This is a very touchy issue.As we all know, public discourse about politics and religions would normally end up in resentment due to divergent opinions; right or wrong depends on your own perception of causality. Every country had gone through trials and turbulences at certain point in time.The most we can do before passing our own justifiable assertion is to carefully study the history and trace back to the era of post 1975 and pre-1975 so we as newer generations can avoid the same mistake; otherwise, history might repeat itself.
As for me, my stance is unchanged. I am pro-peace and prosperity.Neither I hate the King nor do I dislike the current Laotian government.Could it be because my life had not been affected by either side?Nevertheless, I sincerely believe in compromising and reconstructing the country with cooperative efforts among our own people instead of creating division among ourselves. It was unfortunate that many of us had faced tremendous amount of suffering during our aimless journey to the West and the prolonged confinement at refugee camps in Thailand being stranded there for quite some time before we were allowed to resettle in the new countries.Most of us were not necessarily political-asylum seekers, but more like economical migrant adventurers due to serious financial hardship in the 80s.
Starting a new life in the foreign land was not easy for us Laotians. It was undeniable fact that we were not accustomed to the industrial society. We were in the critical disadvantage because of our peasant background speaking a little no English at all. Many of our people were illiterate in our own language. ABCD or XY and Z were totally new to us.
With minimum wages that we earned, we still sent to our families back home.Teachers, workers, soldiers in Laos did not get paid for months and low-wage earners in the West were their only hopes. Unlike our early Laotian immigrants who escaped in the 70s, they were former government administrators, soldiers from the royal army, shopkeepers and they were more educated.Undoubtedly, we were undaunted by the great struggle, the disadvantage that we faced in the past and look at us Laotian American now.
We have many functioning organizations, temples, businesses. Our people have excelled in math, science, engineering, arts, music, medicine, pharmaceutical and many other fields.I would not hesitate to express my displeasure based on my own discernment what had caused the conflict among our people ; I would blame it on the selfish competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the cold war especially the evil Union Soviet Socialist Republic. We had to pick the lesser of the two evils and thank God, the evil empire was finally collapsed in 1991.
I can never forget the Soviets’ invasion of Eastern Europe and Afghanistan. The fleeing of civilians from oppressive communist regime to the free world itself should be enough proof overtly witnessed by international community including myself.Their dangerous games had taken millions of lives throughout the world.They would never allow you to independently run your country despite your declaration of neutrality.
You either chose communism or capitalism. Whatever the side you chose, your country would end up engaging in a brutal civil war due to the inference from these two. Assuming you chose communism over capitalism, the assassination backed by the CIA on your life was almost guaranteed. The same would have happened if you chose capitalism over communism. The KGB would definitely signed a decree “assisted-assassination” on your as$ because their only main concern was the expansion of influence and to spread the ideology of Marxism/Leninism. They spent billions subsidizing their client states and they would invade your country on your behalf to ensure that you remain in power so that you would practice a system of proletariats.
You would be fed well as a figurehead of the state but the rest of your citizens had to sell their labors to central governments to survive. Borders had to be closed; there would be no freedom of travelling only to other communist states with their permission.Neighbors were told to report on each other if they overheard your grievance or criticism against the government. They had a complete control of your life and under no circumstances you would want to be viewed as an anti-revolution because the punishment could be very severe. At the present, only 5 remaining communist countries, but most disengaged themselves from outright practice of communism instead they gradually introduce Western style-economic system and reengage themselves with the international community ending decades of self-isolation.
With the advent of a limited freedom, new wealth, new taste of cars, and other appliances, there would be no turning point back to communism. Luxury and quality of life become a common desire for everyone and as result, the pressure of fulfilling new dreams also become intensified causing rampant corruption among government officials at all levels. The inordinate desire for respect and power are simultaneously growing among the rich flashing their new found-wealth by displaying their new built-homes, beautiful maids, expensive cars and the ability to disobey local laws due to having close connection with local authority can never go unnoticed. I personally think a modern day Laos will be alright. It will be just a matter of time before they will embrace socialism as the country is heading to greater prosperity and eventually the complete elimination of communism will happen by itself. I believe that the newer generation of Laotian leadership will gingerly initiate the abolishment of one-party state supplanting it with more voices from private sectors as well.Other crucial turning point is the preponderant influences from U.S and Soviet Union had completely been replaced by Vietnam and China in which I don’t want to make any comment about it. I would leave it to the 6 million domestic Laotians to share their inferences and their point of views.It’s just my 2 cent
BruceLaoMan wrote:I believe that the newer generation of Laotian leadership will gingerly initiate the abolishment of one-party state supplanting it with more voices from private sectors as well.
Other crucial turning point is the preponderant influences from U.S and Soviet Union had completely been replaced by Vietnam and China in which I don’t want to make any comment about it. I would leave it to the 6 million domestic Laotians to share their inferences and their point of views. It’s just my 2 cent
Thanks Bruce Laoman. You have made a good point. Now is 21 century, the century of cooperation. I am surprised by the fact that some other Lao people who have got citizenship of other developed countries still keep old mindset which is not much different from last century.
In this regard to this topic, our President always call all Lao people to unite to each other so as to build Laos prosperous. To succeed that goal one must understand that Laos needs peace and stability, but not war.
However, some Laotians who are not the Lao citizen still keep the thinking of sharing a power to govern Laos. They seem to be too stupid if they think like that.
How would that be when they are not Lao citizen? According to Lao law, only Lao citizen can be elected to be Lao government in every level.
Yes, no doubt the more they hate Lao government, the more they will be far a way from Laos.
As regard to China and Vietnam, I think nothing is wrong with the fact that Laos has a good relationship with China and Vietnam. Imagine in our real life. The more we have many good friends, who can always give a hand to us, the more we would be happy.
Yes, the only Vangpao and bad people who always want to destroy Laos would not be happy with that relationship. Why? Because with having that relationship, nobody, including America cannot destroy Laos, that is I know for sure
Very nice comment. I really think you are sincere about what you wrote.
(just a minor problem..........I had trouble reading it. Please use paragraph)
Yes, everything I wrote was from the bottom of my heart and according to my heartfelt sincerity.I would sometime sit down and reminisce of my own past from the day I left Laos until the day I had come to the United States.
I still recall my homesickness and the thought of my beloved grandma were indescribable at the time.When I reached the bank of the Mekong River on the other side, it was already midnight; I then turned back poignantly gazing at Thakhek my hometown and at the stars. I was filled with memories, but my eyes were filled with tears. I was unable to cope with that moment of my despair and I kept moseying around the bank of the river as my emotion got the best of me. I came close to go back home.
After a long commotion, I realized that I had to move on and the final destination should be determined by my own fate and destiny.The story is too long so I would end it here and I’d rather share with you some pictures of our Laotian Americans. By the way, the mod inserted the paragraphs for me.I totally forgot.
What really makes me proud of Laos today is the fact that our students got the opportunity to study overseas even though the numbers are still minimal but at least we were given the chances.I am sure they feel honorably.
In a reference to Vang Pao, I also heard some Laotian folks and Hmong folks called him a hero but, to many of us Laotians, he is a drug dealer, an opium distributor and to an American Law, he is now a convicted felon. It was already done deal. He was found guilty of a tentatively premeditated plan to conduct an act of terrorism against Laotian government.
I simply don’t believe Vang Pao has ever been the right person to lead Laos, though I won’t deny he can be a secretary of defense or a prime minister at most, but certainly not a president. My knowledge of him is too limited. I wonder if he had earned any degree in a foreign country. From what I know, some Lao generals did not even possess a high-school diploma. Soldiers got their promotions would normally based on the length of time they served in the army or the connections that they might have with their superiors. That was normally the case for any 3rd world countries not just Laos and forgive me if I am wrong.
As many Laotian students got their chances to study abroad, they would be the right ones to lead the country one day when they obtain enough experiences. I am not sure if power sharing with Laotian overseas would be the right choice at the moment, but some type of reconciliation through diplomatic channels and exchange of valuable ideas first, would be my best humble advice. I am afraid that things might go awry if we rush to that sensitive issue.
As for me, I merely want to express my joy on the sideline witnessing the kingdom of one million elephants prosper, so there would be more octogenarians like other developed countries then I can’t ask for more. After all, a prosperous Laos would be the pride for all of us-Laotians.
In this case, I think it is slang and a humble way to tell your readers your minimal but reasonable contributions. You don't really need to use an s sound in a spoken language unless you refer to monetary. So you can just simply say, "It's just my 2 cent"
For your information, we Lao people now are living in peace, no war, no confrontation. We Lao people are enjoying our live as much as we can under leadership of our government.
I don't know why this topic could come to his or her head about reconciliation. The big question mark is with whom? If with foreigners, definitely imposible? The terms of reconciliation is usually used in the countries like in Iraq and other countries where there is a confrontation between their people to make a peace. However, in Laos there is no such a problem.
Oh! Probably the author of this topic has sent a message to those people who still keep an enemy mindset to Lao people, telling them that the dream of coming back to govern Laos again is over.
In fact, I have observed that most of our Laocean people, who are clever and smart, understand that very well. They have changed their old mindset, past is the past. They come to visit Laos, visit their relative; some even come to settle in Laos to do business in Laos. Lao government, as well as Lao people are always welcome the move.
I don't know why did the author of this topic suggest like need to talk? If you need to talk with your relative nobody would disturb you, but first you need to come to visit them, probably, otherwise it will be too expensive if you talk too long on phone.
before joining with Lao Nai, Lao nork should pay back the tax and fullfil their obligation to the Government. during the difficult time you did not do any thing for the Government , you critized and bramed lao nai a lot of thing and when every thing became good you express your politcal will , turn you face and ask to joint and cooperate.
before joining with Lao Nai, Lao nork should pay back the tax and fullfil their obligation to the Government. during the difficult time you did not do any thing for the Government , you critized and bramed lao nai a lot of thing and when every thing became good you express your politcal will , turn you face and ask to joint and cooperate.
BruceLaoMan wrote:I believe that the newer generation of Laotian leadership will gingerly initiate the abolishment of one-party state supplanting it with more voices from private sectors as well.
Other crucial turning point is the preponderant influences from U.S and Soviet Union had completely been replaced by Vietnam and China in which I don’t want to make any comment about it. I would leave it to the 6 million domestic Laotians to share their inferences and their point of views. It’s just my 2 cent
Thanks Bruce Laoman. You have made a good point. Now is 21 century, the century of cooperation. I am surprised by the fact that some other Lao people who have got citizenship of other developed countries still keep old mindset which is not much different from last century.
In this regard to this topic, our President always call all Lao people to unite to each other so as to build Laos prosperous. To succeed that goal one must understand that Laos needs peace and stability, but not war.
However, some Laotians who are not the Lao citizen still keep the thinking of sharing a power to govern Laos. They seem to be too stupid if they think like that.
How would that be when they are not Lao citizen? According to Lao law, only Lao citizen can be elected to be Lao government in every level.
Yes, no doubt the more they hate Lao government, the more they will be far a way from Laos.
As regard to China and Vietnam, I think nothing is wrong with the fact that Laos has a good relationship with China and Vietnam. Imagine in our real life. The more we have many good friends, who can always give a hand to us, the more we would be happy.
Yes, the only Vangpao and bad people who always want to destroy Laos would not be happy with that relationship. Why? Because with having that relationship, nobody, including America cannot destroy Laos, that is I know for sure
-- Edited by TSP at 06:21, 2008-12-14
I agree that having a good relationship with our neighbors is the right thing to do; just like having good friends. But remember, not all good friends can be trusted, and we shouldn't trust anyone. Just because they are nice to us, doesn't mean they are good to us. I think these guys are just in for their own goods.
if you are a lao person and you have great ideas about investing your time and efforts, you should not wait for an invitation from the pdr to implement your volunteering ideas.
Just do it.
I think in the future the question is not that laos will be great again but rather who will have their hands in building it to greatness and who, foreigners or the local lao population, will take the credit.
before joining with Lao Nai, Lao nork should pay back the tax and fullfil their obligation to the Government. during the difficult time you did not do any thing for the Government , you critized and bramed lao nai a lot of thing and when every thing became good you express your politcal will , turn you face and ask to joint and cooperate.
People Power
what are you talking about pay tax? you lived in Laos but you didn't even pay one kip for tax.
before joining with Lao Nai, Lao nork should pay back the tax and fullfil their obligation to the Government. during the difficult time you did not do any thing for the Government , you critized and bramed lao nai a lot of thing and when every thing became good you express your politcal will , turn you face and ask to joint and cooperate.
People Power
If you want to talk about any compensation. Lets talk about all the politcal prisoners and their family that had suffered under the so call SEMINAR (re-education camp). Which was not even a camp. It was a forest. They were left their to die.
Their only crime was that they fought the communists invasion. They were protecting their country and their people.
As a Laotian living in Laos, I am happy for what we are rightnow...
Before I travelled to US, Europe and China.... I am still feel like what (direction) we are right now is best suitable for us already...
our current direction is best for us now, all we have to do just to adhere and be strong and walk much faster and much harder...so that we could achieve prosperity by our own way and characteristics...
I also believe that Many Laotians will have same opinion as me, they are satisfied of our country development's direction now...
It doesnt matter what the system as long as it fits you... hard-working is more important and will play dicisive role in national economic development.. .....
I never heard even a single lao people call Vang Pao a hero. Only Hmongs call him a hero. My fellow Lao people. Recalling June 2007, if not because U.S. agents arrested Vang Pao and his 11 gang, another blood shed would happen in Laos. the historic buildings : Thaat Luang, Hoe Phra Kaev, etc... would be bombed, innocent Lao people would be killed, Laos would be changed name to ......? Laos would be wiped out from world's map. Consider this as our wake up call.
I got some more to share.
