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2007 Civil Liberties Symposium in Review: Presidential Powers in Wartime
June 21-22, 2007, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls
by Dr. Russ Tremayne
The College of Southern Idaho and the Friends of Minidoka hosted the second Civil Liberties Symposium in June. The conference focused on "Presidential Power in War Time" and was organized by Neil King, Dr. Bob Sims, and Russ Tremayne. More than 100 people attended with approximately thirty teachers; about half of the participants received college credit and the others were involved through community education "enrichment."
Historians Dr. Bob Sims and Dr. Greg Robinson began the proceedings talking about Japanese American internment - Dr. Robinson is an expert on Franklin D. Roosevelt and offered a terrific keynote address. Sociologist Dr. Tetsuden Kashima spoke about his remarkable experiences and research before a powerful and funny lunch presentation by the honorable Michael Gillette, Associate Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. The afternoon session featured political scientist Dr. David Adler who offered a critical assessment of President Bush's civil liberties record and then moderated a panel discussion that involved Robinson, Kashima, and Judge Gillette.
The second day focused on legal matters and education. Attorneys Brandon Mayfield, Maria Andrade, and Monica Schurtman spoke about their experiences. Mr. Mayfield explained the details of his arrest in connection to the Madrid bombing, Maria Andrade discussed her work as a lawyer working on immigration cases, and Professor of Law Shurtman examined a variety of issues related to immigration, human rights, and war. Floyd Mori, National Director of the JACL, provided an emotional speech for lunch, while Linda Tamura met with teachers for a special workshop on teaching internment history. The education theme continued after lunch with Densho founder, Tom Ikeda, presenting a brilliant sample of his oral history research. Literature professor Robert Hayashi concluded the proceedings with a provocative lecture about his experiences and writings.
It is hard to imagine gathering such a distinguished group of scholars in Twin Falls. Evaluation forms indicated that most of the audience considered the meeting a great success and were very impressed. A few thought speakers were too liberal and there has been an ongoing debate in the local newspaper about issues raised at the conference. Many think that internment was fair and that preserving the Minidoka site is not necessary. One letter noted that CSI's involvement in such a forum indicates the liberal nature of the institution!
With comments and attitudes like these being voiced, it is more important than ever to continue the symposium. The show must go on!
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