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Vietnam’s Trucks Have Under-Ride Guards, Why Not In America?

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Highway truck accidents have always been a cause for concern worldwide. Despite numerous technological advancements in automotive safety, the absence of under-ride guards on trucks remains a dangerous oversight according to reports from Frontline and ProPublica. By analyzing this striking disparity with countries like Vietnam, where regulations mandate under-ride guards, we are prompted to question the role of lobbyists and their impact on the safety of citizens.

The Risk of Under-ride Collisions

Under-ride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, becomes wedged beneath a larger truck in the event of a rear-end collision. In these scenarios, the car’s protective structure is rendered ineffective, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Devastating Statistics

According to recent reports, under-ride accidents account for a staggering number of deaths and severe injuries each year in the United States. In another investigative piece from ProPublica, it is shown that for decades, the Department of Transportation and trucking industry have rejected safety devices meant to prevent these underride crashes.

Consider the case of AnnaLeah and Mary Karth, whose lives were cut short due to an under-ride collision. The absence of under-ride guards on the truck involved prevented them from surviving the incident. Unfortunately, this is just one of countless tragedies that could be avoided if proper safety measures were implemented.

Comparing Global Standards

Interestingly, countries like Vietnam have recognized the dangers posed by under-ride collisions. Vietnamese highway trucks have under-ride guards as a safety feature. This has significantly decreased the number of fatalities resulting from such accidents, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding citizens’ lives.

The Role of Lobbyists In The USA

Despite the evident success of under-ride guards in reducing fatalities and injuries in other countries, the United States has been slow to take action. This hesitancy can be … Read more

Expat VoicesNews
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The American Dream: A Vietnamese Person’s Nightmare

Posted byNguyen Ayi

Hanoi, Vietnam – For years, Nguyen Pham worked tirelessly to achieve the American dream. He scrimped and saved every penny he had, even selling his home in Vietnam to fund his journey to the “Land of the Free”. After many months of hard work and perseverance, he landed on American soil, eagerly anticipating a life filled with success, prosperity, and boundless opportunity.

An Unsustainable Life

Unfortunately for Nguyen, the reality of living in America was nothing like he had imagined. From the exorbitant cost of rent to the lack of affordable public transportation, lack of affordable rent, lack of affordable food, and lack of affordable healthcare, his dreams of a better life were quickly shattered. Life in America was not what he expected, and he soon realized that the American dream was a lie. Running a business in America had untold expenses from every level of government, compared to Vietnam when he started out of his house without issues.

To make matters worse, Nguyen discovered that sending his children to school in America came with its own set of problems. Instead of learning valuable knowledge and skills, they were exposed to active shooter drills, dumb Americans, and the constant threat of gun violence.

Don’t Move To America

“Why did I even bother chasing this so-called American dream?” Nguyen lamented. “My kids would have been better off studying in schools in Vietnam, where they would have never been subjected to the fear of being shot.” Nguyen also failed to research all of the economic data that shows which nations are in decline and which have a growing economic future.

Nguyen’s story serves as a cautionary tale for those who have been sold the false promise of the American dream. While the lure of opportunity and success may be enticing, the reality … Read more

EducationSatire
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ESL Advertisements And HR Promises Result In Exact Salaries And Perks

Posted byNguyen Ayi

By Nguyen Ayi

 

 

ESL jobs provide a lucrative offer in the form of an advertised salary which usually comes out to be the exact amount you will get paid. No pesky confusion between gross and net income here! And if the advertised salary wasn’t enough to get you excited, don’t worry! There are loads of other bonuses such as housing and relocation packages, sign-on perks, and early start bonuses. And the best part is, you can rest assured that you will definitely receive all of these perks.

Professional development is also a huge perk of these jobs. It provides a refresher course for teachers who have been doing the exact same thing for years and years. Plus, veteran teachers get to show around new hires, like a free mentor and consultant, while the overseas hire gets relocation benefits and housing. If you are a veteran middle-aged teacher, be sure to show around the twenty-something hire making the benefits you have never received.

But wait, there’s more! Nineteen-year-old HR executives, who are fresh out of college, are in charge of hiring and they definitely have your best interests at heart. They won’t be jealous of your five times higher salary at all because, in twenty years in the midst of their career, they’ll be making 20 times that amount. These executives are generous enough to offer top-notch advice like recommending you spend three weeks in a hotel in another country before rushing back for a start date, only to later delay it for several weeks.

If they play other HR games like making you train for free and see how much of a monkey dance you will do for Children’s Day, fear not, you are a respected educator. Finally, we can’t go on without mentioning the amazing benefits of … Read more

EducationNewsSatire
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New Visa Policy Creates Opportunity To Disparage Foreigners

Posted byNguyen Ayi

by Nguyen Ayi

In a recent visa policy article, the comment section was abuzz with an unlikely hero: Phuoc My. This self-proclaimed genius took pride in belittling English teachers as nothing more than backpackers, insinuating that they were all drug addicts and pedophiles. Mr. My’s comment section grandstanding was quite the sight to behold. It was as if he was a proud rooster, crowing the loudest in the yard.

Ironically, Phuoc My is a man of limited education and probably couldn’t spell the word ‘pedophile’ if he tried. Nonetheless, he took great delight in disrespecting educators who have dedicated their lives to teaching the English language. To him, it was a great way to uplift his spirits as he went about his underpaid job. It’s safe to say that Mr. My would have gladly pursued education himself, but unfortunately, trolling online comes easier.

It should be noted that Phuoc My is actually one of VNEXPRESS’s employees. His trolling habits of calling teachers “illegal workers” have become the talk of the newsroom and have been a great way to increase the number of comments on his visa policy article. Who knew that overt racism and painting foreigners as “the other” could be so lucrative?

The saddest outcome of this ridiculousness is that teaching is no longer a respected profession. The Phuoc My’s of this world have succeeded in tarnishing the reputation of dedicated educators who are doing everything in their power to make a difference in the world. Thanks to commenters like Mr. My, it is hardly surprising to see a decline in the number of foreigners willing to come to Vietnam as English teachers. Meanwhile, Vietnam will continue to lag behind its neighbors in English proficiency, further hindering the country’s development.

In conclusion, Phuoc My can continue wearing his troll … Read more

NewsSatire
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Expat Revels in Trump’s Indictment

Posted byNguyen Ayi

By Nguyen Ayi

Trump’s Extensive Indictment Brings Unexpected Joy to an Expat

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – In a twist of irony, an expatriate residing in Vietnam has found himself relishing the news of Donald Trump’s federal indictment a little too much. As the rest of the world grapples with the repercussions of the former president’s misdeeds, one foreigner has discovered an unexpected source of satisfaction amid a sea of intrigue.

As John scrolls through his news feed, the headline catches his eye: “Trump Faces 36-Count Federal Indictment.” Unable to contain his excitement, John’s face breaks into an almost maniacal grin, eliciting bewildered glances from locals who are unaware of the magnitude of Trump’s crimes.

In the land of Pho and motorbikes, where the daily concerns revolve around street food delicacies and navigating the bustling streets, John finds solace in the political chaos unfolding thousands of miles away. While Vietnamese citizens and the government remain blissfully ignorant of Trump’s extensive list of charges and crimes, John revels in the knowledge that justice may finally be catching up to the former leader.

As John shares the news with fellow expats at a local watering hole, a sense of schadenfreude permeates the air. Each sip of his craft beer seems to be imbued with the sweet taste of satisfaction as he imagines Trump navigating the legal labyrinth that awaits him, facing the weight of 36 counts of wrongdoing. While the Vietnamese locals remain unaware, John delights in his newfound role as the bearer of the latest developments in American politics.

It’s a peculiar juxtaposition, witnessing a foreigner basking in the drama of a political scandal while the local community remains oblivious to its existence. As John’s friends try to comprehend his unwavering glee, they can’t help but wonder if he … Read more

EnvironmentSatire
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Climate Activist Gives Up on Single-Use Plastics, Embraces Toddler Lifestyle

Posted byNguyen Ayi

By Nguyen Ayi

In a shocking turn of events, renowned climate activist, Whiney Sachs, has given up on his mission to avoid single-use plastics. Sachs, who has been an outspoken advocate for environmental conservation, has recently admitted defeat, citing the ubiquity of single-use plastics in every transaction and the emotional exhaustion that comes with trying to avoid them.

“I’ve been trying to do my part, but it’s just impossible,” said Sachs in a recent interview. “Everywhere I turn, there’s plastic cups, straws, and bags. I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle.”

Sachs went on to explain that he had come to the realization that no one individual can make a difference, and that it’s up to governments to take action by banning single-use plastics. Until then, Sachs has decided to embrace a toddler lifestyle by using a plastic cup and straw with every drink.

“I’ve decided to stop stressing about it and just enjoy life,” said Sachs, sipping from his plastic sippy cup. “If the world is going to drown in plastic, I might as well go down with a smile on my face.”

The news of Sachs’ surrender has been met with mixed reactions from the environmental community, with some praising his honesty and others criticizing his defeatist attitude.

“He’s given up too easily,” said fellow activist, Sally Sanctimonious. “We need to keep fighting and pushing for change. Giving in is not an option.”

Despite the criticism, Sachs seems content with his decision and plans to continue living his life with a newfound sense of freedom and ease.

“I’m not saying we should all give up on the environment,” said Sachs. “But sometimes, it’s okay to take a step back and enjoy the little things in life. Like a plastic sippy cup.”

EnvironmentSatire
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Vietnamese Youth Proudly Declare: “We’re Number 1!”

Posted byNguyen Ayi

By Nguyen Ayi

In a surprising turn of events, Vietnamese youth are celebrating their country’s recent ranking as the number one plastic waste contributor in the world. While many people might be concerned about the implications of such a dubious honor, Vietnamese youth are embracing it with open arms.

“We knew we were good at something,” said Hoang, a 22-year-old student from Hanoi. “It’s nice to finally be recognized for our hard work and dedication to polluting the environment.”

The youth of Vietnam have long been known for their competitive spirit, and now they have a new metric to track their success. While other countries may boast about their high literacy rates, low crime rates, or advanced healthcare systems, Vietnam’s youth are proud to lead the world in plastic waste.

“Sure, other countries may have better healthcare or education systems, but can they match us in terms of plastic waste?” asked Trang, a 19-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City. “I don’t think so.”

Some may argue that being the number one plastic waste contributor is nothing to be proud of, but Vietnamese youth see it as a sign of progress. After all, it takes a lot of effort to produce that much plastic waste. It’s a testament to the country’s ingenuity and work ethic.

“We’re not just throwing away plastic bottles and bags willy-nilly,” said Phuong, a 20-year-old from Da Nang. “We’re doing it with purpose and intention. It’s all about setting goals and achieving them.”

Despite the concerns of environmentalists and other countries, Vietnamese youth remain undeterred. They see plastic waste as a way to showcase their country’s strengths and to prove that they can compete with the best of them.

“We’re not just number one in plastic waste,” said Hoang. “We’re number one in spirit, too.”

As the … Read more