CONSCIENCE AND CIRCUMSTANCES A RECONCILING ATTEMPT IN THE FIRST LT.
EHREN
WATADA DILEMMA

Paul M. Nagano,


Our human pilgrimage through life is a constant struggle between
conscience and circumstances. No matter what our situation in our life's
journey may be we are constantly making decisions according to the
values we hold to be right. This does not mean we all make the right
decisions, but it does mean we are constantly confronted with decisions
and we all make our choices according to the values we deem proper and
right. Unfortunately, much of the circumstances of living impede what we
consider proper and right. A good example of that is the evacuation and
internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast during the
war between the United States and Japan. With the exception of a few who
courageously objected, most of us had to make our decisions according to
the Executive Order 9066 that was admittedly unconstitutional but
considered expedient due to the war with Japan. The government made the
decision for all Japanese Americans without exception against conscience
and human rights for what was considered an action for the good of the
nation.

Again, while incarcerated with all of its limitations and
confinement the government over ruled the free conscience of the
internees by requiring all of military age to answer two unconscionable
questions: 1) Question 27.
Are you
willing to serve in the armed forces of the United States on combat
duty, wherever ordered? 2) Question 28. Will you swear unqualified
allegiance to the United States of America and faithfully defend the
United States from any or all attack by foreign or domestic forces, and
foreswear any form of allegiance or obedience to the Japanese emperor,
to any other foreign government, power or organization?

To be sure, these questions were unreasonable and in a way
insulting especially for all of us who were already denied our
constitutional rights as well as conscience. For the Issei, the first
generation Japanese immigrants, who were not allowed by law to become
citizens it placed in an impossible bind. As one who was forcibly
evacuated and placed in these "concentration camps" it was not a matter
of conscience but of unavoidable circumstance. Without much sympathy or
identification with the reasons for responding "Yes, Yes"
or "No,
No" to the questions the responses brought about a predictable division
among the internees as well as to the families with non-citizen
immigrants.
Before
one takes a position for or against, it is only right to recognize the
circumstances that affects the decisions.

My own evaluation sees admiration and respect for the decision of
both those who affirmed and those who denied as in each case they are
led by their conscience because of the circumstances. It is said that
there was at first enmity between those from Hawaii and those of the
Mainland and the introduction of the terms: "kotunk" and "buddahead."
("Kotunk" resulting from the sound when a Mainland volunteer was hit as
they fought with those from Hawaii, and "Buddahead" for the shaven
hardhead of the Hawaiian Japanese Americans). But when the Hawaiian
visited the concentration camps and realized the unfair treatment of the
Mainland Japanese Americans, they began to understand the circumstances
and deep friendships and admiration resulted.

My thinking that seeks to reconcile those who identify with 1sst Lt.
Watada
and those gallant veteran-volunteers who fought so heroically to prove
their loyalty for the United States are all to be admired, honored and
commended. My love and admiration for those who served in the United
States Armed Forces is without end. (I humbly confess that I also
volunteered for the army as a chaplain as led by my conscience, however,
I was denied because I lacked the seminary training at the age of 22.
Thinking I could still serve, I immediately made plans to enroll in a
seminary in Minnesota, to study and serve at the Military Intelligence
School at Savage and Fort Snelling but the war was over before I
graduated seminary).

I personally appreciate the courage of Lt. Watada for his decision, who
after much study and as a matter of conscience made his decision
regarding the war in Iraq. Knowing the consequences and circumstances
related to his decision, I cannot help but respect and admire his
decision. On the other hand, I have the greatest admiration for those
who served heroically in the 442nd, 100th, MIS, and other Services
during WWII and many who paid the supreme sacrifice.
Likewise, I have highest regard for those that resisted enlisting in the
U.S. Army and were placed in prison for their conscience-led decisions.
In either case, I have nothing but praise and deep respect for all my
comrades. I admire, respect, appreciate and revere them all.

My admiration for Lt. Ehren Watada, for the War Veterans, for those who
rejected the enlistment has led me to share my deep feeling, especially
with our Japanese American community. Life is made up of Yin and Yang,
the positive and negative; the female and male; the light and darkness
but what is important, I believe, is the reconciliation and union of
both. This is the symbol the Flag of Korea that seeks for the unity of
the nation in spite of opposites.
It is
when we honor the honest conscience-led decisions in recognizing the
circumstances of differing convictions and decisions that we have
harmony and ultimate union.

It was my privilege of participating in the International Buddhist
Christian Dialogue. There were two Buddhist priests and two Christian
ministers that made up the panel. We were to speak about the Buddhists
and Christians during WWII and the Internment (Concentration) Camps.
For me, the two Buddhist priests were my very dear friends. We hugged
each other before and after the Dialogue. We did not speak about the
doctrines and the differences of Buddhism and Christianity, but rather,
we shared how we cared for each other and the love and respect we had
between the Buddhists and the Christians. We could have dealt with the
differences and perhaps the superiority of one over the other, but we
experienced our union and mutuality that were the positive aspects of
our relationships and religious consciences. I believe that we dealt
with the key issues of religions-of love and care for one another in
respecting the conscience and conviction of the other. Over and above
what we may consider what the right decision should be in the 1st Lt.
Ehren Watada's case there is the possibility of a greater
conscience-decision of understanding, respect, individual freedom and
ultimate justice that may overcome unconstitutional circumstances
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