Ann (AH) Kim

Because Trump’s anti-Asian and anti-immigrant hate threatens me and the people I love

I’m voting for Kamala Harris because she is the child of immigrants and will protect people like me, my family, and my friends from anti-Asian and anti-immigrant hate.

My parents immigrated to the US from South Korea in 1967, and we became naturalized citizens in the 1970s. Having lived through the Japanese occupation, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War (my father headed a MASH unit in Vietnam), my parents just wanted to have a peaceful life and to provide opportunity for their children. They kept their heads down and followed the rules. 

But Trump doesn’t respect the rules, Asian Americans, or immigrants. 

I remember the dark days of the pandemic when Trump sparked anti-Asian hate by repeatedly tweeting and talking about “the China virus” and “kung flu.” I remember news reports about the horrific shooting in Atlanta that killed seven innocent people including six women of Korean or Chinese descent. I remember elderly Asians in my then hometown of San Francisco getting harassed, pushed, and even beaten by strangers, and worrying about the safety of my own elderly parents far across the country in Virginia. I remember my husband cautioning me not to go out for a walk in the evening with our pandemic puppy, because I too could become a victim of anti-Asian hate.

Amid all this fear and hatred and violence, I had to wonder: How is this my country? Shouldn’t the president speak up against such violence rather than encourage it? Isn’t that what a true leader does? 

Kamala Harris is a true leader, and that’s why we must elect her in November.

Ann (AH) Kim is a novelist, retired attorney, and 826 Michigan volunteer.