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The New England Patriots, down 28-3 for most of the Super Bowl, were not supposed to win the game. But they did.
For years, we were lured into believing that it was gauche to wear one’s patriotism on our sleeves, so to speak, or to sing the praises of America. Globalism, instead, was the rallying cry. Make the world better and other countries stronger economically, even if it meant turning your back on your own country in the process -- killing jobs, careers, homes and lives.
Then something happened that was not supposed to happen on Nov. 8. Three months later, almost to the day, the team that won the Super Bowl did it by overcoming similar insurmountable odds. Never in the history of the Super Bowl has there been a comeback to match what the Patriots did. Hate them or not, it was a feat unmatched, and it occurred in overtime, also a first. For 59 minutes, the Falcons had the game in hand, only to be forced into overtime, allowing the Patriots to overcome the largest deficit in Super Bowl history. The game was over at halftime, until the Patriots disrupted all expectations to take control by sheer will. Again, it couldn’t help cast a light on that other event that was also supposed to be over the evening of Nov.8.
Indeed, it was no coincidence that the biggest sporting event in the world was won by a team symbolizing not only a “vigorous support of one’s country” as patriotism is defined, but also the American revolution. Perhaps, it no longer will be a crime to express love of this country unabashedly, as the Asian Heritage Society’s Asian Heritage Awards has been doing the last 14 years.
But this is not just a mere reflection of the times in which we live. Other nations, principally in Europe, have been turning their backs on globalism and embracing their own sense of patriotism. It began with Brexit and Britain’s vote to leave the European Union last year and most recently became evident in France, where that country’s conservative party leader Marine Le Pen has seen support rising. “What is at stake this election…is whether France can still be a free nation. The divide is not between the left and right anymore but between patriots and globalists,” Le Pen was quoted as saying.
Coincidentally, one of the most celebrated collections of American paintings, Norman Rockwell’s renderings of the “Four Freedoms” (below), is about to begin a multi-year tour of the United States and Europe. Patriotism, without equivocation, can be good for the soul. After all, commitment did turn the tide of Super Bowl LI.
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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO: Celebrating the Asian American tapestry and achievement while providing this generation a road map to the future.
Founders
Supporters
Meeting change - We embrace it in all its positive forms. Many in our community came to the United States not only to escape corruption, totalitarianism and lack of opportunity, but to change their lives and the future for their children while embracing what it is to be American. There is no looking back – only forward to the future.
Legacy and Leadership - The best way to prepare the next generation for future success is to provide them with models. Sharing these stories of success in media format and other settings provides unique examples of what it takes to succeed in this country as it faces globalization in all its ramifications.
Asian Heritage Awards - "We honor their work and integrity, their embrace of cultural differences, their accomplishments and achievements and their inspiration to others," states the mission of this annual recognition ceremony, in its eleventh year. From generals and admirals to academic, business and government leaders, this is the Asian Heritage Society’s pipeline of mentors for young people and proof that anything is possible in this country.
BOOSTEM - Globalization takes an appreciation of new ideas because preparing our youngsters for the rapidly changing future is tough and unmet by most of our school systems. By combining an understanding of Business, recognizing Opportuniity and understanding the importance of global Outreach -- Science and Technology, coupled with a sense of Entrepreneurship, is our guidepost for Middle school students to gain a head start on their future amid rapid global and technological change.
Make It In America - As our students prepare for their future, so should we. And that means taking back our economy. Globalization and its result – outsourcing – need to be challenged by a reinvigorated model of Freedom and Opportunity that made this country great. Nov. 19, 2014 is the first – and most important – step in that challenge |
Telling the Asian American story - This is the only Asian American undertaking to receive the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission Diversity in the Media Award. Our storytelling todaycontinues to celebrate diversity of all kinds while it informs the community, young and older, of global and technological change and how to cope with it.
Asian Heritage Awards - Recipients have become role models for our children, while their names are legend: Army Major General Antonio Taguba, Navy Rear Admiral Ron MacLaren, McDonald’s scion C.C. Yin, California Controller John Chiang, San Diego’s first elected Asian American Tom Hom, National Medal of Science winner Dr. Shu Chien, UCSD first Asian chancellor Dr. Pradeep Khosla and U.N. Ambassador Sichan Siv, among them.
Mentorship and BOOSTEM - With Alliant International University as partner and supported by institutions such as SDG&E, the U.S. Navy, Time Warner and Kyocera, leaders in business, science, technology and entrepreneurship continue as role models for our students – particularly young women whose ranks in business, science and technology need to be increased.
SUPPORT PHO FOR THE SOUL
We are a nation of uncommon valor embodying a great heritage protected and preserved by the blood of many. That heritage is to live free in a land of true opportunity guarded by an eternal vigilance in overcoming challenges to our way of life. We have built homes, we have built factories, we have built farms, we have built great cities while our property and freedom to live, think and worship however we want serves as a testament to our industry and enterprise. Abraham Lincoln said, “Let not he who is helpless pull down the house of others, but let him who works diligently build a house for himself.” Read More |
America’s Role - Turbulent times, global change, fierce competition, economic upheaval. And that’s the good news. We recognize changes are happening fast, but that won’t stop us from putting these changes into some kind of perspective to meet them head on and, most importantly, prepare our children and grandchildren to do the same. Whether it’s knowing what forms of renewable energy are practical or how to cope with global air pollution, we provide perspective in showing how both hemispheres – Asia and America – are intertwined and partners in this new world. Ethnic diversity makes us who we are, and we take the best from countries that we, our parents or forebears came from and turn that into something better. Innovation is what we do. We teach our young to recognize this uniqueness so that they may engender the balance and leadership that has been the hallmark of this country for generations and will continue to be for generations to come.
America’s Children -- While only 2 percent of Asian and Hispanic females move from middle school to college STEM tracks, those who do have close to a 100 percent graduation rate. But they need a head start, and that’s what BOOSTEM gives them. BOOSTEM is not the world that is, but the world that could be. But first, our students need to be aware of the technological and global challenges they face in the not-too-distant future. Rather than focus on test scores and whether our students will pass the S.A.T. to get into college, this program helps them determine whether the careers they aspire to will even be there by the time they graduate while it creates a pipeline to jobs that will. Join this effort supported b SDG&E, the U.S. Navy and time Warner by becoming a donor, role model or speaker. Click Here
America’s Future – Our role is to lead and balance and to insure that this generation – Generation Y – and the next fully grasp the future in attitude and activity. Rather than focus on what is, we focus on what will be. Whatever happens today – good or bad – is an opportunity for tomorrow. Those manufacturing jobs that were a mainstay of our economy won’t return. Rather than bemoan that fact, we focus on what is here and on keeping it here. What remains part and parcel of America is who we are – innovators and creators with an unbound freedom to do just that. Government action won’t stop outsourcing, but innovation will. Make It In America creates a pathway for investors from Asia to meet innovators and create new opportunities. To participate and take your stand for America, register here To be a panelist or sponsor one or more of the panels email conference@makeitinamerica.net To inspire our young by mentoring, go here
Renoo’s Ranch – Globalization also means recognizing the increased health threats that come with it. AIDS has killed twice as many people as the influenza pandemic of 1919. The toll continues, global travel increases the risk, and victims are changing. They are youngsters in cultures where the disease and sex is not discussed. Renoo’s Ranch is a place they can go to reclaim their lives and rebuild their hopes and dreams.
AIDS was always something that happened to someone else. This year, it happened to someone in Renoo’s family – a 16-year-old granddaughter in Thailand who was infected after a sexual encounter. She also became pregnant.....whole story |