tunneling for evidence

so, the l.a. times had an article about chinatown's tunnels. in the article, they mention a bit of controversy. i find this interesting, because i've never heard of any controversy about the tunnels. i've heard discussion about how extensive the tunnels may be, but i didn't realize there was any controversy. some quotes about it:

"Experts on Chinese American history say Chinatowns across the nation -- including in many California cities -- have always been rumored to have tunnels, but no proof exists that they were anything more than connected basements. They say the hype surrounding the legends revives misconceptions that fanned xenophobia in earlier times."

and:

"The 19th century was an extremely racist climate," said Phil Choy, past president of the Chinese Historical Society of America and a skeptic of tunnel lore. "There had always been an attempt to remove the Chinese. You had this population of undesirables. The more mysterious they make us, the better."

hmm, interesting. i understand that other tunnels have existed, or weren't as spectacular as billed. and, i guess i wouldn't be that surprised if in the past there was fear, xenophobia and suspicion about people different than the mainstream. but how much of this applies to now and exploring whether or not there are tunnels in fresno.

more from the article:
"But Fresno is different because the tunnel tales are more than just rumors. Over the last few months, a handful of old-timers have stepped forward to say they saw the tunnels in action. Their oral histories have given a sense of urgency to the city's archaeological effort."

and:
"One of the first was Rick Lew, who grew up in Chinatown in the 1950s. Lew said his grandfather was a well-known figure in Chinatown's early history, running gambling operations and selling liquor."

i wonder what mr. choy would say? i mean, here we have a guy basically confirming the urban legend. sure, it's not scientific proof, but that doesn't mean it's not true. we'll see what is discovered as they use radar and continue to explore.

cross posted here