Obama's Pick for Commerce Secretary: Gary Locke

News has just come in that Barack Obama may pick former Washington Governor, Gary Locke as his new commerce secretary! Locke was the first Chinese American to be elected as governor in United States history. He beat incumbant Tim Hill in 1996 and was reelected in 2000. Locke was third in line to be selected as Obama's new secretary of commerce. Both Bill Richardson and Judd Gregg, Obama's first and second choices, withdrew their nominations for various reasons.

What does the commerce secretary of the United States actually do? If elected, Gary Locke would become head of the sector concerned with business and industry. The department seeks "to foster, promote, and develop the foreign and domestic commerce," which simply means it deals with promoting US trade domestically and internationally. Locke would be responsible for developing US trade policies and advising Obama on trade issues.

Interesting Facts! If appointed, Locke would become the first Asian American to serve as Commerce Secretary. He would also become the third Asian American in the president's cabinet, which would be the most of any administration in United States history.

Until next time,
Jen

More information: CNN, Department of Commerce, New York Times

Hilary in China!

Hey everyone,

Hilary Clinton made a stop in China this past week on her first tour around Asia as Secretary of State. She spoke with Chinese officials, including President Hu Jintao, about a few pressing issues including:

1) The environment

2) The economic crisis

3) Strengthening US and Chinese Relations

Her visit to China comes at a crucial time on an international time line. The discussions she has with Chinese officials and the decisions that the US and China make together now can greatly alter the course events for many years to come. In other words, this is history in the making, guys!

The Environment

Clinton toured an energy efficient plant last Saturday in Beijing. She encouraged Chinese officials to be aware of the environmental hazards and concerns that affect a developing nation and to not "make the same mistakes we [the US] did." In an effort to advance progress in green development, Clinton curbed issues such as Chinese Human Rights. No specific details on how the two nations would work together to create greener nations were laid out--only the acknowledgment that environmental causes would become increasingly more important as development of the two nations continued. Furthermore, some research collaboration by the two nations has started.

The Economic Crisis

Hilary Clinton assured Chinese officials that China's holdings of US Treasuries were well worth the investment. China is now the largest foreign buyer of US Treasury securities. Buying US Treasuries will help the US economy to receive the boost that it needs, help the Chinese economy as a result, and together, the two nations could act together to renew the world's economy, said Clinton. The Chinese government has stated that it will in fact continue to invest in US Treasuries. A Chinese economist at Peking University argues, "Objectively speaking, helping the US economy is good for both China and the US." It is important to note, however, that not everyone in China feels the same way about helping a flagging US economy. Some believe China should be investing more at home in projects to help its own economy.

Strengthening Chinese and US Relations

Throughout the course of the meeting between the two countries, Clinton stressed the importance of cooperation between the two to lead the world and to solve problems including security issues with North Korea and Iran. Despite the fact that she gained attention for her criticism of China's human rights approach in 1995 as First Lady at a United Nations women's conference in Beijing, Clinton marked such an issue as only secondary to a stronger and deeper relationship between the United States and China.

AFP
Associated Press Video with Clinton!

Peace,
Jen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The New Year celebration falls on January 26, 2009 this year.  It is the year of the Ox, which is representative of "prosperity through fortitude and hard work," according to Wikipedia.  Instead of doing the typical "History on Chinese New Year's" I'm going to touch upon some interesting aspects of the New Year such as what people eat and why, the traditions and symbols, and what Chinese people are doing all over the globe to celebrate!

Traditional Foods

* Laba Zhou OR Eight Treasures Rice (glutinous rice, walnuts, dry fruit, raisins, sweet red bean paste, jujube dates, and almonds) - eaten on the eighth day of the celebrations and dates back to the legend of Laba Zhou.  If you  are interested reading the tale, go here!

-Black Sesame Rice Ball Soup

-Chicken, duck, fish and pork dishes

-Noodles - represent longevity!

-Tangerines and oranges - represent good wealth and fortune

-Dumplings - because they are delicious...and they represent prosperity

-FISH - fish is must-have New Year's food.   The word "yu" sounds like another Chinese character "yu" which means wealth.

..yummm all this is making me hungry for some New Year's food.

Traditions and Symbols

Festival of Lanterns

There are 15 days to the celebration of the Chinese New Year.  The 15th day is often known as The Festival of Lanterns and marks the end of the celebrations.  Paper lanterns are hung and lit throughout the streets.

The Dragon

Class of 2010 and 2011 are made up of people born in the year of the dragon.  woot woot.  Many Chinese people see themselves as descendants of the dragon, so on the fifth and the last day of the celebrations, there are dancing dragon performances.

Celebrate Good Times...Come on!

London - Last year, London had dragons, performers from China, and even the Olympic Games mascot at their annual parade in Chinatown London.  No doubt that there will be another one just as big this year!

BOSTON - NEXT Sunday, the 1st of February, there will be a lion dance winding through the streets of Boston Chinatown.  Go into the city with your friends to celebrate!  There will certainly be tons of entertainment and lots of great food.

Paris - I will be at a parade of my own next Sunday, Feb. 1st, in Paris Chinatown celebrating the New Year's festivities!! Watch out, I'm going to post some videos of the event soon afterwards! Paris Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in Europe and always puts on a show that will surely please everyone.

For more information, visit these awesome sites I stumbled upon: 

About.com

 History.com

Boston Herald

Until next time,

JenChen

The Tainted Milk Scandal

The milk scandal in July 2008 shed negative light onto a nation on the verge making a world debut at the Olympic Games.  The melamine-tainted milk sickened more than 6,200 children and reached all corners of the world as many companies, such as Cadbury chocolate, had to withdraw its products and endure great financial loss.

Whatever did happen to those responsible for the tainted milk scandal?  Weeks of trials for the numerous individuals who were involved resulted in severe punishment.  The former chairwoman and general manager of the Sanlu Group (the company's milk was at the core of the scandal) was sentenced to life in prison. Other officials were given jail terms of between 5 and 15 years and three were sentenced to death.

To read more about the Milk Scandal go here: China Daily, Wikipedia.

On another note, stay tuned for videos in Paris and Paris Chinatown. I plan on going in on Sunday/Monday for the New Year's Celebration!!!

-Jen

Barack Obama

As I sat in front of the television on election night listening to Barack Obama’s speech about “hope” and a better future for Americans, I couldn't help but think about the social change that was about to take place in our country.

The future of race relations within the United States will undoubtedly change with Obama’s presidency – especially those with African Americans in the US. A man of African descent now holds, arguably, the most powerful leadership position in the entire world.

Many African Americans say that Obama’s win has been a “dream come true.” After the United States’ long history with slavery and discrimination against African Americans, these individuals were undoubtedly speaking of a success not only for themselves, but for their ancestors as well. So, what is the future of African Americans in the United States from here on in and how will general perceptions of this once severely oppressed group of individuals change?

Could there be a surge in black leaders in the media? How will society’s general impression of African Americans and African American leaders change? How will the world view the United States knowing that its people have broken out of a centuries old tradition and not elected a white Catholic male to be their president?

And finally, how will race relations in general change as a result of this presidency? As soon as Barack Obama announced his bid for the presidency, talk of his race surfaced immediately. With the concept of race having such a pervasive presence in our society now, could it perhaps, change the way history is taught in the classroom? What kind of amendments will be made to give more attention to leaders of all different backgrounds who have had an immense impact on this nation?

What are your thoughts? POST!!

bloGggggG

Hey Everyone! This is the first entry of CSA's new political and educational blog. You probably have a plethora of questions, so here are the answers!

1. What is this blog?!

This is CSA’s way of keeping you all informed about news impacting Chinese and Chinese Americans. I try to keep up with the news everyday and this is our way of trying to keep you all up-to-date as well. As the Chinese Students’ Association, it is important for us to not only provide a welcoming social network for our members, but also to educate them on issues that pertain to the Chinese and the Chinese American community.

It is also my way of staying in touch with the CSA community at BC while I am studying abroad in Paris this spring!

2. How do I know that the facts you are presenting are legit?

Well, you are first going to have to trust me. Secondly, I am going to try my best to gather information from a variety of sources (various websites, parents who read the paper, intelligent peers, knowledgeable professors!) and be as factually accurate as I can be. I also took the Asian American Identity and Experience class with Professor Liem, which provides a wealth of information concerning identity formation and Asian American history.

3. How often will you be updating the blog?

I will be updating as often as I feel necessary, particularly when there is big news. Don’t worry, you guys will get an email every time a new entry comes up!

4. Why should I, as a dedicated CSA member, make comments?

For a few reasons. I am only human and could inadvertently mess up a few facts, so let me know! Also, you may agree/disagree with some of my views. I want to hear it. And finally, the issue may incite you to share your thoughts with me/other CSA members.

5. You didn’t answer my question.

Email me! chenbt@bc.edu.


Topics I am excited to write about:

- Reconstruction efforts after the Sichuan earthquake
- Boston Chinatown
-Paris Chinatown (there are TWO in Paris)
- How did the Chinese even get to America?!
-China’s efforts to keep the economic crisis at bay
-Issues dealing with Asian American identity formation
- My opinion of Chinese-Parisians…if there are any?

presenting...

The 2008-2009 CSA Executive Board

Co-Presidents: Vicky Yu + Angel Ng
Vice President: Jonson Tsai
Treasurer: Maggie Pang
Secretary: Kelley Mak
Culture Chair: Han Cho
AHANA Caucus Rep: Shing Yip
Political and Educational Officer: Jennifer Chen
Webmistress: Frances Lu

Thank you to all who came out to support and vote!

CSA Executive Board Elections 2008-2009

Hey CSA! It's that time of the year again and
we need and want YOU to run and vote!

Positions to run for:

President: The president of the Chinese Students' Association is responsible for directing the executive board to advance and accomplish the social, political, and cultural goals of the organization. As the chief executive officer, he/she shall provide general supervision and guidance to the executive board while also representing the organization in all events within Boston College, other intercollegiate programs, and other events by any community organizations. Additionally, the president is responsible for meeting with the club dean in ODSD on a regular basis and for attending Asian Caucus Cabinet meetings. Furthermore, he/she is responsible for working closely with the treasurer in understanding the financial functions of the organization. (Pre-requisite: Senior/Junior to be)

Vice-President: Vice President is in charge of supporting the rest of the entire e-board and lending a hand where help is needed. He also assist the President with the latter's responsibilities.

Treasurer: The Treasurer must be an organized individual who manages and oversees all financial transactions made by CSA. S/he must prepare the Student Organization Funding Committee (SOFC) budget proposal at the beginning of his/her term, as well as continuously maintain detailed records of revenues, expenses, and balances of the organization. The Treasurer shall maintain regular contact with the Student Affairs Business Service Center (SABC) and the SOFC.

Secretary: The Secretary should be an organized individual. S/he is to keep records of all executive board meetings. S/he is responsible for keeping an updated member list and is charge of the CSA email listserv. The secretary is to convey in a timely manner interests and events of CSA, of the BC community, and of the greater community in efforts to inform and create awareness for members of CSA.

AHANA Caucus Representative: The AHANA Caucus Representative is the liaison between CSA and the other culture clubs at Boston College. S/he attends weekly AHANA Caucus meetings where s/he publicizes their clubs' and discusses their clubs' issues and/or concerns. S/he, in turn, relays the information from the meetings to both the Executive Board and club members. It is the role of the AHANA Caucus Representative to maintain constant contact with the other AHANA Caucus members and be aware of the issues AHANA students face on campus. The focal point of the AHANA Caucus Representative is to promote AHANA solidarity within the club and the community. The AHANA Caucus Representative will also be able to vote during the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) elections.

Culture Chair: The Culture Chair should be well informed of the Chinese culture and active in promoting awareness of Chinese culture. S/he is responsible for the organization of the annual joint Culture Show. S/he must be able to work well with others, should have a good knowledge of how the show works, keep track of all the acts, stage crew, tech crew, and keep track of all the logistical information to ensure a smooth coordination of acts incorporated in the show.

Webmaster/PR: As Webmaster you will be required to create, maintain and constantly update the club website. Additional tasks usually include computer based publicity work such as creating flyers and quarter-sheets for events. Web skills and creativity would be preferred for this position but definitely not required as you can always learn how!

Political Educational Officer (PEO): This new position of CSA is designed to educate and promote political awareness of existing and new issues that concern the Chinese and the Chinese American community. This officer's main responsibilities include keeping up to date with new issues that are of concern to Chinese and Chinese Americans, following up with past concerns and any longitudinal effects on the community, educate the executive board with this acquired knowledge, and present it to CSA members and the greater BC community. These political programs should contribute to an increased political awareness among the CSA members. In addition, this member is still an officer of CSA, so there will be other executive board responsibilities that he or she will be expected to attend to.

Nominations meeting is TODAY Tuesday, March 25 8:30 Devlin 112.
If for any reason, you would like to be nominated but will not be able to attend. You must respond to shek@bc.edu with a reason and the position(s) you wish to run for.
The official election date is Monday, March 31. Location and time T.B.A
Those nominated will be asked to make a 3-5 minute speech and then club members will vote for the 2008-2009 E-Board.

csalove.

CSA and CCC proudly present...

Chinese-Jamaicans

Building Then Breaking Out of the Box: Claiming, Creating and Transcending Identities


with Speaker Larry Chang
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Fulton 230 @ 7pm

Chinese-Jamaican, political organizer and spiritual counselor, Larry Chang has much to offer the Asian-American, LGBT, Caribbean-American, and People of Color communities.

He will touch upon history, culture, identity, and bridging the gap between Asian and Black communities.

Why come? Because have u ever heard or have been to something like this?!?
Come out and learn about each other, we're more similar than you think :D

"Live the Connection"

Presenting....

The 8th Annual CSA/KSA Culture Show:
F.Y.I

Tomorrow: Friday 16th, 2008
Show Starts at 6:30PM
Tickets on Sale Now at Robsham Theatre!