Vol. 129, No. 6, August 6, 1999. 8 pages. View this issue
Guy Gabaldon was the subject of the front page of this eight-page issue. A Marine who grew up among Nikkei neighbors in East Los Angeles, he learned Japanese there and later persuaded hundreds of Japanese soldiers to surrender in the Pacific. Supporters are working to upgrade his citation to the Congressional Medal of Honor, and a Latino veteran named Limon told how the story changed his view of Japanese Americans. A longer profile on page 8 traced his path from East L.A. to the war.
Other news included Hiroshima’s mayor warning that the world is forgetting the atomic bombings, and two stories on Wen Ho Lee, the fired Los Alamos scientist. Harry K. Honda reported on JACL national convention fundraising toward the $8.6 million goal. Inside are chapter news, a story on taiko drumming, a Thai garment workers’ settlement, and letters on a memorial and the Heart Mountain resisters.
What’s in this issue
National
- Marine Guy Gabaldon’s Wartime Heroism Softens Latino Veteran’s View of Japanese Americans, page 1. World War II veteran Guy Gabaldon, credited with capturing hundreds of Japanese soldiers using his knowledge of Japanese learned from Nikkei friends in East L.A., inspired a movement to upgrade his citation to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Fellow veteran Limon, once hateful toward Japanese Americans due to Pearl Harbor, changed his views after learning Gabaldon’s story and even donated to the Japanese American Citizens League.
- Hiroshima Mayor Warns World Is Forgetting Horror of Atomic Bombings, by Associated Press, page 1. Ahead of the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the city’s mayor warned that the world is forgetting the horrors of nuclear weapons and becoming more likely to use them again. He called for Japan to promote nuclear disarmament and cooperation among nations, especially given the emergence of new nuclear powers.
- Fired Scientist Denies Passing Nuclear Secrets to Chinese, by Associated Press, page 1. Wen Ho Lee, the scientist fired from Los Alamos National Laboratory on suspicion of passing nuclear secrets to China, denied the allegations in a televised interview, saying it was common practice to transfer data between classified and unclassified computers. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson countered that Lee violated national security procedures and would not be tolerated, though the Justice Department has not decided whether to file charges.
- Thai Sweatshop Workers Win $1.2 Million Settlement, page 1. Thai immigrants who worked in slave-like conditions in a Southern California sweatshop will receive $1.2 million in a settlement with a clothing retailer that hired the factory. Advocates called it a victory for garment workers and hoped it would deter future exploitation.
- JACL Convention Fundraising Nears $8.6 Million Goal, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. As the Y2K JACL national convention approaches, chapters across the country report progress toward the $8.6 million fundraising goal, with regional breakdowns of gifts and pledges provided. Remarks by new Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki at a JACL Day program honoring Japanese American WWII veterans, including the 442nd, were also highlighted.
- Scientist’s Lawyers Argue Security Care Was Used in Data Transfer, page 8. A legal brief submitted by Wen Ho Lee’s lawyers to the Justice Department argued that Lee used considerable care to protect nuclear codes when transferring them to an unclassified computer. The defense claimed the transfer was for practical reasons, including ease of work and providing a backup in case of computer failure.
- Thai Workers’ Settlement Details and Advocate’s Broader Mission, page 8. Following the $1.2 million settlement, details emerged about the Thai garment workers’ path to freedom and their fight for compensation, including testimony from worker Rojana Cheunchujit who now studies fashion design. Cheunchujit also testified before a state Assembly committee in support of a bill requiring manufacturers and retailers to guarantee garment workers’ wages.
Community
- Up Beat: Japanese Drumming Flourishes, by Associated Press, page 3. Taiko drumming, a Japanese art form with ancient roots, is gaining popularity among younger generations including UCLA graduate Jill Nakaoki. Community leaders say the resurgence reflects an active and engaged Japanese American community.
- Contest Deadline Extended for Asian American Media Award, page 4. The deadline was extended for a competition aimed at encouraging Asian American writing and directing talent, sponsored in part by Visual Communications and Yolk Magazine. The event, ChiliVisions, raises funds to support VC’s mission of promoting intercultural understanding through Asian Pacific American media arts.
- Nakata Named Director of WSU Multicultural Student Services, page 4. Following a national search, a new director was named to head Washington State University’s Multicultural Student Services program. The appointee has a demonstrated record in multicultural student affairs work.
- Sacramento JACL Holds Annual Scholarship Dinner, page 5. The Sacramento Japanese American community held its 1999 scholarship dinner at the Doubletree Hotel, awarding more than $21,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Numerous community members and honorees attended the event.
- Twin Cities JACL Members Receive Asian Pacific Leadership Award, page 5. Joyce Yamamoto was among the recipients of the 1999 Asian Pacific Leadership Award recognized by Twin Cities JACL. The award honors contributions to the Asian Pacific American community.
- Former Congressman Mineta Keynoter at September 18 JACL Awards Dinner, page 5. Former Congressman Norman Mineta will be the keynote speaker at the Pacific Southwest District JACL Awards Dinner on September 18. The dinner will honor several community members including George and Toy Kanegai and Judge Robert Takasugi.
Commentary
- Letter: Asterisk on Memorial Name Deemed Degrading, by Hayato Kihara, page 7. A reader objects to the placement of his name on a war memorial marked with an asterisk, arguing it inappropriately equates him with fallen heroes in a way he finds unacceptable. He also notes that in some cases the asterisks meant to denote status were omitted entirely, creating further confusion and injustice.
- Letter: Reflections on Nikkei Resisters of Conscience, page 7. A reader responds to prior coverage of Heart Mountain resisters of conscience, referencing Takashi Hoshizaki’s letter and the Lim Report’s analysis of JACL’s historical stance. The writer, raised in a 442nd household, argues that an apology to the resisters would be an important step toward reconciliation given the severe consequences resisters faced for their beliefs.
In-Depth
- Gabaldon’s Path from East L.A. to Wartime Hero, page 8. Guy Gabaldon grew up among a Nikkei community in East Los Angeles, learning Japanese informally from friends’ families before World War II, which later enabled him to persuade hundreds of Japanese soldiers to surrender in the Pacific. Despite recommendations from his commanding officer, Gabaldon never received the Congressional Medal of Honor, a fact he and supporters attribute to discrimination against Latino servicemen.
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