VOICES

President Clinton’s decision to lift the trade embargo against Vietnam hit home with Vietnam war veterans, business leaders and members of Orange County’s Vietnamese community. The news brought anger, jubilation and hopeful talk of future cooperation. On Thursday, several people offered their thoughts on the decision.

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Dustin Nguyen, 31, is an actor who has appeared on television shows including “21 Jump Street,” “Magnum P.I.” and “General Hospital” and the recent movie “Heaven and Earth.” Nguyen, a former Orange County resident who now lives in Los Angeles, also will appear in the upcoming film “Three Ninjas Go to Japan.” His parents live in Anaheim Hills.

“I left Vietnam in 1975, by boat. I came with my mother, father and younger brother. We ended up in Guam, then went to Ft. Chaffee, Ark. That was my first impression of America, but it was funny--at that time I was just happy to get off the boat.

“I was too young to understand the political impact of what was happening. The immediate danger of our lives was the motivating force to get out.

“When you grow up in a culture constantly at war, it’s sad to say it becomes normal. Saigon slowly was being taken over. Just before we escaped, everything came apart. But prior to that, it was a strange concept. Everything around you indicates a war is going on, but it never really felt like I was in immediate danger.

“I have a mixed group of friends, with some Vietnamese friends, but I never really discuss politics with them. I don’t believe in it. It frustrates me. I abhor politics; everything that has to do with the state of my country is a consequence of politics.

“I wish the embargo wasn’t there, and the country had a head start 10 years ago. Then they wouldn’t be so behind. It’s going to take a lot of rebuilding, and it’s been very frustrating to follow. It’s the people that always suffer, not the government.

“I always thought it was very silly that America was the last one getting in there, and over a very dead political issue.

“But the people that I know, and I can’t speak for everyone, are very aware of Vietnam and very concerned. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t hope the embargo would be lifted. It’s not a panacea, but it’s definitely a step.

“My mom and dad have been back to Vietnam, but I haven’t. I definitely would love to go. There’s some hesitancy, though. I have this romantic image of what my country was before I left it and I know it’s not what it is now. I’m not ready to see it. Maybe it’s silly. There will be a lot of things that don’t fit my memory of the country.

“Eventually, we have to transcend the political barrier for the country to heal. Vietnamese American people here that oppose the embargo on a political level, I think maybe they have to re-examine themselves and their feelings toward the embargo and ask themselves whether their problems are personal issues.

“For young Vietnamese Americans here, it’s very important to understand their roots, their people and what their country has gone through. Without that connection, people forget their history. Young Vietnamese Americans will have a very difficult time unless personal ego struggles (from the older Vietnamese immigrants) are removed. That’s what causes a lot of controversy.

“People have seen so much pain, and such a ravaged country, that of course their natural reaction is anger. But you have to get past it. It’s the past, and it has nothing to do with what’s going on right here and now. We have to think of what we can do to rebuild the country.”