Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - September 19, 2020

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

THE DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS CONVENE, NOW WHAT

FEATURE

FILIPINA ACADEMIC APPOINTED POET LAUREATE OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA

COMMUNITY & WOMENS’ HEALTH SUPPLEMENT

COVER STORY: AS SECOND-WORST HIT BY COVID-19 IN HAWAII, FILIPINO COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO BE RESILIENT

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

HI CHAMBER CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

EDITORIAL

Medicare Has Widespread Popularity; But It Can Be Better

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he 2020 General Election will be critical for a number of programs and Medicare is high up the ladder among them. Medicare represents 15 percent of the national budget. With the national deficit reaching an all-time high, it’s possible that Medicare – possibly cuts or reforms – could be on the table for changes post 2020.

Tricia Neuman, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation, said “Voters need to think about who they want to be making decisions about the future of Medicare.”

Congress has always taken steps to keep the program financially sound probably because Medicare, along with Social Security, has long been seen as must-haves.

Medicare is extremely popular, so popular that the drawback is politicians are often afraid to make necessary changes to make it stronger. They fear that any calls for change could be misinterpreted by their constituents as opposition to it. Insiders have described pushing for reforms to Medicare at Congress is like tip-toeing around land mines.

But Medicare experts say while Medicare is strong, politicians need to look at the root causes of rising program costs and get costs manageable so that it can continue to be robust and available for generations.

Keali’i Lopez, state director AARP Hawai’i says “within six years, Medicare’s Part A (hospital) trust fund is projected to run short of funds needed to pay full hospital benefits, primarily due to rising health care costs, rapidly increasing prescription drug prices, new technology, and increased enrollment.”

Lowering cost and improving efficiency are even more crucial as the number of Medicare beneficiaries grow. In 2030, it is expected to be 80 million. Currently, enrollees are just over 60 million.

Medicare experts say a big reason for rising costs is attributable to pharmaceutical companies having free reign to set their own prices with little to no accountability or transparency.

Recently the House of Representatives has passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (HR 3), which would tackle prescription drug costs. It would require the federal government to negotiate the prices of some high-cost drugs on behalf of Medicare and use the savings to fund dental, vision and hearing benefits.

This bill actually addresses most of the complaints Medicare beneficiaries express. The program is clearly popular, but the common criticism is that Medicare doesn’t cover drug costs adequately and that Original Medicare does not cover dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

Seniors with chronic and major health problems are simply unable to pay for needed drugs.

The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (HR 3) identifies Medicare beneficiaries needs. While it is a step in the right direction, perhaps another bill must also be worked on to address the overall systemic problems of health care’s fast rise in costs (faster rate than inflation).

The boldest among reforms floating around is Medicarefor-All, which just 10 years ago seemed to be a political pipe dream. Now it has been gaining rapid support in recent years.

What are Medicare beneficiaries main concern According to an EHealth survey there is overwhelming content with Medicare among beneficiaries -- nearly nine out of 10 people who are 80 years old or older say they’re satisfied or very satisfied with Medicare. That’s compared to 79% of people age 71 to 79, 71% of people 65-70 and 69% of those under 65. (continue on page 3)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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pen enrollment to make changes to an existing Medicare plan is just around the corner. Typically it falls between Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year, with the adjusted plan to take effect on Jan. 1 the following year. It’s perfect timing for Medicare beneficiaries to reexamine their current plans, compare rates and make sure they are maximizing their health benefits at a cost that matches their budget.

For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo helps our seniors with the complexities of Medicare – when to enroll, how to do it, and what are the typical options. He also provides valuable tips from experts who say selecting the best Medicare plan is not just about picking one with the lowest monthly premiums, but one that looks at overall value in the short and long-term. Another big consideration is knowing what specialty needs are included and not included in your plan. For example, Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services. If you anticipate needing critical illness insurance or long-term care (nursing homes and inhouse aides), these are also not included in Original Medicare. What then? There is what’s called Medicare Advantage Plans (private company insurance approved by Medicare) or Medigap (supplemental coverage for services not provided in Original Medicare) that can offer services that you might need. Experts say Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. It’s important for beneficiaries to make adjustments as their health and money sources change. Also in the cover story, Keali’i Lopez, state director AARP Hawaii updates us on how Medicare is responding to COVID-19. He gives us ballpark estimates of Medicare costs for beneficiaries and addresses areas where the program needs reform. Members in our Filipino community who are Medicare beneficiaries share their personal experiences with the program.

Also in this issue, contributing editor Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. contributes a feature on Dr. Luisa Igloria, a native of the Philippines and now Professor of English and Creative Writing at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently appointed Igloria as Poet Laureate of Virginia from 2020-2022. On Aug. 23 Hawaii-based Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW) had Luisa give a guest lecture using Zoom Technology.

As the General Election nears, two of our HFC columnists submit political-themed articles. Elpidio Estioko writes “45 Days Before the Nov. 3 Election: Last Minute Salvos for Biden, Trump;” and Emil Guillermo contributes “The Democrats and Republicans Convene, Now What.”

Lastly in this issue, we present our annual Health supplement for the month of September. We have an interesting and informative mix of articles. HFC’s editorial assistant Jim Bea Sampaga contributes in the supplement cover story “As Second-Worst Hit by COVID-19 in Hawaii, Filipino Community Continues to be Resilient.” She writes that Filipinos are particularly at risk for catching COVID because many are essential workers and live in multi-generational homes. Sampaga contributes another article on what it’s like working as a frontline hospital worker. She interviewed registered nurse Joshua Pananganan who shared his experiences working at Pali Momi Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit. We have other health features, health news, health pulse and Ask a Doctor columns. We hope you enjoy our supplement.

Thank you to the community, our advertisers and readers for your continued support. Until next issue Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

More Delays, More Jobs Losses, But Moves Toward Jobs Diversification Is Encouraging non-tourism jobs will bring in higher paying jobs that awaii’s tourism tourism’s reopening is not Twenty percent of Hawaii could make living in Hawaii took a turn for being as readily accepted businesses have had no reve- (highest cost of living in the the worst as 25 by the community and busi- nue since January and 20 per- nation) easier.

For three consecutive hospitality com- nesses as earlier precaution- cent reported losses of more panies including ary measures, and for valid than half of their monthly years the state has registered hotels recently reason. revenues, according to the a decline in its workforce; announced they will lay off The State’s pre-travel test- University of Hawaii Eco- it has also experienced a hundreds of workers within ing program is still not where nomic Research Organiza- decline in population for years that could get worse the next 30 days. This latest it should be. Full implemen- tion. in a poor economy and high round of job losses will take tation is taking too long. On cost of living. Surveys show effect Nov. 13. top of that, it remains unclear Diversification Hotels also warned that what benchmarks must be While tourism is on hold, many residents who remain if the situation doesn’t im- met in order for the state to Gov. Ige and state lawmak- are under financial stress prove by Jan. 8, they would move on reopening the econ- ers announced $10 million and take on multiple jobs to need to let go even more omy fully. There’s just too -- of the $1.25 billion allo- make ends meet.

The $10 million to help workers. Travel agencies many uncertainty with little cated to Hawaii by the Fedalready have reported mass guidance from top state and eral government to ease the diversify the economy is a cancellations for September, county leaders. burden of COVID -- will go good start but more needs to October and November.

And it’s not hyperbole to to bolster jobs in agriculture, be done. There is no reason But the tourism indus- say that the State’s economy, health care and technology, why alternative energy, given the state’s natural resourctry most likely acted on the specifically tourism, is bleed- besides tourism. latest mass layoffs because ing by a thousand cuts each Part of the $10 million es, isn’t a major industry for of the repeated push backs day. will go to workforce retrain- Hawaii. It could be pursued of reopening tourism and To get a big picture of the ing programs. Sen. Donovan with cultural sensitivity and lifting the 14 days quaran- losses this year since tourism Dela Cruz said, “What we in collaboration with Hatine for visitors. The State was shut down for business tried to do was to get people waii’s native community. planned to open tourism on in March. off unemployment and start This will take effective leadAug. 1st, then Sept. 1st, but Hawaii Tourism Author- to seed non-tourism sector ership.

In hindsight it’s easy to now plans to open in Oct. ity reported visitors spent a jobs.” Participants of the 1st. Uncertainty has always hefty $17.6 billion in Hawaii retraining program will re- say efforts to diversify the economy should have been been corporations’ Achilles last year. Hawaii has on av- ceive $13 per hour. heel. And given the increase erage 10 million visitors each Investments toward di- a major focus arguably genspread of COVID-19 in the year. This year’s revenues versifying the state’s econ- erations ago. Serious talks state, the Oct. 1st target is and visitors rate pale in com- omy is long overdue and have been floating around looking more optimistic than parison to year’s past. ultimately the best course to since the early 1990s, but litlikely.

The Stay-at-Home orders take for the economy in the tle action taken.

The overwhelming sucand ripple effect of tourism’s long term.

Mounting frustration demise also has been devasHopefully building new cess of tourism in Hawaii, The latest push back of tating to other businesses. industries and expanding one of the most successful models in the world, made diversification (Medicare...from page 2) less urgent.

While the same EHealth sur- choosing a plan? needs based on their unique health vey shows overwhelming con- • monthly premiums (one-third and income needs. looked for affordability in pretent, it also found people with Beneficiaries should also be miums) higher incomes are happier 81% mindful that Medicare plans can of respondents making between • low out-of-pocket costs (31%) and should be changed based on $50,000 and $75,000 are either • having their preferred doctor their current needs. Beneficiaries in the plan’s network (20%) satisfied or very satisfied. That’s who expect major procedures compared to 67% of those with an • getting adequate and afford- and surgeries ahead of time (a able drug coverage (12%) annual income below $25,000. year or so) should examine their The EHealth survey also high- • out-of-pocket costs (top con- current policy. If there is anothcern for younger Medicare er one that will save money, they lights areas of worry for beneficiabeneficiaries) ries: should switch to it as far ahead as • that their benefits will be cut possible before that major proce(more than two-thirds ex- Maximizing services dure. Beneficiaries must consider pressed concern) Medicare specialists say that that there are set periods annually • that fewer doctors will take new recipients and near retirees when these changes to plans are Medicare (more than half) approaching 65 (age to qualify for accepted.

• almost all beneficiaries were enrollment, besides the disabled) Medicare can be complex. But concerned that they will no should be armed with as much with working knowledge of the longer be able to afford cover- knowledge of the different plans programs, beneficiaries can maxage Medicare offers. When choosing imize their benefits. Taking that What do Medicare benefi- a plan, a recipient should look at extra step to study your options is ciaries found most important in both short-term and long-term well worth it.

H

Tourism has been a reliable industry in many cities around the world. It was solid prior to the pandemic. Not to mention building a tourism-centered economy like in Hawaii actually makes a city more aesthetically beautiful, as compared to other cities that rely on hard industry that cause greater environmental pollution.

The Ige administration has been caught flat-footed

by COVID. But so has all administrations.

Earlier in the pandemic U.S. governors sought to minimize the virus’ curve and placed public safety first and foremost. As local and county economies worsened, some governors have caved into pressure to find a more balanced approach to the pandemic, considering both safety and economic needs.

As more jobs are lost, Gov. Ige will need to make even harder decisions to open the economy even while rates of COVID infections could show little improvement.

But ultimately, the public cannot just be pointing the finger at leaders, but must be better at keeping the virus from spreading. At minimum, wearing a mask is a must.

Practice responsibility and we all can get out of this rut faster.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

COVER STORY

MAXIMIZING YOUR MEDICARE COSTS AND HEALTH BENEFITS

By Edwin Quinabo

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ust thinking about growing old typically triggers anxiety. There is the inescapable reality that no amount of exercise or healthy eating can stop mental and physical decline. Old age is commonly associated with illness, loss of mobility, change in appearance. “Will I be able to take care of myself?” “Would I become a burden onto my children?” – two typical questions we hear of aging.

If diminished health alone isn’t frightening enough, money woes is yet another major concern. At some point, a senior is unable to work.

Some will experience poverty. The non-profit group American Progress estimates about 3.4 million seniors age 65 and older live below the poverty line. The vast majority will have at the least, a limited and fixed income.

To address the double-pronged challenge of maintaining health and When, how and what to sign up for Open enrollment to change an existing Medicare plan is just around the corner.

Typically it falls between Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year, with the adjusted plan to take effect on Jan. 1 the following year.

Due to the coronavirus, enrollment is only being done online at www.SocialSecurity.gov. It’s possible that the normal application process -done in-person at your local Social Security office or by calling SS at 1-800-772-1213 – could be resumed by the end of the year. If you have questions on your coverage, the Medicare hotline (800-MEDICARE) is still open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are already collecting Social Security retirement benefits since turning 65, enrollment is automatic for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance), collectively called Original Medicare.

You don’t have to do any-

wealth (making healthcare more affordable), Medicare was created in 1966. Today over 60 million people living in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicare.

But seniors are not in consensus about the value of Medicare. Some say it doesn’t cover enough and is unaffordable. Others say it meets all their needs. Experts say what everyone should know is that Medicare isn’t entirely free, unlike what younger people mistaken it for. It’s very complex; and ultimately designed to meet the diverse needs of its enrollees based on their health and income. Medicare is one program; but has many options.

Before reaching eligibility for Medicare at 65 (disabled can enroll under 65), healthcare experts say it’s crucial to know what these options are. Being informed gives beneficiaries the know-how to maximize their benefits.

thing more unless you decide to switch to Medicare Part C (private company insurance approved by Medicare) called Medicare Advantage Plans that are far more comprehensive in coverage beyond what’s covered in Original Medicare.

Enrollees who want to keep Original Medicare but also want additional coverage often will buy extra private insurance called Medigap.

Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) is an additional option but not required.

If you are not collecting Social Security benefits at 65 (some delay it to 67 or 70 for full benefits), you can still get Medicare at age 65, but you must enroll (not done automatically) during what’s called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the seven-month period that begins three months before you turn 65 and three months after (the month of your birthday counts as one month).

Enrollees should be reminded that it’s always possible to change a current plan

to meet your current health needs.

Options Keali’I Lopez, state director AARP Hawai’i, said “For someone not yet enrolled in Medicare, they should be aware that there are two different ways to get your Medicare coverage: either traditional (or original) Medicare, or Medicare Advantage (Medicare-approved plans offered by private insurance companies). If you choose traditional Medicare, consider whether you have or will need supplemental coverage to cover out-of-pocket costs, either through a retiree plan from a former employer, or by purchasing a separate Medigap plan. If you decide to purchase a Medigap plan, usually the best time to do so is when you first sign up for Medicare.”

He adds, “When comparing plans, assess whether your personal health needs have changed over the past year.

For example, have you started a new medication, or began

to see a new specialist? It’s a good idea to compare plans to see whether your drugs are covered or all your health care providers are covered, and to compare those costs.”

Original Medicare generally covers 80 percent of a person’s Part A and Part B expenses, which include services such as doctor visits, hospital stays and lab tests. The individual is responsible for the other 20 percent, with no annual limit on out-of-pocket costs.

Kailua residents and retired couple Tessie (Ed.D) and Cicerio (Bernie) Bernales belong to United Healthcare, Group Medicare Advantage Plan (PPO). Their plan covers all the benefits of Original Medicare plus more. Usually enrollees of Medicare Advantage do not need to purchase Medigap because coverage is comprehensive enough.

Tessie says their plan pays for everything except for copay on prescription drugs.

An example of what Medicare Advantage provides beyond Original Medicare that the Bernales’ receive include: Routine physical, Chiropractic care, Foot care- routine, Hearing- routine exam, Hearing aids up to $500 every 3 years, Vision-routine eye exams 1 every 12 months, Private duty

nursing ($10,000 limit per plan year) Fitness program through Silver Sneakers, Virtual Behavioral Visits, Virtual Doctor Visits, Yearly in-person house calls.

Covered drugs are placed in tiers (1. preferred generic, 2.preferred brand, 3.Non-preferred drug, 4. specialty tier).

Each has a different copay or coinsurance amount.

For the Catastrophic coverage stage, after a maximum total out-of-pocket cost of $6,350 is reached, the enrollee will pay the greater of $3.60 copay for generic brands, $8.95 copay for all other drugs, or 5% coinsurance.

Also, Tess mentions that there is $0. Copay for In-Network or Out-of-Network providers.

Experts say it is important for beneficiaries to check their In-network and Out-of-network coverage if they are frequent retired travelers. In some basic plans, Medicare will not cover or cover only limited medical costs Out-of-network. What does this mean?

If the enrollee receives medical treatment at a place that does not belong to their plan’s network of healthcare providers (for example in a different state or country like the Philippines), the enrollee could be (continue on page 5)

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (from page 4)

responsible for all the costs or limited amount for that medical visit.

The Bernales pay $289.20 each month ($144.60 each).

“That’s $3,470.40 a year and that’s a lot since we are retired and on a fixed income,” said Tess.

“I’m content with Medicare right now since the Original Medicare plan is supplemented by additional program benefits.

I don’t know what we will need down the road, perhaps more as we advance in age,” said Tess.

Dr. Belinda Aquino, Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, receives Medicare without additional private insurance.

“Right now, what I have is sufficient for my needs and I have not been charged yet for emergency visits to Queen’s Hospital for a number of emergency treatments that I’ve had,” said Aquino.

She adds that she is content with her Medicare Drug Plan.

But Aquino, as well as the Bernales, would want to see Medicare provide better coverage for dental procedures.

“My dental plan was part of the plan negotiated by the UH Professional Assembly, the faculty union, when I was still working as a faculty member of UH in a collective bargaining negotiation with the State of Hawaii. I only have a ‘deductible’ amount of $1,000 every year, which is not enough to pay all the dental charges for my visits to the dentist, such as treatment of cavities and other defects that have to be corrected.

“Also, if the dental procedure is complex, like surgery for implants on any part of the mouth, the entire cost falls mostly on the patient, meaning me. When I had implant surgery a few years ago, I paid almost $12,000 to the specialist, and another amount when I went back to my regular dentist after my implant procedure,” said Aquino.

She adds, “Overall, except for the dental and vision charges which are relatively higher in cost, my entire Medical plan seems reasonable. But I think the dental and vision treatment should be lower, especially for retirees who get only about less than 50% of what they used to make when

they were still working. The reduced annual pension of retirees significantly reduces their purchasing power in their retirement years, which means the costs could be higher then.”

Tips on Choosing a Plan Experts say Medicare is not a one size fit all program.

New and current enrollees should be considering services, cost, and health needs as personal health and finances change.

A few tips experts say will help in selecting the best Medicare program include: Understanding healthcare lingo. It’s important to know essential terminology and how they apply to your plan. A few major ones are as follows. Premium is a monthly fee paid for coverage. Deductible is the amount of money that the enrollee must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim. Coinsurance is what the enrollee or patient must pay as his share in a claim (expressed in percentage) and what the insurance company must pay. It’s like splitting the cost. Out-of-pocket maximum is a predetermined, limited amount of money the enrollee must pay before an insurance company pays 100 percent of an individual’s health care expenses for the remainder of the year. Basic plans do not have a out-of-pocket maximum.

Know what specialty benefits are. Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services. Critical illness and long-term care (nursing homes and in-house aides) are also not covered or limited in basic plans. To get these specialty benefits, enrollees can consider Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap.

Lower monthly payment doesn’t necessarily save you money in long-term. Experts say too often people will choose a plan based on how low their monthly premiums are and not consider long-term needs. They say the best approach to choosing a plan is to look at overall value both short and long-term.

Anticipate major health expenses. If you expect a major surgical procedure a year or two years in advance, compare the differences in plan designs and how much will and will

not be covered. Make adjustments as necessary well ahead of planned procedure.

Reviewing your Medicare plan and benefits can usually be found on your insurer’s website or in the plan documents your insurer sent in the mail.

Saving on Prescription Drugs. Choosing home delivery pharmacy benefits is one way to save money. Some home delivery pharmacies offer a three-month supply on medication for a lower cost than what you’d pay for the same supply at a local drug store. With some plans, if you buy your drugs at a retail preferred pharmacy network, this can lower your copay.

On Costs Lopez said most people do not have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A. But most will have to pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium, which changes from year to year. He said in 2020, it is about $144.60 per month ($1,735.20 per year) for most people.

In addition to that, Lopez said enrollees will be responsible for “cost-sharing, such as deductibles and coinsurance, which will vary based on use.

For example, you’ll also have to pay a $198 deductible for medical services before Medicare Part B kicks in. After that, you’ll pay 20% of the cost for doctor visits and other outpatient items and services. If you need hospitalization, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,408/benefit period in 2020.

“If you have Medicare Advantage instead of traditional Medicare, you may also pay an additional Medicare Advantage monthly premium (average is $23/month in 2020), and cost-sharing will vary by plan,” said Lopez.

He adds Original Medicare enrollees who purchase a separate Medicare Part D (Prescription Plan), premiums and cost sharing varies but the average premium is about $30 per month. For those that have Medicare Advantage plans, Part D coverage is included.

Affordability To a healthy senior Medicare could be affordable.

But for seniors with chronic conditions like diabetes and

“For someone not yet enrolled in Medicare, they should be aware that there are two different ways to get your Medicare coverage: either traditional (or original) Medicare, or Medicare Advantage (Medicare-approved plans offered by private insurance companies). If you choose traditional Medicare, consider whether you have or will need supplemental coverage to cover out-of-pocket costs, either through a retiree plan from a former employer, or by purchasing a separate Medigap plan. If you decide to pur chase a Medigap plan, usually the best time to do so is when you first sign up for Medicare.”

—Keali’I Lopez

State Director AARP Hawai’i high blood pressure or major conditions like cardiovascular disease, Medicare doesn’t adequately cover costs or the plan’s monthly bill becomes too expensive, or both.

The NY Times reported that the average cardiovascular patient who is a Medicare recipient pays $37,996 in out of pocket costs in the last five years of their lives.

According to a CMS Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, Medicare Part D spending per user on insulin products is $3,949 per year (2016 average). If a senior has multiple health problems, drugs alone (separate from medical treatment) could be unaffordable.

Critics say Medicare gives people a false sense of security because it’s really affordable as long as you’re healthy.

As for Medicare’s side, their cost per beneficiary/

enrollee, the program pays $14,141 (average in 2019), according to Medicare Trustees report.

Statistics shows both Medicare recipients and the Medicare program itself are paying prices neither can afford, suggesting the problem is a systemic one.

Lopez said, “If we want to reduce the cost of Medicare and make health care more affordable, we have to attack the root cause of rising health care costs, especially the high cost of prescription drugs. The simple reason why prescription drugs are so expensive is that pharmaceutical companies are free to price gouge taxpayers.

Unlike many other countries, the United States allows drug makers to set their own prices with virtually no accountability or transparency.

(continue on page 6)

(COVER STORY: Xxxx ....from page 5)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

OPEN FORUM Any opinions, advice, or statements contained in our Open Forum section are those of the author and/or the organization represented, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Editorial Board.

My Turn: The Disappearing American Dream

By Cora Quisumbing-King, Ph.D.

I

have been a resident of the United States for a very long time, longer than the years I have spent in the country where I come from, the Philippines. To be able to come to the US as a Fulbright-Hays scholar, to meet someone with similar progressive values who is also an immigrant, to be petitioned to live here, and to create a life that many would consider successful has been a gift, a blessing indeed.

However, over the last three-and-a-half years, this Administration has used fear and blame to deny basic human rights to immigrants and refugees, casting them as responsible for our nation’s ills.

The growing COVID-19 disaster, racialized by the current president as the “China Virus,” has seen an unsettling rise in the number of racist

and xenophobic discrimination and violence.

Immigration and refugee issues have also worsened during the pandemic. While it is true that comprehensive reforms to systemic issues have proven challenging to past administrations, the current one has denied rights that this country has granted immigrants who seek a better life for themselves and their families. For those who have been caught up in ICE sweeps and have experienced family separation and detention, their health and lives are at risk from the spread of the COVID-19 in overcrowded immigrant detention centers.

Green card holders have also been impacted through an executive order that established a limited and temporary moratorium on the issuance of certain green cards. Although this falls short of an outright ban on all legal immigration,

(COVER STORY: Medicare....from pag e 5)

“AARP believes Medicare should be allowed to negotiate prescription drug prices. Drug prices should not rise faster than inflation. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans should include a cap on out-of-pocket drug costs. Prescription drug price transparency should be increased, and lower-priced generic drugs should get to market more quickly.”

On Medicare for All and possibly other popular proposals floating around, Lopez said, “AARP supports efforts to ensure adequate affordable health insurance, and we welcome the debate to improve coverage and lower costs. For example, we have fought hard to protect those with pre-existing conditions and prevent an age tax.

“We want to ensure that we protect Medicare beneficiaries – Medicare remains very popular and we would oppose proposals that increase seniors’ costs or threaten their guaranteed coverage. ‘Medicare For All’ and ‘Medicare Buy-in’ are terms that have

been used by many, but they mean different things to different people. We look forward to more detailed and careful analyses of the different proposals and how they would work.

There are key questions to answer, such as: who would the proposal effect; what are the costs; how would coverage compare to what we have today; and how would it impact current health care programs?

We cannot prudently make decisions without knowing the answers to these questions.”

Tess said, “Accessing some services has income requirements, it should be available to all seniors regardless of income. A single-payer system like in other countries appear to be alright with their situation, but we need to really look at the fine prints of what they cover before we can say that we should adopt that system.”

COVID-19 and Medicare Medicare has responded quickly to help beneficiaries during COVID-19.

Lopez said Medicare and

the administration’s use of the pandemic undermines avenues of legal immigration to the US. There have been postponed hearings, enforced new border restrictions and suspended visa services and refugee admissions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen joined a group of senators to send a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to express concern that USCIS’s current suspension of certain naturalization procedures during the pandemic will delay eligible immigrants from being granted citizenship in a timely manner.

On the job front, COVID-19 has impacted Asian workers with unemployment skyrocketing to as high as 20.3% compared to an adjusted rate of 13.5% for white workers in May. Not surprisingly this is on par with other disadvantaged racial groups: Black (19.8%) and Hispanic (20.4%). Notably, the unemployment rate among Asian workers in Feb-

ruary was only 2.5%, according to Pew Research.

Asians Americans are also at risk of losing the gains on the health front with relentless attempts to demolish the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

According to The Commonwealth Fund, the ACA helped eliminate the coverage gap between Asian American and white adults. From being more likely to be uninsured compared to whites in 2010 and 2011, Asian Americans by 2017 and 2018 had the lowest uninsured rate of any racial or ethnic group in the US. Such gains must not be reversed, and progress should continue to be pursued: Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian Americans are significantly more likely to be uninsured in 2017 and 2018, compared to Indian, Chinese,

Medicaid beneficiaries are given free access to COVID-19 diagnostic testing and treatment. When a vaccine is made available, that will also be free for beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage Plans also can’t charge copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance for COVID-19 tests.

“Medicare will pay for COVID-19 testing without a physician’s written order. Medicare will only cover a patient’s first COVID-19 test. Any subsequent tests must be ordered by a physician or other qualified health care provider. You can also get tests if you cannot leave your home, and Medicare and Medicaid have expanded testing in nursing homes.

“In addition, Medicare has expanded tele-health options.

Physicians and occupational therapists as well as speech language pathologists can provide telehealth visits, under new orders from CMS. The agency is also allowing patients and medical professionals to hold telehealth sessions over the telephone so those who do not have Internet can still use telehealth,” said Lopez.

Medicare’s website says for virtual check-ins, you need to consent verbally to using virtual check-ins and your doctor must document that consent in your medical record before you use this service. You pay your usual Medicare coinsurance and deductible for these services.

On services during COVID, Tess said “I would like more coverage that I thought we should have while in quarantine: examples--free home health care services (cleaning, meal prep, etc. ), free meal/ grocery delivery, and other services related to senior needs while in lockdown.”

and Filipino Americans.

What I have seen transpire over the last three-and-a-half years does not represent what the USA is known for: a country where individuals, families, and businesses can thrive, where policies are grounded on fairness and justice, dignity, integrity, freedom, and compassion. Let us remember that immigrants have played a vital role in enriching the diversity of this country and in shaping its economic success and greatness. Let us resolve to help restore this country’s promise to all immigrants and non-immigrants alike—who seek a better life, to realize the dream promised to all who are willing to work hard and persevere.

CORA QUISUMBING-KING, Ph.D., is cochair of the Asian American Pacific Island Caucus and New Hampshire Democratic Party. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University and received her Ph.D. in Social and Organizational Psychology from the University of Chicago.

Forecasting Medicare and the 2020 Elections Lopez said, “Within six years, Medicare’s Part A (hospital) trust fund is projected to run short of funds needed to pay full hospital benefits, primarily due to rising health care costs, rapidly increasing prescription drug prices, new technology, and increased enrollment. Lowering costs and improving the efficiency and

value of health care spending are especially crucial for Medicare, as the number of enrollees is expected to grow to 80 million by 2030. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown may have further increased the need to additional funding for Medicare’s Part A (hospital) trust fund.”

Medicare experts say while Medicare is strong, politicians need to look at the root causes of rising program costs and get costs manageable so that it can continue to be robust and available for generations.

Tricia Neuman, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation, said “Voters need to think about who they want to be making decisions about the future of Medicare.”

Lopez reminds voters that the 2020 election could determine whether there will be changes to the nation’s health care system, including Medicare.

“Before you vote, you should find out where the candidates stand on strengthening Medicare,” said Lopez.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

My Early Christmas Wish

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

I

t’s the “Ber” months. At this time of the year in the Philippines, Christmas is in the air. Some families are already setting up their Christmas trees.

Christmas carols are starting to play, especially the songs of the iconic Jose Mari Chan.

Everyone is looking forward to the holidays where there will be gatherings and parties almost everywhere and every day. People are usually excited to go home to their provinces to spend time with loved ones. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, will these traditions continue or is everything going to change?

Since the pandemic started, important occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and funerals have all been done virtually. My 35th birthday and my daughter’s 5th birthday are coming up

very soon and we couldn’t even plan how to make our days special because of the fear of contracting the virus if we invite people to come over. And with Christmas just around the corner, will it still be the most wonderful time of the year?

As I look forward to Christmas and think about the events that happened and are still happening this painful year, I can’t help but utter this prayer, “Lord, the only Christmas wish I have this year is for this pandemic to end.” More than any material thing, more than anything that the world can offer, I believe that the best Christmas gift that humanity can receive this year is for COVID-19 to be eradicated, or if not totally eradicated, at least find a way for it to be prevented or treated. I hope that scientists and doctors will finally be able to create a safe vaccine against the vi-

rus. I hope that an effective medicine be produced to treat those who are and will be affected. I pray that fear will no longer have the upper hand. It is my faith that eventually, we get to start living again with freedomto go out, to be together, to breathe, and to enjoy life. To have our lives back - this is the most wonderful gift we

can ever receive for Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas this year will never be the same. Many families have lost precious members. Many are still praying for family members to get healed. Some heads of families have lost source of living. Businesses have closed and many are strug-

gling. Economies are collapsing. For many, the reasons to rejoice have faded away.

However, Christmas is all about hope. It is a celebration of the birth of the One who has come to save.

Even if everything seems dark and bleak, we can be assured of the light that He brings. Even if the pandemic and all the depressing events have tried to steal our hearts’ peace and happiness, He has come to restore our joy.

Christmas is not an event. It is a Person. Whether or not we see the end of the devastating pandemic before the year 2020 ends, we can still have a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts that the One we will be celebrating is faithful. He delivers, He rescues, He provides, He heals and He makes all things new.

With this we can light up our Christmas trees, sing Christmas carols, make wishes, give gifts of encouragement and look forward to a memorable Christmas. In the Philippines, it has begun.

OPEN FORUM

Ten Minutes Will Change Our World for Asian Americans

By John C. Yang

I

f you could do something in ten minutes or less that would make sure we have translated materials for limited English proficient members in our Asian American community, local grocery stores that carry Asian-related products, or tell Asian-owned businesses where to build new stores, would you do it?

Right now, you can make the difference in how our communities are seen and supported if you take a few minutes to fill out the 2020 Census.

We can no longer afford to let others view our communities as monolithic. Right now, we are in a crisis. The Coronavirus pandemic has shown how

little national data is available about the impact of this virus on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Government officials scrambled to figure out where to send resources when the pandemic started.

With accurate census data, we can prove where resources need to be deployed across the country, within the states, and down into specific communities. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are missing from data on how the coronavirus impacts us. Initially, reports did not show that people in our communities were dying from this virus faster than other ethnicities. Nearly 190,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 but little to no data about the impact of the virus on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

The death rate among Pacific

Islander Americans is higher than the Asian American community, but it took months before those scant statistics were reported. We still do not have an accurate picture of the extent of the disparities.

The Asian American community is the fastest-growing population in the U.S. We learned this fact because of 2010 Census data. Without every one of us filling out the 2020 Census, we will not know if that fact continues to be true. We will not know how our communities are growing or changing. We can’t argue the need for new schools, elder care services, or debate about fair political representation in Congress, state legislatures, and even local school boards.

Within our communities we have more than 50 detailed subgroups that differ dramatically across key social and economic indicators. The

detailed data from the 2020 Census is critical to our ability to break down the stereotype of the “model minority,” which has been used to erase the history of exclusion and discrimination against Asian Americans. This stereotype is also used to obscure our concerns—failing to recognize critical differences and priorities between Asian American subgroups—and therefore to excuse the lack of government resources and investments in our communities.

Some of you may be struggling at home right now with finances, your business barely making ends meet, or concerned about your job security.

It is data from the census that will tell the government where to put resources that will help your business, send healthcare supplies or workers, and tell businesses where to build or rebuild. We must fully participate

in the census to make sure the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are included in the planning and get our fair share of those resources.

But that cannot happen without you filling out your census. The deadline to respond has been extended so you have no excuse not to do the right thing for our community. Right now, you may be feeling unsure of what to do or how you can make a difference amid this pandemic and the calls for racial justice in protests and rallies.

One thing you can do right now is to change our visibility.

Be seen and be counted by filling out your census form now.

You have ten minutes, right?  JOHN C. YANG Is the president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC, a national nonprofit founded in 1991 in Washington, D.C. with the mission to advance the civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Denied-What Now, My Love?

By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

I

n the good old days, aliens would marry U.S. citizens who would file a petition for alien relative and if approved the alien would get a permanent green card. Remember the 1941 film “Hold Back the Dawn” starring Olivia de Havilland and Charles Boyer?

Charles, a Romanian gigolo in Mexico wanted to come to the U.S. He married Olivia, a school teacher visiting Mexico, in order to obtain admission to the U.S. She petitioned for him.

An immigration officer suspected that Charles married Olivia to obtain a green card. Olivia likewise believed that Charles married her for the green card.

The officer stalked Charles and questioned Olivia but she did not squeal on him. When Olivia suffered serious injuries in a

car accident, Charles illegally entered the U.S. to care for Olivia. In the end the officer gave Charles his green card which was permanent.

However, many aliens were “con artists” preying on Americans to help them get green cards by marrying them and then subsequently divorcing them.

To stop this fraud, Congress approved the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments (IMBRA) which became law on November 10, 1986. INA

Section 216A [8 USC 1186b].

The law provides that an alien entrepreneur, an alien spouse, or alien child shall be considered, at the time of obtaining the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, to have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject to the provisions of the law.

For example, if an alien residing abroad marries a U.S. citizen who files a petition for alien relative and it is approved, the alien who is admitted to the U.S. as an immigrant within 2 years of the marriage is a conditional resident.

If a U.S. citizen files a petition for an alien fiance/fiancee living abroad and the petition is approved and the fiance/fiancee is admitted to the U.S., the fiance/fiancee must file an application for adjustment of status. If it is approved, the alien is a conditional resident for 2 years from the time the green card is issued.

If a U.S. citizen marries an overstaying alien in the U.S., and the USC files a petition for the alien and the alien files an application for adjustment of status which is approved, the alien is a conditional resident for 2 years from the time the green card is issued.

Conditional resident must file petition to remove conditions In order for the conditional basis of the residence to be removed, the alien must file a petition requesting the removal of the condition. The petition must be filed during the 90-day period before the second anniversary of the alien’s lawful admission for permanent residence. The alien must use USCIS Form I-751.

Check with the USCIS.gov webpage for the latest form.

Read the instructions for Form I-751 on how to fill up and file the form. All relevant questions must be answered on the form. If a question is not relevant, write N/A or Not Applicable. Use the last page of Form I-751 to provide additional information. If the last page of Form I-751 is not sufficient, attach an extra sheet of paper marking it: Form I-751, Attachment, Name of Petitioner, and Alien Number.

The alien must pay a filing fee of $595 and a biometric service fee of $85. Check with the USCIS.gov webpage for the appropriate fees.

The form must be signed. In the case of a husband and wife, the form must be signed jointly, unless one of the parties is dead or the parties are divorced.

Supporting documents must be attached, including the petitioner’s Permanent Resident card front and back, evidence to establish the bona fides of the marriage, dispositions of criminal charges, arrests, or convictions (if applicable).

Form I-751, the supporting documents, and fees must be sent to the proper address.

Check with the USCIS.gov webpage for the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-751.

Approval of petition and removal of condition If the I-751 petition is filed in accordance with the provisions of the law and the USCIS determines that the facts and information therein are true, the USCIS will remove the conditional basis of the alien’s status effective as of the second anniversary of the alien’s lawful admission for permanent residence. USCIS will then issue to the alien a new green card for a ten-year period.

Termination of permanent resident status The alien’s permanent resident status will be terminated (not removed) by USCIS if the alien fails to file Form I-751 with supporting documents and fees within the 90-day period before the second anniversary of the alien’s lawful admission for permanent residence, unless good cause is shown, or if the alien fails to appear for the interview.

The alien’s permanent resident status will also be terminated even if Form I-751 is filed if USCIS determines that the facts and information provided therein are not true and denies the petition. In other words, the alien fails to establish by a preponderance of evidence that the marriage through which the alien obtained lawful permanent resident status is bona fide. (continue on page 10)

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

AS I SEE IT

45 Days Before the Nov. 3 Election: Last Minute Salvos for Biden, Trump

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he Nov. 3, 2020 presidential election is just around the corner! What does this mean?

It means that it is time for the voters to assess the two parties’ platform, decide, and vote during the election!

But since the political arena is tainted with fake news, conspiracy theories, lies and misrepresentation, alleged Russian interference, the COVID-19 pandemic, pollical alliances, serious allegations, personality attacks and pressures, federal vs local management styles in handling the pandemic, and the dwindling economy… it will be hard for the voters to make their choices!

Democratic Presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden and running-mate California Senator Kamala Harris painted the dark ages under the administration of President Donald Trump. Biden offered to “give people light” and Harris said the campaign is “not for Joe nor for me” but for the American people.

Biden’s campaign revolves around uniting the country.

In his acceptance speech, he pointed out that America is in the dark moment and his solution is to “give people light” since Trump took the path of anger which are signs that America is in darkness. Biden echoed the words of Ella Baker, a civil rights movement icon: “Give people light and they will find a way.” Biden said, “those are words for our time.” He thought that this is what we need based on his vision to unite America in times of darkness. He thinks America is in darkness due to too much anger, fear and division at present.

How about the Republican Party, Trump’s GOP? President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, I think, have less to offer considering that most Americans disapprove of what Trump is doing in key issues in general, and in combating COVID-19. This was shown in national surveys where he is trailing behind Biden in almost all of them.

Based on the NPR’s KQED report by Domenico Montanaro, “Trump struggled to defend his handling of the pandemic during his acceptance speech, so he attacked

The next U.S. President: Democrats’ Biden or Republicans’ Trump

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for saying he would shut down the country if the science demanded it.” I think this is a desperate surrender on his previous stand on the issue of the pandemic.

To lift his campaign and possibly ensure his reelection, I think he has launched three political moves: reopen the economy, reopen the schools, and come up with the vaccine before the election. I call these moves as gambits (in chess parlance, making a sacrifice to gain advantage) or Hail Mary Pass (a very long forward pass in American football, according to Wikipedia, typically made in desperation, with only a small chance of success).

Based on the report, the president said: “Americans have to get back to work, they have to get back to school.”

He espoused on these, I guess to be able to lift his chances for the economy to bounce back.

Trump then claimed, “We will

have a safe and effective vaccine this year. And together we will crush the virus.”

The author mentioned “the convention offered a poor example during the coronavirus.

When first lady Melania Trump delivered a speech from the Rose Garden, few masks were worn. There was an attempt to space seats out, but not far enough to make public health experts comfortable. Pence spoke before a larger crowd in Baltimore with lots of close mingling—and few masks.

But all pretense of setting an example of adhering to public health measures was thrown out with Trump’s speech in front of 1,500 people, closely seated next to each other with few masks in evidence.”

There are factors attributed to Trump that are either positive or negative, depending upon the situation which may play significantly in the election. He is known to be a shrewd and unorthodox politician making a lot of unpopular

decisions (mostly for his own personal benefit). He defies conventions and thrives on controversies. In fact, he likes controversies and is creating a lot of them. He is making bold decisions defying his cabinet members and presidential advisers. He is considered a strong leader who is willing to take risks likened to the world dictators and was able to convert the GOP into a Trump Party. These were the attributes he had in 2016 and still possess in 2020. But the question is: Will it work this time around?

Known to be “self-oriented” in most of his decisions at the expense of the American people, Trump boldly advanced his political gambits in the hope of bouncing back the economy and getting himself re-elected for another four years. Studies show that a good economy bolsters the chances of a candidate, much so for an incumbent, for another term. This has been shown in the past and Trump is banking on the study to be able to retain his presidency!

Gambits or Hail Mary’s work… sometimes, but will it work for Trump in the coming Nov. 3 presidential election? ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Petition....from page 7)

What to do if petition to remove conditions on residence is denied If USCIS denies the alien’s Form I-751, the alien is not required to do anything. In such event, USCIS will send the alien a Notice to Appear before an immigration court for removal. The alien can then answer the charges and prove that the marriage to the alien’s spouse is bona fide.

The alien may file a Notice of Appeal or Motion using USCIS Form I-290B. Check with the USCIS.gov webpage for the latest edition of the form.

Form I-290B and the supporting documents and fees must

be filed within 30 days from the date of the Decision denying Form I-751. The alien should choose whether to file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider or both. It is usually advisable to file both a motion to reopen and a motion to reconsider. The alien must provide a statement regarding the basis for the motion, specifically identifying an erroneous conclusion of law or fact in the decision being appealed. The alien should attach supporting documents to establish that the marriage is bona fide, including affidavits of the alien, friends, or relatives, plus documents in the joint names of the alien and

the alien’s spouse. It is best to submit a brief.

There is a filing fee. Form I-290B, its supporting documents, brief, and the fee must be sent to the address specified by USCIS. Check with the USCIS. gov webpage for the fees and filing address.

If USCIS grants the Motion, it will render a Decision and issue a new green card. If USCIS denies the Motion, it will refer the matter to the Immigration Court by issuing a Notice to Appear. The alien can answer the charges and prove that the marriage to the alien’s spouse is bona fide. (continue on page 15)

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

The Democrats and Republicans Convene, Now What

By Emil Guillermo

I

didn’t wait to hear Donald Trump formally speak on the last night of the Republican National Convention. Would there be any surprise? Might he say the truth?

He had already broken the norms—using the White House and the Rose Garden as a campaign prop (a forever no-no), sending Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Israel to deliver a policy address at a campaign function (a definite no-no), and then cutting back to Washington to stage an immigrants swearing-in ceremony to cleanse Trump’s anti-immigrant policies.

It was one shameless stunt after another, amid truth-challenged speakers who spoke of the COVID-19 pandemic in past tense if at all.

Or they were like Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox host who wants to marry into the Trump fold. In a shrill, over the top address she yelled how the Democrats “want to destroy this country…steal your liberty, your freedom.

They want to control what you see and think and believe so that they can control how you live. They want to enslave you to the weak dependent liberal victim ideology to the point that you will not recognize this country or yourself.”

Really? That should make us all scared of Republicans.

So, you see, what could Trump possibly do on the fourth night—brag about how he’s brought us to more than 175,000 COVID-19 deaths, 30 million unemployed or uncertainty at home and abroad?

Besides, on Tuesday, he already had unveiled his secret weapon. Walking into the Rose Garden, Melania Trump appeared not as the First Lady, but as Trump’s Virgin Mary.

Only with Trump behind in the polls and in a desperate race to keep his gaslight from turning to twilight, she was more like

his “Hail Mary.”

In a stylish militaristic pantsuit, epaulets ablazing, Melania was the generalissima. But unlike the other shrill speakers, she was soft.

She actually acknowledged COVID-19. “My greatest sympathy goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one,” she said. “And my prayers are with those who are ill or are suffering. I know many people are anxious and some feel helpless. I want you to know you are not alone.”

It was the shot of empathy that was lacking from the Trump administration for the last five months.

But that was just a set-up.

Melania showed she was just Donald’s pretty puppet “He is what is best for our country,” she said from the Rose Garden. “We all know Donald Trump makes no secrets about how he feels about things. Total honesty is what we as citizens deserve from our president. Whether you like it or not, you always know what he’s thinking. And that is because he is an authentic person who loves this country and its people and wants to continue to make it better.”

Maybe it was a language gap. We deserve honesty so we deserve Trump?

Melania was only a more attractive bearer of the Trump line of exaggerations and halftruths, more than 20,000 since he’s been in office according to the Washington Post.

When I saw Melania, who needs to see Trump speak?

But will Melania as “Hail Mary” work?

I doubt it.

The Democrat The week before, when Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention was over, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris stood with their spouses on an outdoor stage in Wilmington, Delaware and watched the fireworks burst skyward.

The candidates deserved the fireworks. Despite a convention compromised by

COVID-19, the Democrats made their case repeatedly and successfully throughout the week.

And it focused around the stark contrast between the character of the two men running for president.

As the Day 4 host, HBO “Veep” star Julia Louis-Dreyfus took several comic digs at Trump: “Joe Biden goes to church so regularly, he doesn’t need tear gas and troops to help him get there.” Yes, she actually joked about the day Trump cleared out protesters in order to walk from the White House to a nearby church for a bible-holding photo op.

The quip was emblematic of the convention’s goal of highlighting the clear differences between Biden and the incumbent.

Donald Trump was portrayed as the rich Scrooge who wants to cut taxes, even the one that funds Social Security and the guy who rewards his rich donor friends with top jobs that allow them to destroy public education (Betsy DeVos) and the Post Office (Louis DeJoy).

Trump’s the one with top White House aides and associates (Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, et al.), who as if on cue (Bannon) get indicted on federal charges or spend time in jail.

Trump’s the one who doesn’t trust our public health experts and lets close to 180,000 Americans die.

Trump’s the one who

coddles up to authoritarians in Russia, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea, and whose questionable leadership threatens our democracy, abroad and at home.

Trump’s the “coward-inchief,” as Sen. Tammy Duckworth called him last night.

The first Asian American of Thai descent elected to the Senate, Duckworth pointed out Trump’s most dangerous failures. Specifically, she criticized him for not standing up to autocrats, not reading intelligence briefings, and even ignoring intelligence reports that Russians offered bounties to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

“As president, Joe Biden would never let tyrants manipulate him like a puppet,” Duckworth said. “He would never pervert our military to stroke his own ego. He would never turn his back on our troops…

Donald Trump doesn’t deserve to be commander-in-chief for another four minutes, let alone another four years. Our troops deserve better. Our country deserves better.”

It was a damning assessment from Duckworth, a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, a double amputee, and Purple heart honoree from the Iraq War. I still remember her at the 2008 convention, walking up to the podium with her prosthetic legs and crutches and commanding the audience’s attention. Last night, she was a perfect proxy for Biden to begin the attack on Trump.

But being a tough leader is one aspect of Biden. He’s also a nice guy with heart.

The Stutterers Club Braydon Harrington, a 13year old boy from New Hampshire, told his story on Day 4, and it made me think of my dad. Harrington has a debilitating stutter. My dad spoke with a thick Filipino accent.

So did my mother. Harrington said when he met Biden, the vice president told him how he too suffered from a stutter and showed how he marks up scripts to make sure he could overcome that disability.

“We were members of the same club,” Harrington said.

“Joe Biden cares. Imagine what he can do for all of us.”

That’s Biden, the empathetic devout Catholic.

A nice guy. He stutters like you. He feels your pain. He knows pain. He lost a wife and daughter to a car accident. He will do something about your pain. That was the repeated message drummed in over the four days. He cares. About everyone.

Would Day 4 top the history-making moments of day 3, with Kamala Harris and Barack Obama? Biden was up to it.

An ally of the light, not the darkness On Thursday night, Biden was tough, firm, and strong, with a hint of anger. He didn’t overdo it for the Zoom room.

He hit the right personable tone of the kind of leader we’ve been missing the last four years.

Someone who can be tough and empathetic at the same time. (continue on page 15)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

NEWS FEATURE

Government to Public: Keep Your Guard Up Against Coronavirus

by Carlota Ader

“S

tay the course and remain on the straightand-narrow.”

That basically sums up the latest directive from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who urged the public to remain vigilant while he announced an extension of his “stay-at-home/work-athome” order an additional two weeks, through September 23.

Non-essential businesses such as retailers, salons and gyms remain closed, while restaurants can continue to only offer take-out orders.

On the plus side, City parks, beaches and hiking trails will reopen strictly to individuals only. Social gatherings are also banned.

“These rules will ideally be relaxed as we continue to see the prevalence of COVID-19 decline,” said Mayor Caldwell at a press conference on the grounds of Honolulu Hale.

The fight against the virus, Caldwell emphasized, is far from over as the state’s total COVID case count has surpassed the 10,000 marker. On the positive side, the 66 new cases reported on September 8 marked the lowest total since August 2. The mayor called it

a “shift in the right direction.”

“While this is certainly a positive sign, we cannot drop our guard at this pivotal moment. This means that what we’re doing is working, and we need to keep it up,” said Caldwell.

There have been a growing number of individuals calling for the economy to reopen but Caldwell remains cautiously optimistic in moving forward.

If the state reopens too soon and COVID-19 cases spike once again, an extended lockdown may be necessary.

Masks, Please In early July, Mayor Caldwell announced a new mandate requiring the use of face coverings at all indoor public spaces, including private offices, enclosed malls and government buildings. Masks are also required outdoors when physical distancing is unlikely or difficult to maintain.

A number of major health organizations have endorsed the use of masks. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the World Health Organization, the use of face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus.

ruary, the union representing hotel workers asked resort executives to allow employees to wear surgical masks as a protection against the virus.

In July, State epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park urged the public to continue wearing masks, keeping their distance from those not in their household and washing their hands.

“Don’t let your guard down,” she advised.

Jeanette Esquivel, a medical technician who is a frontline healthcare personnel, agrees with the government’s facemask mandate, as well as a number of her colleagues in the medical field.

“If only everyone would comply with regulations, then we can better control the spread of the virus,” she said. “It is known that wearing masks is an effective deterrent, especially since the virus is spread through droplets from even a slight cough that can reach our eyes, nose and mouth.”

In sectors such as the tourism industry which employs many Filipinos, the use of masks is a stringent requirement. In fact, as early as Feb-

Distance Learning COVID-19 has impacted the lives of untold millions of students, teachers and school faculty nationwide. In Hawaii, the Department of Education (DOE) has held Learn From Home classes for most students statewide through the end of the first quarter on October 2.

During this initial fourweek phase, DOE officials have offered learning hubs on campus to provide connectivity for students who need it. Schools will also continue educational programming for vulnerable students.

“As the situation evolves or as new guidance becomes available, we will need to continually adjust our plans to ensure that we are providing a safe learning and working environment for our HIDOE ʻohana, within the context of our learning organization and mission,” says DOE superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto.

The department is working closely with state and federal agencies to safely reopen campuses for the 2020-2021 school year.

Nearly 3,000 miles away on the East Coast in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, Teresa

A. Doumont, who is the principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School, instituted a similar plan for the district.

She suggested “Full Remote Learning” for one month starting September 1 through October 2, 2020.

Doumont, who is of Filipino ancestry, says her school would then move to a “Blended A/B schedule” for students, with two days of in-classroom instruction on campus and three days of remote learning from home.

Her school is offering distance learning opportunities for students who cannot attend school due to health and safety concerns. Each instructional model included in her school’s District Health and Safety Plan features the use of a Central Learning Management System and various other digital tools that will engage students in both synchronous and asynchronous learning instructions.

“I feel that it is the best plan moving forward for my students,” Doumont said.

“Most importantly, it has the full support of the school district and parents.”

If things go according to plan, Ben Franklin Elementary will go back to a full five days a week schedule.

For parents like Mary Ann Cabales, who has two children in public school, distance (continue on page 14)

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Get Informed About Medicare and Social Security

I

f you are interested in learning more about Social Security Retirement, Disability, Survivors, and Spouse Benefits, there will be a free virtual workshop “Project Grad 65 Social Security & Medicare” hosted by Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) on Sept. 23, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Speakers will include: Jane Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Medicare- Joan, Isaac and Whitney, Hawaii SHIP volunteers.

Topics Covered: • When are you eligible to receive retirement benefits?

• How does early retirement affect your benefits?

• Do you qualify for disability, survivors and spouse benefits?

• How do you get the most from your benefit?

• What is the future of Social Security?

• When should you file for Medicare?

• Learn how to use my Social Security online account and other online services.

For registration and more information, call 586-7299.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

FEATURE

Filipina Academic Appointed Poet Laureate of the State of Virginia

Poetry Prize, Stephen Dunn Prize, and the Fugue Poetry Prize.

At the peak of her career, she is bound to achieve many more distinctions and accolades.

At the end of her lecture, Luisa read one of her poems which reflects a lot of references to local color themes and traditions in Philippine culture that are bound to resonate with all Filipinos, popularly referred to as “Pinoys,” wherever they are. It is reproduced in part below:

By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D.

D

r. Luisa A. Igloria, a native of the Philippines and now Professor of English and Creative Writing at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, has recently been appointed Poet Laureate of Virginia by Governor Ralph Northam from 2020 to 2022.

In an unprecedented event in the annals of the Filipino history in the United States, Luisa is the first Filipina and only one of four women of color to be so honored with this prestigious award by the state of Virginia since it was established in 1936.

Luisa was recently invited by the Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW) in Hawaii to give a guest lecture using Zoom Technology by the FAUW on August 23. Her lecture discussed the main theme of “Service and Civic Engagement Through Poetry.” Bey Aquino Lontoc, FAUW’s current president, moderated the meeting while Norman Sales, English Department chair at Farrington High School facilitated the Q&A portion.

Dr. Luisa A. Igloria

Background A prominent writer and poet before she came to the United States in the 1970s, Luisa had won the Palanca Literary Award, the Philippines’ most prestigious award for Literature, 11 times and is enshrined in the institution’s Hall of Fame. Her literary output has been phenomenal.

Since arriving in the U.S., she has written 20 collections of poetry. And she continues to write at least one poem a day. This is a remarkable achievement, to say the least.

She mentioned in an email interview, “Through this medium I hope to have many conversations with others and to find meaningful ways to support and promote the voices of Virginia poets in particular, and the work of poets and poetry in general as an important part of living these times.”

Her most recent book is entitled “Migrants and Ghosts,” and was a co-winner of the Crab Orchard Open Poetry Prize. It will be published next Fall by the Southern Illinois University Press. Ever the relentless poet, Luisa has written many more books. Her latest output includes, “The Buddha Wonders if She is Having a Midlife Crisis,” “Ode to the Heart Smaller than a Pencil Eraser,” and “What is Left of Wings, I Ask.” In 2015, Luisa received the first Resurgence of Poetry Prize” for her work on “eco poetry.” Recalling her childhood in the Philippines, particularly in her ancestral home in Baguio City, she said in the interview that she grew up “with a lot of myth, a lot of folklore, and the kind of household where the elders would say, ‘if you went into the garden beyond dusk, you have to address the spirits as you walked past.’” This is indeed a cultural practice back in the old country. It is a sign of respect for the supernatural. The essence of Luisa’s poetry resonates with a lot of local color back in the Philippines evoking scenes and practices common in the culture.

Her other poetry awards include the Mary Stevenson Prize, James Hearst

The Role of FAUW (This section of the article is mostly derived from the report of Rose Churma, a long-standing member of the FAUW, expressing her comments on Dr. Igloria’s recent Zoom presentation. More information about the FAUW is also found

in her statement.)

In her talk on August 23, as well as in other venues where she is asked to comment on her selection as a Poet Laureate for the State of Virginia, Luisa explained “…that poetry is a unique opportunity for service

CERTIFIED Here is my passport, my bill of lading, My one-way ticket, my nowhere fare, My stub you’ve stamped To certify. All night the lint From rusted laundromat machines All night I mop and polish schoolroom floors All summer while you go off to Florida or France I tend your mother’s bones, empty her bedpan Feed her baby food as she babbles In the granny bin. My fingers Have pulled bodies of bitter melon from the vine And splayed them open on the chopping board.

Come sit and eat with me sometime I’ll make a meal from seeds and pith A sustenance of green and verve plucked raw from my own nerve.

The poem underscores the many touches and tastes of food and culture that would make Filipinos everywhere nostalgic for the ancestral homeland far across the seas.

Luisa is a quintessential poet not only in quality but in the range and diversity of topics that she artfully weave and convey with a lot of verve indeed.

Technology and dissemination of knowledge The success of the Luisa’s Zoom lecture exemplifies the increasing sophistication in the use and dissemination of practically all fields of knowledge in academia, government, institutions and other arenas of public discourse. It is especially instructive to have a poet of remarkable stature like Luisa addressing the role of poetry in and beyond daily life. As the famous French novelist Anais Nin once said, “The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.” Wisdom must be disseminated and acquired by each generation through the centuries a little bit above the ordinary.

It is worth noting that these days of advancing technology, the public gets its information and education from electronic media mainly through television and other outlets for social discourse. The content of such discourses is mostly on policy or some issues that generally do not appeal to especially younger generations .

The latter mostly go for entertainment or gaming options through technology.

Hopefully, the increasing use of more engaging and wider participation in society can achieve increasing traction in the use of well-constructed Zoom events that explore more contemporary forms of human survival. DR. BELINDA AQUINO is Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she served as Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies as well as Founding Director of the Center for Philippine Studies for more more than three decades before retiring. An accomplished journalist, she is a Contributing Editor of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and other international publications.

and civic engagement.” Since its establishment in 1987, the FAUW has always believed in the power of self-expression, either as an art form like poetry, or in essays and letters--as a tool for civic participation, or as a catalyst for meaningful change in society.

The FAUW’s first publication in 1990 was an anthology

titled Voices of the Youth—a collection of literary works written by public high school students of Filipino ancestry.

During those years, FAUW was contracted to do cultural awareness workshops for outreach workers serving the immigrant youth. The anthology provided a small window to view how young

people thought, dreamed, and hurt—becoming a crucial resource for these workers.

The book was also requested by several universities with Asian- American Studies academic programs because of its value to both teachers and students, a rare publication that gives voice to the young Filipi(continue on page 14)

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLESEPTEMBER 19, 2020

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Hawaii Chamber Calls for Additional Small Business Assistance As Oahu Extends Shutdown Order, Pre-travel Testing Launch

T

he “Stay-At-Home/ Work-From-Home” order in Oahu is extended until Sept. 24 and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii demands additional assistance to keep businesses open.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara is concerned that the extended Oahu shutdown will bring businesses closer to permanent closure.

“The decisions made in the next two weeks will determine the future of Hawaii’s local businesses and our economy,” Menor-McNamara said in a statement.

“As state and county leaders discuss reopening, we urge

them to begin with creating parity for local businesses who can operate low-risk pick-up or delivery services.”

Gov. David Ige has also announced his plans to begin pre-travel testing on Oct. 15.

During the Sept. 16 briefing, Ige said travelers will have an option to avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival by pre-testing and proving they have a negative COVID-19 test result no earlier than 72 hours prior to their flight to Hawaii.

Menor-McNamara said extending the pre-testing delay “will only add to this pain.”

“Business are anxious and ready to welcome back custom-

ers safely. More than half of local businesses reported they would have to make further cuts or close altogether after the travel reopening was pushed back from August to October 1,” she added.

She also said the Oct. 15 pre-testing date “must be the date that sticks” because businesses can’t continue to operate if policies keep delaying.

Menor-McNamara shared that industry leaders are ready to share and use their expertise in creating a reopening plan alongside government officials.

Laulima Alliance Chair Dr. Virginia Pressler has joined the Hawaii reopening leadership team. ““The appointment of Dr.

Virginia Pressler to join the leadership team reopening Hawaii’s visitor industry is a welcome step forward for Hawaii’s local businesses. As a past chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Pressler understands the vital importance of saving local businesses by reopening the economy in a safe and timely manner,” said Menor-McNamara.

As Hawaii’s local business-

es face these challenges in our economy, Menor-McNamara said, “they deserve to be heard and respected in determining a path forward.”  Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has a website filled with resources to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit covid19.cocohawaii.org to learn more.

(NEWS FEATURE: Government....from page 12)

learning is something she has come to accept. Obviously, her children are safer at home instead of being with classmates who may have the virus. But for her, distance learning may not be as bad as some think may think it is.

W h a t ’s s u r p r i s i n g , Cabales said, is that teachers seem more “in tune” with their students online.

“I’ve noticed that teachers can see students faces more clearly and if they are ‘tuned in’ to the lesson a lot better than if students were in the classroom sitting a few rows

away or in the back of the classroom,” Cabales said.

But other parents say there is no substitute for in-person learning. Gov. David Ige, for example, realizes the impact that distance learning is having on students and families and addressed the matter at an August press conference.

“Keeping students at home will be another burden and clearly the uncertainty stresses all of us. But with this recent surge (of COVID cases) on Oahu, I do believe that this is the right approach,” he said.

(FEATURE: The ROLE OF FAUW....from page 13)

no-Americans’ experience in Hawaii.

Last year, the FAUW also collaborated with other organizations and institutions with similar goals of addressing the needs of the youth and helping launch Voice: Poetry of the Youth of Kalihi—written by recently-arrived immigrant students from Farrington High School. It won a Special Citation Award from the Philippines’ Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ (PCFO) Migration and Media Awards that same year.

The FAUW also generously supported the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council’s (PAAC) Global Leadership Program (GLP) and two of its participants addressed good health and well-being through poetry as a form of self-healing. In early 2020, they asked FAUW to help publish the collected poetry and expand the requests for submission to other schools. The deadline for submissions has been extended to September 30 as the FAUW continues to encourage students to write and share their poetry with the public. The FAUW will publish the book hopefully by the last quarter of this year andm will include poems from the original collection published 30 years ago.

When it was announced that Luisa was appointed the Poet Laureate of the State of Virginia, it seemed like a heaven-sent opportunity to invite her as the FAUW’s guest speaker and encourage the aspiring student-poets in Hawaii to Zoom-in to her talk. The use of this Zoom technology allows wider participation beyond the beaches of Hawaii and reach FAUW members and supporters who now reside in the continental US, as well as those who have returned to the ancestral country.

Future FAUW projects will certainly maximize the use of this unique Zoom technology and allow meaningful conversations to occur among participants in different time zones.

Additional information on the FAUW is available at its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FAUWHawaii. The proceedings of Luisa’s talk last August 23 can also be viewed at this website. 

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR PROJECT GRAD 65 SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE | September 23, 2020; 11:30 am to 1:30 pm | Free virtual workshop l Hosted by Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) l For registration and more information, call 586-7299.

LEA SALONGA LIVE | Friday-Saturday, October 23-24, 2020; 8-10PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu l Filipina

singer and actress Lea Salonga to serenade the Hawaii crowd in a two-night spectacular concert. Tickets $35 and up. Visit blaisdellcenter.com for more information.

MABUHI PACIFIC EXPO & SUMMIT | November 27-29, 2020 | Hawaii Convention Center l Panelists-presenters on various topics are being accepted for the Expo. For more details, visit mabuhiexpo.com.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

UH Researchers Are Looking For COVID-19 Patients To Test Heart, Lung Drug

T

for newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients to test a drug that relieves heart and lung pain.

RECOMMENDATION. Filing a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence is not a joke as some petitioners might think by just going to a travel agent (trouble agent?) rather than a lawyer, to do it. This is not the time to manifest the “save money” mentality.

In one case, the alien spent as much as what an attorney would have charged which ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. If the alien is placed in removal proceedings in the Immigration Court because Form I-751 and Form I-290B are denied, it will cost around $10,000 to fight the case.

An alien should not think that since obtaining the approval of the adjustment of status application was easy, obtaining the removal of the conditions on residence is equally easy. USCIS will carefully scrutinize the petition, even more than an application for adjustment of status, because the alien has been married for almost two years and should have accumulated enough evidence to establish by a preponderance of evidence that the alien entered into the marriage with the alien’s spouse in good faith.

he University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (UH-JABSOM) are looking

The research of the Telmisartan drug is spearheaded by Cecilia Shikuma, MD, Lead Researcher

(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Petition....from page 10)

ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines.

He is co-author of the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws” published by Rex Publishing. He writes columns for Filipino-American newspapers and co-hosts “The Tipon Report,” Honolulu’s most witty and useful radio show. He practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, focusing on immigration and other federal laws. Tel. 808-2252645. E-mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com

(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: The Democrats....from page 11)

He started with a quote from Ella Baker, the legendary civil rights activist, who said “Give people light and they will find a way.”

Biden called them words of our time.

“The current president has cloaked America in darkness for much too long. Too much anger. Too much fear. Too much division,” Biden said.

“Here and now, I give you my word: If you trust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. I will be an ally of the light, not of the darkness. It’s time for us. For we the people to come together. For make no mistake: united, we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America. We will choose hope over fear, facts over fiction, fairness over privilege…It is with great honor and humility that I accept this nomination for President of the United States of America.”

The opening words were all you needed. Biden talked about winning the soul of America, and in those first few minutes, I think he did. In his 24-minute speech, he invoked FDR’s New Deal and sounded like the kind of leader who could give an empathetic fireside chat for today’s pandemic-riddled world. Trump doesn’t do that kind of thing.

Biden then pointed to the current president’s “accomplishments” fighting the virus.

“We lead the world in confirmed cases. We led the world in deaths. Our economy is in tatters, with Black, Latino, Asian American and Native American communities bearing the brunt of it. And after all this time, the president still does not have a plan. Well, I do.”

Biden said from day one, he’ll implement a national strategy with testing, make supplies and PPE available. Make sure schools are safe. He said he’ll put politics aside, “so the public gets the information they need and deserve. The honest, unvarnished truth.”

His plan also includes a national mandate to wear a mask.

“Not as a burden, but to protect each other,” Biden said. “I will do what should have been done from the beginning. Our current president has failed in his most basic duty to this nation. He failed to protect us. He failed to protect America. And, my fellow Americans, that is unforgivable. As president, I will make this promise: I will protect America. I will defend us from every attack. Seen. And unseen. Always. Without exception. Every time.”

All four days of the convention were reminders of what leadership used to sound like. We felt it when Barack Obama spoke on Wednes-

day. On the convention’s last day, Joe Biden was in charge.

So, what now?

Going into the convention, Biden and Harris had a double-digit lead on Trump in most national polls. The lead was maintained into the RNC, but can the Republicans cut into it with a good show? Or is it too thin, like Melania’s smile?

The Democrats had top Republicans, like Colin Powell and John Kasich, along with progressives, like Bernie Sanders backing their guy. If you were on the fence, or an independent, you’d have to say Biden brought together a more united group of supporters.

In the end, if you saw both conventions, ask yourself which one had people who looked like you? Or looked like the America you want to live in?

That may be easier than trying to figure out either candidate’s plan for climate change, world peace, the economy, or the pandemic. If this is about the future of our democracy, in whom would you trust to lead?  EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @emilamok.

Have your organization’s events listed in our community calendar. It’s recommended to submit press releases a month in advance of your organization’s event. Send information to filipinochronicle@gmail.com. and Cris Milne, ARPN, MPH. The research requires patients to visit UH-JABSOM once for a blood draw and are given Telmisartan or a placebo to take for four weeks.

Dr. Shikuma and Milne assure the safety of each patient who participates. For those interested to participate, contact Cris Milne at 808-692-1335 or cmilne@hawaii.edu. (Solution to Crossword No. 19 | Sept. 5, 2020)

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