's had plenty of experience playing.

###

For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

The royal cloak and helmet given to Capt. Cook returns to Hawaii

The royal feathered cloak and returned to Hawaii on March 19.

TWO HISTORICAL artifacts came home to Hawaii after an absence of 237 years.

In a moving and emotional ceremony the feathered cape and helmet of Kalani'opu'u came home last weekend after being housed  in New Zealand for several years.

"The ʻahuʻula and mahiole left their homeland at the end of the season of Lono in 1779 and the memory they hold in their very fiber is that of a healthy, abundant, sovereign society," Mehanaokalā Hind, director of community engagement at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a lineal descendant of Kalani'ōpu'u, said in a statement. 

Kalani'ōpu'u was the chief of the island of Hawaii in 1779 when English explorer Capt. James Cook landed at Kealakekua Bay during the Makahiki festival. Cook was the first European to make contact with the Hawaiian people. In a gesture of good will, Kalani'ōpu'u gave the feathered cloak and helmet that he was wearing to Cook. 

“These priceless treasures have so much to tell us about our shared Pacific history. We are honored to be able to return them home, to reconnect them with their land and their people,” said Arapata Hakiwai, Kaihautu (Maori co-leader) of the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where the artifacts have been on display since the early part of the 20th century. “Woven into these (treasures) is the story of our Pacific history, with all its beauty, challenges and complexity."

The exhibit at Bishop Museum will be called "He Nae Akea: Bound Together"

The mahiole (feathered helmet) of chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u. Michael Hall / Courtesy of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarew

10 things you need to know about the return of Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s ‘ahuʻula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet)

1. Kalani‘ōpu‘u was the chief of Hawai‘i Island whose regal line was traced to the great chief Līloa of Waipiʻo. In 1779, Kalani‘ōpu‘u greeted an English captain named James Cook after his ship made port in Kealakekua Bay. As a demonstration of his goodwill, Kalani‘ōpu‘u gifted the ‘ahu ʻula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) he was wearing to Captain Cook.

2. According to expert scholar Adrienne Kaeppler’s publication Hawaiian Featherwork (2010), Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s cloak seemed to have started as a cape.  The design has two red triangles (huinakolu) at the neckline and a red crescent (hoaka) which formed a sacred, protective design; the resulting yellow triangles and a yellow strip at the bottom complete the original cape.  The use of so many yellow feathers demonstrates the political power of Kalani‘ōpu‘u.

3. This ‘ahu ‘ula in particular has feathers from about 20,000 birds. Skilled trappers caught the birds by employing various techniques such as snaring their prey midair with nets, or using decoy birds to lure them onto branches coated with a sticky substance. They often harvested only a few feathers from each bird before releasing them back into the wild so they could produce more feathers. Skilled workers belonging to the aliʻi class crafted the olonā cordage backing, a netting used as the foundation for the cloak, onto which the bundles of feathers were attached, creating bold designs.

4. After the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole left on Cook’s ship, both were taken to England and passed through the hands of various museum owners and collectors. They eventually came under the care of Lord St Oswald, who unexpectedly presented his entire collection in 1912 to the Dominion Museum in New Zealand, the predecessor of Te Papa Tongarewa. The cloak and helmet have been in the national collection ever since. 

5. In 2013, discussions began among Bishop Museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, and OHA to bring these treasures back to Hawai‘i.

6.The cloak has traveled to Hawai‘i twice without the mahiole: Mayday in 1960 and during the exhibition celebrating the 100 Anniversary of Captain Cook and his artificial Curiosities, Jan. 18 through July 31, 1978.  However, this is the first time in 237 years that both the cloak and helmet will be back home in Hawai‘i together.

Maori's turned the artifacts to the Hawaiians in New Zealand.

7. While Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s ‘ahuʻula and mahiole have been on quite an interesting journey, the return of both treasured objects is a very important event to many people of Hawai‘i because they will be staying in Hawai‘i to reconnect them with their land and their people.

8. From a historical perspective, the artifacts represent a period in the timeline of Hawai‘i when there was a balance between the cultural, political and spiritual parts of Native Hawaiians and the environment.

9. The exhibit space at Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum will be called ‘He Nae Ākea: Bound Together.’ This reflects the connection of Kalani‘ōpu‘u to his land and people, the connection between the peoples, nations, and cultures throughout the centuries who have cared for these treasures, as well as the connection between the three institutions directly involved in this loan.

10. Last March 19 at the Bishop Museum, there was a celebration for the return of Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s ‘ahuʻula and mahiole - home at last.

###

For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

Spy charges against Chinese/American scientist dismissed

Xiaoxing Xi

Reprinted from AsAm News

A case often cited an example of racial profiling of the Asian American community won’t be recharged, reports Philly.com.

An attorney for Professor Xiaoxing Xi of Temple University in Philadelphia says his client has been informed by federal prosecutors “there will be no new charges and that the government will be returning his seized property.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office dismissed his case “without prejudice” in September leaving open the possibility the case could be reopened.

Xi had been charged with transferring sensitive U.S. defense technology to China, but both he and his colleagues contended prosecutors lacked a basic understanding of his research. Prosecutors would later back down when shown their mistakes.

The former chair of Temple’s physic’s department resigned his position after the charge was filed. His attorney described his life as “awful” since the government began his case.

“It’s like getting diagnosed with a terrible illness,” defense lawyer Peter Zeidenberg said.

In September, several Asian American groups sent a letter demanding the Department of Justice open an investigation into racial profiling of Asian Americans.

The National Council of Chinese Americans (NCCA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA), National Asian American Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates all co-signed the letter.

“We write to you today out of a growing concern at the alarming number of criminal prosecutions brought by the Department of Justice against Asian Americans in which government attorneys and investigators have utilized inflammatory rhetoric and made unfounded accusations inconsistent with the Department’s standards and policies. These actions embarrass our government and the Department, undermine the civil liberties and reputation of all Asian Americans, and deprive those individuals of Due Process and Equal Protection as guaranteed them under the Constitution. In addition, it appears that some officials who work on these cases are culturally insensitive, causing them to misinterpret innocent events as meaningful factors in probable cause determinations.”

Then in November, the U.S. Department of Civil Rights joined in requesting an investigation, but to date no such investigation has been conducted.

Clinton's AAPI outreach director resigns

JUST AS the Presidential campaigns are moving into the states that have significant numbers of AAPI voters, the director of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's Asian/American and Pacific Islander outreach efforts is leaving.

Lisa Changadeveja

Lisa Changadeveja's resignation was announced on Saturday, March 19 by Clinton's campaign. She announced her departure via email a day earlier, Changadeveja said she had "tremendous faith in the campaign's commitment and ability to continue engaging our community as we move through the rest of the primary and prepare for the general election" the campaign said in a statement.

"I will be leaving Hillary for America as I have recently accepted a new job at the Colorado Democratic Party," Changadeveja said in the email, Reuters reported.

“She was an instrumental part of helping build our AAPI program and those efforts will continue with events over the next few weeks,” campaign spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa said. “The campaign is expected to announce a new Director of AAPI Outreach very soon.”

Changadeveja, a Thai/American, left her position in the campaign to work with the Democratic Party in Colorado. She worked for the Democrats in Colorado for three months in 2014 to improve voter turnout in that state.

AAPI people form about 6 percent of the U.S. population, a figure that does not include people of mixed race, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

They make up nearly 15 percent of the population of California, which holds its nominating contest in June, and around 9 percent of the state of Washington, which holds its Democratic caucus on March 26.

Asian/Americans, along with other minority voters have been breaking for Clinton in the primaries and caucuses that will determine the nominee for the Democratic Party and in some instances such as in South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Nevada and Illinois  proved to be the determining factor in Clinton's victories.

Besides California and Washington, AAPI voters could be critical in New York, Hawaii and New Jersey, all delegate-rich states.

###

For more news about Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders, read AsAme News.

Indian/American running for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont

State Rep. Kesha Ram is running for Lt. Governor of Vermont

Reprinted from AsAm News

A WOMAN who got her first big break in politics from Bernie Sanders is the first woman of color to run for statewide office in Vermont.

Kesha Ram, 29, is the daughter of a father from India and a Jewish American mother. She was elected to the Vermont state House of Representatives at the age of 22 and is now running for Lieutenant Governor as a Democrat.

She ranks early education, higher education, high speed broadband access and affordable housing as high priorities which she feels can help stimulate the economy.

RELATED: Asian/Americans are hard to find in New Hampshire

"We need to invest in the things we know grow our economy at the same time we’re getting some foundation under Vermonters,” she said to the Deerfield Valley News. “The lieutenant governor can be the ‘connector-in-chief,’ building solutions and bringing folks together to help advance the agenda.”

She thinks the state should explore Bernie Sanders' idea of free public college education on its own as an investment in young people.

Sanders invited her to introduce both him and President Obama during Sanders first run at the Senate, a moment which she says helped shape her political career.

###

Sonika Vaid saves herself by letting herself go on 'American Idol'

Sonika Vaid from Massachusetts needs to wow the audiences to continue on 'American Idol.'

SONIKA VAID must like living on the edge.

For the second week in a row she found herself in the bottom two as American Idol contestants were whittled down to the final five.

Vaid's performance of "Let It Go' showing off her strong vocals edged out Tristan McIntosh, of Tennessee, for the final spot in the top five.

The 20-year old Indian/Ameican Vaid from Massachusetts joins MacKenzie Bourg, Trent Harmon, Dalton Rapattoni, and La’Porsha Renae to move on next week.

After the judges last week urged her to loosen up, to "let herself go," by breaking out of the ballad genre where she excels.

Harry Connick Jr., who is her strongest supporter among the three judges, thought it was a perfect song choice for Vaid because it showed off her big voice. Judge Keith Urban said that her performances are really starting to “come alive” and Jennifer Lopez called her as “fierce.” 

Her biggest problem though is not winning the judges' favor, it is connecting with the viewers who vote for their favorites every week.

Will Vaid be the Asian/American to break the curse of these reality shows? A few have come close, such as Jessica Sanchez who finished first runner-up three years ago on American Idol. No Asian/American performer has been able to win it all.

American Idol airs on Fox, Thursday at 8 p.m. Next week will be a special two-hour episode. Tune in and vote for Vaid to put her in the Top Four.

Watch Sonika give the performance that saved her for another week.

TGIF FEATURE: Documentary 'Right Footed' closes CAAMFest 2016

Jessica Cox earned her pilots license despite being born without arms.

"RIGHT FOOTED" is the documentary chosen to close CAAMFest 2016, which began March 10.

The subject of the film is Jessica Cox, has famously eliminated the words “I can’t” from her vocabulary. Although born without arms as the result of a birth defect, she has never allowed that to be a limiting factor.

RELATED: CAAMFest 2016 is a huge celebration of film and video

While she suffered from self-esteem issues early on and physical challenges throughout her life, Jessica managed to overcome and achieve — earning a college degree and a Taekwondo black belt, learning to drive a car with her feet, type with her toes, and in 2008 fly an airplane.

That feat landed the Filipina/American in the Guinness Book of World Records and led to an audience with the Pope, meetings with heads of state, and a great deal of media attention.

The documentary is both a portrait of Jessica’s unexpected journey as she becomes a disability activist and a very personal story — spanning more than two-and-a-half years of her life during which time she gets married and begins a new life with her husband Patrick while also taking care of her mother Inez who is stricken with cancer. The film also reveals much about Jessica’s religious faith and the reasons that she does not see herself as a victim of her condition.

It is directed by Emmy-award winning Nick Sparks and produced by Bay Area resident Mona Lisa Yuchengco, founder and publisher of Filipinas Magazine. Yuchengco is also founder and chair of Philippine International Aid.

"Right Footed" will be shown March 20, Sunday, at the New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street, Oakland. Showtimes, 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

After 11 nights, dozens of films and videos shown at a half dozen venues in San Francisco and Oakland, CAAMFest's closing night party will follow the last screening at 9 p.m. at SomaR Bar, 1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland,

AAPI voters flex political muscle in Illinois primary

THEIR NUMBERS may be relatively small but Asian/Americans in Illinois are carving out a presence on the political scene after the state conducted its primary on March 14.

Asian American community of Illinois had increased access to the polls, turned out to vote in large numbers in the northwest suburbs thanks to voter engagement efforts, and ran successful campaigns for public office. 

“Not only are Asian Americans voting at higher numbers, but they are energized to participate in the November election,” said Tuyet Le, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. “Now, we are seeing more community members eying seats at federal, state, and local levels of government.” 

Tammy Duckworth's strong showing in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate demonstrates the strong possibility that she may be able to unseat the Republican incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk in November. 

RELATED: Tammy Duckworth win in Illinois primary; eyes Senate seat

While the Thai/American's victory grabbed most of the national attention, other Asian/Americans were making their own mark with the support of the AAPI communities. With Duckworth moving onto the Senate race, that left her 8th district Congressional seat wide open.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Raja Krishnamoorthi won the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District. Krishnamoorthi will face Republican Pete DiCianni in a district that has over 93,000 Asian Americans. The 8th district has the second most Asian Americans of any Congressional District in Illinois. 

Krishnamoorthi, a local businessman who was born to Indian immigrant parents, beat two opponents to take home 56.9 percent of the vote (43,945 votes) and the Democratic nomination for Illinois’s 8th congressional district, which is currently represented by Duckworth.

AAAJ-Chicago staff member Kristina Tendilla credits pan-Asian community efforts for mobilizing larger numbers of underrepresented Asian American voters, particularly in the northwest suburbs, that make up the 8th District. 

“There is a groundswell happening around Asian/Americans as a way to carve out our own movement as a part of this broader movement,” she said. “For folks who are trying to fight for Asian/American and immigrant and racial justice, it’s important and exciting to have legislators who are from those communities.”

Theresa Mah won a narrow victory in the 2nd State Representative District, which contains much of Chicago’s Chinatown and surrounding areas. Mah will face no Republican opposition in November, and will become the first ever Asian/American member of the Illinois General Assembly when she takes office in 2017. 

Theresa Mah

Former college professor Mah, who ran against  Alex Acevedo, son of incumbent State Rep. Eddie Acevedo, for 2nd district state representative, attributes her 51.2-percent victory (10,470 votes) in part to the “rising political engagement” of the Chinese community but also key endorsements from the Latino community, including from long time leader and well-respected Rep. Luis Gutierrez.

“It is really wonderful to have more diversity in terms of people who are representing us. Having someone from the Chinese community, especially a woman, is a welcome breath of fresh air to the state of Illinois,” said Gutierrez, who was accused of being a "turncoat" by some members of the Latino community.

Asian Americans make up over 23% of the 2nd district but it is viewed primarily as Latino-dominated district.

“We were happily surprised when we saw the vote totals coming in because, even though we knew we were strong with that demographic, it was clear that not only were Chinese/Americans voting, they were bringing their friends and families to the polls, as well,” said a senior campaign staffer from Mah’s campaign.

Josina Morita won one of the Democratic Party nominations for a six-year term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. If she wins in November, she would be the first Asian/American elected to a countywide board in Cook County.

“They say in politics you’re either at the table or on the table. For a really long time, Asian Americans have been on the table,” said Morita, who won one of the Democratic Party seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners with 18.3 percent of the vote (372,755 votes).

“It was a huge night for the Asian American community,” she told Medill Reports. “I think it’s a huge sign of what’s to come.”

Harish Patel was vying to be the first Muslim member of the Illinois General Assembly, running in the 40th district on Chicago’s northwest side, but lost his primary race to incumbent Representative Jaime Andrade.

Andrew Seo, running for a 2-year term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, finished in 3rd place.

###

Indian/American in the top six of 'American Idol'

Sonika Vaid of Massachusettes has made it to the final six in 'American Idol.'

By Louis Chan
Reprinted from AsAm News

THE TIME for hype has ended and the day is near for fans to pick the next American Idol.

Indian/American Sonika Vaid, 20, who was labeled an early favorite from day one to win it all has advanced to the top six.

Her performance of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing impressed the judge’s, but didn’t appear to overwhelm them.

Harry Connick Jr. was the most generous in his praise.

“That song has been sung six times since American Idol started and they’ve all been pretty darn good performances,” he said. “And I think of that song as one of those high risk, high reward performances because it’s so well known and its obviously an iconic performance by Whitney. For me, I love it.”

Keith Urban spent most of his time encouraging Vaid to let it all hang out whether she continues on the program or not.

“It’s a phenomenal song and your voice is gorgeous. All I ask is however this works out if you’re here next week, just continue to release and let go and show ... that stuff, because with that voice, amazing,” Urban advised.

Jennifer Lopez, who’s often a hype machine and the most encouraging, seemed to hold back a bit in her evaluation of Vaid’s performance.

“That’s probably my favorite Whitney Houston song ever. It’s just a hard song to sing and I think you did a good job with it,” Lopez said. “It’s so hard, so hard to judge those types of songs, but I think you did a good job. We have a hard decision to make right now.”

American Idol airs tonight, Thursday at 8 p.m. EST on the Fox network.

###

Bernie Sanders makes inroads with AAPI voters

Sanders Campaign photo

Days before the Illinois primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders met with AAPI community leaders.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS met with a score of leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Chicago.

During the meeting, the first the Democratic candidate held exclusively with AAPIs, he discussed the need fro immigration reform, securing voting rights and providing affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Joining Sanders was Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, who resigned from her position of vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee so she could endorse the Vermont senator. 

"Our communities have often been the difference between winning and losing," said Gabbard, the first Hindu/American to serve in Congress. "The margin of victory makes a difference."

RELATED: Clinton reaches out to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

“In times where Islamophobia and xenophobia are running rampant, where Asian-Americans are victims of racial profiling, where black and brown people are targets of police brutality, Sanders stands up for the marginalized with his policies,” said comedian Kristina Wong.

Sanders will have to meet quite a few more AAPI leaders in the upcoming primaries, especially in states where there are large numbers of Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders. Gibbard will be a help in the Hawaii caucus on March 26 but AAPI voters could also be critical in Alaskan and Washington caucuses on that same day. The AAPI vote will also be influential in the April 19 New York primary and the California and New Jersey primaries on June 7.

That's assuming that Hillary Clinton hasn't wrapped up her nomination earlier. Clinton has  a head start in wooing the AAPI voters with the launch of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary in January and then the creation of the AAPI Leadership Council a few days later.

After the all the votes were counted in the Illinois primary held last March 15, Clinton and Sanders ended up in a virtual tie with Clinton barely edging out Sanders. In the end, Clinton won 68 of electoral votes, Sanders won 67.

###

For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

Asian/Americans react to President Obama's SCOTUS nominee (with Updates)

President Obama applauds Judge Merrick Garland, his nominee for the Supreme Court.

TODAY, President Obama named Merrick Garland as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat made vacant when Justice Antonin Scalia passed away.

For the first time, an Asian/American was among the finalists for the United States' highest court. Judge Sri Srinivasan of the Washington D.C. Circuit Court was among the top considerations for SCOTUS.

RELATED: White House vetting an Asian American for SCOTUS

Obama's final choice, Judge Garland, is the Chief Judge of D.C. Circuit Court. 

During the vetting process, the AAPI community and its organizations lobbied for a nominee that an AAPI be selected. The White House even had a conference call meeting with leaders within that community to explain the vetting process. Shortly thereafter, it became known that Srinivasan was among the final candidates.

RELATED: More reactions at AsAm News

Following are some of the quick reactions from the AAPI community.

National Council of Asian Pacific Americans

National Director Christopher Kang

"The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to serve as the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Chief Judge Garland’s qualifications and experience are unquestioned: his record as a judge for nearly two decades demonstrates that he understands the proper role of the court, and he also led the successful prosecutions of two major terrorism cases, “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski and the bombers of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

"It is clear why, just a few years ago, a senior Republican Senator said Chief Judge Garland would be a “consensus nominee” to the Supreme Court. The same is true today.

"NCAPA also would like to acknowledge that President Obama reportedly considered Judge Sri Srinivasan as a finalist for this Supreme Court nomination—the first time in history that an Asian American has reached the final round of consideration to serve on our nation’s highest court. This is a reflection of President Obama’s commitment to and success in furthering a judiciary that resembles the nation it serves, and in particular his tremendous strides in appointing more Asian American federal judges than all previous presidents in history combined.

"While we are disappointed that President Obama did not nominate an Asian American today, we stand behind his nominee and are confident that when future Supreme Court vacancies occur, Asian Americans will continue to receive this highest level of consideration and that there will soon be an Asian American Supreme Court Justice.

"Today, President Obama has fulfilled his constitutional responsibility. Now, United States Senators must do their job by meeting with Chief Judge Garland, conducting a hearing, and casting their votes."

Rep. Mike Honda, D-Silicon Valley
Lead Democrat on the House appropriations subcommittee concerning justice issues, issued a statement, following President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court:

“President Obama has taken a great deal of effort to ensure that the Supreme Court will add another extremely qualified legal scholar to the bench,” said Honda. “Chief Judge Merrick Garland has already been considered for a seat on the Supreme Court because of his long history of excellent work on the DC Circuit. The President has chosen a man with amazing credentials, a mastery of the law and a history of independent legal thought.

“This nation is built on a system of checks and balances: Executive, Legislative and the Courts. For us to be the best nation possible, we must have a full Supreme Court, ready to hear cases that will determine our future as a nation. Republican leadership in the Senate must adhere to a strict reading of the Constitution, advise the President on the nomination and vote on their consent to him/her joining the Court. It is time for us to put away politics and do our jobs. Americans should accept no less.”


Rep. Judy Chu, D, Pasadena
Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

“Nominating justices to the Supreme Court is one of the primary duties of the President. In naming Judge Merrick Garland, a seasoned jurist with a commendable record, President Obama has fulfilled that constitutional duty. Now it is time for the Senate to fulfill theirs. Refusing to even meet with a nominee, as Senate Republicans are doing, is an unprecedented level of partisan dysfunction. A well and fully functioning Court is essential for our entire judicial system. With important cases on critical issues like the President’s authority to set deportation priorities, access to abortion, and climate change still to be decided, we cannot afford to leave a seat vacant for another year.

“Unfortunately, from refusing hearings on his Supreme Court nominee or his budget priorities to filing lawsuits against the use of executive power, Congressional Republicans have made obstructing the actions of this Administration a priority. That is misguided and only serves to erode trust in government. I urge Senate Republicans to change course and hold a hearing on Judge Garland, his experience, his views, and his qualifications. Cooperation and dialogue, not obstruction and partisanship, are the only ways forward.”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Mee Moua, President and Executive Director

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC applauds President Obama for today announcing the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court.

"It is now incumbent on us – the American people – to urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold their hearings and cast their votes on the nomination of Judge Garland. We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to exercise its constitutional responsibilities with due diligence and act upon Judge Garland’s nomination.”

Statement from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund

"Chief Judge (Merrick) Garland is remarkably qualified to serve as the next Supreme Court Justice. ... While SALDEF called on President Obama to nominate the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice, we realize the profound statement Sri Srinivasan made as the first Asian American in history to make it to a President’s 'short list.' SALDEF wholeheartedly supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Garland, we are encouraged by the consideration of Judge Srinivasan, and we eagerly await the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice.

"SALDEF implores the United States Senate to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and swiftly hold hearings and confirm Merrick Garland as the next Supreme Court Justice. While Senate Republicans have a history of judicial obstruction—there are currently 77 vacancies for federal judgeships compared to 43 when the Republicans regained control of the Senate—it is out of line for Republicans to drag the Supreme Court into partisan politics.

"The Supreme Court is too critical to allow a long-term vacancy. The court has monumental cases on abortion, immigration, affirmative action, and voting rights this term—all issues that have significant consequences for Sikh Americans, Asian Americans, and the country as a whole. More than 60% of the nation believes that the Senate “should hold hearings” on the Supreme Court nominee—with a majority of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans agreeing on the issue.

"Without knowing the nominee, Senate Republicans took an obstructionist stance on the Supreme Court confirmation process. Merrick Garland not only deserves a Senate hearing, but he also deserves to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. SALDEF joins many national Asian American organizations in applauding President Obama for nominating Chief Judge Garland, and in calling for the Senate to fulfill their constitutional duty and swiftly hold hearings and confirm him as the next Supreme Court Justice."

UPDATED March 17, 2016

AAPI Victory Fund
Snekar Narashimhan, chairman and founder

“The AAPI community wants a seat at the table in every venue and truly believes the bench of qualified AAPI candidates deserve consideration for the very next vacancy.”

“Today, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community must come together and work to ensure the Senate holds a fair hearing and a timely vote on the president's nominee. Obstructionist senators must be held accountable for their actions. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community needs to be more of a political force moving forward, and the AAPI Victory Fund will continue to mobilize its presidential elections outreach in 6 states — Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia — to empower the more than 18 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this country."

South Asian Bar Association of North America

“If confirmed, he will bring this experience from what is considered the second most important court in the U.S. and a reputation as a centrist to the Supreme Court,” adding: “Even as we congratulate Judge Garland, we are proud that one of our members is so highly regarded as to be considered a ‘likely candidate,’ and know that the depth and experience of our members will only continue to grow so that we stand ready next time the Supreme Court calls.”

Duckworth wins Democratic primary; eyes Illinois' U.S. Senate seat

Daily Herald

Rep. Tammy Duckworth thanks her supporters after winning the Democratic primary March 15.

AS EXPECTED, in the Illinois primary last night (March 15), U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth won 63% of the vote with the balance split between former Chicago Urban League CEO Andrea Zopp and Napoleon Harris, a state senator and former NFL player in the Illinois primary. 

By winning, the 5-term House member Duckworth becomes the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. Her victory sets the stage for a heated contest versus the incumbent, Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

The already contentious race between Duckworth and Kirk has been going on informally for months. Democrats see Kirk's seat as very vulnerable as a Senate seat they can turn blue by the popular Duckworth, a Thai/American.

If Duckworth wins in November, she could change the balance in the Senate and break the logjam Republicans have put up against Obama proposals and could be a factor in deciding who could be the next Supreme Court justice.

RELATED: GOP removes tasteless tweet vs. double amputee

Last week, the National Republican Senatorial Committee went after Duckworth tweeting that she "didn't stand up for veterans." The GOP quickly removed the tweet after the committee was heavily criticized. Duckworth, who lost both legs during a combat mission in Iraq, fired back with a long list of the bills she sponsored on behalf of veterans.

Prior to the primary, the GOP was already running TV ads against Duckworth.

Both Kirk and Duckworth have made compelling personal stories part of their campaign. Kirk suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2012, but returned to work in Washington a year later following intense rehabilitation. Duckworth, who grew up poor and attended college with help from federal grants, is the first veteran double amputee to serve in Congress.

###

For more news about Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.