Japanese American Redress: A View from the Midwest, by William Yoshino
Japanese American Redress: A View from the Midwest William Yoshino, the current Midwest Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), writes a detailed account of the onerous process he and many others endured as part of the Japanese American Redress movement. The redress movement was launched shortly before Yoshino, one of the central figures in gathering the network of supporters, joined the staff of the JACL. Ten years later, on August 10, 1988, Yoshino attended the signing of the Civil Liberties Act by President Ronald Reagan at the Old Executive Office Building with approximately fifty others. In 1989, Yoshino was appointed the National Director of the JACL. The Civil Liberties Act established the Office of Redress Administration (ORA) to implement the Redress. The ORA organized formal ceremonies in various cities to present recipients their redress checks. The JACL assisted the ORA with this program. A letter of apology from the President of the United States and $20,000 cannot compensate for the losses and humiliation caused by the internment. However, the efforts of William Yoshino, the JACL, and so many others who initiated the campaign for Japanese American Redress made it possible for this important part of American history to be known and preserved. Read William Yoshino’s entire article on the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society’s website ("Japanese American Redress: A View from the Midwest" by William Yoshino) and start a discussion by sharing your thoughts below. Why was it important for Japanese Americans to receive a formal apology from the President of the United States? Why was the monetary amount for redress set at $20,000? Should it have been more? --Editor, Discover Nikkei The formal apology was necessary for a wounded community to heal. Years later the experience still effects the interned and the next generations. I thank Bill and people like him for taking up so many noble causes. No amount of money could ever compensate for the humilation and loss. 
The following is an excerpt from that article.
I assume there must have been a lot of back and forth between those fighting for redress and those opposed as well as concern with the federal budget at the time that played a large part in determining the final amount of $20,000. |
It's really interesting to read about the redress movement from the individuals who played roles in it. I recently had the opportunity to read the transcripts of an interview with Aiko and Jack Herzig. Selected clips are in the Real People section (click here to see Aiko's clips >>).
When I learn about the redress movement, I find it really fascinating to read about the approaches that different parts of the community chose to take. I feel that all of them actually helped in their own way - legislative, judicial, lobbying, grassroots, etc. Each in their own way contributed and impacted the final outcome. I just sometimes wish that we could learn from that and appreciate different approaches and opinions in working towards a mutually beneficial outcome.