Posted on 11/16/2006 10:08:42 AM PST by Toidylop
In the streets and marketplaces of Little Saigon, the talk is of optimism and new freedoms for a country many fled decades ago.
President Bush's visit to Vietnam today is seen in the nation's largest Vietnamese American community as a heartening, profoundly important event. For some, there is even the hope that the president will find a way to champion reform in a country that still evokes bitterness and memories of terrible times.
"I've been waiting for this day," said Kimberly Ta, 61, of Anaheim, shopping with her father and friends at the Asian Garden Mall in Westminster. "I am hoping that his visit will make life better for the people of Vietnam."
Bush will attend the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Hanoi as part of an eight-day tour. He is the second president to visit the Southeast Asian country since the former country of South Vietnam fell to the communists in 1975.
Many in Little Saigon, a bustling Vietnamese American community that sprawls through parts of Westminster, Garden Grove and Santa Ana, say it's the perfect time for Bush to voice their concerns.
"I just hope that President Bush tells Vietnam that human rights is important," said Janet Nguyen, a Garden Grove councilwoman. Bush "comes from a country that represents freedom and democracy; he needs to remind Vietnam that if they want to benefit from the free-trade market, they have to abide by the human rights laws."
Others suggested that Bush should be cautious in dealing with the Vietnamese government. Activists from San Jose have gathered outside the White House in recent weeks, asking Bush to demand that the communist nation embrace democracy before trade with the United States is normalized.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Out pandering to Communists again ??? Seems to be the way of Washington these days -- I guess the draw of money is stronger than the memory of 50,000 brave Americans.
I hope they don't get their hopes up too high. Commies don't give up power voluntarily.
It would be nice for the families of the unaccounted for American POW's & MIA's from the Viet Nam war if Bush would demand an accounting from the Vietnamese Commies.
It's only been 30 friggin' years now.
But we won't be holding our collective breath.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
They don't care about their power. They just want their cheap crap to sell at Walmart. Vietcong offer cheaper labor than the ChiComs and they have some nice beaches ripe for luxury resorts to be built.
Oh, did I mention that they have oil to be drilled. /sarc
Obvious misprint LA Times editorial staff missed. Should be:
Bush's Visit to Vietnam Sparks Little Hope in Saigon.
It's said that the only people the Chinese government fear are the Vietnamese.
Bush might be strengthening Vietnam to give China something to think about regarding their future.
It's said that the only people the Chinese government fear are the Vietnamese.
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Wow, I will think real hard to figure that one out!!??
"I'd like to know how a nation composed of genetic geniuses (judging from the number of cum laudes and 1600 SAT scores Vietnamese children earn) can be so backward.no kidding... No matter how intelligent these kids are, they're still dumbed down and indoctrinated with of stalinist-marxist baloney. How sad!!!The answer can only be communism."
bookmark
The last time the chinese 'taught vietnam a lesson' they lost several thousand soldiers.
The thought of Air Force One setting down in Hanoi makes me want to vomit.
I'm with you!
Spot on, Kelly.
Same here.
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