0:00 - Discusses political career

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Partial Transcript: Before Paul is hired as Executive Director of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC), there are five non-Nisei hired to assist him. The five non-Nisei were not familiar with the Japanese American experiences during World War Two. Therefore, Paul hires Nisei staff to help him. One of the tasks of Paul's job is to have hearings throughout the different places of the United States. He asks several Japanese American organizations, one of them is the Japanese American Citizens League, to help gather Japanese Americans to share their experience about evacuation.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; Executive Order 9066; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; World War Two

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3:21 - Discusses report

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Partial Transcript: Paul recalls asking why the position of Executive Director of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) was not filled. He is told they are looking for someone who would be neutral. Paul has hearings across the United States which leads to the report. He explains why his name is not on the report because he is an evacuee and spends time at Manzanar. Paul recalls his family losing their possessions when the evacuation orders comes out. Therefore, an attorney is hired to write the report. With the report, the Congressional Senate, and Congress, Paul can subpoena anyone he wants. Paul wants to subpoena the people who made the decisions for evacuation, such as General DeWitt.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; "Jap"; Assembly Centers; discrimination; Executive Order 9066; interment camp; Japanese Americans; Manzanar; Nisei; Nisei veterans; prejudices; relocation centers; World War Two

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6:48 - Discusses reparations

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Partial Transcript: After Congress reads the report, Congress recommends reparations be given, and the head of the government would officially apologize. Paul recalls evacuation and having to sell all their possessions and his car for a low price. When the evacuation orders are announced, Paul is working at the bank. He sees firsthand the hardships the Japanese American faces and helps them arrange trucks and storage areas. As Executive Director of the Commission, Paul wants to get all the facts from the people placed in camp and those responsible for Executive Order 9066.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; Executive Order 9066; interment camp; Issei; Japanese Americans; Nisei; World War Two

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10:05 - Discusses Canada; and Pres Reagan I

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Partial Transcript: There is a reparations hearing in Canada, and Canada agrees they made a mistake with the evacuation. Paul discusses a lawsuit against the United States. A Japanese American tried to get the money that they lost from evacuation. Paul says you can sue the government. However, you will need a bill for the body of government to pay you (if you win the lawsuit). During Paul's political career, he felt he tried to get justice and fairness. In 1980, President Reagan asks him to serve with him. Paul recalls helping President Regan run for Governor in 1972. At that time, Paul is on the city council in Gardena (the interview ends at 13 minutes and 4 seconds).

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; Issei; Japanese Americans; Nisei; World War Two

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13:08 - Discusses Pres Reagan II; and Assembly

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Partial Transcript: When an assemblyman and councilman passes away, there is a special election. President Reagan asks Paul to run and offers to help him raise funds and campaign for him. Paul recalls the widow of the assemblyman offers her endorsement for his campaign. In 1973, Paul wins the election and is the first Japanese American elected to the California State Legislature. Paul ran four terms in the Assembly.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; post-war

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16:00 - Discusses Washinton DC

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Partial Transcript: In 1980, Paul is helping at the Chamber of Commerce and is invited to come to Washington DC for the Executive Director of Commission job. Before the invitation, President Reagan offers him positions in Washington DC several times. However, Paul is retired. Paul decided to take the Executive Director of Commission job because the need is there. After completing the task as Executive Director of Commission, President Reagan asks Paul to stay to run the Veterans Administration. The Veterans Administration is the second-largest agency next to the military because the department runs the hospitals, cemeteries, and loan programs. Pauls learns a lot about veterans and the help they need from his wartime experiences. Paul recalls getting to know President Reagan well since they work together.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: friendship; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; World War Two

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19:00 - Discusses retirement; and activism I

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Partial Transcript: Paul collects belt buckles and boots. When he retires, President Reagan makes him a customize belt buckle. Paul discusses President Reagan, Mickey Rooney, and Bob Hope are examples of helping others. Paul's parents instill in him to help others, and he teaches the same morals and values to his children. Paul currently is a volunteer at the Veterans and Foreign War and Disable American Veterans.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: community organizations; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans

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23:12 - Discusses family I

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Partial Transcript: Paul's grandfather and grandmother come to the United States first from Fukushima-Ken, Japan. Later, Paul's father and mother immigrate to the United States. Paul's father is a farmer in Colorado but later works in the coal mine in Utah like his father. Paul's father and mother are hard-working and care for the family. Paul loves his parents dearly. Paul has three children and treats them the same as his parents treated him. Paul instills in them to work hard and help others. Paul also has four grandsons and one granddaughter.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: farming; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; Sansei; Yonsei

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26:01 - Discusses family II

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Partial Transcript: Paul discusses his children's careers and marriage. Also, his grandchildren are doing well. Paul says having the right guidance and support is vital in raising a family. Post-war, Paul serves his city and states to help others.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; Sansei; Yonsei

Subjects:

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