Sabaidee Somvay and all SJD members:
In response to the subject of "changes", let me recapture the reoccuring 
issue that came most recently in diffrent form, either in Phrakeo or 
Prabang. Here and again, changes to be brought to the Great Lan Xang for 
discussion in aiming to reunite Lao peoples.  To me, this is just a dream 
that is far fetched from reality. Many  SJD members appeared to be overly 
obsessed with old history causing emtional conflict among ourselves and 
negative attitudes towards Thailand including  blaming the Great leaders of 
Lao Lan Xang for the loss of Lao treasures!  Then , we point fingers on who 
is right or who has right information. None of us were there, what do you 
know? People write history and they write anything - depending on your side 
you are on at the time. However,  Laos has great history, but I am obliged 
to question the intent and the benefit of this kind discusion . What is it 
going to do (outcome or result) for us personally and professionally?  Are 
we using this opportunity to teach younger generations or what? What is the 
goal for this discussion?  Maybe, there is a need to set parameters and some 
guidelines to measure the success from the discussion . I am a firm believer 
in knowing a need to begin and to end- or putting  closure to the issue. By 
the way, do not jump to the conclusion that I don't care about Lao history 
and Literature.  I think it is time to reevaluate ourselves whether they 
serve any purpose. Maybe, it does for some SJD  members; but it certainly 
 doesn't for me. I am more interested in current issues facing our lives 
abroad, maybe narrowing a specific focus )re: item) on something we could do 
in Laos rather than looking for issues to blame or to fight about. If we 
keep dwelling about our past, we may be out of luck or die before we see 
prospect of anything.  Each of us needs to be invloved in own local 
communities within your time and effort availability rather than trying to 
resolve problems of the whole world. May I suggest to anyone prior to start 
a discussion on any issue assemble some directives as to how far you want to 
carry it?  Whether the issues for info only, discussion only, or issue in 
need of action or vote by Internet. Set the timeframe  for discussion. 
Thanks. From Chareundi- Oregon USA.
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From: Somvay Boualouang
To: (satjadham)
Subject: Re: Changes
Date: Monday, November 25, 1996 3:18PM

Sabaydii everyone,

There seems to be a lot of ground to cover.  I am not quite sure where to
start. Perhaps, we can discuss among ourselves on what "specific" changes
we thing are the most important to us (or something of that nature)?
(just to give people something specific to write about.)
Or we can try to tackle some of the questions that Adisack brought up:

>....
>What kind of Changes will/can bring back the once-great Lan Xang?
> What kind of Changes will unite our peoples?

To me, these are very complex and serious questions.
If someone can write about one of these two subjects, that would be great.
Otherwise, we can discuss it a little bit, say, after Thanksgiving?:)

Hak hpaang,
Somvay