SPECIAL ISSUE

April 8, 1989: Where do we stand?

By Madan Kulkarni

One think was evident at the Democratic Unity Dinner held last week for Rich Daley; the Asian Indian participation out numbered the other ethnic communities.
The least one could say is at least the Asian Indain community is trying to gain a foot hold in the ever slippery political ladder of Chicago.
When I asked Amrish Mahajan, a key supporter of the Deley campaign about what were the implications in the event of a Daley triumph, his only comment was, “at least our concerns are going to be heard and proposals considered.” It was a more realistic than diplomatic comment for sure, but the question which should be paramount is, “where does our community really stand in this political haze and maze?”
To put it in sheer businesslike terms “is our community a viable proposition for the politicians to think about?” If purely considered on the basis of fund raising activity and flowery speeches that go with these events, the answer would probably ‘yes.’ But when looked at, from the view point of solid proposals and honored assertions, the answer would still be a flat ‘no.’
My numerous conversations with our respected leaders have led me to believe that the solution to our divisiveness could be more harder than 21st century Rubik’s puzzle.
It would be unfair however, to discount the recent efforts by some groups to educate Congressmen and Senators about the problems and issues faced by the community. It surely gives us some hope. Hope after all keeps even the most desperate ones pumping. So keep hoping …