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[mark_in_saigon]

"The United States will continue to urge Vietnam to strengthen its commitment to human rights and give its people an even greater say over the direction of their own lives."

I am sure we can argue about a lot of issues about this country, but I would say I personally feel that I have more say over the direction of my life here than over there. One of those crazy things about being here, or there. We are supposed to be the land of freedom, but I feel a lot freer here than there on a moment by moment basis. Maybe all that will change in a flash, but that is one of the reasons I love it here. Now if I could just create my own little red stamp thingy, then I would be set for life. Maybe get one with the wax seal like they used in olden days, that would really impress em.

[haller_79]

People don't have rights, they buy rights.

[mark_in_saigon]

rights in the west, when if fact, we are pretty much controlled, and often more than over here. On a moment by moment basis, I just feel more free here. Maybe I am the only one. Yes, we can say our president is a ninny, great freedom that, but when our system forces us to not have better choices than we do, I wonder how free we really are there?

[LettersAthruZ]

When you CANNOT question those in power without fear of serious repercussions, then that is NOT freedom!

ON THE OTHER HAND, when Corporate Conglomerates control EVERY SINGULAR ASPECT of our economic activities (like, bribing [except we give it the nice name of "lobbying"] for laws that, say, make it nearly impossible for an individual to start a new small business without a HUGE pile of capital backing him or her to pay for attorneys. permit fees, inspection fees, etc. etc. simply for the sake of limiting their competition and these laws are passed under the false guise of "health and safety" for the benefit of the Corporations)!

Naw, we don't have certain freedoms over here.....but compared to the things that go on in a lot of the Tay nations, we certainly have FAR GREATER ECONOMIC FREEDOM here then they do in those countries.

[londo]

Errrr..are we saying that it's harder and relatively more expensive to open a business in the US?

You obviously have never tried to open a company here; months, sometimes years waiting for FDI/DPI approval, 68 seperate documents, 120 official stamps, constantly changing capital requirements and registration rules, constant 'tea money' (approaching 50% of total costs) and that's before working one single day.

In the US or in Europe we (or anyone) can register a corporation in HOURS, and don't think that Vietnam doesn't have H+S rules...ignored by the Vietnamese but they have to be strictly adhered to by foreigners if you don't want the 'tea money' to become a banquet.

as for protection of monopolies or big business restrictive practices..the Vietnamese are masters, blocking any kind of foreign business that might threaten local interests...ask Metro, Nestl�, AirAsia or JetStar ( directors until recently under practical house arrest) what they think.

Tea Party or Tea money ... you make your choice, but to suggest the VNese have more freedom, either 'economically' or politically is plainly perverse.

[mark_in_saigon]

like, small business, or any business. Consider the number of businesses here. I was in restaurants, and at this time, it takes a fortune about equivalent to your retirement needs to open a restaurant, or a viable one. Here, you can open a restaurant for a couple of grand. Look at how the large corporations control the business environment there. Honestly, this seems to be a far more wide open capitalistic system just walking down the streets and looking. Yes, I know there are all these other considerations, but we have crazy considerations in the west also. Again, in restaurants, now we as small operators are forced to do things like use illegal aliens for our crews, and cheat on our taxes, or we are not playing on a level field with our competitors. But, putting the question of business on the side, I just feel like a more free and independent creature here than I do there. It is hard to explain why, as there are so many small things that happen there to show me that we really have to tow the line, which one of those is the one that means the most? I hate to use the example of driving, as really, I do not think this is the process I would design, but I guess it is what makes the biggest difference to me, mentally. But please, do not think that is the only thing, or the real reason, it is just symbolizes the freedom I feel here.

Look up the lyrics to the song Tribal Connection by Gogol Bordello. I love that crazy song, I think it is about some western city.

No can do this no can do that
what the hell can you do my friend
in this place you call your town?

[kh1311]

As foreigners, it may seem like there is a lot more freedom here, but I doubt the Vietnamese would agree with us. The police and other government officials mostly leave foreigners alone, but the Vietnamese get "visits" from these all the time looking for bribes.

It's a lot different when you have a foreign passport that allows you to leave anytime, but they are stuck here.

[Andy123]

I have been here for many years. Sure some things here make me crazy.

There is no doubt that I have more freedoms in Vietnam than in my home country.

It is not perfect and there are always problems but I do what I want and never have experienced any problems. I have never experienced an injustice here. I have always been treated fairly by the police. I certainly can not say that about my home country.

In Vietnam I have more freedom and safety and I grateful I do. MOD EDIT