Vol. 65, No. 13, September 29, 1967. 6 pages. View this issue
Civil rights and dissent ran through this six-page issue. Reports from a workshop at the EDC-MDC Convention in Chicago, by Ruth Kumata and K. Patrick Okura, urged JACL members to commit to the wider civil rights struggle. Harold Gordon drew parallels between the climate that made the Evacuation possible in 1942 and the debate over Vietnam, while National President Jerry Enomoto defended citizens’ right to question government policy in his column.
Also inside: a court ruling on a family dispute over San Jose land bought during the alien land law era, and a look at teacher strikes in Detroit and New York. Mike Masaoka’s Congressional Boxscore reviewed the 90th Congress, and Yosh Hotta explained IRS rules on tax-free contributions. Scholarship awards from the Long Beach-Harbor District and Berkeley chapters, and a profile of comedian Pat Morita, round out the pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- With My Cup of Coffee, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National President Jerry Enomoto responds to a local editorial decrying court decisions and dissent, arguing for protecting constitutional liberties and citizens’ right to question government policy. He reflects that growing public skepticism about war and poverty is not necessarily bad.
- The Evacuation and Vietnam Present Disturbing Parallels, by Harold Gordon, page 1. Gordon draws parallels between the emotional wartime climate that enabled the Evacuation in 1942 and today’s polarized debate over Vietnam. He examines military-industrial influence, dissent, and questions whether negotiation opportunities were missed.
- Congressional Boxscore, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka reviews the slow legislative record of the 90th Congress’s First Session, listing major enacted statutes and the many bills pending in committee. He notes that Vietnam, the Mideast, urban tensions, and the economy will shape the fate of this legislation before the November 1968 elections.
- Chapter Programs, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 4. A humorous Sounding Board column recounts a chaotic crowd at a Honolulu samurai movie in the 1950s. The writer describes being pushed through a theater crowd by an elderly woman.
- Trigger Words and Phrases, by Hayasaka, page 4. The column argues that phrases like ‘some of my best friends are Negroes’ and ethnic jokes reveal lingering prejudice and hinder human relations. It urges readers to recognize and replace these harmful expressions.
- Editor’s Desk, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The editorial addresses concerns that JACL’s funding of the UCLA Japanese American Research Project is not credited, arguing that scholarly objectivity matters more than organizational recognition. It also notes the value of Nisei perspectives on Vietnam and the South Vietnamese elections.
- Letters: PC Membership Policy, by George Matsumoto, page 6. A Stockton JACL president asks whether Pacific Citizen subscriptions end with JACL membership. The editor explains that subscriptions run 12 full months and are not terminated automatically.
- Letters: Is Rumor Quieted?, by Roy H. Doi, page 6. A Davis reader criticizes the Pacific Citizen for publishing a heated exchange about the concentration camp rumor on the front page and suggests a private response would be more appropriate. The editor defends publishing the two letters to quiet the rumor.
Incarceration & Redress
- Human Relations: Chicago Style, by Ruth Kumata, page 1. A workshop at the EDC-MDC Convention in Chicago revealed that JACL has not yet fully committed to general civil rights action despite its historical record. Speakers urged members to make personal commitments to the broader civil rights struggle.
- Civil Rights: To Secure Equal Opportunities and Equal Dignity, by K. Patrick Okura, page 4. Okura reports on Chicago workshop discussions urging JACL to take concrete action in fair housing and to address Black Power as a serious movement. He calls on members to translate words into action for civil rights.
JACL
- Tax Free Contributions, by Yosh Hotta, page 1. Recent IRS rulings clarify that payments for fundraising tickets or raffles are deductible only to the extent they exceed fair market value. Organizations are advised to break down ticket costs to show the deductible contribution portion.
- Youth Mood, by Alan Kumamoto, page 4. Kumamoto describes how JACL’s youth program has grown through a structured district and national youth council network. He credits the program with fostering leadership and community involvement among young members.
National
- Teacher Militancy on the Rise, Need 2nd Look on School System, by Todd Endo, page 1. Teacher strikes in Detroit and New York have divided educators, officials, civil rights leaders, and the public. The walkouts prompt a reevaluation of whether public education is serving urban children.
- New Alien Land Law Decision: Family Dispute Over 25 Acres of Prime San Jose Land Settled, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Superior Court judge ruled that San Jose farmland bought by Issei parents during the alien land law era must be transferred to their father’s estate as stated in his will. The attorneys hope the decision will discourage similar intra-family property disputes.
Community
- Sequoia JACL Seeks Larger Chapter Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Sequoia JACL constitution committee proposes expanding the chapter board to 22 members so experienced members can serve on the executive board during leadership transitions.
- 1st Long Beach Grant Conferred, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hiroshi Iwamaye received the first annual Long Beach-Harbor District JACL chapter scholarship at a well-attended Family Night event. The award honors Dr. John E. Kashiwabara’s community service.
- Berkeley JACL Names Scholarship Awardees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Marjorie Kagawa and Joel Suzuki were named recipients of Berkeley JACL’s Issei memorial and Berkeley High scholarships. The awards will be presented at an Issei appreciation dinner.
- Chapter-to-Chapter Report, by Jim Henry, page 6. A Pacific Northwest District report highlights chapter activities including Seafair participation, youth workshops, and group insurance efforts. It encourages members to take on chapter leadership roles during fall elections.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei GI Memorial by West L.A. Oct. 29, by P.C. Staff, page 1. West Los Angeles JACL will hold its annual Nisei GI memorial service on October 29 to honor fallen Nisei servicemen, commemorating the 442nd rescue of the Texas Lost Battalion. The service will be held at the Sawtelle Japanese Institute.
- Youth Speaks: What Are Better Americans?, by Don Hayashi, page 4. Hayashi argues that Sansei must earn civil rights for others, not just themselves, by participating in voter registration, demonstrations, and civil rights work. He questions why older generations criticize this activism given their own history of struggle.
In-Depth
- Those People, by Yosh Hotta, page 4. A West Wind column reflects on how groups are labeled with animal names and how minorities, including hippies and the Amish, are persecuted as Those People. It recounts a Negro attorney’s complaint about being lumped together with them.
Arts & Entertainment
- The Hip Nip, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 6. A profile of Nisei comedian Pat Morita, who overcame childhood tuberculosis and camp years to become a successful stand-up comic. Morita attributes his career success to his wife’s support when he left a secure job.
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