csmonitor--2020-08-28--First Black National Convention puts reform on the agenda

Black Lives Matter activists are holding their first Black National Convention Friday , a virtual event that will adopt a political agenda calling for slavery reparations , universal basic income , environmental justice , and legislation that entirely re-imagines criminal justice reform .
The gathering follows Democratic and Republican party conventions that laid out starkly different visions for America .
It also comes on the heels of yet another shooting by a white police officer of a Black man – Jacob Blake – in Kenosha , Wisconsin , that sparked days of protests , unrest , and violence .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington , where the families of an ever-growing list of police and vigilante violence victims will appear with civil rights leaders .
Friday ’ s live-stream broadcast will include policy proposals on such issues as voter suppression , reproductive rights , inequality in public education , housing insecurity , and inter-communal violence , according to its agenda , shared exclusively with The Associated Press .
“ These are absolutely public policies that the Democratic Party , state and local officials , or anyone who is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , ” said Jessica Byrd , who leads the Electoral Justice Project of the Movement for Black Lives , a coalition of more than 150 Black groups organizing the event .
In 2016 , the coalition released its “ Vision for Black Lives ” policy platform which included early proposals for defunding police .
The new agenda revamps much of that original platform with specific proposals that could lead to an eventual abolition of the criminal justice system as it exists today .
It takes on the pledge Wednesday by Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who defended police and called for an end to unrest in cities where arson , looting , and violence have followed peaceful protests over police brutality .
“ Under President Trump , we will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line , ” Mr. Pence declared .
“ And we ’ re not going to defund the police .
Not now , not ever.
” Similar to the Democratic and Republican conventions , much of Friday ’ s Black Lives gathering will feature pre-taped conversations , performances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the issues , and addresses by Black organizers in California , Minnesota , Kentucky , and Wisconsin .
Earlier this week , yet another flashpoint put police brutality in the national spotlight : The police shooting Sunday in Kenosha that left Mr. Blake paralyzed , according to his lawyers .
The protests and unrest that followed left two people dead Tuesday .
“ Anyone who is watching , who is both enraged or looking for action , will find a space ” in the Black National Convention , Ms. Byrd said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website BlackNovember.org , was directed by award-winning writer and filmmaker dream hampton , who won acclaim last year for the “ Surviving R. Kelly ” docuseries .
Hosts include activist and TV actress Angelica Ross of “ Pose ” and “ American Horror Story ” fame , along with Phillip Agnew and Kayla Reed , veterans of the Trayvon Martin protests and Ferguson Uprising , respectively .
“ I have long thought there was great storytelling to do in the world of Black activism , ” Ms. hampton told the AP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these organizers who get things done.
” Speakers include Patrisse Cullors , a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network ; Tarana Burke , founder of the # MeToo movement ; Raquel Willis , a writer and transgender rights activist ; and Eddie Glaude , chairman of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University .
The Black National Convention was originally planned to take place in-person in Detroit , the nation ’ s Blackest major city .
But as the coronavirus pandemic exploded in March , organizers shifted to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be the largest gathering of Black activists and artists , albeit virtual , since the historic 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary , Indiana , which concluded with the introduction of a national Black agenda .
Earlier in the day on Friday , the Rev .
Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III , a son of the late civil rights icon , will hold a commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom .
Mr. Sharpton and Mr. King will be joined at the Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Breonna Taylor , Rayshard Brooks , and Mr. Blake , as well as representatives of the Martin and Eric Garner families .
The Black National Convention broadcast begins after the D.C. march has concluded .
“ This is truly for Black people , to sit on our porches , or on the train , or socially distanced in a park , and to be like , ‘ Look at us , ’ ” Ms. Byrd said .
“ There is nothing that we can ’ t do .
And everything good in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Black Lives Matter activists are holding their first Black National Convention Friday, a virtual event that will adopt a political agenda calling for slavery reparations, universal basic income, environmental justice, and legislation that entirely re-imagines criminal justice reform.
The gathering follows Democratic and Republican party conventions that laid out starkly different visions for America. It also comes on the heels of yet another shooting by a white police officer of a Black man – Jacob Blake – in Kenosha, Wisconsin, that sparked days of protests, unrest, and violence.
And it comes on the same day as a commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington, where the families of an ever-growing list of police and vigilante violence victims will appear with civil rights leaders.
Friday’s live-stream broadcast will include policy proposals on such issues as voter suppression, reproductive rights, inequality in public education, housing insecurity, and inter-communal violence, according to its agenda, shared exclusively with The Associated Press.
“These are absolutely public policies that the Democratic Party, state and local officials, or anyone who is looking to serve Black people can take up now,” said Jessica Byrd, who leads the Electoral Justice Project of the Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 Black groups organizing the event.
In 2016, the coalition released its “Vision for Black Lives” policy platform which included early proposals for defunding police. The new agenda revamps much of that original platform with specific proposals that could lead to an eventual abolition of the criminal justice system as it exists today.
It takes on the pledge Wednesday by Vice President Mike Pence at the Republican National Convention, who defended police and called for an end to unrest in cities where arson, looting, and violence have followed peaceful protests over police brutality.
“Under President Trump, we will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line,” Mr. Pence declared. “And we’re not going to defund the police. Not now, not ever.”
Similar to the Democratic and Republican conventions, much of Friday’s Black Lives gathering will feature pre-taped conversations, performances, and other presentations, including 28 mini-documentaries on the issues, and addresses by Black organizers in California, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
Earlier this week, yet another flashpoint put police brutality in the national spotlight: The police shooting Sunday in Kenosha that left Mr. Blake paralyzed, according to his lawyers. The protests and unrest that followed left two people dead Tuesday.
“Anyone who is watching, who is both enraged or looking for action, will find a space” in the Black National Convention, Ms. Byrd said.
The nearly four-hour-long event, livestreaming on the website BlackNovember.org, was directed by award-winning writer and filmmaker dream hampton, who won acclaim last year for the “Surviving R. Kelly” docuseries. Hosts include activist and TV actress Angelica Ross of “Pose” and “American Horror Story” fame, along with Phillip Agnew and Kayla Reed, veterans of the Trayvon Martin protests and Ferguson Uprising, respectively.
“I have long thought there was great storytelling to do in the world of Black activism,” Ms. hampton told the AP. “The real stars have always been these organizers who get things done.”
Speakers include Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network; Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement; Raquel Willis, a writer and transgender rights activist; and Eddie Glaude, chairman of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University.
The Black National Convention was originally planned to take place in-person in Detroit, the nation’s Blackest major city. But as the coronavirus pandemic exploded in March, organizers shifted to a virtual event.
Friday’s convention is expected to be the largest gathering of Black activists and artists, albeit virtual, since the historic 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana, which concluded with the introduction of a national Black agenda.
Earlier in the day on Friday, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, a son of the late civil rights icon, will hold a commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Mr. Sharpton and Mr. King will be joined at the Lincoln Memorial by the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and Mr. Blake, as well as representatives of the Martin and Eric Garner families.
The Black National Convention broadcast begins after the D.C. march has concluded.
“This is truly for Black people, to sit on our porches, or on the train, or socially distanced in a park, and to be like, ‘Look at us,’” Ms. Byrd said. “There is nothing that we can’t do. And everything good in this country, we’ve been a part of.”
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This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-08-28--NBA players wrestle with how best to effect social change

An unprecedented NBA walkout over racial injustice postponed a second day of the playoffs Thursday , although players pledged to finish the postseason even as they wrestled with their emotions about wanting to bring change in their communities .
For now , the basketball courts in the NBA ’ s virus-free bubble at Disney World remained empty .
And other athletes across the sports world also said they weren ’ t ready to resume playing .
They are still angry and emotional after the shooting of Jacob Blake , a Black man , by police in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the postseason and going home to their communities , but decided Thursday they wanted to continue , according to a person with knowledge of the details .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made .
“ We obviously agree that whether we play or not , we still have to do our best to make change and we still have to do our part in the community , ” Orlando guard Michael Carter-Williams said in a video interview with a Magic public relations official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy , given everything that ’ s going on .
But I think that if we can go out there and do our best and also have a list of things that we want to accomplish , everything gets completed.
” The NBA decided to postpone three more games Thursday to join the three that weren ’ t played a day earlier .
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league hoped to resume Friday or Saturday .
A second night of WNBA games were postponed and other teams and sports pondered whether they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a strike .
This is not a boycott .
This is affirmatively a day of reflection , a day of informed action and mobilization , ” WNBA players ’ union president Nneka Ogwumike said on ESPN .
The NBA ’ s relationship with the White House eroded when Donald Trump was elected ; President Barack Obama was close with some players and officials .
Mr. Trump was critical of the league again Thursday .
“ They ’ ve become like a political organization , and that ’ s not a good thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that the league ’ s ratings are down from previous seasons .
“ I don ’ t think that ’ s a good thing for sports or for the country.
” Earlier Thursday , Vice President Mike Pence ’ s chief of staff Marc Short said in a CNN interview that the NBA protests are “ absurd and silly ” when compared to their response to ongoing human rights violations in China .
But athletes from other major professional sports also say the moment has forced them to act .
Here ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing to call for an end to racial injustice : Major League Baseball : Seven games were postponed Thursday , a day after three games were called off .
“ In this world , I ’ ve always believed , there ’ s two things you can ’ t live without .
It has nothing to do with food and water .
It ’ s love and hope .
And I don ’ t think we ’ re doing a good job in our country giving that to everyone and I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi said .
National Football League : Nine teams canceled practice Thursday .
The league is set to start its season on Sept. 10 .
National Hockey League : Announced Thursday that it postponed two days of playoff games .
The league ’ s games went on as scheduled Wednesday .
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane , who is Black , was vocal about the issue on Twitter , saying it would send “ a clear message that human rights take priority over sports.
” Golf : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside Chicago – less than 100 miles from Kenosha , Wisconsin – went on as scheduled Thursday .
Cameron Champ , who has a Black father and a white mother , wore a black shoe and a white shoe .
On the white shoe he wrote : “ Jacob Blake BLM.
” The LPGA Tour is set to begin play Friday in Rogers , Arkansas .
Tennis : Naomi Osaka will play in the Western & Southern Open semifinals , after all .
A day after saying she would withdraw from the hard-court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black people at the hand of the police ” – prompting the tournament to call off all of Thursday ’ s matches – the two-time Grand Slam champion and former No .
1-ranked player changed course .
Her agent confirmed that Ms. Osaka will face No .
14 Elise Mertens when play resumes at the tournament Friday with the semifinals .
The finals were shifted from Friday to Saturday .
Major League Soccer : Five of six scheduled matches Wednesday were postponed .
Players for the other game , between Nashville SC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already taken the field in preparation for their game before a collective decision was made .
The MLS had no games scheduled for Thursday .
“ We don ’ t want lip service anymore , ” said San Jose ’ s Chris Wondolowski , who is of Native American descent .
“ It ’ s time for actual actions to be made , and time for a change.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP Sports writer Stephen Hawkins in Arlington , Texas , contributed to this report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Brian Mahoney, Tim Reynolds, and Anne M. Peterson

An unprecedented NBA walkout over racial injustice postponed a second day of the playoffs Thursday, although players pledged to finish the postseason even as they wrestled with their emotions about wanting to bring change in their communities.
For now, the basketball courts in the NBA’s virus-free bubble at Disney World remained empty. And other athletes across the sports world also said they weren’t ready to resume playing.
They are still angry and emotional after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. NBA players considered not playing again the rest of the postseason and going home to their communities, but decided Thursday they wanted to continue, according to a person with knowledge of the details. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.
“We obviously agree that whether we play or not, we still have to do our best to make change and we still have to do our part in the community,” Orlando guard Michael Carter-Williams said in a video interview with a Magic public relations official.
“It’s obviously not easy, given everything that’s going on. But I think that if we can go out there and do our best and also have a list of things that we want to accomplish, everything gets completed.”
The NBA decided to postpone three more games Thursday to join the three that weren’t played a day earlier. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league hoped to resume Friday or Saturday.
A second night of WNBA games were postponed and other teams and sports pondered whether they would play on.
“This is not a strike. This is not a boycott. This is affirmatively a day of reflection, a day of informed action and mobilization,” WNBA players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike said on ESPN.
The NBA’s relationship with the White House eroded when Donald Trump was elected; President Barack Obama was close with some players and officials. Mr. Trump was critical of the league again Thursday.
“They’ve become like a political organization, and that’s not a good thing,” Mr. Trump told reporters, noting that the league’s ratings are down from previous seasons. “I don’t think that’s a good thing for sports or for the country.”
Earlier Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff Marc Short said in a CNN interview that the NBA protests are “absurd and silly” when compared to their response to ongoing human rights violations in China.
But athletes from other major professional sports also say the moment has forced them to act. Here’s a look at what they are doing to call for an end to racial injustice:
Major League Baseball: Seven games were postponed Thursday, a day after three games were called off.
“In this world, I’ve always believed, there’s two things you can’t live without. It has nothing to do with food and water. It’s love and hope. And I don’t think we’re doing a good job in our country giving that to everyone and I think that needs to be the focus here,” Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi said.
National Football League: Nine teams canceled practice Thursday. The league is set to start its season on Sept. 10.
National Hockey League: Announced Thursday that it postponed two days of playoff games. The league’s games went on as scheduled Wednesday. San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, who is Black, was vocal about the issue on Twitter, saying it would send “a clear message that human rights take priority over sports.”
Golf: The PGA Tour event at Olympia Fields outside Chicago – less than 100 miles from Kenosha, Wisconsin – went on as scheduled Thursday. Cameron Champ, who has a Black father and a white mother, wore a black shoe and a white shoe. On the white shoe he wrote: “Jacob Blake BLM.” The LPGA Tour is set to begin play Friday in Rogers, Arkansas.
Tennis: Naomi Osaka will play in the Western & Southern Open semifinals, after all. A day after saying she would withdraw from the hard-court event to protest the “continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police” – prompting the tournament to call off all of Thursday’s matches – the two-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1-ranked player changed course. Her agent confirmed that Ms. Osaka will face No. 14 Elise Mertens when play resumes at the tournament Friday with the semifinals. The finals were shifted from Friday to Saturday.
Major League Soccer: Five of six scheduled matches Wednesday were postponed. Players for the other game, between Nashville SC and Orlando City, said they had already taken the field in preparation for their game before a collective decision was made. The MLS had no games scheduled for Thursday.
“We don’t want lip service anymore,” said San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski, who is of Native American descent. “It’s time for actual actions to be made, and time for a change.”
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP Sports writer Stephen Hawkins in Arlington, Texas, contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-08-28--Japan's economic recovery met with challenge as Abe resigns

Japan ’ s longest-serving prime minister , Shinzo Abe , said Friday he is stepping down because a chronic health problem has resurfaced .
He told reporters that it was “ gut wrenching ” to leave many of his goals unfinished .
Concerns about his health began this summer and grew this month when he visited a Tokyo hospital two weeks in a row for unspecified health checkups for a condition he has managed since he was a teenager .
While there is some improvement , there is no guarantee that it will cure his condition and so he decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ It is gut wrenching to have to leave my job before accomplishing my goals , ” Mr. Abe said Friday , mentioning his failure to resolve the issue of Japanese abducted years ago by North Korea , a territorial dispute with Russia , and a revision of Japan ’ s war-renouncing constitution .
He said his health problem was under control until earlier this year but was found to have worsened in June when he had an annual checkup .
“ I decided I should not stay on as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer capable of living up to the people ’ s expectations with confidence , ” Mr. Abe said at a news conference .
In a country once known for its short-tenured prime ministers , the departure marks the end of an unusual era of stability that saw the Japanese leader strike up strong ties with U.S. President Donald Trump even as Mr. Abe ’ s ultra-nationalism riled the Koreas and China .
While he pulled Japan out of recession , the economy has been battered anew by the coronavirus pandemic , and Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal of formally rewriting the U.S.-drafted pacifist constitution because of poor public support .
“ The coronavirus ’ s impact on the economy was a blow to Abe , who was stuck at home and lacking an opportunity to make any achievement or show off his friendship with Trump , and was pushed into a corner , ” said Koichi Nakano , an international politics professor at Sophia University in Tokyo .
Although Mr. Abe left many of his political goals unfinished , he continued to bolster Japan ’ s defense capability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For those who believe the Japan-U.S. alliance is paramount , that was his major achievement , ” Mr. Nakano said .
Mr. Abe is a political blue blood who was groomed to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather , former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi .
His political rhetoric often focused on making Japan a “ normal ” and “ beautiful ” nation with a stronger military and bigger role in international affairs .
Mr. Abe , whose term ends in September 2021 , is expected to stay on until a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the parliament .
Mr. Abe became Japan ’ s youngest prime minister in 2006 , at age 52 , but his overly nationalistic first stint ended abruptly a year later because of his health .
In December 2012 , Mr. Abe returned to power , prioritizing economic measures over his nationalist agenda .
He won six national elections and built a rock-solid grip on power , bolstering Japan ’ s defense role , capability , and its security alliance with the U.S .
He also stepped up patriotic education at schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Abe on Monday became Japan ’ s longest-serving prime minister by consecutive days in office , eclipsing the record of Eisaku Sato , his great-uncle , who served 2,798 days from 1964 to 1972 .
But his second hospital visit Monday accelerated speculation and political maneuvering toward a post-Abe regime .
After his recent hospital visits were reported , top officials from Mr. Abe ’ s Cabinet and the ruling party said he was overworked and badly needed rest .
His health concerns came as his support ratings plunged due to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe impact on the economy , on top of a stream of political scandals , including his own .
There are a slew of politicians eager to replace Mr. Abe .
Shigeru Ishiba , a hawkish former defense minister and Mr. Abe ’ s archrival , is a favorite next leader in media surveys , though he is less popular within the governing party .
A low-key former foreign minister , Fumio Kishida , Defense Minister Taro Kono , Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga , and economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are widely mentioned in Japanese media as potential successors .
Mr. Abe was often upstaged in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by Tokyo Gov .
Yuriko Koike , a former governing party conservative who is seen as a potential prime minister candidate by some .
But she would have to first be elected to parliament to be in the running for the top job .
Analysts say no major change of policy is expected from whoever succeeds Mr. Abe , though Japan may return to an era of short-lived leadership .
The end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stint as prime minister was the beginning of six years of annual leadership change , remembered as an era of “ revolving door ” politics that lacked stability and long-term policies .
When he returned to office in 2012 , Mr. Abe vowed to revitalize the nation and get its economy out of its deflationary doldrums with his “ Abenomics ” formula , which combines fiscal stimulus , monetary easing , and structural reforms .
Perhaps Mr. Abe ’ s biggest regret was his inability to fulfill a long-cherished goal of his grandfather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitution .
Mr. Abe and his ultra-conservative supporters see the U.S.-drafted constitution as a humiliating legacy of Japan ’ s World War II defeat .
He was also unable to achieve his goal of settling several unfinished wartime legacies , including normalizing ties with North Korea , settling island disputes with neighbors , and signing a peace treaty with Russia formally ending their hostilities in World War II .
Mr. Abe said he will focus on his treatment for now and “ continue his political activity and support a new administration as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said Friday he is stepping down because a chronic health problem has resurfaced. He told reporters that it was “gut wrenching” to leave many of his goals unfinished.
Concerns about his health began this summer and grew this month when he visited a Tokyo hospital two weeks in a row for unspecified health checkups for a condition he has managed since he was a teenager. While there is some improvement, there is no guarantee that it will cure his condition and so he decided to step down after treatment Monday, he said.
“It is gut wrenching to have to leave my job before accomplishing my goals,” Mr. Abe said Friday, mentioning his failure to resolve the issue of Japanese abducted years ago by North Korea, a territorial dispute with Russia, and a revision of Japan’s war-renouncing constitution.
He said his health problem was under control until earlier this year but was found to have worsened in June when he had an annual checkup.
“I decided I should not stay on as prime minister when I’m no longer capable of living up to the people’s expectations with confidence,” Mr. Abe said at a news conference.
In a country once known for its short-tenured prime ministers, the departure marks the end of an unusual era of stability that saw the Japanese leader strike up strong ties with U.S. President Donald Trump even as Mr. Abe’s ultra-nationalism riled the Koreas and China. While he pulled Japan out of recession, the economy has been battered anew by the coronavirus pandemic, and Mr. Abe has failed to achieve his cherished goal of formally rewriting the U.S.-drafted pacifist constitution because of poor public support.
“The coronavirus’s impact on the economy was a blow to Abe, who was stuck at home and lacking an opportunity to make any achievement or show off his friendship with Trump, and was pushed into a corner,” said Koichi Nakano, an international politics professor at Sophia University in Tokyo.
Although Mr. Abe left many of his political goals unfinished, he continued to bolster Japan’s defense capability to respond to America’s needs. “For those who believe the Japan-U.S. alliance is paramount, that was his major achievement,” Mr. Nakano said.
Mr. Abe is a political blue blood who was groomed to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi.
His political rhetoric often focused on making Japan a “normal” and “beautiful” nation with a stronger military and bigger role in international affairs.
Mr. Abe, whose term ends in September 2021, is expected to stay on until a new party leader is elected and formally approved by the parliament.
Mr. Abe became Japan’s youngest prime minister in 2006, at age 52, but his overly nationalistic first stint ended abruptly a year later because of his health.
In December 2012, Mr. Abe returned to power, prioritizing economic measures over his nationalist agenda. He won six national elections and built a rock-solid grip on power, bolstering Japan’s defense role, capability, and its security alliance with the U.S. He also stepped up patriotic education at schools and raised Japan’s international profile.
Mr. Abe on Monday became Japan’s longest-serving prime minister by consecutive days in office, eclipsing the record of Eisaku Sato, his great-uncle, who served 2,798 days from 1964 to 1972.
But his second hospital visit Monday accelerated speculation and political maneuvering toward a post-Abe regime.
After his recent hospital visits were reported, top officials from Mr. Abe’s Cabinet and the ruling party said he was overworked and badly needed rest.
His health concerns came as his support ratings plunged due to his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its severe impact on the economy, on top of a stream of political scandals, including his own.
There are a slew of politicians eager to replace Mr. Abe.
Shigeru Ishiba, a hawkish former defense minister and Mr. Abe’s archrival, is a favorite next leader in media surveys, though he is less popular within the governing party. A low-key former foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, Defense Minister Taro Kono, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, and economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is in charge of coronavirus measures, are widely mentioned in Japanese media as potential successors.
Mr. Abe was often upstaged in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, a former governing party conservative who is seen as a potential prime minister candidate by some. But she would have to first be elected to parliament to be in the running for the top job.
Analysts say no major change of policy is expected from whoever succeeds Mr. Abe, though Japan may return to an era of short-lived leadership.
The end of Mr. Abe’s scandal-laden first stint as prime minister was the beginning of six years of annual leadership change, remembered as an era of “revolving door” politics that lacked stability and long-term policies.
When he returned to office in 2012, Mr. Abe vowed to revitalize the nation and get its economy out of its deflationary doldrums with his “Abenomics” formula, which combines fiscal stimulus, monetary easing, and structural reforms.
Perhaps Mr. Abe’s biggest regret was his inability to fulfill a long-cherished goal of his grandfather and himself to formally rewrite the pacifist constitution. Mr. Abe and his ultra-conservative supporters see the U.S.-drafted constitution as a humiliating legacy of Japan’s World War II defeat.
He was also unable to achieve his goal of settling several unfinished wartime legacies, including normalizing ties with North Korea, settling island disputes with neighbors, and signing a peace treaty with Russia formally ending their hostilities in World War II.
Mr. Abe said he will focus on his treatment for now and “continue his political activity and support a new administration as a lawmaker.”
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-08-28--In fiery speech at RNC final day, president pledges 'Trump 2020'

President Donald Trump blasted Joe Biden as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans ’ safety as he accepted his party ’ s renomination Thursday on the South Lawn of the White House .
While the coronavirus kills 1,000 Americans each day , Mr. Trump defied his own administration ’ s pandemic guidelines to speak for more than an hour to a tightly packed , largely maskless crowd .
Facing a moment fraught with racial turmoil , economic collapse , and a national health emergency , Mr. Trump delivered a triumphant , optimistic vision of America ’ s future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could only be secured if he defeated his Democratic foe , who currently has an advantage in most national and battleground state polls .
“ We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years , ” Mr. Trump said , referring to the former senator and vice president ’ s career in Washington .
When Mr. Trump finished , a massive fireworks display went off by the Washington Monument , complete with explosions that spelled out “ Trump 2020.
” His acceptance speech kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a race now fully joined and , despite the pandemic , soon to begin crisscrossing the country .
Mr. Trump ’ s pace of travel will pick up to a near daily pace while Mr. Biden , who has largely weathered the pandemic from this Delaware home , announced Thursday that he will soon resume campaign travel .
Teasing once more that a vaccine could arrive soon , the president promised victory over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 175,000 people , left millions unemployed and rewritten the rules of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his speech , Mr. Trump sought to project a sense of normalcy by throwing caution about the coronavirus aside .
All week long , Republicans at the nonconvention convention tried to create the illusion that the pandemic is largely a thing of the past .
The rows of chairs on the South Lawn were inches apart .
Protective masks were not required , and COVID-19 tests were not administered to everyone .
As his speech brought the scaled-back Republican National Convention to a close , Mr. Trump ’ s incendiary rhetoric risked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of calamities , including the pandemic , a major hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast and nights of protest after Jacob Blake , a Black man , was shot by a white Wisconsin police officer .
Prosecutors charged a white , 17-year-old police admirer with the fatal shooting of two protesters and wounding of a third .
The president spoke from a setting that was both familiar and controversial .
Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events , a huge stage was set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trappings for some of the most important moments of past presidencies .
The speaker ’ s stand was flanked by dozens of American flags and two large video screens .
Trying to run as an insurgent as well as incumbent , Mr. Trump rarely includes calls for unity , even in a time of national uncertainty .
Presenting himself as the last barrier protecting an American way of life under siege from radical forces , Mr. Trump has repeatedly , if not always effectively , tried to portray Mr. Biden – who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool of extreme leftists .
He mocked his opponent ’ s record and famous empathy , suggesting that “ laid off workers in Michigan , Ohio , New Hampshire , Pennsylvania ” don ’ t “ want Joe Biden ’ s hollow words of empathy , they wanted their jobs back.
” In a week of racial tumult , Republicans have claimed that the violence that has erupted in Kenosha , Wisconsin , and some other American cities is to be blamed on Democratic governors and mayors and would only grow worse under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stern rebuke from Mr. Biden .
“ The problem we have right now is that we are in Donald Trump ’ s America , ” Mr. Biden said on MSNBC .
“ He views this as a political benefit to him , he is rooting for more violence , not less .
He is pouring gasoline on the fire.
” Both parties are watching with uncertainty the developments in Wisconsin and cities across the nation , with Republicans leaning hard on support for law and order – with no words offered for Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming that Mr. Biden has not condemned the lawlessness .
Rudy Giuliani , Mr. Trump ’ s personal attorney and New York City ’ s former mayor , declared that Democrats ’ “ silence was so deafening that it reveals an acceptance of this violence because they will accept anything they hope will defeat President Donald Trump.
” Though some of the speakers , unlike on previous nights , offered notes of sympathy to the families of Black men killed by police , Mr. Giuliani also took aim at the Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ANTIFA , was part of the extremist voices pushing Mr. Biden to “ execute their pro-criminal , anti-police policies ” and had “ hijacked the protests into vicious , brutal riots.
” Along with Mr. Biden , running mate Kamala Harris offered counter-programming for Mr. Trump ’ s prime-time speech .
She delivered a speech a half mile from the White House , declaring , “ Donald Trump has failed at the most basic and important job of a president of the United States : He failed to protect the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took to Washington ’ s streets Thursday night , ahead of a march planned for Friday .
New fencing was set up along the White House perimeter to keep the protesters at bay , but some of their shouts and car horns were clearly audible on the South Lawn where more than 1,500 people gathered .
Soon after Mr. Trump began talking , the horns and sirens – which came through occasionally to the millions watching at home – caused some people in the last row to turn around and look for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has defended his handling of the pandemic , touted an expansion of rapid coronavirus testing .
The White House announced Thursday that it had struck a $ 750 million deal to acquire 150 million tests from Abbott Laboratories to be deployed in nursing homes , schools , and other areas with populations at high risk .
Most of the convention has been aimed at former Trump supporters or nonvoters , and has tried to drive up negative impressions of Mr. Biden so that some of his possible backers stay home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at seniors and suburban women .
Four years ago , Mr. Trump declared in his acceptance speech that “ I alone can fix ” the nation ’ s woes , but he has found himself asking voters for another term at the nadir of his presidency , amid the devastating pandemic , crushing unemployment , and real uncertainties about schools and businesses reopening .
Another 1 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week , in numbers released Thursday .
And the U.S. economy shrank at an alarming annual rate of 31.7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the weight of the viral pandemic .
It was sharpest quarterly drop on record .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers Zeke Miller , Jill Colvin , Darlene Superville , and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Jonathan Lemire, Michelle L. Price, and Kevin Freking

President Donald Trump blasted Joe Biden as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans’ safety as he accepted his party’s renomination Thursday on the South Lawn of the White House. While the coronavirus kills 1,000 Americans each day, Mr. Trump defied his own administration’s pandemic guidelines to speak for more than an hour to a tightly packed, largely maskless crowd.
Facing a moment fraught with racial turmoil, economic collapse, and a national health emergency, Mr. Trump delivered a triumphant, optimistic vision of America’s future. But he said that brighter horizon could only be secured if he defeated his Democratic foe, who currently has an advantage in most national and battleground state polls.
“We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the former senator and vice president’s career in Washington.
When Mr. Trump finished, a massive fireworks display went off by the Washington Monument, complete with explosions that spelled out “Trump 2020.”
His acceptance speech kicked off the final stretch of the campaign, a race now fully joined and, despite the pandemic, soon to begin crisscrossing the country. Mr. Trump’s pace of travel will pick up to a near daily pace while Mr. Biden, who has largely weathered the pandemic from this Delaware home, announced Thursday that he will soon resume campaign travel.
Teasing once more that a vaccine could arrive soon, the president promised victory over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 175,000 people, left millions unemployed and rewritten the rules of society. And, in the setting for his speech, Mr. Trump sought to project a sense of normalcy by throwing caution about the coronavirus aside.
All week long, Republicans at the nonconvention convention tried to create the illusion that the pandemic is largely a thing of the past.
The rows of chairs on the South Lawn were inches apart. Protective masks were not required, and COVID-19 tests were not administered to everyone.
As his speech brought the scaled-back Republican National Convention to a close, Mr. Trump’s incendiary rhetoric risked inflaming a divided nation reeling from a series of calamities, including the pandemic, a major hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast and nights of protest after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot by a white Wisconsin police officer. Prosecutors charged a white, 17-year-old police admirer with the fatal shooting of two protesters and wounding of a third.
The president spoke from a setting that was both familiar and controversial. Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events, a huge stage was set up outside the executive mansion, dwarfing the trappings for some of the most important moments of past presidencies. The speaker’s stand was flanked by dozens of American flags and two large video screens.
Trying to run as an insurgent as well as incumbent, Mr. Trump rarely includes calls for unity, even in a time of national uncertainty.
Presenting himself as the last barrier protecting an American way of life under siege from radical forces, Mr. Trump has repeatedly, if not always effectively, tried to portray Mr. Biden – who is considered a moderate Democrat – as a tool of extreme leftists.
He mocked his opponent’s record and famous empathy, suggesting that “laid off workers in Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania” don’t “want Joe Biden’s hollow words of empathy, they wanted their jobs back.”
In a week of racial tumult, Republicans have claimed that the violence that has erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and some other American cities is to be blamed on Democratic governors and mayors and would only grow worse under a Biden administration. That drew a stern rebuke from Mr. Biden.
“The problem we have right now is that we are in Donald Trump’s America,” Mr. Biden said on MSNBC. “He views this as a political benefit to him, he is rooting for more violence, not less. He is pouring gasoline on the fire.”
Both parties are watching with uncertainty the developments in Wisconsin and cities across the nation, with Republicans leaning hard on support for law and order – with no words offered for Black victims of police violence – while falsely claiming that Mr. Biden has not condemned the lawlessness.
Rudy Giuliani, Mr. Trump’s personal attorney and New York City’s former mayor, declared that Democrats’ “silence was so deafening that it reveals an acceptance of this violence because they will accept anything they hope will defeat President Donald Trump.”
Though some of the speakers, unlike on previous nights, offered notes of sympathy to the families of Black men killed by police, Mr. Giuliani also took aim at the Black Lives Matter movement, suggesting that it, along with ANTIFA, was part of the extremist voices pushing Mr. Biden to “execute their pro-criminal, anti-police policies” and had “hijacked the protests into vicious, brutal riots.”
Along with Mr. Biden, running mate Kamala Harris offered counter-programming for Mr. Trump’s prime-time speech. She delivered a speech a half mile from the White House, declaring, “Donald Trump has failed at the most basic and important job of a president of the United States: He failed to protect the American people, plain and simple.”
Some demonstrators took to Washington’s streets Thursday night, ahead of a march planned for Friday. New fencing was set up along the White House perimeter to keep the protesters at bay, but some of their shouts and car horns were clearly audible on the South Lawn where more than 1,500 people gathered. Soon after Mr. Trump began talking, the horns and sirens – which came through occasionally to the millions watching at home – caused some people in the last row to turn around and look for the source of the disturbance.
Mr. Trump, who has defended his handling of the pandemic, touted an expansion of rapid coronavirus testing. The White House announced Thursday that it had struck a $750 million deal to acquire 150 million tests from Abbott Laboratories to be deployed in nursing homes, schools, and other areas with populations at high risk.
Most of the convention has been aimed at former Trump supporters or nonvoters, and has tried to drive up negative impressions of Mr. Biden so that some of his possible backers stay home. Many of the messages were aimed squarely at seniors and suburban women.
Four years ago, Mr. Trump declared in his acceptance speech that “I alone can fix” the nation’s woes, but he has found himself asking voters for another term at the nadir of his presidency, amid the devastating pandemic, crushing unemployment, and real uncertainties about schools and businesses reopening.
Another 1 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, in numbers released Thursday. And the U.S. economy shrank at an alarming annual rate of 31.7% during the April-June quarter as it struggled under the weight of the viral pandemic. It was sharpest quarterly drop on record.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin, Darlene Superville, and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-08-29--Readers write: Seeing Russia’s view, the power of film, and more

I really appreciated the articles on Russia by Fred Weir in the June 22 Monitor Weekly : “ Trust deficit : The roots of Russia ’ s standoff with the West ” and “ Nuclear arms control is ending .
What ’ s next ?
” The former gave a view of how both the Russian government and Russian citizens view the United States – a very different view than how Americans tend to see Russia .
And the fact that Mr. Weir lives in Russia gives added value to his articles .
I am a longtime , cover-to-cover reader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always filled with fascinating , interesting stories and information by journalists and writers who truly know their subjects .
I share articles often with family and friends .
As a film aficionado , I look forward to Peter Rainer ’ s columns – the one in the June 8 Monitor Weekly titled “ Home theater : Satyajit Ray ’ s enthralling world ” about the Indian director was so appreciated .
There is much to learn from other cultures , and films are certainly an avenue for that , especially through auteurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one film to Mr. Rainer ’ s list : “ Pather Panchali , ” a 1950s release whose title translates to “ Song of the Road.
” Mr. Ray was indeed in a class of his own .
I appreciate the Monitor ’ s articles on the topic of calls for police defunding in the July 6 & 13 Monitor Weekly .
“ ‘ Defund the police ’ : What does it really mean ?
” quickly clarified for me that for many protesters , the issue is about reshaping the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the cover story “ Inside the defund drive ” brings many experienced voices into the conversation .
Very hopeful !
Thanks very much .
As a decadeslong Monitor subscriber , I was very disappointed with the cover story “ Inside the defund drive , ” which addressed police department defunding .
To me , it seemed to miss the point .
I believe that the problem rests initially with ineffective and incompetent civilian control of the police by elected officials .
As a longtime Seattle-area resident , I was appalled by how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
The Seattle Police Department was ordered to stand down as riots destroyed property in the city and terrified some residents .
In my opinion , this reaction was mirrored by city managers in many other places – New York , Philadelphia , Portland , San Francisco , Atlanta , Baltimore , and Oakland , to name a few .
I believe that until city management is able to bring basic protection by the rule of law to all its citizens , fine-tuning police procedures , composition , and training is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an exquisite concert hall filled with green plants and a string quartet playing for them in the July 6 & 13 Monitor Weekly , I wept for the sheer beauty of it .
Then I read the caption : “ intended to dramatize the importance of an audience after a lockdown because of the coronavirus.
” So once again , the plants were there to nourish the people , as they always do .
I had assumed it was a concert to nourish the plants – after all , without them there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no music , and no glamorous concert hall .
What an extraordinarily miraculous and holy moment that would have been .

Seeing Russia’s view
I really appreciated the articles on Russia by Fred Weir in the June 22 Monitor Weekly: “Trust deficit: The roots of Russia’s standoff with the West” and “Nuclear arms control is ending. What’s next?” The former gave a view of how both the Russian government and Russian citizens view the United States – a very different view than how Americans tend to see Russia. And the fact that Mr. Weir lives in Russia gives added value to his articles.
Nick Royal
Santa Cruz, California
The power of film
I am a longtime, cover-to-cover reader of The Christian Science Monitor. It is always filled with fascinating, interesting stories and information by journalists and writers who truly know their subjects. I share articles often with family and friends.
As a film aficionado, I look forward to Peter Rainer’s columns – the one in the June 8 Monitor Weekly titled “Home theater: Satyajit Ray’s enthralling world” about the Indian director was so appreciated. There is much to learn from other cultures, and films are certainly an avenue for that, especially through auteurs like Mr. Ray.
I would add one film to Mr. Rainer’s list: “Pather Panchali,” a 1950s release whose title translates to “Song of the Road.” Mr. Ray was indeed in a class of his own.
Jane Keating
Portland, Oregon
Police protests
I appreciate the Monitor’s articles on the topic of calls for police defunding in the July 6 & 13 Monitor Weekly. “‘Defund the police’: What does it really mean?” quickly clarified for me that for many protesters, the issue is about reshaping the role of police instead of totally defunding them. And the cover story “Inside the defund drive” brings many experienced voices into the conversation. Very hopeful! Thanks very much.
Barbara Russell
Hyde Park, Massachusetts
As a decadeslong Monitor subscriber, I was very disappointed with the cover story “Inside the defund drive,” which addressed police department defunding. To me, it seemed to miss the point. I believe that the problem rests initially with ineffective and incompetent civilian control of the police by elected officials.
As a longtime Seattle-area resident, I was appalled by how the city managed recent violent and destructive protests. The Seattle Police Department was ordered to stand down as riots destroyed property in the city and terrified some residents. In my opinion, this reaction was mirrored by city managers in many other places – New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Oakland, to name a few.
I believe that until city management is able to bring basic protection by the rule of law to all its citizens, fine-tuning police procedures, composition, and training is for naught.
Stephen Kratz
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Playing for plants
When I saw the photo of an exquisite concert hall filled with green plants and a string quartet playing for them in the July 6 & 13 Monitor Weekly, I wept for the sheer beauty of it. Then I read the caption: “intended to dramatize the importance of an audience after a lockdown because of the coronavirus.”
So once again, the plants were there to nourish the people, as they always do. I had assumed it was a concert to nourish the plants – after all, without them there would be no life on Earth, no music, and no glamorous concert hall. What an extraordinarily miraculous and holy moment that would have been.
Marianne Lust
Lincoln, Vermont


csmonitor--2020-08-30--Kenosha rally: Calls for police reform and to get out the vote

With chants of “ One person , one vote ! ''
and `` No justice , no peace !
” a crowd of about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside a Wisconsin courthouse Saturday to denounce police violence and share messages of change , a week after an officer shot Jacob Blake in the back and left the 29-year-old Black man paralyzed .
The diverse group of protesters also chanted “ Seven bullets , seven days !
” — a reference to the number of times Blake was shot last Sunday — as they marched toward the courthouse in Kenosha .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sr. , gave an impassioned call for changing a system he described as fostering police brutality and racial inequities .
“ There were seven bullets put in my son ’ s back .
... Hell yeah , I ’ m mad , '' said Blake Sr .
He said he wants to ask the police “ what gave them the right to attempted murder on my child ?
What gave them the right to think that my son was an animal ?
What gave them the right to take something that was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this.
” Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey and two other officers were responding to a domestic dispute call last Sunday when Sheskey shot Blake in the back .
Blake Sr. told reporters on Saturday that his son is heavily sedated , but he has regained consciousness .
“ He ’ s in a lot of pain , ” he said .
“ I just wish I could pick my baby up and make it all right.
” He called for Sheskey to be charged and for the other two officers at the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's speakers encouraged the crowd to vote for change in November , and to push for changing legislation in Wisconsin that would lead to police reform .
“ Justice is a bare minimum , ” Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes said .
“ Justice should be guaranteed to everybody in this country.
” Blake Sr. asked those at the rally to raise their fists with him .
“ We are not going to stop going in the right direction .
We ’ re going to the top ... we ’ re gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only thing that they recognize , ” he said .
Blake Sr. also referred to the May 25 death of George Floyd , a handcuffed Black man who died after a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck .
Said Blake Sr. , “ We all have a knee on the back of our necks , every day.
” One of Blake ’ s sisters , Letetra Widman , said she felt recharged “ to stand up not just for Jacob , but for all the people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , the shooting sparked new protests against racial injustice and police brutality months after Floyd 's death touched off a wider reckoning on race .
Protesters have marched in Kenosha every night since Blake 's shooting , with some protests devolving into unrest with damage to buildings and vehicles .
On Tuesday , two people were killed by an armed civilian .
The commander of the National Guard said Friday that more than 1,000 Guard members had been deployed to help keep the peace , with more on the way .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a 7 p.m. curfew .
More than an hour after curfew , law enforcement officers , including some wearing U.S .
Marshals Service identification , surrounded about a dozen people gathered outside of the Kenosha County Courthouse and made several arrests .
President Donald Trump will visit Kenosha on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement and survey damage from recent demonstrations that turned violent , White House spokesman Judd Deere told reporters traveling with the president Saturday night .
Trump , who toured hurricane-ravaged areas of Louisiana and Texas earlier Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” would visit the city .
Asked to weigh in on Tuesday ’ s shootings in which 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was charged , Trump demurred and said “ it ’ s under investigation ” and that “ we are looking at it very , very carefully.
” Aniyah Ervin , a 16-year-old from Kenosha who is Black , said Saturday that the week has been surreal .
Although she protested against racial injustice over the summer , she said there had been a feeling that police brutality was not a problem in Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shooting “ shows it can happen anywhere.
” Will Turner , who is Black , said he brought his two children from Madison for the march to “ show them the power of peaceful protesting.
” Investigators have said little about what led to Blake 's shooting .
The Kenosha police union said Blake had a knife and fought with officers , putting one of them in a headlock as two efforts to stun him with a Taser were unsuccessful .
State investigators have said only that officers found a knife on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cellphone video recorded by a bystander , Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of an SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns drawn and shout at him .
As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire .
Three of Blake 's children were in the vehicle .
The man who recorded the video , 22-year-old Raysean White , said he heard police yell at Blake , “ Drop the knife !
Drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
White said he did n't see a knife in Blake 's hands .
Forliti reported from Minneapolis .
Associated Press reporters Jennifer Peltz in Kenosha , Kathleen Foody in Chicago and Jill Colvin in Orange , Texas , also contributed .

With chants of “One person, one vote!" and "No justice, no peace!” a crowd of about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside a Wisconsin courthouse Saturday to denounce police violence and share messages of change, a week after an officer shot Jacob Blake in the back and left the 29-year-old Black man paralyzed.
The diverse group of protesters also chanted “Seven bullets, seven days!” – a reference to the number of times Blake was shot last Sunday – as they marched toward the courthouse in Kenosha. There, Mr. Blake's father, Jacob Blake Sr., gave an impassioned call for changing a system he described as fostering police brutality and racial inequities.
“There were seven bullets put in my son’s back. ... Hell yeah, I’m mad," said Mr. Blake Sr. He said he wants to ask the police “what gave them the right to attempted murder on my child? What gave them the right to think that my son was an animal? What gave them the right to take something that was not theirs? I’m tired of this.”
Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey and two other officers were responding to a domestic dispute call last Sunday when Officer Sheskey shot Mr. Blake in the back. Mr. Blake Sr. told reporters on Saturday that his son is heavily sedated, but he has regained consciousness.
“He’s in a lot of pain,” he said. “I just wish I could pick my baby up and make it all right.” He called for Mr. Sheskey to be charged and for the other two officers at the scene to be fired.
Several of Saturday's speakers encouraged the crowd to vote for change in November, and to push for changing legislation in Wisconsin that would lead to police reform.
“Justice is a bare minimum,” Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said. “Justice should be guaranteed to everybody in this country.”
Mr. Blake Sr. asked those at the rally to raise their fists with him. “We are not going to stop going in the right direction. We’re going to the top ... we’re gonna make legislation happen because that’s the only thing that they recognize,” he said.
Mr. Blake Sr. also referred to the May 25 death of George Floyd, a handcuffed Black man who died after a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck. Said Mr. Blake Sr., “We all have a knee on the back of our necks, every day.”
One of Mr. Blake’s sisters, Letetra Widman, said she felt recharged “to stand up not just for Jacob, but for all the people who have not gotten justice.”
Captured on cellphone video, the shooting sparked new protests against racial injustice and police brutality months after Mr. Floyd's death touched off a wider reckoning on race.
Protesters have marched in Kenosha every night since Mr. Blake's shooting, with some protests devolving into unrest with damage to buildings and vehicles. On Tuesday, two people were killed by an armed civilian. The commander of the National Guard said Friday that more than 1,000 Guard members had been deployed to help keep the peace, with more on the way.
Most people dispersed from the protest on Saturday before a 7 p.m. curfew. More than an hour after curfew, law enforcement officers, including some wearing U.S. Marshals Service identification, surrounded about a dozen people gathered outside of the Kenosha County Courthouse and made several arrests.
President Donald Trump will visit Kenosha on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement and survey damage from recent demonstrations that turned violent, White House spokesman Judd Deere told reporters traveling with the president Saturday night. Mr. Trump, who toured hurricane-ravaged areas of Louisiana and Texas earlier Saturday, had told reporters that he “probably” would visit the city.
Asked to weigh in on Tuesday’s shootings in which 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was charged, Mr. Trump demurred and said “it’s under investigation” and that “we are looking at it very, very carefully.”
Aniyah Ervin, a 16-year-old from Kenosha who is Black, said Saturday that the week has been surreal. Although she protested against racial injustice over the summer, she said there had been a feeling that police brutality was not a problem in Kenosha. But, she said, Mr. Blake's shooting “shows it can happen anywhere.”
Will Turner, who is Black, said he brought his two children from Madison for the march to “show them the power of peaceful protesting.”
Investigators have said little about what led to Blake's shooting. The Kenosha police union said Mr. Blake had a knife and fought with officers, putting one of them in a headlock as two efforts to stun him with a Taser were unsuccessful. State investigators have said only that officers found a knife on the floor of the car.
In the cellphone video recorded by a bystander, Mr. Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of an SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns drawn and shout at him. As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV, an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire. Three of Mr. Blake's children were in the vehicle.
The man who recorded the video, 22-year-old Raysean White, said he heard police yell at Mr. Blake, “Drop the knife! Drop the knife!” before gunfire erupted. Mr. White said he didn't see a knife in Mr. Blake's hands.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Associated Press reporters Jennifer Peltz in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Kathleen Foody in Chicago; and Jill Colvin in Orange, Texas, also contributed.


csmonitor--2020-08-31--Monday Sunrise Briefing: Portland death magnifies US divisions

A man wearing a Patriot Prayer hat was fatally shot Saturday evening after a 600-car pro-Trump parade passed through downtown Portland , Oregon .
Witnesses described several violent clashes between the Black Lives Matters activists and the Trump rally goers during the day .
Patriot Prayer is a far-right group that says it seeks to combat “ corruption , big government and tyranny , using God for strength and the power of love , ” according to its Facebook page .
Portland has been the scene of regular violent confrontations between far-right and far-left protesters since George Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the violence underscores his “ law and order ” re-election campaign theme .
Democrats accuse Mr. Trump of trying to stoke violence instead of seeking to reduce tensions .
In Kenosha , Wisconsin , about 1,000 demonstrators marched to the courthouse and held a peaceful rally Saturday .
The messages focused on denouncing police violence , getting out the vote , and supporting Wisconsin legislation leading to police reforms .
State lawmakers return Monday to hold a special session to consider several bills , including a ban on police chokeholds , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency in tracking officers with multiple complaints .
2 .
People power roundup .
Globally , it was also a weekend of protests .
In Mauritius , tens of thousands of people protested Saturday over the slow government response to an oil spill and the discovery of dozens of dead dolphins .
In Berlin , about 300 people were arrested after far-right protesters tried to storm the parliament building following a protest against the country ’ s pandemic restrictions .
And in Belarus , for the third Sunday , an estimated 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President Alexander Lukashenko .
On Saturday , the government cracked down on the media , deporting at least four Russian journalists , including two from The Associated Press , and revoked the accreditation of many Belarusian journalists working for foreign new agencies .
3 .
Post-Laura resilience .
Cleanup and recovering efforts gathered pace this weekend in parts of Louisiana and Texas hit by Hurricane Laura , a Category 4 storm .
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3 storm when it hit 15 years ago on Saturday.
“ This thing cut a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north Louisiana , about 400 miles , ” Republican Sen. John Kennedy told Fox News Sunday .
“ It ’ s probably affected one million to two million people.
” President Trump , FEMA , and Homeland Security officials toured the region Saturday , offering federal help in rebuilding .
But officials in southwestern Louisiana are telling returning residents it could be weeks before water and power return .
Some residents this weekend were grilling roasts , burgers , and chicken before the food goes bad .
Gov .
John Bel Edwards tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been hard , and the road to recovery won ’ t be easy .
But we will recover .
Our strength will show through , as it always does.
” Bridge to peace ?
An El Al flight took off from Israel for the United Arab Emirates with Jared Kushner on board , marking the first direct commercial passenger flight between the two nations after a recent U.S.-brokered deal .
Presidential spotlight .
President Donald Trump plans to visit Kenosha , Wisconsin , to meet with law enforcement officers and survey some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic recovery .
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify at a House hearing about what worked , and what didn ’ t , in the economic stimulus legislation .
Exercising democracy .
Massachusetts holds state primary elections .
This is the first statewide election that has included a vote-by-mail option for all voters .
Hotly contested : Rep. Joe Kennedy III , a grandson of Robert F. Kennedy , is hoping to unseat Sen. Edward Markey .
`` Blood and Oil : Mohammed bin Salman 's Ruthless Quest for Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck , is out in bookstores .
A new symbol .
Earlier this summer , Mississippi lawmakers voted to change the state flag , which bore a Confederate emblem .
The new flag design is expected to go to the legislature and governor for approval .
More democracy .
Jamaicans vote in the country 's general election to select their 63 members of Parliament .
Blockbusters return .
Christopher Nolan ’ s highly anticipated sci-fi film “ Tenet ” debuts in U.S. theaters .
It opened first in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grace and strength on the track .
The Kentucky Derby is scheduled to be held without spectators after being postponed in May due to the coronavirus .
The pandemic has prompted many couples to alter wedding plans , often shrinking the size of their ceremonies .
That happened to Tyler and Melanie Tapajna , of Parma , Ohio , too .
But they also responded by expanding their generosity .
The couple originally planned a wedding with 150 guests .
Instead they held a small backyard wedding , and donated the food for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a women ’ s shelter run by The City Mission in Cleveland .
But they didn ’ t just donate their reception feast , they showed up in their wedding finery to serve it , too .
Dressed in tuxedo and gown they handed out fried chicken , green beans , salad , and mac and cheese to a total of 135 women and children , reported CNN .
Afterward , Melanie Tapajna posed on Facebook : “ Covid may have cancelled our original plans , but God gave us so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for our story about alternatives to nursing homes , which have often failed to serve seniors well .
Finally , check out the Monitor ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • America the fearful : What follows summer of unrest ?
• We ’ re not dead yet ’ : Big Basin redwoods scorched , but not lost .
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A man wearing a Patriot Prayer hat was fatally shot Saturday evening after a 600-car pro-Trump parade passed through downtown Portland, Oregon. Witnesses described several violent clashes between the Black Lives Matters activists and the Trump rally goers during the day. Patriot Prayer is a far-right group that says it seeks to combat “corruption, big government and tyranny, using God for strength and the power of love,” according to its Facebook page. Portland has been the scene of regular violent confrontations between far-right and far-left protesters since George Floyd’s death in May. For President Trump, the violence underscores his “law and order” re-election campaign theme. Democrats accuse Mr. Trump of trying to stoke violence instead of seeking to reduce tensions.
In Kenosha, Wisconsin, about 1,000 demonstrators marched to the courthouse and held a peaceful rally Saturday. The messages focused on denouncing police violence, getting out the vote, and supporting Wisconsin legislation leading to police reforms. State lawmakers return Monday to hold a special session to consider several bills, including a ban on police chokeholds, a ban on no-knock warrants, and more transparency in tracking officers with multiple complaints.
2. People power roundup. Globally, it was also a weekend of protests. In Mauritius, tens of thousands of people protested Saturday over the slow government response to an oil spill and the discovery of dozens of dead dolphins. In Berlin, about 300 people were arrested after far-right protesters tried to storm the parliament building following a protest against the country’s pandemic restrictions. And in Belarus, for the third Sunday, an estimated 100,000 people marched in Minsk, seeking the ouster of President Alexander Lukashenko. On Saturday, the government cracked down on the media, deporting at least four Russian journalists, including two from The Associated Press, and revoked the accreditation of many Belarusian journalists working for foreign new agencies.
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, August 31, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been tandem cycling, baking a pie, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
3. Post-Laura resilience. Cleanup and recovering efforts gathered pace this weekend in parts of Louisiana and Texas hit by Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3 storm when it hit 15 years ago on Saturday.“This thing cut a path of destruction from south Louisiana to north Louisiana, about 400 miles,” Republican Sen. John Kennedy told Fox News Sunday. “It’s probably affected one million to two million people.” President Trump, FEMA, and Homeland Security officials toured the region Saturday, offering federal help in rebuilding. But officials in southwestern Louisiana are telling returning residents it could be weeks before water and power return. Some residents this weekend were grilling roasts, burgers, and chicken before the food goes bad. Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted: “The last couple of days have been hard, and the road to recovery won’t be easy. But we will recover. Our strength will show through, as it always does.”
REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni View caption Hide caption Fans give the "Wakanda Forever" salute as they attend a vigil for late actor Chadwick Boseman in Los Angeles, California, August 29, 2020.
Look Ahead
Monday, Aug. 31
Bridge to peace? An El Al flight took off from Israel for the United Arab Emirates with Jared Kushner on board, marking the first direct commercial passenger flight between the two nations after a recent U.S.-brokered deal.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Presidential spotlight. President Donald Trump plans to visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, to meet with law enforcement officers and survey some of the damage from recent riots.
Economic recovery. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify at a House hearing about what worked, and what didn’t, in the economic stimulus legislation.
Exercising democracy. Massachusetts holds state primary elections. This is the first statewide election that has included a vote-by-mail option for all voters. Hotly contested: Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, is hoping to unseat Sen. Edward Markey.
"Blood and Oil: Mohammed bin Salman's Ruthless Quest for Global Power," by Wall Street Journal reporters Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck, is out in bookstores.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 .
A new symbol. Earlier this summer, Mississippi lawmakers voted to change the state flag, which bore a Confederate emblem. The new flag design is expected to go to the legislature and governor for approval.
Thursday, Sept. 3.
More democracy. Jamaicans vote in the country's general election to select their 63 members of Parliament.
Blockbusters return. Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated sci-fi film “Tenet” debuts in U.S. theaters. It opened first in 40 overseas markets on Aug. 26.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Grace and strength on the track. The Kentucky Derby is scheduled to be held without spectators after being postponed in May due to the coronavirus.
Generosity Watch
Courtesy of The City Mission View caption Hide caption Tyler and Melanie Tapajna, of Parma, Ohio, serve women and children at a women's shelter the food they'd ordered for their wedding reception, Aug. 15, 2020 in Cleveland.
The pandemic has prompted many couples to alter wedding plans, often shrinking the size of their ceremonies. That happened to Tyler and Melanie Tapajna, of Parma, Ohio, too. But they also responded by expanding their generosity.
The couple originally planned a wedding with 150 guests. Instead they held a small backyard wedding, and donated the food for the reception to Laura’s Home, a women’s shelter run by The City Mission in Cleveland.
But they didn’t just donate their reception feast, they showed up in their wedding finery to serve it, too. Dressed in tuxedo and gown they handed out fried chicken, green beans, salad, and mac and cheese to a total of 135 women and children, reported CNN.
Afterward, Melanie Tapajna posed on Facebook: “Covid may have cancelled our original plans, but God gave us so much more today.”
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
Alphonso Davies: Canada’s humble, joyful soccer phenom
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for our story about alternatives to nursing homes, which have often failed to serve seniors well.
Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
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