Obama and 80- 20For the very first time, 1 feel less need to use the prism of identity politics to determine who I want the next president to be (“The Race-Neutral Race,” Emil Amok, Jan. 25).I am an Asian American who has often felt mandated to figure out which president would best serve my fellow Asian Americans. Yet, surprisingly, those issues fade when I consider an Obama presidency.When considering Obama, I put aside my own sense of entitlement based on my racial identity and believe again in the American dream. A country led by Obama will fast forward us to equality and change are real.GRANDE LUM Lecturer,U.C. Berkeley Boalt School of LawBurlingame, Calif.As a formerly active 80-20 member who attended meetings in the Los Angeles area when the organization first started, quite disappointed to see its actively negative attack on a presidential candidate.I admired the Democratic candidate's initial attempt to keep debates positive and issue-oriented. However, of late, it seems that a certain candidate has opted to allow negative bashing of opponents. This is off-putting and exactly what has turned most Americans off from politics.MICHELLE YUENLos Angeles, Calif.80-20 is a PAC, and just like all PACs, 80-20 has self-interest, which is to gain equality for all Asian Americans via the political process.80-20 supports any politicians who promise to deliver us what we ask of them. In this sense, 80-20 is nonpartisan.80-20 helps the candidate's choice by delivering a bloc vote. 80-20 chose to support Senator Clinton in the California primary on Feb. 5, because she has promised to bring equal opportunity in the workplace for all Asian Americans.KATHLEEN ToPresident, 80-20 InitiativeAlamogordo, N.M. Ask QGreat response (“Unsubscribe Me,”Ask Q, Dec. 21). Tell them that the company has cracked down on personal emails, and they should send the emails to a separate, personal account. Then set up an email account — and never check it.M. PARKNew York, N.Y. Lower Grades For APA Med StudentsI am an APA medical student, and I would characterize myself as assertive and sociable (“Study: Lower Grades For APA Medical Students,” Dec. 7). These traits are important during the clinical years because you are graded on a subjective basis. The attendings are evaluating students based on medical knowledge,as well as the communication of that knowledge and the ability to work as a team (both important skills in medicine). Passivity and reticence severely reduce many Asian students’ ability to convey their knowledge and work in a team setting.MIKE[last name not provided]Via Web site Black-Asian LoveI am a mixed woman married to a Chinese man, and I have always wondered why there aren’t more “BlAsian” relationships, so glad that Sam Cacas is raising some important questions and thought-provoking dialogue (“Talking Shop: ‘BlAsian Exchanges,” Dec. 7). Kudos!MARYLYNN PETERS CHUBoston, Mass.CLARIFICATION:On the cover of the Jan. 11 issue, the photo of Youth Speaks’ program director Jason Mateo was taken by Alan Kimara Dixon.AsianWeek, The Voice of Asian America, welcomes letters commenting on our coverage and other topics of interest to Asian Pacific Americans. Please keep letters as possible (we reserve the right to edit letters for length and style), sign them and include a daytime telephone number for verification.