Vol. 63, No. 1, July 1, 1966. 4 pages. View this issue
Preparations for the National Convention in San Diego filled this four-page issue. National Director Masao Satow wrote about planning the official events and the materials already mailed to delegates. Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa asked hard questions about JACL’s goals, staffing and leadership. Nineteen proposed constitutional amendments were listed, along with the committee chosen to screen National JACL scholarship candidates. Harry Kawamoto urged delegates to book lodging early, and Mike Masaoka told Seabrook JACL graduates to take pride in their heritage.
Elsewhere, Masaoka marked the start of Medicare, and Elmer Ogawa reported on jobs and a looming rental housing shortage in Seattle. Bill Hosokawa reviewed Leonard Mosley’s biography of Emperor Hirohito. Harry K. Honda’s editorials looked at John Steinbeck’s essay on America’s immigrant heritage and at the 90th anniversary reenactment of Custer’s Last Stand in Montana. A question-and-answer column covered work permits for visiting students.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Director’s Report: Preparing for the San Diego National Convention, by Masao Satow, page 1. National JACL Director Masao Satow previews the upcoming San Diego National Convention, including delegate arrangements, National Council materials, and convention logistics. He also reports on Idaho district meetings and a film series on Negro history shared with Chapters.
- Seabrook Youth Challenged to Work in Human Relations, by Ellen Nakamura, page 1. Washington Representative Mike Masaoka urged 40 Seabrook JACL graduates to contribute to human relations and to take pride in their heritage at the chapter installation banquet. He recalled the sacrifices of the Nisei veterans of the 442nd and Lost Battalion rescue as an example for the youth.
- Screening Committee Announced for National JACL Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Five Seattle-area members were named to the National JACL scholarship screening committee to review candidate dossiers. Their backgrounds in counseling, ministry, law, and community service were described.
- 19 Amendments Proposed for National JACL Constitution, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nineteen constitutional amendments were announced for consideration at the San Diego National Convention, including restructuring the national cabinet and changing how national officers are elected. Other proposals address political activity language, Jr. JACL recognition, and budget submission deadlines.
- Raising Pertinent Questions on Future of JACL, by Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, page 1. National Planning Commission Chairman Dr. Roy Nishikawa argues that JACL must clarify its goals and programs, asking hard questions about its priorities, staffing, and leadership. He contends that open discussion of these issues is progress and that the organization’s future depends on how they are addressed.
- JACL to Honor Scholarship Contributor Mrs. Haruye Masaoka, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Haruye Masaoka will receive a JACL scroll of appreciation at the San Diego convention for establishing the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka Memorial Scholarship in memory of her son killed with the 442nd. Past recipients will send letters of thanks during the Official Delegates Luncheon.
Community
- Seattle Minority Job Picture Improves, But Rental Housing Shortage Looms, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. Seattle’s Boeing-driven economic boom is creating job opportunities but also a predicted shortage of 10,000 rental units. The article notes that minority families, particularly Negroes, face renewed housing discrimination as landlords favor a seller’s market.
- Convention Pace Accelerates, by Harry Kawamoto, page 1. Convention housing and registration chairman Harry Kawamoto urges delegates to send in lodging forms and deposits quickly because San Diego summer housing is scarce. He also describes a pineapple incentive for early registrants and reminds readers of the youth events.
- Mt. Olympus Honors Scholars, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mt. Olympus JACL honored area graduates at a June 18 buffet dinner in Salt Lake City and announced Thomas Kariya as winner of the Kiyo Matsumori Memorial Scholarship. Shirley Matsumori was named alternate and Kariya gave his oratorical presentation.
Commentary
- Medicare Begins, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Washington Representative Mike Masaoka marks the July 1 start of Medicare as a major step in social welfare for the aged. He urges JACL to help ensure seniors of Japanese ancestry receive equal treatment and to support extending medical coverage to all citizens.
- Hirohito: A Closeup of the Emperor Reduced to Mortal Status, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa reviews Leonard Mosley’s biography of Emperor Hirohito and notes its Japanese translation published by the Mainichi Newspapers. He summarizes the book’s account of how Hirohito was largely powerless to halt Japan’s drift toward war.
- Happy Birthday, America!, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. The editorial reflects on John Steinbeck’s Saturday Evening Post essay on America’s immigrant heritage and ongoing civil rights struggles. It connects Steinbeck’s observations to the goals of the Jr. JACL and the Nisei experience.
- Custer’s Last Stand, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. The editorial marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn reenactment in Montana. It notes the Hardin community’s frequent appearance in Montana JACL stories and urges JACL chapters to support American Indian civil rights.
- Can a Student Coming to the U.S. for the Summer Obtain a Temporary Work Permit?, by P.C. Staff, page 4. An immigration question-and-answer column explains that foreign students visiting the United States on visitor visas generally cannot obtain temporary work permits. The answer notes the narrow categories under which temporary worker visas may be issued.
Military & Veterans
- Tanker Captain, Crewmen Cited for Bravery, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Capt. Takeo Nakagawa and two crewmen of the tanker S.S. Marion were honored for rescuing six sailors trapped in a cargo tank after an accident in December. The recognition was announced in New York by Kay Sugahara of Pomona Co.
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