Tamils for Obama Says 'We should all Vote in the TGTE Election' and Tells Why

by PRWeb, April 12, 2010

The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam is holding an election on May 2. Tamils for Obama urges all diaspora Tamils to vote, and to support the TGTE financially.

New York, New York -- Tamils for Obama urged all diaspora Tamils to vote in the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam election that is taking place May 2.

"It is important for all of us to vote in this election," said a spokesman for the Tamil organization. "The TGTE will speak for all the world's Tamils, and we have to show that we support its efforts. Voting in this election helps to establish the TGTE's legitimacy as a representative for Tamils internationally."

The letter explains "We at Tamils for Obama believe that it is important for every one of us to vote. Casting a vote makes each of us a participant and makes it clear that we are represented by the TGTE and are active in the struggle to create a democratic voice speaking for all the world's Tamils. Until there is an actual, physical Tamil Eelam the TGTE must be our voice."

The election will be for representatives of Tamils living in various countries. "We Tamil Americans will be electing ten representatives," the letter says, "one from each of eight regions in the U.S. and two national representatives. Thus, each Tamil American gets to vote for three representatives, a regional representative and two national reps."

"Tamils have special responsibilities to each other," the spokesman said. "In the letter we said 'We diaspora Tamils are by and large a sophisticated, educated, financially successful group," and this is true. JFK said 'Of those to whom much is given, much is expected,' and this applies to Tamils as well. Our prosperity gives us certain obligations, and this is one of them. We are certain that the TGTE deserves our support. We expect that among its tasks will be providing support, both intellectual and financial, for the goal of creating a nation of Tamil Eelam."

"There are some other things we ask of our friends in the Tamil diaspora ," the spokesman went on. "We ask people who are committed and talented to enter the election. Only if our best and brightest take part can the TGTE be strong and enduring. We say this in the letter, too.

"And yes, we know that there are many others who want to contribute to our cause but don't seek a public or visible position," the Tamils for Obama spokesman said. "TGTE organizers have told us that these talented and able people will be wanted and needed in the TGTE secretariat. We urge them to make their availability known."

The spokesman continued "We also want to get our sons and daughters involved. The struggle for Tamil Eelam is likely to be a long one and must go on after those of us who were born in Sri Lanka have retired."

The spokesman added that the letter urges Tamils to sustain the TGTE financially. "Our letter says 'One of our duties will be financial support of the TGTE,' he said. "We suggested that each diaspora Tamil should make a monthly contribution of $25 to the TGTE after the election when the TGTE is able to accept and use the money. Tamils should consider this a voluntary tax. The TGTE is going to need the money for all of the things of any national government does. For the TGTE these tasks will include maintaining a think tank to advise them on how to advance the goal of Tamil Eelam."

The letter includes praise for a Tamil public servant who has gained the admiration of this Tamil political organization. "Tamils for Obama would like to commend Mr. Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran," the letter says, "and his advisory committee for helping to create the TGTE."

The letter then gives a brief professional biography of this public servant, along with an endorsement for him and the TGTE. The letter says "Rudra (we consider him a friend) has done advanced work at the law schools of Southern Methodist University and Harvard. He participated in the Norwegian-facilitated peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a legal advisor to the LTTE. We are proud to know him and are certain that the TGTE is well served by his participation. We hope he is on the ballot so that we can vote for him."

The letter then mentions that "In a few places where there are concentrations of eligible Tamil voters there will be physical polling places. Most voters however will be voting online and possibly by U.S. postal mail."

Tamils for Obama's letter then mentions that "Some members of Tamils for Obama's office staff are helping to create the electronic systems by which part of the TGTE elections in the U.S. will be conducted."

"We mentioned this because we are not shy about our support for the TGTE," the Tamils for Obama spokesman said. "We are giving sweat support as well as vocal support."

The letter concludes "If you wish to become a candidate for election or work as a volunteer to make the election a success, please send an email to info(at)govtamileelam(dot)org or go to www.govtamileelam.org"

To read the complete letter go to : www.tamilsforobama.com/pressrelease/TGTE_Letter_April_12_2010.html

To read the letter in Tamil go to: www.tamilsforobama.com/pressrelease/TGTE_PR_Tamil_April_12_2010.html

Tamils are an ethnic group living mainly in the northeast of Sri Lanka and southern India. During the final weeks of the recent civil war, the Sri Lankan government killed about 1,000 Tamil civilians per day, according to the United Nations, and about 30,000 in 2009. Tamils are a minority population in Sri Lanka, and have borne the brunt of a civil war they regard as genocide. One-third of the Tamil population has fled the island and formed a substantial diaspora overseas. Tamils for Obama is comprised of Tamils who have settled in the U.S. or who were born in the U.S.

To contact the group, call at (617) 765- 4394 and speak to, or leave a message for, the Communication Director, Tamils for Obama.

www.TamilsForObama.com

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