Vol. 130, No. 2, January 14, 2000. 8 pages. View this issue
The arrest of nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee led this issue. Tracy Uba reported that Lee, a former Los Alamos scientist denied bail, was appealing while Asian Pacific American groups, JACL among them, formed a coalition amid concerns about racial profiling. Martha Nakagawa covered a new federal lawsuit by former camp internees who were left out of redress on technical grounds, and a Japanese American veterans group recognized the WWII resisters of conscience, including the Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee.
The opinion pages argued over whether Mike Masaoka’s Japanese American Creed belongs on the National Japanese American Memorial, with a memo from critics, a defense from the foundation, and a letter from Rep. Robert T. Matsui. Bill Marutani’s East Wind column took up a menu abbreviation, and Associated Press reported that Proposition 187 backers wanted a sequel. Memorial dedication plans for November 2000 are also reported.
What’s in this issue
National
- Nuclear Scientist Wen Ho Lee Denied Bail, Awaits Trial in Jail, by Tracy Uba, page 1. Dr. Wen Ho Lee, former Los Alamos nuclear weapons scientist, is appealing a lower court’s denial of bail after being indicted on charges of mishandling classified nuclear weapons information. Asian Pacific American organizations, including JACL, have formed a coalition supporting Lee amid concerns of racial profiling and unfair treatment by the FBI and Justice Department.
- New Redress Lawsuit Addresses Various Cases, by Martha Nakagawa, page 1. A group of former camp internees denied redress due to bureaucratic technicalities filed a federal lawsuit with the help of attorney Paul Mills, working pro bono. Rep. Xavier Becerra introduced legislation to amend the redress law, and the plaintiffs include Kay Sadao Kato, Jane Natsue Yano, and members of the Ogura family, each facing unique technical exclusions from redress eligibility.
- Prop. 187 Backers Pushing Sequel, by Associated Press, page 3. Backers of California’s 1994 anti-illegal immigration measure Proposition 187, largely struck down by federal courts, are pushing for a new ballot measure or constitutional amendment. Immigrant rights advocates note that the political climate and demographics of California have shifted since 1994, potentially making a new measure harder to pass.
- Bias Incidents Targeting South Asians Increase Despite Decline in Reported Anti-Asian Incidents in 1998, page 3. A report found that while overall anti-Asian hate incidents decreased 11 percent in 1998, incidents targeting South Asians rose sharply from seven in 1997 to 41 in 1998. Consortium Executive Director Karen K. Narasaki expressed skepticism about the overall decline, citing continued underreporting and inadequate documentation of hate crimes by law enforcement.
- Wen Ho Lee Appeals Ruling, page 6. This continuation piece details the ongoing legal battle of Wen Ho Lee, including arguments from his defense team that classified information restrictions violate his right to a fair trial under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments. It notes that Lee has not been charged with espionage or with providing information to a foreign government, and directs readers to resources for supporting his defense.
- Redress Lawsuit Details: Kato, Yano, and Ogura Family Cases, page 8. This continuation article details the specific technical reasons that Kay Sadao Kato, Jane Natsue Yano, and the Ogura family were denied redress payments despite being interned during World War II. It explains legal complications including visa status, birth date cutoffs, and international detention agreements that barred these individuals from receiving compensation.
JACL
- JA Vets Group Recognizes Stand Taken by WWII Resisters of Conscience, page 1. The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) passed a resolution recognizing the principled stand taken by WWII draft resisters of conscience, including members of the Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee. The resolution extends a ‘hand of friendship’ to the resisters and their families, following similar gestures by the 442nd Club of Hawaii and the MIS of Northern California.
- Memorial to Patriotism Sets Dedication Ceremonies, page 3. The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation announced dedication ceremony details for the National Memorial to Patriotism, to be held in Washington, D.C., November 9-11, 2000. Events will include a reception, tours, a gala dinner banquet, and a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery, with registration packets available in spring.
Commentary
- Critics of Masaoka’s ‘JA Creed’ Release Memorandum to Public, page 4. A memorandum from NJAMF board members alleges distorted, incomplete, or false communications from the board chair and executive director regarding inclusion of Mike Masaoka’s Japanese American Creed quote on the memorial. The memo details procedural irregularities, including lack of proper board votes, insufficient notice, and misrepresentation of community views regarding the controversial inscription.
- Masaoka Quote Belongs on JA National Memorial, page 5. NJAMF defends its decision to include the Masaoka inscription, noting that the board voted by compelling majorities on three separate occasions to include Mike Masaoka’s name and words on the memorial. The piece argues Masaoka’s contributions to immigration rights, citizenship, and civil rights for Japanese Americans warrant recognition despite criticism from detractors.
- Letter from Rep. Robert T. Matsui Defending Mike Masaoka, by Robert T. Matsui, page 5. Rep. Robert T. Matsui writes in support of including Mike Masaoka’s Japanese American Creed excerpt on the National Japanese American Memorial, praising Masaoka’s leadership role in achieving redress and civil rights for the Japanese American community. He states that Masaoka’s place in JACL history is secure despite detractors’ criticism.
- Menus, Princesses and Kechin-Bo, by Bill Marutani, page 6. In this East Wind column, Bill Marutani reflects on the term ‘JAP’ as used in a restaurant menu abbreviation and connects it to broader cultural and linguistic musings about identity terms, including the Japanese term ‘kechin-bo’ meaning miser or tightwad. He draws parallels between ethnic slurs and colloquial language across cultures.
- No Need to Include Creed on Memorial, page 7. A letter to the editor argues against including the Japanese American Creed on the National Memorial, stating that the creed’s wartime obsequiousness does not reflect the unreciprocated loyalty Japanese Americans showed their country. The writer contends that including the creed diminishes the community’s wartime suffering and experiences.
- Memorial Should Include Masaoka Quote, by Wack Yamaguchi, page 7. Wack Yamaguchi writes in support of including Masaoka’s Japanese American Creed on the memorial, criticizing detractors like Chizu Omori, Eji Suyama, and others for dishonoring Masaoka’s legacy. He references General Colin Powell’s comments on learning from history to argue for honoring Masaoka’s contributions.
- Reader Commends JACL National Staff and Officers, by Sachi Seko, page 7. Sachi Seko praises JACL’s national officers and staff for listing annual report contributors alphabetically rather than by donation size, calling it an act of civility and equality. She credits Bill Yoshino, Herb Yamanishi, and JACL President Helen Kawagoe for this change, and shares a personal anecdote about the value of all charitable gifts regardless of size.
- Blame Should Be Placed on Government, by Elovien Laguna, page 7. Elovien Laguna writes about the coercive circumstances Japanese Americans faced during incarceration, comparing their situation to POWs who had to prove loyalty to survive. The letter argues that the ‘no-no boys’ who resisted the draft were unfairly punished and that ultimate blame lies with the U.S. government for the injustices committed.
Community
- Utah JACL Chapters Seeking JA Vets With Ties to State, page 6. Utah JACL chapters are seeking Japanese American veterans with ties to the state, including those killed in action or since deceased, to honor at future chapter events. Interested parties or family members are asked to contact Floyd or Irene Mori.
Obituaries
- Prewar San Franciscan and Strandee George Kyotow, 83, Headed Canon USA, by Harry K. Honda, page 7. George Kyotow, a prewar San Franciscan who was stranded in Japan during WWII and later headed Canon USA, died at age 83 in New Jersey. The obituary details his life, including his time in Yokohama during the war and his subsequent career achievements in the United States.
- Dr. Yoshiye Togasaki, 95, Public Health Pioneer, page 7. Dr. Yoshiye Togasaki, born in San Francisco, died on Dec. 4, 1999, at age 95 in Moraga, California. She earned her medical degree and had a distinguished career in public health.
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