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”
Commentary
“Qualities incomprehensible to the ‘think tank’ specialists”
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
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
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
Fulbright University Vietnam Professor Gets the Ax
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
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
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
Hanoi Becomes Greener
For all of its problems, some unique to Hanoi and others common to big cities, there is one bright spot, green, to be precise. Someone in the city's Department of City Planning and Architecture made the decision to begin planting the median strips with all manner of plants and trees. The slogan xanh, sạch, đẹp … Continue reading Hanoi Becomes Greener
US Thanksgiving as a Celebration & a National Day of Mourning
Wamsutta Frank James by statue of Massasoit, in Plymouth, MA on the National Day of Mourning in the 1970s. (Courtesy of guest) Yes, it can be both. I like what Kisha James said in this WBUR interview. She's a Wellesley College senior, enrolled Aquinnah Wampanoag/Oglala Lakota, and granddaughter of Wamsutta (Frank B.) James (1923-2001), who … Continue reading US Thanksgiving as a Celebration & a National Day of Mourning
“International recruitment – The US eagle could soar again”
Photo: iStock I was intrigued by the title of this article, hoping it broke new ground. It didn't. The author trotted out the same tired old arguments in support of international students, including economic and political. These are some of the same arguments that activist international students have criticized because they are viewed primarily as … Continue reading “International recruitment – The US eagle could soar again”
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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