Asian Pacific Americans in the 2008 elections, and the Redress anniversary

Vol. 146, No. 2, February 1, 2008. 16 pages. View this issue

Asian Pacific Americans and the 2008 presidential elections led the news. Lynda Lin reported on community leaders’ concern after APAs were left out of a Nevada Democratic debate on minority issues. National JACL also announced that Vice President of Membership Edwin Endow had resigned from the national board, and Floyd Mori wrote about reaching younger members. Lin also covered an effort to make Little Tokyo a Preserve America neighborhood.

Redress marked a 20th anniversary in these pages. John Tateishi looked back at the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, and notices described a Japanese American National Museum series and a Memorial Foundation dinner. Hawaii and California passed resolutions backing a stamp for Nisei WWII veterans, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team received the Audie Murphy Award, and a short film on the Manzanar pilgrimage screened at Sundance. Ehren Watada wrote on whether the Iraq War was legal.

What’s in this issue

National

• Endow Resigns from Nat’l Board Citing Personal Reasons, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL Vice President of Membership Edwin Endow resigned from the national board due to personal reasons after serving since 2004. National JACL President Larry Oda praised Endow’s contributions to membership growth and said he would be missed.
• How Did Asian Pacific Americans Become Invisible in the Presidential Elections?, by Lynda Lin, page 1. APA community leaders express concern over low political engagement and visibility after APAs were excluded from a Nevada Democratic presidential debate on minority issues. The article explores whether the APA community is doing enough to assert itself politically ahead of Super Tuesday and the November elections.
• Group Hopes to Make Little Tokyo a Preserve America Neighborhood, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Little Tokyo Service Center’s Bill Watanabe is spearheading an effort to designate all of Little Tokyo as a Preserve America community, which would provide grant funding and greater recognition beyond the currently protected National Historic Landmark strip. Community leaders say the designation is crucial to preserving the neighborhood’s over 100-year history amid redevelopment pressures.
• Judge Calls for New Trial Because of Jurors’ Racial Name-Calling, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 3. A Spokane, Washington judge ordered a new trial in a medical malpractice case after jurors allegedly called Japanese American attorney Mark Kamitomo racist names like ‘Mr. Kamikaze’ during deliberations. Conflicting juror affidavits dispute whether the remarks reflected racial bias in the verdict against Kamitomo’s client.
• Hawaii and California State Legislatures Pass Resolutions in Support of Nisei WWII Veterans Stamp, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Hawaii and California became the first states to pass resolutions supporting a commemorative U.S. postal stamp honoring Nisei WWII veterans. The resolutions urge the U.S. Postal Service’s Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to approve the stamp application ahead of a possible 2010-2011 release.
• National Newsbytes, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A roundup of national news briefs including Comcast pulling AZN Television off the air, a Nebraska senator proposing an affirmative action ban ballot measure, the UC system agreeing to track more Asian ethnic groups following the ‘Count Me In!’ campaign, a Louisiana man indicted for targeting Jena Six marchers with nooses, and Sen. Akaka requesting more PTSD funding for veterans.
• ELECTIONS (continued), by Lynda Lin, page 11. This continuation details how APA voters and leaders were excluded from the Nevada MSNBC ‘Black and Brown’ presidential debate while other minority groups were included. Leaders like Jenn Fang and Don Nakanishi argue the APA community must build political strength and voter engagement to avoid being overlooked in future elections.
• Little Tokyo’s Historic Preservation Effort Faces Development Pressures, by Lynda Lin, page 13. This continuation describes Little Tokyo’s rich 123-year history, from the invention of the California sushi roll to the Far East Café’s postwar hospitality, and the danger of losing this heritage as seen in the disappearance of L.A.’s Little Italy. The Preserve America designation is seen as crucial amid the 2006 sale of the New Otani Hotel and Weller Court to outside developers.

In-Depth

• Son of 100th Battalion Soldier Pays Tribute to His Father’s Legacy, page 1. Tim Kano formed a 100th Battalion living history unit within the California Historical Group to honor his late father Henry Kano, a JA soldier of the 100th Battalion. Tim discovered rare color footage of his father in the documentary ‘Beyond Barbed Wire’ and has dedicated himself to preserving his father’s WWII stories through reenactments and archiving efforts.
• When Human Flight was a Dream, Stockton’s Issei Flier Soared, by Lynda Lin, page 3. Isaku Nishioka, likely the first Issei aviator, built his own plane and earned his pilot’s license in 1918 Stockton, but died at 28 in a crash during his aviation test. His niece Chisato Watanabe and nephew Henry Nishioka have worked to preserve his story and family photos, now displayed at the Stockton Buddhist Church.
• 100th Battalion Reenactment Unit Honors Fallen Soldiers’ Memory, page 12. This continuation details Tim Kano’s lifelong interest in WWII history and his father Henry Kano’s reluctance to discuss his wartime experiences directly with family. Tim has documented his father’s stories and created the 100th Battalion living history unit to preserve the legacy for future generations before it is lost.

Commentary

• Is the Iraq War Illegal?, by Ehren Watada, page 2. Responding to a reader’s question, Lt. Ehren Watada argues that the invasion of Iraq was unlawful under the UN Charter and examines whether the ongoing occupation is also illegal. He contends that the Iraqi parliament’s wishes have been ignored by the Maliki government, the Bush administration, and the UN in continuing the occupation.
• Membership Growth and Reaching Younger Generations, by Floyd Mori, page 2. JACL National Director Floyd Mori discusses the organization’s declining membership numbers and the need to attract younger members and diverse communities. He highlights a new Youth Leadership and Empowerment program and the formation of a new JACL chapter in Florida.
• Reader Appreciates Coverage on Watada, by Don Ino, page 2. A reader writes to commend the Pacific Citizen for its detailed coverage of Lt. Ehren Watada’s court martial proceedings. The writer notes the case represents history in the making despite being overlooked by mainstream media.
• Re: Nakashima Farm, by Richard Harnik, page 2. A reader responds to a previous article about the Nakashima Farm, suggesting the JACL pressure Washington state to buy back the farm and return it to the Nakashima family. The letter expresses support for restitution regardless of what the family ultimately chooses to do with the property.
• Stay on Watada’s Constitutional Issue, by James Tanabe, page 2. A veteran writes in support of Lt. Ehren Watada’s refusal to deploy to Iraq, arguing the war’s legality is the core constitutional issue at stake. The writer compares Watada’s exercise of his rights to the sacrifices of Nisei soldiers during WWII who fought despite their families’ incarceration.
• Teaching 101, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 8. A recent UCLA graduate reflects on her transformation from a reluctant Japanese school student to an English teacher in Japan, describing her early struggles and eventual growth in the classroom. She encourages JA college graduates to consider teaching as a path to personal growth and empathy.
• Celebrating a Landmark Achievement, by John Tateishi, page 8. Former JACL National Director John Tateishi reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, describing the decade-long redress campaign and its lasting significance. He draws parallels between the WWII internment and post-9/11 civil liberties concerns, emphasizing the importance of remembering history’s lessons.
• WATADA (continued): Is the Occupation Legal Today?, by Ehren Watada, page 16. This continuation of Watada’s commentary examines whether Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki’s requests for continued American military presence reflect the will of the Iraqi parliament, arguing that lawmakers have been sidelined in decisions about the UN mandate renewal. Watada concludes that American leaders should not strip Iraqis of democratic rights to serve their own interests.

JACL

• Nominations Committee Seeking Candidates for Nat’l JACL Offices, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National JACL Nominations Committee is seeking candidates for national offices to be elected at the 2008 National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City. Candidates have until April 15 to file, and committee chair Steve Okamoto encourages members from all district councils to run.
• Mori Continued: JACL Works for You and Florida Chapter News, by Floyd Mori, page 16. This continuation of Mori’s column describes the formation of a new multi-ethnic JACL chapter in Miami, Florida, led by Dennis Murasaki and Jose K. Fuentes. Mori also thanks outgoing VP Edwin Endow for his service and lists numerous ongoing national JACL programs and initiatives.

Community

• Tateishi Wins UC Merced’s Spendlove Award, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Immediate former JACL National Director John Tateishi won the $10,000 Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy and Tolerance. Tateishi will spend a year in residence at UC Merced working on projects furthering the prize’s goals.
• LAPD Appoints First APA Deputy Chief, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Cmdr. Terry Hara is being promoted to deputy chief of the LAPD’s West Bureau, becoming the first APA officer to hold that rank in department history. Hara joined the LAPD in 1980 and was previously the first Japanese American to reach the rank of commander.
• Young JA’s Short Film Featured at Sundance Film Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Yonsei filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura’s short documentary ‘Pilgrimage’ screened at the Sundance Film Festival, telling the story of how Japanese Americans transformed Manzanar into a symbol of solidarity. The film features rare archival footage of the first pilgrimage to Manzanar in 1969.
• 17-Year-Old Murakami Wins College Baseball Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Matthew Murakami, a senior at Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, was awarded a baseball scholarship from the University of Maryland at College Park. He played second base on a championship-winning team last year.
• Azuma Recognized for Dedication to Helping Children with Autism, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Julie Azuma, founder of Different Roads to Learning, Inc., was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for her work helping children with autism and developmental disabilities. Her organization offers over 300 products supporting parents of autistic children.
• Two APA Educators Win the Tien Education Leadership Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Norman C. Tien of Case Western Reserve University and Frank H. Wu of Wayne State University Law School each received $10,000 grants as winners of the second annual Chang-Lin Tien Education Leadership Awards. The awards honor the legacy of Chang-Lin Tien, the first APA to lead a major American research university.
• California’s APA Leaders Appointed to Key Office Positions, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed three APAs to key California state positions: Phyllis Cheng as director of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and Patricia Fong Kushida and Bonaparte Liu to the Student Aid Commission. Each appointee brings extensive experience in their respective fields.
• The 442nd RCT Receives Prestigious Audie Murphy Award, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The American Veterans Center presented its Audie Murphy Award to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for distinguished WWII service. Veterans George Sakato, Kelly Kuwayama, Joe Ichiuji and Terry Shima accepted the award in Washington, D.C.
• ’08 DOR to Feature Student Performances from Collegiate Nikkei Organizations, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Los Angeles 2008 Day of Remembrance will highlight grassroots activism by collegiate Nikkei organizations, connecting the historical fight for redress to current student activism. Students from USC, UC San Diego and UC Riverside will share personal perspectives on the JA wartime experience and its relevance today.
• JANM Sets Redress Series to Mark 20th Anniversary of Civil Liberties Act of 1988, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese American National Museum organized a series of events including a gala dinner and national conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Museum president Irene Hirano emphasized lessons from the successful redress campaign about the power of collaborative organizing.
• NJAMF to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Redress Bill at ’08 Awards Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation will honor the 20th anniversary of the Redress Bill at its Fifth Annual Awards Dinner, recognizing Congressman Barney Frank, Joan Bernstein, and Major General Anthony Taguba. Proceeds will fund NJAMF’s public awareness and education programs.
• Nat’l JACL Now Accepting Scholarship Applications, by P.C. Staff, page 6. National JACL announced it is accepting applications for its scholarship program, which awards about 30 scholarships totaling over $50,000 annually. Applicants must be JACL student or individual members, with deadlines varying by scholarship category.
• JA Organizations to Launch Program to Help Students Learn More About JA WWII History, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools partnered with the Go For Broke National Education Center, NJAMF, and JAVA to launch a pilot teacher training program on JA wartime history. The workshop, the first of its kind on the East Coast, will focus on internment and the 100th Battalion-442nd RCT.
• Sacramento to Present Diplomas to Veterans and Former Internees Who Were Unable to Graduate, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Sacramento County Board of Education’s ‘Operation Recognition’ program will award belated high school diplomas in May to veterans and internees whose education was interrupted by WWII, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Applications for the ceremony must be submitted by April 30.
• Nikkei Community Internship Announces 2008 Program, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The California Japanese American Community Leadership Council announced its 2008 Nikkei Community Internship program, now in its seventh year, connecting young people with JA community organizations in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Interns receive a $2,000 scholarship and spend the summer on community projects and leadership training.
• Asian Sisters Participating in Reaching Excellence (ASPIRE) Presents 1st Annual Outstanding Woman of the Year Award, by P.C. Staff, page 16. ASPIRE announced its first annual Outstanding Woman of the Year Award recognizing young APA women leaders, to be presented at the 2008 AAWIL Conference at Harvard University. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Boston and mentorship opportunities, with nominations due by March 1.

Arts & Entertainment

• Rick Shiomi Helms Fourth Largest APA Theater Company in the U.S., by Lynda Lin, page 9. Sansei playwright Rick Shiomi built Mu Performing Arts into the fourth largest APA theater company in the country from Minnesota, where he settled after visiting in the early 1990s. His play ‘Walleye Girl,’ adapted from a Japanese fable, recently opened to positive reviews reflecting the Korean adoptee experience in the Midwest.

Sports

• Former USC Assistant Norm Chow Joins Coaching Staff at UCLA, by Associated Press, page 10. Norm Chow, who coached Heisman-winning quarterbacks at USC, is returning to college football as offensive coordinator at UCLA under coach Rick Neuheisel after being fired by the Tennessee Titans. Chow’s coaching resume includes six first-round NFL quarterback picks.
• French Open Champion Michael Chang Elected to Tennis Hall of Fame, by Associated Press, page 10. Michael Chang, who won the 1989 French Open at age 17 as the youngest male Grand Slam champion, was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. IMG creator Mark McCormack and Tennis Week founder Eugene Scott were selected posthumously alongside him.
• Nagasu Becomes Second Youngest to Win U.S. Women’s Title at Age 14, by Associated Press and P.C. Staff, page 10. Mirai Nagasu, 14, became the second youngest winner of the U.S. women’s figure skating title, though she is too young to compete at the world championships. She skated a strong program to ‘Coppelia,’ landing six triple jumps despite a fall on her opening double axel.

Obituaries

• In Memoriam – 2007-2008, page 15. This obituary section includes a tribute to Frank Shozo Baba, 93, a key figure in establishing modern broadcasting in post-WWII Japan who worked in the Office of War Information and was awarded the Kun Santo by the Emperor of Japan. The section also lists numerous other community members who passed away with survivor details.
• George Yoneo Saito, page 15. George Yoneo Saito, a longtime Oakland resident who grew up in the Sacramento Valley, passed away peacefully at age 95 (1912-2008), preceded in death by his wife Martha Makimoto. He was known for his skills fixing and building things and his warm sense of humor, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
• Ruth N. Tanbara, page 15. Ruth N. Tanbara of St. Paul, formerly of California and Portland, Oregon, died Jan. 4, 2008 at age 101, preceded in death by her husband Earl K. Tanbara. She was an active board member of several organizations including the Twin Cities JACL, and a memorial service was planned with donations preferred to related scholarship funds.
• Mariko Koide, page 15. Mariko S. Koide of El Cerrito, California passed away Jan. 19, 2008 after a battle with cancer, having earned a math degree from UC Berkeley and worked as a computer programmer before finding her passion volunteering with HICAP. She is survived by her husband Jimmy, four children, five grandchildren, and siblings.
• Morris Shozo Abe, page 15. Morris Shozo Abe, 90, a Seattle-born Nisei WWII Counter Intelligence Corps veteran who resided in Camarillo, California, passed away Jan. 11 and was memorialized at Fukui Mortuary in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife Cherry and numerous siblings, children, and extended family.
• Hiroshi ‘Hootch’ Okumura, page 15. Hiroshi ‘Hootch’ Okumura, 94, of Houston, Texas, a longtime JANBA National Bowling Tournament participant, passed away Dec. 16, 2007 after a brief illness. He was a Life member of JACL and is survived by his wife Chiyo of 65 years, his daughter, and son-in-law.

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