theguardian--2020-06-01--'He is a destroyer': how the George Floyd protests left Donald Trump exposed

“ Americans watching this address tonight have seen the recent images of violence in our streets and the chaos in our communities .
Many have witnessed this violence personally , some have even been its victims .
I have a message for all of you : the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon – and I mean very soon – come to an end.
” These were the words of Donald Trump , not in May 2020 but July 2016 , as he accepted the Republican presidential nomination at the national convention in Cleveland .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echo of Richard Nixon ’ s 1968 acceptance speech – “ We see cities enveloped in smoke and flame ” – and a foreboding that history could take a newly dark and dangerous turn .
For three years , the first president elected without political or military experience rode his luck and skirted past disaster .
In the fourth year , the fates demanded payback .
Not even Trump ’ s harshest critics can blame him for a virus believed to have come from a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor for four centuries of slavery , segregation , police brutality and racial injustice .
But they can , and do , point to how he made a bad situation so much worse .
The story of Trump ’ s presidency was arguably always leading to this moment , with its toxic mix of weak moral leadership , racial divisiveness , crass and vulgar rhetoric and an erosion of norms , institutions and trust in traditional information sources .
Taken together , these ingredients created a tinderbox poised to explode when crises came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uniquely ill-qualified for this moment .
He tried to wish away the threat of the coronavirus and failed to prepare , then paid no heed to how communities of colour bore the brunt of its health and economic consequences .
As unrest now grips dozens of cities , he speaks an authoritarian language of “ thugs ” , “ vicious dogs ” and “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts ” .
The nation waits in vain for a speech that might heal wounds , find a common sense of purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans .
That would require deep reading , cultural sensitivity and human empathy – none of which are known to be among personal attributes of Trump , who defines himself in opposition to Barack Obama .
“ He is obviously in way over his head , ” said LaTosha Brown , a civil rights activist and co-founder of Black Voters Matter .
“ He doesn ’ t have a clue .
He ’ s a TV personality .
He has a cult following that ’ s centred around this white power broker persona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wherever he goes , he carries that role and that kind of persona , but ultimately right now with what we ’ re looking for in this country is real leadership .
He is incapable of providing that because that ’ s not who he is.
” Brown added : “ He ’ s a personality .
He ’ s used to these dog whistles and , instead of trying to uproot division and seeing that the citizens are actually in pain and hurting , he doesn ’ t have the capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the flames and shows how fundamentally intellectually disconnected he is from what is happening and also how ill-prepared he is as a leader to respond to that.
” Trump is not so much a child playing with matches as an arsonist hellbent on burning it all down , Brown warned .
“ If it would take the destruction of the country for him to protect his position , he is willing to do that .
He has shown that he is willing to kill every single thing in this country , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s willing to kill democracy .
He is willing to kill any sense of real respect or trust in his government .
He is willing to kill America ’ s international and global relationships .
He is a destroyer.
” Rashad Robinson , the president of Color of Change , a civil rights advocacy group , said of the current moment : “ This is the type of controversy that Trump feels most at home in .
“ He didn ’ t create hostility and division , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to thrive .
He has elevated and put people around him that do that as well.
” The president ’ s suggestion of moral equivalence between white nationalists and anti-fascist protesters in Charlottesville , Virginia in 2017 failed to loosen his grip on the Republican party .
Perhaps it tightened .
At the start of this re-election year , feeling emboldened by his acquittal in a Senate impeachment trial and a robust economy , Trump was confident of his re-election chances .
Now , with health , economic and social crises feeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailing rival Joe Biden .
But the situation remains volatile and unpredictable .
The president has sought to scapegoat anti-fascist protesters , and there would be little surprise if he returned to Nixonian law-and-order rhetoric to rally Republicans and lay a trap for Democrats , portraying them as “ soft on crime ” .
“ Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors , ” Trump tweeted on Sunday , even as protesters gathered outside the White House for the third straight day .
“ These people are ANARCHISTS .
Call in our National Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughing at you and Sleepy Joe .
Is this what America wants ?
NO !
!
!
” Biden has billed the election as a battle for the soul of the nation – the potential to lurch deeper into disarray with a second Trump term , or to reset , rebuild and plot a new direction .
The stakes keep getting higher by the day .
Robinson said : “ Presidential leadership , when it comes in the form of real action , is incredibly important .
“ When a leader can hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to solve the problem , that ’ s the power of democracy .
President Trump is not interested in either .
He ’ s not interested in leading or solving problems .
Like a lot of things he does , he ’ s treating this as a game .
“ The problem here is that we can focus this simply on Trump or we can also focus on all of those folks that have enabled Trump : the Republican leadership , the corporation that may make statements in support of this work but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all sorts of things to prop up , support , donate to Donald Trump .
You don ’ t get Trump and Trumpism without a whole host of institutions and individuals that support and enable him.
” DeRay Mckesson , a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement , said : “ Nobody ’ s a magician , so I don ’ t expect Biden to change everything on day one , but the demands should be for him to change as much of this by the end as humanly possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , it ’ s that the government can move as fast as it wants to and nobody , no person of colour , no poor person is going to win if Trump is the president again .
So I ’ m not interested in Trump .
I am interested in a plan from Biden ’ s team around ending police violence .
I think that needs to come now .
I think it is , frankly , late , and I ’ m hoping to see it soon.
” Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best remembered for a single phrase : “ American carnage ” .
His entire presidency may be remembered for it too .

“Americans watching this address tonight have seen the recent images of violence in our streets and the chaos in our communities. Many have witnessed this violence personally, some have even been its victims. I have a message for all of you: the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon – and I mean very soon – come to an end.”
These were the words of Donald Trump, not in May 2020 but July 2016, as he accepted the Republican presidential nomination at the national convention in Cleveland. For many observers, there was a distinct echo of Richard Nixon’s 1968 acceptance speech – “We see cities enveloped in smoke and flame” – and a foreboding that history could take a newly dark and dangerous turn.
For three years, the first president elected without political or military experience rode his luck and skirted past disaster. In the fourth year, the fates demanded payback.
Not even Trump’s harshest critics can blame him for a virus believed to have come from a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, nor for an attendant economic collapse, nor for four centuries of slavery, segregation, police brutality and racial injustice.
But they can, and do, point to how he made a bad situation so much worse. The story of Trump’s presidency was arguably always leading to this moment, with its toxic mix of weak moral leadership, racial divisiveness, crass and vulgar rhetoric and an erosion of norms, institutions and trust in traditional information sources. Taken together, these ingredients created a tinderbox poised to explode when crises came.
Trump, they say, was uniquely ill-qualified for this moment. He tried to wish away the threat of the coronavirus and failed to prepare, then paid no heed to how communities of colour bore the brunt of its health and economic consequences. As unrest now grips dozens of cities, he speaks an authoritarian language of “thugs”, “vicious dogs” and “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”.
The nation waits in vain for a speech that might heal wounds, find a common sense of purpose and acknowledge the generational trauma of African Americans. That would require deep reading, cultural sensitivity and human empathy – none of which are known to be among personal attributes of Trump, who defines himself in opposition to Barack Obama.
Protesters gather outside the White House on Sunday. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
“He is obviously in way over his head,” said LaTosha Brown, a civil rights activist and co-founder of Black Voters Matter.
“He doesn’t have a clue. He’s a TV personality. He has a cult following that’s centred around this white power broker persona rooted in white supremacy and racism. Wherever he goes, he carries that role and that kind of persona, but ultimately right now with what we’re looking for in this country is real leadership. He is incapable of providing that because that’s not who he is.”
Brown added: “He’s a personality. He’s used to these dog whistles and, instead of trying to uproot division and seeing that the citizens are actually in pain and hurting, he doesn’t have the capacity to address that. He actually adds fuel to the flames and shows how fundamentally intellectually disconnected he is from what is happening and also how ill-prepared he is as a leader to respond to that.”
Trump is not so much a child playing with matches as an arsonist hellbent on burning it all down, Brown warned.
“If it would take the destruction of the country for him to protect his position, he is willing to do that. He has shown that he is willing to kill every single thing in this country, including its people, if it protects him.
He’s willing to kill democracy. He is willing to kill any sense of real respect or trust in his government LaTosha Brown
“He’s willing to kill democracy. He is willing to kill any sense of real respect or trust in his government. He is willing to kill America’s international and global relationships. He is a destroyer.”
Rashad Robinson, the president of Color of Change, a civil rights advocacy group, said of the current moment: “This is the type of controversy that Trump feels most at home in.
“He didn’t create hostility and division, but he incites it. He creates incentives for it to thrive. He has elevated and put people around him that do that as well.”
The president’s suggestion of moral equivalence between white nationalists and anti-fascist protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 failed to loosen his grip on the Republican party. Perhaps it tightened. At the start of this re-election year, feeling emboldened by his acquittal in a Senate impeachment trial and a robust economy, Trump was confident of his re-election chances.
Now, with health, economic and social crises feeding off each other, polls show him trailing rival Joe Biden. But the situation remains volatile and unpredictable. The president has sought to scapegoat anti-fascist protesters, and there would be little surprise if he returned to Nixonian law-and-order rhetoric to rally Republicans and lay a trap for Democrats, portraying them as “soft on crime”.
Police fire at protesters in Denver. Photograph: Tyler Tomasello/ZUMA Wire/REX/Shutterstock
“Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors,” Trump tweeted on Sunday, even as protesters gathered outside the White House for the third straight day. “These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!”
Biden has billed the election as a battle for the soul of the nation – the potential to lurch deeper into disarray with a second Trump term, or to reset, rebuild and plot a new direction. The stakes keep getting higher by the day.
Robinson said: “Presidential leadership, when it comes in the form of real action, is incredibly important.
“When a leader can hear the demand and the concerns and work to solve the problem, that’s the power of democracy. President Trump is not interested in either. He’s not interested in leading or solving problems. Like a lot of things he does, he’s treating this as a game.
“The problem here is that we can focus this simply on Trump or we can also focus on all of those folks that have enabled Trump: the Republican leadership, the corporation that may make statements in support of this work but, on the other hand, do all sorts of things to prop up, support, donate to Donald Trump. You don’t get Trump and Trumpism without a whole host of institutions and individuals that support and enable him.”
DeRay Mckesson, a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, said: “Nobody’s a magician, so I don’t expect Biden to change everything on day one, but the demands should be for him to change as much of this by the end as humanly possible.
“If Trump has reminded us of anything, it’s that the government can move as fast as it wants to and nobody, no person of colour, no poor person is going to win if Trump is the president again. So I’m not interested in Trump. I am interested in a plan from Biden’s team around ending police violence. I think that needs to come now. I think it is, frankly, late, and I’m hoping to see it soon.”
Trump’s unconventional inaugural address in January 2017 is best remembered for a single phrase: “American carnage”. His entire presidency may be remembered for it too.


theguardian--2020-06-01--The Guardian view on the death of George Floyd: a turning point? | Editorial

“ I do not want to see him on a shirt just like the other guys.
” Those were the words of George Floyd ’ s brother , Philonese , during a phone call last week with Joe Biden , the Democrats ’ presidential nominee .
Every African American will have known instantly what he meant .
Trayvon Martin , Eric Garner , Michael Brown , Walter Scott and now Floyd : the litany of names of black men who died as a result of encountering the wrong law officer at the wrong time continues to lengthen .
Video footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott , revealed to the world the casual , unconscionable brutality with which their lives were taken from them .
The shooting of 17-year-old Martin by a Florida community watch officer , and the decision of a jury to acquit his killer , led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement .
But last week it was still possible , in America , for a white police officer to kneel for nearly nine minutes on an unarmed Floyd ’ s windpipe – in broad daylight – crushing the breath and life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the protests over Floyd ’ s killing – breaking curfews and defying national guard troops , over six days and across nearly 40 American cities – suggests that this death may prove a turning point .
Attempts to dismiss those participating as merely lawless rioters , or out-of-state “ anarchists ” , in the words of President Trump , wilfully misrepresent what has been a mass expression of revulsion and fury .
Against the backdrop of a Covid-19 death toll of more than 100,000 , a defining and dangerous moment for America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death , Covid-19 , which disproportionately affects the less well-off , had brutally exposed the racial fault line still running through the social landscape of the US .
The pandemic , chaotically mishandled by Mr Trump , has killed African Americans at almost three times the rate of white Americans .
The economic devastation wrought by the disease has pushed the unemployment rate close to 20 % , on a par with the Great Depression .
Again , the fallout has disproportionately affected African Americans .
It is the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be led by a president who sows division as a matter of political strategy .
Bunkered down , now literally , in the White House , the president tweeted last week : “ When the looting starts , the shooting starts.
” The words echoed those of a notorious Miami police chief during racial unrest in 1967 .
They were unworthy of a politician holding any office , let alone that of the presidency .
From his defence of far-right marchers in Charlottesville to the abuse of black football players who refuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump has exacerbated racial division and exploited it to shore up his white voter base .
Between now and November , there is a danger the president will attempt to act on the authoritarian undertones of his inauguration speech in 2017 , when he talked of stamping out “ American carnage ” in the country ’ s inner cities .
Americans must hope that the protesters of recent days do not respond in kind to any such provocations .
The Atlanta rapper Killer Mike has urged those marching across the US to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police chiefs and deputy chiefs in the voting booth , and to challenge those local structures of judicial and civic power , where systemic racism still thrives .
A new generation of politicians , informed by the culture and insights of movements such as Black Lives Matter , will be required to follow through successfully on such a strategy .
They may find allies in police officers such as those in New Jersey who have marched with protesters , or the police chief in Atlanta who condemned the use of Tasers by her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to listen to demonstrators .
But they will need to access the levers of power themselves ; for America they can not come of age soon enough .

“I do not want to see him on a shirt just like the other guys.” Those were the words of George Floyd’s brother, Philonese, during a phone call last week with Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presidential nominee.
Every African American will have known instantly what he meant. Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Walter Scott and now Floyd: the litany of names of black men who died as a result of encountering the wrong law officer at the wrong time continues to lengthen. Video footage, in the cases of Garner and Scott, revealed to the world the casual, unconscionable brutality with which their lives were taken from them. The shooting of 17-year-old Martin by a Florida community watch officer, and the decision of a jury to acquit his killer, led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement. But last week it was still possible, in America, for a white police officer to kneel for nearly nine minutes on an unarmed Floyd’s windpipe – in broad daylight – crushing the breath and life out of him.
The sheer scale of the protests over Floyd’s killing – breaking curfews and defying national guard troops, over six days and across nearly 40 American cities – suggests that this death may prove a turning point. Attempts to dismiss those participating as merely lawless rioters, or out-of-state “anarchists”, in the words of President Trump, wilfully misrepresent what has been a mass expression of revulsion and fury.
02:13 'It's about time we stand up': the voices of the George Floyd protests – video
Against the backdrop of a Covid-19 death toll of more than 100,000, a defining and dangerous moment for America now looms. Long before Mr Floyd’s death, Covid-19, which disproportionately affects the less well-off, had brutally exposed the racial fault line still running through the social landscape of the US. The pandemic, chaotically mishandled by Mr Trump, has killed African Americans at almost three times the rate of white Americans. The economic devastation wrought by the disease has pushed the unemployment rate close to 20%, on a par with the Great Depression. Again, the fallout has disproportionately affected African Americans.
It is the United States’ great misfortune at such a time to be led by a president who sows division as a matter of political strategy. Bunkered down, now literally, in the White House, the president tweeted last week: “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The words echoed those of a notorious Miami police chief during racial unrest in 1967. They were unworthy of a politician holding any office, let alone that of the presidency. From his defence of far-right marchers in Charlottesville to the abuse of black football players who refuse to stand for the national anthem, Mr Trump has exacerbated racial division and exploited it to shore up his white voter base. Between now and November, there is a danger the president will attempt to act on the authoritarian undertones of his inauguration speech in 2017, when he talked of stamping out “American carnage” in the country’s inner cities.
Americans must hope that the protesters of recent days do not respond in kind to any such provocations. The Atlanta rapper Killer Mike has urged those marching across the US to take on prosecutors, mayoral offices, police chiefs and deputy chiefs in the voting booth, and to challenge those local structures of judicial and civic power, where systemic racism still thrives. A new generation of politicians, informed by the culture and insights of movements such as Black Lives Matter, will be required to follow through successfully on such a strategy. They may find allies in police officers such as those in New Jersey who have marched with protesters, or the police chief in Atlanta who condemned the use of Tasers by her officers and went out into the street to listen to demonstrators. But they will need to access the levers of power themselves; for America they cannot come of age soon enough.


theguardian--2020-06-01--As the George Floyd protests continue, let's be clear where the violence is coming from | Rebecca So

As the George Floyd protests continue, let's be clear where the violence is coming from | Rebecca Solnit

The word “ violence ” is going to be used a lot to describe the events in US cities over the weekend and all this week .
So it ’ s going to be important to be clear about who is violent and what violence is .
Property destruction and harming human beings are profoundly different actions , and with a few exceptions ( seemingly interlopers in the protests ) virtually all the violence visited on human beings during this round of civil unrest across the US has been inflicted by police .
This began with the death of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Minneapolis police department manual says about chokeholds .
He told officers he couldn ’ t breathe and begged for his life .
What is particularly stunning about the brutality of the police across the country is that they seem to expect impunity .
They do not serve the public or keep the peace ; they serve themselves .
Nevertheless , much of the finger-wagging has been about property destruction , and it is dismaying to see that some are more upset about broken glass than public killing – or rather that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest on a foundation of stable property relations , not human rights and justice .
The distinction between damaging or destroying human beings and inanimate objects matters .
But it ’ s not simple .
People trapped inside a burning building break down the doors to escape ; an estranged husband with a restraining order breaks down a door to further terrorise his ex-wife .
The same actions mean different things in different situations .
Martin Luther King famously called riots “ the voice of the unheard ” – and as the outcry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else for centuries , property damage means something very different from merely malicious or recreational destruction .
When they riot , the black people most impacted by police brutality and by four centuries of poverty , dehumanisation and deprivation of basic rights and equality , are more like people trapped inside that burning house trying to break out .
There is no easy way to distinguish between ardent white supporters of a black uprising and black bloc-style white people who revel in property destruction , taunting the police and escalating situations ( before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down ) .
They are anti-authoritarians opposed to police brutality and the overreach of the state , and should not be confused with the rightwing authoritarians who many fear will use the pandemonium as cover for their own agenda , which could include creating more chaos .
What these authoritarians and anti-authoritarians often have in common is an enthusiasm for violence for its own sake and a belief that it is revolutionary .
Most successful recent revolutions have , in fact , been largely nonviolent , and those that were violent have tended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountains than window-smashers on the high street .
It ’ s important to note , of course , that property destruction can hurt the very constituencies that riots and uprisings are supposed to speak for .
The loss of small minority-owned businesses , social centres and local amenities further impoverishes communities .
Here , it ’ s worth noting that I ’ ve read accounts of residents of Minneapolis trying to put out fires and otherwise protect property in their own neighbourhoods , only to be attacked by police as they did so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me that earlier this week : “ My brothers-in-law in Minneapolis were participating in the hosing-down of an active fire in the lot next to their house ( a bank ) .
These were community members keeping the fire from reaching their homes .
Fire and police were not on the scene until many hours later , being occupied elsewhere … But the MPD police did stop by at one point in the middle of the night to throw teargas into the midst of the neighbours doing this work , and to shoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire down.
” A dozen years ago , when I wrote a book about civil society response to urban disaster , I learned the term “ elite panic ” .
It describes how the authorities often respond in an emergency – not by protecting and aiding the public but by seeking to control and repress us , protecting nothing but their own power and position .
Police across the country seem to be doing this and more , demonstrating the same impunity the killers of George Floyd seemed to be counting upon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ night ’ s police riot was the direct and intentional violence against journalists across the nation .
Reporters have been arrested while working , thrown to the ground and pepper-sprayed , hit with rubber bullets and fired on while broadcasting .
Photojournalist Linda Tirado is now blind in one eye after being shot by police .
This is not only an assault on individuals but on the role of a free press in keeping the government accountable and the public informed .
The story of activist violence is often used to justify police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a justification for wholesale violence against children , passersby , journalists , protesters , or anyone at all .
It is the police who should have lost their legitimacy , over and over , after the many individual killings from Eric Garner to Walter Scott to Breonna Taylor to George Floyd .
And after reckless , entitled , out-of-control violence in police riots like that on Saturday night .
Perhaps the point of their action this week is that they don ’ t need legitimacy , just power .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , and that ’ s structural violence .
That ’ s the way that institutions and societies are organised to oppress a group of people , and for black Americans , that ’ s included slavery , the long terrorism of Jim Crow and lynching , voter suppression from the 19th century to the present , redlining ( denying or charging more for necessary services ) and subprime mortgages , discrimination in housing , education , and employment and far more .
Right now , several forms of structural violence that particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of access to healthcare , housing issues , and work situations that have made black Americans die of Covid-19 at far higher rates than other races .
The autopsy report cited in the arrest warrant for the man charged with George Floyd ’ s murder suggested his death was due to hypertension and a heart condition ; it was , in fact , caused by police brutality and violation of civil rights , and his health issues , if true , might be just part of that same spectrum of structural violence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all along , and when they come out with teargas and clubs to suppress uprisings , they announce that this is who they are and who they want to be : violence in service of violence .

The word “violence” is going to be used a lot to describe the events in US cities over the weekend and all this week. So it’s going to be important to be clear about who is violent and what violence is. Property destruction and harming human beings are profoundly different actions, and with a few exceptions (seemingly interlopers in the protests) virtually all the violence visited on human beings during this round of civil unrest across the US has been inflicted by police.
This began with the death of George Floyd in public in direct violation of what the Minneapolis police department manual says about chokeholds. He told officers he couldn’t breathe and begged for his life. What is particularly stunning about the brutality of the police across the country is that they seem to expect impunity. They do not serve the public or keep the peace; they serve themselves.
Nevertheless, much of the finger-wagging has been about property destruction, and it is dismaying to see that some are more upset about broken glass than public killing – or rather that they seem to believe society ought to rest on a foundation of stable property relations, not human rights and justice.
The distinction between damaging or destroying human beings and inanimate objects matters. But it’s not simple. People trapped inside a burning building break down the doors to escape; an estranged husband with a restraining order breaks down a door to further terrorise his ex-wife. The same actions mean different things in different situations. Martin Luther King famously called riots “the voice of the unheard” – and as the outcry of people who have tried absolutely everything else for centuries, property damage means something very different from merely malicious or recreational destruction. When they riot, the black people most impacted by police brutality and by four centuries of poverty, dehumanisation and deprivation of basic rights and equality, are more like people trapped inside that burning house trying to break out.
There is no easy way to distinguish between ardent white supporters of a black uprising and black bloc-style white people who revel in property destruction, taunting the police and escalating situations (before often slipping away before the police crack down). They are anti-authoritarians opposed to police brutality and the overreach of the state, and should not be confused with the rightwing authoritarians who many fear will use the pandemonium as cover for their own agenda, which could include creating more chaos.
Police surround protesters in Minneapolis. Photograph: Kerem Yucel/AFP/Getty Images
What these authoritarians and anti-authoritarians often have in common is an enthusiasm for violence for its own sake and a belief that it is revolutionary. Most successful recent revolutions have, in fact, been largely nonviolent, and those that were violent have tended more toward highly disciplined guerrillas in the mountains than window-smashers on the high street.
It’s important to note, of course, that property destruction can hurt the very constituencies that riots and uprisings are supposed to speak for. The loss of small minority-owned businesses, social centres and local amenities further impoverishes communities. Here, it’s worth noting that I’ve read accounts of residents of Minneapolis trying to put out fires and otherwise protect property in their own neighbourhoods, only to be attacked by police as they did so.
A Minneapolis nursery school teacher told me that earlier this week: “My brothers-in-law in Minneapolis were participating in the hosing-down of an active fire in the lot next to their house (a bank). These were community members keeping the fire from reaching their homes. Fire and police were not on the scene until many hours later, being occupied elsewhere … But the MPD police did stop by at one point in the middle of the night to throw teargas into the midst of the neighbours doing this work, and to shoot rubber bullets at the guys spraying the fire down.”
A dozen years ago, when I wrote a book about civil society response to urban disaster, I learned the term “elite panic”. It describes how the authorities often respond in an emergency – not by protecting and aiding the public but by seeking to control and repress us, protecting nothing but their own power and position. Police across the country seem to be doing this and more, demonstrating the same impunity the killers of George Floyd seemed to be counting upon.
One of the stunning things about Saturday night’s police riot was the direct and intentional violence against journalists across the nation. Reporters have been arrested while working, thrown to the ground and pepper-sprayed, hit with rubber bullets and fired on while broadcasting. Photojournalist Linda Tirado is now blind in one eye after being shot by police. This is not only an assault on individuals but on the role of a free press in keeping the government accountable and the public informed.
The story of activist violence is often used to justify police violence, but damage to property is not a justification for wholesale violence against children, passersby, journalists, protesters, or anyone at all. It is the police who should have lost their legitimacy, over and over, after the many individual killings from Eric Garner to Walter Scott to Breonna Taylor to George Floyd. And after reckless, entitled, out-of-control violence in police riots like that on Saturday night. Perhaps the point of their action this week is that they don’t need legitimacy, just power.
There’s one more kind of violence to talk about, and that’s structural violence. That’s the way that institutions and societies are organised to oppress a group of people, and for black Americans, that’s included slavery, the long terrorism of Jim Crow and lynching, voter suppression from the 19th century to the present, redlining (denying or charging more for necessary services) and subprime mortgages, discrimination in housing, education, and employment and far more.
Right now, several forms of structural violence that particularly matter are the chronic stress and lack of access to healthcare, housing issues, and work situations that have made black Americans die of Covid-19 at far higher rates than other races.
The autopsy report cited in the arrest warrant for the man charged with George Floyd’s murder suggested his death was due to hypertension and a heart condition; it was, in fact, caused by police brutality and violation of civil rights, and his health issues, if true, might be just part of that same spectrum of structural violence. The police have been agents of this all along, and when they come out with teargas and clubs to suppress uprisings, they announce that this is who they are and who they want to be: violence in service of violence.


theguardian--2020-06-02--George Floyd protests: violence escalates overnight after Trump's threat to deploy army – live

Mariann Budde , the Bishop of Washington , has been speaking to ABC ’ s Good Morning America .
Thanks to Joanna Walters for the quotes… “ This is an excruciating moment , ” Budde said , “ and a crisis moment in our country , where we need healing and reconciliation and we need justice.
” Budde was asked about what happened on Monday night , when police in riot gear fired teargas and charged a crowd around St John ’ s church before Trump and aides walked across from the White House for a photo opportunity , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The president , she said , had been “ holding up a Bible as if it was justification for a message that is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus ” .
Budde spoke forcefully on the matter on Monday night .
“ I felt I had to dissociate myself from that and give a message of justice and peace to the nation , ” she told ABC , adding that she was given no notice that the president was going to visit the church .
“ I was sitting and watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what everyone else saw , ” she said .
Damage to the church was minor , she said , after fire fighters rushed to put out a fire started when a window was smashed and something inflammatory was thrown into one room during Sunday ’ s protests .
St John ’ s is known as the “ Church of the Presidents ” , as every one since James Madison has worshipped there .
( When friends of mine were married there a few years ago , a pew at the back with double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Abraham Lincoln used to sit when he wandered over from the White House to listen in to a service .
Whether Lincoln was a Christian or not is , to people like me at least , a fascinating subject . )
Asked if Trump would be welcome at the church now , Buddy said : “ He is welcome to pray .
Presidents are welcome as citizens of our country , to pray , to kneel before God in humility .
“ He is not entitled to use the symbolism to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are hearing from so many of … the nation ’ s young people and people of colour , we need to align ourselves with the God of unconditional love and justice .
”

Martin Pengelly in New York (now) and Oliver Holmes  (earlier)

3 Jun 2020 10.20 BST The US Park Police (USPP) has defended its forceful clearing of protesters for a controversial Trump photo-op on Monday. In a statement, the agency accused “violent protestors” of “throwing projectiles including bricks, frozen water bottles and caustic liquids”. It denied that tear gas was used and said officers instead “employed the use of smoke canisters and pepper balls”. The statement does not tally with multiple reports on the ground that day. This nearly-two hour video from Reuters shows a peaceful protest pushed back. An investigative reporter in DC, Nathan Baca, also picked up a canister at the scene that does appear to cause irritation. When @usparkpolicepio says they didn’t use “CS or CN” tear gas, technically that’s correct. “OC” gas cannisters used instead. Causes same tears, tight breath and comes out green. This is not a smoke canister. I picked this off the street after it was launched at us Monday. pic.twitter.com/UuGJy0A6cr — Nathan Baca (@NathanBacaTV) June 3, 2020
3 Jun 2020 10.07 BST German foreign minister says Trump "pouring oil on fire" Philip Oltermann Germany’s foreign minister has criticised Donald Trump’s threat to use the US military against protesters in his own country, saying “democrats must never escalate – even with their words”. “Instead of pouring oil into the fire, we should seek reconciliation”, Heiko Maas told Der Spiegel news website. “Instead of allowing ourselves to be divided, we should stand shoulder to shoulder against radical extremists.” Earlier in the week, the Social Democrat politician had described the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police as “cruel and shocking”.
3 Jun 2020 09.53 BST One remarkable aspect of these protests has been images of both police and officials “taking the knee” at demonstrations. The latest high-profile person to do so was Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who knelt with a crowd outside a police headquarters. As demonstrators yelled that the city’s law enforcement budget should be cut, the mayor told demonstrators: “I hear you. I hear what you are saying about the police.” No doubt these actions are hugely symbolic – they stem from athletes, notably NFL star Colin Kaepernick, kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality. Trump and his supporters have painted those taking the knee as unpatriotic. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was moved by seeing NYPD Chief of Department Terry Monahan take the knee (video below): Blasio tweeted about it, saying: “Moments like that are how I know we will find a way through.” They asked Chief Monahan if he would take a knee to show he understood and respected their message. And he did. Moments like that are how I know we will find a way through. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 2, 2020 However, it is unclear what effect these actions of some police and public figures will have on protesters, who want to end systemic and institutionalised racism – rather than simply convince individuals. For example, in Los Angeles, after Garcetti’s knelt, hundreds still gathered outside his house and protested.
3 Jun 2020 09.32 BST For those of you just joining us after a news break, it’s worth taking a look this photo of camouflaged and masked US troops at the Lincoln Memorial in the capital. No doubt this picture, taken on Tuesday evening, will become one of the many defining images of the protest movement. Members of the DC National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images
3 Jun 2020 08.08 BST Good day/night, Oliver Holmes here again, blogging deep into the night across the US. I’m logging on as police in Seattle have begun dispersing protests there, which had apparently been peaceful all day. Casey Martin, an NPR reporter, is tweeting from the city, where he says protests dwindled in size over the evening before police started using pepper spray and flashbacks. The crowds threw water bottles. And flash bangs. Police are pepper spraying and chasing people down on bikes. People were throwing water bottles. pic.twitter.com/dFaIgi5zwB — Casey Martin (@caseyworks) June 3, 2020 Earlier, Martin had filmed a large group of marchers: This march has reached Cal Anderson Park where a huge group is waiting. Organizers are telling people not to join this group saying "protest is that way, peace and order is this way." Others argue there shouldn't be division. Many are saying they're worried about gas. pic.twitter.com/XEbWAG1qnZ — Casey Martin (@caseyworks) June 3, 2020 We will keep following. As always, please do get in contact with me if you think something is worth sharing, and also for any questions or feedback. You can reach me via Twitter or on email: oliver.holmes [at] theguardian.com
3 Jun 2020 07.51 BST That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thank you for following along and, as always for the tips and feedback on Twitter and via email. My colleague Oliver Holmes is picking up the live coverage – as we’re hearing more reports of police dispersing protestors in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.
3 Jun 2020 07.29 BST The District of Colombia National Guard is investigating the use of helicopters that flew over protesters in Washington, DC yesterday in what appeared to be an attempt to disperse the crowds. The DCNG announced in a statement on its website: DCNG is conducting an investigation into the June 1 low-flying maneuvers by its helicopters to ensure all involved complied with applicable procedures and safety regulations. ... As part of the investigation, the DCNG is looking into the use of the medical evacuation helicopter as part of the Joint Task Force DC operation. In the announcement, DCNG commanding general William J Walker is quoted as saying, “I hold all members of the District of Columbia National Guard to the highest of standards. We live and work in the District, and we are dedicated to the service of our nation,” “I have directed an immediate investigation into the June 1 incident.”
Updated at 07.38 BST
3 Jun 2020 07.15 BST New York City police officers surrounded, shoved and yelled expletives at two Associated Press journalists covering protests Tuesday in the latest aggression against members of the media during a week of unrest around the country, AP reports. Portions of the incident were captured on video by videojournalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The video shows more than a half-dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and took photographs of police ordering protesters to leave the area near Fulton and Broadway shortly after an 8pm curfew took effect. Both journalists were wearing AP identification and identified themselves as media.
NYPD officials said they would review the incident as soon as possible.
Journalists have faced aggressive police and protesters during demonstrations across the US over the killing of Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck.
Updated at 07.54 BST
3 Jun 2020 07.10 BST Here is the full story on the Paris protests inspired by demonstrations in the US: Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Paris on Tuesday after around 20,000 people defied a ban to rally over the 2016 death of a black man in police custody, galvanised by US demonstrations against racism and deadly police violence, AP reports. Protesters jump over the gates of the Martin Luther King park, northwest of Paris, to escape tear gas as they demonstrate near Paris courthouse against police violence on June 2, 2020. Photograph: Michel Rubinel/AFP/Getty Images The protesters used slogans from the American protest movement to call for justice for Adama Traore, whose death four years ago has been a rallying cause against police brutality in France. The demonstration, which came after the release of two differing medical reports into the cause of Traore’s death, had been prohibited by police citing a coronavirus ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Clashes at Paris protest against racism and police violence Read more


theguardian--2020-06-02--US police forcefully crack down on protesters as curfews fail to stop demonstrations – as it happene

US police forcefully crack down on protesters as curfews fail to stop demonstrations – as it happened

The European Commission has backed Twitter in its row with Donald Trump following the social media platform ’ s decision to hide one of the US president ’ s tweets with a warning over its glorification of violence .
The EU executive branch ’ s vice president , Věra Jourová , said politicians should answer “ criticism with facts , not with threats and attacks , ” in her response to the dispute .
After the addition of a fact-checking label to one of Trump ’ s tweets , the president had signed an executive order to reduce the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims .
In a statement , Jourová said : “ I support Twitter in their efforts to develop and implement a transparent , clear and consistent moderation policy .
This is not about censorship .
This is about flagging verifiably false or misleading information that may cause public harm , linking to reliable information , or flagging content violating their policies .
“ The role of public authorities is not to interfere with content policies of private companies but to ensure that fundamental rights are protected online as well as offline – rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , non-discrimination , right to security .
“ These rights protect all citizens , not only those in power .
As politicians , we have to be held to account , and answer to criticism with facts , not with threats and attacks.
” The comments come ahead of next week ’ s expected launch of an overhaul of EU regulation of digital platforms .
The commission will look at whether the big tech giants should be held responsible for content published on their sites or goods sold online .

Oliver Holmes, Helen Sullivan, Maanvi Singh , Sam Levin, Joan E Greve and Martin Pengelly

2 Jun 2020 10.45 BST European Commission sides with Twitter over Trump row Daniel Boffey The European Commission has backed Twitter in its row with Donald Trump following the social media platform’s decision to hide one of the US president’s tweets with a warning over its glorification of violence.
The EU executive branch’s vice president, Věra Jourová, said politicians should answer “criticism with facts, not with threats and attacks,” in her response to the dispute. After the addition of a fact-checking label to one of Trump’s tweets, the president had signed an executive order to reduce the social media platform’s protections against civil claims. In a statement, Jourová said: “I support Twitter in their efforts to develop and implement a transparent, clear and consistent moderation policy. This is not about censorship. This is about flagging verifiably false or misleading information that may cause public harm, linking to reliable information, or flagging content violating their policies. “The role of public authorities is not to interfere with content policies of private companies but to ensure that fundamental rights are protected online as well as offline – rights such as freedom of expression and information, non-discrimination, right to security. “These rights protect all citizens, not only those in power. As politicians, we have to be held to account, and answer to criticism with facts, not with threats and attacks.” The comments come ahead of next week’s expected launch of an overhaul of EU regulation of digital platforms. The commission will look at whether the big tech giants should be held responsible for content published on their sites or goods sold online.
2 Jun 2020 10.10 BST A local television channel in Las Vegas is reporting that a city police officer was shot in the head tonight. 8 News Now said the incident, reportedly near the Circus Circus hotel and casino, was one of two shootings in the city. The second occurred at the federal courthouse, the report said, when police fired at a suspect after they allegedly fired a shot. #DEVELOPING: We are working to get more information. Again, Metro sources tell us an officer was shot in the head near Circus Circus. There are a lot of moving parts & @LVMPD is very busy. Stay with @8NewsNow for the latest updates. Here are more pics from @UMCSN. #8NN pic.twitter.com/W1wWtQXB1N — Orko Manna (@orko_manna) June 2, 2020 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed two shootings had taken place and that one officer had been hit, but did not provide details on their condition. Protesters have been gathering on the main Las Vegas strip in recent days. On Monday evening, local media the demonstrations were largely peaceful although police broke up the crowds later in the night with tear gas.
2 Jun 2020 09.47 BST Watch this video of protesters around the US explaining why they came out to demonstrate against systemic racism. 02:13 'It's about time we stand up': the voices of the George Floyd protests – video
2 Jun 2020 08.49 BST The Associated Press has reported that two people have been killed in the Chicago suburb of Cicero as protests continued over the death of George Floyd. Town Spokesman Ray Hanania said 60 people were arrested during protests, and people broke into a liquor store and other businesses. Hanania did not provide additional information about those killed or how they died. We hope to have more details later on.
2 Jun 2020 08.37 BST More police have been wounded tonight in apparent attacks. In Buffalo, NY, a car ploughed through a group of officers at a protest, injuring at least two people. Just happened: a protest in a car run over a group of cops in Buffalo NY...Some of them might be dead
#BlackLivesMatter #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/UraxbRhMuV — Yousef NH (@YousefNH2) June 2, 2020 The above video shows the car accelerating through lines of riot police as they quickly disperse. What appears to be gunshots can be heard.
While the person who posted the video warned they might have been fatalities, authorities said the two injured officers were in stable condition.
2 Jun 2020 08.24 BST Four police officers shot in St. Louis Police in Missouri have said four of their officers were struck by gunfire tonight. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
We have had 4 officers struck by gunfire tonight. All have been transported to an area hospital. All are conscious and breathing. Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
Officers are still taking gunfire downtown & we will share more info as it available. pic.twitter.com/Cwypi5EorP — St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) June 2, 2020 St. Louis’ police chief, John Hayden, said two were shot in the leg, one in the foot and one in the arm. “What constructive thing is going on?” he told reporters. “People have decided to steal and break windows. That’s all they are doing. So I don’t understand what that has to do with Mr Floyd’s death? That’s what I don’t understand.” “Some coward fired shots at officers,” Hayden said, before his voice cracked up. You can see his full comments here: Chief Hayden provides an update on 4 of our officers who were struck by gunfire tonight during the downtown unrest. https://t.co/Ml1CgIikHf — St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) June 2, 2020
2 Jun 2020 07.56 BST Los Angeles’ chief of police has apologised after he said people exploiting the protests to loot were also responsible for the death of George Floyd. “His death is on their hands, as much as it is on those officers. And that is a strong statement,” Chief Michel Moore told a press conference on Monday. Hours later, following an outcry, Moore retracted the comments on Twitter, acknowledging that they had been “terribly offensive”: My Apology for Remark Regarding the Death of George Floyd During a Press Conference Earlier Today:
I misspoke when making a statement about those engaging in violent acts following the murder of George Floyd. — Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) June 2, 2020 While I did immediately correct myself, I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive. Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two. I deeply regret and humbly apologize for my characterization. — Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) June 2, 2020 Let me be clear: the police officers involved were responsible for the death of George Floyd. — Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) June 2, 2020 The city’s mayor, Eric Garcetti, has also spoken on the issue: The responsibility for George Floyd’s death rests solely with the police officers involved. Chief Moore regrets the words he chose this evening and has clarified them. — MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) June 2, 2020
2 Jun 2020 07.38 BST Hello to all those following.
Oliver Holmes here, taking over the blog for the next few hours. We’re now deep into the night across the US. Please do get in contact with me if you spot anything, no matter how local it may seem, and also for any questions or feedback. You can reach me via Twitter or on email, too: oliver.holmes [at] theguardian.com
2 Jun 2020 07.21 BST That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. My colleague Oliver Holmes will be taking you through the latest US developments for the next few hours. Many thanks to those of you who got in touch on Twitter with information from your cities and elsewhere – it is hugely appreciated. And, as always, thanks for following along.
2 Jun 2020 07.16 BST Celebrities, influencers, brands and other users are publishing all-black posts on Instagram in support of protestors. Film star Timothée Chalamet posted this three times, tagging Black Lives Matter.
Allow Instagram content? This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Allow and continue Surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore took part, too: Allow Instagram content? This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Allow and continue The music industry is also observing a “blackoutday” on Tuesday: The demonstration stands to bring major music companies, significant pieces of a $19bn industry, to a halt. The event organizer Live Nation will “pull the plug” on its operations and close offices for the day; radio shows will go silent; MTV, VH1, Comedy Central and other ViacomCBS-owned channels will “go dark”. #TheShowMustBePaused: music industry plans day of silence for George Floyd Read more
2 Jun 2020 07.00 BST Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka has added her voice to protests over George Floyd’s death.
Osaka, who was born in Japan to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, has previously passed her time in quarantine posting lighthearted selfies in stylish clothes or by the side of a pool.
But her social media feed changed following Floyd’s death, as she posted news footage of his death and the statement “There comes a time when silence is betrayal” as well as tweeting: Just because it isn’t happening to you doesn’t mean it isn’t happening at all. — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 29, 2020 On Monday she posted on Twitter:
When you tweet about the lootings before you tweet about the death of an unarmed black man 🤡🤡🤡🤡 — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) June 1, 2020 Osaka joins other sports figures in speaking out against racism and police violence, including basketball great Michael Jordan and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.
2 Jun 2020 06.48 BST Floyd Mayweather to pay for George Floyd's funeral Former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has offered to pay for George Floyd’s funeral and memorial services, and the family has accepted the offer, AP reports. Mayweather personally has been in touch with the family, according to Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions. He will handle costs for the funeral on June 9 in Floyd’s hometown of Houston, as well as other expenses. Former five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather’s promotional company confirmed an offer has been made. Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP TMZ originally reported Mayweather’s offer.
“He’ll probably get mad at me for saying that, but yes, he is definitely paying for the funeral,” Ellerbe told ESPN.com on Monday.
Floyd Mayweather offers to cover funeral costs for George Floyd Read more
2 Jun 2020 06.40 BST “We’ve reached the ‘mad emperor’ stage, and it’s terrifying to behold,” writes Guardian columnist Richard Wolffe. In the week since George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officers, Trump has watched and tweeted helplessly as the nation he pretends to lead has reached its breaking point. After decades of supposedly legal police beatings and murders, the protests have swept America’s cities more quickly than even coronavirus. This is no coincidence of timing. In other crises, in other eras, there have been presidents who understood their most basic duty: to calm the violence and protect the people. In this crisis, however, we have a president who built his entire political career as a gold-painted tower to incite violence. We've reached the 'mad emperor' stage, and it's terrifying to behold | Richard Wolffe Read more


theguardian--2020-06-02--John Sentamu: I would join George Floyd protests

The archbishop of York has said he would join protests over the death of George Floyd but violence should not be part of the action .
John Sentamu , the most senior black leader in the Church of England , who retires on Sunday , said he was shielding at present , but added : “ I certainly would want to join [ the protests ] .
But at the moment it turns to violence , I wouldn ’ t be there because I don ’ t believe violence is the same as going out and protesting .
“ People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not use violence , because I ’ m afraid you can end up in trouble and arrested.
” Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme , Sentamu was also critical of Donald Trump ’ s threat to use troops against protesters in US cities .
“ People sometimes think that because you ’ ve got the power and the authority , you can abuse that authority .
Martin Luther King said violence causes as many problems as it solve … darkness can not drive out darkness , only light can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate , only love can do that.
” he said .
“ The problem is America has not been listening to the real problems of African Americans and people of colour.
” The country had not “ dealt with this endemic brutality that some people experience from people in uniform ” .
Although he condemned violence from protesters and authorities , he said people who had watched the video of a police officer kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck were “ saying enough is enough ” .
“ Many in moments of anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage in riots , ” he said .
Governments must “ listen to the voices of those who are really telling it as it is .
Isn ’ t it shocking that people who have died in large numbers … of Covid-19 come from mainly minority groups ?
… We ought to be holding a mirror to ourselves.
” He added : “ I want to plead with my brothers and sisters that what is called for is restorative justice , where truth , justice , mercy , peace meet.
” But some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being heard and , as Victor Hugo said , sometimes violence is the only response ” .
He suggested people put a light in their windows to show solidarity over Floyd ’ s death .
Sentamu , who came to the UK from Uganda in 1974 , is retiring after 15 years as archbishop of York .
He will be succeeded by Stephen Cottrell , the bishop of Chelmsford .
In the late 90s , Sentamu served as an adviser on the MacPherson inquiry into the murder of the black teenager Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case .
He also chaired a review of the police investigation into the death of Damilola Taylor , a 10-year-old black schoolboy who was stabbed to death in south London in 2000 .

The archbishop of York has said he would join protests over the death of George Floyd but condemned any use of violence.
John Sentamu, the most senior black leader in the Church of England, who retires on Sunday, said he was shielding at present, but added: “I certainly would want to join [the protests]. But at the moment it turns to violence, I wouldn’t be there because I don’t believe violence is the same as going out and protesting.
“People should have the right to protest but not use violence, because I’m afraid you can end up in trouble and arrested.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sentamu was also critical of Donald Trump’s threat to use troops against protesters in US cities.
“People sometimes think that because you’ve got the power and the authority, you can abuse that authority. Martin Luther King said violence causes as many problems as it solve … darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” he said.
“The problem is America has not been listening to the real problems of African Americans and people of colour.”
The country had not “dealt with this endemic brutality that some people experience from people in uniform”.
Later on Tuesday, the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said white Christians should “repent of our own prejudices, and do the urgent work of becoming better allies to our brothers and sisters of colour”.
He added: “Centuries-old racism and white supremacy are a root cause of the suffering of black and minority ethnic communities here, in the USA and around the world. We must pray and work together for a new and more just society.”
Paul Bayes, the bishop of Liverpool, posted a picture of Trump holding a Bible outside St John’s Episcopal church in Washington DC, known as the church of the presidents, with the caption: “This is a good book. Extracts: ‘God is love.’ ‘Love your enemies’. ‘May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people … #BlackLivesMatter”
Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, tweeted: “Now is a time to listen, and to learn. We stand together for dignity, equality and justice. #BlackLivesMatter”.
Although Sentamu condemned violence from protesters and authorities, he said people who had watched the video of a police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck were “saying enough is enough”.
“Many in moments of anger, in moments of deep bitterness, engage in riots,” he said.
Governments must “listen to the voices of those who are really telling it as it is. Isn’t it shocking that people who have died in large numbers … of Covid-19 come from mainly minority groups? … We ought to be holding a mirror to ourselves.”
He added: “I want to plead with my brothers and sisters that what is called for is restorative justice, where truth, justice, mercy, peace meet.” But some people “don’t feel they are being heard and, as Victor Hugo said, sometimes violence is the only response”.
He suggested people put a light in their windows to show solidarity over Floyd’s death.
Sentamu, who came to the UK from Uganda in 1974, is retiring after 15 years as archbishop of York. He will be succeeded by Stephen Cottrell, the bishop of Chelmsford.
In the late 1990s, Sentamu served as an adviser on the MacPherson inquiry into the murder of the black teenager Stephen Lawrence and the police mishandling of the case. He also chaired a review of the police investigation into the death of Damilola Taylor, a 10-year-old black schoolboy who was stabbed to death in south London in 2000.


theguardian--2020-06-02--Donald Trump threatens to deploy army as teargas fired so he can pose at church

Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the US military to quell civil unrest – even as teargas was fired against nearby peaceful protesters to grant him a photo opportunity .
In a highly choreographed move , the president gave brief remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Monday while , a short distance away , military police and law enforcement suddenly used teargas , rubber bullets and flash-bangs to chase away demonstrators protesting against the death of George Floyd .
TV footage showed people running , falling and scrambling for safety as officers removed them by force .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because she was injured and unable to walk .
Military vehicles rolled out on Pennsylvania Avenue .
The unprovoked action cleared the way for Trump to cross the street and visit St John ’ s church , which since 1816 has been the “ Church of the Presidents ” , and where a fire burned in the basement amid unrest on Sunday night .
He held aloft a Bible and posed for cameras , and was then joined by the attorney general , William Barr , and other officials , including the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Donald Trump just tear-gassed peaceful protesters for a photo op , ” tweeted Kamala Harris , Democratic senator for California .
Trump ’ s short speech in golden evening light was intended to cast him as a military strongman determined to bring a restive nation to heel as it suffered spasms of unrest after the killing of Floyd , an African American man , by a white police officer in Minneapolis .
“ I am your president of law and order , ” Trump said .
“ I am mobilising all available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the rioting and looting , to end the destruction and arson and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans , including your second amendment rights.
” He vowed to crack down on “ professional anarchists , looters , criminals , antifa and others ” whose actions had “ gripped ” America .
The foreboding speech was delivered ahead of what appeared to be an especially bloody night , with reports of violence both by and against the police .
In St. Louis , four police officers were wounded by gunfire after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Buffalo , two people were injured when a car rammed into a line of police .
Shootings involving police were also reported in Las Vegas .
Authorities in the Chicago suburb of Cicero , where protests have been held , said two people had been killed , although they did not identify the victims or circumstances .
In an attempt to quell the unrest , cities across the country had imposed curfews , in some cases giving residents just hours ’ or minutes ’ notice .
In Philadelphia , where the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour ’ s warning , emergency alerts went off in unison on demonstrators ’ phones – but they remained undeterred , chanting , “ Whose streets ?
Our streets.
” The mood intensified as the night wore on and curfews came into effect , with police using forceful tactics to clear the streets .
In Baltimore , thousands marched through the city , where five years ago the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray in police custody sparked days of similarly turbulent demonstrations .
Maine , one of the whitest states in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Minneapolis , where Floyd lived and was killed , thousands gathered peacefully outside the governor ’ s mansion and moved on to the state capitol .
In New Orleans , a large march moved through the city .
Trump , who had taken part in a teleconference with state governors earlier in the day , urging them to get tougher or “ look like a bunch of jerks ” , threatened to send in the military against the wishes of state and city officials .
“ Today , I have strongly recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets , ” he said .
“ Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming presence until the violence is quelled .
“ If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
” The president added : “ I am also taking swift and decisive action to protect our capital , Washington DC ... As we speak , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed soldiers , military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting , looting , vandalism , assaults and wanton destruction of property .
We are putting everybody on warning.
” Trump would have to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty personnel to conduct law enforcement on US soil .
It was used by President George H W Bush during the Los Angeles riots in 1992 .
Trump spoke briefly of Floyd in the beginning of his comments , but said nothing about police brutality or racial injustice in America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Episcopal bishop of Washington , told the Washington Post : “ I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not given even a courtesy call , that they would be clearing [ the area ] with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop.
” Trump ’ s message is at odds with the values of love and tolerance espoused by the church , Budde said , before describing the president ’ s visit as an opportunity to use the church , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Laurence Tribe , a constitutional law professor at Harvard University , tweeted : “ Peaceful protesters were gassed and shot with rubber bullets to clear away a space near a church to give Trump a photo-op waving a bible flanked by AG Barr and Sec Def Esper .
Monstrous .
Anticonstitutional .
”

Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the US military to quell civil unrest – even as teargas was fired against nearby peaceful protesters to grant him a photo opportunity.
In a highly choreographed move, the president gave brief remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Monday while, a short distance away, military police and law enforcement suddenly used teargas, rubber bullets and flash-bangs to chase away demonstrators protesting against the death of George Floyd.
TV footage showed people running, falling and scrambling for safety as officers removed them by force. One woman was carried away by fellow protesters because she was injured and unable to walk. Military vehicles rolled out on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The unprovoked action cleared the way for Trump to cross the street and visit St John’s church, which since 1816 has been the “Church of the Presidents”, and where a fire burned in the basement amid unrest on Sunday night. He held aloft a Bible and posed for cameras, and was then joined by the attorney general, William Barr, and other officials, including the White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.
Donald Trump holds a Bible while visiting St John’s church across from the White House after the area was cleared of protesters on Monday. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
“Donald Trump just tear-gassed peaceful protesters for a photo op,” tweeted Kamala Harris, Democratic senator for California.
Trump’s short speech in golden evening light was intended to cast him as a military strongman determined to bring a restive nation to heel as it suffered spasms of unrest after the killing of Floyd, an African American man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis.
“I am your president of law and order,” Trump said. “I am mobilising all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your second amendment rights.”
He vowed to crack down on “professional anarchists, looters, criminals, antifa and others” whose actions had “gripped” America.
02:13 'It's about time we stand up': the voices of the George Floyd protests – video
The foreboding speech was delivered ahead of what appeared to be an especially bloody night, with reports of violence both by and against the police.
In St Louis, four police officers were wounded by gunfire after a previously peaceful protest turned violent, while in Buffalo, two people were injured when a car rammed into a line of police.
Shootings involving police were also reported in Las Vegas. Authorities in the Chicago suburb of Cicero, where protests have been held, said two people had been killed, although they did not identify the victims or circumstances.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, cities across the country had imposed curfews, in some cases giving residents just hours or minutes’ notice.
In Philadelphia, where the mayor announced a 6pm curfew with about half an hour’s warning, emergency alerts went off in unison on demonstrators’ phones – but they remained undeterred, chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets.”
The mood intensified as the night wore on and curfews came into effect, with police using forceful tactics to clear the streets.
In Baltimore, thousands marched through the city, where five years ago the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray in police custody sparked days of similarly turbulent demonstrations. Maine, one of the whitest states in the US, also saw large demonstrations.
In Minneapolis, where Floyd lived and was killed, thousands gathered peacefully outside the governor’s mansion and moved on to the state capital. In New Orleans, a large march moved through the city.
03:20 Trump threatens to deploy military against protesters – video
Trump, who had taken part in a teleconference with state governors earlier in the day, urging them to get tougher or “look like a bunch of jerks”, threatened to send in the military against the wishes of state and city officials.
“Today, I have strongly recommended to every governor to deploy the national guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets,” he said. “Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming presence until the violence is quelled.
“If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
The president added: “I am also taking swift and decisive action to protect our capital, Washington DC ... As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and wanton destruction of property. We are putting everybody on warning.”
Trump would have to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty personnel to conduct law enforcement on US soil. It was used by President George H W Bush during the Los Angeles riots in 1992.
Trump spoke briefly of Floyd in the beginning of his comments, but said nothing about police brutality or racial injustice in America.
Donald Trump walks back to the White House escorted by the Secret Service after appearing outside St John’s Episcopal church on Monday. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
The Right Rev Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, told the Washington Post: “I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not given even a courtesy call, that they would be clearing [the area] with teargas so they could use one of our churches as a prop.”
Trump’s message is at odds with the values of love and tolerance espoused by the church, Budde said, before describing the president’s visit as an opportunity to use the church, and a Bible, as a “backdrop”.
Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard University, tweeted: “Peaceful protesters were gassed and shot with rubber bullets to clear away a space near a church to give Trump a photo-op waving a bible flanked by AG Barr and Sec Def Esper. Monstrous. Anticonstitutional.”


theguardian--2020-06-02--America isn't breaking. It was already broken, and these are just the symptoms | Andrew Gawthorpe

Look at America today and you see a land defined by death .
People are dying alone in hospital beds and bedrooms .
They ’ re dying in the streets .
They ’ re dying inside as the economy collapses around them and their hopes for tomorrow evaporate .
They ’ re dying because they can ’ t breathe .
Try to explain it all – much less cope with it – and our powers fail us .
The reasons are too numerous , the enemies too powerful .
How does a nation deal , all at once , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetent to protect it from ; with an economic collapse unlike anything in living memory – and perhaps anything in modern history ; with an explosion of rage on the streets , the fire sparked by the murder of George Floyd and the kindling heaped generously on top by centuries – centuries – of white supremacy ?
Each of these tragedies affects black Americans uniquely , disproportionately .
Any explanation has to begin there , with the racial disparities and oppressions which divide the nation – not only because they illustrate the failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just because they fuel the unrest in the streets today , but most of all because they sustain in power the forces which are continuing to tear America further apart .
What many white Americans are experiencing as a moment of acute crisis is just a sampling of the chronic crisis of disease , economic hardship and state violence that shapes the black experience in America .
Black Americans have higher rates of chronic illness , including shockingly high rates of infant mortality .
The median wealth of a black household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white household .
In Minneapolis , where the protests began , the median white family has double the income of the median black family .
And statistics show that nationwide , one in every thousand black men can expect to be killed by police over the course of their lifetime – a rate 2.5 times that of white men .
Given this baseline , it is no surprise that today ’ s problems also have an outsize impact on black Americans .
Black Americans are dying of coronavirus at nearly three times the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact of coronavirus for the poorest Americans has been blunted for now , expanded unemployment checks will stop coming at the end of July .
When that happens , black Americans will suffer disproportionately .
Meanwhile , videos circulating on social media of America ’ s poorly trained and over-armed law enforcement agencies meting out violence show what happens whenever they attempt to protest their plight .
But to understand what has gone wrong with America , we have to widen the lens .
It is fashionable to refer to racism as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a phrase which assigns culpability to previous generations while ignoring how decisions in the here and now perpetuate America ’ s failure to live up to the promise of the founding .
But racism doesn ’ t just inflict specific blows , both physical and psychic , on black Americans and other Americans of color .
It is used cynically as a means of maintaining power by the same leaders who are currently failing so disastrously to deal with economic and public health tragedies that are affecting all Americans , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump is , in a sense , incidental to this story – a lucky opportunist who was in the right place at the right time .
More significant are the forces which propelled him to power and stuck by him long past the time it became clear he had no business being there .
Republicans have chosen to pin their own fate and that of the nation on a law-breaking , racist , corrupt ignoramus for so long as he embodies the white grievance which now defines their politics .
Even with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the authorities collapsing and blood in the streets , what used to be called the conservative movement – but what we should now call the Trump movement – sticks by a president who has manifestly made each of these crises worse .
There is no way to escape the American carnage unfolding across the nation without tackling this truth head on .
The last few years , then the last few days , have confirmed it .
The forces of white rage and entitled grievance are willing to see America destroyed before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their own power .
America will still exist , of course , but only as a place rather than a promise .
Every act of state violence , every deranged presidential tweet encouraging it , every act of disenfranchisement , every elected official who looks on and does nothing to stop it – they are all choking that promise away .
One breath at a time .
• None Andrew Gawthorpe is a historian of the United States at Leiden University in the Netherlands

Look at America today and you see a land defined by death. People are dying alone in hospital beds and bedrooms. They’re dying in the streets. They’re dying inside as the economy collapses around them and their hopes for tomorrow evaporate. They’re dying because they can’t breathe.
Try to explain it all – much less cope with it – and our powers fail us. The reasons are too numerous, the enemies too powerful. How does a nation deal, all at once, with a deadly pandemic which its government is incompetent to protect it from; with an economic collapse unlike anything in living memory – and perhaps anything in modern history; with an explosion of rage on the streets, the fire sparked by the murder of George Floyd and the kindling heaped generously on top by centuries – centuries – of white supremacy?
Each of these tragedies affects black Americans uniquely, disproportionately. Any explanation has to begin there, with the racial disparities and oppressions which divide the nation – not only because they illustrate the failure of America to deliver on its promise, not just because they fuel the unrest in the streets today, but most of all because they sustain in power the forces which are continuing to tear America further apart.
What many white Americans are experiencing as a moment of acute crisis is just a sampling of the chronic crisis of disease, economic hardship and state violence that shapes the black experience in America. Black Americans have higher rates of chronic illness, including shockingly high rates of infant mortality. The median wealth of a black household is just a tenth that of a white household. In Minneapolis, where the protests began, the median white family has double the income of the median black family. And statistics show that nationwide, one in every thousand black men can expect to be killed by police over the course of their lifetime – a rate 2.5 times that of white men.
Given this baseline, it is no surprise that today’s problems also have an outsize impact on black Americans. Black Americans are dying of coronavirus at nearly three times the rate of white Americans. Although the economic impact of coronavirus for the poorest Americans has been blunted for now, expanded unemployment checks will stop coming at the end of July. When that happens, black Americans will suffer disproportionately. Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media of America’s poorly trained and over-armed law enforcement agencies meting out violence show what happens whenever they attempt to protest their plight.
Despite his deep culpability, Donald Trump is, in a sense, incidental to this story
But to understand what has gone wrong with America, we have to widen the lens. It is fashionable to refer to racism as America’s “original sin”, a phrase which assigns culpability to previous generations while ignoring how decisions in the here and now perpetuate America’s failure to live up to the promise of the founding. But racism doesn’t just inflict specific blows, both physical and psychic, on black Americans and other Americans of color. It is used cynically as a means of maintaining power by the same leaders who are currently failing so disastrously to deal with economic and public health tragedies that are affecting all Americans, regardless of color.
Despite his deep culpability, Donald Trump is, in a sense, incidental to this story – a lucky opportunist who was in the right place at the right time. More significant are the forces which propelled him to power and stuck by him long past the time it became clear he had no business being there. Republicans have chosen to pin their own fate and that of the nation on a law-breaking, racist, corrupt ignoramus for so long as he embodies the white grievance which now defines their politics. Even with disease ravaging the land, public trust in the authorities collapsing and blood in the streets, what used to be called the conservative movement – but what we should now call the Trump movement – sticks by a president who has manifestly made each of these crises worse.
There is no way to escape the American carnage unfolding across the nation without tackling this truth head on. The last few years, then the last few days, have confirmed it. The forces of white rage and entitled grievance are willing to see America destroyed before they are willing to allow a dilution of their own power. America will still exist, of course, but only as a place rather than a promise. Every act of state violence, every deranged presidential tweet encouraging it, every act of disenfranchisement, every elected official who looks on and does nothing to stop it – they are all choking that promise away. One breath at a time.


theguardian--2020-06-02--Has Trump declared war on the US to save his own skin? | Arwa Mahdawi

Did Donald Trump just declare war on the US ?
Because that is certainly what it sounded like .
After spending the weekend hiding in a bunker and firing off incendiary tweets , Trump finally addressed the country on Monday evening .
In his first official speech since the killing of George Floyd by police sparked global protests , # BunkerBoy stood in the White House Rose Garden and threatened to mobilise the American military against the American people .
Branding himself the “ president of law and order ” , Trump vowed that , if violence and looting continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action , he would “ deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem ” .
It is no exaggeration to say that the president of the US , the country that likes to declare itself the world ’ s greatest democracy , threatened to implement martial law .
It feels as if the US is at a turning point .
The unrest sweeping the country could be the undoing of Trump – or it could dramatically increase his power .
Which will it be ?
Toss a coin .
Heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of Trump ’ s presidency , tails means we can expect another term .
I am not being flippant ; I am trying to be realistic .
There has been a lot of speculation about how the protests will affect Trump ’ s chance of re-election , but the truth is that none of us , not even a very stable genius such as me , know how this will play out .
By rights , a million different crises – from the Russia investigation to the disputed accusation that he raped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of the pandemic – should have sunk Trump by now .
But when it comes to this president , the normal rules do not seem to apply .
One week , Trump is suggesting that we inject bleach to ward off the coronavirus , the next he is threatening martial law .
Everyone is shocked for a second , then we move on to his next drama .
There is a school of thought that argues the urban uprisings in the US will help Trump .
There have been numerous comparisons to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-riot backlash and rode a law-and-order platform to electoral victory .
Trump seems to be trying his best to pull a Nixon .
Before his extraordinary speech on Monday , he held an equally extraordinary video conference with governors and law enforcement officials .
On the call , Trump told participants that they were “ weak ” and needed to “ dominate ” the protesters .
“ You ’ ve got to arrest people , you have to track people , you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Trump said .
In other words : lock up a lot of people who might not vote for him .
That is one way to win an election .
There is another school of thought , however , that reckons this moment will harm Trump more than it helps him .
He may be trying to ape Nixon , but there are enormous differences between 1968 and 2020 – not least the fact that Nixon was running against a sitting president , not trying to win a second term .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the unrest , but he can ’ t get around the fact that he is the president .
He is the one who is supposed to be in charge .
Again , it is too early to say how the situation will play out for Trump .
It is , however , fair to say that Trump is in trouble – and he knows it .
The protests don ’ t exist in a vacuum : the coronavirus crisis means one in four American workers has filed for unemployment benefits and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to see prolonged job losses .
Trump is also doing very badly in the polls : Joe Biden has a 10-point lead over him in an ABC News/Washington Post poll from Sunday and the president ’ s approval rating has dipped below 43 % .
Trump is in trouble , which means trouble for the US .
As the president made clear in his speech on Monday , he will not disappear without a fight – no matter how much collateral damage that causes .

Did Donald Trump just declare war on the US? Because that is certainly what it sounded like.
After spending the weekend hiding in a bunker and firing off incendiary tweets, Trump finally addressed the country on Monday evening. In his first official speech since the killing of George Floyd by police sparked global protests, #BunkerBoy stood in the White House Rose Garden and threatened to mobilise the American military against the American people. Branding himself the “president of law and order”, Trump vowed that, if violence and looting continued, and mayors and governors did not take action, he would “deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem”. It is no exaggeration to say that the president of the US, the country that likes to declare itself the world’s greatest democracy, threatened to implement martial law.
It feels as if the US is at a turning point. The unrest sweeping the country could be the undoing of Trump – or it could dramatically increase his power. Which will it be? Toss a coin. Heads means this is the beginning of the end of Trump’s presidency, tails means we can expect another term.
I am not being flippant; I am trying to be realistic. There has been a lot of speculation about how the protests will affect Trump’s chance of re-election, but the truth is that none of us, not even a very stable genius such as me, know how this will play out. By rights, a million different crises – from the Russia investigation to the disputed accusation that he raped the journalist E Jean Carroll to his handling of the pandemic – should have sunk Trump by now. But when it comes to this president, the normal rules do not seem to apply. One week, Trump is suggesting that we inject bleach to ward off the coronavirus, the next he is threatening martial law. Everyone is shocked for a second, then we move on to his next drama.
There is a school of thought that argues the urban uprisings in the US will help Trump. There have been numerous comparisons to 1968, when Richard Nixon exploited an anti-riot backlash and rode a law-and-order platform to electoral victory. Trump seems to be trying his best to pull a Nixon. Before his extraordinary speech on Monday, he held an equally extraordinary video conference with governors and law enforcement officials. On the call, Trump told participants that they were “weak” and needed to “dominate” the protesters. “You’ve got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you’ll never see this stuff again,” Trump said. In other words: lock up a lot of people who might not vote for him. That is one way to win an election.
There is another school of thought, however, that reckons this moment will harm Trump more than it helps him. He may be trying to ape Nixon, but there are enormous differences between 1968 and 2020 – not least the fact that Nixon was not trying to win a second term. Trump is doing his best to blame Democrats for the unrest, but he can’t get around the fact that he is the president. He is the one who is supposed to be in charge.
Again, it is too early to say how the situation will play out for Trump. It is, however, fair to say that Trump is in trouble – and he knows it. The protests don’t exist in a vacuum: the coronavirus crisis means one in four American workers has filed for unemployment benefits and some of the country’s swing states are expected to see prolonged job losses. Trump is also doing very badly in the polls: Joe Biden has a 10-point lead over him in an ABC News/Washington Post poll from Sunday and the president’s approval rating has dipped below 43%. Trump is in trouble, which means trouble for the US. As the president made clear in his speech on Monday, he will not disappear without a fight – no matter how much collateral damage that causes.