Letters
Updated May 3, 2009
nwasianweekly.com

Maybe there’s a Tully’s

To the editor:

As a former resident of China, and a 2007 visitor to Tibet, I would like to point out that the protest spokesperson quoted in your “Protest” article is a bit misinformed. To the best of my knowledge (with support from Internet research), there are no Starbucks or McDonalds in Tibet. Of course this may well change over time, but I believe this is the situation today. So it is inappropriate to blame these particular Western companies for impacting the culture there. I’m not stating an opinion on this important issue, but I do believe the protestors should get their facts straight and perhaps visit this beautiful region before making such statements.

Mike (last name withheld)
Woodinville
5/3/08

Time to take sides

To the editor:

The acquiescence of Chinese, Chinese Americans and other Asians to Beijing runs counter to the spirit of pan-Asian cooperation. To those Chinese protestors at the UW decrying “unfair” Western media coverage — well, what do you expect, when your government threw out all Western reporters? What other venues of criticism have there been for the Tibetans? Furthermore, for those same Chinese students to protest when the Dalai Lama visits Seattle, when many Tibetans have been imprisoned and/or tortured for speaking out, is outrageous. Attempting to remain “neutral” in what is supposedly a two-sided conflict (where the two sides are supposedly equal in terms of the merit of their arguments) is disingenuous. Who has the army, guns, tanks, anyway?

Narrow, blind nationalism by overseas Chinese only hurts the image of China, as does allowing patriotism to trump truth and compassion. It also makes the claims of the Chinese against the Japanese occupation in World War II look hypocritical and self-serving.

I am deeply troubled that so far no Asian groups have come forward and denounced the Chinese government’s actions (the news blackout and violent repression). I lived in Beijing during the events in Tiananmen in 1989. I did not speak out then. I refuse to be a collaborator now.

Chiu Zhong-liang
Seattle
5/3/08

Clinton uses attacks on China to woe voters

To the editor:

On April 12, 2008, about 4:37 p.m. (Eastern) on CNN Live cable, I viewed and heard the television coverage of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s speech in Indiana. Sen. Clinton stated words to the effect that the Chinese are trying to steal from us anything they can’t buy. The statement is obviously not true. It is offensive. Sen. Clinton must not narrow the door between the United States and China’s foreign relations, especially with our sights on human rights, trade, etc. China, or any other country, should not be singled out in a political speech for votes, especially by a presidential candidate. In addition, Sen. Clinton’s statement unfairly stereotypes China and the Chinese. Her words, “You know,” imply that everyone thinks the same as she does, and that is dangerous. Sen. Clinton made an untruthful statement, apparently to win votes, regardless of consequences to herself, and more importantly without regard to our United States, its people and our future. I am part Asian and Sen. Clinton’s statements went too far. I am surprised the media has not discussed this.

George Stephanik
Nottingham, Md.
4/26/08

Editor’s note:
This exact quote from April 12 could not be verified by NWAW, but on April 14, in a speech she gave in Pittsburgh, Clinton said, “And the other piece of this is I want to crack down on industrial espionage. You know, what the Chinese can't buy from us, they steal from us. And they've been stealing a lot of our technology and our intellectual property.” The transcript of that speech is available on the Washington Post’s Web site.

Symbolic gestures

To the editor:

In no way do I support a boycott of the Olympic games in China. Politics should be set aside for the Olympics. Symbolic gestures like the raising of the Nazi flag in Munich in 1936 and the Black Power salute in Mexico City in the 60s were repudiated by the Olympic committee. As a powerless observer of the global situation I have observed a generation in the U.S. who promoted war for no good reason. America has one-fifth the population of China and many tragic, scary, incendiary incidents have transpired here that justifiably jeopardize global trust in our justice and wisdom, to say nothing of our capacity to rule properly. Despite this, we would presume a boycott of our own Olympics morally unthinkable.

Mac Crary
Seattle
5/19/08



Tragedy should spur changes in policy

To the editor:

The crosswalk where Tatsuo Nakata was killed is very near my home. It is a dangerous intersection through which I pass every day.

I was angered to learn that Rabbi Schwartz received only a deferred sentence for his conviction on charges of vehicular assault. Bad drivers should be taken off the road. Perhaps such measures as regular retesting of drivers as a condition of license renewal and increased police focus on dangerous intersections could prevent some future tragedies.

I know that my colleagues over at the Seattle City Council — all of whom worked with Tatsuo on a daily basis — want to ensure that his death leads to positive changes. That Council has formed a special committee on pedestrian issues and the city will this year complete a comprehensive Pedestrian Master Plan designed, in part, to improve walking safety. My legislative aide, James Bush, is one of 25 Seattle residents serving on the advisory committee for the pedestrian master plan effort.

As for the cell phone issue, the Legislature last May imposed a statewide ban on texting, which took effect on Jan. 1. On July 1, a similar ban on using a cell phone without a hands-free device will take effect. Both are secondary offenses, so drivers will be ticketed only if they are pulled over for a primary offense, such as speeding or running a red light.

But these important changes in state law and city policy offer little solace to a community that has lost a treasured son. Tatsuo’s death was a tragedy for his family, his many friends, and our entire community, which stood to benefit from his great potential.

Sincerely,

Dow Constantine
King County Councilmember District Eight
3/29/08

A to-do list for BCC president

To the editor:

We are extremely concerned about the racial discrimination against several women faculty of color at Bellevue Community College (“College under fire,” Feb. 2, 2008, and “Women of color receive support in battle with BCC,” Feb. 23, 2008). It certainly appears as if there has been unequal treatment and hostile work environments on campus. This is simply unacceptable.

As anti-racist educators and community organizations representing hundreds of area residents, we call upon BCC President Jean Floten to sustain meaningful dialogue with these faculty members, to truly listen to their experiences of institutional racism, and to engage in appropriate action in accordance with their suggested remedies.

We also call upon President Floten to report to the community on what actions will be implemented, the respective timelines, and benchmarks to gauge effectiveness in addressing this deplorable situation. One of the greatest measure we will look at will be the degree that these respected faculty members feel justice bas been served.

May these extremely unfortunate episodes become a learning experience for everyone involved, resulting lasting positive change.

Sincerely,
Maxine Alloway
Educators for Social Justice at the University of Washington

Ilsa Govan
Work of European Americans as Cultural Teachers (WE-ACT)

Kathleen Fletcher
Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites (CARW)

Mary Dispenza
The Eastside Network (TEN)

John Page
Monica Lundberg

Coalition to Undo Racism Everywhere (CURE)

(A version of this letter was sent to BCC President Jean Floten March 3)
3/29/08

In defense of 80-20

S.B. Woo has been very consistent in his approach to candidates, even of Secretary Chao: “Executive Order 11246 was signed by President Johnson in 1965 to ensure the number of minority and women in executive positions in colleges/universities, government agencies and private businesses. Asian Americans are left out in the enforcement of EO11246.”

Woo stated, “Henceforth, with the exception of California, 80-20 is neutral in the primary contests between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama.” As you know, Asian American voters went to Hillary 3/1 (75 percent-25 percent) in the California primary. It is still not all clear that this is all due to the 80-20 effort. If Obama is calling for change, he certainly needs to look into the plight of Asian Americans’ “glass ceiling” status. In his letter to Sen. Obama, Woo stated, “As a skilled lawyer, you know that an agreement is worthless if conditions and terms are not measurable.” If you have been around in the work place in the aerospace industry like I have, you would realize how important it is that an agreement is measurable.

Jack Peng
Auburn
3/21/08

No justice for Nakata

To the editor:

I disagree with Seattle Municipal Court Judge George Holifield’s decision in the case involving the pedestrian accident in which Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz struck and killed Matthew “Tatsuo” Nakata in November 2006. The rabbi was given a two-year deferred sentence (“No jail for driver who killed Tatsuo Nakata,” March 8, 2008).

If the news reports that I read were correct, the rabbi has a history of reckless driving with at least eight moving violations and in 2005 Schwartz hit a bicyclist. That charge was removed from his record.

Furthermore earlier this year a jury found Schwartz guilty of assault by vehicle.

In addition, though not illegal, Schwartz was talking on his cell phone and had been continuously from the time he left his house until he struck Nakata. There was no evidence that he tried to brake.

Finally, Nakata was struck in a crosswalk. What legal protection does a pedestrian have if she or he is crossing legally?

Had this been a first-time offense for Schwartz, George Holifield’s decision would be more understandable. But Schwartz’s deferred sentence means if he has no infractions of the law in two years, this charge will be expunged from his record. Schwartz has a history of many similar violations and has had many chances to clear his record and presumably stay free from future such violations.

This time Rabbi Schwartz went too far and killed a pedestrian who was crossing legally. The system didn’t go far enough; Judge Holifield’s sentence is inadequate, incomprehensible and unjust to the family and the community.

Sincerely,
Patricia Fong
Seattle
3/21/08

To the editor:
I believe Sen. Barack Obama’s unique background and experiences enable him to identify with the diverse circumstances and struggles of Asian Pacific Islanders and all Americans, thereby lessening the divisions among us and enhancing our shared beliefs. Moreover, he is committed to reaching out to other nations and restoring our position of moral leadership in the world community. His message of hope and unity, his belief in people, and his optimism are inspirations to the diverse network of young people who are energized by his candidacy and are working passionately for his election.

As a mother, I am pleased that his run for the presidency has captured the imagination and commitment of my own children, who both enthusiastically cast their first votes in precinct caucuses for Sen. Obama.

Sen. Obama understands that engaging the next generation is so important to the future of our country.

The accompanying photo is of my daughter Mika with Obama’s sister, Maya Sotero Ng, who is half-Indonesian and married to a Chinese American man. This photo was taken when Mika was working for the campaign in Iowa last summer. Mika also campaigned for Sen. Obama last month in Iowa when he won the first presidential caucus. She is continuing to work on his campaign and serves as coordinator for Students for Obama at New York University.

My son, Mori, served as the Obama precinct captain for our state’s presidential caucus in the 41st legislative district and was elected a delegate to the King County convention.

Ruthann Kurose
Seattle

Save AZN TV

To the editor:
Isn’t there something our local Asian community can do to help keep AZN Television on the air? It is the only channel worth watching on Comcast, and now they are saying they going to cancel it on April 9.
I am not Asian, but enjoy the programs and learning about the cultures on that channel. I have already written letters and e-mails asking them to keep the channel going, but I think we need more support from everywhere. They are keeping the Black and Hispanic channels, and they have already cancelled the Imaginasian Channel, now they are
working on AZN.

Judy Morical
Kent



The time is now
To the editor:
The list of supporters for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama (“Where would you be on this list?” Feb. 16, 2008) was the most impressive congregation of committed Asian Americans … that I’d ever witnessed in all my years as a social and political activist.
It showed that our Asian American community desires a change from the most hate-filled administration in the history of our country.

When moving into the White House, even though he came in second in the popular vote of the people, George W. Bush orchestrated the most devious plan to invade the country of Iraq. While devising a strategy for an invasion of Iraq, Osama bin Laden attacked New York and Washington, D.C., killing thousands of citizens from countries throughout the world. In most of the news articles I read, readers were led to believe that only Americans died.

It didn’t matter; the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon became the excuse to invade Iraq. Remember the battle cry from the commander-in-chief: “We will hunt down and capture Osama bin Laden, dead or alive.” Only he decided to go right, to Iraq, instead of left, to Afghanistan.

It will be up to the next president to clean up the mess that the Bush administration left behind. And you guessed it, Osama bin Laden is still alive to plan other attacks throughout the world. If I remember my geography, he is living in Pakistan, not Iran, the country that Bush still has plans to attack.

After years of social and political activism, I see my life’s work clearly for the very first time. I’ve marched with Tyree Scott, Walter Hubbard, Caesar Chavez, Dolores Sibonga, Cindy Domingo, Roberto Maestras, Larry Gossett, Bernie Whitebear, Elaine Ko and hundreds of others, and I see Barack Obama among us. He is us.
We will never have this opportunity again in my lifetime, and I’m committed totally to see that our collective voices be heard because “the time is now.”

Bob Santos
Seattle
2/23/08



Condolences to the Woo family

It is with great sadness that those of us at the Organization of Chinese Americans – Greater Seattle chapter read your story about the passing of Ben Woo (“Gentle, inspirational Ben,” Feb. 16, 2008). Ben was a recipient of our Golden Circle Award at our annual Lunar New Year Dinner in 2004. Ben was such a deserving winner of the Golden Circle Award with his long history and multiple facets of community contributions. We are grateful we had the opportunity to publicly acknowledge his role as a founder of Wing Luke Asian Museum, Kin On Health Care Center and his leadership participation in many other organizations. Ben had a distinguished professional career while actively engaged in civic and social justice organizations. We will miss his warm smile, intelligence and commitment to community. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ruth Woo and all the family.

Sincerely,
Victor King, OCA-GS
President
2/23/08

Class president to U.S. president?

To the editor:
Barack Obama graduated in 1979, one year before me, from Punahou School in Honolulu. There were few African American students at Punahou, so most of us knew “Barry” Obama, as he was called back then. He wouldn’t remember me, but all of us remember him. One of the many reasons that I support him is because growing up in Hawaii, where there are many different ethnicities living on a small island together, provides him with the broad perspective of how people with diverse backgrounds and cultures can live together peacefully and productively. I also believe he has the life experiences and vision to bring the country together. I’ve included a picture from the Punahou School yearbook. Obama is in the bottom row, fourth from the right. Isn’t it a small, small world?

Warm aloha,
Cathy Lee Chong
Honolulu
2/16/08

Colored by bigotry?

To the editor:
At the start of the New Year, may I suggest that you try harder to report fairly on disputes? As an example, the article with the title, “College under fire” (Feb. 2), would have been more accurately titled, “Outside investigator finds no discrimination at Bellevue Community College.” As far as the “bigots of color” e-mail, I would like to see you interview the white faculty member who used the phrase and find out why he feels that way about the “diversity” promoters. Perhaps he has reasons.

Joe Chang
Seattle
2/16/08



Button-maker banned from Tet

To the editor:
This year, I planned to volunteer at Tet in Seattle to distribute some of my Tet zodiac buttons. Unfortunately, I discovered that Tet in Seattle allows itself to be censored by sponsors. I went to a volunteer meeting Jan. 18 and discovered that I could not distribute buttons with any Chinese characters on them. The coordinator of the Kids & Tet event told me some of the sponsors dislike Chinese characters.

To me this is totally silly. Chinese characters are everywhere during Tet. The wall calendars given away at Vietnamese stores have them. Virtually every Vietnamese jewelry shop sells necklaces and pendants with Chinese symbols for luck, prosperity and long life. Even the original Vietnamese written script called “chu nom” was derived from Chinese characters, and I don’t need to mention that the spoken Vietnamese language uses an extensive vocabulary of Chinese loan words.

But what was really disappointing for me was that the Tet in Seattle Committee would agree to censor and limit free expression for money. I intended the buttons to show the shared global heritage of Tet as a holiday that originated in China, went to Vietnam and now has come to its latest home, the United States. People who established the U.S. yearned for free expression and fought hard to defend it. Many of the people who came afterward, including many Vietnamese and Chinese, came for very similar reasons.

Sponsors should be giving money for public exposure and not controlling how Vietnamese people celebrate Tet. The Tet in Seattle Committee could be courageous and refuse to sell their expressive freedom for money and simply focus on providing the best possible celebration and support, as well as take advantage of volunteers who want to go beyond their normal duties. Not only will this enhance the Tet in Seattle celebration, the visitors and wider community will enjoy a more memorable celebration that more accurately reflects the huge diversity of Vietnamese culture.

Joe Ho
Seattle
2/9/08

Insight into Calvin Tang

To the editor:
Thanks for the article on Calvin Tang (“In Deep,” Nov. 17). Calvin has proved to be very astute in dealing with a large number of people online. I am sure he does the same in real life. He hasn’t revealed all that much about himself, and I appreciated this insight.

Jerry Firman
Rockport, Texas
12/22/07

Disappointed in victim-hood

To the editor:
I happened to read your paper while munching on my dim sum at Jade Garden in Chinatown. I was quite disappointed to read your paper and its editorial position. The “UW class wonders where Bruce Lee is” (Dec. 8) article is a good example. When Bruce Lee was “making it big” in the mid 1970s, I was a teenager in Hong Kong and all my peers idolized him. Obviously, Lee made significant contributions to kung fu and the movie genre that goes with it. However, I am not aware of even Hong Kong erecting any statues at the University of Hong Kong, or Chinese University of Hong Kong, or any major academic institute, to commemorate him. However, my discussion here is not about Bruce Lee but about the general “we the victim” philosophy throughout your paper’s editorial. I think you really need to look at the other side of Asian Americans, who work, compete and become successful purely based on one’s ability rather than pulling a race, ethnic or gender card. What I witnessed in my 23-year career and seven years of college experience has been that Asians and/or Asian Americans always win by meritocracy and not victim-hood. Until today, the significant number of Asian Americans in senior professional positions, from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, were all due to meritocracy, as opposed to the many race cards blacks and Mexican Americans played and continue to play. I hope we don’t follow their paths.

Donald Kam
Vancouver, Wash.
12/22/07

Thanks for telling your story

To the editor:

Thank you for the article on Amabel Narvaez (“A voice for the voiceless,” Nov. 10, 2007). Please convey our appreciation to her for sharing her story. Our daughter became ill with schizophrenia in 1975 when she was a sophomore in high school. Today, she is living independently in Stockton, Calif., and doing well, coping with her illness with courage and faith.

Marion and Saburo Masada
Fresno, Calif.
11/20/07

In the name of Islam

To the editor:

While I realize the point of this news story is to document the Muslim students’ response (“Muslim students respond to Islamo-Fascism Week,” Nov. 3, 2007), I thought the article was overly sympathetic to their point of view and unbalanced. The quotes from Medved and Horowitz are inflammatory and not given context. They miss the point. The quotes about Native Americans and oppression that Muslims feel distort what’s at play here. The bottom line is this nation was not attacked by 19 fanatics who simply happened to share the Islam faith; these 19 fanatics guided by Osama bin Laden and others attacked us “in the name of Islam” — that’s what’s different here, and that’s what’s insidious, and that’s what we as a nation need to be mindful of. Let’s see this issue from both sides now. The innocence and naiveté displayed in this article remind me of the appeasement by Great Britain and Lord Chamberlain prior to World War II.

Dennis Wulkan
West Seattle
11/20/07

Not all abusers look like monsters

To the editor:

We are deeply troubled by the tone of your article and quotes from community leaders about the recent arrest of Seattle Councilmember Richard McIver (“APIs back McIver despite assault claim,” Oct. 20, 2007).

We do not know if Mr. McIver committed the acts for which he was arrested. Regardless, the article suggests that people who call for help are somehow to blame, that alcohol causes domestic violence and that good guys do not sometimes do bad things. These messages discourage victims from reaching out for help, and that is a disservice to the community.

When abusers appear to be monsters, it is easy to condemn acts of domestic violence. It is much harder for our communities to deal with the issue when abusers are well-liked, respected and make important contributions to their communities. Abusers are often men (and occasionally women) who are our friends, family and colleagues.

Each of us signing this letter is familiar with abusers who are loved and admired in their ethnic, cultural, nonprofit, business, social justice or religious community.

Research suggests that domestic violence homicides are disproportionately high in Asian populations in our state. If we truly want to stop abuse, then we have the responsibility of holding our peers accountable for abusive behavior.

Judy Chen,
Washington State Coalition
Against Domestic Violence

Miae Christofferson

Loreen Lee

Rose Long

Denise Tung Sharify,
Asian & Pacific Islander
Women and Family
Safety Center
11/17/07

Mythology can kill

To the editor:
I am the filmmaker of “Suicide Killers,” the film Jane Mee Wong mentioned in an article recently (“Muslim students respond to Islamo-Fascism Week,” Nov. 3, 2007).

I have to say that I am surprised by the strong reaction to the film of Muslim students in America. “Suicide Killers” refers to many terrorists that I met in jail, and offers a different slant on a very concerning problem.

It looks like those Muslim students want to maintain the delusion in America that Islam is a peaceful religion, under attack by Bush and the West, ready for any peace commitment with Israel, as long as Israel would cease its murders against unharmed civilians, etc.

This mythology has to stop. It is dangerous to the U.S. and it is dangerous to moderate Muslims as well. Some Palestinian friends of mine (Bassem Eid, president of the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, for instance) praise my work and know as much as I do what really motivates suicide bombers.

My film doesn’t say that Palestinians are bad. It doesn’t say that they don’t fight for a just cause. It doesn’t say that they should not have a country of their own. It just says that some cynical leaders abuse young kids by promoting a mythology which finds its justification in a very archaic system leading to a strong frustration. Islam is creating “suicide killers” the same way an oppressive environment can create serial killers.

And I don’t think that one mistake on one subtitle (as this student says) can question hundreds of strong statements made by failed terrorists during one-and-a-half-hours of screening.

Having shot 90 percent of the film myself, and spent so much time with so many suicide bombers, males and females, I certainly understand that the truth can hurt the sensitivity of Palestinian students, who want to believe in their cause in black-and-white terms. But they cannot change the facts. Here, they had a chance to understand why peace is impossible for now in the Middle East. Should they continue to blame Israel and the West, the situation will still be the same decades from now.
Pierre Rehov
Paris
11/10/07

Shame on you

To the editor:
I am outraged and disappointed at your newspaper for publishing the article “APIs back McIver despite assault claim” (Oct. 20, 2007). It is so wrong on so many levels: 1) Publishing this story as an article is a misuse of your power as media; this is really an op-ed, commentary or personal opinion. An article means you would have provided insight from different people about the issue. 2) The headline “APIs back McIver” is erroneous; it should be called “TWO API friends back McIver,” or more friends if you count yourselves. I certainly don’t back him and I am sure a lot of APIs don’t either. Did you bother to ask other community leaders who might not be supportive of McIver? 3) More importantly, this story served as a backlash to survivors of domestic violence. You blamed victims and you made excuses for abusers. Shame on you!

Denise Tung Sharify
Seattle
11/10/07

Information on regional voting centers

To the editor:
Thank you for your article about King County’s transition to vote-by-mail. This topic is very important to your readers and members of the Chinese American community and I appreciate the space you devoted to the topic. Your article only briefly touched on the true meaning and purpose of regional voting centers in King County’s upcoming vote-by-mail elections environment, and I wanted the opportunity to clarify.

A regional voting center is a voting location specifically designed in compliance with state law to provide voters with disabilities a means to cast a secret and independent ballot. All voters will receive an absentee ballot. But for those who cannot cast a ballot independently, a regional voting center is available. Any eligible voter may cast a ballot at the regional voting centers, regardless of the precinct in which they reside. Eligible voters will be able to cast their ballot on the accessible voting unit.

Regional voting centers will also serve as a mail ballot collection site which will allow voters to securely submit their voted ballot, without the cost of postage, to a King-County-sanctioned receptacle. Staff at regional voting centers will also provide assistance and translated materials to members of the minority language community as specified by Section 203 of the Federal Voting Rights Act. Regional voting centers will be located throughout the county and open for a predetermined period leading up to and including Election Day.

It is our expectation that voters who do not require the use of the accessible voting units will comply with the intent of transitioning to all-mail voting by voting with their mail ballot and putting a stamp on the return envelope and mailing it or dropping it off at one of the drop-off locations provided throughout the county.

Again, thank you for providing readers of the Northwest Asian Weekly with information about upcoming changes in elections.

Megan Coppersmith
King County Elections



A heavy load to carry

To the editor:

Though a young writer, Eleanor Lee touches on a subject not discussed much (“Hostage crisis reveals limits of solidarity,” Sept. 15, 2007). I am a 57-year-old Mexican American woman who was raised in Texas when President Kennedy was killed in Dallas. The first words out of my grandmother’s mouth were “I hope one of us didn’t commit the killing” — meaning a Mexican, because that would cause problems for all of us Mexicans. It’s a heavy load to carry our whole race on our shoulders. It’s best to just do the right thing all the time. Thanks for the subject you wrote about.

Marsha Martinez
Seattle
11/03/07

Casting Stones?

To the editor:

“Let he who has never sinned cast the first stone” might apply to how we may react to Seattle City Council candidate, Venus Velasquez. Okay, I’m holding my stone, but I can’t help but think that maybe it’s a wake-up call for her to get her act together before running for any kind of public office.

Based on what I’ve read in the local papers, it seems she wants us to think this drunk-driving citation was the first and only mistake she’s ever made behind the wheel. It makes me wonder about her judgment. If it’s true she’s run stop lights/signs in the past and gotten away with it, then I’m tempted to throw my stone at her car.

But in all seriousness, I would like to advise her to do the responsible thing: Withdraw from the City Council race and fix her wagon. Her heart may be in the right place — to want to better the community. But she would be a much more effective leader in the future when she can honestly and totally accept full responsibility for her actions — because, if elected, her actions will affect all of us.

For now, she should stop throwing stones at her opponent, Bruce Harrell.

Gei Chan
Seattle
10/27/07

Former governor in attendance

To the editor:
It was our pleasure and deep honor to participate in the 25th anniversary of the NW Asian Weekly and the Chinese Post. No one has done more to inform, bring together and promote the Asian American community than Assunta Ng. And to have done it so successfully. She has done wonders in preparing the next generation of young leaders and bringing well-deserved recognition to the successes of today’s entrepreneurs and outstanding people in so many other fields — all within the Asian American and other minority communities.

Gary and Mona Locke
Seattle
10/27/07

Information on regional voting centers

To the editor:
Thank you for your article about King County’s transition to vote-by-mail. This topic is very important to your readers and members of the Chinese American community and I appreciate the space you devoted to the topic. Your article only briefly touched on the true meaning and purpose of regional voting centers in King County’s upcoming vote-by-mail elections environment, and I wanted the opportunity to clarify.

A regional voting center is a voting location specifically designed in compliance with state law to provide voters with disabilities a means to cast a secret and independent ballot. All voters will receive an absentee ballot. But for those who cannot cast a ballot independently, a regional voting center is available. Any eligible voter may cast a ballot at the regional voting centers, regardless of the precinct in which they reside. Eligible voters will be able to cast their ballot on the accessible voting unit.

Regional voting centers will also serve as a mail ballot collection site which will allow voters to securely submit their voted ballot, without the cost of postage, to a King-County-sanctioned receptacle. Staff at regional voting centers will also provide assistance and translated materials to members of the minority language community as specified by Section 203 of the Federal Voting Rights Act. Regional voting centers will be located throughout the county and open for a predetermined period leading up to and including Election Day.

It is our expectation that voters who do not require the use of the accessible voting units will comply with the intent of transitioning to all-mail voting by voting with their mail ballot and putting a stamp on the return envelope and mailing it or dropping it off at one of the drop-off locations provided throughout the county.
Again, thank you for providing readers of the Northwest Asian Weekly with information about upcoming changes in elections.
Megan Coppersmith
King County Elections
9/27/07



Woman didn’t deserve asylum

To the editor:
Regarding your story “Asylum for woman who miscarried during deportation” (Sept. 15, 2007), this woman has been in the country illegally since 1995! Ran a restaurant illegally and, if so, must have used false identification to do so. She then applied for political asylum based on China’s one-child policy. How many children did she have in 1995 when she became illegal?

Her last appeal was denied in 2002. She should have left the country at that time. Also, from information your story, she has two boys, 5 years old and 7 years old, when she had this miscarriage in 2007. That means that she had only one boy during the period prior to 2003. Unless your story is missing information, she would have no grounds to file for political asylum based on the one-child policy unless she had other children not mentioned.

Also, with deportation orders on her, why would she continue to have children, unless she simply made up her mind to ignore the law and stay here in violation of it? If that is the case, ICE was correct in arresting her and sending her on her way home. Why not? Why do people think that they have a right to illegally enter and then demand to stay?

We have laws and those laws need to be enforced. As for her concerns that our laws separate families, why did she not return home in 1995 when she had neither of the two boys? Then this would not have been an issue. Unless we are missing info, it appears the two boys were just anchor babies to help her application for asylum.

William N. Turnbull
Seattle
9/29/07




Carrying on Zenaida Guerzon’s legacy

To the editor:
It was a pleasure to read in your Aug. 11, 2007 issue of the plans to make Zenaida Guerzon’s project a reality.

Although it has been six years since I moved away from Seattle, I still miss signing in at the International Drop-In Center to visit Zenaida in her office upstairs. Her selfless dedication to Seattle’s “manongs” and “manangs” continues to inspire me. Ron Sims, David Della, Tess Guerzon and Bengie Santos were always eager to help with any worthwhile project, so it’s no surprise that they’re now helping complete Auntie Zenaida’s work.

Carey Giudici
Houston
9/29/07

Volunteers in Little Saigon deserve thanks

To the editor:

On Aug. 19, about 50 people participated in the sixth annual Seattle Paint Out in the International District. The purpose of this event was to paint out graffiti, pick up trash, prune overgrown bushes and generally clean up our neighborhood. Many of us believe that cleaning up our neighborhood is a vital public-safety activity. Many of these volunteers came from various Chinese organizations in the neighborhood as well as other parts of Seattle. Many were our youths and young adults with direct connections to the various activities found in the International District. A majority of the volunteers were sent to work in Little Saigon.

Little Saigon feels that Chinatown ignores them in these types of public-safety events. I hope everybody appreciates the efforts that these folks gave to clean up our streets. I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of participation from businesses in Little Saigon. A small thank you to these folks would have been appreciated, maybe some refreshments during their breaks. Many in the community complain about the crime in our neighborhood. Please contribute to the efforts of a few but active crime-fighting individuals. Public safety is everybody’s responsibility.

Due to the rain on Aug. 19, we were not able to paint anything. We picked up a lot of trash and pruned many bushes. We will be trying again to paint out graffiti Sept. 23 starting at 9:30 a.m. We will concentrate on Little Saigon once more, as well as other hard-hit areas. Meet at Hing Hay Park. Rain will cancel the event. Painting supplies will be provided, although lunch will not be provided this time. Unfortunately, we don’t have any sponsors.

Bernie Kay
Lead neighborhood organizer for Seattle Paint Out
9/22/07

Rules are meant to be followed

To the editor:

I am appalled by the Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s comment on the age of its pageant contestants (“Youngest contestant wins Miss Chinese pageant,” July 7, 2007). Allowing Samantha Chin to compete following a personal interview with the organizers is an indictment against the entire Chamber.

Why have rules when you cannot follow them? All women should be welcome to compete. If I remember correctly, two years ago, Tanya Woo was not allowed to participate because she was 25, a year too old, according to the rules. So it is at the discretion of the Chamber to decide who is too young and who is too old? Is that total discrimination against older women?

Why not just admit that they have shown personal preference or made a bad judgment, rather than stand behind their own mistake and making the whole Chamber look bad? Miss America was even disqualified for lying about her age. As far as I know, age is listed as the first criterion in all other pageants in the country and in the world. Contestants who do not fulfill that criterion are usually disqualified.

Betty K. Cheung
Seattle

Making a difference, one person at a time

To the editor:

I am so appalled by what is going on in Africa, namely Uganda and Darfur. I am so glad there is so much more awareness being raised over it (“Students go without for Uganda’s sake,” May 26, 2007). I am also glad there are people like Kathleen Chan doing something about it. I champion her efforts and am just so proud of her. She is my hero, and I know her and her efforts are appreciated by those people. Thank you from my heart.
Lissette Gaytan
Phoenix

Perception, not reality, keeps people away

To the editor:

It’s not the condition of Chinatown that keeps Seattle mainstream shoppers away, but the attitude problems of a woman like Agnes L. Smith, to whom slanders come as unimpeachable truths (Letter: “Dearborn development would attract new shoppers,” Northwest Asian Weekly, June 16, 2007).

I have lived here seven years. I have never known a store on any occasion not give a receipt. The cheekiness of this lie comes from Smith with an evocation of the IRS. What’s next? Homeland Security patrolling our supposedly rat-infested alleys to ferret out North Korean hit squads plotting to kill Rush Limbaugh? By her own admission, she and her kind never come here. How would she know whether our storekeepers are courteous and our bathrooms clean? After all, us Chinese folk are dirty. We can’t handle the responsibility of maintaining an ethnically diverse alternative to the majesty of Wal-Mart (sarcasm intended).

An inability to see the beauty of Seattle’s International District is so sad that it’s scary. However, Ms. Smith, do let me be the first to invite you to take your patronage elsewhere. You won’t be missed.

Mac Crary
Seattle
6/23/07



To Virginia Tech shooter, ethnicity was relevant

To the editor:

It grieves me profoundly when Asians (and some non-Asians) continue their gibberish and naive pronouncements about Seung-Hui Cho’s ethnicity having nothing to do with the horrendous pain he inflicted on the parents and other loved ones of those he slaughtered at Virginia Tech.

It is precisely because of his ethnicity that he was teased and taunted when he was in high school. When he was called upon to read in class, he was reticent, unable or perhaps unwilling to participate, causing some to say, “Go back to China or something.”

It is precisely because of his ethnicity that he remained on the periphery and never felt part of the “white world,” which he seemed to disdain and despise because he wasn’t a part of it and felt alienated from it.

Stephen Ling
Puyallup
6/23/07

Dearborn development would attract new shoppers

To the editor:

The International District/Chinatown distinguishes itself as a very inclusive neighborhood and shopping area serving mostly those who never transitioned, even in minor ways, to the U.S. culture.

The area is unappealing to mainstream shoppers. The shops are rundown, dirty. The storefronts are unpainted, have dirty windows. The streets are bare of trees; flowers; a green, welcoming environment. Alleyways are filthy, rats scrambling freely.

At the cash register, receipts seldom come out, making one wonder if taxes are being paid.

The dragons, high up in the air on poles, are gorgeous. Unfortunately, it is at ground level that the eye seeks beauty and a welcome.

Very few people outside the many non-English-speaking shoppers come to this area.

They have had many years to make this area beautiful, attractive and welcoming to all — but have failed to do so. Ugly describes this area. A green void.

A Target store — chain that it is — will at least serve the needs of the larger community. Hopefully that project will plant trees, have flower baskets and bring some green beauty to that ugly area — and invite everyone to shop, not just a closed, small community, as the International District is now.

Agnes L. Smith
Seattle
6/16/07

Priority on being American

To the editor:
Kudos to your editorial (“Asian or American? No need to choose,” May 5, 2007), which concludes “now that we are Americans, we must contribute and be active members of this country.” To me, this is best accomplished by being an American first and Asian second.

Techie Van Thieu Strew
Yakima
5/26/07

Collective guilt doesn’t make sense

To the editor:

The terrible backlash and anti-Korean outbursts that some Koreans seemed to expect have, as anyone with a little sense knew, never occurred. Americans generally do not believe in collective guilt; in fact, they believe that Seung-Hui Cho’s acts were those of an unfortunate madman and in no way reflect on Koreans or Korean Americans.

What strikes an American as strange is the apparent Korean belief in collective guilt. The Korean government, Korean publications and the Korean public seem to believe they have all been shamed by Cho’s atrocity and will be condemned and hated for it.

This weird and backward thinking has often been revealed when, once every few years, one of the 30,000 American soldiers stationed in Korea commits a serious crime. Loud and violent protests follow, with Americans threatened and abused, flags burned, and hatred vented in a vulgar and garish display.

Such irrational and bigoted behavior should be the cause of Korean shame, not something poor Cho did.

By the way, it is sad to read the racist, white-hating rant of L.J. Osaka that you printed in your April 28 edition (Letter to the editor: “Lack of unity makes us vulnerable”). I hope his seething hatred continues to find nonviolent outlets.

Penelope Purdy
Seattle
5/12/07



Don’t cut down that last tree

To the editor:

Regarding the commentary “Powers of more” by Ann-Marie Stillion on April 28, 2007:

Well put! As Quakers, we are trying to revitalize an old maquiladora in Agua Prieta, Mexico, with a wood and clothing workshop for those living on the border. They have no industry left after the American factories moved to China. The urge to cross the border to the U.S. is increasingly strong, since pollution continues to rise and water continues to be deleted. Families there are still producing many children into an already overpopulated city with no basic services. It is a hard issue, but as you say, we must continue to work for sustainability everywhere so the crush of population doesn’t cut down that last tree.

Kay Bordwell
Flagstaff, Ariz.
5/12/07

Mourning a legend in local politics

To the editor:

Whenever someone refers to another as a “maverick,” my thoughts immediately jump to Charlie Chong. Whenever I think of the people I’ve met throughout my journalistic career, Charlie Chong stands out as one who left a great personal impression on me. In observing him and the energy with which he took his lance and charged the myriad windmills he saw needed fixing, I was inspired. His public work offered us a hopeful affirmation that not all who enter the political arena must be bound by its norms or enveloped by its power.

Charlie Chong also proved to me that though they may be lions when the spotlights are turned on, political leaders have the capacity to always be warm and generous with those whose job it is to report on what they say and do.

Through his policies and activism — but also the dignified way he treated so many others — Charlie Chong created a better Seattle.

Erik Wong Derr
Palmdale, Calif.
5/5/07

Community doesn’t need to apologize

To the editor:

I want to thank you for your article and the great work on describing the concerns you mentioned and my comments to you (“Asians anxious in wake of massacre,” April 21, 2007). I feel strongly that we, as Asian Americans, must not apologize for this one disturbed individual’s actions and crime against our greater community. Your article captured the balance and mention of what different communities within our Asian American family feel and have concerns over, and I just wanted you to know my appreciation.

Soloman Kim
President, Korean American
Coalition of Seattle
5/5/07




Not a time for self-serving warnings

To the editor:
I take issue with some of the comments made by certain individuals in your article (“Asians anxious in wake of massacre,” April 21, 2007). For example, they are disturbed by the media’s focus on the nationality of the killer — that he is from South Korea. Why should there be a fuss over this? In my opinion, the media do not have an overbearing focus on the killer’s nationality to the exclusion of other important details of this terrible tragedy. This person is not an American; he is only a permanent resident of the U.S. and a citizen of another country. It is entirely appropriate to focus on his origins and ethnicity given that it was he and not an American that inflicted such horrors at Virginia Tech.

Knowing that it was a foreigner who committed the worst mass killings in America will hopefully cause Americans to wake up and push for legislation to deport all illegal immigrants in this country and to tighten the criteria for admitting new legal immigrants.

Second, I find the Korean American community’s response to the killings inadequate and self-serving. Shortly after the shootings, Korean Americans and the South Korean Embassy were coming out stating that they were shocked by the events that unfolded and that they hoped that this would not result in racial prejudice toward the Korean people. Oh please, 32 young and intelligent Americans have died, with another 20 injured, and all the Korean community can think about is itself? What about the precious lives that were lost? What about reaching out to the families of those who died or were injured? I commend those organizations for raising funds for the affected families, but what about condemning the killer and his actions? This is a time to make statements of sorrow, regret and sympathy for the victims, not to try to “warn” America against blaming Koreans or Asians for the tragedy.

How America will view Koreans going forward will be dependent upon how they react to this tragedy. As of now, I feel that their actions are inadequate and their comments self-serving.

David Grant
Kenmore
4/28/07



Cho was like a ticking time bomb

To the editor:
Yes, Virginia Tech’s Seung-Hui Cho was from Korea, but we needed an Asian American talking head who could make sense of a biography that reads like the all-Korean American success story. As an assimilated 1.5-generation immigrant, Cho was still trapped in a living stereotype: Two-parent Christian family moves from poverty in Korea to affluent, high-test-score Fairfax County. You’d think that the Chos had it made over an at-risk non-Asian minority who works at a crummy job, lives in a crummy neighborhood and gets failing state assessment test scores.

This young man was in trouble for hitting on women and bragged about an imaginary girlfriend.

He wasn’t poor, but he was surrounded by rich kids he hated. The Korean students’ club says he didn’t seek the company of Asians, either. He disliked his mother’s Korean church. When his mother dropped him off at school, she asked his roommate to help out, though Cho would refuse any overtures. He fell between the cracks, perhaps as one of those marginal men in Asian American studies.

My father told me it was important to mix with other kids during youth symphony break, but I still felt the Asian urge to put studying ahead of making lots of friends. Asian culture often bases networks on family, but it’s American parents who put in a lot of effort to organize play dates, birthday parties, ballgames and dances. Two parents in the dry-cleaning business mean long hours out of the house, which sounds more like the song “Cat’s in the Cradle” than “Leave It to Beaver.”

The real moral of this story? Something went terribly wrong in this pursuit of the American dream. Where are the parents who have hidden from the press? Your parents weren’t weird if they were strict or didn’t hug; they were just being Asian. It’s taken Asian America this long before one of these ticking bombs went off. Somebody forgot what is really important: It’s not the right house or the right college. The best SAT scores mean nothing if a boy feels unloved and cannot bring himself to love others. When the cops knocked on his door, he felt cornered, with no choice but to shoot everybody. Whatever grades your kids bring home, be thankful that they don’t end up as a psychotic mass murderer or a terrible playwright. Asian parents, we have much to be proud of, but let us pray for guidance from above that we never mess up like this again.

Arthur Hu
Bothell
4/28/07



Lack of unity makes us vulnerable

To the editor:
Rather than show concern about possible backlash or retribution, Asian Americans should examine the root cause of those concerns (“Asians anxious in wake of massacre,” April 21, 2007).

Do you know what the problem for Asian Americans is? They are not united, are not interested in voting or building political unity, and are always thinking of themselves as foreigners. Asian Americans have the highest education levels and financial resources; if another race had such advantages, no one would even dare touch them. Asian Americans simply invite racial prejudice due to lack of political awareness and unity.

As an Asian American, I looked at this incident as just an unfortunate school shooting.

If the whites are shouting that every Korean should go back to Korea, then the whites should go too. The whites should go back to Europe. The whites have committed far more crimes than any race in U.S. history — and world history.

Asian Americans: Never feel shame, never feel fear. Let’s unite together to build our political power and unity. Encourage Asian Americans to become prominent political figures, to join law enforcement and the military, and to move up the ranks.

I also suggest our community read the book People’s History of the United States to further our understanding of the history of America.
We shall prevail.

L.J. Osaka
Federal Way
4/28/07





Bigger Hing Hay Park means better Chinatown

To the editor:
I love Hing Hay Park just as it is, but many people avoid it. A poet I know calls it “that dreadful square.” The plan for a new park will raise visibility in the square, making it much safer.

True, it will attract new people, but most these will be good people from all over Seattle. Concern about more riff-raff coming to the park was raised by Bob Santos at a public meeting March 29. I know that Santos means no ill will to anyone and has worked tirelessly reconciling the community to the presence of the homeless. He just sometimes feels, and I think he is right, that Mayor Nickels has occasionally sought to dump the city’s responsibility to the homeless on the International District. Anyone who doubts, however, the genius of the mayor in city park development need only see the new park in Capitol Hill. It is amazing.

I believe strongly that Chinatown should adopt the new park plan. It will make a difference to the charm and health of our community. No longer will it be “that dreadful square.”

Mac Crary
Seattle
4/7/07



Blood donations will save lives

To the editor:
Thank you for the story (“Donate blood to fill desperate need,” Jan. 20, 2007) about Kin On’s Kirby Wong Memorial Blood and Bone Marrow Drive, held at the Chinese Baptist Church on Feb. 10. The news story helped explain the medical reasons why Asian Pacific Islander donors are essential in order to obtain proper matches with fewer antigens, which can often be found only within a patient’s racial and ethnic community. We want your readers to know that the 48 donors who gave blood that day will help 144 patients live. This was one of our more successful drives in recent years. Our next API blood and marrow drive is slated for July 14 at Blaine Methodist Church on Seattle’s Beacon Hill.

Herb Tsuchiya
Board member, Kin On
4/7/07

Local OCA had important role in custody case

To the editor:

Thank you for the story about the He family in Tennessee, which finally regained custody of their daughter after the prolonged legal battle with the white foster parents. Since the news article was written in Tennessee, the news sources most likely were not aware of the essential and key role of the Organization of Chinese Americans’ Greater Seattle chapter in this case.

It was the drive of our board members who intervened that brought this case back to the courts. The OCA-GS not only provided technical and legal petitions, but also donated the $2,000 needed for the filing fees and worked in partnership with the Tennessee attorneys, since legal counsel had to be from that state. Mei-Ling Woo was president of OCA-GS at that time, and her leadership and the contributions of Ken Sam, a board member who is an attorney, and Richard Bergeon, a board member who wrote the amicus brief, were the guiding forces behind that effort.

Bergeon’s amicus brief was the first time the elements of cultural conditioning in legal decisions were brought forward. This brief was so well written that Bergeon has been contacted by university law schools for permission to use his writing in law classes.

Our organization is proud to share in the joy of this victory!

Bettie Luke
Member, Organization of Chinese
Americans’ Greater Seattle chapter
2/17/07



Thanks from a council contender

To the editor:
I found your article on my candidacy to be fair, informative, well written and professional in every way (“Harrell makes run for City Council,” Feb. 3, 2007). I have received enormous support and recognition from your article, and I wanted to thank you for your patience and integrity during the interview process. I believe that you demonstrated the high standards of journalism for which the Northwest Asian Weekly has become known. Thank you.

Bruce A. Harrell
Candidate for Seattle City Council
2/10/07

Youths’ decisions, not parents, are the problem

To the editor:

I am a 23-year-old Khmer resident of Tacoma. My family immigrated to the U.S. in June 1984.

In your article (“‘It puts shame on us’: Community reacts to Tacoma shooting,” Jan. 13, 2007), I noticed that community members placed a lot of blame on the parents — how it was because of them that their kids became violent. I’m not saying parents are not at all at fault; what I’m saying is teens themselves should be held responsible for their actions.

Asian American families at one point or another immigrated here to the States in order to live a better life. These parents work hard to put food on the table and clothes on their kids’ backs. They work hard, sometimes for minimum wage, and pull 60 to 80-plus hours a week just to survive. Sure, all these hours will prevent them from fulfilling their parenting duties, but it’s for their kids. Kids these days are ungrateful and don’t realize the struggles their parents went through so they can have the life they are living now.

My parents work hard every day. Most of the time they aren’t at home, but they were still able to instill discipline in all six of their children. They also remind us of their struggles in Cambodia — how hard it was for them and how lucky we are to be here in America. All my siblings notice the work our parents did to provide for us, and we are grateful.

You can be the most involved and inquisitive parent there is, but if you have a kid that is ungrateful and feels that he deserves what’s coming to him, what else can you do? Teens these days are gonna do what they’re gonna do because they forget the struggles their parents went through to get them here. These kids are spoiled and feel everything they have now, they deserve. They argue, ignore and neglect any kind of discipline or teaching by their parents. Teens would rather listen to their friends. I have observed many parents cry and worry about their kids hanging out on the streets. They beg and plead with their kids to leave the streets and focus on school, but to no avail. Kids just won’t listen.

We as a society must not put the bulk of the blame on the parents alone. Sometimes we can be the best parents in the world and still have kids that just won’t listen. I agree with what Bouawat Sithi said in the article: Teens need productive extracurricular activities to keep them engaged so they are off the streets. They also need some history lessons. Inform them of the history and struggles of Cambodians and why their parents immigrated here.

In Seattle, there are numerous social-service agencies, such as New Start, Emergency Operation Services and Center for Career Alternatives, available to at-risk youths. In the Tacoma area, few of these services are offered and available to our youths. Maybe if we provide more social services and parental awareness, we can prevent the social decay of today’s Asian youths.

Manny Rim
Tacoma
2/3/07

Being American

To the editor:

First of all, I like to applaud the Northwest Asian Weekly for promoting Asian causes and serving the community for such a long time. I personally have benefited from an entrepreneur award that highlights the successes of some of the local Asian-owned businesses.

The issue I raise in this letter may sound very minute and trivial. However, I think we need to start to establish some basic psyches if we wish to have any chance to feel equal and be a full American like anybody else. In your recent promotional flyer for Women of Color Empowered, you list the honorees as Native American, Japanese American, African American, etc. However, when it comes to a white person, you simply put “Caucasian.” Does it mean that all Caucasians are automatically full Americans? That we do not even need to mention the word American? Now, the Latina even shares mainstream status.

I never liked hyphenations like “Chinese-American.” I prefer “American of Chinese descent.” If we use hyphenations, we should use them equally across the board, even to “Caucasian American.” Isn’t it ridiculous that we call the children of the American-born former Gov. Gary Locke “Chinese American” while we call the children of Austrian-born Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger just “American”? We will remain as subclass hyphenated Americans unless we remove these chains ourselves.

I hope you take this suggestion positively. It is critical that this new psyche start with your newspaper, as you are a leader of our community. I hope it will start a new trend for all the Asian newspapers in this country.

David Chan
Lynnwood
2/3/07

API blood essential, but in short supply

To the editor:
Thank you for bringing to our attention the medical reasons for our Asian and Pacific Islander community to roll up our sleeves and give blood at the Kirby Wong Memorial Blood and Bone Marrow Drive on Feb. 10 at the Chinese Baptist Church, 5801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (“Donate blood to fill desperate need,” Jan. 20, 2007).

API donors are truly rare and vital donors with the best chance of acceptable transfusions with fewer antigens than the Caucasian donor pool, which makes up 90 percent of all donors. Only 3.9 percent of blood donors are API. Figure your odds when you, as an API, require blood products because of surgery, trauma, burns, cancer, kidney disease, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia or heart disease.

Appointments to become an API blood donor can be made by phoning Heidi Wong at Kin On Community Health Care Center at 206-721-3630. I made my appointment. How about you?

Herb Tsuchiya
Kin On board member
Seattle
1/27/07

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