Dear Editor,
It has come to my attention that there was an article written by George Yoshinaga on 3/17/12 in The Rafu Shimpo that includes false accusations regarding JACL National Director Floyd Mori, the JACL budget and National Board action.
I would like to set the record straight.
1. The National Board has never considered firing Floyd Mori. Although he gave notice in April 2011 of his intent to retire, he is still working for the JACL and will remain as national director until June 1, when his successor will begin full-time employment.
2. There has never been a National Board discussion regarding special airfare benefits to Floyd while he is still employed or after he leaves the employment of the JACL.
3. I am aware that Floyd has never purchased a first-class airline ticket while traveling for the JACL. In fact, he always tries to find the cheapest flight available and usually flies the redeye back to Washington, D.C., in order to save money and work time.
4. There was never a vote at the February National Board meeting regarding any airfare and travel benefits or any other financial benefits for Floyd after he receives the emeritus title. The allegation that Dr. Jeannette Misaka opposed the motion is false because there never was a motion on this matter.
I am deeply concerned with your printing of unconfirmed allegations from a single unnamed individual. I hope the above facts show the complete inaccuracy of the information in Mr. Yoshinaga’s column. I would demand that Mr. Yoshinaga at the very least, retract the statement and apologize for it.
I believe he should also make public the source of the alleged email. Protecting sources of the truth may be reasonable, but protecting a source of complete lies in an attempt to smear a person or organization is unethical.
I have high respect for Floyd Mori’s work for the JACL. Discrediting his name by printing an unidentified, unverified email shows a reckless disregard for the truth by your publication. I hope that you will begin appropriate remedial actions to address the harm that has already been done.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
David H. Kawamoto
National JACL President