Author: Mark A. Ashwill

A Local Example of How Global Capitalism Works

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During my early trips to Vietnam and Cambodia in the mid- to late-90s, I began to learn more about what has been called the North-South gap and the potential for obscene profits through exploitation. Lest we forget, "labor" refers to most people who have no choice but to sell their labor to an employer, fellow … Continue reading A Local Example of How Global Capitalism Works

Why Vietnam Should Not Go Nuclear

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I decided to post this article here because I could only access it via TOR. Given that the Vietnamese government is not considering acquiring nuclear weapons, I'm not sure what the author's point. The fact that "some scholars have suggested that Vietnam pursue nuclear weapons in order to balance against China" is neither here nor … Continue reading Why Vietnam Should Not Go Nuclear

You can’t eat money: the cost of unlimited growth

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A woman stands at her collapsed house damaged by landslide along the Mekong river in Can Tho, Vietnam, December 17, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Kham My latest essay for VNExpress International. The Vietnamese version will be up soon. Here are the first two paragraphs. In a 1972 book chapter entitled "Conversations with North American Indians," Alanis … Continue reading You can’t eat money: the cost of unlimited growth

Tourism in Vietnam: A Tale of Two Tastes?

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Recently, I've thought a lot about tourism in Vietnam for a couple of reasons. First, I'm concerned about the lack of regard for the environment on which we all depend for survival, which often takes a back seat to (over)development and revenue generation. Secondly, I'm well aware how important it is to Vietnam's economic well-being … Continue reading Tourism in Vietnam: A Tale of Two Tastes?

Overstay Rates for Nonimmigrant Students and Exchange Visitors (F, M, J Visas)

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Here's a brief comparison of the overstay rate of Vietnamese students with those from Cambodia, China, and Thailand in FY 2020. Vietnam: 4.49% China: 0.66% Cambodia: 2.74% Thailand: 3.09% Overstay rates are statistics that consular sections look in the aggregate and by institution. As you can see below, the overall rate was 1.43%. Vietnam has … Continue reading Overstay Rates for Nonimmigrant Students and Exchange Visitors (F, M, J Visas)

About Injustice & Immorality

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This is a profoundly meaningful thought that is much easier said than done. The dark reality, in some societies more than others, is that most people are perfectly happy to live amid injustice without anger. They only care about themselves and don't want to "rock the boat." Some are not permitted to express themselves freely … Continue reading About Injustice & Immorality

They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!

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Here's my latest essay for CounterPunch. Here's the first paragraph to whet your appetite for more (or not). Note: 17 minute read. During a recent trip to Boston, I saw this delusional expression screaming at me in large red, white, and blue letters from the side of a passing cement truck. For the uninitiated, it’s … Continue reading They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!

If You See Something, Say Something

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Here's my latest piece for CounterPunch. If you like the intro, read on. If not, that's OK, too. 😊 Photograph Source: istolethetv – CC BY 2.0 It is well-known that the US is a divided and conflict-ridden society that is fraying at the seams on so many levels. From the homeless in Denver, fellow human beings … Continue reading If You See Something, Say Something