Year of the Rabbit, Turning Tragedy into Action at the Polls
This Lunar New Year marks the year of the rabbit, symbolizing peace, serenity, and advancement in our lives. In these times of cultural celebration bringing unity to the Asian-American community, we have witnessed tragedy in an unlikely place. On January 21st Monterey Park, California (a predominantly Asian community), a gunman killed eleven people and injured nine others. The shooting occurred at Star Ballroom Dance Studio after an all-day Lunar New Year Festival.
In a time where Asian hate is at an all-time high since the wake of Covid-19, hate crimes have begun to skyrocket, bringing along pain and violence targeting those of Asian immigrant descent. Part of the root of the problem stems from the GOP’s political rhetoric that continues to inflame the stereotypes, striking false fear into a narrative damaging our nation’s fabric.
Mass shootings have become no stranger to our everyday lives, from schools, grocery stores, and celebrations. These attacks on the safety of others have plagued the normality of our news and surroundings leaving many wondering if they will be targeted next. In the White House’s first-ever Lunar New Year reception Elaine Tso, CEO of Asian Services in Action, spoke, sharing, “As you know, Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday by Asians across the world, and this year’s festivities have felt different, I’m still processing the recent mass shootings. So, I will simply say that more needs to be done to address gun violence in America.” We can combat this issue by creating gun-sense reform that will tackle the issue head-on with universal background checks. Our work to create a safer America is on the horizon.
Rideshare2Vote is leading the way to bringing actual change in every election by reaching out to infrequent voters and getting them to the polls. We can combat gun violence by electing Democrats that will tackle the issue and unify our communities. We know that democratic-run leadership delivers, and now more than ever, we need to ensure we safeguard and create actual legislative change. We invite you to join us in our various volunteer opportunities. The rabbit’s strength lives in all of us. Let us use that wisdom and transform it into healing those wounds through democratic action.
Our hearts are with the victims and their families during this time.
by Nyx Mendoza
