Vol. 74, No. 23, June 16, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue
The 22nd National Convention in Washington, D.C. shaped this six-page issue. Membership stood 849 short of the 1971 mark of 25,286, and National Director Masao Satow released the proposed agenda. Tom Tamaki previewed the week’s events. Raymond Uno wrote about tensions between rural and urban chapters, while Mike Masaoka answered a Seattle resolution calling for the retirement of the JA Creed. Planning Commission debate and a proposed initiative-referendum procedure also appeared.
Elsewhere, NBC News was seeking people pictured in the Executive Order 9066 photographic documentary for a TV essay on the wartime incarceration. A Save Little Tokyo committee formed in Los Angeles, and Mike Iwatsubo reported on a Fresno dinner honoring Dr. George K. Hashiba, a surgeon who treated patients at Tule Lake. Allan Beekman reviewed a translation of the Manyoshu.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Asian American Focus: Planning Commission Part Five, page 1. Participants in the 1972 National Planning Commission discussion debate creating liaison with other Asian American groups and forming a loose federation. The minority report argues JACL should pursue Pan-Asian contacts while recognizing that the organization is moving toward an Asian American identity.
- U-No Bar: Farm Labor and Rural Versus Urban JACL Concerns, by Raymond Uno, page 1. JACL National President Raymond Uno examines tensions between urban and rural chapters over the UFWOC farm worker issue and related priorities. He argues the organization must give rural chapters a voice while recognizing the differing problems of city and farm members.
- Letters: Farm Labor, by Margaret Shigio, page 2. A Chicago JACL member responds to Fred Hirasuna’s comments on the United Farm Workers, describing harsh labor camp conditions she witnessed. She argues the grant to independent cooperatives will not benefit farmworkers much.
- The JA Creed, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. The author, who wrote the Japanese American Creed, responds to a Seattle JACL resolution calling for its retirement. He defends its continued relevance as a personal expression of American patriotism while accepting the organization’s right to decide.
- Crises, Dilemma, Dichotomy: Such Are Life’s Ways, by Miyo Morikawa, page 2. The author reflects on social dichotomies in America, from war and corruption to economic divisions, and calls for a whole-person, nonviolent approach to change. She also rejects being grouped into narrow organizational categories.
- Going Home, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A former Imperial Valley resident describes an emotional return visit to the town and the family house she left in 1942. She recalls familiar schools, churches and the Issei parents of her childhood.
JACL
- Expectations High for Top of Last Year’s JACL Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL membership stood 849 short of its 1971 mark of 25,286 on the eve of the 22nd National Convention. Several chapters set all-time highs while others exceeded last year’s totals.
- Confab Agenda Proposed for 1972 National JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The proposed agenda for the 22nd biennial National Council sessions in Washington, D.C. was released by National Director Masao Satow. Sessions will cover budget, planning recommendations, a new headquarters proposal, and election of officers.
- Safow Testimonial Fund Still Open, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Contributions to the Masao Satow Testimonial Fund will be accepted until Convention time. An album of letters and pictures is being prepared for presentation at the testimonial luncheon in Washington.
- Initiative-Referendum Proposed; Reduction of National Board Asked, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Central California District Council proposed adding an initiative-referendum procedure to the JACL Constitution so members can directly influence major policy. The EXECOM endorsed modified signature requirements and also proposed changes to National Board composition and amendment procedures.
- Chapter Nominees for $500 Scholarships Due, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL opened nominations for two Sumitomo Bank collegiate scholarships and the Dr. Mutsumi Nobe Memorial scholarship. Chapters may submit candidates by July 10.
- Status Explained for Chapters in Good Standing, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The convention credentials committee explained the requirements for chapters to seat delegates at the National Council. Chapters must have current officers, at least 25 members, and paid National and District dues.
- Hatate Withdraws as Candidate for Treasurer, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Al Hatate withdrew his candidacy for national JACL treasurer, leaving the 1972-74 slate vacant. He said some district members did not support his view that national officers should prioritize the national organization.
Incarceration & Redress
- NBC Anxious to Interview Persons Pictured in Executive Order 9066, by P.C. Staff, page 1. NBC News is preparing a 60-minute TV essay on the Japanese American wartime incarceration, drawing on the Executive Order 9066 photographic documentary. Producers are seeking people pictured in the exhibit to share their memories.
Obituaries
- Dr. George K. Hashiba Honored by Colleagues, Ex-Patients and JACL, by Mike Iwatsubo, page 1. Some 600 friends, colleagues and former Tule Lake patients honored 88-year-old Issei surgeon Dr. George K. Hashiba at a testimonial dinner in Fresno. Speakers praised his decades of service and devotion to patients, and JACL presented a scroll of recognition.
- Yoshimatsu: A Life of Hard Work and Honor, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A tribute remembers an Issei man who worked long hours as a laborer and merchant, lived frugally, and endured the wartime camp years with dignity. It describes his quiet character and modest retirement before his death after a trip to Japan.
Military & Veterans
- Tacoma and Puyallup: Returning to the Fairgrounds Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A writer visiting Tacoma tours the Puyallup fairgrounds, which served as a WWII detention camp for some 6,000 Japanese Americans. He recalls the hospital, housing and wartime hardship while noting how Nisei farmers later prospered in the Fife area.
- Japanese Lyrics from the Manyoshu: Book Review, by Allan Beekman, page 5. A review of Kenneth Yasuda’s translation of the Manyoshu, the eighth-century Japanese poetry anthology. The reviewer describes its themes of love, nature and longing and the translator’s introduction.
Community
- Save Little Tokyo Committee Formed in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Community leaders in Los Angeles formed a Citizens Committee to Save Little Tokyo Project after HUD ordered closure of NDP projects following a City Council vote on Romex cable. The committee is petitioning the council, HUD and the CRA to keep the redevelopment projects open.
- Come to Washington: Where the Action Is, by Tom Tamaki, page 3. A preview of the 1972 National JACL Convention in Washington, D.C. describes the opening Cabaret Ginza mixer and the week’s scheduled events. Highlights include White House tours, the Congressional Dinner and the Satow testimonial banquet.
- Riverside and Gardena Valley Chapters Plan June Events, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Riverside JACL will present its scholarship and honor graduates and hold a community picnic, while Gardena Valley JACL introduces its Miss Nisei Week candidates. Both chapters are preparing for upcoming community celebrations.
Sports
- Powerful Orange County Team Victors at PSWDC Nisei Relays, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Orange County won the overall championship at the PSWDC Nisei Relays, with several new meet records set. The meet also added three new events for the year.
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