Vietnamese refugee sells home to buy Rose parade float as thank you gift to nation

Associated Press ^ | 12/29/2001 2:42 am ET | Associated Press

[mdittmar]

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame with conquering lims astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-brigded harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pom!" cries she with silent lips.
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddle masses yearning to breath free, the wrechted refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

[gg188]

God bless America.

[ambrose]

"Just don't send me your Muslim terrorists"

[Captainpaintball]

That's the beauty of America...

You can do anything you want, no matter how silly or frivolous it is!!!

[wretchard]

"Whoever sheds his blood with me today, will be my brother and his condition ennobled, be he never so base." John Walker can take a hike. An American has taken his place.

[KneelBeforeZod]

thanks for the great article.

This is the type of example I offer to people who say that they are down and out because of "the man."

[B1B_Lancer]

All immigrants should learn from these people.

[leadpenny]

"Thank you America and the world."

Just one generation since the end of the Vietnam conflict and many of our high schools and universities have their top honors taken by the children and grand children of these refugees.

No, thank you Mrs. Lai.

[debg]

Just saw Mrs. Lai's float on the TV. What a lovely tribute to America and Freedom.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you so very much for posting this! I did not know about this lady - but I do now! What a wonderful tribute to America - to the America we LOVE and to the America that the liberals/socialists/communists led by the Clinton Dominated Demoncreep party want to DESTROY and/or transform into a nation more like the Communist Vietnam from which this seeder of freedom fled!

There are millions more like here - millions who came here to find a better life and who have done so. And there are multiplied millions more who, unlike the slithering snakes who would destroy us, know that if America goes - freedom and hope will also be gone in this world.

Yet, somehow, the blind anti-Americans like Hitlery and her utterly deceived or totally corrupt followers would put up Cuba and China and VietNam and Korea as the nations they favor! As the ideologies they would impose on Americans if they could get away with it!

This lady will be with all Americans who are united to see that the "socialist/communist utopia" that Hitlery wants America to become does not overtake America. I am very glad this refugee from VietNam is my fellow American!

[carpio]

I can't read this without tears. There are tears of saddness for those abandoned to the murderously oppressive communist regime that took over all of Viet Nam in 1975. Abandoned because of the treachery of the ilk of jane fonda and the clintons. But there are also tears of joy for those who escaped. And especially those who learned to truly love freedom and feel grateful to live here. God Bless America and all patriotic Americans.

[It's me]

Just one generation since the end of the Vietnam conflict and many of our high schools and universities have their top honors taken by the children and grand children of these refugees.

Because, you idiot, they STUDY and WORK at it! Just like my parents did when they came here from Europe after WWII, these imigrants are not AFRAID of work. Believe me, those Americans who work at it recieve top honors as well.
Stop complaining!

There, I got that off my mind!

[leadpenny]

Are you drunk or otherwise incapacitated? What gives you the idea that I was complaining? Pretty loose with the insults even if I was complaining. Do you need a doctor?

[McGavin999]

Uh, leadpenny was complimenting them. I think you owe him/her an apology.

[leadpenny]

No, thank you Mrs. Lai.

Think I should have done this at #8:

No, thank YOU, Mrs. Lai.

Thanks, McG.

[Kaslin]

I thought at first to that leadpenny was complaining until I read his reply again.

[leadpenny]

Looks like you weren't the only one I misled. Please come back. No harm done. Besides, I'll bet you don't even drink.

[patent]

Bump.

[lsucat]

bump

[veronica]

I know some Vietnamese people and they very patriotic. They came here in rickety boats after the war, and a couple of generations later their kids and grandkids are going to the best colleges.

Many are Republican. One of them has a son who has a learning disability. She refuses and has always refused to take a dime from the government. Really good people who appreciate America and all it has to offer.