Judge Ito

I was elated to see Judge Lance Ito on television being interviewed by Tritia Toyota. Asian Americans, particularly male Asian Americans, are rarely given an opportunity to be revealed as unique personalities via the media. Along with his human qualities, Ito seems aware of the implications of how his performance in his position reflects on his family and on other Asian Americans.

The media’s criticism of his appearance in the interview as hypocritical is paranoid nonsense. His criticism of the media was directed at instances of inaccuracy, news leaks and other irresponsible behavior. This criticism would in no way preclude him from using the media in a positive way. In the interview it was revealed that Judge Ito’s parents were inmates in an American concentration camp during World War II. That fact should have some relevance to his heightened sense of fairness.

Ironically, this keen sense of fairness, in seeking to minimize media exposure to potential jurors, is what prompted Judge Ito to censure the media. This kind of information relating to a judge’s background, though not sensational, should be important enough to be conveyed to the public.

Judge Ito has gone beyond the harsh criticism of the media for interfering with a fair trial. He has demonstrated, by example, the positive good that can derive from the thoughtful and responsible use of the media.

PHIL SHIGEKUNI

Legislative/Anti-Discrimination Chair

San Fernando Valley Chapter

Japanese American Citizens League