To the editor:
As the partner of an Asian American, one of my most enlightening realizations in recent years has been the underrepresentation of the Asian American community in this nation. Therefore, it is my duty to support one candidate for U.S. Congress: Darcy Burner.
Ms. Burner’s clearly superior views on immigration and the need for a clearer path to citizenship make her the best choice for Asian Americans and people of all ethnicities.
Overshadowing these forward-thinking and inclusive policies is a larger need to fight the whisper campaigns that have grown louder and bolder as the election nears — questions of patriotism and promotions of ethnic fear which allow otherwise reasonable people to consent to subjugation through passivity.
Ms. Burner has had early and enthusiastic support from leaders in the Asian community like (former) Gov. Gary Locke and Ruth Woo. She has done extensive outreach to the Asian American community including meet and greets, and in-language phone banks and mailings.
In this election we, in a loud and unanimous voice, must declare what is right — something Darcy Burner has done her entire life and will continue to do as she represents us in Congress.
Regardless of our individual party affiliations, I would ask that we all give pause when we come to Darcy Burner’s name on the ballot and give her our votes — not as a favor to her, but as a favor to ourselves. Let us continue our journey towards representation for all, not just a few. She will make us proud.
— Richard O’Brien, Washougal, Wash.