Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

If you’re gonna vote ‘No,’ then at least have the guts to explain it

Posted in:

Illinois

Legislation making its way through the Illinois House aims to add Asian-American history into the curriculum of public schools across the state.

The proposed legislation would specifically require lessons on events such as the internment of Japanese-American citizens in World War II and the contributions of Asian-Americans during that war. […]

“Empathy comes from understanding,” State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, said. “We simply cannot expect to do better unless we know better, and it starts with education.”

Gong-Gershowitz, who introduced the legislation, says she was first inspired to introduce the bill after not learning much Asian-American history until college.

The bill passed 14-9 through a House committee on Wednesday. It now heads to the House floor for a vote.

* WSIL TV

Student advocate Phong Nguyen said he wants society to recognize Asians have made such significant contributions to this nation’s uprising. The Lane Tech High School student said the Asian community shouldn’t “become a monolith,” as that image creates dangerous situations.

“I want society to recognize that Asians hold such diverse cultures and traditions amongst ourselves. I want society to recognize that Asians have made such important contributions to the uprising of this nation. Most of all, I just want society to understand,” Nguyen explained. “I want them to simply understand my community and me, the way I’ve spent almost 13 years of my life trying to adjust to and understand theirs. But, how can people understand if they don’t learn?”

Nguyen said House Bill 376 could allow thousands of Asian students to see themselves represented properly in United States history. […]

The measure requires the teaching of Japanese Americans’ wrongful incarceration during World War II under former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It also calls for instruction on heroic service of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regiment of the US Army. […]

“Inclusion is a choice. So is exclusion,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “The drafters of current American history chose not to include Asian Americans in teaching our shared history.”

* Not mentioned in either of the above stories was the unanimous Republican opposition. Representatives voting “No” yesterday were Bennett, Elik, Morrison, Reick, Wheeler, Bourne, Friess, McCombie and Severin. All were Republicans. Only Democrats voted “Yes.” Republicans did not explain their votes, according to the Daily Herald…

None of the Republican members of the committee voiced opposition to the legislation Wednesday, yet all nine voted no on the bill

* Wednesday press release…

Tomorrow, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will speak as a witness at the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties hearing on the discrimination and violence Asian Americans have faced both historically and since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After multiple shootings in Atlanta last night left at least eight people dead, including six Asian American women, the need to address this past year’s surge in racist attacks against the Asian American community is as urgent as ever.

* WTTW…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday condemned a mass shooting a day earlier in Georgia that left eight people dead, most of them women of Asian descent.

Speaking at an unrelated event, the governor called the shooting “an attack on all of our communities,” saying it “reeks of racialized misogyny and comes on the heels of a year in which Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities experienced so much racist scapegoating for the COVID-19 pandemic (that) damages the soul of inclusion.

“We believe in the ability to live without fear of hate,” Pritzker said. […]

“While the investigation of this sickening events of Georgia are ongoing, I am certain of one thing – fully certain – Illinois stands with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” Pritzker said. “Ours is a welcoming state today and always, and our great obligation is to live up to our ideals to allow all of our residents to find safety, community and joy in who they are and where they come from.”

* Related…

* Cop Who Said Spa Shooter Wasn’t Racist Against Asians Had Promoted Racism Against Asians

* The Onion: Atlanta Police Rule Out Mass Shooting As Cause Of Death After Suspect Says He Didn’t Shoot Anyone

* Atlanta shootings a chance to speak out, say members of Illinois’ Asian American community. ‘We’re tired of being quiet.’: “Look at the Chinese Exclusion Act,” Morita continued, referring to an 1882 federal law prohibiting Chinese workers from entering the United States, the first and only U.S. legislation barring a single nationality from immigrating here. “Look at Japanese internment camps. We’ve had a long history of our government not speaking up for us.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 2:33 am

Comments

Korematsu is included in AP Government curriculum, but it’s important to remember the guy who signed reparations for Japanese internment was Ronald Reagan. Also, read Daniel Inouye’s citation for the MOH. https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/daniel-k-inouye

Then just get over any issues you might have and show some respect.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 3:19 am
=== None of the Republican members of the committee voiced opposition to the legislation Wednesday, yet all nine voted no on the bill ===

Reimagine owning your decisions, GQP.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 4:21 am
Real Americans would have voted yes. The contributions of many have made us realize the dream of the Founders of a “more perfect union”.

The lessons of the past, even the bad lessons like the interment of the Japanese needs taught and understood. Imagine that your Country feared you enough you were in camps, not because of what you did but because of who you. Your property confiscated, your businesses taken, all you worked for is gone. Then to escape the camps by serving your Country who denied your Constitutional rights. The Japanese units fought in the European theater, they were not trusted to fight in the Pacific out of fear they would help the enemy. The men in these units had a remarkable history of bravery and military accomplishments.

WWII was where many Americans of many different nationalities fought with distinction in segregated units. The Japanese units, Colored units, Native American units all showed loyalty to a Country that did not treat them well.

This is our history, it does not need hidden nor ignored. Teach it, learn from it and don’t repeat the bad of our history.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 4:35 am
“It also calls for instruction on heroic service of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regiment of the US Army” Anybody who cares already knows they were some of the best troops we had.Most others could care less.That is the trouble with this kind of law.You are preaching to the choir.

Comment by bob Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 5:23 am
I live in Morrison’s district. His vote is easy to explain: Democrats raised it. Honestly, he’s one of the least thoughtful elected officials I’ve ever seen.

He used to spend his time complaining about Madigan, abortion, and marriage equality.

Now it is pretty much all abortion.

It is too bad, because my district could do far better. The district is perfect for an actual moderate Republican.

Comment by Crash Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 7:05 am
Having racist thinking, you should be able to explain why.

They coulda just said “being angry and white, we vote no”

So many are saying the quiet part out loud, but these cowards can’t?

Huh.

When people tell you who they are, like these 9…

… believe them.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 7:34 am
If these Raunerites see race as something unwelcome in education, remember, the Trumpkin base is old, angry, and white, and the nine are making sure the idea of racism can feel safe.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 7:44 am
Seven Republicans voted against requiring teaching IL students about one of the indisputably worst things FDR did as President? Bold.

Comment by ChicagoBars Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 7:58 am
The foundation for travel and infrastructure in this country was laid by immigrants, indentured servants and slaves.

Do these erudites not want that taught as well?

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:12 am
Of course it should be taught. I think whole area of history is neglecting way too much. And funny thing as years go on more stuff gets cut out. How much Labor History. Anything deep about Vietnam and endless wars?
If Republicans had a policy of always voting no for unfounded mandates then this could be argued as a principle but otherwise is a vote for ignorance

Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:27 am
Should educators teach about the contributions of Asian-Americans to our country? Absolutely. Is it the role of the legislature to make it a legal requirement? Absolutely not. Legislators should worry about the much bigger issues the state has. Left to its logical extreme, teachers will end up spending all of their time teaching mandated topics and have no time left for the three Rs. Just stay out of the way and let the teachers teach.

Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:29 am
“no time left for”

Sure. Including a segment of interment history into the curriculum will keep primary teachers from teaching reading and writing.

That’s exactly what will happen.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:36 am
=== Legislators should worry about the much bigger issues the state has.===

This could be said about nearly every bill, on any subject. This is not a thoughtful counter argument.

=== Left to its logical extreme===

How about we stick with the subject at hand, no pun intended. Again, the “slippery slope”, this is as bad as “legislators have better things…”

===have no time left for the three Rs===

… and yet a well rounded education, with the arts, physical education, it’s like arguing the one room school houses got it right, we don’t need, band or drama or art or athletics…

But, let’s cut out teaching history of Asian-Americans… I mean, you afraid of students spending time learning about others not white who made America great?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:37 am
I’m curious to know what’s going to be cut out of curriculums to make room for all the history about minorities. I’m probably gonna be fine with it, but I already feel like the education system in America is pretty subpar, so I’d like to know what’s being pushed out. But on the other hand this would be what, one day of social studies class? I think we can afford to take a day out of the 12 years kids are in school.

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 8:57 am
=…teachers will end up spending all of their time teaching mandated topics and have no time left for the three Rs.”

Children learn when they’re interested and engaged and most children are interested in learning about bullying and fairness.

If the materials are expertly written and illustrated at a broad range of levels and if the instruction is engaging and inclusive (including student-led small group discussions, independent reading, drama, etc.) the kids will eat it up.
The greater the interest, the more they read, the more they read the more fluency, vocabulary and comprehension increases.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:04 am
Where is former Rep. Suzie Bassie with her epic reading of all the mandates the state imposes on local school curriculum. It took her like five minutes to read each mandate. People are for local control until their not. Of course this is a good idea to teach but once again a noble idea being dictated from on high.

Comment by Nadigam Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:04 am
As I was told often as a younger Lobbyist, it is the Legislator’s vote, and the only person(s) they are accountable to for their vote is (are) the constituents in their district

Comment by FormerILLobster Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:08 am
Seems like a good topic to teach, but mandating additional lessons that schools must teach is never ending in Springfield. An alternative to this mandate could be to have ISBE create a lesson plan on this topic and provide it to schools as a resource. I would bet most of the opposition to this came from it being a mandate.

Comment by SuburbanRepublican Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:15 am
Thank you for including The Onion link

Comment by Stu Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:19 am
@Suburban Republican,

From the Bill: “The State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials, including those established by the Public Broadcasting Service, that may be used as guidelines for development of a unit of instruction under this Section. However, each school board shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction satisfying the requirements of this Section.”

Comment by Can Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:25 am
=I would bet most of the opposition to this came from it being a mandate.=

Then why stay silent when asked? I would bet that most of the opposition to this came from the fear that it would somehow alienate an old, white, angry base that would rather pretend that our past sins never occurred or worse yet longs for a time when the behavior was acceptable.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:26 am
GOPIes an extra pillar of ReImagineIL scheme..still no price tag

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:27 am
I really just don’t understand why a reasonable legislator would vote against something like this. This kind of bill should just be an easy lay up and something nice for everyone to talk about, and yet there are apparently 9 Tucker Carlson acolytes on the committee.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:32 am
Reimagine all the people….

Comment by Henry Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:33 am
===I would bet most of the opposition to this came from it being a mandate.===

The silence is deafening, the “Red” vote speaks volumes.

A party wanting all bills voted on, heard in committee… yet silent.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:37 am
All mandates are not created equal- this one is not that hard to follow. Save your negativity for mandates that are not manageable. Everything taught in schools is subject to someone deciding it must or should be taught. Merit dictates and this has merit. The NO MANDATES cheer really should be saved for REAL MANDATES.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:38 am
I understand the wording, but going forward I’d like to see this called for what it is - a lack of integrity.

Similar to the reps who spent the past few years screaming about Madigan must resign absent any charges or convictions on Madigan himself, yet when those in their own close circle are facing federal embezzlement charges suddenly its not a reflection on the rep.

It’s a lack of integrity, and it informs how they will handle themselves in the bigger picture.

I can disagree with someone and still respect them if they display integrity. Adam Kinzinger fits into this spot for me. Without integrity, I can’t respect someone even if I agree with them.

It’s important.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:44 am
No time for it in the school day? No money for developing lessons?

https://illinois.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/asian-americans-full-film-video-gallery/asian-americans/

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:45 am
Mrs. BLUEdog, a living expert in this area wants to remind legislators of the greatness this country showed in the mid seventies to many Asians brutally targeted in their own countries.

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:51 am
@ChicagoBars

Well played. In the same vein, I guess they don’t want to see liberal court icon Earl Warren cast in a negative light.

Rep Morrison has a growing Asian American community in his district. I think he might hear from them.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 9:54 am
Thanks Roman. I don’t get The no votes on it, mandate or not. The bill also specifically calls for the schools to teach kids about the 442nd Regiment Combat Team - the most decorated unit in US Army history. There’s elected officials I could even see opposing that content but not Republican ones. At least not until yesterday. Bizarre.

Comment by ChicagoBars Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:08 am
==like these 9==

Narrator: until the floor vote, when 40-something R’s vote against it.

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it” - apocryphal

These Republicans want us to forget about slavery, forget about centuries of white supremacy, forget about Japanese interment, and forget about anything in the past that was unequal because…well, I’m not really sure.

But as far as I’m concerned, taking that vote the day after a white incel gunned down 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian-American, their vote tells me they stand with the shooter.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:31 am
35 years ago when teaching 5th graders, I had the grandfather of a Japanese-American student come in & speak about the internment (he had been interred). The kids went & hugged him as he started to cry. I was never so proud of a class.

There’s lots of history that needs to be told. Next time when near the Quad Cities, stop by Silvis, Il. and visit Hero Street USA. The most americans ever to fight & die from 1 city block - all Mexican-Americans.

Comment by Interim Retiree Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:48 am
Let’s be clear here - they voted no because they didn’t want to offend any of the “China flu” people, plain and simple. It’s a racist vote.

This is what they didn’t want people learning about:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/03/18/history-anti-asian-violence-racism/

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:49 am
This is a good resource.
Also a good lesson on restrictive punitive biased legislation and how to overcome it.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/chinese-exclusion-act/

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:51 am
== (T)hey stand with the shooter. ==

Wow. So we can just yammer away, demonize one another with ugly associations, then move on with our day.

Meanwhile teachers and children have to cope with the mandates we blithely impose on them — as if a school year is an empty vessel for lawmakers to fill with their causes du jour: “See that story in the news? Now see how sensitive I am to it?”

Ask some Illinois teachers if their classrooms should be playpens for grandstanding legislators.

Comment by Perplexed Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:55 am
The easy way out is to ignore questions from reporters. So pull up the bedsheets hide under the covers.

Comment by Snarkie from Schaumburg Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:57 am
=== === Legislators should worry about the much bigger issues the state has.===

This could be said about nearly every bill, on any subject. This is not a thoughtful counter argument.===

If this could be said about nearly very bill, that tells me that legislature has real problems in setting their priorities. Do the big, important, and difficult things first, and then focus on lesser issues if there’s any time left.

Comment by Occasional Quipper Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 10:59 am
Years’ ago I had the opportunity to hear George Takei (Star Trek fame) speak of his experience in interment camps. It was incredibly moving and he’s since wrote a book chronicling his experience - “They Called Us Enemy.” He’s given many interviews on the subject over the years and his words are always powerful. I would encourage anyone to listen to them and in particular the 9 who voted “no” without any explanation.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 11:00 am
===Legislators should worry about the much bigger issues the state has===

Fine. Then they should explain that. Silence is not golden.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 11:05 am
Great read by Michelle Malkin in an op-ed March 10.

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 11:45 am
=== Michelle Malkin===

… who uses “the ghost of John McCain” to peddle her own brand of “ghoulish” ideas?

I don’t think that helps, but is a reminder why the Raunerites were so loudly quiet while voting “Red”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 11:51 am
== the greatness this country showed in the mid seventies to many Asians ==

Some exceptions (Vietnam, Cambodia) may apply.

Comment by Quibbler Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 11:55 am
I thought the comments by Mr. Nguyen, the Student Advocate, raised important points. We should listen to younger people more and politicians less.

Comment by Back to the Future Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 12:09 pm
==Great read by Michelle Malkin==

Great read and Michelle Malkin don’t belong in the same sentence.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Mar 18, 21 @ 4:23 pm