My brothers and sisters from Cambodia and Laos - there is too much to say.
The pain is deep - with the trauma comes consequences.
We must ask ourselves - who is really suffering - and who continues to suffer to this day - from the horrific tragedies -
millions murdered - most of those who died - innocent.
The atrocities committed by the rogue army - is an utter disgrace to the human race. We must remember that - and never forget - the suffering and death of those killed - not for a second.
Some one has to step up and sound the clarion call - we need justice for all - no abject discrimination - what is important to note - fair play that is missing in our present judicial system.
Our Executive Branch in Washing DC has gone berserk - we have an Egoistical Maniac who will be I M P E A C H E D - and rightly so.
None of the injustice can be explained - more, it comes to civilians - infants, children, youth, Elders, those with compromised health.
When one is suffering - stressed from being order out of the nation - deported - the entire village - suffers.
Case after case linked to those who came here when they were young - lived in an environment that was not conducive to normal growth.
In such situation - people make mistakes - and humans do make mistakes - and our Nation does believe in second chances. Deporting one to a land that no more believes in second chances - makes no sense. From the frying pan to the fire.
These deportations linked those who came here as refugees must stop - no " needs assessment " has been done by so called experts - who study crime - more crime surrounding excruciating circumstance - forcing one to survive and at time defend oneself - the chance before you live or die.
In recent months the deportation linked to those refugees who came here to the United States from Laos and Cambodia has increased - the vitriol from the White House has increased too - and all this and more will pass.
Read more a recent study linked to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California :
https://www.prri.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PRRI_Nov_2019_CA_AAIP.pdf
The dynamic change more when you live in the United States - a change in one live - seeing new things, living in new surrounding, learning to live, trying to earn a salary - are great obstacles that most of the refugees from Cambodia and Laos have over come.
The Constitution says one thing - the Egoistical Maniac who lives in the White House.
He has no empathy and less compassion - when it comes to refugees and immigrants - what a pathetic - buffoon.
The above stated obstacles - under lying salient factors are never considered - and must be taken into consideration - more since we have an obligation to consider these important - facts - empirical data.
The stressful situations - depends on excruciating circumstances - laws broken - some time - time and time again - because there is rehabilitation that is worth the salt.
Incarceration does not mean rehabilitation - often times one has to team with others to live - thus one gives one allegiance to a gang leader - and this change of order - is difficult to comprehend - unless one studies those incarcerated and listen to the shot callers - first hand.
Most Cambodian and those from Laos - have very strong ties with their family - the family come first - and what has to be done is done. Much like most Italians and immigrant who came here in the 40s, 50s, 60s.
When those who are in trouble - and the Nation that once allowed the refugees to come to stay - mostly when they were young - and knew nothing at all - the environment some how - today has become very toxic.
Few can handle the situation at hand - show case the fortitude and tenacity of a warrior. The people united - are now mobilizing - there is a movement of a people - with whom I am bonded for life.
The two Nations Cambodia and Laos are in question - what happened to these two Nations - the atrocities committed - have yet to be resolved. It will take decades to get to the bottom of the situation - and only the Cambodians and those from Laos can bring about the adjudication - of their own people.
Pundits will say this and that - what is at issues it that the core of these two Nations - has been wounded - the heart stabbed again and again - and we think - just like that these two Nations will heal.
The people of Cambodia and Laos were put into a situation - and Crimes against Humanity committed - the Geneva Convention and The Hague - have argued cases.
The Khmer Rogue under the leadership of the Pol Pot - murdering millions in Cambodia - as many as 2 million.
I remember reading about the genocide - in the Time Magazine - and feeling nauseated.
Later when I came to the United States and met some one from Laos and Cambodia - I took great precaution NOT to bring up - what I truly wanted some one to tell me - I just reserved these question to ask military experts who fought in Viet Nam - and other who were sent as advisors to Cambodia and Laos.
What has - not been adjudicated - how deep have Laos and Cambodia been adversely impacted - the millions uprooted - and two Nations eroded - cultural and spiritual values?
A recent study on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders of California :
https://www.prri.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PRRI_Nov_2019_CA_AAIP.pdf
Did we have to use Agent Orange - to defoliate forest - to denude the trees - to kill those that had just guns - we had jets and bombs - more, laden with poison - Agent Orange.
The youth form Cambodia and Laos - today are confused - and they have no clue - about the very deep issues - using chemicals and other inhumane tools.
Most think nothing of it - with intent those in authority - harmed those - who were people of color - that is putting it mildly.
On how many levels has injustice been done to the ancestors - the Elders - from Laos and Cambodia?
The Elders I can assure you - were not consulted - about starting the atrocities and committing so many crimes - against innocent human beings - Crimes against Humanity ?
The audacity of some Superpower to harm those with intent - by using jets and bombs - bombs laden with poison - killings and shootings - raping and more.
For those within the Nation - one against the other - murdering millions - and expect our Elders our ancestors to forget?
I have set around the table - with military experts who did not want me to speak about empathy and compassion - even when after Viet Nam - we brought back 58,000 body bags.
When Desert Storm/Shield was initiated - we were prepared to bring back 100, 000 body bags.
That war ended in a couple of months - but left scars - impacting
thousands to this day.
Then we had the Iraq war on some pretext that Saddam Hussein - had a stockpile of chemical weapons - that turned out to be false.
To this day Iraq is suffering - Christians raped and murdered - many fled to Syria - only to fall into the hand of ISIS - little has been written about these atrocities - and there is more.
I get this call that some one I know will be deported for something that is important to some - not taking into consideration the circumstances.
We must remember many in Cambodia went through hell - and they were young and had no clue what was happening.
We too had the same situation in the United States - after the Civil War and wars after that - no one really knew what was taking place on the frontlines. We also witnessed man trauma cases increase after the Viet Nam war - after Kuwait and Desert Shiel/Storm, Iraq, Syria, Libya , Afghanistan - the victim after not recovered for decades.
We have NO shame as a Nation that 10% of our population have face incarceration.
We fail to comprehend that we harmed millions of civilians during the Viet Nam war - and had no business bombing and using toxins to wipe out - the enemy.
Naturally many who fled and were incarcerated in condition that forced the United Nations and other Nations - to create refugee centers that provided the baseline facilities - to the refugees from Cambodia and Laos.
Many do not know that thousands who fled - paid some to ferry them across the river - and they were dumped - some swam across but many - perished.
Then those who were round and put into the Refugee Camp - lived in filthy conditions - forcing many volunteer and humane agency - to bring about drastic - changes.
Creating the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) - a Herculean task - given that so many were dying from so many diseases - many of them infants and children. The Elders forced to survive on little if nothing at all.
Those hard time - the many atrocities committed - rapes, beating, abusive hard to describe - haunt the families to this day.
These are human beings - have the same blood that all of us have in common.
These refugees more the young - had little or no education - did not speak English - had no skills that could be transferred - and so the " sets " were formed - to keep intact some of the values they cherished.
While the Elders figured out - how best to safeguard the dignity of those that came as refugees from Cambodia and Laos.
Has the United States - ever thought to apologize - pay restitution - taken into consideration the trials and tribulations - the hell - these young men and more those vulnerable - went through to survive?
For sure the soldiers from Cambodia and Laos did support our Nation - the United States of America - to support a Super Power - only to be let down - when it came to address Human Values and Humanity.
The stellar and astute warriors - from Laos and Cambodia - women and men - do not forget the trauma, atrocities, trials and tribulations - easily.
Hmong Tapestry -
depicting healing powers.
depicting healing powers.
Respect and honor - do not turn your back.
More on those that gave their lives for the whims and machinations of one so called Super Power - initiating of wars - many fighting - millions murdered in cold blood - in a genocide that could have been stopped.
Today that Super Power has hit rock bottom - the President on the chopping block - he will be " impeached ".
Karma always comes bite the crooked and the corrupt in the butt.
Those of us alive will remember - those who passed to the other side - will never, ever be forgotten.
I have my relatives women, men, children, and know what I write of but more about the true feelings not shared to strangers and monsters of a kind.
History will not record - but for those who lived the times - and pass the Truth to those vessels who are steeped with Wisdom.
The Great Spirit is with me - so when I am in the presence of those I love - they know me.
I know them - and the aura is there for me to see and all to revere - it is not as if - it is passing moment to forget.
It is a moment in time - etched in my mind - our spirits seeking the best in both of us - and there is nothing to be said - except live in that moment of bliss - an overwhelming of emotions - coming from deep within one's soul and being.
It is for this reason - the Elders do not want to speak - about those momentous episode - the suffering and pain - many cannot bear to reveal to those they feel so attached to - and do not want to disturb - what the spirits want to be left alone - said memories.
So the tears that flow are from within - without saying much - comes a torrid of emotions - rushing from deep within - creating a cleansing that cannot be shared with anyone - except those - few choose to share with and honor for all eternity.
Hmong Children
The happenings in Cambodia and Laos - have left an imprint on world history - and must not be forgotten.
We can show case the past and project the future - as best we can - we must put our best foot forward.
I have met with many great women and men - listening intently what they have to say.
I will not disclose what the Great Sprit discloses to me - accept in confidence - when told to so by the Great Spirit.
I know - when I speak - who trembles and who does not.
I learn mostly a lot from babies - who see in me something they realize - more when they stop crying - and gaze at my being.
At times the children run towards me - and I stay still - they parents say pointing to the children - do not do that - the adhere to me and I learn much from those precious moments.
The children they chose to come close and share - unhindered and free.
The Great Spirit - leads the children to those the children are attracted to - and all this and more is relishing to the soul - those pure have nothing to fear.
The Great Buddha once saw a bird fly and eat a fly - and spoke of this incident - that flies by us all.
The Buddha had it all - he gave it up - for poverty, simplicity, and purity of mind, body, and soul.
The Great Buddha taught the 8 paths to deep Nirvana.
We may learn some more if your care to read the following :
https://www.buddha101.com/p_path.htm
The happenings linked to skirmishes of war - the many battles won and not recorded - have caused trauma and confusion - all over the world Croatia, Serbia, Rwanda, Darfur, Syria, Iraq, Yemen - as it did with Laos and Cambodia.
The lost battles retold those that fought hard - had to deal with the consequences. The initiators point fingers - and fail to take responsibility.
No one wants to demand transparency and accountability - from those initiating the many battles - and war.
I sit down with those that were on the frontlines - I know more than most - because these facts are not reported for the world to know.
So now after decades - those that once agreed unconsciously not to dwell on the past - must for future generation recall - this may be a method known to psychologists and psychiatrists - the shaman in a trance takes dictation from another level of communication - passed down through thousands of years.
Deep in the forests - those that could communicate - had control of what was in order.
When something was not understood - when they needed to be some clarification - they had a remedy that could address the situation at hand - in the silence of the forest or nature - a river or up the mountain - they could find a better - answer.
To humans exposed to so called modernity - turn their backs on what was sacred and now look worried.
Classical Cambodian Dance
It is not to late - to go to one's roots - without the advice of tarnished consultant steep in modernity - whose DNA has not be touched by the Supreme.
I often meet Buddhists monks - who want to talk to me in private - this happened to me with Hopi Tribe and before that the tribes from East Africa as a young boy.
I learned early on - to listen and handle the situation - as best one can handle - one has to be rest assured - most everything will fall in place.
The world has shrunk - war is not for one to start - and for the victims to be left in the dark.
Warriors must be brave and with fortitude and tenacity - stand tall and represent.
Never be afraid to speak the Truth, master the facts, be educated on issues - honor you ancestors, listen to you elders - as a woman you have more power - remember that I said that.
Some men that have wisdom - know that - that ones that BS - do not - they will fall by the path way - much like the chaff that is separated from the rice.
Women must lead the way - that time has come - indigenous women whose heart is purified by good deeds.
Such warriors have gone to battle and brought great victories to their people.
I know what I speak of - as that time has come - those who have gone through the fire - must speak up.
Thousands of Cambodian soldiers - the 40,000 Lao soldiers - Hmong have served their time - their story has yet to be told - facts revealed - time will tell.
Those that have the guts - steeped in tenacity and fortitude must speak truth to power - open their eyes - before it is too - late.
Let me say if your heart in not in the right place - you cannot shed light.
If you cannot shed light - then we must bid our time - and most everything will fall in place.
Graceful Cambodian dancers
In this new world of sorts - the youth from Cambodia and Laos must seek the truth - from deep in your DNA - more true dreams - that I believe in - and show respect for the ancestors.
The mountains speak to me - the forest deep, the rivers, the reptiles, the insects, the frogs.
The birds, animals, the flora and fauna - those that are superficial - their heart in the wrong place - cannot stand up and speak truth to power.
The higher levels of understanding and comprehension are not written in books - and when the Elders keep quiet they say a lot.
Hmong dancers settled down
here in the United States -
spreading their culture - standing tall and proud.
One must go learn and meditate - learn to discern - learn to filter - your generation must teach the world - how to shed light where there is abject darkness.
The sordid acts of those that killed - challenge and reveal the power house of knowledge and ceremony.
In life there is the good, the bad, and the ugly they say.
You say what you want to say - but make sure you speak Truth to Power.
Reminiscent - of genocide in Darfur, Rwanda, else where - is the same - much as what took place in Cambodia and Laos.
We who care feel the pain - we have empathy and compassion.
It is not for me to say too much - how to express yourselves in detail - be truthful - be creative - go deep within and bring it to the top - much like a diamond that shines - represent.
I let tears flow - check myself and stay brave to help those in need.
As the Congressional Liaison representing Sixth Unified States Army and Presidio of San Francisco.
I could say and write - cajole and persuade those Generals who I knew to do right - and bring succor to my brothers and sisters - worldwide - victims of war.
Hmong Musician
I am grateful to those that created the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and other programs to allow those Sisters and Brothers to enter college and keep the faith alive - from Cambodia and Laos.
In recent times the Hmong people - more here in California.
Show empathy and compassion - keep creating Associations and other institutions.
Cambodian dancers -
be proud and show case your culture.
Show case your culture - bright colors shine and when those who see - listen to music, see you dance - witness your ceremony and smell incense - and all fragrances that bring sound memories - that it is all good - it soothes the soul.
Create small groups to pray and discuss what is salient pertinent - the pressing issues education, health, safety, transportation.
Nutrition, elder care, childcare - your time has come - and if you need assistance there is a lot of help in place.
We have in Sacramento - a Governor Gavin Newsom who knows you plight - you can approach him personally - without introduction and he will do what is prudent to help you cause.
Here in San Francisco - we have advocates who already are willing to fight the good fight - this our moment to enthuse others to join the movement - to bring all those from Southeast Asia together.
For the first time the smaller groups from Southeast Asia have been surveyed - statistics collected - grants are available to showcase your culture.
Read this document and contact Sacramento for grants :
https://www.prri.org/research/the-working-lives-and-struggles-of-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders-in-california/
In unity is power.
Learn to dance praising the ancestors.
Sing and create music - send the vibes all over this Earth.
Bring all people together.
Write the plays and drama you talented artists - your time has come.
In your restaurants show case your cuisine.
Much like you feed your mind, your soul - there is nothing better than good food - fresh, tasty to the palate to feed your physical body - that God gave us.
Look and revere the artifacts - one of kind murals, the beautiful tapestries that tell the story - so that generation after generation - can say I know some now - and can learn more - to show case my people - tomorrow.
The one of a kind depictions - I have seen photographs - that soothe the soul - and bring some solace to my brothers and sisters - from Laos and Cambodia.
May the Great Spirit that speaks to me touch you all that read this article.
We only know the facts we research.
We indigenous keep our own history deep within ourselves - for each one to show case - as best we can.
All that is great and beautiful - keep doing what is right - shun that is not right - and all will be well.
I attend the many Farmers' Market here in the Bay Area - and seek those from the two Nations I have mentioned above.
I make small talk - always respectful to the Elders - listen to them and be attentive.
Harvest Dance
Often they speak in whispers - and that is fine.
They have vibes and are truthful - more if they are pure.
Our time is now - do not be afraid of those that are spiritual bankrupt - those that talk the talk but fail to walk to walk.
I dedicate this article to all the infants, children, youth, young adults, Elders - those who have suffered so much and are traumatized - the mentally and physically challenged - I am with you and others too - we can do this together.
All of you from Laos and Cambodia - that have met me - some for a few minutes - I am with you - we have our work cut out for us.
THE WORKING LIVES AND STRUGGLES OF ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN CALIFORNIA :
https://www.prri.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PRRI_Nov_2019_CA_AAIP.pdf
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