I am grateful that I have a family, a new job and a great network of friends. I am grateful for being here in America. Even though I have relatives who expressed their grievances when Donald Trump won the Presidential election, I am grateful to know that my vote counted. The man I voted for won his seat as governor in the state I reside in. I will do my best to support him to fight the good fight of civil liberty, justice and peace for all.
I know I wasn't keen living here 17 years ago. At 19, I had truly believed that I was going to be the butt jokes of all Asian stereotypes I've grown watching on American movies. That reservation came to pass when I served in the United States Air Force. For the first time in my life, I was accepted for who I am - a Filipino Chinese. I don't need to express how much a relief that feeling is. When I received my citizenship, my daughter's excitement by congratulating me, "Yay, mommy! You're now an American!," made me realize that I needed to live for her. As an Asian American, it was a monumental progress. I adapted the American way of living. I still held on to my ethnic roots and traditions. Despite my personal reservations, I invented my own family traditions. My daughter is grateful because of the wealth of ethnicity in our family.
Even though I lack the experience of Black American culture, I taught my daughter to respect and love everyone. Bullying should never be the scapegoat of her personal reservations towards people. Violence should be a last resort to solving problems. I know I have stated many harmful opinions in my youth. This tweet from Dee Kosh (@TheDeeKosh) alone made me realize that my youthful biases were based on lack of experience.
Whether or not he decides to reply back to me, is not my concern. What concerns me now is my attitude towards others who are going to treat me differently because of the color of my skin.
Would all the services and efforts I have put forth all these 17 years adapting the American livelihood as a Filipino Chinese Asian American be put to waste and be forgotten? I am not going to lose hope that it would be the case. I know my vote counted. My champion won his seat. My champion should not allow this Donald Trump to indulge the companies to adapt his hatred towards people of color; especially my LGBTQ community. Many people before me have fought really hard to have equal opportunity rights to work, live and play in amongst the oppressors of the First Nations of America.
The best thing for Hilary and the rest of the Democratic Party is to go to Standing Rock, Obama to sign the document that the Dakota Access Pipeline agreement should be as agreed upon when the project was launched, and to continue an active role within the senate and house of representatives to educate the Republicans that ethical rights are being violated.
It is my hope that the American people regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, religious background, sexual orientation, gender, age, and/or idiosyncrasies to stand united against all odds of hatred, violence and greed.
I believe that we all need compassion, love, respect and understanding. I am not going to lose that hope. If anyone needs me, call me. I'll be there for you as best as I can with what little resources I have left. It was why I served and proudly so, in the USAF; and became an American citizen. The "American Dream" is possible.
