It has come to light that Vietnamese citizens have developed an inexplicable affection for former US President Donald Trump. Inspired by his tough business attitude of not paying contractors and his many beautiful wives, the people of Vietnam seem to have overlooked some minor details. It appears they missed out on the 40-count indictment regarding classified documents, and a laundry list of Trump’s close associates having run-ins with the law.

Unbeknownst to the Vietnamese people, Trump’s political guru and onetime chief strategist, Steve Bannon, was charged with defrauding donors in a border wall fundraising campaign. It seems that Bannon’s alleged wrongdoing doesn’t quite match up to their admiration for Trump’s “business acumen” at first glance.

Vietnamese Trump enthusiasts also blissfully disregard the fact that Trump’s onetime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to tax fraud, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations. He even facilitated hush money payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with the President. But hey, let’s focus on Trump’s ability to maintain a successful marriage, right?

The people of Vietnam seem completely oblivious to the grand jury’s decision to indict Trump on multiple felony counts of business record falsification. It appears that the Vietnamese admiration for Trump’s financial prowess overshadows these minor legal inconveniences.

And what about Paul Manafort, Trump’s onetime campaign chairman? He’s currently serving a 7.5-year sentence for tax and banking crimes, conspiring, and obstructing justice. But let’s not let something as trivial as criminal behavior tarnish our fascination with Trump’s impeccable taste in personnel.

With the Vietnamese people’s unwavering admiration for Trump, it’s evident that they haven’t been paying attention to the long list of individuals surrounding him facing their own legal woes. Roger Stone, a close friend and political adviser, was even convicted of seven charges related to lying … Read more

Opinion By Kate Cohen

The sidewalk fees, as proposed by the authorities, are nothing short of a ‘poor tax.’

Ho Chi Minh City, with its bustling streets and delicious street food, has long been regarded as a food lover’s paradise. Sidewalks filled with fragrant stalls serving affordable and tasty culinary delights have not only become an integral part of the city’s unique identity but also a lifeline for many locals during challenging economic times. However, the recently imposed sidewalk fees by the authorities threaten to dismantle this vibrant street food scene, adversely impacting both the city’s cultural heritage and struggling entrepreneurs.

The Unique Street Food Culture at Stake:

Street food is deeply rooted in the fabric of Ho Chi Minh City’s identity. The city’s sidewalks have served as a canvas for vendors to showcase their culinary talents, allowing locals and tourists alike to experience the true flavors of Vietnam. From Chao to Bánh Xèo, the street food scene offers a diverse range of affordable options, enabling people of all economic backgrounds to indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.

Survival in Challenging Economic Times:

For many street vendors, the sidewalk stalls are not just a means of making a livelihood but a symbol of resilience amidst economic hardships. The sidewalk trade provides an entry point to entrepreneurship for those with limited resources, enabling them to earn a decent income and support their families. By charging exorbitant fees for the use of sidewalk space, the city officials are effectively squeezing the lifeblood out of these small businesses, pushing them towards closure.

The Poor Tax Dilemma:

The sidewalk fees, as proposed by the authorities, are nothing short of a ‘poor tax.’ This regressive measure disproportionately affects the vulnerable sections of society, punishing struggling entrepreneurs who relied on the sidewalks to survive. With fees … Read more