Starbucks and the internment camps

However indirect the reference is, linking the Starbucks issue with the Japanese internment camps is ridiculous. 

Henceforth, if Starbucks wants to move into, say, the Western Addition, black activists will be saying, "First slavery and now this." When a Starbucks opens up in a Jewish neighborhood, Jewish activists will say, "First the Holocaust and now this." When Starbucks opens up in an Indian reservation, Indian activists will say, "First the Trail of Tears, and now this," etc.

Let's not lose our sense of proportion here.

And consider this: There are more than 500 Starbucks [Later: make that 1,328 as of Dec. 2017] located in Japan itself.

From: Linda Jofuku
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005
To: home@prosf.org
Subject: PRESS CONFERENCE

Hi everyone,
For those of you who have signed our petition, "Thank you!" Please note the attached press advisory. You are welcome to attend. We would like to have as many people as possible attend the SF Redevelopment Agency hearing on June 7th, 4pm, City Hall Room 416 to show our solidarity. 

Japantown was decimated with the incarceration of Japanese Americans in America's concentration camps during World War II. We returned to rebuild our lives, homes and businesses. Then, the SF Redevelopment Agency "bulldozed" our homes, businesses...community in the 60s and 70s. There are only 3 Japantowns left in the entire nation. San Francisco is blessed to have one. Despite our conscious efforts to work with the SF Redevelopment Agency to preserve and revitalize Japantown, they continue to disrespect our community's concerns and wishes. 

Our community stated clearly back in 2002 that, "We did not want a Burger King or a Starbucks in Japantown because it would not fit into the character of Japantown and it would compete with existing Mom and Pop businesses." 

We are tired of outsiders trying to shove their ideology down our throats...telling us what is best for us. We have a voice and we speak for ourselves. Our collective voice says, "No Starbucks in San Francisco's Japantown!"...and, San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, "Share information prior to making decisions that affect the community. Don't pretend to work with us. Don't ignore us. Roll-up your sleeves and work hand-in-hand with us to preserve what we have left." 

For those of you who have heard us, "Thank you." For those of you who have respected our wishes, "Thanks for doing the right thing." Linda Japantown Task Force, Inc. 1765 Sutter St. Ste 1 San Francisco, CA 94115 http://japantowntaskforce.org/ 415.346.1239 (phone) 415.346.6703 (fax)