Holmdel, NJ—It was a hot and humid afternoon last July 16 as New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine welcomed the 17,200 supporters who were intently waiting upon the arrival of President Barack Obama. Originally scheduled at Rutgers University, the rally was moved to the PNC Bank Arts Center due to the overwhelming response. During the wait, the crowd was upbeat; some were dancing and waving posters that read "Obama/Corzine; Working together for New Jersey," to the music of Michael Jackson.
Governor Corzine said, "Real leadership is about taking on the hard challenges… and doing so in an honest and specific way…If a candidate won’t be straight with New Jersey…If a candidate won’t step up to the plate and offer specific solutions to our shared problems…then he isn’t prepared to lead." He then suggested looking up the word "Barack Obama" for the meaning of leadership and explained, "Leadership is the essence of our President’s actions." He welcomed Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States by saying that President Obama is a partner in the White House. He also added, "He is challenging us to make this country a better place for your grandchildren…and mine."
President Obama arrived in a suit and tie; however, as a result of the heat and humidity, he removed his jacket saying, "It’s a little warm here. I think we’re going to have to take off my jacket." During the applause an audience member said, "We love you!" The President responded, "I love you back."
President Obama and Governor Corzine were not the only leaders present. Gathered behind the President and Governor were minority leaders of New Jersey. Two Filipinos representing the New Jersey community were Ludi Hughes and Rolando Lavarro. Hughes is the founder of the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Chair of the Filipino Heritage Foundation in New Jersey, while Lavarro recently ran for Councilman (Jersey City Ward A), but lost to Michael Sottolano by a narrow margin of 445 votes.
In an interview with the Asian Journal, Lavarro explained the opportunities given by the event to community leaders. "This rally represented an opportunity for community leaders to showcase the growing diversity of the Democratic Party, particularly in New Jersey. It allows our Governor to know that Jersey City and Filipinos statewide are a critical voting block of the Democratic Party in November and beyond. It also shows our support for the President and his agenda, particularly an overhaul of the healthcare system and a public option. With our representation, we are letting our elected officials know that the time for change is now."
Lavarro also expressed the need for a better healthcare system, not only for Filipino-Americans, but for all people. "An overhaul of the healthcare system is critical to all people. Healthcare costs have spiraled out of control," he said and added, "In the wealthiest nation in the world, the number of uninsured and inadequately insured is mind boggling. All people will have to realize that the cost of doing business and job creation are directly impacted by the increasing healthcare costs. We must have a public option and reign in the costs of healthcare if we are going to realize long-term economic growth in Jersey City and throughout the country."
In an interview with America.gov, Fil-Am community leader Ludi Hughes commented that "the only way to empower our Asian-American community is to transcend our individual backgrounds based on our country of origin and to become "Asian Americans."
Lavarro on the other hand, believes that being involved is one of the key factors to be recognized. "As a Filipino… as a minority, I believe the Democratic Party needs to diversify the party even more than it has done so, especially in Hudson County and Jersey City where the minority is the overwhelming majority. Filipinos have a voice. All people have a voice. Filipinos and all people have to do more to exercise our voice. Our involvement only begins at the voting booth and should continue beyond Election Day."
He also called out to the Filipinos to be more involved by participating in community activities, big or small, like block clean-ups, neighborhood watch groups, youth mentoring, soup kitchens and others. "Contact your local, county, state and federal representatives about the issues – healthcare, property taxes, bailouts, crime, and diverse government representation. Let your elected officials know that you want to see real change and not the same business as usual," Lavarro said and stressed, "Let them know you will hold them accountable and will reward their results and performance with your vote."
As President Obama’s closing remarks were, "We’re creating a movement for change, and that doesn’t begin in Washington. That begins here in New Jersey." He added, "Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America." (Richard M. Reyes)
( Published on July 24,2009 in Asian Journal New York p. A1 )
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