By: staff

Since June, the Hmong community has devoted a lot of time and effort into exposing and helping improve the Hmong issues.

The issues are anything from those in hiding in Laos, those afraid of being repatriated from Thailand to Laos, the leaders arrested on charges of terrorist acts and the Hmong being known as terrorists under the Patriot Act.

The easiest way to get political officials to pay attention to the needs of the Hmong community is by voting in elections, whether it is in a local or general election.

Voting is more than just a privilege, it is a responsibility you have as an American adult citizen. Many people, whether Hmong or not, have taken this power for granted.

It’s understandable that many feel discouraged to vote because they feel their vote doesn’t matter. But it does, such as the close call in the 2000 presidential election.

Your vote is your voice and politicians more than know that, they use it as their tool. Hence, the issues they fight for or against are targeted towards those valued voters. Remember, politicians work for you. You elect them to work for what you want.

If you are concerned with anything and feel that your political leaders can make the difference, then start voting. You need to start pressuring them into hearing your voice. Start making them realize that they need to fight for what you want. You have the power just as much as politicians.

Another useful way to get political leaders to pay attention to the needs of the Hmong community is by rallying and protesting.

This method is successful when rallies are well organized and participation is high. Rallies help expose issues on a grand scale in a way that voting doesn’t.

Because the media may help further expose it on a national and international scale, it becomes a well known issue.
A high-participation and well-organized rally will pressure political officials to respond. Once political officials become aware that they are not doing their jobs, they will try to find a common ground.

Don’t be discouraged if you are too young to vote or do not have the time to participate. There are other ways to help improve the Hmong community here and abroad.