Vol. 83, No. 17, October 22, 1976. 4 pages. View this issue
The JACL disagreed publicly with a Senate candidate’s October 12 statement that called the wartime incarceration a blessing in disguise. Interim Director Donald Hayashi said such statements were inaccurate, and Edison Uno and Dr. Clifford Uyeda said the remarks had no support among Japanese Americans. The same page followed Proposition 14, the California farm labor initiative, with a poll and a piece by Assemblyman Floyd Mori, and reported on papers found in the archives that support a presidential pardon for Iva Toguri.
On the inside pages, Bill Hosokawa profiled biochemist Dr. Yutaka Kobayashi, who was held at Topaz and later settled in Massachusetts, and Ernest Uno wrote about Nisei from Hawaii who call themselves Hawaiian on the mainland. Don Hayashi’s letter to JACL members set out staff priorities, including the 1977 membership campaign. Local news covers Teton Dam relief in Idaho, the Gardena Buddhist Church’s 40th anniversary and a Sansei bowling title.
What’s in this issue
National
- JACL Rebukes Hayakawa’s ‘Blessing in Disguise’ Remark on WW2 Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL disagreed with a Senate candidate’s October 12 statement calling wartime incarceration a blessing in disguise, with Interim Director Donald Hayashi calling such statements inaccurate. Critics including Edison Uno and Dr. Clifford Uyeda said the remarks lack support among Japanese Americans.
- Outcome for Farm Labor Initiative in Doubt, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Mervin Field poll found under half of Californians aware of Proposition 14, the farm labor initiative, with slight support among those informed. Analysts concluded the outcome remains very much in doubt.
- Assemblyman Mori Assesses Proposition 14 as Unnecessary, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Assemblyman Floyd Mori argued Proposition 14 is unnecessary given recent changes to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and would make future ALRB problems harder to resolve. He said the measure ties the hands of the Legislature on the access rule and related issues.
- Court Halts Racial Tally in L.A. Schools, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Superior Court commissioner halted a racial survey of Los Angeles School District pupils after parents complained about being identified racially. The desegregation issue is expected to be discussed by the Pacific Southwest JACL District Council.
- Buddhist Churches of America Aid Hibakusha, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Petitions urging federal funding for medical research and services for A-bomb survivors are being circulated by the Buddhist Churches of America. The BCA national board unanimously endorsed the effort at its September 12 meeting.
- Congressman Mineta Among Top 10 California Legislators, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Norman Mineta received special commendation in the Californians in Congress 1976 report from the California Congressional Recognition Program. The honor recognized his outstanding service during the 94th Congress.
Community
- Pro-Toguri Papers Found in Archives, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Justice Department documents obtained by reporter Tony Montanari under the Freedom of Information Act suggest prosecutors knew Iva Toguri was not guilty of treason. The papers were published by the Bay Guardian and support the JACL campaign for a presidential pardon.
- Idaho Disaster Relief Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nineteen Japanese American families in the Rexburg-Sugar City area, victims of the June 5 Teton Dam collapse, are recipients of the JACL Disaster Relief Fund. Organizers report ongoing cleanup and rebuilding needs.
- Gardena Buddhist Church Celebrates 40th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gardena Buddhist Church marked its 40th anniversary on October 10 at the Proud Bird Restaurant. Assembly resolutions from Assemblyman Paul Bannai honored the church and several dedicated members.
Incarceration & Redress
- North California Nikkei Assail Kubo Pitch Against Prop. 14, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Americans concerned for farm worker justice criticized a full-page advertisement in which Harry Kubo linked his Tule Lake incarceration to Proposition 14. They called the appeal a mockery of the shameful episode of Evacuation.
- Sacramento Nisei VFW Post Endorses Presidential Pardon for Iva Toguri, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei Post 8985 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars unanimously urged President Ford to pardon Iva Toguri d’Aquino, convicted of treason in 1949. The post said her conduct as an alien in enemy territory did not constitute treason.
Commentary
- Hawaiian? Not Quite, by Ernest Uno, page 2. Uno critiques Nisei from Hawaii who claim to be Hawaiian on the mainland, distinguishing them from native Hawaiians of Polynesian ancestry. He argues the practice is deceptive and causes confusion about ethnic identity.
- Massachusetts, My Home, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa profiles biochemist Dr. Yutaka Kobayashi, a Nisei who has built a successful life in Massachusetts after wartime incarceration at Topaz. The column reflects on assimilation and the Nisei experience in New England.
JACL
- To All in JACL, by Don Hayashi, page 2. Acting National Director Don Hayashi thanks National Officers and members and asks for cooperation, patience, and commitment. He outlines staff priorities including the 1977 membership campaign and youth concerns.
Sports
- Sansei Bowlers Top in California Meet, by Mas Hironaka, page 4. A pick-up team of five Sansei bowlers from the San Diego JACL League, called the STOHS, won the California state handicap team championship. The team shared a $1,500 prize at the August tournament.
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