Ten Asian American professionals attended the House Party in Northern Virginia.  We listened to the conference call by Skype on a computer, which was louder than my telephone speaker.  After the conference call, we discussed issues such as Wall Street regulation, the environment, and health care reform.  We have to counteract the special interests that have such strong influence on Congress.

We need help in Virginia.  We have a Governor who declared April as Confederate History Month to honor the sacrifices of Confederate leaders, soldiers, and citizens but did not mention slavery at all, let alone the sacrifices of slaves or to state that slavery was deplorable.  He did apologize after African Americans like his former supporter, Sheila Johnson of Black Entertainment, complained.  Virginia is one of two states that does not automatically reinstate voter rights of felons who have completed their sentences.  The Governor must approve a felon's application for voter rights.  Reporters found out that state officials sent a new application to felons asking for an essay explaining why they should be able to vote.  After complaints, the Governor dropped the essay requirement.  This is what happens when there is a low turnout election.  We have to generate enthusiasm among the 2008 voters so they vote in November for progressive candidates