Vol. 55, No. 15, October 12, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
Washington State’s discriminatory alien land law was the subject of most of this four-page issue. Senate Joint Resolution 21 would repeal a restriction that, as the articles explain, has targeted Japanese Americans since 1889, and the front page made the case for a yes vote. Toru Sakahara explained why Japanese Americans were backing the measure, Tak Kubota answered common questions about it, and William Marutani, an attorney, argued that laws like this one remain a danger because they encourage prejudice. The Seattle speakers bureau called for more volunteers in the final weeks before the election, and another report urged a renewed effort to spread the facts statewide.
On page 3, a Hawaii primary report covered Daniel Inouye’s large vote total in the race for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Oren Long, with Dillingham unopposed on the other side.
What’s in this issue
National
- Washington to Clear Deadwood: Yes on SJR 21, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The article urges Washington voters to support Senate Joint Resolution 21 to repeal the state’s discriminatory alien land law. It explains that the measure would remove restrictions that have targeted Japanese Americans since 1889.
- Why All the Fuss on Yes-SJR 21?, by By Toru Sakahara, page 1. The article explains the campaign to repeal SJR 21, the discriminatory alien land law in Washington State, and the reasons Japanese Americans are supporting it. It outlines the key questions voters are being asked to consider.
- Washington SJR 21: Questions and Answers, by By Tak Kubota, page 2. The article answers common questions about SJR 21 and the constitutional provision that prohibited land ownership by aliens ineligible for citizenship. It explains that the provision targeted Japanese and other Asian immigrants.
Community
- Speakers Bureau Calls for More Speakers, More Speaking Engagements as Final Weeks of Effort Starts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle speakers bureau for the SJR 21 repeal campaign is urging more volunteers to speak at engagements during the final weeks before the election. The campaign aims to spread facts about the measure throughout the state.
- Inouye Rolls Up 103,000 Votes, Dillingham Has 54,000 Unopposed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Democrat Daniel Inouye won a large vote total in the Hawaii primary for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Oren Long. The article reports on voter turnout and the results of the primary election.
Incarceration & Redress
- Spreading Facts of SJR 21 Repeal Campaign Throughout State Is Must, by By Ute Ieano Ry Flmek Ogawa, page 1. The article reports on the disappointing outcome of an earlier Washington election on alien land laws and calls for a renewed effort to educate voters. It stresses the importance of the repeal of discriminatory land laws to uphold equality.
Commentary
- A Loaded Gun Just Lying Around, by William Marutani, page 1. Attorney William Marutani argues that discriminatory land laws against Orientals remain a dangerous remnant that encourages prejudice. He calls for their repeal to protect the rights of Japanese Americans.
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