News Summary
Westminster City Council has passed a resolution against the social justice organization VietRISE, accused of promoting ‘communist propaganda.’ This decision has ignited a debate within the local Vietnamese community over free speech and government dissent. Key council members have criticized VietRISE’s depiction of Vietnam’s history, particularly regarding the North Vietnamese narrative, while others emphasize the importance of fair representation. The controversy features tensions surrounding historical narratives and represents broader issues of censorship and activism within immigrant communities.
Westminster City Council passed a resolution opposing the social justice organization VietRISE, which has been accused by Councilmember Amy Phan West of promoting “communist propaganda.” This resolution has sparked a debate among the local Vietnamese community about the implications for free speech and how local governments can appropriately express dissent against organizations they oppose.
VietRISE, located in Orange County, is dedicated to supporting Vietnamese and immigrant communities, serving an area known to have one of the largest Vietnamese populations outside of Vietnam. The council’s resolution primarily addresses the fallout from an August event hosted by VietRISE, which highlighted a post titled “The August Revolution: Vietnam’s Fight for Freedom.” This post included quotes from Vietnamese leader Hồ Chí Minh and has been criticized for presenting a “distorted historical narrative” that allegedly glorifies communism while dismissing human rights violations and oppression linked to that regime.
The controversy surrounding the August event and its accompanying social media content has brought attention to the tensions within Westminster’s Vietnamese community, especially as the region approaches significant anniversaries in Vietnam’s history. In 2025, the area will mark 50 years since the Fall of Saigon, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence from French and Japanese colonization.
Key opposition to VietRISE’s presentation has come from several council members. Councilmember NamQuan Nguyen specifically criticized the organization for presenting a one-sided perspective focused solely on the North Vietnamese narrative. Nguyen has demanded that VietRISE retract the controversial Instagram post and publicly apologize. He calls for a more comprehensive depiction of the tumultuous post-war years, including discussions about re-education camps and political oppression following the Vietnam War.
Another council member, Carlos Manzo, abstained from the vote regarding the resolution, voicing concerns over the lack of depth in the staff report that condemned VietRISE. Manzo underscored that attempts to suppress free speech are reminiscent of the very communist tactics the resolution sought to criticize, emphasizing the need for fair representation of all viewpoints within the Vietnamese community.
In defense of the passed resolution, Councilmember West described the council’s action as an exercise of free speech, reaffirming her commitment to the First Amendment. She argued that opposing certain perspectives does not equate to silencing them but rather serves as a protective measure against harmful narratives.
VietRISE, for its part, contends that its aim in broadcasting the historical significance of Hồ Chí Minh was to educate younger Vietnamese Americans about their past, particularly regarding events that led to the end of the Vietnam War. Tracy La, the organization’s director, pointed to the relevance of Ho Chi Minh’s role in the Declaration of Independence as a crucial point of understanding for younger generations.
As the debate unfolds, issues of government censorship and the rights of activists have become prominent in discussions. David Loy, legal director at the First Amendment Coalition, has noted that government criticism of organizations must not escalate into actions that retaliate against free speech. This complex situation illustrates the ongoing struggle between historical representations and the evolving narratives present within immigrant enclaves such as Westminster.
The city’s resolution and the surrounding discourse raise important questions about the balance between community sentiment, historical accuracy, and the rights guaranteed under free speech. As Westminster navigates this contentious issue, it reflects broader societal challenges facing immigrant communities across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Westminster City Council Opposes VietRISE
- Wikipedia: Freedom of Speech
- Orange County Tribune: Political Resolutions Approved
- Google Search: Westminster Vietnamese Community
- LAist: Tustin Hangar Fire Cleanup
- Google Scholar: Communist Propaganda
- Orange County Tribune: Politics on Council Agenda
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Communism
- LAist: Huntington Beach Library Vote
- Google News: VietRISE
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
