Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast Preview of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order”
Dec 1, 2025
Discover the shocking decision behind the mass roundup of innocent Japanese Americans in a compelling narrative. Hear about Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga's meticulous research at the National Archives, where she uncovers a supposedly destroyed government report. This document, rich with handwritten notes, challenges the official story of this dark chapter in history. Get a sneak peek into how these revelations could reshape our understanding of America’s past and the powerful figures involved in its cover-up.
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Racial Mass Incarceration Was Government Policy
- The U.S. government authorized mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII purely based on race with no charges or hearings.
- Rachel Maddow frames the decision as shocking and driven by a surprisingly simple chain of people and choices.
A Retiree Who Became A Relentless Researcher
- Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga, a retired housewife, spent years researching at the National Archives and developed an obsessive filing system.
- Her meticulous daily work and portable copy machine let her build an index of documents that filled their condo with boxes.
The Document That Wasn't Supposed To Exist
- In summer 1982 Aiko found a government report that was supposed to have been destroyed and noticed handwritten margin notes.
- Her daily presence in the archives and keen eye let her spot a document the government certified had been incinerated.