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Vietnamese Americans Fight for Freedom and Democracy
Joint statement by multiple organizations rebuts
insults to S Vietnamese, Montagnards
Release, National Congress of Vietnamese Americans
October 8, 2004 - The Vietnamese American community is deeply
disturbed by comments made by Senator Evan Bayh, a Democrat from
Indiana, and President George W. Bush. In this election year, Vietnam is
often invoked for political gains. However, the contributions of
Vietnamese Americans to the economy, to education, to social services
and to defending fundamental human values have not been praised nor
acknowledged.
On the September 16, 2004 edition of CNN’s “NewsNight
with Aaron Brown,” the host asked Senator Evan Bayh, “Is it still
inappropriate to use the term Vietnam, to start talking about Vietnam
references?” Senator Bayh responded, “Well, Vietnam was a little bit
different. That was a national struggle, and we were on the wrong side
in that national struggle, or at least the side of -- we did not stand
for a legitimate government there.”
On the September 27, 2004 edition of “The
O’Reilly Factor,” O’Reilly asked President Bush, “The South
Vietnamese didn’t fight for their freedom, which is why they don’t have
it today.” President Bush responded, “Yes.”
Many former South Vietnamese and Montagnards fought alongside U.S. Armed
Forces for freedom, the right to self-determination and a democratic
system of governance. 1.2 million Former South Vietnamese and their
children are living in the U.S. Without regard for any past or current
administrations, Vietnamese Americans have supported the Vietnam Human
Rights Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2001 (HR
2833: 410-1, Roll Call 335) and in 2004 (HR 1587: 323-45, Roll Call
391). We have had bipartisan support for our strong and continuing
support for freedom and democracy.
The contributions and sacrifices of Asian Pacific Americans and
Vietnamese Americans are being ignored. Vietnamese Americans labor as
entrepreneurs to open restaurants, shops and businesses. Among
minority-owned businesses, we employ 97,035 fellow Americans, with a
payroll of $1.1 billion, and generate receipts of $9.3 billion.
Vietnamese Americans are becoming more visible in sports, politics,
media and philanthropy. In addition to the countless fundraisers across
the U.S. in which Vietnamese Americans raised funds in the aftermath of
the events of 9-11, a Vietnamese American gave $2 million dollars to the
American Red Cross.
Vietnamese Americans have and will continue to sacrifice their lives to
defend freedom and democracy. Vietnamese Americans fought in the Persian
Gulf War and we are on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In an election where Asian Pacific Americans are being ignored, the
Vietnamese American community will not be a silent minority when it
comes to defending freedom and democracy in the United States and in the
international community. As a refugee community that struggles and
prospers with each opportunity, we understand the core values that
enable us to believe in and persevere towards the American dream. We
give thanks for living in a free and democratic society.
Supporting Organizations
* Da Hieu Youth Alliance
* National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA)
* Next Vietnam Foundation
* Vietnamese-American Public Affairs Committee (VPAC)
* Vietnamese Professionals Society – Washington, D.C. Chapter
Contact: Hung Nguyen (877) 592-4140;
Nam Pham (617) 448-9794
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