I understand the point you're trying to make, but I don't think people realize what that $9.8M actually means in terms of how it was amassed. That money had to come from somewhere and it certainly wasn't from Vang Pao's own personal wealth. I also highly doubt that it came from secret donations made from wealthy individuals who have any compassion for the Hmong people and any cause they might be fighting for. Vang Pao and co. have probably been collecting that money for years now with the bulk of the contributions coming from already poor Hmong families. Most Hmong people would fork over their last penny to help a relative or clan member out of a sense of obligation or responsiblity whether it be to pay for a wedding, a funeral, or cause they believe in.
There's absolutely nothing cool about plotting violence against any people for any reason. That these guys were serious and earnest in their goal and that the money probably came from those who could least afford it just makes it even worse.
I understand the point you're trying to make, but I don't think people realize what that $9.8M actually means in terms of how it was amassed. That money had to come from somewhere and it certainly wasn't from Vang Pao's own personal wealth. I also highly doubt that it came from secret donations made from wealthy individuals who have any compassion for the Hmong people and any cause they might be fighting for. Vang Pao and co. have probably been collecting that money for years now with the bulk of the contributions coming from already poor Hmong families. Most Hmong people would fork over their last penny to help a relative or clan member out of a sense of obligation or responsiblity whether it be to pay for a wedding, a funeral, or cause they believe in.
There's absolutely nothing cool about plotting violence against any people for any reason. That these guys were serious and earnest in their goal and that the money probably came from those who could least afford it just makes it even worse.