Those Who’ve Learned the Lessons of Freedom

Re “Rights Lapse in Little Saigon,” editorial, April 29: As a veteran who fought for freedom in Vietnam long ago, I applaud the example set by America’s Vietnamese American communities’ love of freedom, especially in a new time of war, with our own freedom now at stake. I feel it unfortunate that The Times forgets that 29 years ago there was a total “rights lapse” in South Vietnam’s real Saigon that still free Vietnamese Americans here will never forget. It is their way of fighting for freedom’s return there. It should be ours.

Garden Grove’s and Westminster’s proposed ordinances requiring the advance notification of coming Communist Vietnamese leaders’ visits are responsible moves. They reflect the feelings of their communities, guarantee public safety concerns and protect city budgets from excessive security costs. Most of all, they provide excellent examples for Communist Vietnam to see how a free people’s wishes are followed by their government instead of the other way around.

Ronnie Guyer

Chino Hills