Would Gupta be the highest serving American of Indian (Asian) Descent in US History?

[FrenchieCat]

Or are there others?

Just asking.

[rurallib]

1. Piyush Jindal comes to mind (Bobby to you)

[FrenchieCat]

4. Oh yeah...that's right! The GOP's last Brown Hope!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. I think so.

In fact, I can't recall any Indian-Americans at that high of a position in DC.

[FrenchieCat]

3. does anyone know?

Or does anyone Care? :shrug:

I kind of care. I like "firsts".

[uponit7771]

5. Yes

[Bucky]

6. *yawn*

Are we really gonna talk about race on this one? Isn't there anything more interesting to say? As a liberal, I get a little tired of race being the default point of discussion whenever a new person enters the public arena.

[ErinBerin84]

7. well, it's not like this is the only thread on him.

I mean, I get your point, but given the space that DU devotes to other shit most of the time, I don't have a problem with the question.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

8. Yes.

Particularly considering the disproportionate amount of Indian-American medical professionals in this country and the general lack of high-profile positions of Indian-Americans as a whole, it is important.

[Bucky]

10. I disagree.

I think it's important to be inclusive and include Americans from all walks, whether the consideration is race, age, region, or philosophical leanings. But I don't think the prevalance of one group in one profession makes the case more compelling for any one particular job. I think it's good enough so long as our government embraced the full American diversity of our people.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

12. I didn't mean to say race makes him more compelling, but it seems fitting in a way.

Obviously, he was picked for his qualifications, but the population-to-influence ratio of Indian-Americans is enormous, so an appointment like this makes it difficult to overlook his race, at least for me.

[rvablue]

9. I would say being Governor of a state trumps the figure-head status of SG any day. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

11. True. I had forgotten about Bobbie J.

[Uzybone]

13. Another reason its a good choice

Jindal is the highest serving, but it totally fits with Obamas "most diverse cabinet/appointees in American history" theme.