May 1971: a JACL president’s speech, Asian American firsts and the war

Vol. 72, No. 20, May 21, 1971. 6 pages. View this issue

National JACL President Raymond Uno led the front page twice, with a note correcting a misprinted sentence in his last column and the text of a speech to graduating high school students in Phoenix. JACL’s Washington Office told a House committee that Asian Americans should qualify for anti-poverty aid, and Rep. Glenn Anderson introduced a bill for a Cabinet committee on Asian American affairs. Mike Masaoka wrote about Norman Mineta’s election as mayor of San Jose and Herbert Choy’s confirmation to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Elsewhere, a Japanese-language edition of Bill Hosokawa’s Nisei: The Quiet American was announced for July, and Dillon Myer was scheduled to speak at Memorial Day services at Arlington Cemetery. Japan Air Lines and Jewish community groups traded charges over an alleged boycott of Israel. Columns by Don Hayashi, David Ushio and Harold Gordon, along with readers’ letters, touched on littering, life in Washington and the Vietnam War.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• The Writer’s Nightmare, by Raymond Uno, page 1. National JACL President Raymond Uno corrects a misprinted sentence in his previous column that changed the meaning of his remarks about John Kobashi and Richard Matsuishi. He apologizes to them for the error and reflects on the difficulty of proofing one’s own writing.
• Quest for a Japanese American Identity, by Raymond Uno, page 1. Uno presents the text of a speech given to graduating high school students in Phoenix, offering advice on education, daily routine, organization, and community involvement. He encourages young Japanese Americans to build productive lives and contribute to society.
• Asian American Breakthroughs, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka highlights two milestones: Norman Mineta’s election as mayor of San Jose and Herbert Choy’s confirmation to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He argues these achievements show improved opportunities for Asian Americans to participate fully in American democracy.
• Uprooted Americans, page 2. The PC commends Dillon Myer’s book Uprooted Americans on the War Relocation Authority, calling it essential reading for Nisei and anyone seeking to understand how the WRA administered a difficult program. The book is available from the PC office.
• Henry Hashimoto commentary on Hawaii, by Jim Henry, page 3. Bill Hosokawa reflects on how attitudes toward Japanese Americans have changed, citing wartime evacuee sugar beet labor, Paul Hagiya’s college election, and the Sakura Square redevelopment project in Denver. He observes that change often happens so gradually that people do not notice it until it is pointed out.
• Hosokawa commentary column, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa describes his recent involvement in community service, including a prison reform panel and a management training institute. He also praises consumer advocate William Bennett for his work protecting the public.
• America, the Litterful, by Don Hayashi, page 4. Don Hayashi criticizes American littering and supports Oregon House Bill 1036, which would require a 5-cent deposit on beverage containers and ban pull-tab cans. He urges readers to reduce waste and recycle.
• U-No Bar: Style of Performance and the People to Know, by Raymond Uno, page 4. Uno continues his column with advice on organizing projects, using committees effectively, and valuing receptionists, secretaries, and other support staff. He encourages readers to get involved in politics and community activities.
• Nixon and Kerry, by Harold Gordon, page 6. Harold Gordon presents an exchange between Lt. John Kerry and President Nixon about the Vietnam War, with Kerry arguing for a firm withdrawal date and an end to support for Thieu and Ky. Gordon comments that growing public opposition signals a turning point toward peace.
• First Impressions, by David Ushio, page 6. David Ushio, the new assistant Washington JACL representative, describes his cross-country drive and first impressions of Washington, D.C. He recounts the May 3 anti-war demonstrations and reflects on the hostility he sees on all sides.
• Letters from our readers: Peace Builder and Actions, Not Slogans, page 6. Readers write letters calling for peace through actions rather than slogans, criticizing the costs of the Vietnam War and military spending. One correspondent praises Mike Nakayama’s critique of the war in Gidra.

National

• Asians among poor requiring OEO aid, JACL tells House body, page 1. JACL’s Washington Office endorsed the Ad Hoc Coalition’s recommendations to extend and fully fund the Office of Economic Opportunity before a House Education and Labor Committee hearing. JACL also argued that Asian Americans, who face poverty comparable to other minorities, should be eligible for minority-targeted benefits.
• Cabinet-level committee for Asians sought in bill, page 1. Rep. Glenn Anderson introduced a bill to create a Cabinet Committee on Oriental American Affairs and an advisory council to address problems unique to Asian Americans. Anderson argued that discriminatory employment practices justify the committee.
• Asian workshop urges Title II repeal at Estes Park conference, page 1. The Asian workshop of the Task Force on Race and Minority Group Relations added recommendations to a 12-point statement for President Nixon following the White House Conference on Youth, including repeal of the Emergency Detention Act (Title II). The workshop also called for federal New American centers to help immigrants adjust.
• Business practices, not politics, influence airline operations, page 3. Japan Air Lines denied a New York Times advertisement’s claim that it was boycotting Israel, stating it is a commercial airline that does not participate in politics. JAL said landing rights are negotiated by governments and that it has normal relations with El Al.
• Jewish community groups picket JAL, page 3. Member agencies of the Jewish Community Relations Council picketed Japan Air Lines offices in Philadelphia as part of a national campaign against JAL over alleged Israel boycott. The demonstration followed a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations statement.

In-Depth

• Nihongo-version of Hosokawa book due in July, translated by Issei, page 1. A Japanese-language edition of William Hosokawa’s book Nisei: The Quiet American, translated by Isamu Inouye, will be published in July by Jiji Press. The 620-page volume will be sold in the United States with a new introduction by Edwin Reischauer.

Community

• Masao Maeda, a builder: Housing & Understanding, by George Williams, page 1. Sacramento builder Masao Maeda, a Nisei who was incarcerated during World War II, completed an 18-unit apartment project for the elderly without vandalism by winning over neighbors through kindness. The Sacramento Bee story recounts how Maeda turned hostile subcontractors and local residents into allies.
• Ariyoshi urges greater Japan role, page 1. Hawaii Lt. Gov. George Ariyoshi urged Japan, during a trade mission visit to Tokyo, to move beyond its economic leadership and address development, environmental, and quality-of-life challenges in Asia and the Pacific. He said Japanese leaders showed growing awareness of these issues.
• Northern California JACL Blue Cross chapters organize, page 1. Representatives of nine Northern California JACL chapters formed a JACL-Blue Cross Committee in San Jose and selected Dr. Takashi Hattori as chairman. The committee is seeking official recognition from the district council.
• Minshuku offers way to discover Japan, by Jim Henry, page 3. Jim Henry describes minshuku, Japanese family-run inns that let travelers stay in Japanese homes at low cost with two meals included. He notes the concept has spread to some European cities and expanded in Chiba prefecture.
• Japanese American Day proclaimed by Illinois governor as JACL cites Issei, page 3. The Chicago JACL held a Pioneer Night celebration honoring Issei on April 25, a day proclaimed Japanese American Day by Illinois Governor Richard Ogilvie. Program included Wakamatsu Colony Centennial medals presented to Issei over age 80.
• Ted Durein share Japan trip with Monterey CLers, page 3. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Durein presented a film of their recent trip to Japan at the Monterey Peninsula JACL potluck supper attended by 170 people. The film covered well-known and lesser-known points of interest.
• Peace Sunday rally draws 2,000 to Biltmore Bowl, page 4. About 2,000 people attended a Peace Sunday rally at the Biltmore Bowl in Los Angeles, where speakers called for an end to the Vietnam War. Speakers also warned that anti-Vietnamese hatred could spread to Asian Americans.

Military & Veterans

• Dillon Myer to address May 30 Memorial Day services, page 1. Dillon S. Myer, former WRA director, will speak at the Washington, D.C. JACL Memorial Day services at Arlington Cemetery on May 30. The event honors Lt. Grant Henjyoji and Nisei and Sansei servicemen interred there.

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