Repealing Title II of the Internal Security Act, February 1971

Vol. 72, No. 7, February 19, 1971. 6 pages. View this issue

The campaign to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950 led this six-page issue. Congressman Spark Matsunaga opened the effort at a press conference joined by Black and Chicano legislators, who warned that emergency detention powers could be turned on other minorities and dissenters. Senator Daniel Inouye introduced S. 592 with 24 cosponsors, and Mike Masaoka’s Washington newsletter reviewed where both repeal bills stood. On the front page, National JACL President Raymond Uno called for stronger public relations, urging members to speak up for the organization’s many activities.

Inside are installation dinners in Washington, D.C. and Cortez, plus Bill Hosokawa’s column on the small Nisei community of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. The paper also covered the February 9 San Fernando earthquake, which damaged buildings in Little Tokyo. Other pages carry JACL’s 25th national bowling tournament in Salt Lake City, Kenji Ito’s call for political participation, and Don Estes on Mount Fuji.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Public Relations: Speaking Up for JACL, by Raymond Uno, page 1. National JACL President Raymond Uno argues that JACL must make its many activities known through effective public relations. He urges members to communicate with the press and community leaders, tailoring their message to each audience.
• Washington Newsletter: Congress Organizes; Cloture Fight Begins, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka reports that the 92nd Congress is organizing its committees while the Senate debates changing the cloture rule. He also reviews the status of the Title II repeal bills introduced by Inouye and Matsunaga.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa describes the JACL chapter in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, a small but active Nisei community. He notes changes in membership as farm pressures reduce the number of Nisei farmers.
• Shoot for ‘Piece of the Action’, by Kenji Ito, page 6. Japanese Chamber of Commerce president Kenji Ito reviews historical discrimination against Japanese Americans and urges greater political participation. He calls for community members to run for office and engage in government.
• Paint It Beautiful, by Robert M. Takasugi, page 6. Robert Takasugi describes successful advocacy by JACL member Victor Shibata and the Yellow Brotherhood to reinstate a 13-year-old student expelled for drug dealing. He argues for rehabilitation over expulsion.
• Fuji-san, by Don Estes, page 6. Don Estes traces the legendary origins of Mount Fuji, including its birth in 286 BC and the meaning of its name. He notes the mountain’s central place in Japanese national spirit.
• The Sticky Pin: Heritage, by Don Estes, page 6. Don Estes reflects on Mount Fuji’s mythology and etymology for readers of the San Diego chapter newsletter. He concludes that the mountain’s mystery is part of its appeal.

Incarceration & Redress

• Black, Chicano Legislators Join Matsunaga’s Press Conference to Repeal Title II, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii Congressman Spark Matsunaga launched the campaign to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950 at a press conference joined by fellow House members. Speakers warned that emergency detention powers threaten other minority groups and dissenters.
• Inouye Introduces Bill to Repeal Title II; 24 Senators Co-Sponsor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Daniel Inouye introduced S. 592 with 24 cosponsors to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act. He argued that repeal would ease fears among citizens who disagree with government policy.

Community

• NC-WNDC Session: Political Activism Urged, by Roy Yoshida, page 1. At the Northern California-Western Nevada District Council quarterly meeting, Assemblyman Eugene Chappie urged JACL to take political positions on issues and engage in political action. The council also adopted budgets and chapter quotas.
• PC’s Earthquake Coverage, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The February 9 San Fernando earthquake damaged buildings in Little Tokyo, with several Japanese-owned hotels declared unsafe. Residents in the San Fernando Valley were evacuated during fears of a dam failure.
• Angelenos on Threshold to Establish Asian American Education Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles Asian American community members met to establish an Asian American Education Commission. Participants reported broad representation and genuine enthusiasm for the effort.
• Pulse on the Chapters: Marumoto Addresses 25th Inaugural of Washington, D.C. JACL, by Harold Horiuchi, page 4. Joseph Ichiuji was installed as chairman of the Washington, D.C. JACL at its 25th anniversary dinner. Keynote speaker William Marumoto urged Japanese Americans to speak up and stop remaining invisible.
• Hupa Indian Addresses Cortez JACL Installation, by Miye Baba, page 4. Kiyoshi Yamamoto was installed as president of the Cortez JACL at a dinner where Hupa Indian speaker Mrs. Hailstone shared the history of local tribal struggles. The chapter honored its outgoing president and officers.
• Berkeley Police Charter Proposal Under Study, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A proposed charter amendment to abolish the Berkeley police department and replace it with community control units was discussed at a Berkeley JACL meeting. Officials were invited to speak on the proposal.
• Drug Symposium Set Feb. 19 in San Jose, by Phil Matsumura, page 4. San Jose JACL and Young Japanese Adults co-sponsor a drug symposium addressing illegal drug trafficking, family relationships, and legal penalties. Police and school speakers will participate.
• Health Plan ID Cards for PSW Members Sent, by P.C. Staff, page 4. JACL Blue Cross health plan ID cards were mailed to some Pacific Southwest District Council members who had not received them. Members were directed to contact the Los Angeles office if they had problems.
• Silk Screen Facility Established, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL Visual Communications Committee established a silk screen facility in Los Angeles to produce posters for community groups and its own exhibits. The facility also offers training in silk screen techniques.
• Miyako Restaurant Plans Third Location in Torrance, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Miyako Sukiyaki, a Pasadena restaurant, plans a third location at Del Amo Fashion Square in Torrance. The restaurant will have a 13th-century Buke-themed design.

JACL

• Chapter Tax Forms Must Be Filed Soon, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California JACL chapters must file Form 199SF with a $5 fee by April 15 even though they are exempt from franchise tax. Late filing raises the fee to $10 and may bring a minimum tax.
• 1000 Club Range Expanded to $250, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL announced three new 1000 Club classifications ranging from $50 to $250 per year. Chapters will receive a share of contributions in the 50 Club, Century Club, and Corporate categories.

Sports

• 101 Teams Enter JACL’s 25th Bowling Classic, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The national JACL bowling tournament returns to Salt Lake City for its 25th annual event, with 101 teams competing March 1-6. Festivities include a mixer, fashion luncheon, and awards banquet.

National

• Inouye Supports Change in Senate Filibuster Rule, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senator Daniel Inouye announced support for reducing the cloture vote requirement from two-thirds to three-fifths. JACL has long advocated a more reasonable cloture rule.
• The Filipinos: Largest Group of Immigrants to U.S. Since Lifting of Quotas Poses Problems, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Since quotas were eliminated in 1966, Hawaii has received many Filipino immigrants, creating socioeconomic challenges. Many arrived with expectations unmet, and officials seek ways to help them.

Obituaries

• Dr. George Takahashi Remembered by Sacramento JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sacramento JACL honored the scholarship legacy of the late Dr. George Takahashi at its installation. Speaker Nathaniel Colley also addressed civil rights and the role of minority organizations.

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