On Voting"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." Thomas Jefferson
These are the words of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, thus establishing the foundation of a democracy for the United States of America. Since then, countless individuals from all corners of the world have emigrated to the United States of America seeking Life, Liberty, and Happiness.
These individuals made great personal sacrifices for their freedom. Among these groups of emigrants, none has endured as much suffering or made as many personal sacrifices as the Vietnamese who came to the United States, since the fall of South Vietnam on April 30th 1975.
As the 25th anniversary is approaching, let us reflect on our experiences of the last twenty five years within the context of the Civil Rights struggle by people of color in this country, and let us be resolute in our determination to achieve full equality as Vietnamese-Americans.
Although the Declaration of Independence insures that all men are treated as "equal" in 1776, it wasn't until 1870 that Amendment XV allowing people of color the right to vote was amended. It wasn't until 1920 that Amendment XIX allowing women the right to vote was amended. However, people of color were not able to exercise their rights to vote until around 1960 when the Civil Rights Movement, led by Rev. Martin Luther King, demanded equal treatment for people of color.
The right to vote is the most fundamental and cherished right of all citizens in a democracy. This is where we must begin our efforts to achieve equality as Vietnamese-Americans. Rather than living in isolation and poverty, we as Vietnamese-Americans must exercise our rights to vote in order to achieve full equality and integration. In the process, we can help America to put the Vietnam War in the past, and move toward a new millennium of peace and friendship.
Tuan Tran