Vietnam denies visa to U.S. Congresswoman, says visit would hurt countries' relations

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 12/2/04 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnam has prohibited an outspoken U.S. Congresswoman from visiting the communist country, saying a trip "would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," officials said Friday.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez from Santa Ana, California, was told in a letter sent via the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi that her visa application was rejected because she "altogether lacks objectivity and goodwill toward Vietnam," according to a statement from her office. "The Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnamese public opinion share the view that a visit to Vietnam by Ms. Loretta Sanchez would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," according to a reprinted version of the letter accompanying the statement.

Sanchez, who represents the largest Vietnamese community in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Vietnam's human rights record and has backed House legislation calling on Vietnam to grant more political and religious freedom.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the decision, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Sanchez said in the statement. "The socialist government of Vietnam has proved its intolerance in dealing with people who do not share its point of view. I think it's unfortunate that the government is unwilling to participate in a cooperative dialogue."

Vietnamese officials in Hanoi did not immediately comment.

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi did not release any details but said it was the first time they were aware a member of U.S. Congress had been denied an entry visa to Vietnam.

This marks the second time Sanchez has been prohibited from visiting, the statement said. She has traveled to Vietnam before, however, and met with dissidents, including Thich Quang Do, deputy leader of a Buddhist church outlawed by the Vietnamese government.

International human rights groups and several countries have criticized Vietnam's human rights record. In September, the U.S. State Department listed Vietnam among the world's worst offenders of religious freedom, a designation that could result in economic sanctions.

Hanoi maintains that no one is persecuted for their religion and only lawbreakers are punished.

[LdSentinal]

She called them socialists.

Of course she would recognize one of her clan members.

[AntiGuv]

She didn't really change her name. She ran for election under her maiden name. Her married name is Loretta Brixley.

[Syncro]

Well yea.

But she took her Husband's name and then later decided to use her maiden name to get more votes. Political wind direction thingie.

I don't really expect her to change her name to Ng...

[maine-iac7]

"The socialist government of Vietnam has proved its intolerance in dealing with people who do not share its point of view. I think it's unfortunate that the government is unwilling to participate in a cooperative dialogue."

Hmmm. The "anatomy" of a socialist?

Remind you of anyone?

[Bonaparte]

Let's put it this way -- in her 7 years in Congress, she has a cumulative ACU score of 11. IOW, she's just about as communist as the Vietnamese.

[hsalaw]

Sorry to have to ask, but what's a "Blue Dog"?

[janetgreen]

And Kaleephornia voters will probably elect her.

Probably. Loretta's sister Linda Sanchez waltzed into the House via Loretta's coattails. They're both idiots/socialists. Linda's immigration "report card" is rated at F-minus.

[David1]

Blue dogs are considered to belong in the moderate to conservative wing of the Dem party.

Go here: http://baronhill.house.gov/bluedogs/

[writer33]

I completely agree.

[David1]

http://baronhill.house.gov/bluedogs/what_bluedog.htm

[hsalaw]

Thanks for the info, and for the interesting site. If Zell Miller is a Blue Dog Democrat, I don't think Ms. Sanchez is. I don't think we have any Blue Dog Democrats in California - look at John Burton (on his way out, finally) and that fool Barbara Boxer. More's the pity. Thanks.

[truth_seeker]

"Sanchez, who represents the largest Vietnamese community in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Vietnam's human rights record and has backed House legislation calling on Vietnam to grant more political and religious freedom."

The Vietnamese community in her district is VERY anti-communist.

Most who got out to come here had ties to the pre-communist government, or were sympathetic. They often stage demonstrations, against the current government.

So Sanchez is pandering for her constituents' votes. Most Vietnamese that I know (several) are very pro-Bush and are VERY anti-Kerry.

[writer33]

Yeah. Heard about that wonderful photograph.

[dangus]

Did some research. Turns out she's one of a handful of radical leftists who have infiltrated the blue dog club. But she's no blue dog. Lifetime ACU rating: only 11.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Ping

[windcliff]

ping

[onedoug]

Wait a minute. Is she saying that what the US tried to do in Vietnam is a good thing?

[windcliff]

No she's just saying "I'm a political opportunist".