SALUTE to 480 Exemplary Chinese Ams at U. of MD

Salute to the 480 Role Models!

While Others Spoke Up for Us, Why Are We so Quiet?

   Those in America's mainstream who know politics have publicly expressed very serious concerns over DOJ's repeated wrongful prosecutions of Chinese American scientists.

    They are 

(1) N.Y Times,

(2) Washington Post, 

(3) a group of 42 Congresspersons, 

(4) The U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and 

(5) the entire Congressional Delegation of Delaware, including both senators. 

       

   In contrast, Chinese-/Asian-Americans (except for 80-20 Initiative and Asian American Congresspersons) have been quiet.  Are we too timid to speak up for ourselves?

GREAT NEWS

    Hurrah!  There has been a refreshing beginning.  

    About 480 members of the Association of Chinese American Professors and Scientists (ACAPS) at University of Maryland voted unanimously to send a reasoned and powerful letter.  Click here to see their letter to Attorney General Lynch requesting an independent investigation of those wrongful prosecutions. 

    They also showed deep patriotism by stating what could be news to the ignorant bureaucrats in DOJ but is true -- Chinese Americans "account for a large percentage of scientists and engineers across major research universities, national labs, and other research institutions. . . ." 

    "We are certain that if the current practice of unlawfully targeting of Chinese-American professors and scientists continues, many Chinese- and other Asian-Americans will avoid working in technical areas that are vital to the success of this country's civilian and military industries, which will surely undermine this country's competitiveness in the long run."

   80-20 wants to particularly salute Prof. Zhi-Long Chen, a member of 80-20's Board of Donors and a member of the ACAPS, who spearheaded this letter.

Why Have Chinese-/Asian- Ams Been So Quiet?

   

   I have been mystified by our silence.  That past pattern of wrongful prosecutions without subsequent apologies and compensation could happen to any of us.  Don't we want to stop it?  The damaging effect reverberated even after the charges were dropped.  For example, Dr. Sherry Chen's boss still wants to fire her. 

   Is the long-term damage to America's competitiveness, mentioned by the noble 480 at the Univ. of MD, obvious to all of us as well?  Don't we care about America?

   Are we afraid, because the FBI is involved?  Why?  I am not afraid of the FBI at all because I trust the American government.   People who work for FBI are public servants.  If we think that FBI agents can willfully and legally step on our rights, then we have a gross misunderstanding of our government.

Let's Spread the Word & Empower Ourselves

   It is true that government can make mistakes. There are always bureaucrats who are over-eager to please the White House at the expense of our laws. If we suspect that they are profiling us racially and by national origin, then we must speak up.  Forward this to your friends so that more of us will speak up for our rights.  Don't be such timid souls.

          

S. B. Woo 

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

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80-20 Mission Statement

Another Significant Self-Empowerment Step

80-20'll Introduce Many Self-Empowerment Steps        THANKS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DONATED TO SELF, 80-20 is better able to implement steps to help make our AsAm community stronger politically.      Last week, we presented "3 Easy Ways" to infuse political knowledge.  In the next few months, 80-20 will work on a concrete program to help Chinese Am. scientists seemingly targeted by the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) because of their race and national origin. A Concrete Program With a Heart    80-20 Educational Foundation (EF) will hold a dinner honoring Peter Zeidenberg, the lawyer who so capably defended both Drs. Sherry Chen and Xianxing Xi.   Money raised from that event will help relieve the huge legal debts of the victims.          Why Is Peter Zeidenberg Being Honored?    First, he induced DOJ to drop espionage charges against 2 Chinese Am scientists just before their trials. Second, he exposed that DOJ was either not living up to the "due diligence" obligation, or intentionally creating a chilling effect to intimidate all Chinese Ams.  Note that Pres. Obama's order to "aggressively investigate and prosecute those who steal national secrets" was only designed to achieve a chilling effect on "the bad guys only."  Earlier, DOJ also dropped the cases against 2 Eli Lily scientists just before their trials. This pattern is truly disturbing.   Why Help Raise $18,000 for Dr. Chen?    Dr. Chen suffered irreparable damage to her reputation when her "espionage" charges were reported nationally.  Even today, she may still lose her job.  She borrowed to pay her legal fees.  She still owes Zeidenberg $18,000.  So we want to help Dr. Chen with her debts and Peter Zeidenberg receive his well-deserved pay.  How about Dr. Xi?  80-20 will continue to consider his needs. Is there a Higher & Nobler Purpose in Holding this Event?    Of course.  Chinese Ams need to build a united cohesive community quickly while there is time.  Look at the Muslin community in the U.S.  I bet most innocent Muslins in the US are regretting now - their earlier unwillingness to give a little time and money to help build a strong national organization to protect themselves.    Remember what SELF stands for?  Self-Empowerment Long-term Fund. Self-help is the only reliable help.   S. B. Woo  President and a volunteer for the past 17 years 80-20 Initiative, Inc. http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and  www.80-20educationalfoundation.org  View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:   http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter 80-20 Mission Statement

3 EASY ways to win equal opportunity

3 easy ways for AsAms to win equal opportunity

(1) Understanding what is "political" in the U.S.

   In the U.S., taking part in partisan elections is political.  Non-profit organizations are not permitted to engage in it. Otherwise, their non-profit status will be taken away.  Lobbying in the legislative process may, at times, be considered political.

   In contrast, taking a position on an issue which involves government or government officials is NOT AT ALL political.  It is just conversations between citizens and the US government.  Even when we have criticized the government or officials wrongly, we are protected by the 1st amendment, freedom of speech, unless we knowingly and maliciously push wrong information.

   There are so many AsAms Ph.Ds, professors, Chinese school principals and teachers, heads of professional organizations, and other nonprofit orgs. which don't understand the U.S definition of "political".  They refrained themselves from expressing their view on the apparent profiling of Chinese Ams by the Dept. of Justice because of their misunderstanding. 

        THEY ARE SO WRONG!!!!

   Instead of being a powerful educated voice for our community to fight for our rights, they silenced themselves because of their ignorance.  That is why "knowing the meaning of political" is the 1st of the 3 EASY WAYS to strengthen ourselves.

(2)  Be less timid.   Think more for our children's future instead of our temporary & small gains and losses.    

(3) Understand the importance of elections to us, and make use of them.

   Candidates seeking votes are encouraged by US political parties to make promises.  After all, finding out what people want is one important reason to hold elections.  Hence, every election, especially the presidential elections, is AsAms' golden opportunity to chip away at our current UN-equal status.

   How to get the promises?  How to get the politicians to fulfill the promises to us after they are elected?  Very complicated.  Best leave it to the professionals, IF we are lucky enough to have such a group who are dedicated to our rightful interests.

    

   In essence, a swing bloc vote is the best inducement to get the promises, because it rewards the candidates most richly or punishes them the most severely. That is what 80-20 has always advocated - a swing bloc vote - in order to induce both major political parties to compete to serve our interests.

   Who knows what questions to ask?  Who can deliver a "swing bloc vote"?   Think about it.  Who else but 80-20 has the ability & experience?

Click here to see 80-20 PAC's track record in this complex, nerve-wrecking political process.

   Do your friends understand the U.S. definition of "political", and the importance of every election to us who are NOT yet equal citizens?  Why not forward this e-newsletter to them for their comments? 

S. B. Woo 

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter

80-20 Mission Statement

Is Internment Possible? Think Trump!

                    Is Internment Possible?  Think Trump.

   NY Times's "Donald Trump Deflects Withering Fire on Muslim Plan" article reported:  "Repudiated across much of the political spectrum but defended on conservative talk radio, Donald J. Trump on Tuesday stood by his call to block all Muslims from entering the United States. He cast it as a temporary move in response to terrorism and 

   invoked President Franklin D. Roosevelt's authorization of the detention of Japanese  . . . during World War II as precedent."

    Is internment still impossible, IF Mr. Trump is elected and IF, God forbid, the US-China relationship turns into a military conflict?

                            What could be the remedy?

   Support 80-20.  It is the ONLY Asian Am. organization that has the clout, the resources and the political knowledge to affect the outcome of the next presidential election through the primary elections in both parties and the general election.

The next Supreme Court decision on College admissions? 

   The "Fisher vs. Univ. of Texas" was heard by the Supreme Court again yesterday.  80-20's DC chapter, working with Mr. Ed. Blum, Ms. Fisher and Asian American Coalition for Education, turned out in force and spoke out for Asian Americans.

    Prof. Chenming Hu, a former 80-20 EF Board Member and "father of 3-D transistors", was there with tens of D.C. chapter members.  Hu spoke.  His picture, shown below, was in USA TODAY in an article "Supreme Court skeptical of racial preferences in university admissions".

 

   We thank Chenming (the one in the middle), 80-20 D.C. chapter members and all others who helped make AsAm voices heard before the Supreme Court. Additional good news: the last time the Supreme Court heard this case, a few "AsAm" orgs. were there to SUPPORT "racial preference" in college admissions.  This time they didn't show.  Why?  They are disappearing from our community, after 80-20 pointed out their shameful deeds.  Our community rightfully rejected these organizations.

   NY Times also has an article, entitled "Supreme Court Justices' Comments Don't Bode Well for ..."   In the first paragraph, it states: 

"By the end of the unusually long and tense argument, Justice Kennedy indicated that the Supreme Court might have all the evidence needed to decide the case. That could mean that the Texas admissions plan is in peril and that affirmative action at colleges and universities around the nation may be in trouble as well."

Be Confident In our Own Strengths

   People used to say that if the IVY schools believe in "racial preference" in college admissions, then Asian Ams can't do a thing to change it.  Is it really true, if we are under good leadership?  

   By the same token, we can use the existing presidential primary election system to help select the right presidential candidate, under 80-20's leadership. We can also stop Department of Justice's wrongful prosecutions of us, apparently based on racial and national origin profiling.   Believe in ourselves.

S. B. Woo 

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter

80-20 Mission Statement

Free between 9 -11 am Wed? Live in greater D.C.?

Stand Up for Your College-Aged Kids & Demonstrate!

Consider Demonstrating Before the Supreme Court,

if you live in or around D.C.

When?   12/09/2015 (Wednesday!)  between 9 and 11 am.

Where?   In front of the Supreme Court, 1 First St. NE, Washington DC 20543

Direction? http://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/visitorservices.aspx

Registration for head count:
  https://docs.google.com/a/udel.edu/forms/d/1mHYBaF8chNWthezYwGzSFe0ne9XXaM4kn3IO6FZ3kMA/viewform?c=0&w=1

                       

Forget Registration, if you see this too late.  Just go there. You'll see many of our DC Chapter members there.   Thank you!  Please try.

S. B. Woo 

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter

80-20 Mission Statement

Spreading Like Prairie Fire

Adding Powerful New Voices

   Delaware's ENTIRE congressional delegation, composed of 2 powerful senators and one Congressman, who is the odds-on favorite for next Governor of DE, wrote a thoughtful & compassionate letter to A.G. Lynch, asking her to start an investigation.  Click here to view full letter.   

 . . . . it is extremely important that we get these prosecutions right, without resorting to profiling & with appropriate technical assistance from the broader scientific community. We recently spoke with a representative of the Chinese-American community in Delaware, and share the concerns he and others have raised about these and other recent cases that focus on Chinese-American scientists. We ask you to consider whether an investigation into this pattern of cases might be necessary . . . to ensure that faulty cases like that against Dr. Xi are caught prior to arrest.  . . . and ensure that inappropriate  profiling of Chinese-American scientists is not occurring. (Emphasis added)

    Sen. Chris Coons, who drafted the above letter, is a member of the powerful Appropriate Comm, Foreign Relations Comm, and Judiciary Comm.  He is also helping to get other senators to join him in asking for an investigation.  Sen. Tom Carper, a long time friend of the Asian Am community, is the ranking member of the powerful Homeland Security Comm.  

                               

Powerful Voices From Every Corner

(1)  NY Times published an editorial and Washington Post an opinion page condemning DOJ's.  

(2) 42 Congresspersons have already asked for an independent investigation, 

(3) so did the US Commission on Civil Rights, and

(4) as did ENTIRE Congressional delegation of Delaware with two powerful senators.

                       

Chinese Ams in Other States to Enlist Their Senators

   The norm of the mainstream society is that those who held fundraisers for politicians must step forth to get the same politicians to come to the community's aid, when the community has been wronged.  There have been plenty of Chinese American fundraisers for senators, it is time for them to prove their worth or hide their faces in shame.  Forward this letter to those fundraisers, and ask them to please step up to prove their worth. There must be accountability.  They enjoyed political connections and glory; now they must pay our community back.

Ultimately We Must Win our Own Battles

   DOJ has started a practice that can ruin the lives of any Chinese American.  It is seemingly illegal.  Ultimately, it is up to us to get DOJ to stop it.  We have so many scientists in our community, we need to hear from them.  I hope they'll think of their role as parents; do they have the obligation to fight and nip the apparent pattern of profiling in the bud for their children's sake? 

   If you are helping to get DOJ to investigate, kindly please let me know.

S. B. Woo 

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter

80-20 Mission Statement

A Powerful Voice Is Forming

A Powerful Voice Is Forming

    My heart was filled with pride, when I saw a draft letter to Attorney General Lynch being discussed (and likely to be adopted) by a group of scientists in another state.  

    The short letter (1) speaks out firmly against abuse of government power, (2) requests an independent investigation - to put fear in those law-violating government employees who practice profiling, (3) shows political maturity by appealing to fellow scientists to unite and take concerted action, and (4) shows deep concern for our nation's best interest.  

    America should feel fortunate to have such good citizens.  When A.G. Lynch eventually listens to these scientists, our nation shall take another small step towards "a more perfect union."   See excerpts from that draft:

   "Dear Attorney General Lynch: 

     We  . . . are writing to express our serious concerns over the recent wrongfully indicted espionage cases involving  . .  Dr. Sherry Chen of National Weather Service and Dr. Xiaoxing Xi of Temple University.

     We request that the Department of Justice authorize an independent  investigation to find out  . .   whether race, ethnicity or national origin played a part in these cases.  Until such an investigation is authorized, we will appeal to Chinese-American professors, scientists and engineers in all major universities and research institutions in the nation to join us in making such a request.

      . . . There appears to be a pattern and practice of singling out Chinese-            Americans by federal law enforcement and prosecutors in the name of fighting against espionage.   . . .

      If this pattern continues, it is going to create not only a chilling effect on Chinese-American lives but also a negative impact on this nation's science and engineering research communities  . . . Although Chinese-Americans make up for a small portion of the US population, they account for a large percentage of scientists and engineers across major research universities, national labs, and other research institutions. In early 2000, because of the injustice Dr. Wenho Lee, a Chinese-American scientist at the Los Alamos National Lab, suffered in the hands of the government (a very similar case as Chen and Xi's), a national boycott of the national labs was called, urging Asian American scientists to stop applying for jobs at the national labs. Consequently, new applicants to the national labs dropped off  significantly and many Asian-American senior staff left for non- government sector or took early retirement. We are certain that if the current practice of unlawfully targeting Chinese-American professors and scientists continues, many Chinese- and other Asian-Americans will avoid working in technical areas that are vital to the success of this country's civilian and military industries, which will surely undermine this country's competitiveness in the long run."

   What a powerful message!  Will Attorney General Lynch have the wisdom to hear us?  

   To make sure that A.G. Lynch will hear us, let us all organize a "professors and scientists group" in every university, research institution and national lab and speak out in unison.   Let our indignation and our voice of reason spread like the prairie fire!  Election is coming around.  Politicians will listen if we all speak out.

S. B. Woo

President and a volunteer for the past 17 years

80-20 Initiative, Inc.

http://www.80-20initiative.com/index.php and 

www.80-20educationalfoundation.org 

View a GREAT 3-part video about AsAms:  

http://youtu.be/h781_ECSJYM

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter

80-20 Mission Statement