Opinion – The Vietnam Beat

Vietnamese Trump Supporters: Embracing Ignorance

Nguyen AyiJuly 28, 2023

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

Vietnam’s Rare Earth Mining Expansion: Profits And Green-Washing?

Nguyen AyiJuly 27, 2023

Opinion by Karen Cohen

Vietnam, known for its vast untapped rare earth resources, is ramping up its efforts to expand mining activities in this sector. The potential economic benefits are undeniable, with billions in profits expected for both energy companies and government-connected oligarchs. However, amidst these promises, questions arise concerning the environmental impact of rare earth mining and whether governments are truly prioritizing sustainability or merely engaging in green-washing.

Vietnam’s Rare Earth Potential:

Vietnam has joined the ranks of China, Russia, and Brazil as one of the world’s leading countries in terms of untapped rare earth resources. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2023, Vietnam boasts a staggering 22,000,000 metric tons of rare earth reserves. Furthermore, a plan signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha reveals Vietnam’s goal to mine two million metric tons of rare earths annually by 2030 (Tuoi Tre).

Environmental Concerns:

The negative environmental impact of rare earth mining is well-documented, and it is vital to discern whether governments truly prioritize sustainable practices in their pursuit of profits. China serves as a cautionary tale, with its rare earth industry causing severe damage to the ecological environment, including the destruction of vegetation, pollution of surface water, groundwater, and farmland, and even landslides and clogged rivers (China’s State Council).

The Danger of Toxic Waste:

Both the mining and processing of rare earths contribute to mountains of toxic waste, leading to significant environmental and health hazards. For every ton of rare earth produced, staggering amounts of waste are generated, including 13 kg of dust, 9,600-12,000 cubic meters of waste gas, 75 cubic meters of wastewater, and one ton of radioactive residue. Rare earth ores often contain radioactive thorium and uranium, resulting in particularly detrimental health effects. In total, the production … Read more

News Opinion

Ho Chi Minh City’s Sidewalk Fees Threaten Its Vibrant Street Food Culture

Nguyen AyiJuly 27, 2023

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

Opinion

Plastic Pollution Is Next Generation’s Problem

Nguyen AyiMay 21, 2023

By Nguyen Ayi

Vietnam, the land of the rising sun and an ocean of plastic! The current generation is well aware of the plastic problem that’s been choking the country, but they’re in no mood to make any sacrifices. They’d rather sip their bubble tea through a plastic straw and toss it aside, adding to the already overflowing piles of plastic waste. The next generation can worry about it, right?

Who needs responsibility when you can just blame it on the young? They’ll take care of it all, with their fancy eco-friendly products and sustainable practices. But let’s not forget the current generation’s contributions to the plastic apocalypse. From using single-use plastics to hoarding unnecessary items, their actions have led to the current state of affairs.

What’s worse is that the current generation seems to be completely oblivious to the impact their actions have on the environment. They’re too busy snapping selfies and scrolling through Instagram, living in a bubble of their own creation. They believe that the environment will fix itself and that they won’t be around to see the consequences of their actions.

But little do they know that they’ll be the ones drowning in plastic, not the fish. The plastic waste will persist long after they’re gone, affecting the quality of life for generations to come. It’s time for the current generation to take responsibility for their actions and work towards a sustainable future.

So, what can the next generation do to fix this mess? They can start by saying “no” to plastic and pushing for more environmentally-friendly policies and practices. They can raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and work towards creating a cleaner, greener Vietnam.

In conclusion, the plastic problem in Vietnam is a shared responsibility that requires collective action. … Read more

Opinion

Vietnam: The Land of Loud Phones

Nguyen AyiMay 19, 2023

By Nguyen Ayi

When it comes to phone etiquette, there are some universal rules that everyone follows. Don’t shout into your phone on a crowded train. Don’t blast your music out loud in a library. And for the love of all that is good and holy, don’t take a call during a movie.

But what if we told you that there’s a place where all these rules go out the window? A place where playing your phone loudly on speaker is not only accepted, but practically encouraged?

Welcome to Vietnam, where the sound of phones ringing and music blasting is as common as the smell of pho in the air. Here, you don’t have to worry about bothering other people with your phone calls or music choices. In fact, if you’re not playing your phone loudly, you might as well be a hermit living under a rock.

So why is Vietnam so obsessed with loud phones? Well, it’s all about the Vietnamese people’s friendly nature. They want to share their lives with everyone around them, whether it’s Baby Shark on repeat or the details of their latest doctor’s appointment.

And let’s be real here – privacy is overrated. Who needs it when you can hear your neighbor’s entire conversation with their mom about what they had for breakfast? It’s like getting free entertainment without even trying.

But don’t think you can just whip out your phone and start blaring your music anywhere you want. Go ahead and let your phone play loudly on speaker. Who knows – you might even make some new friends who share your love for K-pop or Taylor Swift.

But overall, the Vietnamese people’s love for loud phones is just another example of their outgoing and friendly nature. So the next time you’re in Vietnam, embrace … Read more

News Opinion

Dog Track Finds Support In State-Sanctioned Gambling And Animal Abuse

Nguyen AyiMarch 7, 2023

Opinion by Joe Fotalattee

Vung Tau dog racing track is shutting down, but unfortunately, plans to reopen are in the works and 400 dogs are currently being exploited.

State-Sanctioned Gambling And Animal Abuse

While voters in the USA have nearly eliminated all dog racing with ballot initiatives, three states still allow the draconian sport: West Virginia, Arkansas, and Iowa. Vietnam is willing to be associated with such progressive states.

Due to the license expiration, Lam Son Dog Racecourse in Vung Tau City, which had a total investment of USD 5 million, will close on March 10.

On March 6, Sports and Entertainment Services Joint Stock Company (investor) announced it will relocate equipment at the Lam Son stadium racetrack. While it waits for the contract to be settled, the Ba Ria City Center will continue to raise and train close to 400 Greyhound dogs. A new dog racing track in Lam Dong is being built by the investor.

Two sessions per week were held at the Lam Son dog racetrack, and admission was 90,000 to 180,000 VND per person. The investor has staged nearly 1,500 races for 23 years, bringing in over 315 million spectators who purchased tickets to the stadium to watch and wager. According to the investor, they have already lost 205 billion VND and contributed more than 45 billion VND to the local economy.

The land will be planned with a sporting function after the Lam Son racetrack is relocated, according to the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Culture and Sports.

The Green Park-Sports, which includes a 10,000-seat yard and the Sports Complex, is located on Cau Chay Street. The Department of Culture and Sports is proposing to move the dog racing school there. (Vung Tau City, Ward 11 and 12). VnExpress reported this location is ideal for … Read more

Opinion

Unmuzzled Tuoi Tre News Reporters Need To Be Put On A Leash

Nguyen AyiFebruary 28, 2023

Tuoi Tre News Reporters Have Been Harassing Everyday Citizens

by Joe Fotalattee

Well-intentioned reporters at Tuoi Tre continue to miss the mark in documenting leashed dogs going for leisurely walks with their owners. The newspaper unfairly shames everyday citizens as they stroll parks and neighborhoods with their gentle dogs. The newspaper publicly shamed families and pet owners in expose-style photographs in which all had their dogs on leashes.

In lazy reporting, they fail to confront irresponsible owners leaving waste behind on sidewalks or in public park grass areas. The reporters failed to clarify the lack of existing leash laws and enforcement. Generally, a leashed dog, under the control of its owner, does not need a muzzle. Instead, they harassed responsible pet owners by attempting to embarrass individuals.

Why do they have an obsession with muzzles while ignoring the real issue of strays, irresponsible pet owners, and lack of leash laws?

Irresponsible pet owners do not leash their dogs, let alone accompany them on walks. These terrible owners allow their dogs to roam the streets. Strays and untrained dogs attack domesticated pets, and they are precisely why a well-trained dog is unsafe with a muzzle on the streets of Ho Chi Minh. A muzzled, domesticated, trained dog is defenseless during a vicious attack by a stray dog.

Focusing on the issue of unleashed dogs and strays polluting the neighborhood would be too reasonable for Tuoi Tre. They would rather troll for attention and cause division instead of addressing a societal issue ethically. Instead, Tuoi Tre has joined the Tik Tok trend of playing gotcha, and uses social media shaming to get a rise out of their readers. They need to get back to journalism. Although I’m encouraged by this attempt at creating the news, this one missed the mark.

Let’s … Read more