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Similar to the spats among Cuban emigres in Miami, the debate is laced with rhetoric that has historically marked Vietnamese-American politics – accusations that people are either radical anti-communists or passive communist sympathizers.
After taking over Saigon in 1975, the communist leaders of Vietnam renamed it Ho Chi Minh City. Supporters of Little Saigon like the name because it represents the way things were before the takeover. Nguyen and business owners in the area want to attract non-Vietnamese clientele to the area and believe Little Saigon is too narrow in its appeal.
“It is kind of unbelievable,” said Phillip Huynh, a San Jose resident. “When we voted for her, we thought she represented us. I think she is pro-communism.” …
San Jose Mercury News – “Little Saigon” fans call San Jose Councilwoman Nguyen “pro-communist”
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When we voted for her, we thought she represented us. I think she is pro-communism- stupidity like this is why I hate thinking.
I like this parody though:
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Ho Chi Minh City Fights Over “Little San Jose” Name
A group of nearly 27 American expatriates from San Jose stormed the offices of the People’s Committee Chairman in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday and demanded a renaming of a concentrated strip of American businesses that has become known as “Little San Jose.”
“It conjures up memories of a vindictive regime of lobbyists and a labor council-controlled agenda lead by a mayor that nurtured pay-to-play politics,” said Del Borgsdorff, owner of Togos America and President of the People’s American Business Association which manages the small communist-American strip of businesses.
The controversy started when the Vietnam People’s Council recommended that “Little San Jose” become the adopted official name on all government records, in media and marketing materials and branded on the rear ends of those that own business in the district.
“We would prefer ‘Santa Clara Valley Business District,’” said Susan Shick owner of American Nail Salon. “It doesn’t have the negative association with the Gonzales regime.”
When reached at his palatial grounds outside of the city, the People’s Committee Chairman promised that he would take the concerns of the Americans under advisement. “But this is communist Vietnam. We will do what we please in the end and that could mean revoking visas or death. I do hope things work out because I love those Cinnabons.”
