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

By Rev. 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.