Vol. 121, No. 8, October 20, 1995. 12 pages. View this issue
New political leadership was the main subject of the October 20, 1995 issue. Rep. Robert Matsui, speaking in Little Tokyo after Norman Mineta’s resignation from Congress, said Asian Americans needed to develop new leaders right away. Gwen Muranaka reported on his remarks, which also took in Medicare cuts and reductions in benefits for legal immigrants. Mineta’s own parting words for Republican leaders were covered as he left office on Oct. 10. Muranaka also gathered reactions from Asian American leaders across the country to the O.J. Simpson verdict.
Also inside: ground was broken in Los Angeles for a monument to Nikkei Vietnam veterans killed or missing in action. JACL legal counsel Tom Hara wrote about severance settlements with four former employees. Dolly Uyeno reported on the Florin JACL Women’s Day Forum in Sacramento, and a notice announced the Florin Chapter’s Nov. 4 dinner honoring Issei and Nisei pioneers.
What’s in this issue
National
- Matsui: New Asian American Leaders Must Be Developed, by Gwen Muranaka, page 1. Rep. Robert Matsui told a Little Tokyo gathering that Asian Americans urgently need to develop new political leadership following Norman Mineta’s resignation from Congress. He also criticized Republican-led Medicare cuts and legal immigrant benefit reductions, and addressed racial tensions following the O.J. Simpson verdict.
- On His Way Out, Mineta Critical of Majority Republican Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. After more than twenty years in Congress, Norman Mineta left office Oct. 10 with sharp words for Republican leadership, according to the San Jose Mercury News. He also commented on his likely successor’s race, warning that Republican Tom Campbell would further strengthen conservative control of Congress.
- Leaders Comment on Impact of O.J. Verdict on APA Communities, by Gwen Muranaka, page 1. Pacific Citizen interviewed Asian American leaders across the country about their reactions to the O.J. Simpson verdict and its implications for Asian Americans, who felt largely overlooked in the media’s black-white framing of the case. Leaders including C.J. Kim, Glenda Joe, Marshall Wong, Karyl Matsumoto, Leigh-Ann Miyasato, and Vicki Shu discussed fears of backlash, police relations, and the need for Asian American political engagement.
Military & Veterans
- For Vietnam Vets, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ground was broken Oct. 11 at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center in Los Angeles for a monument honoring Nikkei Vietnam veterans killed or missing in action. The memorial, a smaller version of the Washington D.C. monument, is scheduled for completion on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
JACL
- JACL Legal Counsel Comments on Severance, Improper Conduct Charges, by Tom Hara, page 3. National JACL Legal Counsel Tom Hara detailed the severance settlement negotiations with four former employees affected by a 1994 reorganization plan, explaining the sliding-scale severance formula and mediation process. He also addressed allegations of improper conduct by a national officer, stating he would recommend the Board publish and disseminate his interim report to chapters.
Community
- Lively Speakers Highlight Florin Women’s Day Forum, by Dolly Uyeno, page 4. A capacity audience attended the fifth annual Florin JACL Women’s Day Forum in Sacramento, featuring speakers on Nikkei identity, affirmative action, archives, and other topics. Attendees praised the event for providing meaningful insights into Nikkei culture and heritage.
- Florin Chapter to Honor Issei and Niseis at Nov. 3-4 Event, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Florin Chapter JACL will honor Issei and Nisei pioneers at a Nov. 4 dinner in Sacramento featuring author-actor George Takei and JACL National President Denny Yasuhara. A related family day event,
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