Resisters, JACL finances and a farewell to Miné Okubo

Vol. 132, No. 3, February 16, 2001. 12 pages. View this issue

JACL’s money troubles and the long argument over the resisters of conscience resolution ran through the news. The national board met on a budget cut by nearly $600,000 a year, with hiring freezes affecting seven staff positions. Martha Nakagawa reported on the board’s talks, which also touched on the Minidoka preservation effort. Letters on page 11, including one from Gerald Horiuchi, took up the resolution and the Nisei veterans’ response.

Harry K. Honda marked the death of Miné Okubo, author of Citizen 13660, who documented her World War II incarceration (often called internment). Elsewhere, Lyndsey Shinoda profiled Nebraska pitcher Shane Komine on the front page, and Tracy Uba wrote about director Wong Kar-wai. Page 3 covered the Campaign for Justice and its redress bill for Japanese Latin Americans, and page 5 gathered wire stories on race and policing.

What’s in this issue

Sports

• Pitching Star Shane Komine Makes Impact at U. of Nebraska, by Lyndsey Shinoda, page 1. University of Nebraska pitcher Shane Komine, a Sansei from Honolulu nicknamed ‘K’, has become a standout ace since arriving as a freshman, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year and later Big 12 Player of the Year honors. The article details his upbringing, family support, and his current status as a preseason All-American aiming for a shot at Major League Baseball.

Arts & Entertainment

• Master of Mood: Wong Kar-wai’s Latest Film Shows How Love is Done, by Tracy Uba, page 1. The article profiles acclaimed Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai and his latest film ‘In the Mood for Love,’ which recreates 1960s Hong Kong through the story of two neighbors who form a bond after discovering their spouses’ affair. It discusses the film’s production challenges, its stars Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, and its critical reception at Cannes.
• A Daughter of Cambodia Revisits the Killing Fields, by Martha Nakagawa, page 9. Author Loung Ung discusses her memoir ‘First They Killed My Father,’ recounting her family’s suffering under the Khmer Rouge regime including the deaths of her parents and sister. Ung, now a spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine Free World, describes her difficult return to Cambodia and ongoing activism.

JACL

• Nat’l Board Addresses JACL’s Financial Difficulties, by Martha Nakagawa, page 1. JACL National President Floyd Mori’s report to the national board covered budget concerns, the resisters’ resolution dialogue with Nisei veterans, the Minidoka preservation effort, and a proposed restructuring committee. National Executive Director John Tateishi also reported on archive transfers to JANM and introduced guest speaker Dan Sakura.
• Board Deals With Financial Situation at Quarterly Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The JACL national board addressed a revised biennial budget cut by nearly $600,000 per year, hiring freezes affecting seven staff positions, and financial reports from the investment committee. The board also discussed website policy changes, education committee programs, and Legacy Fund Grant recipients across multiple districts.
• Youth Council Report, by Matthew Nakata, page 6. National Youth/Student Council chair Matthew Nakata reported on plans for the July national youth conference in Seattle, efforts to secure Gov. Gary Locke as keynote speaker, and fundraising including a $10,000 local contribution and State Farm Insurance underwriting. He also noted an executive order requiring chapters to appoint youth representatives to local boards.

National

• JACL Disturbed by AOL Donation to Anti-gay Church, by Tracy Uba, page 1. JACL may urge members to switch from America Online after learning that AOL chairman Steve Case’s foundation donated $8.35 million to a school owned by a Florida church linked to anti-gay programs. JACL officials and community members are investigating the controversy and considering a response.
• Campaign for Justice Seeks Community Support, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Campaign for Justice is seeking support for the Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2001, a redress bill for Japanese Latin Americans and others denied redress under the 1988 Civil Liberties Act. The article lists current co-sponsors and urges readers to contact remaining representatives to secure their support.
• Library Dean Resigns After Derogatory Remark, by P.C. Staff, page 3. California State University, Sacramento library dean Patricia Larsen resigned after using the derogatory term ‘Japtown’ during a Time of Remembrance event speech. JACL National Executive Director John Tateishi and CSUS president Donald Gerth both issued strong responses and apologies.
• APAs Rally Behind L.A. Mayoral Candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, by Martha Nakagawa, page 3. Antonio Villaraigosa received broad endorsement from Asian Pacific American leaders in his Los Angeles mayoral campaign, including support from George Takei, Warren Furutani, and George Nakano. The article details his fundraising standing among a crowded field and his record supporting APA community causes including JANM funding and the Little Tokyo Recreation Center.
• APAs in the News: Honda Named CAPAC Vice Chair, by P.C. Staff, page 4. U.S. Congressman Mike Honda was announced as vice chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, praised by CAPAC chair David Wu for his advocacy work. The article also covers other APA political figures including L.A. council candidates Fumio Robert Nakahiro and Michael Woo, and Gardena mayoral candidate Terry Terauchi.
• Chinese Americans Accused of Exploiting Their Own, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. MetLife customers who opted out of a class-action settlement allege that Chinese American insurance agents exploited their trust by selling policies they could not read or understand. The case stems from aggressive marketing to recent immigrants in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh’s Chinese communities.
• Asian Men Accused of Assaulting Black Man, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. Three Asian men in Madison, Wisconsin face hate crime battery charges for allegedly beating a black man, but their lawyers argue the men were wrongly targeted based on race. The trial focused on witness identification methods and could result in up to two years imprisonment if convicted.
• Asian Gang Violence on the Decline, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. Recent prosecutions of violent Asian gang members in Minneapolis have led to a decrease in gang-related felony cases, dropping from 184 in 1999 to 70 in 2000. Officials note the Hmong community faces cultural transition challenges as new gangs may emerge to fill the void.
• Police Enforce Racial Profiling Law, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. Missouri’s new racial profiling law requires law enforcement agencies to report demographic data on traffic and pedestrian stops, with some departments finding compliance easy and others struggling with paperwork. The reports aim to prevent police from targeting people based on race and must be submitted to the Attorney General’s Office by March 1.
• Wen Ho Lee Supporters Push for Presidential Pardon, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. Supporters of former Los Alamos scientist Wen Ho Lee renewed requests for President Bush to consider a pardon, citing lack of evidence of malicious intent in his case. Meanwhile, Lee’s attorneys expressed concern over reports suggesting prosecutors want to reopen questioning of Lee.
• Icebox.com, Site Which Featured Asian Stereotype, Closes, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. Online animation site Icebox.com, criticized by JACL for its racially insensitive ‘Mr. Wong’ character, closed after failing to turn a profit despite $15 million in investor funding. The controversial short featured an offensively portrayed Asian butler that was subservient to a white mistress.
• Judge Refuses to Dismiss Xerox Lawsuit, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 5. A Hawaii judge refused to dismiss counts in a civil lawsuit against Xerox Corporation related to the 1999 shooting deaths of seven Xerox employees by gunman Byran Uyesugi. Uyesugi, acting as his own attorney, appeared in court for the hearing but did not speak.
• JA Korean War Vets Announce Memorial Dedication Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Japanese American Korean War Veterans announced a memorial dedication tour for May 10-16 to South Korea, honoring the 247 JAs killed or missing in the Korean War. The tour includes a dedication ceremony, veterans reunion, and sightseeing in Seoul, with support from Korean government officials.

Community

• Community Says Thank You to Bill Lann Lee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL leaders including Floyd Mori and John Tateishi attended a Department of Justice farewell reception for Bill Lann Lee, former assistant attorney general for civil rights. Other officials including Paul Igasaki and Stuart Ishimaru also attended the event in Washington, D.C.
• Leadership Seminar Seeking Applicants, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation is seeking young Asian Pacific American leaders for a one-week leadership seminar in Washington, D.C. beginning May 4, covering expenses for participants aged 26-39 in fields like social work and civil rights.
• Arizona Chapter Holds Teacher Workshop, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Arizona JACL chapter held its third teacher workshop on Feb. 3 at a museum in Tempe, featuring former internees and National JACL Education Committee members sharing personal stories and historical background. Thirty-six attendees toured a museum exhibit with a barracks replica and camp artifacts, and the program will be repeated in 2002.
• Gilroy, San Benito County and Watsonville-Santa Cruz Chapters Hold Joint Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gilroy, San Benito County and Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL chapters held a joint installation of officers on Jan. 26, featuring keynote speaker Judge Kathleen Akao discussing the 2000 election, and remarks from Congressman Mike Honda. Various dignitaries and veterans attended the ceremony continuing a 24-year Gilroy JACL tradition.
• South Bay JACL Seeks Scholarship Applicants, by P.C. Staff, page 4. South Bay area high school students are encouraged to apply for the 2001 national JACL scholarship and the South Bay JACL Kiichi Egashira Scholarship, the latter open to students at specific local high schools. Application deadlines and contact information for both scholarships are provided.
• Twin Cities Chapter Honors Kimi Hara, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Twin Cities JACL honored founding member Kimi Hara at its 54th annual Chrysanthemum Banquet for her decades of service including 37 years on the scholarship committee. The event also featured a keynote address by retired Army Captain James N. Johns and installation of 2001 board members.
• 100th/442nd/MIS WWII Memorial Foundation Awarded $500,000, by P.C. Staff, page 5. California Assemblymember George Nakano will present a $500,000 check from the State Arts Council to the 100th/442nd/MIS WWII Memorial Foundation for its educational programs preserving the legacy of Japanese American WWII soldiers. Foundation leaders expressed gratitude for the recognition of veterans’ historical contributions.
• JA Vets Group Celebrates Anniversary of Website, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Japanese American Veterans Association of Washington, D.C. celebrated the first anniversary of its website covering news about Nisei veterans, particularly the Military Intelligence Service. The site features personal accounts, monthly articles, and information for those researching family history connected to WWII JA veterans.
• East Bay Nikkei Singles Offers Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 5. East Bay Nikkei Singles is offering a $500 scholarship for Asian students from single-parent households who are graduating high school and planning to attend higher education in fall 2001. The application deadline is April 15, 2001.

In-Depth

• A Century After Challenging Legal Racism, Early JA Law Graduate Gets Redemption, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Takuji Yamashita, the second Japanese student to attend University of Washington’s law school, was denied admission to the Bar in 1903 due to his race despite passing the exam. Nearly a century later, UW posthumously admitted him as an honorary member of the Bar in a ceremony recognizing this historic injustice.

Commentary

• MISLS and WACs, by Bill Marutani, page 8. Columnist Bill Marutani reflects on books about the WWII Military Intelligence Service Language School at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and raises questions about the little-known history of Nisei WACs who trained separately from Nisei men. He calls for someone to document the untold stories of these women before it’s too late.
• Referendum Proposed on Resisters of Conscience Resolution, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A letter writer proposes a national referendum among JACL paid-up members to settle the ongoing controversy over the resisters of conscience resolution once and for all. The writer argues this would end years of division within the organization more efficiently than continued arguing.
• Gerald Horiuchi: Veteran Stands Behind Resisters, by Gerald Horiuchi, page 11. A WWII MIS veteran responds to a letter from Nisei veterans expressing unhappiness over JACL’s apology to draft resisters, clarifying that he himself originated the idea for the apology as a former PSWD district governor. He recounts the history of how the resolution was adopted and criticizes the veterans’ letter for misleading characterizations.
• In Response to Nisei Veterans Vis-a-vis Draft Resisters, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A letter writer responds to criticism of JACL’s apology to draft resisters, arguing that the resisters’ stand on constitutional principles should be respected rather than condemned. The writer, a 442nd RCT veteran, states he welcomed and endorsed the resisters’ stand in 1944.
• In Appreciation, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A letter writer expresses appreciation for a Pacific Citizen article about their activities and clarifies their support for dissenters and gay members of the community who have faced criticism. The writer emphasizes respecting First Amendment rights even when disagreeing with others’ actions.

Obituaries

• Miné Okubo, 88 — A Time to Re-read ‘Citizen 13660’, by Harry K. Honda, page 11. Miné Okubo, artist and author who documented her WWII internment experience in the book ‘Citizen 13660,’ died Feb. 10 at her New York home. The tribute recalls her artistic career, her firsthand account of camp life, and her lasting influence on Japanese American history.

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