A new super PAC is demanding an apology from GOP Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra for the broadcast of his controversial ad in Michigan on Super Bowl Sunday depicting negative stereotypes of Asian Americans. The ad shows an Asian female speaking in broken English, cycling through what appears to be rice paddies, "Your economy get very weak. Ours get very good."

Actress Lisa Chan apologized for her involvement. The recent UCLA graduate wrote on her Facebook page,"I am deeply sorry for any pain that the character I portrayed brought to my communities."

“In an age where virtually all Americans have moved forward on race relations, it seems Congressman Hoekstra has taken a giant step back. We are here to say we are not going to put up with it. We are here to tell him we are outraged and demand an official apology," said Jesse Tangkhpanya, the national political director for the American Values super PAC.

In addition to the Super Bowl ad which was aired in Michigan, the GOP Senate hopeful posted a website accusing GOP rival candidate Senator Debbie Stabenow, (D-MIch.) of supporting deficit spending. The Hoekstra campaign website www.DebbieSpenditnow.com showed the Superbowl ad, with Chinese characters, paper lanterns and dragons.

Amidst the firestorm from members of the AAPI community and mounting pressure from both Republicans and Democrats, the ad has been taken down. It is off Hoekstra's Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the website now reverts to Hoekstra's Senate...

International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship

(U.S. ASIAN WIRE) April 28, 2008

Asian Pacific Americans are underrepresented in U.S. international affairs despite the many contributions they have made. To help increase diversity in this growing field, the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP), a prestigious fellowship of the UNCF Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP), prepares Asian Pacific Americans and other college students of color for a wide range of international careers.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the global contributions of some Asian Pacific Americans and to highlight how that legacy continues in the U.S. international arena with younger generations who are IIPP fellows.

"These are enormously challenging and exciting times in international affairs and public policy," says Darryl Crompton, IIPP Director. "The contributions that Asian Pacific Americans make are crucial because diversity in the international arena is imperative."

Valued at almost $100,000, the IIPP fellowship, now entering its 14th year, is the hallmark of UNCFSP. Nearly 300 minority students have been placed in over 50 countries. Applying during the spring of their sophomore years in college, IIPP Fellows later study global issues through a well-structured curriculum. Currently, 16 percent of IIPP program participants are Asian Pacific American.

A NUMBER OF 'FIRSTS'
Overcoming post-World War II anti-Japanese sentiment and gender bias, the late Patsy...

More than 200 videos were submitted by members from the AAPI communities to a video challenge called "What's Your Story" sponsored by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Here are the top eleven finalists. You may vote only once, for one of these eleven video entries. The deadline to vote is March 1, 2012. A group of finalists will be selected to come to the White House in March, 2012 to share their stories at a White House Champions of Change event. 

White House staffers Eddie Lee, Associate Director, Office of Engagement, and Miya Saika Chen talk about the "What's Your Story" video challenge.

REBTEL Offers Free Calling to China, Myanmar Disaster Areas through May 22.

REBTEL offers free calling to China, Myanmar disaster areas through May 22, due to the recent tragedies in both countries. This would be helpful for families, non-profits trying to contact people in those countries to distribute aid and
journalists looking to call these countries. A typical one hour call to either country would cost over $100. Rebtel works without use of a computer to make calls. Anyone can add their contact's phone numbers to the site and get a local 415 or 510 number that they use to call contacts abroad.

1. Sign up at http://www.rebtel.com/callforhelp
2. Enter your mobile number and your friend's mobile number in China or Myanmar
3. Rebtel will send a local number where you live
4. Dial the local phone number to speak with your friend in China or Myanmar

Available to anyone in 47 countries

About Rebtel
Rebtel is a global calling service for individuals and business. With Rebtel it's possible to call any phone, anywhere in the world, for just pennies per minute. Rebtel's services can be used with any mobile phone without modification or software downloads. There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. No monthly fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. Anyone may make a free 10 minute call to test the service. Thereafter, customers only pay for the minutes they use. Smart Calls between the 47 counties served by Rebtel are always free and only one of the two
people on a...

Donations for relief efforts can be made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and the Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love".

FLUSHING, NY Council Member John C. Liu and community members voiced concern about the recent catastrophes caused by tropical Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake this morning in the Sichuan Province of China.

Council Member Liu stated: "Between the Myanmar cyclone earlier this month and the earthquake today in Sichuan, the Asian community in New York has been heavily impacted. Communications are not yet fully up in the heaviest hit areas in Sichuan, but it's heartening to know that New Yorkers are stepping up with expressions of sympathy and offers of
aid relief. This is once again about people coming together to help others in need."

Assemblymember Ellen Young stated: "This is a critical time, so soon after these disasters, that people will need the most help, and it is crucial for those of us who are more fortunate to lend a hand. This country's real power lies not in its physical prowess, but in the compassion of its people. I encourage everyone to help in any way that they can."

Donations for relief efforts can be made:
American Red Cross International Response Fund
P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
800) HELP-NOW
http://www.redcross.org

Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love"
137-77 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, Queens.
(718) 888-0866
http://www.tzuchi.org

Christophe Lobry-Boulanger, Director...