PebHmong Discussion Forum

News & Announcements => News Headlines => Positive News => Topic started by: jon_jon on April 20, 2014, 06:37:00 AM

Title: Merced County swears in nation's first Hmong judge
Post by: jon_jon on April 20, 2014, 06:37:00 AM

Paul L.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/politics&id=9509254 (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/politics&id=9509254)

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) --  A new judge is sworn into Merced County Superior Court, but it's sparking national attention.

For the first time in the history of the United States, a Hmong man is now a superior court judge. Paul Lo, 45, was sworn in as a Merced County judge on Friday in front of countless family members, friends and community members -- all emotional at the sight of immense triumph.

"For him to be in that role now that we have young folks that are coming up that can say 'look, he's on the bench, and we can aspire to become successful,' and so those are important role models that are establishing now," said Fresno City Councilman Blong Xiong.

Lo has crossed more than just judiciary hurdles. He crossed an ocean to get to where he is today. As a child, Lo was one of many Hmong fearing persecution in Vietnam after the Vietnam War. Many Hmong assisted Americans in the war and had to flee the country.

"They paved the way for us to be here tonight with their lives. They left everything they ever knew, lost everything they ever owned, and braved the unknown," said Lo.

Many political leaders including Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, spoke proudly at Friday's historical event.

"That still is a beacon of light throughout the world that you can come here with nothing but the clothes on your back, and if you work hard and you get a good education, you can succeed," said Costa.

Merced County has the fifth largest Hmong community in the country -- now fit with a role model to inspire for generations to come.

Title: Re: Merced County swears in nation's first Hmong judge
Post by: The_Scholar on May 01, 2014, 10:46:52 PM

Congratulation!!!

I will even applaud him more, if he punish all those Hmong thugs in Merced.

Title: Re: Merced County swears in nation's first Hmong judge
Post by: Luther on May 16, 2014, 04:35:48 PM

I would applaud him even more if he punishes all those white wash hmong people,mexicans, blacks, and every single white person that appears in front of him :)

Title: Re: Merced County swears in nation's first Hmong judge
Post by: lilly on May 16, 2014, 04:37:59 PM

I'm happy for him.   :)

Title: Re: Merced County swears in nation's first Hmong judge
Post by: Luther on May 16, 2014, 04:38:18 PM

but nevertheless.. ..a HUGE congratulation s to Paul.  History is being made one day, one person at a time, at a time when Hmong people needed most O0 O0 O0