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A “Dialogue for Democracy” breakfast took place at the home of a Naperville-based community leader last week, primarily to engage Asian-American community leaders and State of Illinois lawmakers to understand each other’s perspectives.
Louis I. ‘Lou’ Lang, Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, who has represented the 16th District since 1987, said the breakfast was a rich opportunity to acquire the perspectives of Asian-Americans throughout the state. He, however, said he was disappointed that only 30 percent of the people vote in elections. He added that the “lack of interest in the democratic processes on the part of the remaining unengaged 70 percent of the population has dangerous consequences for them, their families, and next generation at large.
He urged leaders across all communities to engage and increase participation of their constituents in the political process, especially voting and civic participation. He said that “there are many talented people across different communities and they should be encouraged to join the political system and contribute to it. Otherwise, those candidates who have a view to serving their vested interests will dominate and control this important organ of the society”
Stephanie A. Kifowit, State Representative for the 84th District of in Illinois, also added that “people in general who represent the silent majority need to come out of their respective shells, and pay attention to the anti-social forces that are brewing and act decisively when wrong things are being done, cast their votes in elections for candidates that represent them, and play an active part in shaping of the political system.”
On the issue of hate crimes, which have increased significantly across the U.S. due to backlash following terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and other incidents, Lang, urged minority communities to pass on their concerns about hate crimes not only to their community leaders but also to elected officials to strengthen the hands of the government in putting an end to hate crimes. “Combating hate crime in the U.S. with strong political will is one of the priorities of the Government” he added.
Kifowit, also added that “a small number of people, who represent a tiny minority, are creating much hate in society and thereby eroding the freedom of religion, freedom to associate, and freedom to enjoy life, all the attributes which make the U.S. a great Nation.”
Aadil Farid, a Chicago community leader, said that the recent events of hate-centric politics has triggered a strong desire among people, especially the youth who are turning 18, to take a proactive part in the electoral process.
“We are Americans, irrespective of the ancestral countries and it is our duty to play a proactive role in the functioning of democratic institutions”, said Sadia Gul, a social activist.
The breakfast ended with a ‘thank you’ to the Illinois State Representatives, and Moin and Saima Haque for hosting the event at their Naperville home.
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