Symbolic Clash in Little Saigon

* Re “U.S. Vietnamese Unite Behind County Protesters,” March 4:

Expatriate Cubans in Miami have been allowed to dictate U.S.-Cuban foreign policy for decades. Orange County’s Republican and Democratic political leaders are now jumping on the bandwagon to extend this same opportunity to Vietnamese Americans.

Once the votes and money start flowing to politicians, no one is left who cares enough or is bold enough to do what’s best for America.

BETTE BALLIET

Huntington Beach

* Columnist Dana Parsons is grossly unfair in his criticism of the demonstrators in Little Saigon and their leadership (March 5).

I agree with him wholeheartedly that Truong Van Tran has the right to express his political views in displaying the Communist icons without being threatened by any physical harassment of any sort. Indeed, an egg thrown at him in an effort to quiet him is an egg thrown in the face of freedom.

But in a crowd of thousands, can one realistically expect not a single fool? Considering the volatility, the magnitude of emotions and the humanity in these demonstrations, I am amazed and pleased that regrettable incidents like the one cited by Parsons happened very rarely. The fact that for the most part the demonstrations went peacefully speaks volumes to the positive effort and restraint of law enforcement, organizers and participants alike.

It is wrong to assume that the event organizers wish physical harm on Tran. In fact, his safety is a major concern. The demonstrators were quite aware of public opinion, and they feel if anything happened to Tran they would become automatically suspect.

Additionally, while Tran’s behavior may be seen by many as despicable, his actions have helped energize and mobilize tens of thousands of people for the cause of freedom in Vietnam.

For thousands of Vietnamese Americans, who had been victimized by Communist tyranny, the demonstrations, vigils and chanting provided a therapeutic experience and a sense of closure.

Parsons apparently was not present when an egg was hurled at Tran or he would have seen what really happened. Most of the demonstrators present at the scene did not try to hurt Tran. As the police escorted him out they actually purposely formed a shield to protect Tran.

Most Vietnamese Americans, myself included, want freedom and democracy for Vietnam. We realize that it is a long journey that begins in America. The demonstrations should not be seen as an effort against Tran and his freedom of speech. They are about freedom and democracy for Vietnam.

JOHNATHAN DUONG

Santa Ana

* Dana Parsons’ column was the first public comment I have read about the horror of mob rule. I support [the column] wholeheartedly.

It is in sharp contrast to the politicians who are now leaping on an ethnic bandwagon weeks after the fact in an obvious attempt to curry votes.

I disagree with Truong Van Tran and I think he might be more than a little stupid in his crusade, but he has the right to do so.

Where are the Westminster and county officials during these scenes of mob demonstrations? This is not Indonesia or Sierra Leone or any other country where the mob in the streets has ruled.

JAMES P. KELLY

Santa Ana

* In recent months there have been several widely reported stories of torture and murder of gays and blacks in this country. Most news accounts tend to portray these despicable acts as isolated incidents perpetrated by deranged extremists.

The [error] of that assumption is contained in your poll results regarding the demonstrations in Little Saigon (March 6). An amazing 41% (49% of Republicans) believe that shopkeeper Truong Van Tran exceeded his rights of free speech in displaying Communist symbols.

If fully 41% of Orange County’s population would cut off the free speech rights of one man, what chance is there for anyone else whose beliefs, preferences, religion or color is different from our own?

This speaks volumes about our understanding of a democratic society and goes a long way toward explaining the insane intolerance of Democrats and Republicans for each other, particularly in Washington.

Our leaders and editorial writers need to get past the idea that anyone who disagrees with them should be annihilated and stop fanning the flames of hatred in this country.

WILLIAM D. ROBINSON

San Clemente