"A wish for a Nation"

Folks,

With yet one more "make or break," “pivotal” or election “likes of which generations have not seen” looming, I'm taking stock of what being an American, especially an Asian American, really means. My time with the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) deeply influenced my thoughts on one key issue that's stirring our community.

The US Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action in college admissions has sparked a complex debate. While it's a win for many Asian American families who believe that education is the ultimate stepping stone, it's also a double-edged sword. This decision has the potential to disrupt the career paths of many in the Asian American community, creating a divide where some celebrate the triumph of meritocracy, while others mourn the loss of a system that aimed to level the playing field.

It isn't just about college admissions; there’s a ripple effect felt in the business world. When race stops being a factor in contract awards, the landscape changes for every minority group, challenging the very notion of what support looks like. Asian Americans do not kid themselves though; it also complicates the career trajectory for their workforce. So, some are cheering: “Yes, merit! while others are wondering what future really looks like, as far as business opportunities without Affirmative Action are concerned.

America is evolving into this incredible melting pot of cultures, and this should be our greatest asset. Yet, there's a tendency for some to retreat into echo chambers, clutching onto what they feel belongs to them. It's a real dilemma, and whoever emerges victorious on Tuesday, be it Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, the future president will need to confront this: How do you navigate a country that's essentially a living tapestry of diverse threads?

For me, and for what we stand for at USPAACC, this election isn't just about the policies on paper. It's about setting the stage for our collective existence. It’s about ensuring an equal shot at success, but also about fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

Real Talk: We need more than online banter. The real conversations happen at events like those USPAACC organizes, where you can see the impact of genuine dialogue.

Policy with Empathy: Our laws should mirror the aspirations of our people, addressing not just race but the genuine socio-economic chasms that exist.

Education as a Bridge: Education should do more than just impart knowledge; it should connect us, encourage empathy, and build understanding.

Heading to the polls, remember "E pluribus unum" – out of many, one. It's more than a motto; it's the American spirit. From my perspective, shaped by experiences within USPAACC, this election is our opportunity to redefine and strengthen what it means to be united as Americans.