Snap Judgment: The Line - Snap Classic Episode Summary
Host: Glenn Washington
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Description: Snap Judgment blends compelling real-life stories with dynamic beats to create a cinematic radio experience. This episode, titled "The Line," delves into pivotal moments where individuals crossed boundaries, leading to transformative consequences.
1. Introduction
In this gripping episode, Glenn Washington introduces two intertwined narratives that explore the thin lines individuals navigate in pursuit of their passions and ambitions. The episode begins with the story of Nobuko Miyamoto and Chris Iijima, pioneering Asian American folk musicians, and transitions into the high-stakes world of arms dealing experienced by David Pakuz and Ephraim Divaroli.
2. Musical Activism: Nobuko Miyamoto and Chris Iijima
A. Pioneers of Asian American Identity in Music
Nobuko Miyamoto, then known as Joanne Miyamoto, and Chris Iijima emerged in the early 1970s as trailblazers in the Asian American folk music scene. Their work focused on political activism and raising awareness about Asian American consciousness during a time when few performers championed these causes.
Nobuko Miyamoto [02:45]: "We were pretty rare, especially on the East Coast."
B. The Unexpected Invitation
In 1972, Nobuko receives an unexpected phone call from Yoko Ono, inviting her and Yellow Pearl to perform on The Mike Douglas Show. Despite their initial hesitation, Nobuko and Chris agree, leading to a pivotal moment in their careers.
Nobuko Miyamoto [02:45]: "I didn't know any Yokos. That came to my mind."
C. Creating "We Are the Children"
During a meeting at a Japanese church, Chris introduces his musical talent, sparking the creation of their signature song, "We Are the Children." The song resonates deeply with their audience, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of Asian Americans.
Nobuko Miyamoto [04:37]: "A song does something to your body, it does something to your spirit."
D. The Mike Douglas Show Conflict
On the show, Nobuko and Chris face pressure to alter their song's message. The tension escalates when John Lennon and Yoko Ono patronizingly introduce them as "Yellow Pearl," despite their insistence on being recognized as individuals with a powerful story.
Nobuko Miyamoto [22:15]: "Will leave our stamp and stamp and stamp..."
Chris Iijima [20:40]: "They're going to come on now and do it."
Despite their efforts to maintain authenticity, the episode's portrayal of Nobuko and Chris faced significant challenges, leading to their eventual exclusion from further national television opportunities.
E. Aftermath and Legacy
The experience on The Mike Douglas Show marked a turning point, underscoring the difficulties of representing marginalized voices in mainstream media. Nobuko and Chris continued their activism through music, leaving a lasting impact on Asian American representation.
Nobuko Miyamoto [23:08]: "We're making our own statement on our own stage, in our own terms."
3. From Massage Therapy to Arms Dealing: David Pakuz and Ephraim Divaroli
A. The Tempting Offer
David Pakuz, a part-time massage therapist, and Ephraim Divaroli, an old friend from synagogue, find themselves drawn into the lucrative yet morally ambiguous world of arms dealing. Ephraim presents an enticing opportunity to tap into government contracts, promising substantial financial rewards.
David Pakuz [29:07]: "We were just going, you know, for the free food and free drinks and to meet good looking girls."
B. Navigating Government Contracts
The duo begins bidding on military contracts using online platforms like Fedbizopps.gov. Despite their lack of experience, they manage to secure significant deals by leveraging minimal overhead costs and strategic bidding.
Chris Iijima [33:22]: "We were working at his desk. He had a big desk in his living room that we had two laptops on..."
C. Securing the Afghan Munitions Contract
Their breakthrough comes when they win a $300 million contract to supply ammunition to the Afghan army. Operating from Ephraim's apartment, they face the immense pressure and ethical dilemmas of fulfilling such a vast order.
Chris Iijima [37:47]: "We were just two guys in a living room smoking weed and bidding on contracts."
D. The Challenge of Illegal Ammunition
As they deliver ammunition, David discovers that a significant portion is sourced from China, violating federal regulations. In a desperate attempt to rectify the situation, they repackage the ammo to hide its origin, hoping to avoid detection.
Chris Iijima [44:08]: "We discovered that it was Chinese ammunition. And then we figured, well, it's better not to tell the army about this."
E. Downfall and Legal Consequences
A rival arms dealer instigates a whisper campaign, leading to a federal raid on their operations. David and Ephraim face severe legal repercussions, including multiple charges of fraud stemming from the misrepresentation of ammunition origins.
Chris Iijima [35:39]: "We were upsetting a lot of our competitors. They started slandering us..."
David Pakuz [46:46]: "They bid on contracts for Nepal, Niger."
F. Personal Fallout
Chris faces the harrowing reality of potential decades-long imprisonment, ultimately receiving a reduced sentence of seven months house arrest and probation. David, unable to enjoy the financial gains he envisioned, returns to his massage therapy work, grappling with the moral and personal costs of their venture.
Chris Iijima [48:51]: "I never lose my temper like that. Never."
David Pakuz [50:43]: "It's been interesting."
4. Conclusion and Insights
This episode of Snap Judgment masterfully intertwines stories of ambition, activism, and the consequences of crossing personal and ethical boundaries. Through the experiences of Nobuko Miyamoto, Chris Iijima, David Pakuz, and Ephraim Divaroli, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of pursuing one's goals amidst societal expectations and moral dilemmas.
Glenn Washington [50:43]: "And so much. And that was but one episode. If you dig it more, so many more stories await your listening pleasure..."
The narratives serve as poignant reminders of the fine lines between advocacy and exploitation, and the impact of individual choices on personal and community legacies.
Notable Quotes
- Nobuko Miyamoto [04:37]: "A song does something to your body, it does something to your spirit."
- Chris Iijima [23:03]: "We're making our own statement on our own stage, in our own terms."
- David Pakuz [31:26]: "So what is it exactly? What is it that you do."
- Chris Iijima [35:39]: "Without us, the Afghan army had no ammunition and they wouldn't be able to fight the Taliban."
For a deeper dive into these stories, listeners are encouraged to explore the memoir "Not Yo Butterfly, My Long Song of Relocation, Race, Love and Revolution" by Nobuko Miyamoto and the book "Arms and the Dudes" by Guy Lawson, available now.
Stay tuned for more compelling stories on Snap Judgment.