Vol. 69, No. 20, November 14, 1969. 8 pages. View this issue
The push to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950, the Emergency Detention provisions, ran through this eight-page issue. Utah Governor Calvin Rampton endorsed the campaign, and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Congressman Glenn Anderson each added their voices. On the front page, National JACL President Jerry Enomoto wrote about the PNWDC convention in Portland and a debate over how far JACL should go in civil rights activism. The JACL executive committee also adopted a statement on the individual responsibility and rights of expression of members.
Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa’s book Nisei: The Quiet Americans was offered to members at a prepublication price, and two letter writers weighed in on its title. Mike Masaoka looked at President Nixon’s Vietnam speech, Alan Kumamoto wrote about the relevance of JACL, and Rep. Spark Matsunaga spoke at a Placer County dinner honoring Issei. Pages 4 to 7 include news from Tokyo and a book review of an account of the Battle of Tsushima.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Perspectives: Polemics in Portland, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto reflects on recent JACL events, including the PNWDC convention in Portland and a debate over JACL’s role in civil rights activism. He also comments on the importance of member participation and the election of Tak Kubota as PNW District Governor.
- Nixon and Vietnam War, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka analyzes President Nixon’s November 3 Vietnam peace speech, quoting critical New York Times commentary that the plan offered no new initiatives. He also reports on congressional responses including a House resolution and Senate action.
- From the Frying Pan: Ethnic Community, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa examines the tension between integration and ethnic separatism, using the Auraria higher education dispute in Denver and Chinatown unrest as examples. He argues that no one should be forced to live in a ghetto out of necessity.
- Hello, Quiet You, by Alan Kumamoto, page 5. Alan Kumamoto reflects on the relevance of JACL, the need for young people to become aware and involved, and the importance of speaking out. He urges readers to be engaged with their families, communities, and society.
- Puget Sounders Still Talk About Japan Invasion, by Svein Gilje, page 6. Seattle Times writer Svein Gilje recounts the April 1942 false alarm of a Japanese invasion near Neah Bay, reviewing Graham Shrader’s book on the wartime Northwest. The article connects the wartime mass removal of Japanese residents to the present campaign to repeal Title II.
- Editorial: Watch Your Lip!, by Honolulu Star-Bulletin, page 8. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial calls for repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act, which allows detention of persons suspected of espionage or sabotage without trial. It argues the provision threatens constitutional liberties.
- Sounding Board: Dr. Noguchi Case, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 8. Jeffrey Matsui criticizes the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for replacing Civil Service Commissioner Harry Albert and for actions against Dr. Thomas Noguchi, who was reinstated as coroner. He argues the Noguchi case is still a battle for fair play and justice.
- Nisei Quiet Americans, by Kenneth M. Hisatake, page 8. Letter writer argues the title Nisei: Quiet Americans is an inaccurate stereotype and suggests a moratorium on the debate over the title. The letter calls for resolving the controversy so attention can return to the book’s content.
- Nisei Americans, by Budd Fukei, page 8. Letter writer dismisses the controversy over the Hosokawa book title, suggesting alternatives and urging readers to thank Bill Hosokawa for the history. The letter predicts the book will be a good one.
- Title II Repeal, by Glenn M. Anderson, page 8. Congressman Glenn Anderson expresses support for repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act, which he calls one of the nation’s most tragic mistakes in detaining Japanese Americans during World War II. He pledges continued support for repeal efforts.
National
- Title II Repeal Campaign Gains Support Across Nation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Utah Governor Calvin Rampton endorsed JACL’s campaign to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950, the Emergency Detention provisions. Several churches and organizations have also joined the push for repeal.
JACL
- JACL Board Issues Individual Responsibility and Rights of Expression Statement, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL executive committee adopted a policy statement affirming members’ rights to express opinions and act on issues even when they differ from JACL views. The statement was developed after a comprehensive review of the organization’s policies.
- Hosokawa Book Offered to Members at Special Price, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Bill Hosokawa’s popular history Nisei: The Quiet Americans is available to JACL members at a special prepublication price of $7.50. The 544-page book covers Japanese American history from early immigration through the postwar period.
Community
- Placer County JACL Honors Issei at Wakamatsu Centennial Dinner, by Roy Yoshida, page 3. Rep. Spark Matsunaga gave the principal address at the Placer County JACL goodwill dinner, speaking on the challenge of the Issei centennial. Issei pioneers aged 80 and over were honored with Wakamatsu Centennial medallions.
- Two Sansei Among Six Californians Ousted at Japan Study Center, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Six Californians in an exchange program at International Christian University in Tokyo were dismissed after joining a student protest against school administration. The students face possible deportation and say they will consult an attorney.
Military & Veterans
- Hawaii’s 29th Infantry Brigade to Be Deactivated, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 29th Infantry Brigade in Hawaii will close out 19 months of active service with deactivation ceremonies at Schofield Barracks in December. Former members serving in Vietnam will return for the ceremonies.
- Japan’s Naval Hero: The Emperor’s Sword, by Allan Beekman, page 5. Book review of Noel Busch’s account of the Battle of Tsushima, in which Admiral Togo defeated the Russian Baltic Fleet in 1905. The reviewer notes the book’s strengths and its uneven focus between battle narrative and Togo’s biography.
In-Depth
- Beautiful Tokyo: A Metropolis of Strange Harmony, by Jor Hamanaka, page 7. Jor Hamanaka describes Tokyo as a city of contrasts, mixing old and new, with a strong appetite for Western goods and culture. He highlights department stores, coffee shops, and nightlife scenes.
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