The 1964 election and California’s Proposition 14

Vol. 59, No. 19, November 6, 1964. 4 pages. View this issue

The 1964 election and its meaning for civil rights ran through this four-page issue. Mike Masaoka read the results as a strong mandate for civil rights and against the white backlash, noting the defeat of Goldwater and Hiram Fong’s continued Senate seat. He also condemned the passage of Proposition 14 as a blow to fair housing and human dignity in California. A front-page report said California voters repealed the state’s fair housing law by roughly two to one, and local JACL leaders called the result a setback. Ronald Shigeki Shiwaki, Roy Nishikawa and National President Rupert Machiya wrote on the JACL’s direction and program for the year ahead.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote on the length of American political campaigns and the sacrifices of the Issei. Senator Daniel Inouye opposed the Becker Amendment on prayer. Volunteers for the Japanese American Historical Project faced a November 30 interview deadline, and the issue also carries book reviews and chapter news.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • Some Election Comments, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka reads the 1964 election results as a strong mandate for civil rights and against the white backlash, noting the defeat of Goldwater and Hiram Fong’s continued Senate seat. He condemns the passage of Proposition 14 as a blow to fair housing and to human dignity in California.
  • The Job Ahead, by Ronald Shigeki Shiwaki, page 2. The author describes the JACL’s program and the new direction for the organization after the election. He urges members to remain active in fighting discrimination.
  • Program & Activities Prospects, by Roy Nishikawa, page 2. The article outlines the JACL’s national program and activities for the coming year. It stresses chapter cooperation and the importance of civil rights work.
  • Third View, by Rupert Machiya, page 2. National President Rupert Machiya presents the second in a series on JACL priorities. He emphasizes the organization’s commitment to democratic ideals and civil rights.
  • From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa comments on the length of American political campaigns and the status symbols valued by Nisei. He reflects on how Issei sacrifices made Nisei professional success possible.

Community

  • Tsuchiya to Head Downtown LA JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Frank Masahiro Tsuchiya was elected 1965 president of the Downtown Los Angeles JACL chapter, succeeding Tom Tsuchiya. His background, including his wartime evacuation and career in the wholesale fish business, is profiled.
  • Japanese Cherry Trees Set for JFK Memorial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese cherry trees are being arranged as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The gift reflects the Japanese American community’s tribute following his death.
  • Chapter Clinic Format for PSW Simplified, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Southwest District Council chapter clinic will cover three major topics at the Santa Barbara meeting. Delegates are not required to cover all three subjects.
  • 7,000,000 Californians Vote; Dump Fair Housing Law 2-1, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California voters approved Proposition 14 by roughly two to one, repealing the state’s fair housing law. Local JACL leaders and others condemned the result as a setback for civil rights.
  • Sacramento Chapter News and Elections, by Elmer Ogawa, page 4. Elmer Ogawa reports on Northwest chapter news, including installations and upcoming events. The column also covers local election outcomes and community activities.

Incarceration & Redress

  • JHP Interviewers in Urban Areas Facing Deadline, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Volunteers conducting the Japanese American Historical Project interviews in urban areas are working to meet a November 30 deadline. The survey covers youth in Japan, early life in the United States, and wartime experiences.

Military & Veterans

  • Court Affirms Guam Vote Ban, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Hawaii federal court ruling upheld the city clerk’s denial of voting rights to servicemen and their wives living on federal property. The decision affected Lt. Cal Dayton Nobuyuki, USMC, who had been denied registration.

JACL

  • Book Reviews, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pacific Citizen reviews a selection of Oriental American and Asian-themed books. The reviews cover history, fiction, and cultural topics.

National

  • Prayer a Personal Matter, Says Sen. Inouye on Becker Amendment, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senator Daniel Inouye states that prayer should be a personal matter and opposes the Becker Amendment. His position reflects a broader concern about church and state.
  • Hawaii Press Hears Campaign Racism, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Hawaii newspapers report racist campaign rhetoric directed at Japanese American candidates. The coverage notes concerns about the treatment of Americans of Japanese ancestry in politics.

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