Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

It's here!! The last day before I start my vacay. Yes I just used the word vacay. I'm excited, are you excited? You should be for me at least. Trans-Atlantic Throwdown Episode 4 is out for your listening pleasure! It's our longest on yet, but that's because we include snippets of songs and a full track at the end of the podcast. You're welcome America! Don't forget to check out our website and rate and review us on ITunes! We're planning a "Lists of 2010" end of year episode, so email us at tatpodcast @ gmail.com with your recommendations or comment here whichever you prefer. We can't thank you enough for tuning into our humble podcast, it means a lot. As for the Holiday blogging, I should be on here quite often till Wednesday when the fams comes in from teh VA. I'm hoping Santa brings me a Playstation 3 ! Here are your highlights: A pox on both your houses! Tax Cut Deal headed to Obama's desk. Has Social Security crumbled yet? 22 Ar...

Aside from Tbogg, reading Firedoglake these days is like a soap opera-esque message board for emo progressives. If they spent half as much time rallying against Republicans and organizing the Left as they did Uniting the Colors of Grovercon and lamenting the BIGGEST SELL OUT EVER Obama teh Smoker; they might, you know, get somewhere. And no I will not link to Jane, people like her should not have their egos massaged. She doesn't speak for all of us. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

He ain't no Bill Clinton I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Steve M. states what progressives need to do in light of the recent Tax Cut Deal : Well, it would nice to believe that Democrats would actually use two years to devise and deploy a strategy that will change the terms of this debate. Do you think they'll manage it? Me either. But maybe that's what the rest of us need to do. Shouldn't outside groups be trying to foment class warfare, on the assumption that it should be done whether Democrats get on board or not? That's how successful progressive movements have worked historically -- not in lockstep with Democrats, and not primarily as sworn enemies of Democrats, but on the principle of "Here's where we stand; join us or don't -- we're marching anyway." This should be our tea party -- there should be groups spring up all over the country with names like Tax the Rich. Activists need to make more activists out in the heartland, on the principle that the well-to-do have done well while the rest of us ha...

Insert your boot straps cliche here! The day of depression is over and it's time to get back to work . Progress didn't happen in two years at the speed some might have liked, but it doesn't mean we stop trying to achieve progress. Last night was a somber Laughing Liberally, but the comedians did try their best to lighten the mood one day removed from the infamous " shellacking ." Alderman Joe Moore was interviewed and he reiterated that this has happened before in our history and progressives bounce back. The Democratic Party will bounce back and maybe one day our leaders will learn that the " center " isn't the answer. So what now? Get involved if you aren't already. MoveOn , Bold Progressives , ActBlue , ACLU ,and Asian Pacific Americans for Progress to start. There are many out there who were grinding it out during the Bush years and aren't throwing in the towel. I don't hear a fat lady singing, do you? Don't forget the Trans-At...

"Don't mourn, organize" (h/t to ProgressIllinois ) I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Bob Herbert in his most recent NY Times column " Our Epic Foolishness ": For a nation that can’t stop bragging about how great and powerful it is, we’ve become shockingly helpless in the face of the many challenges confronting us. Our can-do spirit was put on hold many moons ago, and here we are now unable to defeat the Taliban, or rein in the likes of BP and the biggest banks, or stop the oil gushing furiously from the bowels of earth like a warning from Hades about the hubris and ignorance that is threatening to destroy us. TerranceDC at Boomna Tribune adds: It is the story of a great nation whose people for too long placed the reins of government in the hands of those who did not — and do not — "believe in" government, and left the public interest in the care of people whose primary interest was— and remains — profit. The conundrum is what do we do to fix this, both Terrance and Herbert conclude America must demand leadership. The people need to voice their desi...

Asian Pacific American for Progress are asking for your opinion, who are the top Progressives in the AAPI community. The announcement : To commemorate the first year of the Obama Administration and what can arguably be an era of progressive politics, APAP is rolling out with another Top 10 list! To close out 2009 APAP is giving a shout out and much needed accolades to the "top Asian Pacific American progressives" of 2009. This is a call-out to community leaders, workers, students, college grads, faculty, staff, government officials, Hollywood, the private sector, etc. who are working tirelessly in advancing progressive values and representing our communities. A panel of progressive peers from APAP will serve as reviewers to evaluate your submissions. If your submission is selected as one of the top 10 progressives of 2009 then they will be featured at the end of the year on Asian Pacific Americans for Progress. Aside from highlighting the dedication of the work being done in ...