Vol. 67, No. 11, September 13, 1968. 6 pages. View this issue
Two conventions and the people left out of them filled this six-page issue. National president Jerry Enomoto wrote about Hiroshima bomb survivors living in poverty and suggested that JACL chapters look for ways to help. Stephen Nakamura described the Republican floor in Miami Beach as a California delegate, while Harold Gordon and Mike Masaoka weighed the turbulent Democratic convention in Chicago against the orderly Republican one.
Also inside: a report that at least five Japanese American families in Monterey Park received anonymous calls ordering them to leave their homes. J.F. Weadock recalled how Arizona treated Japanese Americans in the 1930s and during the war. Robin Eto recapped the Junior JACL convention in San Jose, and Wilmer G. Brill traced the history of a Japanese rice-farming camp near Colusa.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Hiroshima, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. Enomoto reflects on Jim Henry’s Sakura Script column about Hiroshima bomb survivors living in poverty in neglected slum areas. He suggests JACL chapters consider projects to help these victims.
- An Opinion, page 1. The writer describes disturbing televised scenes of police clubbing demonstrators at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The author condemns police excess while acknowledging the need for order, and criticizes the boss-ism seen inside the convention hall.
- Another Opinion, page 1. The writer supports open primary elections so voters can choose candidates directly rather than through party-picked slates. The author urges continued support for California legislation that would enact an open primary system after the governor vetoed it.
- Democratic Convention a Mixed Bag, by Harold Gordon, page 2. Harold Gordon reports on the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, describing the anti-war sentiment, Senator Dan Inouye’s keynote address, and the dramatic floor events. He weighs the convention’s disorder against its democratic openness.
- How the Japanese Americans Were Treated in Arizona in Mid-’30s and WWII, by J.F. Weadock, page 2. Arizona Daily Star columnist J.F. Weadock recalls the 1935 Alien Land Law proposal targeting Japanese farmers and the wartime internment camps built in Arizona. He notes that the Star editor William Mathews was the lone voice opposing the injustice.
- Colusa Celebrates Its Centennial, Recalls Heydays of Issei Rice Barons, by Wilmer G. Brill, page 3. A history of the Japanese camp on the Sacramento River near Colusa, begun in the 1880s by Notaro Yoneda and home to laborers who cleared land for rice and crops. The camp declined after the Japanese relocation during World War II.
- Ralph Emerson and Other American Influences on Japan Recalled, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Tokyo correspondent Tamotsu Murayama traces the influence of American writers, especially Ralph Waldo Emerson, on Japanese thought since Commodore Perry. He cites diaries of Japanese students who met Emerson and were inspired by his ideas.
- Wash Line, by Roger Nikaido, page 5. Roger Nikaido’s short fiction follows Mary Jane, a Nisei teenager, reflecting on a weekend marijuana party, her strained family communication, and her self-image. The story portrays generational and identity tensions.
- By the Board, by Henry Tanaka, page 6. Henry Tanaka reports on the National Council’s approval of a 15% budget increase and a new civil rights field director position to help chapters with programs. He also describes the new JACL Notebook, a binder of national materials.
- Plastic Clay, by Charles Takahashe, page 6. Charles Takahashe, a Mace Oratorical contestant, uses an anonymous poem about plastic clay to argue that Japanese Americans shape their heritage and future through their choices. He urges youth to preserve the best of their heritage while adapting to change.
- My Hangup, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 6. Jeffrey Matsui expresses irritation at the overuse of trendy in-group phrases and slang by both insiders and pseudo-insiders. He argues that genuine expression need not be covered in fashionable jargon.
Community
- Tutorial Program Natural for Sansei, by Sam Hanson, page 1. San Jose JACL and Junior JACL volunteers are tutoring children in a summer Head Start program in East San Jose. The effort is funded by a district council assessment and reflects a shift toward civil rights involvement.
- Monterey Park Nisei Threatened Over Telephone, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At least five Japanese American families in Monterey Hills received anonymous threatening calls ordering them to leave their homes. Police increased patrols and worked with the telephone company to trace the calls.
- Peace Pagoda Fete, page 1. The five-story Peace Pagoda at the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center in San Francisco will be dedicated with a program including ondo dancing and a formal dedication ceremony. The event is scheduled for the coming weekend.
National
- Polish, Italian Groups to Fight Defamation on TV, page 1. Polish-American and Italian-American organizations launched a joint effort seeking federal legislation allowing the FCC to suspend licenses of TV stations found guilty of ethnic defamation. The Polish group also retained attorney Luis Kutner in a suit against NBC and Laugh-In.
- Washington Newsletter: Political Conventions, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Washington correspondent Mike Masaoka reviews post-convention congressional debate over reforming the nominating and electoral process. He also compares the orderly Republican convention in Miami with the turbulent Democratic convention in Chicago.
JACL
- National Executive Committee to Meet, page 1. National president Jerry Enomoto plans a near-term meeting of the National Executive Committee to implement decisions from the 1968 National Council. Enomoto stated that involvement of district councils and chapters is essential.
- Jr. JACL 2nd Biennial Convention Now History, May Be Springboard for Young Adults Groups, by Robin Eto, page 4. Robin Eto recaps the 2nd Biennial National Junior JACL Convention in San Jose, covering the opening ceremonies, social events, and the Sayonara Banquet. She suggests the convention may lead to formation of a young adult JACL group.
- Osaka-California Sister State Ties Endorsed by JACL, page 4. The National JACL convention in San Jose endorsed reviving the California-Osaka sister state relationship. Haruo Ishimaru hoped district councils would develop sister state programs in cooperation with sister cities.
- Distaff Side, by Kaz Horita, page 6. National Second Vice President Kaz Horita reflects on the San Jose convention and the continuing role of women in JACL activities. He calls for chapters to involve ladies on committees and encourages more visits from national staff and board members.
Military & Veterans
- Floor View of Republican Convention Excites Nisei, by Stephen Nakamura, page 1. Stephen Nakamura, a Nisei official delegate from California to the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach, describes the intense delegation politics over Governor Reagan’s candidacy. He also recounts the convention floor experience and the importance of Nisei participation in partisan politics.
- Sansei Widow Trains as Therapist to Carry On Husband’s Work in Army, page 2. Second Lt. Karen Gallego, widow of a helicopter pilot killed in Vietnam, is training as an Army physical therapist at Fort Sam Houston. She chose the path in honor of her husband’s work evacuating wounded soldiers.
- MIS Veterans Reunion Slated Nov. 9-11 in LA, page 2. Veterans of the Military Intelligence Service Language School will hold their second national reunion in Los Angeles on November 9-11. The weekend includes tours, a memorial service, and banquets.
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