Author: Mark A. Ashwill

“A Thief in the Night, But Not Too Smart”

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Courtesy of Mango Press Bill Hayton aka "Virgin White," a one-time BBC journalist who was essentially kicked out of Viet Nam in March 2007, strikes again, this time with a book about China entitled The Invention of China. I stumbled upon this article because of one word, dubious, linked to one of my blog posts, … Continue reading “A Thief in the Night, But Not Too Smart”

Looking For (More) Stories About Vietnamese Students!

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(Photo courtesy of Soha. Công dân toàn cầu = Global citizens) Dear Friends & Colleagues, If your institution, secondary or postsecondary, has hosted Vietnamese students and you're had the pleasure of working with them over the years, please share your stories with me. There is no word limit. So far, I've received contributions ranging from a … Continue reading Looking For (More) Stories About Vietnamese Students!

“Qualities incomprehensible to the ‘think tank’ specialists”

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Below is an excerpt from Ho Chi Minh - An Appreciation by Wilfred Burchett. It was published in 1972 but its relevance in 2020 is obvious. It would be interesting to have a discussion, especially with young Vietnamese, about their interpretation of Burchett's wartime reflections. Thanks to his son, George, for the heads-up. If it … Continue reading “Qualities incomprehensible to the ‘think tank’ specialists”

Social Solidarity During a Global Pandemic

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Dear Fellow US Americans, Here's an excerpt from a 9-20 article I wrote entitled Balancing Solidarity & Individualism in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond: a View from Vietnam: In contrast, the US, led by an incompetent, cruel, and narcissistic leader who politicized a public health issue and essentially did nothing, hoping and saying repeatedly that COVID-19 would … Continue reading Social Solidarity During a Global Pandemic

The Trumpy Mindset: A COVID-19-Related Example

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I recently noticed this exchange on Facebook about the above graphic. (Yes, it's old news. JPMorgan expects US GDP to slow to 2.8% in the fourth quarter and then shrink by 1% during the first three months of 2021.) Comment: The country that started the pandemic has the least effect on GDP. Mmmmh… Response: Sad … Continue reading The Trumpy Mindset: A COVID-19-Related Example

Leonardo’s Smile: Support for Vietnamese Orphanages

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Supporting children who can no longer live with their parents to have access to safe and loving homes. In loving memory of Leonardo Vu Massa. "Leonardo is a great smiler. His smile can brighten up even the darkest moments in our life." There are few personal losses in life more devastating and traumatic than the … Continue reading Leonardo’s Smile: Support for Vietnamese Orphanages

Fulbright University Vietnam Professor Gets the Ax

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This post definitely falls into the intrigue category. Buckle your seat belt, dear reader. It's one hell of a story. Christopher Balding (CB), a one-time Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) professor recently went down in professional flames because of a red line he chose to cross for 15 minutes of infamy while indulging his hatred of … Continue reading Fulbright University Vietnam Professor Gets the Ax

American History for Truthdiggers

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The swampy environs of Jamestown, Virginia, claim the life of another 17th-century English settler in this painting by National Park Service artist Sydney King. (National Park Service / Public Domain) I highly recommend this 2018-19 series of articles written by Maj. Danny Sjursen, a retired U.S. Army officer and former history instructor at West Point. Danny … Continue reading American History for Truthdiggers

Kamala Harris, US VP-Elect & Daughter of International Students

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US vice president-elect and senator from California, Kamala Harris, speaking in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 27, 2020. Source: Eric Baradat/AFP I've seen several articles about the status of the new vice president-elect as the daughter of international students. It's heart-warming. The irony is that both of her parents - Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris are … Continue reading Kamala Harris, US VP-Elect & Daughter of International Students