Shinseki retires, and JACL weighs its finances and membership

Vol. 136, No. 11, June 20, 2003. 12 pages. View this issue

Gen. Eric K. Shinseki’s retirement as Army chief of staff on June 11 led the front page, in an Associated Press account of a 38-year career that began in Vietnam and ended at the Pentagon. JACL National President Floyd Mori sent Shinseki a letter of congratulation, and the national board passed a resolution commending him. Closer to home, Mori and Ron Katsuyama wrote about JACL’s financial problems and the push to win back members, while Rep. Howard Coble agreed to meet with JACL after the California Senate and Assembly voted to condemn his remarks on the World War II incarceration (often called internment).

Elsewhere in these 12 pages: a petition to the Organization of American States on behalf of Japanese Latin Americans, a report on the Gila River reunion in Las Vegas, plans for a Minidoka reunion in Seattle, chapter scholarship luncheons, and a sports page with Michelle Wie, Yao Ming and the Barry Bonds home run ball. Harry K. Honda’s column looked at how European countries treat their minorities.

What’s in this issue

National

• Army Chief Shinseki Says Goodbye After 38-Year Career, by Associated Press, page 1. Gen. Eric K. Shinseki retired as Army chief of staff on June 11 after a 38-year career spanning combat in Vietnam, where he lost part of a foot, to tense battles with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld over Army transformation and Iraq war planning. The White House named retired Gen. Peter Schoomaker as his successor, an unprecedented choice from the retired ranks.
• Coble Agrees to Meet With JACL, Decision Follows Calif. Legislature’s Vote Urging Him to Resign Post, by Associated Press and Pacific Citizen Staff, page 1. Rep. Howard Coble agreed to meet with JACL representatives after facing widespread criticism for comments defending the WWII internment of Japanese Americans as being for their own protection. The California Senate and Assembly both voted unanimously to condemn his remarks and urge his resignation as a subcommittee chairman.
• JLAs Take Their Case to the International Stage, File Petition With the Organization of American States, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Shibayama brothers and the Japanese Peruvian Oral History Project filed a petition with the OAS Inter-American Commission on Human Rights seeking redress for Japanese Latin Americans kidnapped and interned by the U.S. during WWII. After failing to get their case heard in U.S. courts, they are now seeking international acknowledgment and equitable compensation.
• Justice Department Refuses to Release Report on Wen Ho Lee Case, by Associated Press, page 3. Attorney General John Ashcroft defended withholding a Justice Department report on the handling of the Wen Ho Lee case, citing national security interests, while critics accused the department of a culture of secrecy. Lee, a former Los Alamos scientist, was held in solitary confinement for nine months before the case against him collapsed and he pleaded guilty to a single felony count.
• Groups Launch First AA Advocacy Office in Sac’to, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center formed Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), the first Asian American advocacy project based in Sacramento. The organization will focus on legislation, regulatory policy, and building a statewide grassroots network to support Asian American communities.
• Sen. Daschle Recommends Ishimaru for EEOC Vacancy, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle recommended civil rights lawyer Stuart Ishimaru, a longtime JACL member, for appointment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. JACL praised the recommendation and urged the White House to act quickly, noting Ishimaru would become the only Asian American on a major federal civil rights commission if confirmed.
• National Newsbytes, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 4. This roundup covers several national stories: a Marine reservist’s mysterious death in Hawaii, the expiration of a law that helped over 3,000 Hmong veterans in Minnesota become citizens, a decline in hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims in Texas, OHA trustees continuing support for the Akaka bill despite risks to their organization, and a Michigan hospital renamed in honor of Sens. Inouye, Hart, and Dole.
• Census Study Shows Severe Poverty Among NYC’s AA Children, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A new census data analysis by the Asian American Federation of New York revealed that nearly one in four Asian American children in New York City live in poverty, far exceeding rates for other groups. The federation warned that proposed city budget cuts could worsen conditions for these vulnerable children amid ongoing post-9/11 economic recovery.
• Coble (continued): California Legislature Condemns Remarks, by Associated Press and Pacific Citizen Staff, page 9. JACL praised the California Senate’s decision to join the Assembly in condemning Rep. Howard Coble’s internment remarks, while criticizing continued silence from House leadership on the matter. Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to Congress, the White House, and the North Carolina legislature.
• Bittersweet Graduation for Laotian Boy, by Associated Press, page 9. Tchisou Tho graduated from high school in St. Paul even as nine members of his family faced deportation after living illegally in the U.S. for almost 13 years since emigrating from Laos via France. Publicity about his case delayed the family’s deportation until after his graduation.
• Senate Passes Legislation Expediting the Citizenship Process for Immigrant Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The U.S. Senate passed legislation reducing the required service period for citizenship from three to two years for legal permanent residents serving in the military, along with other benefits like waived fees and overseas naturalization ceremonies. Sen. Barbara Boxer championed the bill, noting over 37,000 legal permanent residents currently serve in the U.S. military.
• Shinseki (continued): A Career of Transformation and Tension, by Associated Press, page 12. This continuation details Shinseki’s post-Vietnam career, including his education, NATO command in Bosnia, and his push for Army ‘transformation’ that clashed with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld over the Crusader artillery program and troop estimates for postwar Iraq. Rumsfeld later fired Army Secretary Thomas White, who had sided with Shinseki on these issues.
• JLAs (continued): Seeking Justice Through International Human Rights Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The Shibayama brothers and other Japanese Latin American internees continue to fight for redress after being classified as ‘illegal aliens’ and receiving only a fraction of the compensation given to Japanese American internees under the 1988 Civil Liberties Act. Their attorney Karen Parker argues the U.S. government committed war crimes by kidnapping civilians from neutral countries during WWII.

Commentary

• A Valued Institution, by Ron Katsuyama, page 1. MDC PC Board Representative Ron Katsuyama argues that the Pacific Citizen remains a vital source of news and dialogue for Japanese Americans amid a JACL financial crisis. He calls for creative membership retention strategies, diversified revenue, and caution against cutting PC and JACL staff salaries.
• Mori Memo: Increasing Membership, by Floyd Mori, page 1. JACL National President Floyd Mori stresses the urgent need to boost declining JACL membership to maintain the organization’s influence and address financial problems. He praises chapters with membership growth and urges every member to recruit new members, especially younger relatives.
• Letters to the Editor: Mitsuye Endo, by Kiyo Fujiu (Chicago), page 2. A reader responds to a previous letter about Mitsuye Endo, describing a February event in Chicago honoring Mitsuye ‘Endo’ Tsutsumi with a plaque and panel discussion on civil liberties. The writer emphasizes that Endo is not forgotten and that the event connected her legacy to current civil rights concerns for Arab and Muslim Americans.
• Letters to the Editor: Zyappu and Aoime, by Bill Wetherall (Abiko, Japan), page 2. A writer discusses the complex history and usage of the word ‘Jap,’ including a Tokyo fashion magazine that reclaimed the term, and compares it to the Japanese term ‘Aoime’ (blue eyes) used to racialize Caucasians. He concludes that whether such words offend may depend more on intent than the word itself.
• Letters to the Editor: Re: Kaji’s Commentary, by Wilsac Kusuda (San Jose, Calif.), page 2. A reader thanks Jonathan Kaji for sparking ideas to save JACL and shares a point from a discussion with his father about the 1996 Parental Responsibility Act’s implications for immigration sponsors. He encourages continued brainstorming to find solutions for JACL’s challenges.
• Anti-Americanism in Europe? Minorities Are a Greater Concern There, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Harry Honda examines a special Economist report on how European nations like the Netherlands, Britain, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain and Italy are grappling with integrating longstanding minority populations rather than merely restricting new immigration. He compares differing national approaches to integration and concludes that active policies, rather than passive tolerance, are needed to avoid future conflict.

JACL

• JACL Commends General Shinseki on His Retirement, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL National President Floyd Mori sent a letter congratulating General Eric Shinseki on his retirement and thanking him for his service to the Army and Asian Pacific American community. The JACL national board also passed a resolution commending Shinseki’s leadership and dedication.
• Sen. Inouye, War Hero and Political Leader, to be Honored at 2003 JACL National Gala Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sen. Daniel Inouye will be honored alongside Norman Mineta, Robert Matsui, and Mike Honda at a national JACL gala dinner in Los Angeles on September 13, with a special tribute to the late Rep. Patsy Mink. Inouye, a Medal of Honor recipient wounded in WWII combat with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, has been a longtime champion of Asian Pacific American and civil rights issues.
• A JACL (Credit) Union, by Ryan Chin, V.P. Membership, page 8. The National JACL Credit Union partnered with national JACL to offer credit card processing for membership dues and other payments, aiming to boost flexibility and membership numbers. The Credit Union will cover processing costs, and JACL chapters are encouraged to add credit card payment options to their own membership forms.
• JACL Board Resolution Honors Shinseki’s Service, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The JACL national board passed a resolution at its May 31 meeting commending General Eric Shinseki for his extraordinary service and four decades of military leadership. The resolution praised him as an exemplary role model for the Asian Pacific American community and all Americans.

Community

• Community People Briefs, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This roundup highlights notable achievements by Asian Americans including Chiling Tong’s appointment to the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency, Steve Okamoto’s induction into Foster City’s Sports Wall of Fame, and Judge Dana Sabraw’s nomination as the first Asian American federal judge in the Southern District of California. Also featured are scholars and educators including Xiang Lanxin, Ruth Kitayama Terao, Dorothy Kittaka, and Hwa-Wei Lee in their respective academic and diplomatic appointments.
• APIA Leaders Announce Start of APIA Public Safety Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A coalition of over 20 Asian Pacific Islander American organizations launched a public safety campaign in Los Angeles, meeting with LAPD Chief William Bratton to address language accessibility, officer recruitment, hate crimes, and a proposed LAPD facility in Little Tokyo. Bratton expressed openness to creating a special hate crimes unit and improving services for non-English speakers.
• Over 700 Attend Gila River Reunion, by Ted Tajima, page 5. The 2003 Gila River reunion in Las Vegas drew 760 attendees and was dedicated to the 1,100 internees who served in the Armed Forces during WWII, including a plaque presentation to the family of Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Kazuo Otani. Keynote speaker Cherry Tsutsumida recounted her family’s experience leaving the camp and her later leadership raising funds for the National Japanese American Memorial.
• ‘Minidoka Remembered’ Set for Seattle Aug. 1-3, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A reunion for former Minidoka internees, families and friends will be held in Seattle August 1-3, featuring keynote speaker artist Roger Shimomura and exhibits from author Ken Mochizuki and photographer Emily Momohara. The National Park Service will also hold workshops during the reunion to discuss development plans for the Minidoka Internment National Monument.
• South Bay Chapter Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The South Bay JACL awarded six recipients the 2003 Kiichi Egashira Memorial Scholarship at a luncheon, along with the one-time Joseph Hiraoka Memorial Scholarship given to Tiffany Kimoto. Featured speaker was El Camino College professor David Nakatani.
• San Diego Chapter Scholarship Luncheon, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Diego JACL chapter held its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon, awarding funds to numerous local students including top recipient Nicholas Whitenack. National JACL Vice President David Kawamoto gave the keynote address highlighting JACL’s history and accomplishments.
• Santa Maria Valley Chapter Scholarship Luncheon, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Santa Maria Valley JACL chapter held its 7th Annual Scholarship Luncheon, awarding $500 scholarships to three recipients. Keynote speaker Tak Oishi of the Keiro Retirement Home spoke about services for senior citizens.
• San Mateo JACL Community Center Renamed, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Mateo JACL Community Center was renamed the San Mateo Japanese American Community Center after the San Mateo Japanese Gardeners Association voted to disband and donated their property to the center. Sats Hane will lead a committee to oversee the reorganization with assistance from the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.
• New Mixed-Race Group Halvsie Formed in Northwest, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Halvsie, a new Northwest-based cultural association, invites people of half-Japanese descent to join for discussion, networking and empowerment around their unique biracial identity. The group operates a website and cites famous mixed-race Japanese figures like Ann Curry and Apolo Ohno as notable ‘Halvsies.’

Sports

• Two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Swimmer Retraces Roots to Vietnam, by Pacific Citizen and Associated Press, page 7. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Catherine Mai Lan Fox traveled to Vietnam for the first time to explore her mother’s homeland while sharing swimming techniques with young Vietnamese athletes. Fox, born to a Vietnamese mother and American father who met during the Vietnam War, had delayed the trip for 15 years due to her rigorous training schedule.
• IOC Board Backs Olympic Status for Pacific Island Group, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The IOC executive board endorsed Kiribati’s bid for official recognition as a national Olympic committee, with formal approval expected in Prague in July. Kiribati would become the 200th nation or territory recognized by the IOC.
• Kim Selected in Fourth Round of Draft, by P.C. Staff, page 7. James Madison University senior first baseman Eddie Kim was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round of the 2003 MLB draft. Kim was a repeat All-America selection and led the Colonial Athletic Association in RBIs this season.
• Bonds Record 73rd Home Run Ball to be Auctioned on TV, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Barry Bonds’ historic 73rd home run ball, held in a court-ordered trust due to a dispute between Patrick Hayashi and Alex Popov, will be auctioned live on ESPN Sports Center. Auction house Leland’s estimates the ball could sell for upwards of $3 million.
• Yao Returning to China for Exhibition, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Yao Ming will return to China with the Houston Rockets for NBA exhibition games against the Sacramento Kings in Shanghai and Beijing in October 2004, the first NBA games played in China. The NBA also announced additional overseas exhibition games in Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, France and Spain.
• Teen Phenom Wie Rallies to Clinch Berth in U.S. Women’s Open Bid, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Thirteen-year-old golf phenom Michelle Wie birdied the first playoff hole at a sectional qualifying event to earn a berth in the U.S. Women’s Open. This will be her second major tournament after a strong showing at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in March.

Obituaries

• Hawaiian Bread Maker Robert Taira Dies at 79, by Associated Press, page 11. Robert Taira, creator of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread, died of cancer at age 79 in Torrance, California. He developed the bread’s recipe and round shape after WWII, eventually expanding his bakery operations from Hawaii to the mainland and later opening restaurants.
• Death Notice: Tony Tomio Arita, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Tony Tomio Arita, 79, of Los Osos passed away June 10 after farming and working as a gardener in the Coachella Valley for decades. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather with a strong sense of humor who always helped others in need.
• Death Notice: Thomas Mas Okabe, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Thomas Mas Okabe, 84, a Los Angeles-born Nisei resident of Las Vegas, passed away suddenly on April 23. He is survived by his wife Sally, five children, grandchildren, and siblings, with funeral mass held at the Maryknoll Japanese Catholic Center in Los Angeles.

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