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My Turn by Maileen Hamto

From The Asian Reporter, V18, #9 (February 26, 2008), page 6 & 10.

We live in exciting times. The race for the Democratic candidate for president is still undecided, with Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama continuing to battle through primaries. By the time the May primaries come our way, Oregon may well still be a battleground state.

Running on the platform of experience, Hillary won large states, New York and California, on Super Tuesday. Senator John McCain’s imminent crowning as the Republican candidate came from left field. He was pretty much written off until he won the New Hampshire primary in January. McCain’s campaign is much more mellow and less edgy than his 2000 bid for the GOP nomination. Nevertheless, he still doesn’t have the buy-in of the social conservative leadership. His independent streak puts many moderates at ease, but makes conservatives nervous.

Ours is the first generation to see a biracial black man with a Muslim name ascend to the upper strata of candidates for the top office in the Free World. I can only imagine the effects of Obama’s campaign on millions of young people of color who must feel nothing but pride when they turn on the television and hear him speak. Obama’s mantra is infectious: hope, unity, change.

Words, you know, they can move mountains.

The level of renewed political fervor and interest in the U.S. presidency is inspiring. People who aren’t normally enthused by the machinations of either political party are tuning in and taking a stake in the political process.

Since I became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1999, this is the first presidential primary to offer a real choice and a real opportunity for each vote to count. As an immigrant woman of color, the renewed interest fellow Americans have in our political system is energizing.

I came of age in the United States. I grew up among a generation of Filipinos mired in social change. Under the Marcos dictatorship, we learned to become vigilantes. Mistrust in government meant actions of elected officials were closely watched by the (not so) free press. Journalists who criticized the government were often jailed. The lucky ones who were able to escape continued the fight from their country of exile.

Colleges and universities were a hotbed for dissent. Students often led demonstrations against graft and corruption. Peace rallies abounded. People became involved because they felt they could actually make a difference and affect change.

Entering college shortly after coming to the U.S. in 1992, it was puzzling to see so many college students disinterested in politics. I heard it said time and again: The rise of powerful special interests, empowered lobbyists, and the good ol’ boys and girls networks have discouraged participation in politics. Ordinary people without the right social connections — or the money to buy connections and influence — have little say in the process. So why bother?

As this season’s campaigns show, there are some things big money can’t buy. Mitt Romney dropped out of the campaign after failing to gather enough support from the business community and spending $17.5 million of his own money. McCain came into the race almost bankrupt, and went on to steamroll his opponents, primary after primary, across the country. Obama has raised much of his campaign funds from supporters who give what they can. The New York Times reported that a substantial number of individual contributions to Obama’s campaign in January were $100 or less.

Here in the United States, we live in one of the great multicultural societies of the world. However, the war in Iraq and protectionist economic policies have tarnished our reputation as a leader in human rights and social justice. The American government doesn’t practice what it preaches, our critics declare. The U.S. condemns other nations for having nuclear ambitions, while we have amassed the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Never mind the fact that we remain the only country that has ever used nuclear weapons against another. We vilify other nations for human-rights violations, yet our government has not acknowledged inhumane and unjust treatment of terror suspects in U.S. military prisons. No doubt, there’s a long road ahead to make amends and regain trust.

The quality of the slate of candidates vying for a spot in this year’s presidential election is a good start. From a former First Lady, to a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, to a man raised by a single mother who grew up in diverse communities in Indonesia and Hawaii, Americans have real options, beyond the garden variety white Anglo-Saxon Protestant male archetype.

Americans are good, decent people. I’ve lived here long enough to fully appreciate the generosity and spirit displayed by native-born Americans, regard- less of skin color or social status. I’m a fervent believer in our country’s potential to live up to the noble premise of freedom and equality to ensure opportunities for all.