Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order

Misconduct by Our Federal Government

I grew up in Livingston, California, a small valley town where about a third of the population was of Japanese descent. When these migrants moved to California, they formed a farming colony called the Yamato Colony. Many of my friends’ parents, who were American citizens, and grandparents were rounded up during World War II under Executive Order 9066 and put in internment camps as a result of discriminatory and unconstitutional action. They were unjustly characterized as dangerous and enemies of our country, much like immigrants are today.  

I recently listened to Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order, a six-episode podcast series about the unjust treatment of Japanese Americans, exploring the executive order, government cover-ups, and the brave individuals who fought to reveal the truth, drawing parallels to current events. 

It is thoughtful, well-documented, and wonderfully narrated by Rachel Maddow in a story-like way, making it very easy to follow. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and MS NOW and examines how a principled politician and Japanese American resisters uncovered government wrongdoing, leading to an eventual apology and reparations. 

Key areas explored on the podcasts:

• The story behind the executive order to incarcerate Japanese Americans.
• Misconduct by the government, covering up evidence, resistance, and who and how individuals fought for justice. 
• Parallels to what is happening today with governmental targeting of immigrants. 

This is not just about Japanese Americans. It’s about all Americans, the Constitution, and keeping our government honest. According to Rachel Maddow, “As Americans, racism is in our blood, but also in our blood is the desire and ability to fight it.”

LINKS to Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order

Apple Podcasts
MSNOW, by subscription or free with ads.