Viet Nam had about 2/ 300 years of Chinese oppression, 100+ years of French occupation/colonialism and over 10 years of American war/bombing and whatever else. People who I know who have either had business dealings or holidays in that country are amazed about how history does not figure big in their world/conversations. Everyone seems to be well informed about their history but there appears to be a spirit/action of getting down to making sure the future is good/better for everyone. It seems that corruption/theft is kept to a min. (marxists bosses/politicians get kickbacks) and thus things get done and most wealth/resources get used. Can we say this is happening here, very much no? Start diverting our huge resources/wealth to uplifting the poor: education at all levels, health, SOEs working properly at all three levels of govt and see how the Rainbow Nation rushes back. People will be competing for use of the fruits of our huge economy instead of critting from the sidelines.