WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

Not Really Political. Couple Quick Stories About my Wife and Cuban Friend. Definitely Read if you are Interested in Voting Democrat.

beaverretriever

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I know a lot of people on RDP are familiar with my wife's story, but I am sure there are a few that are not and with elections coming up I thought this would be a good time to share again. I have two quick stories of people who escaped communist countries and made a life here in the good ol US of A!

First off a little about Laos. Laos is a beautiful country but screwed up politically. It is a one-party socialist republic, espousing Marxism–Leninism governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, under which non-governmental organizations have routinely characterized the country's human rights record as poor, citing repeated abuses such as torture, restrictions on civil liberties, and persecution of minorities.

My wife escaped Laos with her family when she was three years old and not too long after the Vietnam war. She lived in refugee camps in Vietnam and Thailand with rationed food, dirt floors in makeshift tents for four years until she was seven years old. Eventually after going through all the legal and correct channels they made it to the United States. Neither one of her parents or the six children spoke a word of English but they learned fast. Her father was in the Laos military and was accepted in to the US military for certain duties requiring someone who spoke Laoation. They made a good life for themselves with very little help in Washington. Both her mother and father worked for a potato company until this very day. Basically my wife is everything the liberals pander to, female, immigrant, minority. But with no help from anyone she put herself through school and now has three degrees, speaks three languages and is a lead consultant for Workday the cloud based finance, HR and planning system that is used by everyone from Netflix to Harvard. She could never understand why anyone in their right mind would want to vote in anything remotely related socialism or communism.

Cuba. I really shouldn't have to fill you in much on Cuba and that asshole Castro. haha.

One of my recent customers escaped Cuba and came here with nothing. He eventually opened up a jewelry store, and married his wife who is now a pediatrician. They own multiple offices, have a 2mill dollar home in Henderson and two great kids that are amazing at everything they do. He flies the American flag every day and is as conservative as you can get. He told me when he came to the US and he walked into a grocery store it was like Christmas. He says that was his first memory, going in to a store and seeing food on the shelves and he could't believe you didn't have to wait in line for a few eggs and some bread.
 

nameisbond

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Great read............. Family friend is ex-CIA. His first assignment for them was in Laos during the Vietnam war. His second posting was in Cambodia, also during the Vietnam war. I know a little bit about each country. I've been to Cuba, seen it first hand. My brothers best friend is Cuban. His friend made it out two years ago. He's trying to get his wife and daughter out. One daughter got too the US a few months ago. The US has closed all embassies for visa processing due to covid or his wife and daughter would be in the US. Socialism/communism is fucked up. Brothers Cuban friend is very pro capitalisms and conservative.
 

evantwheeler

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Cuba. I really shouldn't have to fill you in much on Cuba and that asshole Castro. haha.

One of my recent customers escaped Cuba and came here with nothing. He eventually opened up a jewelry store, and married his wife who is now a pediatrician. They own multiple offices, have a 2mill dollar home in Henderson and two great kids that are amazing at everything they do. He flies the American flag every day and is as conservative as you can get. He told me when he came to the US and he walked into a grocery store it was like Christmas. He says that was his first memory, going in to a store and seeing food on the shelves and he could't believe you didn't have to wait in line for a few eggs and some bread.

Thanks for sharing perspective. Here is a great video on how awesome communism is in Cuba (sarcasm).

 

Nordie

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My dad was married to a Cuban lady for a few years. She was an amazing lady, my dad was the idiot. Anyhow she told me the stories of escaping Cuba and coming here legally. I will never forget her telling me that she had to use banana leafs as TP and starving to death. When her family left and in order to leave surrender everything they owned to Castro. Then one day she pulled out a book, and it had everything she did to become an American citizen. She even had the little American Flag they gave her for passing the test. She cherished every bit of becoming and American Citizen.

Talk about people having more pride in this country vs some actual American born citizens not giving a shit.

Great Story!
 

nameisbond

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My brother actually lived in Cuba on a student visa. I visited him a few times. Girls hang out by the tourist restaurants, Cubans can't afford to eat at restaurants. When I was there, private owned restaurants not allowed. Anyway, girls would hang out near the restaurants. They begged for leftovers and would sleep with you for them. My brother would come back to Canada. He'd buy clothes for his Cuban friends. Girls found out and offered him sex if he brought them clothes. I felt sorry for the girls, so Id invite them to the restaurant for lunch. They'd take a tiny bite and take the left overs home to share with their families. It was sad.

The funnest (sarcasm), the secret police came our door because the house we rented was not registered with the government. We didn't have permission to be there. The police made us pack our bags and move to a hotel.
 

checkrd past

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My dad was married to a Cuban lady for a few years. She was an amazing lady, my dad was the idiot. Anyhow she told me the stories of escaping Cuba and coming here legally. I will never forget her telling me that she had to use banana leafs as TP and starving to death. When her family left and in order to leave surrender everything they owned to Castro. Then one day she pulled out a book, and it had everything she did to become an American citizen. She even had the little American Flag they gave her for passing the test. She cherished every bit of becoming and American Citizen.

Talk about people having more pride in this country vs some actual American born citizens not giving a shit.

Great Story!


Yes, it seems that who ever comes here legally really appreciates the USA and the illegals just want to piss on the flag. Just my observation in life.
 

Kachina26

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Thanks for sharing perspective. Here is a great video on how awesome communism is in Cuba (sarcasm).

I don't know what those guys had heard about Cuba. But it looks like they spent a lot of time and money to learn what I already knew.
 

Taboma

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Great read............. Family friend is ex-CIA. His first assignment for them was in Laos during the Vietnam war. His second posting was in Cambodia, also during the Vietnam war. I know a little bit about each country. I've been to Cuba, seen it first hand. My brothers best friend is Cuban. His friend made it out two years ago. He's trying to get his wife and daughter out. One daughter got too the US a few months ago. The US has closed all embassies for visa processing due to covid or his wife and daughter would be in the US. Socialism/communism is fucked up. Brothers Cuban friend is very pro capitalisms and conservative.

Was he in Laos in the early 60's as part of "Farm Gate" ?
 

nameisbond

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Was he in Laos in the early 60's as part of "Farm Gate" ?

No.... He joined the CIA in 1970. Before that he was an LT in the Marines serving in Vietnam. He however was recruited into the CIA, when he joined the Marines. The CIA basically said you are in when your hitch with the Marines ends and you survive Vietnam. His boss in the CIA, was station chief of South East Asia during the 1970's. He's also a family friend.
 
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pronstar

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Great read............. Family friend is ex-CIA. His first assignment for them was in Laos during the Vietnam war. His second posting was in Cambodia, also during the Vietnam war. I know a little bit about each country. I've been to Cuba, seen it first hand. My brothers best friend is Cuban. His friend made it out two years ago. He's trying to get his wife and daughter out. One daughter got too the US a few months ago. The US has closed all embassies for visa processing due to covid or his wife and daughter would be in the US. Socialism/communism is fucked up. Brothers Cuban friend is very pro capitalisms and conservative.

My dad was an army spook in Vietnam thru 1968. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys all knew each other.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

nameisbond

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My dad was an army spook in Vietnam thru 1968. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys all knew each other.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

He was a regular combat Marine in Vietnam. Did seven months in what was called the Arizona Territory. Then did seven months as the recreation officer in Thailand. He left the Marines as a captain. Didn't become a spook until 1970.
 

rcmike

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The other saying is you only get to vote socialist or communist once..
Oh, you will keep voting communist. It's not a choice after that first one, but..

Somehow Lil Kim keeps getting 99% of the vote..
 

rivermobster

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Had a friend in HS that came from Cuba. They were farmers there, and Castro took all their land and threw them out.

They did very well here. Owned a gas station and a muffler/transmission shop. The son now owns a bunch of rental properties.

They have worked HARD and done well. 👍
 

WhatExit?

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It's a simple choice, vote to be the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape from or the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape to.

Brilliant! Did you write that or read it elsewhere?

Biden's America: Be the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape from
or
Trump's America: Be the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape to
 

500bbc

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Brilliant! Did you write that or read it elsewhere?

Biden's America: Be the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape from
or
Trump's America: Be the country that people are willing to risk death trying to escape to
Umm I'm gots skills... :p
Just used to dealing with simpletons...
 

squeezer

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Can one of you guys with Cuban connections get some details on the “ Bay of Pigs” award that was recently given to Trump...

Would really like to learn all about it.
 

AntiBormac

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Can one of you guys with Cuban connections get some details on the “ Bay of Pigs” award that was recently given to Trump...

Would really like to learn all about it.

Mr Squeezer sir, for a smart guy who’s consistently duped by your higher learning and liberal media you seem pretty arrogant.
I applaud your efforts, RDP needs a good clown
 

squeezer

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Mr Squeezer sir, for a smart guy who’s consistently duped by your higher learning and liberal media you seem pretty arrogant.
I applaud your efforts, RDP needs a good clown

Yea yea... Thats all been pointed out many times before.

What I really am interested in is the Cuban community and their awards. Please stay on point here.
 

WYRD

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Inspiring stories about inspiring people.

Our country will remain great as long as those are willing to work for it. The demise of the great USA will come when those who don't want to work for it outnumber those that do. While this year has been exceptionally trying on so many fronts I don't think we're there yet. And while I don't think DJT is our grand savior, I definitely know biden and the rest of the current democratic party is NOT Good for this country.

God bless the USA.🇺🇸
 

wet hull

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I know a lot of people on RDP are familiar with my wife's story, but I am sure there are a few that are not and with elections coming up I thought this would be a good time to share again. I have two quick stories of people who escaped communist countries and made a life here in the good ol US of A!

First off a little about Laos. Laos is a beautiful country but screwed up politically. It is a one-party socialist republic, espousing Marxism–Leninism governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, under which non-governmental organizations have routinely characterized the country's human rights record as poor, citing repeated abuses such as torture, restrictions on civil liberties, and persecution of minorities.

My wife escaped Laos with her family when she was three years old and not too long after the Vietnam war. She lived in refugee camps in Vietnam and Thailand with rationed food, dirt floors in makeshift tents for four years until she was seven years old. Eventually after going through all the legal and correct channels they made it to the United States. Neither one of her parents or the six children spoke a word of English but they learned fast. Her father was in the Laos military and was accepted in to the US military for certain duties requiring someone who spoke Laoation. They made a good life for themselves with very little help in Washington. Both her mother and father worked for a potato company until this very day. Basically my wife is everything the liberals pander to, female, immigrant, minority. But with no help from anyone she put herself through school and now has three degrees, speaks three languages and is a lead consultant for Workday the cloud based finance, HR and planning system that is used by everyone from Netflix to Harvard. She could never understand why anyone in their right mind would want to vote in anything remotely related socialism or communism.

Cuba. I really shouldn't have to fill you in much on Cuba and that asshole Castro. haha.

One of my recent customers escaped Cuba and came here with nothing. He eventually opened up a jewelry store, and married his wife who is now a pediatrician. They own multiple offices, have a 2mill dollar home in Henderson and two great kids that are amazing at everything they do. He flies the American flag every day and is as conservative as you can get. He told me when he came to the US and he walked into a grocery store it was like Christmas. He says that was his first memory, going in to a store and seeing food on the shelves and he could't believe you didn't have to wait in line for a few eggs and some bread.
There is a very good chance my wife was right next to yours. Her parents were very high ranked in Loas. Pregnant with my wife back in Dec 1980. Once the country was over run they escaped in the middle of night and swam across river into Thailand where she was born in the camp. They were sponsored and ended up in Carlsbad, Ca. Both parents are fluent in Lao, Thai and French. Zero English at the time. Very crazy story to hear in person, life has been challenging as education did not transfer over and learning English. It wasn't until about 10 years ago her dad was even allowed back in the country. Even had his picture on the airport wall until then. Amazing people that I love to death.
 

beaverretriever

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There is a very good chance my wife was right next to yours. Her parents were very high ranked in Loas. Pregnant with my wife back in Dec 1980. Once the country was over run they escaped in the middle of night and swam across river into Thailand where she was born in the camp. They were sponsored and ended up in Carlsbad, Ca. Both parents are fluent in Lao, Thai and French. Zero English at the time. Very crazy story to hear in person, life has been challenging as education did not transfer over and learning English. It wasn't until about 10 years ago her dad was even allowed back in the country. Even had his picture on the airport wall until then. Amazing people that I love to death.


Very cool. Tough people for sure. Do you eat Laos food? I like it a lot. Took me a while to get used to some of the flavors but I live a lot of it.


Here is one of the only photos of my wife as a child after they made it to Thailand I believe. They only had a few photos as most didnt have a camera and the ones they did have got burned in a fire when their home burnt to the ground.

20200915_135240.jpg


My father inlaw here in the US at two different Air Force facilities. He is a small man (prob a 140lbs) but tough as nails. I wouldnt mess with him.

20200915_135213.jpg


20200915_135300.jpg
 

LHC Kirby

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The problem is.... the democrat party and their voters... always say something like .... well not like Cuba, no not like Venezuela .... well folks, I’m sure those people didn’t vote for those conditions... but they sure got there in a hurry.

#redwave
#trump2020
 

LazyLavey

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My wife was a born in Havana. Her family was pretty wealthy. Her Grandfather was a developer and built a beach community and yacht club just out side of Havana called "Tarara"

They escaped in 1961 when my wife was just months old and of course lost everything. All her family live in the Miami area now and have worked hard and are doing well for themselves. Of course all conservatives!

My wife has always wanted to go to Cuba and try to locate the family residence, burial plots and Tarara.

So... A few years ago we went for 2 weeks (when Obummer open up travel). We found the family residence which is now a Govt construction office, although it's still a house, be it run down.

We found Tarara. It still exists although pretty run down. About a hundred houses, church, market, yacht club and theatre. All of which are standing but not functioning. Except for a few of the houses which are provided to dignitaries and their family for vacation.

Incredible society in that time stood still. Decrepit buildings and infrastructure. Decent markets, restaurants and hotels for the tourist (mostly Canadians and Europeans) and shitty non stocked markets for locals who are limited in quantities they can buy.

There is a newer area in Havana that has newer neighborhoods with small attached style housing. Almost acceptable

It's a 24/7 car show. I found the car club that was on that Cuban Chrome show a few years ago

fullsizeoutput_df.jpeg

These guys are hired as taxis for tourist only. I brought a custom car Calendar and presented it to their president. He had the most original 56 chevy. 283, extremely stock engine bay, worthy to show in the states. He said he got a lot of parts from OPGI.. I didn't ask how....lol Most of the old cars have Diesel engines, jeep running gear and assorted other parts..

We brought toys and sports equipment for the youngsters and clothing for whoever

Oh, and no emissions controls. I found myself holding my breathe.... a lot


No auto dealers, very few extremely crude gas stations. The taxi drivers , which there are plenty, make more money than doctors and professors.

We hooked up with a young taxi driver who chauffeured us for the time there and smoothed the way into places we could not have gotten into otherwise.

Not many people have jobs, they just hang out in their apartment windows throughout the day, drinking coffee and chatting with passerbys

We actually met many who invited us in for coffee and cigars when they found my wife was Cuban. Frankly, most these people have nothing, some don't even have roofs.

Not many would talk critical of the govt. and if they did they looked both ways first. The older generation who lived through the revolution told us the stories of losing everything, including their homes, and their properties were "Redistributed" (sound familiar?)

On the pro side there is no evident racism there. All races seem to co-mingle.

An eyeopening trip with very conflicting emotions

As they say "Cubans are laughing on the outside and crying on the inside"

Side note.... We shared the flight there with the cast and crew of "House of Lies"

 

wet hull

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Very cool. Tough people for sure. Do you eat Laos food? I like it a lot. Took me a while to get used to some of the flavors but I live a lot of it.


Here is one of the only photos of my wife as a child after they made it to Thailand I believe. They only had a few photos as most didnt have a camera and the ones they did have got burned in a fire when their home burnt to the ground.

View attachment 922841

My father inlaw here in the US at two different Air Force facilities. He is a small man (prob a 140lbs) but tough as nails. I wouldnt mess with him.

View attachment 922843

View attachment 922842
I do eat the food selectively. Certain things I wont touch. Like squid over a open flame.
 

wet hull

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Very cool. Tough people for sure. Do you eat Laos food? I like it a lot. Took me a while to get used to some of the flavors but I live a lot of it.


Here is one of the only photos of my wife as a child after they made it to Thailand I believe. They only had a few photos as most didnt have a camera and the ones they did have got burned in a fire when their home burnt to the ground.

View attachment 922841

My father inlaw here in the US at two different Air Force facilities. He is a small man (prob a 140lbs) but tough as nails. I wouldnt mess with him.

View attachment 922843

View attachment 922842
Does your wife know which camp she was at. Apparently my wife's camp burned down then they were moved to another.
 

pronstar

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I’ve posted about it before...mom and dad got out of Vietnam in 1968, but tons of relatives weren’t so lucky.

I could tell you stories from “boat people” adrift in the seas, succumbing to piracy, that would literally make you weep.

None have ever taken a government handout. Most are doing better than I am and I was born here.

But they also didn’t just bum-rush the border. There was a process to follow. We had to sponsor them and pick them up from refugee camps.

These folks love America and hate communism/“socialism”, because they’ve seen firsthand what it brings.


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