Justice for Filipino Americans (JFAV)

RECOGNITION, JUSTICE, EQUITY, NOW!

1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No.2 Los Angeles, CA 90026

August 26, 2009

Dear Editor,

The Filipino American community in the United States lost one of its staunchest friend and ally- a champion of human rights, the oppressed and the elderly, a true blooded democrat till his end - Senator Edward Moore Kennedy, 77.

On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, we express our deep and sincere condolences to the family, friends and the constituents of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy fought for all immigrants including the Filipinos that consisted one-third (1/3) of the Filipino community. Although his bill for the comprehensive immigration reform did not pass in 2007, he was instrumental in the Obama Democratic win in the 2008 elections.

He also fought for the cause of human rights in the Philippines and other oppressed nations of the world. He opposed dictatorships and tyranny especially the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines from 1972-86.

He wholeheartedly supported the Filipino Veterans Equity rights in the Senate and one of the prime movers of S. 1315 that passed in that chamber overwhelmingly. But unluckily SB 1315 was mangled at the lower house that excludes the Filipino veterans and the widows in the end of 2008. In the end the veterans was left with a lump sum with a quitclaim provision it without any recognition whatsoever.

Senator Kennedy kept alive the legacy of the Kennedy brothers, fought for the marginalized and was branded as a “liberal” by social conservatives and rightist elements in the American society who lived by the suffering of the majority including the marginalized immigrants.

For the Filipinos, here and in the Philippines, we will miss you dear Senator, may you rest in peace in your glory in your service to the American people.



For Justice and Equity,

Arturo P. Garcia

National Coordinator