Vol. 55, No. 9, August 31, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
Congress was moving on a bill to exempt Japanese American evacuation claims payments from federal income tax, and the JACL pressed for quick passage. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter reported on the legislative push and on the value of chapter contacts with Congress that week. On the front page, the San Francisco Housing Authority refused to admit non-citizens to public housing for the elderly, and the JACL and other groups protested.
Also inside: a Nisei architect explained his philosophy of designing a new federal prison. Phil Matsumura wrote on voter registration, and a young member reflected on the national convention. On page 4, Masao Satow looked back on the 17th Biennial Convention in Seattle and on the paperwork that followed. Other items covered a Hawaii bowling tournament and the Puyallup Valley JACL’s campaign to repeal the alien land law.
What’s in this issue
National
- San Francisco Housing Authority Refuses to Admit Non-Citizen Aged, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco Housing Authority barred non-citizens from living in public housing for the elderly, prompting protest from the JACL and other groups. The policy conflicts with equal-treatment principles under the Housing Act.
- Congress Passes Amendment to Tax Bill, Expected to Act on No-Tax Claims Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congress moved to amend tax law affecting Japanese American evacuation claims payments, with action expected this week. The JACL urged passage of a bill to exempt compensation payments from taxation.
- Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka reports on congressional action on the tax-exemption bill for evacuation claims payments and related legislative efforts. He notes the importance of JACL chapter contacts with Congress this week.
Incarceration & Redress
- Congress Expected to Act on No-Tax Claims Bill This Week, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Legislation to exempt evacuation claims payments from federal income tax was advancing in Congress. The JACL and sponsoring legislators pressed for quick passage to correct an injustice in the compensation program.
In-Depth
- Nisei Architect of New U.S. Federal Prison Relates His Philosophy of Designing Prisons, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Nisei architect designing a new federal prison explained his views that prison design should aid rehabilitation. He argued that environment shapes behavior and that humane facilities help prisoners return to society.
Commentary
- Voter Registration, by Phil Matsumura, page 2. Matsumura describes California voter education efforts and recounts how literacy tests and naturalized Issei were historically barred from voting or jury service. He urges continued citizenship education and voter registration.
- Non-Voting Has Long History in America, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article traces declining voter turnout in U.S. history and identifies causes such as lack of interest and disbelief in voting. It concludes that issues arousing real concern are the best remedy for non-voting.
- Youth’s Reaction to Convention, page 2. A young JACL member reflects on the national convention and the experience of Japanese American youth in the organization. The letter emphasizes the value of community and mutual understanding.
JACL
- Dinedon: Buried Under Paperwork After 17th Biennial Convention, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow describes the heavy post-convention workload at JACL headquarters and thanks volunteers for help with the Japanese History Project donor acknowledgments. He also reports on new national committee appointments and the 1000 Club leaflet.
- 17th Biennial Convention in Seattle, by Masao Satow, page 4. The 17th Biennial National Convention in Seattle was praised as a success, with credit to Chairman Jim Matsuoka’s board for planning around the Century 21 Fair. Satow notes that national conventions serve as reunions for Japanese Americans.
- Hawaii Invitational Bowling Tournament Planned, by Masao Satow, page 4. Mom Stagbar plans a JACL Nisei Invitational Bowling Tournament in Honolulu for August 18-24 next year. The invitation extends hospitality to mainland bowlers in appreciation of past tournaments.
Community
- Puyallup Valley JACL Steps Up Campaign on Land Law Repeal, page 4. The Puyallup Valley JACL intensified its campaign to repeal the alien land law. The chapter’s campaign reflects broader community support for ending discriminatory land restrictions.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.