I think that everybody has skills and abilities wherever they live. You don't have to be a rocket scientist.

Some people don't have a great education but they were born with natural ability. Some people have a masters degree but they cannot hold a job. Some people are quiet achievers who don't like to show off, so people think they are dumb.

If you have photos that you would like to share on Lao Pride, you can upload it in your message area or you can save it on another server and link to it in your message.

You can use a video sharing site such as YouTube to store your video files and link to it because they are big files and will put too much pressure on our server.

"Why Laotian in the west think local Laotian dumb?"  

That's a loaded question and also provocative!  And a "generalization" if not ASSUMPTION!!

Can I ask where did you get that information that Laotians in the west think Local Laotians are dumb?  Was there a survey or poll done recently? Was it on CNN news or some national magazine?  Is this something that is widely publicized on TV?
There are a lot of Laotians in Australia. Australia is WEST of asia, and Mr. Tee, you live in Australia, do you not? Do most of the people you know in Australia THINK like that?  Is this something you experienced yourself.  

I am a Laotian born living in America and I do not THINK local Laotians are dumb.  Unfortunately given the political, social and economic environment that they are in, most do NOT have the opportunity to learn, or some that are smart their parents can NOT afford to send them to further their education.  Also, for those that do learn, the education level MAY NOT be at the standards compared to western countries or Japan and China.

Yes it is true they do NOT have the opportunities like Laotians in USA, Australia, Canada, France...etc.  But to "think" or say that they are dumb...is PURE IGNORANCE!  I'm not calling you ignorant Mr. Tee, but for anyone to openly state local Laotians are dumb...that is ignorance!

Just my opinion.

"Spread peace NOT war!"

If it was just for discussion..That's ok ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງລຸງ

About me - I was born in Pong Keng, dad's family from Nong Bon.  I left Laos in 1978 at the age of 8 and went back to visit Laos in 07'.  I grew up here in USA and educated here. Even though I am here, I still miss my homeland, ບ້ານເກິດພໍແແມ່. 

Even thought I don't agree with the political, social and economic idealogy, I still feel for my fellow Laotians and what they have to live with daily. I still have a half sister in Lak 31..and they live poorly.

I have no hatred towards the government, b/c old government did NOT do much anyways.  SELFISHLY, I GLAD there was what I call "change in government".  Otherwise I would not be here in USA, with education, good job and anything I can buy.

But I just wish the Lao government do more for the people! I visited in 2007, I had tears of joy and sadness. I had real tears, glad to have come home..but sad to see that people are still living below poverty.

I will visit again when my children are older. I will never forget my heritage and culture.  I have learned to FORGIVE but NOT FORGET!

I have learned to move on..and live a better life here in USA.

Kob jai.

When I say "FORGIVE BUT NOT FORGET"...please know my father died in the war. He fought and died for his country! He is my HERO!

There is someone on Youtube "Sengoku17" - Lao communist: Here is his page on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/sengoku17?blend=2&ob=1

He call people like my father a "ປະຕິການ" Why?  If someone fight for their beloved country, fight against invading enemy, give up their life to defend their homeland...why call them a "ປະຕິການ"

To me..if someone fight to defend country, defend the people and DIE for their country, That person is a HERO and a PATRIOT!

ເປັນຜູ່ຣັກຊາດ

Enough about politics! I only join laopride.com yesterday.. so a Late Happy New Year to everyone!

Do we determine if someone is dumb by what they do, or how much they earn? Many labourers earn more money than the professionals sitting in an office with a suit and tie.

If a person is doing nothing in their life because she needed to stayed at home every day to look after her sick single mother, many people wouldn't say the person is dumb. So the meaning of "dumb" can vary depending of the circumstances.

Many visitors have mixed emotions when they return home. In this environment, everyone seems rich to me with motorbikes and mobile phones, but when you're from the outside looking in you can probably see clearer that Laos is poor.

BorLeumBanGerd, there will always be opposite sides because war brought it upon us.

Your dad's bravery goes beyond words because he sacrificed his life in defending Laos. He is a true hero and we are grateful that you have forgiven.