Re: Biblical garden---paliurus spina christi

Trevor,
I'm a Chinese-American gardener, and have to agree that the word "coolie"
is indeed derogatory, and akin to using the word "nigger". Your reasoning,
that it is historically and inoffensive word for 'hired laborer' ignores
the contextual and historical use of this term in America where virulent
anti-Chinese sentiment fueled and allowed the passage of the first
ethnically discriminatory laws in the late 19th century against the
Chinese. Only African Americans have suffered longer and with more harm by
practices which denigrate a people for the color of their skin. 
Passed by Congress and specifically called "coolie labor laws", these
practices of discrimination existed until the 1950's wherein Asians could
not become U.S. citizens.  As the wife of a Japanese American, I'm aware
and very sensitive to discrimination.  Your experience in the Vietnam War,
where derogatory terms to refer to the Vietnamese people, does not qualify
you to condone this kind of usage.  You were not the native people, but a
foreign aggressor --the term Ugly American-certainly applies here.

Shirley Lin Kinoshita 
God bless the camellias which bloom in winter in my yard. Camellias are
from Asia and they bless all who enjoy their presence in the cold and
dearth of winter days here in California.

Now blooming: Chandleri Elegans
Ready next week: Nuccio's Pearl
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