A “Freedom Park” rejected by “Freedom Lovers”

A “Freedom Park” rejected by “Freedom Lovers”

Hun Xen's regime plans to ban all such street demonstration in the future (Photo: Reuters)

08 May 2010
By Pen Bona
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Kanh-chanh Chek
Click here to read the article in Khmer

The Phnom Penh city hall plans to set up a “Freedom Park” where demonstrators can gather to protest there without having to hold a march along the many public streets as what had happened in the past. The city explained that the set up of the “Freedom Park” where people can express their opinions is aimed at eliminating anarchy during protest march, as well as strengthening the security for the demonstrators (sic!). However, groups of “Freedom Lovers” who have led numerous protests do not want to see such “Freedom Park” as they consider this park a restriction on their freedom.

Soon, those who want to express their opinions through demonstrations will be restricted to meet only at a place dubbed the “Freedom Park.” This park will be set up soon based on the stipulation of the demonstration law that was ratified by the National Assembly in October 2009.

The government explained that the goal of setting this “Freedom Park” is to respect the freedom of expression for the people in a democracy, as well as to preserve social order. However, for union representatives and opposition politicians, as well as representatives of the civil society organizations, such “Freedom Park” is nothing more than a “Freedom Restriction Park”.

It is true that such park holds both positive and negative aspects to it. The positive aspect stems from the fact that it is now easy for cops to provide security for the demonstrators. Furthermore, it also cuts down on the disturbances to the public due to traffic jams generated by demonstration march. In addition, meetings at such park could lessen clashes between cops and demonstrators as well. However, the question remains as to whether such park will be set up to preserve social order, or does it hide any other motives?

Two main observations are raised by critics to such park:

1. The selection of the park location does not please critics because it does not provide any benefit of the demonstration meeting.
2. The limitation on the maximum number of demonstrators is set to 200.

The two issues about are criticized as being a shortchange on the openness of freedom because, normally, demonstrators want to hold marching processions to express their opinions and defend their interests wherever they want. The demonstrators believe that by doing so, they can be heard by the leaders or they can apply pressure on the government. This is the normal goals for demonstration organizers.

However, criticisms remain just that: criticisms. The law was already ratified and the “Freedom Park” will see the daylight soon and nobody can stop it because this is what the ruling party dictates through its majority votes in the National Assembly. Therefore, from now on, any discussion on this issue is not very useful anymore. On the other hand, what is needed is for the government, from the national levels down to the grass root levels, to quickly and efficiently resolve the problems for the people, in order to avoid any demonstration to take place because it is “better to take caution than to cure the problems.” (Fix the small problem now before it becomes larger and harder to fix).

When demonstrations are taking place all the time, the government should listen to the people’s wishes. A demonstration is an opportunity for top level government leaders to receive direct information from the public so that they can dutifully take care of the matters. Furthermore, listening to the hardship of the people is after all the duty of each and every leader in the country.

As for the demonstrators, they should avoid mixing up with political issues because it would be very difficult to resolve any issues that are tainted with politics. If all parties can do as such, demonstrations will bring benefit to the general population. Otherwise, such “Freedom Park” will remain nothing more than a “Bad taste Park”.
-----
KI-Media note: Mr. Pen Bona seems to forget that a demonstration is in itself an expression of a “political” belief, therefore, it would be incongruous, if not ridiculous, for Mr. Pen Bona to call for “not mixing up politics” and demonstrations, unless of course Mr. Pen Bona is suggesting that politics should be banned from Cambodian streets.

Click to Read More...

The Cambodian drought

To: National Committee for Disaster Management
Phnom Penh


Dear Sirs.

As our students come from different provinces of Cambodia, especially rural areas, we can get information by their spontaneous reports on the situation their families endure in the farms with the current drought.

It is worrying the situation of several communities, especially the poorest, where there is a lack of water. In a province like Takaew that is considered one of the poorest of Cambodia, just some miles at the south west of Phnom Penh, some rural communities are suffering the consequences of the already long drought. At the same time, it is difficult to detect any action from official departments or NGOs to attend this that is becoming a real emergency and natural disaster.

We are paying also the consequences of deforestation and other aspects related with the natural resources. Now is the drought, soon will be the floods. However, floods can be seen because they are most evident, but drought tends to be more quiet, while people, animals and plants die slowly from the lack of the precious liquid.

What we are doing to attend this natural disaster that is affecting the rural areas?

Thank you for your attention and we congratulate your efforts to prevent disasters and go to meet them in the aim of saving our people.

Yours,

Albeiro Rodas

Director Communication Department

Don Bosco Technical School Sihanoukville

Click to Read More...

Thai royal asks Thai Parliament to stop debate on Khmer-Thai border issue

With or without negotiations with Thailand, Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia!

07 May 2010
By Leang Delux
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Kanh-chanh Chek
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Thailand’s ASTV Manager Online news media reported on 07 May that Princess Walvipa Charoonroj sent a letter to the Thai Parliament asking the latter not to debate on the Cambodian-Thai border topic. Tith Sothea, mouthpiece of the Press and Quick Reaction Unit of Cambodia’s Council of Ministers, criticized this Thai princess, saying that she is countercurrent to the desire by the two countries that want to see a rapid end to the border dispute.

A Thai royal by the name of Princess (Mam Luong) Walvipa Charoonroj wrote a letter to the Thai Parliament to cancel the debate on the Cambodian-Thai border issue during its plenary session. This information was reported by Thailand’s ASTV Manager Online news media on 07 may 2010.

The Thai princess explained that the Cambodia-Thailand border issue, even though it is abiding by the law, is an issue in which Cambodia has the advantage over Thailand, and at the end, the result will show the trampling on history in the border demarcation at Preah Vihear temple. The temple which was the topic of a lawsuit between Cambodia and Thailand at The Hague International Court of Justice, was given back to Cambodia in 1962.

Regarding the request made by Princess Walvipa Charonroj, Tith Sothea, mouthpiece of the Press and Quick Reaction Unit of Cambodia’s Council of Ministers, commented that the prince is a Thai extremist who is preventing the border resolution negotiations between the two countries. Tith Sothea added that the princess’ action is countercurrent to the desire of both the Cambodian and Thai governments which want to see a rapid end to the dispute and a restart of the development and the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Koy Kuong, spokesman for the ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented that the claim that the prince made about Cambodia having the advantage over Thailand is the reality because Cambodia can base on internationally-recognized documents and maps.

It should be noted that there were numerous negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand [on the border dispute]. During these rounds of negotiations, the two sides took note on a number of agreements that Thailand must obtain the approval from its Parliament on the outcome of these discussions. However, since the beginning of the border discussions, no negotiation documents was debated by the Thai Parliament yet, this issue led to a dead end in the border negotiations between the two countries.

Click to Read More...

Strange similarity between Radio France Internationale and pro-CPP mouthpiece Rasmei Kampuchea article: Who's working for whom?

Dear Readers,

While working on an English translation of an article published by Radio France Internationale (RFI) on a Thai prince request to the Thai Parliament, we came across the same topic discussed in another article published by the pro-CPP mouthpiece Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper also. Upon close reading of the two articles, with very minor changes between them, it is clear that these two articles are originated by the same author. This is not the first time that we note such similarity. We believe that RFI owe an explanation to the public as to why such disturbing similarities exist between its articles and those of the pro-CPP mouthpiece Rasmei Kampuchea because, otherwise, the public could be mistakenly led to believe that RFI is no longer an independent and reliable news media.

Sincerely,

KI-Media team

Click on the RFI article in Khmer to zoom in
(Source: http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/cambodia/20100507-%E1%9E%9F%E1%9F%82%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%9A%E1%9E%B6%E1%9E%87%E1%9E%9C%E1%9E%84%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9F%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%90%E1%9F%83%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%98%E1%9E%BD%E1%9E%99%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%A2%E1%9E%84%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%82%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%9F%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%93%E1%9E%BE%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%9A%E1%9E%8A%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%8B%E1%9E%9F%E1%9E%97%E1%9E%B6%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%90%E1%9F%83%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%80%E1%9E%BB%E1%9F%86%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%96%E1%9E%B7%E1%9E%97%E1%9E%B6%E1%9E%80%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9F%E1%9E%B6%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%9A%E1%9E%BF%E1%9E%84%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%96%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9A%E1%9F%86%E1%9E%8A%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%93%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%81%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%98%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%9A%E2%80%8B%E1%9E%90%E1%9F%83)

Click on the Rasmei Kampuchea article in Khmer to zoom in
(Source: http://www.everyday.com.kh/non_members/channels/news/khmer/2010/05/08l_19522_thai.htm)

Click to Read More...

CPP Comrade Mem Sam An overseeing the expansion of Viet business in Cambodia?

PVFCCo expands business in Cambodia

05/09/2010
VOV News

PetroVietnam Fertilizer and Chemicals Corporation (PVFCCo), a member of Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) on May 7 opened its representative office in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh.

Present were Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Anh Dung, senior trade and agriculture officials from the two countries along with PetroVietnam’s representative Hoang Xuan Hung.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy PM Men Sam An said she hopes the business will develop for the benefit of both PVFCCo and Cambodian farmers. She also expressed her belief that PVFCCo will succeed, generating tax revenues and giving Cambodian farmers high-quality products.

PVFCCo’s general director Phan Dinh Duc said the corporation hopes to contribute to boosting fine traditional friendship between the two nations, especially in economics and agriculture.

After the ceremony, PVFCCo signed three memoranda of understanding with their partners in Battambang province.

On the occasion, the corporation presented 25 tonnes of fertilizer to farmers in the Cambodian provinces of Battambang and Prey Veng.

Over the past time, the company has conducted a series of experiments in Kampong Cham and Battambang provinces in an effort to reach the agricultural output target of 8.6 tonnes per ha.

Click to Read More...

Why America is worried about China

Sunday, 09 May 2010
Written by Solomon
Ethiopian Journal (USA)

While America worries about Chinese military capability, the Chinese growth in influence should be of far more concern. In the past couple of decades, China has successfully remade it's imagine around the world, but nowhere more so than in Asia. In the 1970's, China's foreign policy centred around overt hostility towards not only the free world, but also most of the Communist world. They were an active sponsor of Marxist rebel groups all the way from Africa to the Philippines, the worked to destabilize nations along their borders, they initiated a devastating class war on their own people, and they adopted an excessively hostile stance toward the United States.

Since that time, China has developed a highly professional foreign service. Whereas American diplomats are often stationed in any particular country for three years or less, Chinese diplomats are encouraged to stay for as long as possible. They very often are fluent in the local languages, have lived in the country for ten or more years, and are able to make on the spot decisions that any democratic country would not be able to do.

They've long ago ceased sponsoring armed resistance groups, and instead have begun working to convince developing and developed nations alike that they pose no threat and are only interested in "win-win" deals. Additionally, they offer themselves as a unique voice in the world in that they don't question the domestic policies of any country, even when it comes to basic human rights.

This has allowed dictatorships such as that of Burma and also that of Somalia to trade their oil and other natural resources free of political criticism. No western developed nation, or Japan for that matter, would ever want to be seen as being close to the brutal regime in Somalia or in Burma, but for China those considerations barely register. Other countries, such as Venezuela have also found a sympathetic ear in China, which in turn threatens the American oil supply.

Beyond these trade deals, China has begun to aggressively promote it's language and culture abroad. Though little of this reaches the United States, South-East Asia and Australia have been targeted by this charm campaign with great success. Opinions toward the People's Republic have improved immensely over the past two and a half decades as China frequently approaches these countries with cultural exchange offers, development aid, and a smiling face.

In the post 9/11 world, while the U.S was disengaging from much of Asia, China was increasing it's presence in every regard. Universities across The People's Republic of China have opened their doors wide to allow students from all over the world to study, often with financial assistance. At the same time, fewer and fewer foreign students were studying in the U.S due to tighter visa regulations. This does not necessarily mean that Chinese education would attempt any sort of propaganda campaign, for that would be too obvious. China's approach is far more subtle. They have an open door policy designed to create the impression that China is warm, friendly and anything but dangerous.

There are aspects of China's military capability that might be of concern to Americans. No longer will the United States be able to act in the Asia-Pacific region without at least recognizing that the Chinese navy is quickly developing into a sophisticated, white water capable force. The U.S Pacific fleet is still deterrent enough to prevent Chinese military action in Taiwan, but the cost of any potential conflict grows by the day, and soon America will likely decide that the risk of protecting Taiwan is simply not worth the shaky friendship they have with them.

China is not likely to invade other countries, but they will be able to remove much of the U.S influence from the region unless the U.S convinces Asian countries that they can provide a positive counter balance to China. Cambodia, for example. has long had concerns about domination by China. The U.S could find a welcoming voice in Cambodia, if she were to decide to reengage with the region.

In closing, I would argue that the U.S has little to fear from direct Chinese action, but the U.S is losing relative influence and power due to China's rapid growth in influence and power.

Click to Read More...

Remembering fallen reporters who covered Cambodia, Vietnam wars

Journalists observe a moment of silence to honor those killed while covering the Cambodia, Vietnam wars. Starting in the late 1960s, the communist Khmer Rouge waged a Vietnam-backed guerilla campaign that ultimately overthrew Cambodia's pro-West Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Millions died, including journalists covering the unfolding tragedy. (Chor Sokunthea/Reuters)

In April, former correspondents for the Cambodia, Vietnam wars held a reunion in Phnom Penh to remember their colleagues who died while reporting.

May 7, 2010
By Donald Kirk, Correspondent
The Christian Science Monitor
Wat Po, Cambodia

Memories of forays down empty roads from the capital of Phnom Penh flash by as we drive past sunbaked fields to the site where our colleagues were killed 40 years ago. It seems like the old days when correspondents ran those roads looking for war stories – only this time it is a bittersweet reunion, sharing memories of those we knew who went one roadblock too far and never returned.

A former CBS cameraman, Kurt Volkert, tells how two competing network correspondents died along with their crews covering a war that few understood. First George Syvertsen of CBS and producer Gerald Miller ran into an ambush and were gunned down along with their crew. Then, Welles Hangen of NBC and his crew were stopped and detained overnight before being brutally beaten to death.

Mr. Volkert had gone down a different highway that day but led the search for the bodies, including their excavation more than 20 years later.

He talks about the search as villagers gather around, smiling at their foreign visitors, seemingly oblivious to the memory of the scourge that swept the land a generation ago. “The area has changed completely,” he says, looking over the parched land. “The road has doubled in width. All the buildings are new.”

Construction goes on, forcing traffic into a single lane while a convoy of bullock carts competes for space.

All told, 37 foreign and Cambodian journalists died covering the war in Cambodia, a war that ended when the Khmer Rouge overthrew the US-backed regime in April 1975. No foreigners witnessed the subsequent, much worse, suffering endured under the Khmer Rouge until their fall in January 1979.

Today, foreigners are welcome. “The hospitality of the Cambodian people shines once again,” says a former correspondent, Carl Robinson. “It brings a lot of closure to our feelings after all these years.”

Click to Read More...

Myrna Raffkind: Cambodian tells gripping story

Sunday, May 9, 2010
Myrna Raffkind
Amarillo.com (Texas, USA)

Once in a while we read a book that jolts us out of our comfort zone and literally opens our eyes to the many benefits, rights, and privileges we have as a result of living in the United States of America. Such was the experience I encountered when reading Somali Mam's book, "The Road of Lost Innocence."

Somali Mam grew up in Cambodia and her book chronicles her life from early childhood until adulthood. She was abandoned by her parents, grew up as a child of the forest, and sold into sexual slavery at age 12. She lived in brothels until she was in her early 20s, and at this time married a diplomat who took her to France.

Somali Mam was not able to acclimate herself to life in Europe and returned to her native Cambodia to do whatever she could to eliminate the business of brothels and trafficking of sex slaves. She started a foundation dedicated to protesting and has since devoted her time to making the world aware of the horrors the young Cambodian women experience when they are sold as sex slaves.

Undoubtedly all of us in this country can recall incidents where people are treated unfairly and/or even tortured. And yes, most of us know or have heard about incidents where parents have even gained monetarily by forcing their children to engage in illegal or immoral acts. Yet, what's different in America as contrasted to a country such as Cambodia is the institutionalization of sex trafficking and the sanctioning of this practice by government. Fortunately in America, we not only have laws that protect against inhumane practices such as selling children into slavery but we also have a system for enforcing these laws and punishing their offenders.

And yet, what many have forgotten or fail to realize is that in our blessed country rights for women and minority groups have not always been such a vital part of our government. They came only after years of struggle and overcoming resistance and lives were lost in the process.

For example, even though America was founded on the principle of equal rights for all, it was not until 1865 and the passage of the 14th Amendment that blacks were freed from slavery. Fifty-five years passed before the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote was signed into law in 1920. The Civil Rights Act that barred discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex was not passed until 1964 and in some states the use of contraceptives by married couples was prohibited until 1965.

There are times when I question the misuse and even abuse of some of the rights we enjoy as citizens. I become angry when I read about members of the Westboro Baptist church disrupting funerals with their protests of gays and lesbians. I experience fear when I hear about the stockpiling of weapons by militia groups and I am dismayed when I hear hecklers at political rallies denounce politicians whose views I favor and support. Yet, at the same time, I realize that these signs of protest are but a small price to pay for freedom of speech, assembly or the right to bear arms.

Those who have grown up and live in Cambodia or other countries ruled by tyranny have no safeguards for human rights.

They must fear for their lives when they speak out or protest against inhumane and immoral practices such as selling children to brothels. In order to institute change they must rely on the support of others who live in free countries and who are willing to advocate for their causes.
---------------
Somali Mam will be speaking later this year on the WTAMU campus at Freshman Convocation. She is coming to WTAMU as part of the Readership WT Program, the same program that brought to campus Elie Weisel (Holocaust survivor and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize) in 2007; Valentino Deng (one of the lost boys of Sudan), in 2008, and Khaled Husseini (author of "The Kite Runner") in 2009.

In speaking to the students and youth, these authors have told of genocide, cruelty, and torture imposed in their native countries by corrupt regimes and despotic leaders.

Hearing their stories, the young people of today and the leaders of tomorrow cannot help but have a greater understanding and appreciation of the value and meaning of freedom.

Myrna Raffkind is a retired West Texas A&M University faculty member. She lives in Amarillo.

Click to Read More...

2 held in cab driver's death1 teen charged with 2nd-degree murder, held on $250,000 bail

Sunday, May 9, 2010
Honolulu Advertiser (Hawaii, USA)

Honolulu police have arrested two teenagers in the May 1 beating death of 41-year-old taxi driver Charlys Ty Tang.

Michael Robles, 18, of Mānoa and an unidentified 17-year-old male were arrested at the Honolulu Police Department's main station on South Beretania shortly before midnight on Friday.

Robles was charged with second-degree murder, and is being held on $250,000 bail, police said.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested and a petition filed in Family Court, said Honolulu Police Department spokeswoman Capt. Letha DeCaires

Tang, who immigrated to Hawai'i from Cambodia, was found beaten and dying in his car just before 2 a.m. in the parking lot of the Waipahu Times Super Market. It was his 41st birthday.

Police said Tang had picked up two men around 1:15 a.m. on Kūhiō Avenue then drove them to Times. Witnesses reported seeing two men fleeing the scene.

Tang's death shed light on the long hours and potentially deadly situations faced by local taxi drivers, many of whom are immigrants. In the wake of the apparent killing, many drivers voiced their concerns about working in the midst of a prolonged recession.

Tang worked as a cook at several restaurants, but turned to driving a taxi when many of those restaurants closed because of slow business.

On the day he died, his family had been planning a birthday celebration at Magic Island to coincide with a gathering of other immigrants from Cambodia.

A service for Tang will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Mililani Downtown Mortuary (visitation from 9 a.m.), with burial to follow at noon at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.

Tang is survived by his wife, Xiaoling; son, Jarvis, daughter, Aprille; mother, Jenny Tang; brothers, Billy and Peter; and sisters, Judy Chow, Susan and Pamela.

Click to Read More...

Najib Arrives For Official Visit To Cambodia

May 09, 2010
By Jamaluddin Muhammad

PHNOM PENH, May 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived here Sunday evening to begin his three-day official visit to Cambodia.

The premier and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, were greeted upon arrival at the Phnom Penh International Airport here at 6.50pm (Malaysian time: 7.50pm) by Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Datuk Pengiran Mohd Hussein Mohd Tahir Nasruddin were also present at the airport to welcome them.

This is Najib's first official visit to this country after assuming office in April last year, and the visit, among others, is aimed at enhancing the bilateral ties and trade between the two countries.

He is scheduled to begin the second day of his visit by attending the wreath-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument before calling on his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, and hold bilateral talks at the Council of Ministers here tomorrow.

Najib will then hold a dialogue with Malaysian investors and businessmen in Cambodia at a hotel here, before Hun Sen joins him at the Malaysia-Cambodia Business Forum and luncheon at the same hotel.

Both leaders will then witness the signing of six business agreements worth US$1 billion (US$1 = RM3.27) there.

The five business agreements are between private sectors from both countries while another is between a Malaysian company and a Cambodian government agency.

Najib is also scheduled to visit the Hello Axiata Operation Centre here, a Malaysian-Cambodian telecommunication joint-venture company, and later visit the construction site of the new complex of the Malaysian Embassy here.

Meanwhile, in a separate function here tomorrow, Rosmah will visit the Kuntha Bopha IV Hospital and the Bun Rany Hun Sen High School.

The prime minister and his wife will conclude their second-day visit by attending the official dinner hosted by Hun Sen and wife Bun Rany at a hotel here.

On the final day, Najib will have an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace here in the morning.

The visiting premier will also call on the President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin at the National Assembly here, and President of the Senate Chea Sim at the Senate House here.

Najib and wife are scheduled to leave Phnom Penh International Airport for home at 11.30am (Malaysian time: 12.30pm) on Tuesday.

Click to Read More...

Malaysia and Cambodia to ink six business deals

Sunday May 9, 2010
The Star (Malaysia)

PHNOM PENH: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will witness the signing of six business deals worth US$1bil (RM3.27bil) between Malaysia and Cambodia during his official visit here.

The deals are related to education, ICT security, halal business, healthcare, training and the retail sector.

During his three-day visit, beginning today, the Prime Minister will witness the signing of five MoUs and the award of a letter of agreement.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Najib would hold bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen to boost two-way trade and investment.

“The visit is also to cement a bond of friendship and increase trade between the two countries,” he told Malaysian journalists here.

Anifah said the bilateral discussions would also touch on issues relating to creating an Asean Community by 2015, besides broadening their existing co-operation. Najib will be accompanied by a 117-member delegation comprising mainly businessmen.

Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Datuk Pengiran Mohd Hussein Mohd Tahir Nasruddin said business matching between entrepreneurs from both countries would also be held.

“The business talks will involve 16 sectors such as construction, ICT, oil and gas, food and beverage, education and healthcare,” he said, adding that total trade between the two countries stood at US$150mil (RM490mil).

Click to Read More...

Women change lives worldwide

The Rev. Ann Walling, left, and Chantha Nguon wear Mekong Blue scarves at a fashion show in Nashville. (FILE / THE TENNESSEAN)

May 8, 2010
By Marjorie Mason
Tennessee Voices
The Tennessian

Before I had kids, I dismissed Mother's Day as a Hallmark holiday — a harmless but relatively insignificant occasion to let greeting card companies and florists help you honor your mom.

Then I had kids, and my attitude changed. I work hard for my kids, picking up toys, washing dirty laundry and enduring extended arguments about the merits of regular tooth brushing. Now I think, "Heck yeah, I deserve a day!"

I know I am blessed. But within the last year I have begun to appreciate just how fortunate I am. I have my mother-in-law, Ann Walling, to thank for that. Ann introduced me to Chantha Nguon and the women of the Stung