Asian Pacific American Heritage Month a Celebration of Diversity
Contributions of Asian Americans to U.S. culture are honored in May
Washington -- “I feel very fortunate to have two sets of cultures to enjoy -- American and Vietnamese. Rather than divide my identity in half, these two sets of experiences double my understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the world around me.”
Writing these words on his Web site, Asian Nation, Vietnamese-born C.N. Le adds that he sees Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, which is celebrated in the United States every May, as an opportunity “to share in the accomplishments of all Asian Americans before me.” Le is a professor of sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. (more)
Clinton, Obama Target Voters in Indiana, North Carolina
Washington -- With just a handful of states and territories yet to hold nominating contests, Democratic candidates are focusing their efforts on winning votes in Indiana and North Carolina, both of which hold primaries May 6. (more)
New Intercountry Adoption Standards Implemented in United States
Washington -- A broad range of new procedures to ensure that foreign children being adopted into the United States receive the highest level of protection is being implemented by the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security. (more)
Citizen Involvement in Summit of the Americas Process Expanding
Washington -- Citizen involvement is increasing in the Summit of the Americas process, which focuses on promoting security and economic prosperity in the Western Hemisphere, several civil society officials tell America.gov. (more)
U.S. Government Uses Tax Policy to Shape Economy
Washington -- Americans fought for their independence from the British, in part, because of taxes. "Taxation without representation is tyranny!" was the Colonists' cry. But throughout American history, in good economic times and bad, the question of who pays taxes and how much they pay has been debated vigorously. (more)
Kite-Flying Contest Part of U.S.-China Friendship Series
The festival was tied to the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing August 8-24, Christine Cimino, the Smithsonian Associates director of public affairs told America.gov. Smithsonian Associates is the cultural, educational and membership division of the Smithsonian Institution. (more)
