To everyone-please read it-,When the city allowed the SJ Viets' community the right to choose a name for the area of the Story Road, (there are a lot of Viets' business/stores there) almost every Viet wanted to name it Little Saigon. (90-95%) In the DRA Survery, Little Saigon was name with the most supporters. However, Nguyen, the so-called "Representative for the Viets' community", did not listen in despite of the majority. She did not care about the survery at all. BUT, She only chose the name that she favored the most of -Saigon Business District-which was the least wanted name in the survey. She ignored all of the surveys and the meetings in SJ City Hall with Vietnamese community. After that, the Viets, who were very dissapointed with their "Representative", went out to protest every single Tuesday for 1yr. After Ly Tong's(former pilot) hunger strike - for 30 days-, Nguyen told the city that she would only give the name "Little Saigon" on the banners to Story Road for 3 yrs. (temporarily) Besides, the banners are not from the city's money. It was paid from the Viet's pocket money. Little Saigon is a name that is a symbol of anti-communist for the VIETS all over the world. WHY DOES SHE NOT WANT LITTLE SAIGON-THE MAJORITIES' CHOICE?????????????? HOW DO YOU THINK OF THAT? WHAT AN EASY SITUATION! IF SHE JUST LET THE VIETS HAVE "LITTLE SAIGON", THERE WOULD BE NO RECALL AT ALL!! IT IS HER WHO MADE SUCH A BIG PROBLEM OUT OF A NAME!!!I DO NOT THINK HER ACTIONS ARE WHAT A COUNCILWOMAN SHOULD DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DOES THE VIETS WANT TO RECALL THEIR BELOVED MADISON NGUYEN, WHO IS A VIET TOO? IT IS BECAUSE THAT SHE DOES NOT REPRESENT THEM AND RATHER CRITICIZES THEM! (CALLED THE PROTESTERS A CIRCUS !!!!! SPEECH RECORDED IN U.C DAVIS UNIV.) NGUYEN HAS SURVIVED FROM RECALL THIS TIME, BUT IF THERE ARE DIFFERENT CANDIDATES-OF ANY CULTURES- FOR THE NEXT ELECTION (2010) THERE IS A VERY LITTLE CHANCE OF HER TO CONTINUE AS COUNCILWOMAN. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MAYOR REED WOULD COVER UP FOR NGUYEN'S MISTAKES!!!! IN MY OPINION, I DON'T THINK THAT HE IS SUITABLE TO BE A GOOD SJ MAYOR!!!

"Little Saigon has been established in cities throughout the world where Vietnamese émigrés congregate after their Diaspora in 1975 when communist North Vietnam conquered and subjugated South Vietnam. The victors immediately excised and erased the name Saigon from the map and replaced it with the name Ho Chi Minh City. Thousands of former military members of South Vietnam and those associated with their American allies were tortured, killed, or languished in so called “re-education” camps. Hundreds of thousands also perished in their attempts by land and sea to escape the repressive regime to seek freedom. Little Saigon is an endearing name that conjures up warm and profound feelings that tug at the heartstrings of most Vietnamese living overseas."*The name "Little Saigon" is much significant in meaning than any other choices (Vietnam Town, Saigon Bussiness District, etc.,)to Vietnamese people because it is denouncing any ties that the communists of Vietnam can claim as a part of their own oversea town. That's why right after the City of San Jose Vote in favor of the name "Saigon Business District", numbers of communist controlled websites in Vietnam announced as a victory for them in the maning.The word "Little" here means "come after" or "younger". You can build a much bigger (in size)new Saigon, but it is forever a "little" to the older lost city, just like you're forever a younger, little brother/sister to your older ones.Hope it explains.*quote.

I am a San Jose resident and still don't understand why the womancoucil Madison Nguyen had to fight so hard to choose a name that must be different than "Little Sai Gon". The majority thinks "Little Sai Gon" is the best name. Some may and some may not like the way that some protestants fight for their favorite name "Little Sai Gonfor a such c". I have not attended at any coucil meetings garding to this issue or any protests because I am so busy with kids & works. Ms. Nguyen said that the majority of vietnamese people at the meetings doesn't represent for working people' voices. I think this doesn't sound right . She picked another name mainly as a compomise,because the "Little Sai Gon" sounds anti-communist, and as a voice for a few quiet business owners(?) in this district.... As a compromise, it obvivously doesn't work. "Little Sai Gon" sounds anti-communist (?). If so, what is wrong with that in the USA country, especially at San Jose city....I think she is not very good at politics and should not be a voice for vietnamese-american residents in her district and in San Jose in general. I think she might redirect other coucils when explaining about this matter in vietnamese community.Personally, I think she might owe somethings to such a small rich group of people who might put a lot of money for her to get into this chair. Other people only supported her with their votes, energy, & their voices. So, this is a kind of pay-back!!! Again, this is my personal opinion.

I'm a 23 yr. old female Vietnamese American living in district 7 of the City of San Jose. This controversy seemed annoying and absurd to me when I first heard of it too. I mean "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" no? Then I opened my heart and my ears and listened to the many voices calling out for an identity uniquely distinguished by the name of "Little Saigon" and came to understand the sensitivity behind it all. In this passage I’d like to share a little of my own family’s history and also bring to light the significance of the name so many are battling for.First, I'd like to share a little background from my own family. My parents are "boat people"; this means that they left their beloved Vietnam between the years of 1975 and 1985 (some left after 1985 as well) via sea. The fall of Saigon, to them, meant the loss of a nation to a dictator, the communist. My parents left looking for freedom from what they believed were government imposed: oppression, poverty, corruption, and most of all loss of life, liberty, and happiness. Both of my parents came with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their sons but through hard work, sacrifice, determination, courage, and a huge ounce of gratitude to the country who opened up its arms, homes, and boarder, they've made something of themselves. In particular, my family prides itself on a commitment to "not rely on government aid" for help, as they believe that "we owe them for saving us". Through the years my parents have became U.S. Citizens, home owners, and now investors. This was all attainable because of one key factor; they left Vietnam, after the fall of their beloved capital Saigon.In that light I'd like to return to the subject at hand, why is the specific name “Little Saigon” important to them? This is because Little Saigon recalls a fond memory of the old Saigon that was lost after Saigon’s fall in 1975. Did I mention that Saigon no longer exist in Vietnam after being replaced by “Ho Chi Minh City”? They have struggled tremendously to make something of themselves since loss of the original Saigon. Now they have rebuilt a new, little, Saigon on a different land, in essence creating a home away from home. They want to distinguish themselves and their accomplishments with a common named used by other communities in and outside of the U.S. of Vietnamese refugees. Is that too much to ask Ms. Madison Nguyen? I think it’s ridiculous that she’s even fighting the name and instead insisting on, “Vietnam Town”, “Vietnamese Business District”, and now “Saigon Business District.” How insensitive of the first VIETNAMESE representative in the history of San Jose is this? If you can’t listen to your own constituency then who are you listening to?I think the only people who are with Madison Nguyen are the people who don’t understand the distinction this name brings to our Vietnamese community and the history behind the name. Our voices may be small and at times few and far between but I hope that the city, its inhabitants and the community that surrounds it takes a little time to investigate the voices before ignoring them and calling them nuisances.I’d also like to add that many of the voices being heard on “Black Tuesdays” are those of the older generations and sometimes are hard to understand because of thick accents and seem absurd because of the emotion that comes with the recollection of Saigon. But, if you took the time to listen to their words, and view points, you’d be touched and proud of their accomplishments as well as their continued efforts to uphold true American values in conjunction with the set of values they have brought from the mother land.

Madison Nguyen is straight up communist...majority of vietnamese american come US is polictical reason my parent left everything behind(house,land and business..) like all the other.Immigration will not let us let enter in US if is not polictcal reason.

I'm LS supporter but I still want to find out indeed Little Saigon is the name of choice for Vietnamese Communities? It's best policy to back up your point of view with fact. If you're Vietnamese and understand the issue please cast your vote at votelittlesaigon.com.

I think this is wrong that we are fighting amongs each other over just a naming issue. Calling people communist is just WRONG. I think we should just stick to the facts and come together in a more professional ways. This is what this country is all about if you have live here long enough. Just because you do not get your way does not mean you should call them names or threaten them. I think that we should concentrate on how we can make the city better as a whole for vietnamese people. Such as help vietnamese children get a better education if they can't afford it, help family who can't afford to put food on the table for their family, help fight crimes against vietnamese people, etc.... Instead of fighting each over a naming of the shopping area. I am pretty sure someone who is/are supporting this cause will probably call me a "communist"Well, let me tell you something, I was born in saigon and my mom is from there. Our family lost everything when we came to U.S. We were in the refugee camps for over 3 years before we were even selected to come to U.S.This is my opinion in this situations, I think that the city council decision is correct that the naming of that area should be upto all the business owners there since they have most stakes in it. Let them vote it out what they want because they will have to pay for it since it is their business.It still puzzle me why we fight over naming of it. Let's say that we got our way in naming it "Little Sai Gon", that still does not mean anything. Let's assume that all the business owners who are against the naming of Little SaiGon and they pull their business out then what do we have? Nothing but a name Little SaiGon that mean nothing when there is NO business there since all the business owners who are against the naming take their business elsewhere.If you really want to name it little SaiGon and feel strongly about it then buy out the business then you can vote on the naming of the business. Now you have a lot stakes in it.Like I said this is my opinion, I do not feel that you have the right to voice your opinion unless you have the stakes in the business. If you do not like the naming of the business (which the business owners vote for) then you DO NOT have to go there. Let me repeat "you DO NOT have to go there and support the business owners". Just take your business elsewhere because that is your RIGHTS as an American Citizen. FREEDOM to choose in U.S. That is all I have to say.

Dear council members:You thought a 7-4 vote would resolve the "Little Saigon" fiasco? "It's a nice thought, and we hope it works" (Mercury News Editorials 3/6/08.) Good luck!First of all, we acknowledged three of council members were against the November vote. Now, do you really care what a name it is for a 1-mile strip? I bet you don't. You don't care one way or another. "It's a matter of principle," you may claim. No way! If it were a matter of principle, you had not rescinded your November 20 vote. But you did, unanimously. If it were a matter of principle, you had to defend your vote at all costs (?), but you did not. So you cannot claim it's a matter of principle because you reversed your own vote!Through the fiasco of “Little Saigon” the mayor has steered the ship of San Jose to a quagmire and "someone--ideally the mayor--needs to step up as a leader to bring a divided community together for healing." (Mercury News Editorials 3/6/08) It's time for healing in deed. If he were a leader, he would stand up “The buck stops here. Es mi culpa.” It looks like the Mayor won’t step up to be a leader any time soon or ever. Then I urge one of you to step up, be a leader and start the healing process.Why? Because the path to healing has to pass through three waves. The first wave is easy. The second wave is more difficult than the first and the third is the most difficult one.You already swam through the first wave: acknowledgement of your blunder by rescinding your November 20 vote. The second wave you have to swim through is apology. The path of healing must go through the apology wave. No one else has done that except Councilwoman Chirco. "We owe the community a big apology," Chirco said. "We mishandled this. And for that I am truly sorry." (Joshua Molina SJ Mercury News 3/5/08).Now, we come to the third wave. This is the most difficult one, as I said. There are several ways to swim through this, but "the surest way to do that is to approve Little Saigon." (Mercury News Editorials 3/4/08)Council members, you have your political careers glittering ahead. Choose and pick your ways wisely. "So if any name other than "Little Saigon" again comes out on top, we'll be right back where we are this week..." (Mercury News Editorials 3/6/08)Sincerly,

M.TYou sir is truely an idiot, if you think the whole issue is just about a name and people not getting what they want. Please read the newspaper and keep up with the media on this issue before you express your opinion. If your family really went through all that hardships from your pathetic story then you would know why many Vietnamese American are so angry.The main issue is not about the name, but the process of it. The council members made a mistake by not following the correct procedure of getting the popular votes. Yes, it is important to look at bigger issues (ex.education etc) in San Jose and I agree with you on that. However, if the council members can't even tackle this issue(in a LEGIT way); what make you think they can handle bigger problems in the future. More importantly, awhile back they even issue a re-vote on the naming of the strip for everyone in San Jose. Why can't they give the people the name they want instead of spending another $2-3 million dollars so they can set up another voting procedure. Wouldn't that $2-3 millions be better towards educational funds (CA is cutting down on fundings FYI) than towards a mistake they are trying to cover up??-M.P

M.P.This is exactly what I am talking about, it is the ignorance people like you that read all the garbages out there. You do not know if it is the true or not, facts from fictions. So you need to get your facts straight, we are talking about a NAME. Are we talking about a NAME or not? Its people like you that gets piss off because we do not agrees with you and start acting like a child and cry. Calling people name will not get you anywhere but make you look like a poor loser, so who is the idoit now? It is only a NAME and will remain as a NAME period, let me repeat it is a NAME. I have said it is my opinion that if you do not have any stakes in it then you do not have the right to name the area. If the city does put it to the people for a vote, I will guarantee you that you and your stubborn protesters will lose for sure. Remember if you are talking about the Story road area, majority of the people there are mexican or latino. I know because I use to live near there. Currently they are laughing at us that we are fighting over a naming issues. Don't you people have better things to do? Fine you get to name it "Little Saigon", then the business owners are not happy with it then they leave, What do you have? A NAME that means nothing but a NAME.One more thing, don't forget that we voted for our Mayor and all of our city council members to represent us and speak for us. Well they voted and name it Saigon Business District, you think that would be it. But NO, NO you minority group of cry babies have to use name calling, calling foul play to the news media, and go as far as threating people to try to get your way. Well let me sadly said that it is making us asian people look very bad and even worst for Vietnamese Americans. This is NOT Vietnam, it is the United States of America. We should strive to come together and work on one common goal for this community. Instead we've got people like you screaming because you do not get your way. I can say that I have listen to the council meeting on March 4, 2008 and I have not hear one good reason except mostly elderly person barely speaking english say "I want Little Saigon" that is it. If you feel so strongly about what is going on then why don't you find a better way of convincing our Mayor and city council members in a more professional ways.Lastly I want you to know that it does not matter to me either way what name is choose because it is only a NAME. As long as everyone can come to a common goal and live with it. Life is too short to be fighting over a NAME.

M.TOnce again you proved to be an idiot the second time around. Did you hear Madison Nguyen express her opinion on why she did not want to approve Little Saigon in the beginning? She said that it sounds too "anti-communist". Well whats wrong with that in America? The Vietnamese people fled Vietnam so they can get away from the commies. Did you think the US government came over to Vietnam in the 70s to play board games with the communist?? Obviously NOT! So why would a name that sounds too Anti-Communist be an issue. PLEASE read my first post over, I stated that this is more than just a name deep down under. This is dirty democracy and you can't disagree with it. Please don't sit behind your computer and say that the council members has nothing to do with the FORGERY of business owners signature against little Saigon (the issue is now under investigation). Ohh wait I'm listening to garbage on the news again right!?? Yes we voted for these people to speak for us, however if they are not following correct protocol, the people has the right to speak up. Its people like you that makes me embarrass to be a Vietnamese American. Saying this is Not Vietnam and saying this issue is just over a name is plain stupid. You need to open your mind/eyes and look pass the surface of things. I am NOT one of those protesters nor I've been to one of those meetings but I'm proud of my people for speaking up to what is right. You however is a disgrace to our culture/people/country.

M.P.You have just proven my point again, cry baby!!! Just because you can't get your point across in a professional ways. Calling me names will NOT get you anywhere. Maybe that is why our Mayor and city council members does not listen to people like you. You and your so call protestors needs to take a time out like a little child for being bad and saying bad things. I hope this site is more professional about this and delete your sorry comments. You do not have the facts, it is all hear says and NO, I repeat no proven facts yet. If you did then everything will be done and over it, already. If someone breaks the law then they should be punish but currently there are NO FACTS to back it up. Only time will tell in this saga. If you think this is dirty democracy here in San Jose, try going back to Vietnam and see what democracy you will have. I am saying you can say what you want but you need to do it within the law and professional ways.I don't how to put it to you M.P. because you are acting like a child. Did you see my answer about Madison? I said "She is a very good politician". If she was lying who cares, she was able to prove her point and got the others to favor her. At least she is doing it in a professional ways, and NOT stood to your and protestors tactics.It is even worst that you are talking about this but yet you are not even there to support them. No wonders you are embarrass to be a Vietnamese American. I think that you need to wake up to reality that sometimes you lose, and sometimes you win. In this case, it is a losting cause because it is only a NAME. I am sorry where do you get off saying that you are proud that your people speaks up. Your people, you are not even there to support them. You are just a coward hiding behind your computer to speak up. If you feel so strongly about it then you should try to come up with a better way of convincing our Mayor and city council members. Please keep in mind that they are 10 council members, not just Madison and Chuck. Are you trying to tell me that all of our council members are communists, too? Please like Rodney Kings said after the LAPD beats him up, "Can we all just get along?". Now let me say one more time in my opinion, it is time to move on. We need to spend our energy on better things then just a naming issues. It is only a NAME and will remain as such. I can tell you this if all Vietnamese American here in San Jose agrees with the naming of LSBD then we will not have this issue.Thanks for your comments but please stick to the facts.

M.T.Seriously you are a joke! How are you replying to this in a professional way when you call the protesters and I "cry babies". If anything, your posts should be deleted. You don't get the point that people are protesting this issue because its MORE than a name. Are you stupid or something? Did your mother drop you on your head when you were younger for you to not see that the facts are indeed laid out there. How are the protesters embarrassing you? They are not causing a riot, or causing any form of trouble to disturb anyones rights or peace. Where in my post did I call any of the council members a communist!? Please re-read again before you come out and put words in my mouth. I'm a coward because I have school to focus on?? Maybe with a degree I can do some good for my people in the future. However you on the other hand just sit and complain about the situation on a blog; not knowing anything behind this whole crisis. If the council members can't even take care of such a small problem, how are you going to expect them to handle tougher situations in the future. I'm done with you M.T, if you wish to discuss this further, let me know if you can make it to the next meeting. That way I can laugh in your face and see how much of a moron you are in person.

M.P.Now I know why you write the way you do. You are still working on it. At least I am done with it. I am already laughing at you and the protestors. Are you telling me that they are not being disturbing anyone? Look at all the blogs, newspaper, and media. Where have you been? We are the laughing stocks currently. I have better things to do then fight over a NAME. I hope you will learn that when you are in school. There are better things to life then just naming a strip mall. I will tell you what, why don't finish school then come talk to me afterward. Life is too short to being calling you "stupid" and that your mom did drop you on the head because you need to wake up and smell the roses. I will rest my point. Oh wait one more thing, many people are already laughing at you so call "morons" for fighting over a NAME. I will say it again, it is ONLY a NAME. It will remain that way. Now I am done...

Wow, it is finally over. Here is the link to the news: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8561149?nclick_check=1Now I support this because someone came up with the funds of their own to ask the Mayor and City council members to put up the signs of "Welcome to Little Saigon", and pay for it.This is what I am talking about M.P., whoever it is that is doing this, did it the right way. He has the stakes in it so he can call it whatever he wants. This is a good day for everyone involve. Now we can be at peace and attack more important issues in our little city of San Jose. Thanks to HYPHEN for putting this blogs up for a good discussions even if the opinions are a bit wild and crazy. It is OVER, lets move on...

Dear M.T.It is quite ironic and hypocritical on how you state name calling will get you no where, and yet ended up in a mud slinging contest w/ the poster M.P and end up calling him and others "cry babies".Your original post showed that you are either very insensitive to the situation or that you are very ill-informed. All because the situation isn't important to you, doesn't make it pointless or any less valid.I can understand why M.P. reacted the way he did, and if you can't understand why, I suggest you reread your original post, from the prospective of someone else with a bit more understanding and sensitivity. Or to simply state, you made a rude post, in-return you received a rude reply.Furthermore, while it has been stated "a rose by any other name..." A name can carry many meanings and brings back many memories. The name "Little Saigon" conjure up people's fond memories of the past, a time and place where they grown up, a place they may have met their future spouses, the restaurant around the corner of their childhood home, and so on. In addition, Saigon is an icon of a nation they have lost. To many people, any other name will not carry the same weight and meaning.Final words: M.T. you state we should tackle other more pressing issues, yet as you can see, your approach does not lend support. People will stop listening/reading as soon as you become offensive or rude. People are more inclined to hear you out, if you're willing to hear them out and see from their prospective.

Irony,I agreed with you but you need to understand that we are here now in land of the FREE. Yet a minority of people still want to try to live in past. If it means so much to them then they need to do it a more peaceful ways instead of shouting and yelling that I want the name "Little Saigon" and I will get it. Like I said calling Mayor and our first Vietnamese city council a communist because she did not do it their way is totally wrong. Let by gone be by gone now.Look what is the solutions, I do not think any party wins yesterday. Like I have said from my past posting, if you have stakes in it then you can and will have the right to name it whatever you want. That is exactly what happen on Wednesday city council meeting. See there is always a better way of doing things then screaming, shouting or threatening people lives. I am glad that it is over because this has separate us as a community. I will say this, I am in support of the naming Little Saigon for the area but we need to do it in the peaceful ways. Plus the city council members and Mayor had made their decision, and we need to learn to live it. I or people who support the naming of Little Saigon might not be happy but we need to live it. We need to move on, like we all did when the communist took over Saigon. Thanks for your professional reply. Also just to let you know, I was born in Saigon.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE to any renaming of the city of San Jose to little saigon, little tokyo, little chinatown, little india, little mexico, little korea, oh, and little osama bin laden or little bush, ok? This is San Jose, CA, USA. Oh, did I mention USA!!!!!I am an immigrant too and I like the historical culture of San Jose, CA, USA. The entire California was originally part of Mexico; therefore, most cities in California reflect a hispanic culture, and I respect that no Mexicans or Central Americans ever protest in this renaming section of any city. It is stupid to rename any part of a city, because it creates more financial cost to the tax payers. The money should be used for other necessary and emergent governmental programs such as homeless shelters, and recycling programs. All I can say is vietnamese people are selfish and they always want their names to be known to other cultures. I just hope that in any future elections, no vietnamese will be elected to any governmental positions.

"All I can say is vietnamese people are selfish and they always want their names to be known to other cultures. I just hope that in any future elections, no vietnamese will be elected to any governmental positions."Whoa. First of all, let's remember to capitalize "Vietnamese" and secondly, let's do our job in keeping this discussion thread nice and civil. The point here is to discuss the issue at hand, and I highly doubt that the problem is because "vietnamese people are selfish." This is exactly the kind of mentality that we don't need amongst minority groups.

I agree with SJ Resident. You vietnamese people are selfish and shouldn't be considered in any government elections in the future. And, yes, vietnamese is not capitalized. You DON'T deserve to be capitalized!!!! You GOT IT!!! This is USA not vietnam! Go BACK there if you miss that place!!!!

Let's keep Texas and USA beautiful and not having these minorities coming in to our country and setting up their own pub for their pleasure. THIS IS THE USA lisalee!!! Ever since THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN stopped the special admissions requirements for minorities, the university has steadly rise in rankings. You vietnamese people only lower college rankings by cheating, cheating, and oh, did I mention cheating?!!

lisalee, first of all, being an American means FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Ever heard of that? I guess not, since you aren't an American. This means not to criticize other people's comments. I guess you guys and gals in California are really screwed up! This is the USA! Be AMERICAN!

ha. you three win the award for people that we do not need or want on this discussion thread. or should i say, you who changed your posting name three times to pretend to be three different people.freedom of speech comes with responsibilities, and if do not understand what that means, please go get yourself an education - finish high school, and please, go to college for everyone's sakes. actually, go get yourself an education period. listen in your history classes instead of goofing off because you obviously have no idea what being an american means.

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom without consequence. Anyone can criticize another's comments and question the validity and REASON or yes, even ethics, of such speech. Especially if it is appears to be rooted in ignorance and hate as yours does.The history of this country is that of countless ethnic, religious and cultural groups coming together to build a better future. All of these groups left a mark on this country in terms of language, food, music, landmarks and yes even the names of streets, business districts and parks etc.These include European groups such as the Irish, Italian, Polish, Germans, European Jews that were also heavily discriminated against by Nativists. Ever eat a bagel, pizza, sour kraut?If you want to target an immigrant group for this type of behavior then you should criticize ALL immigrant groups that have done the same, not just the Vietnamese. Be consistent, that is the history of the USA! If you call yourself an American, Justin or whatever ur name is, you should recognize that as well. That is the History of this country! And OMG the University of Texas, what a joke! All of the top universities in this country have large amounts of Asian Americans that help increase their rankings. Asian American's have one of the highest per capita percentages of college and graduate school education.Oh and guess what dumb ass? The name for your state...That's right, good ole TEXAS... originates from the Native American tribes of East Texas. Why don’t you ponder that one a bit. LOL!

John and Lisa Lee are ignorant in that they don't recognize the past contribution of other races, like white. What did vietnamese people bring to this country? What ethical values do they bring? Korean and Indian people come here to provide their labor; however, they don't ask to rename the entire El Camino Real as Korean town or Indian town. As an immigrant, I respect other cultural values as long as the values will improve our country for long term. How will the name "Little Saigon" improve our country? It only brings on the past sad memories to vietnamese and the veterans who participated the war. The most important thing is that the vietnamese civil war happened in vietnam, not USA? It makes sense if Little Saigon live in vietname. It is stupid that Little Saigon stays here, USA. This renaming incident almost tells me that vietnamese people cannot make Little Saigon happen in vietname, so they would like to take the second choice USA, another country. How sad is that? I will never make a step to Saigon Business District because people who live there don't know how to move on. Truth is truth; "Little Saigon" is not proved. vietnamese decendants should really think how to contribute to this country and mankind.

This is exactly my point about vietnamese people. They criticize America after we feed them, cloth them, educate them, let them walk on American streets, live on American land, letting them work, and oh, most importantly, giving them freedom that they don't have in vietnam. Shame on you, your parents and ancestors! BTW, The University of Texas is an AMERICAN school and Texas is an AMERICAN state. Learn to appreciate America. lisalee and john, both of you need to learn to either appreciate America or GET OUT! The great United States of America DON'T NEED people like you! I think the African Americans deserve a name for their section of the city, called MLK, first compare to YOU. In addition, tell your vietnamese people to go on with your life! You already spent too much valuable tax dollars that could have been used elsewhere more important. Is that part of the vietnamese culture to screw and complain about the society and people? Shame on you, your parents, and ancestors! Enough said here, the truth is that little saigon DIDN'T get approved by the mayor, so LIVE WITH IT!

I think it is sad that your motivations are based in hate, exclusion and absolutes. This country values inclusion and tolerance. I support those American that have been taught to me by my American parents, in my American schools and laid out by American leaders throughout this country's history. If you want to hate and limit and exclude then that is your prerogative. However I believe that is sad and frankly Unconstitutional that you are trying to deny Vietnamese Americans, yes Legal American Citizens, (who pay taxes, who own property, who have the right to vote, who serve in the US government and Military) their Democratic right to express their opinion and preference to city officials that they elected legally through the democratic process. You cannot deny or reject them their right as AMERICAN CITIZENS to express their views to government officials. To do so would be to reject the Constitution of the United States. So keep hating, excluding and denying others what you expect for yourself, it only motivates others to stand up against you. The more you speak the more your ignorance, hypocrisy and hate expose itself.

Keep Texas, Oh, you let them walk on American streets? How nice of you after bombing their country. Yeah, this is an American state. And UT Austin is an American university. AMERICA DOES NOT MEAN JUST WHITE PEOPLE. When are you going to learn that? Whatever. In 10 years you're going to be the minority. I can't wait til you get a taste of your own medicine, you racist asshole.

"San Jose council shoots down 'Little Saigon' name againThe Associated PressArticle Launched: 03/05/2008 02:07:21 PM PST"Hey lisalee and John fact is fact. NO to little saigon. LIVE WITH IT! And, STOP wasting mine and everyone's time and hard-worked money!

Regardless of the outcome, I think it is sad that your motivations are based in hate, exclusion and absolutes. This country values inclusion and tolerance. I support those American that have been taught to me by my American parents, in my American schools and laid out by American leaders throughout this country's history. If you want to hate and limit and exclude then that is your prerogative. However I believe that is sad and frankly Unconstitutional that you are trying to deny Vietnamese Americans, yes Legal American Citizens, (who pay taxes, who own property, who have the right to vote, who serve in the US government and Military) their Democratic right to express their opinion and preference to city officials that they elected legally through the democratic process. You cannot deny or reject them their right as AMERICAN CITIZENS to express their views to government officials. To do so would be to reject the Constitution of the United States. So keep hating, excluding and denying others what you expect for yourself, it only motivates others to stand up against you. The more you speak the more your ignorance, hypocrisy and hate expose itself.

sj resident, and whoever else, i don't think the conversation here is really about the "little saigon" name anymore. to be frank, i am just a person from the sidelines and like the blog poster, i'm interested in both sides of the argument. all i've been asking from the very beginning is a very simple concept: respect. however, after reading the comments, it is clear that we have strayed away from people's views on why or why not to use the name "little saigon"... i personally don't like little anything. but the hatred against vietnamese people and the work that they have provided in this country and the kind of history people in vietnam had to experience (it's all relative to american history) is disgusting. all i am pointing out is that this kind of racist mentality is something that we do not need in this thread. keep texas beautiful, if you want to continue spewing your racist mentality, please do it somewhere else. like anonymous said, the more you talk, the more you are just exposing your own ignorance and self-righteous views.

I don't hate vietnamese race, but am disgusted by their ignorant behavior--renaming a section of a city. Please do provide an example in which vietnamese people do for our country, other than paying taxes because we all do.

you can't say "their" because the decision of wanting to name a section of the city was not decided by ALL vietnamese people! because of one woman's decision, or a group of people, you are now condemning all vietnamese people of being selfish and lazy, and that's not right. that's not constructive criticism.

The decision was made by the majority of vietnamese people, and the majority represents vietnamese culture; therefore, it is correct to refer "they" because they are plural. Lisa Lee doesn't give constructive critism. I haven't heard your point of view regarding the renaming issue other than your defensive argument for your own race. I don't see people of other races to rename or even to propose to rename part of San Jose; I only saw and heard vietnamese people do. Being an U.S. citizen, we have a responsiblity to make our country a better place for our next generation and the generations to come. Our current civic problems include crime, unemployment, plummeting housing market, budgeting, and of course, the renaming issue in San Jose. This renaming incident only adds up additional cost to our city. If you are a resident in San Jose, you should be worried about how to improve our city more constructively. All your comments involve racism. My point of view doesn't concern racism, but the upcoming costs associated with this renaming incident. Members of San Jose City Council already have a lot problems to deal, and this incident definitely adds more trouble to the city.

that is exactly the point! your point of view does in fact involve racism because you are singling out a single ethnicity of people - by denouncing vietnamese people as lazy and selfish, and saying that they have not contributed anything to this country, you are making a generalization about every person who considers themselves to be vietnamese. i personally do not think that it's right, or fair, for you to allow the board that made this decision to be a reflection of vietnamese people, their culture, and their community. i understand that people looked to madison to represent their views, and clearly, from the outcome of this event, not ALL vietnamese people agreed with her decision and that's exactly why we're here to discuss this issue. there are vietnamese americans out there that agree with you, in the sense that naming the city "little saigon" is not the way to go. and they may very agree with you that there are better ways to use everyone's hard earned money. i am not saying that the rest of your argument is not valid. all i am saying is that to generalize a group of people like this is dangerous. it's not fair, and we should all be better than that.

Like I said,"San Jose council shoots down 'Little Saigon' name againThe Associated PressArticle Launched: 03/05/2008 02:07:21 PM PST"MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE! You do have a life, right? Guess not. Sad, very sad.

haha keep texas. you crack me up. do you even read the news? the "little saigon" name passed.http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_8569590Deal reached on 'Little Saigon'CITY, VIETNAMESE LEADERS SIGN OFF ON COMPROMISEBy Deborah Lohse, Denis C. Theriault and Mark GomezMercury NewsArticle Launched: 03/14/2008 01:30:46 AM PDT

lisalee,It passed but no one wins here. And it is ONLY temporary for 3 years as long as the vietnamese community that is supporting the signs pays for it. So really, the people did not win anything. It just someone was nice enough to come up with the funds to put up the sign near by. That is what should have happen from the beginning instead of getting the city council memebers involve. Lets move on.....

my post wasn't to say whether any group has "won" per se. i'm just an observer on the sideline. it was just to point out that for someone as loud as keep texas, he/she should read the news more carefully. in any case, i'm all for moving on. heck, i don't even live in san jose. let's move on and do better for ourselves.