On June 18th 2008 the Springville Senior Citizens hosted a potluck at the Springville Memorial Building.
The speaker, Jim Nanamura, gave a program on the American internment camps for U.S. citizens who were of Japanese decent during World War II.
Jim’s talk was enhanced by an accompanying film. He spoke on his personal experiences in this situation. Although, Jim was a child at the time, living in Lindsey, California, he remembers being removed from his home. Upon his return he remained living in the area. He joined our military where he was awarded the bronze star and he has always been a credit to our community.
We appreciated the facts and information this program provide. It left us to question our judgments, morality, integrity, the Constitution, and our citizens and government.
The GOLD Dust Twins ask :
Was America justified interning its Japanese American citizens ?
Goldie’s view : America was viciously attacked, without warning, by Japan. This resulted in shock and panic. War! All the monuments, parades, and medals of World War II do not begin to portray the loss of life and limbs strongly enough.
Japan had previously bought most our steel used it to sink our ships and men. The aggravation of coupons, air raids, curfews and gas rationing became a part of the American life style.
What happened to some of the Japanese citizens was ugly, but the prejudice, revenge and bodily harm against them could not be prevented by law-enforcement. We did not have the communications or technology that we have today, which may have made a difference in telling which people were the real spies or which were patriotic citizens.
We did a commendable job keeping Japanese American citizens safe as well protecting our country.
Dusty's view : Fear caused an almost riot mentality, which led to us to throw out our constitutional law and revert to a lower standard. I hope that this act of tyranny never repeats itself. There is never an excuse to violate the Constitution.
When you choose to throw out the written law, it could be you that is forced into sleeping in a horse stall at the fairgrounds. It could be your home and land that you are removed from with no time to make arrangements for the protection of your assets and belongings.
Yes, it could be you ! The Gold Dust Twins
