Nisei vets go for the gold

At long last, the second-generation Japanese-American World War II veterans are about to receive the proper recognition for their heroism. Along with members of the Military Intelligence Service, veterans of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team are to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, according to legislation approved in slightly different versions in the U.S. House and Senate. Once made alike, the bill is expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama next month. Among the recipients will be Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor recipient for his gallantry with the 442nd.

Veterans, we salute you.

Billions for good causes

The Giving Pledge, the brainchild of uber-billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, has won the commitment of 40 billionaires — including Pam and Pierre Omidyar of Kahala — to give away half their personal fortunes to charity — by some estimates, worth about $160 billion and counting. It’s a staggering amount of money, and comes at an auspicious time. Nonprofits and philanthropies are still reeling from the Great Recession, and it’s hoped that such large sums from sophisticated donors can lead to smarter, more effective investments in do-gooding.