Jay Nordlinger wrote an excellent column at NRO some time ago about the emergence of the Indian—American community as a battleground for the GOP and Dems. Long—time readers know that we have from the beginning of this site strongly emphasized both the Indian—American strategic alliance and the natural affinity of Indian—Americans for the GOP. Rep. Bobby Jindal is the sole Indian—American in Congress today, but the very first Indian—American to join Congress was a Democrat.

Both the GOP and Democrats realize that Indian—Americans are strivers, and rapidly accumulating political expertise and organizing into groups to exert influence on American politics for domestic political interests, and in favor of deepening our relations with India. Fortunately, the issues cut strongly in favor of an alignment with the GOP. But the usual forces of media (The Indian—American media lean left) and education incline many young Indians to the left, where they identify as victims. But the ethos of their educated, upwardly mobile ethnic cohort here conflicts with this pose, so their success is far from assured.

Indian—Americans are yet another ethnic immigrant group whose story of sacrifice, famaily values, hard work, entrepreneurship, pride and ties to their homeland vectors them toward conservatism and the GOP. I count myself fortunate to live in a location where Indian—Americans are particularly numerous. Nobody is more courteous, hard—working, and generally delightful to be around. And the restaurants, ah the restaurants....

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson  1 05 06