Against Reparations to Japanese-Americans

In answer to Mr. Russell Freeman’s remarks (Letters, Sept. 16), let me say “thanks” and “congratulations” to a lady named La Follette for having the guts to speak out for those of us who were over teen-age and know of the Japanese situation in World War II. Believe me, many of us would have loved to be in a camp with our relatives and friends in safety.

Remember it was a sneak attack while negotiations were going on in Washington, and the time to do much investigation was not there. There were many aliens in business along the coast who were loyal to Japan. At least in the camps they were safe also from the taunts of those Americans whose sons, husbands and relatives were lying beneath the sea in Pearl Harbor.

Many of us would have welcomed a safe camp where we could be together away from rationing, long lines, blackouts, smoke screens, swing and graveyard shifts and no adequate housing with only an APO to tell us where our loved ones were. The men lost many productive years as well.

And what of those American men in insect-infested jungles constantly dodging gunfire and coming back (if they did) with jungle rot and recurring malaria? Don’t tell me of Japanese-American sacrifices. I have many memories. I was there and of a mature age.

Thanks again, Marian La Follette!

IDA C. MAPES

Northridge