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Today's Worst Asian American in the World - Senator John Ensign (R-NV)

Yes, that John Ensign.  H/T to Keith Chow (who got it from Jeff Yang who got it from Curtis) for pointing this out in his Facebook status update. Although John Ensign is part Filipino (and according to his Asian Pacific American American Heritage Month statement, is proud of his Filipino heritage), he has no regrets about voting against benefits for Filipino American veterans:

Although he is part Filipino, Sen. John Ensign on Tuesday said he has no regrets about voting against increasing federal benefits for military veterans in the Philippines who fought alongside American soldiers against the Japanese during World War II.

The Nevada Republican's paternal grandfather, whom he said he has never met but believes is still alive, was born in the Philippines and is half Filipino and half German.

 That makes the senator one-eighth Filipino, but he bristled when asked if his vote last week might be considered a vote against his own people.

"I'm American. I voted for Americans. Any other questions?" Ensign said.

Despite his opposition, the amendment passed 56-41. According to Rozita Lee, the Vice chairwoman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, although Ensign is always touting his Filipino heritage during election time, when she asked Ensign to support the amendment, his response was that "Filipino men were fighting for the Philippines during World War II, not America." (Even though President Roosevelt promised the benefits to Filipino veterans.)

John Ensign - today's Worst Asian American...in the world! (Never thought I'd be writing those words!)

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)

Purong Pinoy (not verified) on Fri, 08/14/2009 - 22:36

That accounts for his favorite pickup line:

"Do you have any Filipino in you? No? Would you like some?"

Curious? (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 23:28

What was the bill # that he opposed? 

For S.1315, he did "Yeas".

I just want to know the exact bill number.

Thanks. 

 

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