A Call To Action!

Hello, friends! 

A few weeks ago, The Flatwater Free Press, an independent news organization in Nebraska, wrote a story about how nitrate levels in water around hog farms owned by our current governor were unusually high. The story was written by Yangqi Xu, a Chinese international (and Mizzou alum!). 

When asked about the story, Governor Pillen's response was less than forthcoming and more than a little racist and xenophobic. 

In case you want to cut right to the chase, here's what Pillen said: "“Number one, I didn’t read it. And I won’t. Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”

Pillen was asked about his response later by other journalists and his response was not to apologize but to completely dismiss the question as part of the "political side show." 

Friends, this is absolutely infuriating on a number of levels. Firstly, as a Chinese American living in Nebraska, comments like these, to go along with accusation by our senators that the Nebraska Chinese Association is a front for Communist propaganda and spying, make it very clear to me that I'm always going to be an outsider around these parts and there's a very good chance that my children will always be treated as outsiders too. This sucks, and it sucks hard because for the most part, I like it here. 

Secondly, it just sucks that the Governor can't own up to his mistakes. I'm not calling Governor Pillen a racist; I've only met him once. However, it's possible for people who aren't racists to do and say racist things. This is one of those times. Had Governor Pillen admitted to his mistake and apologized, there'd be no problem on my end. People mess up all the time. It's the lack of reflection, the defensiveness, and the inability to repent that really gets me, especially coming from someone who says faith is such a big part of his life. 

Here's where things get interesting. Friends, especially those living in Nebraska, I'm asking for your help. Could you please take a minute to call the Governor's Office and encourage him to publicly apologize to Ms. Xu and to retract his previous statements? It doesn't have to be a long message. I can even provide a script for you. 

"Hello, Governor! My name is ______________ and I am a resident of Nebraska. I was very disappointed by your comments made about Yangqi Xu of the Flatwater Free Press. I have friends in the Asian American community here in Nebraska that were hurt and offended by your comments. If we want Nebraska to be a place that is open and welcoming to all people, we cannot be making assumptions about people based on their birthplace. I encourage you to publicly apologize and retract your previous statement. Thank you." 

The phone number is: 402-471-2244

To entice you, here's a photo of my lovely Chinese American children who live in Nebraska and who I'd rather not have their motives constantly questioned because they look like they might come from a different country. =0). 

Have an excellent day!

~Adam