csmonitor--2020-10-02--What China and the US got right

What China and the US got right

If you were to try to distill the relationship between China and the United States down to a single question , the simplest might be : Well , now what ?
In this week ’ s cover story , our Ann Scott Tyson sifts through the past half-century to look at how we got to this point , with the U.S. and China looking as if they ’ re on the cusp of a second cold war .
The answer is : some major misunderstandings .
Yes , it was perhaps a bit naive for Americans to think China might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After 100 years of rebellions , occupations , crushing poverty , and – for such an ancient civilization – repeated humiliations , stability and a return to prominence were understandably a priority .
So China ’ s Communist leaders parlayed decades of Western favor into raw political and economic power .
Yet it was perhaps equally as misguided for China ’ s leader Xi Jinping to think all that Western talk of “ values ” and “ freedoms ” was just colonial window dressing .
Actually , it turns out that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim Uyghurs and economic fair play .
So here we are , at a moment when mutual miscalculations have in some ways put both nations on the back foot .
It ’ s a potentially dangerous place to be , especially with both nations doubling down on a sense of nationalism .
You don ’ t have to be a historian to recognize that wounded pride rarely leads to enlightened policy .
Yet amid the prospect of any number of flashpoints , from Taiwan to militarized islands in the South China Sea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ann offers reminders of vital facts .
Yes , China has achieved the extraordinary .
It has raised hundreds of millions of its citizens out of extreme poverty , even with a poor human rights record .
It has become an essential driver of the global economy .
And it has reasserted itself as one of the world ’ s great powers .
Yet all of this has come with the world ’ s help .
China has not succeeded by subjugating the world , but by benefiting from its cooperation .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weaponized that goodwill against the rest of the world , seeking to gain even greater advantages in influence .
Can it work ?
Behind that question is another : Should the world roll back the clock to colonialism and client states ?
To be sure , Western motives in the developing world have been far from pure .
In some cases , they have been rapacious .
Yet the post-World War II era saw something unique – demonstrations , on global scales , that I am actually better off when you are better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values are not just window dressing .
This was so apparent to me as the Monitor ’ s South Asia correspondent for three years .
The hatreds between India and Pakistan remain bitter , yet war has become unthinkable .
India is healthier when Pakistan is healthier , and vice versa .
And they both know it .
Politicians from China or the West can draw sabers .
But they can not reverse that principle , nor the fact that the world has seen its remarkable results – beginning with China itself .

If you were to try to distill the relationship between China and the United States down to a single question, the simplest might be: Well, now what?
In this week’s cover story, our Ann Scott Tyson sifts through the past half-century to look at how we got to this point, with the U.S. and China looking as if they’re on the cusp of a second cold war. The answer is: some major misunderstandings.
Yes, it was perhaps a bit naive for Americans to think China might embrace an open society and individual liberties. After 100 years of rebellions, occupations, crushing poverty, and – for such an ancient civilization – repeated humiliations, stability and a return to prominence were understandably a priority. So China’s Communist leaders parlayed decades of Western favor into raw political and economic power.
Yet it was perhaps equally as misguided for China’s leader Xi Jinping to think all that Western talk of “values” and “freedoms” was just colonial window dressing. Actually, it turns out that the West does care about Hong Kong and Muslim Uyghurs and economic fair play.
So here we are, at a moment when mutual miscalculations have in some ways put both nations on the back foot. It’s a potentially dangerous place to be, especially with both nations doubling down on a sense of nationalism. You don’t have to be a historian to recognize that wounded pride rarely leads to enlightened policy.
Yet amid the prospect of any number of flashpoints, from Taiwan to militarized islands in the South China Sea to new fighting on the Indo-Chinese border, Ann offers reminders of vital facts.
Yes, China has achieved the extraordinary. It has raised hundreds of millions of its citizens out of extreme poverty, even with a poor human rights record. It has become an essential driver of the global economy. And it has reasserted itself as one of the world’s great powers. Yet all of this has come with the world’s help. China has not succeeded by subjugating the world, but by benefiting from its cooperation.
Now the concern is that Mr. Xi has weaponized that goodwill against the rest of the world, seeking to gain even greater advantages in influence. Can it work? Behind that question is another: Should the world roll back the clock to colonialism and client states?
To be sure, Western motives in the developing world have been far from pure. In some cases, they have been rapacious. Yet the post-World War II era saw something unique – demonstrations, on global scales, that I am actually better off when you are better off. In other words, these values are not just window dressing.
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This was so apparent to me as the Monitor’s South Asia correspondent for three years. The hatreds between India and Pakistan remain bitter, yet war has become unthinkable. India is healthier when Pakistan is healthier, and vice versa. And they both know it.
Politicians from China or the West can draw sabers. But they cannot reverse that principle, nor the fact that the world has seen its remarkable results – beginning with China itself.


csmonitor--2020-10-02--More nations pledge laws to protect the environment

From Bolivia to New Zealand , rivers and ecosystems in at least 14 countries have won the legal right to exist and flourish , as a new way of safeguarding nature gains steam , U.S. environmental groups said on Thursday .
Rights of nature laws , allowing residents to sue over harm on behalf of lakes and reefs , have seen “ a dramatic increase ” in the last dozen years , said the groups the Earth Law Center , International Rivers , and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice .
“ This is a new area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing movement , ” Monti Aguirre , Latin America coordinator with International Rivers , told the Thomson Reuters Foundation .
World leaders held the United Nations ’ first biodiversity summit on Wednesday to build support for a new agreement to protect 30 % of the planet ’ s land and seas by 2030 , set to be negotiated in China in May .
Separately , more than 60 leaders signed a Pledge for Nature on Monday committing to reverse global loss of biodiversity by 2030 , including clamping down on marine pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 50 % of all species could be lost by 2050 , threatening economic and social prosperity , a report by the charity The Nature Conservancy said this month .
Lawmakers have been implementing rights of nature , which are rooted in indigenous thought , through laws , judicial decisions , constitutional amendments , and U.N. resolutions in countries including Ecuador , Bangladesh , Uganda , and Australia .
“ We see these efforts not as isolated events , but part of something larger , ” said Simon Davis-Cohen , a researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a U.S. nonprofit which supports the global growth of rights of nature laws .
This new legal route to protect the planet – overriding the long-held human right to harm – can bring fresh arguments to court , rally communities , and shift local politics , he said .
Mr. Davis-Cohen said there still is not enough focus on the need to empower local authorities , saying strengthening local decision-making is “ instrumental ” to achieving stronger environmental law .
That question of local decisionmaking is playing out in Florida , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our regulatory system to protect our waterways , ” said Chuck O ’ Neal , president of the advocacy group Speak Up Wekiva , named after a local river .
Several Florida counties are seeking to recognize rights of nature , and residents of one of the largest , Orange County , will vote in a local referendum on the issue in November .
If passed , the law would recognize that all waterbodies in Orange County have a right to exist , flow , and maintain a healthy ecosystem , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet the effort is already in court , after the state government in June barred local jurisdictions from recognizing rights of nature , prompting Mr. O ’ Neal and others to sue .
A decision is expected after the Nov 3. election , said Mr. O ’ Neal .
Neither the Florida Department of Environmental Protection nor the office of Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis responded to requests for comment .
This story was reported by the Thomson Reuters Foundation .

From Bolivia to New Zealand, rivers and ecosystems in at least 14 countries have won the legal right to exist and flourish, as a new way of safeguarding nature gains steam, U.S. environmental groups said on Thursday.
Rights of nature laws, allowing residents to sue over harm on behalf of lakes and reefs, have seen “a dramatic increase” in the last dozen years, said the groups the Earth Law Center, International Rivers, and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice.
“This is a new area of rights, but it’s also a growing movement,” Monti Aguirre, Latin America coordinator with International Rivers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
World leaders held the United Nations’ first biodiversity summit on Wednesday to build support for a new agreement to protect 30% of the planet’s land and seas by 2030, set to be negotiated in China in May.
Separately, more than 60 leaders signed a Pledge for Nature on Monday committing to reverse global loss of biodiversity by 2030, including clamping down on marine pollution and deforestation.
Without action, 30% to 50% of all species could be lost by 2050, threatening economic and social prosperity, a report by the charity The Nature Conservancy said this month.
Lawmakers have been implementing rights of nature, which are rooted in indigenous thought, through laws, judicial decisions, constitutional amendments, and U.N. resolutions in countries including Ecuador, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Australia.
“We see these efforts not as isolated events, but part of something larger,” said Simon Davis-Cohen, a researcher with the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, a U.S. nonprofit which supports the global growth of rights of nature laws.
This new legal route to protect the planet – overriding the long-held human right to harm – can bring fresh arguments to court, rally communities, and shift local politics, he said.
Mr. Davis-Cohen said there still is not enough focus on the need to empower local authorities, saying strengthening local decision-making is “instrumental” to achieving stronger environmental law.
That question of local decisionmaking is playing out in Florida, which “has suffered greatly from the failure of our regulatory system to protect our waterways,” said Chuck O’Neal, president of the advocacy group Speak Up Wekiva, named after a local river.
Several Florida counties are seeking to recognize rights of nature, and residents of one of the largest, Orange County, will vote in a local referendum on the issue in November.
If passed, the law would recognize that all waterbodies in Orange County have a right to exist, flow, and maintain a healthy ecosystem, and enable residents to sue over these issues.
Yet the effort is already in court, after the state government in June barred local jurisdictions from recognizing rights of nature, prompting Mr. O’Neal and others to sue.
A decision is expected after the Nov 3. election, said Mr. O’Neal.
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Neither the Florida Department of Environmental Protection nor the office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to requests for comment.
This story was reported by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.


csmonitor--2020-10-02--Oman's new sultan quietly carves Gulf nation's way forward

When Oman ’ s ruler of a half century died without an heir apparent , brief fears of turmoil ended with the quick announcement of a new sultan in this nation on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula .
But instead of the military rulers whose arrivals come with martial music and whose ends often accompany times of trouble in the Mideast , Oman ended up with the culture minister .
That Oman followed its own distinctive , uncommon path after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said represents perhaps the best testament to his rule over a nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed by his father and modernized with its oil wealth .
His successor , Sultan Haitham bin Tariq , has followed his example in establishing his rule over this country of 2.7 million Omanis and another 1.7 million foreigners as the coronavirus pandemic closed off the sultanate .
The outside world and internal challenges , however , are preparing to come crashing in .
Oman faces billions in looming loan repayments , including from China , and needs even more money as its youthful population wants jobs and its government can not afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arab nations .
Ratcheted-up tensions between Iran and the United States – either with President Donald Trump still in the White House or a new Joe Biden administration – could see Oman brought into the middle of a situation that nearly sparked a war at the beginning of the year .
And the sultanate ’ s long-cherished neutrality finds itself challenged by regional disputes .
Then there ’ s the small matter of serving as sultan after a man literally celebrated each year as the architect of Oman ’ s renaissance .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oman ’ s second renaissance figure , ” said Bader al-Saif , an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University who studies Oman .
“ The domestic economic scene is his to win or his to lose .
I mean , I think there is no place for him to play around with it .
The situation is very dire.
” Already , Sultan Haitham has followed the example of his late cousin .
He plans to meet with subjects across his nation of 11 governorates that is larger than the U.S. state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dhofar , a region bordering Yemen that was still gripped by a guerrilla war with Marxist fighters when Sultan Qaboos took power in 1970 .
Sultan Qaboos won the war and ultimately invited Dhofari rebels into his government , notably the longtime Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi .
Sultan Haitham ’ s efforts have also extended into a quiet government campaign encouraging several dissidents to return to the kingdom , so long as they give up their social media presence and end their activism , said writer Nabhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Human Rights from exile in the United Kingdom .
Also invited home was Jamshid bin Abdullah al-Said , the last sultan of Zanzibar , the Tanzanian island once part of Oman .
Sultan Qaboos ’ father and the late sultan himself kept Mr. Said in exile in the United Kingdom , fearful of any threat to their rule , no matter how minor .
As ruler , Sultan Haitham has deviated from his predecessor by naming finance and foreign ministers , as opposed to wielding the titles himself .
But Sultan Haitham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where criticism of the sultan remains a criminal offense punishable by as much as seven years in prison .
Oman ’ s press remains muzzled .
Meanwhile , Sultan Haitham has created a new Cyber Defense Center that Mr. Alhanshi fears will further put activists at risk for speaking out .
Sultan Haitham ’ s decision to put his family into government roles , as well as focusing on financial issues rather than democratic reforms , worries Mr. Alhanshi .
“ During the protests of 2011 ... they said we have some financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then we will go through the political reform .
But what happened actually there was no political reform , ” Mr. Alhanshi said .
“ The new government now is saying the same , so how can we trust them ?
” Oman ’ s Embassy in Washington did not respond to several requests for comment from The Associated Press .
The sultanate ’ s finances remain a concern , however .
Ratings agencies warn that the Omani government is on pace to run over a $ 10 billion fiscal deficit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global energy prices remain low , cutting into revenues for a nation that produces just under 1 million barrels of oil a day .
Traders have put Omani bonds into “ junk ” status – meaning at a higher risk for default .
Finding money to cover the debts remains key .
Oman already has a $ 3.6 billion payment due in 2022 to a syndicate of Chinese banks , according to ratings agency Fitch .
Seeking more money there , from the West or fellow nations in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something Sultan Haitham wants to avoid , said Cinzia Bianco , a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations .
“ This makes it even more important for Sultan Haitham to try and keep Omanis close to one another and close to him because there is this other vulnerability , ” Ms. Bianco said .
Then there ’ s Iran .
The start of 2020 nearly saw the U.S. and Iran enter a war .
Under Sultan Qaboos , Oman had provided a secret backchannel to Tehran during negotiations that led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers .
Just before he died , Sultan Qaboos also signed deals allowing the U.S. and British navies access to the Omani port of Duqm , expanding the longtime access both nations enjoy there .
India as well has access for its navy .
While Mr. Trump ’ s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal lit the fuse of current tensions , Oman once again could be an interlocutor – or may already be serving as one now .
“ As Yusuf bin Alawi once told me , the Gulf needs an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else is going to do it , Oman is going to do it , ” said Marc J. Sievers , a former U.S. ambassador to Oman .
“ It wasn ’ t just for the West , but also for the Gulf itself that the Omanis wanted to maintain that engagement .
I think that ’ ll continue.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .

When Oman’s ruler of a half century died without an heir apparent, brief fears of turmoil ended with the quick announcement of a new sultan in this nation on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula.
But instead of the military rulers whose arrivals come with martial music and whose ends often accompany times of trouble in the Mideast, Oman ended up with the culture minister.
That Oman followed its own distinctive, uncommon path after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said represents perhaps the best testament to his rule over a nation he brought out of the isolationist obscurity imposed by his father and modernized with its oil wealth.
His successor, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, has followed his example in establishing his rule over this country of 2.7 million Omanis and another 1.7 million foreigners as the coronavirus pandemic closed off the sultanate. The outside world and internal challenges, however, are preparing to come crashing in.
Oman faces billions in looming loan repayments, including from China, and needs even more money as its youthful population wants jobs and its government cannot afford the cradle-to-grave benefits given in other Gulf Arab nations. Ratcheted-up tensions between Iran and the United States – either with President Donald Trump still in the White House or a new Joe Biden administration – could see Oman brought into the middle of a situation that nearly sparked a war at the beginning of the year. And the sultanate’s long-cherished neutrality finds itself challenged by regional disputes.
Then there’s the small matter of serving as sultan after a man literally celebrated each year as the architect of Oman’s renaissance.
“Haitham has a golden chance to become Oman’s second renaissance figure,” said Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University who studies Oman. “The domestic economic scene is his to win or his to lose. I mean, I think there is no place for him to play around with it. The situation is very dire.”
Already, Sultan Haitham has followed the example of his late cousin. He plans to meet with subjects across his nation of 11 governorates that is larger than the U.S. state of Kansas.
The first visit came in Dhofar, a region bordering Yemen that was still gripped by a guerrilla war with Marxist fighters when Sultan Qaboos took power in 1970. Sultan Qaboos won the war and ultimately invited Dhofari rebels into his government, notably the longtime Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi.
Sultan Haitham’s efforts have also extended into a quiet government campaign encouraging several dissidents to return to the kingdom, so long as they give up their social media presence and end their activism, said writer Nabhan Alhanshi, who leads the Omani Center for Human Rights from exile in the United Kingdom.
Also invited home was Jamshid bin Abdullah al-Said, the last sultan of Zanzibar, the Tanzanian island once part of Oman. Sultan Qaboos’ father and the late sultan himself kept Mr. Said in exile in the United Kingdom, fearful of any threat to their rule, no matter how minor.
As ruler, Sultan Haitham has deviated from his predecessor by naming finance and foreign ministers, as opposed to wielding the titles himself.
But Sultan Haitham remains the paramount ruler of a country where criticism of the sultan remains a criminal offense punishable by as much as seven years in prison. Oman’s press remains muzzled. Meanwhile, Sultan Haitham has created a new Cyber Defense Center that Mr. Alhanshi fears will further put activists at risk for speaking out.
Sultan Haitham’s decision to put his family into government roles, as well as focusing on financial issues rather than democratic reforms, worries Mr. Alhanshi.
“During the protests of 2011 ... they said we have some financial problem, we have to solve it, then we will go through the political reform. But what happened actually there was no political reform,” Mr. Alhanshi said. “The new government now is saying the same, so how can we trust them?”
Oman’s Embassy in Washington did not respond to several requests for comment from The Associated Press.
The sultanate’s finances remain a concern, however. Ratings agencies warn that the Omani government is on pace to run over a $10 billion fiscal deficit in 2020 alone. That’s as global energy prices remain low, cutting into revenues for a nation that produces just under 1 million barrels of oil a day. Traders have put Omani bonds into “junk” status – meaning at a higher risk for default.
Finding money to cover the debts remains key. Oman already has a $3.6 billion payment due in 2022 to a syndicate of Chinese banks, according to ratings agency Fitch. Seeking more money there, from the West or fellow nations in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council could make Oman more beholden to them, something Sultan Haitham wants to avoid, said Cinzia Bianco, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
“This makes it even more important for Sultan Haitham to try and keep Omanis close to one another and close to him because there is this other vulnerability,” Ms. Bianco said.
Then there’s Iran. The start of 2020 nearly saw the U.S. and Iran enter a war. Under Sultan Qaboos, Oman had provided a secret backchannel to Tehran during negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Just before he died, Sultan Qaboos also signed deals allowing the U.S. and British navies access to the Omani port of Duqm, expanding the longtime access both nations enjoy there. India as well has access for its navy.
While Mr. Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal lit the fuse of current tensions, Oman once again could be an interlocutor – or may already be serving as one now.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“As Yusuf bin Alawi once told me, the Gulf needs an open window to Iran and if no one else is going to do it, Oman is going to do it,” said Marc J. Sievers, a former U.S. ambassador to Oman. “It wasn’t just for the West, but also for the Gulf itself that the Omanis wanted to maintain that engagement. I think that’ll continue.”
This story was reported by The Associated Press.


csmonitor--2020-10-02--Debate spurs rising tide of Black and Asian American voters

When President Donald Trump refused to outright condemn white nationalists in this week ’ s presidential debate and urged his supporters to monitor polling sites , Portia Roberson was reminded of earlier eras when Black Americans were intimidated at the polls to deter them from voting .
Ms. Roberson , a Black woman who lives in Detroit , found the comments chilling – but also felt a renewed resolve to vote .
For many Black Americans and other people of color , Mr. Trump ’ s comments in his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden were a harsh reminder that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with systemic racism laid bare this year by protests against police killings of Black people , the coronavirus pandemic , and the resulting economic fallout .
But they were also a call to action .
“ I hope that we take some of that frustration , anger , and sadness that we ’ ve all been feeling for the better part of 2020 , and use it to motivate ourselves to go to the polls and make sure we vote and vote for candidates who really reflect what Black folks need in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Focus : Hope .
Mr. Trump tried to walk back his debate comments on Wednesday , but the moment when he told one far-right group to “ stand back and stand by ” had already been cemented in the minds of many Americans , experts and activists say .
A day after the debate , the president said he didn ’ t know the group but that it should “ let law enforcement do their work.
” During the debate , he also urged his “ supporters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully because that ’ s what has to happen.
” Eric Sheffield , a Black real estate developer in Atlanta whose parents hail from the Deep South , said Mr. Trump ’ s comments reminded him of the Jim Crow era .
“ I hear the ghost of voter suppressionists past , ” said Mr. Sheffield .
“ It ’ s the same soup .
It ’ s just warmed over now.
” It ’ s not just Black Americans who took notice – and umbrage – at the president ’ s debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among Americans from other backgrounds , said Anna Mach , a biracial Filipino American woman who is a master ’ s student at the University of Denver .
“ I ’ m disgusted and angry and terrified by those comments , ” Ms. Mach said .
“ But I ’ m not surprised.
” Since the coronavirus , which first flared in China , spread to the United States , Ms. Mach said she ’ s seen a surge in hate directed toward Asian Americans .
Mr. Trump himself has been criticized for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus.
” “ I ’ m worried there will be more hate crimes from white supremacists , ” she said .
On Thursday , when asked for a definitive statement on whether the president denounces white supremacism , White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Mr. Trump had said the day before : “ I have always denounced any form of that.
” Some organizations are working to transform the fears elicited by Mr. Trump ’ s comments into votes .
The New Georgia Project has identified about 600,000 , Black , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters that it wanted to encourage to vote in November , said CEO Nse Ufot .
She said that doesn ’ t include an additional 90,000 Black voters who live in Georgia ’ s “ rural Black belt ” who didn ’ t vote in 2016 and who they ’ re also trying to reach .
“ The debate was not about communicating [ Trump ’ s ] vision for America , ” Ms. Ufot said .
“ It was about making it super unpleasant and awful and distasteful , and to encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we won ’ t let that happen.
” Dr. Elvin Geng , a professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helped establish Asian Americans Against Trump , which has been funding digital and print ads in Asian-language media outlets in battleground states .
Dr. Geng hopes younger Asian Americans who don ’ t support Mr. Trump will talk to their relatives who do about their thinking and maybe change some minds .
“ In many realms ... immigrants do look to their kids for what they think , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , ” Dr. Geng said .
While Mr. Trump ’ s comments – and his record on race – may have unsettled many Americans , for some Black people they evoke a particularly dark history .
The rhetoric conjured up memories of Southern segregationists and voter intimidation tactics for the Rev .
Wendell H. Paris , who was involved in voting rights work in the 1960s including registration drives in Alabama and the Selma-to-Montgomery march .
“ Whenever you hear him say , ‘ law and order , ’ that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris .
“ We have reverted back to the racial situation of the 1950s and the 1960s.
” Even after the Voting Rights Act in 1965 offered greater protections , Mr. Paris recalled the way white deputies in uniform would show up at voting precincts in mostly Black areas to watch over voters – which had the effect of intimidating them given the history of racist mistreatment .
Because of that history , University of Michigan political science professor Vincent Hutchings said he believes Mr. Trump ’ s comments are stirring legitimate concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling sites , particularly in Black communities .
“ What sorts of things would represent violations or fraud ?
” Mr. Hutchings asked .
“ It ’ s very murky and so , as a consequence , people have to exercise their own discretion , and when that happens , all bets are off , so it is certainly dangerous in that regard.
” Chicago resident Cynthia Bell , who said the debate “ broke my heart , ” has decided to vote early out of concern over potential intimidation at the polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this day and age ?
” asked Ms. Bell , who manages a senior center in her mostly Black community .
“ What have we gotten ourselves into ?
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers Aaron Morrison in New York , Terry Tang in Phoenix , and Tammy Webber in Oak Park , Illinois contributed to this report .

Kat Stafford, Jay Reeves, and Christine Fernando

When President Donald Trump refused to outright condemn white nationalists in this week’s presidential debate and urged his supporters to monitor polling sites, Portia Roberson was reminded of earlier eras when Black Americans were intimidated at the polls to deter them from voting.
Ms. Roberson, a Black woman who lives in Detroit, found the comments chilling – but also felt a renewed resolve to vote.
For many Black Americans and other people of color, Mr. Trump’s comments in his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden were a harsh reminder that the nation has yet to fully grapple with systemic racism laid bare this year by protests against police killings of Black people, the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting economic fallout.
But they were also a call to action.
“I hope that we take some of that frustration, anger, and sadness that we’ve all been feeling for the better part of 2020, and use it to motivate ourselves to go to the polls and make sure we vote and vote for candidates who really reflect what Black folks need in this country,” said Ms. Roberson, CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Focus: Hope.
Mr. Trump tried to walk back his debate comments on Wednesday, but the moment when he told one far-right group to “stand back and stand by” had already been cemented in the minds of many Americans, experts and activists say. A day after the debate, the president said he didn’t know the group but that it should “let law enforcement do their work.”
During the debate, he also urged his “supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully because that’s what has to happen.”
Eric Sheffield, a Black real estate developer in Atlanta whose parents hail from the Deep South, said Mr. Trump’s comments reminded him of the Jim Crow era.
“I hear the ghost of voter suppressionists past,” said Mr. Sheffield. “It’s the same soup. It’s just warmed over now.”
It’s not just Black Americans who took notice – and umbrage – at the president’s debate comments. Similar concerns are also reverberating among Americans from other backgrounds, said Anna Mach, a biracial Filipino American woman who is a master’s student at the University of Denver.
“I’m disgusted and angry and terrified by those comments,” Ms. Mach said. “But I’m not surprised.”
Since the coronavirus, which first flared in China, spread to the United States, Ms. Mach said she’s seen a surge in hate directed toward Asian Americans. Mr. Trump himself has been criticized for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus.”
“I’m worried there will be more hate crimes from white supremacists,” she said.
On Thursday, when asked for a definitive statement on whether the president denounces white supremacism, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Mr. Trump had said the day before: “I have always denounced any form of that.”
Some organizations are working to transform the fears elicited by Mr. Trump’s comments into votes.
The New Georgia Project has identified about 600,000, Black, Latino, Asian American, and young voters that it wanted to encourage to vote in November, said CEO Nse Ufot. She said that doesn’t include an additional 90,000 Black voters who live in Georgia’s “rural Black belt” who didn’t vote in 2016 and who they’re also trying to reach.
“The debate was not about communicating [Trump’s] vision for America,” Ms. Ufot said. “It was about making it super unpleasant and awful and distasteful, and to encourage people to withdraw from the process, and we won’t let that happen.”
Dr. Elvin Geng, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helped establish Asian Americans Against Trump, which has been funding digital and print ads in Asian-language media outlets in battleground states.
Dr. Geng hopes younger Asian Americans who don’t support Mr. Trump will talk to their relatives who do about their thinking and maybe change some minds.
“In many realms ... immigrants do look to their kids for what they think, how to think about what’s happening in America,” Dr. Geng said.
While Mr. Trump’s comments – and his record on race – may have unsettled many Americans, for some Black people they evoke a particularly dark history.
The rhetoric conjured up memories of Southern segregationists and voter intimidation tactics for the Rev. Wendell H. Paris, who was involved in voting rights work in the 1960s including registration drives in Alabama and the Selma-to-Montgomery march.
“Whenever you hear him say, ‘law and order,’ that’s coded language,” said Mr. Paris. “We have reverted back to the racial situation of the 1950s and the 1960s.”
Even after the Voting Rights Act in 1965 offered greater protections, Mr. Paris recalled the way white deputies in uniform would show up at voting precincts in mostly Black areas to watch over voters – which had the effect of intimidating them given the history of racist mistreatment.
Because of that history, University of Michigan political science professor Vincent Hutchings said he believes Mr. Trump’s comments are stirring legitimate concerns that overzealous supporters will cause trouble at polling sites, particularly in Black communities.
“What sorts of things would represent violations or fraud?” Mr. Hutchings asked. “It’s very murky and so, as a consequence, people have to exercise their own discretion, and when that happens, all bets are off, so it is certainly dangerous in that regard.”
Chicago resident Cynthia Bell, who said the debate “broke my heart,” has decided to vote early out of concern over potential intimidation at the polls.
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“How is this possible in this day and age?” asked Ms. Bell, who manages a senior center in her mostly Black community. “What have we gotten ourselves into?”
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers Aaron Morrison in New York, Terry Tang in Phoenix, and Tammy Webber in Oak Park, Illinois contributed to this report.


csmonitor--2020-10-02--President Donald Trump tests positive for coronavirus

President Donald Trump appeared in public Friday evening for the first time since being stricken by COVID-19 , boarding his Marine One helicopter for a flight to a military hospital as the virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans spread to the highest reaches of the U.S. government .
The White House said the visit of “ a few days ” to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was precautionary and that Trump would continue to work from the hospital ’ s presidential suite , which is equipped to allow him to keep up his official duties .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave a thumbs-up but did not speak .
Members of the aircrew , Secret Service agents and White House staff wore face coverings to protect themselves from the president onboard the helicopter .
In a video taped before leaving for Walter Reed , Trump said , “ I think I ’ m doing very well , but we ’ re going to make sure that things work out.
” Earlier Friday the White House said Trump had been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail by the White House physician .
Just a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revelation that he was positive for the virus came by tweet about 1 a.m. after he had returned from an afternoon political fundraiser .
He had gone ahead , saying nothing to the crowd though knowing he had been exposed to an aide with the disease that has infected millions in America and killed more than a million people worldwide .
First lady Melania Trump also tested positive , the president said , and several others in the White House have , too , prompting concern that the White House or even Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ President Trump remains in good spirts , has mild symptoms , and has been working throughout the day , ” said press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts , the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.
” Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the threat of the virus , rarely wearing a protective mask and urging states and cities to “ reopen ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president ’ s physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump received a dose of an experimental antibody cocktail by Regeneron that is in clinical trials .
Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley said Trump “ remains fatigued but in good spirits '' and that a team of experts was evaluating both the president and first lady in regard to next steps .
The first lady has a “ mild cough and headache , ” Conley reported , and the remainder of the first family , including the Trumps ’ son Barron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tested negative .
Both Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris have tested negative , their campaign said .
Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the virus Friday morning and “ remains in good health , ” his spokesman said .
Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , who was with him and many others on Saturday and has been on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers , also tested negative , the White House said .
Trump 's diagnosis was sure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , raising questions about how far the virus has spread through the highest levels of the U.S. government .
Hours before Trump announced he had contracted the virus , the White House said a top aide who had traveled with him during the week had tested positive .
“ Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 .
We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately , '' Trump tweeted just before 1 a.m. `` We will get through this TOGETHER !
” While House chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assure the public that Trump was conducting business as usual , even as he confirmed that the White House knew Hope Hicks , the aide , had tested positive before Trump attended a Thursday fundraiser in New Jersey .
“ I can tell you in terms of Hope Hicks , we discovered that right as Marine One was taking off yesterday , ” said Meadows .
Several staffers were pulled from the trip , but Trump did not cancel and there was no direct evidence that her illness was connected to his .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were undergoing tests Friday , but the full scale of the outbreak around the president may not be known for some time as it can take days for an infection to be detectable by a test .
Officials with the White House Medical Unit were tracing the president 's contacts .
Trump 's reelection campaign said it was putting on hold all events featuring Trump and members of his family but that Pence would resume campaigning since he tested negative .
Trump has been trying all year to convince the American public that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
His handling of the pandemic has already been a major flashpoint in his race against Biden , who spent much of the summer off the campaign trail and at his home in Delaware citing concern about the virus .
Biden has since resumed a more active campaign schedule , but with small , socially distanced crowds .
He also regularly wears a mask in public , something Trump mocked him for at Tuesday night ’ s debate .
“ I don ’ t wear masks like him , '' Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see him , he ’ s got a mask .
He could be speaking 200 feet away from me , and he shows up with the biggest mask I ’ ve ever seen.
” In a tweet Friday morning , Biden said he and his wife “ send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery .
We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.
” World leaders offered the president and first family their best wishes after their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a reminder for their citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing measures .
Trump 's announcement came hours after he confirmed that Hicks , one of his most trusted and longest-serving aides , had been diagnosed with the virus Thursday .
Hicks began feeling mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday evening , according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private information .
She was isolated from other passengers aboard the plane , the person said .
Hicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff aboard Marine One and Air Force One en route to that rally and had accompanied the president to Tuesday ’ s presidential debate in Cleveland , along with members of the Trump family .
The Trump contingent removed their masks during the debate , in violation of the venue rules .
Multiple White House staffers have previously tested positive for the virus , including Pence ’ s press secretary , Katie Miller , national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien and one of the president ’ s personal valets .
An RNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned she had tested positive Wednesday afternoon .
She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday and did not attend the debate .
But Trump has consistently played down concerns about being personally vulnerable .
He has mostly refused to abide by basic public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing face coverings in public and practicing social distancing .
Instead , he has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of often maskless supporters .
“ I felt no vulnerability whatsoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
As for Trump 's attendance at Thursday 's fundraiser , press secretary Kalleigh McEnany said , “ He socially distanced .
It was an outdoor event , and it was deemed safe by White House Operations for him to attend that event.
” McEnany and Trump ’ s social media director Dan Scavino , who were originally set to join him on the trip , were replaced at the last minute by other aides .
McEnany briefed the press Thursday morning and made no mention of any suspected illness , raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is unclear where the Trumps or Hicks may have caught the virus , but in a Fox interview , Trump seemed to suggest it may have been spread by someone in the military or law enforcement in greetings .
The White House began instituting a daily testing regimen for the president ’ s senior aides after earlier positive cases close to the president .
Anyone in close proximity to the president or vice president is also tested every day , including reporters .
Trump is far from the first world leader to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously infected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who spent a week in the hospital , including three nights in intensive care .
Editor 's note : This wire story was updated twice on the day of publication .

President Donald Trump appeared in public Friday evening for the first time since being stricken by COVID-19, boarding his Marine One helicopter for a flight to a military hospital as the virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans spread to the highest reaches of the U.S. government.
The White House said the visit of “a few days” to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was precautionary and that Trump would continue to work from the hospital’s presidential suite, which is equipped to allow him to keep up his official duties.
Trump walked out of the White House and gave a thumbs-up but did not speak. Members of the aircrew, Secret Service agents and White House staff wore face coverings to protect themselves from the president onboard the helicopter.
In a video taped before leaving for Walter Reed, Trump said, “I think I’m doing very well, but we’re going to make sure that things work out.”
Earlier Friday the White House said Trump had been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail by the White House physician.
Just a month before the presidential election, Trump's revelation that he was positive for the virus came by tweet about 1 a.m. after he had returned from an afternoon political fundraiser. He had gone ahead, saying nothing to the crowd though knowing he had been exposed to an aide with the disease that has infected millions in America and killed more than a million people worldwide.
First lady Melania Trump also tested positive, the president said, and several others in the White House have, too, prompting concern that the White House or even Trump himself might have spread the virus further.
“President Trump remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day,” said press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. “Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.”
Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the threat of the virus, rarely wearing a protective mask and urging states and cities to “reopen” and reduce or eliminate shutdown rules.
The president’s physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump received a dose of an experimental antibody cocktail by Regeneron that is in clinical trials. Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley said Trump “remains fatigued but in good spirits" and that a team of experts was evaluating both the president and first lady in regard to next steps.
The first lady has a “mild cough and headache,” Conley reported, and the remainder of the first family, including the Trumps’ son Barron, who lives at the White House, tested negative.
Both Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris have tested negative, their campaign said. Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the virus Friday morning and “remains in good health,” his spokesman said.
Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who was with him and many others on Saturday and has been on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers, also tested negative, the White House said.
Trump's diagnosis was sure to have a destabilizing effect in Washington and around the world, raising questions about how far the virus has spread through the highest levels of the U.S. government. Hours before Trump announced he had contracted the virus, the White House said a top aide who had traveled with him during the week had tested positive.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately," Trump tweeted just before 1 a.m. "We will get through this TOGETHER!”
While House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Friday tried to assure the public that Trump was conducting business as usual, even as he confirmed that the White House knew Hope Hicks, the aide, had tested positive before Trump attended a Thursday fundraiser in New Jersey.
“I can tell you in terms of Hope Hicks, we discovered that right as Marine One was taking off yesterday,” said Meadows. Several staffers were pulled from the trip, but Trump did not cancel and there was no direct evidence that her illness was connected to his.
Many White House and senior administration officials were undergoing tests Friday, but the full scale of the outbreak around the president may not be known for some time as it can take days for an infection to be detectable by a test. Officials with the White House Medical Unit were tracing the president's contacts.
Trump's reelection campaign said it was putting on hold all events featuring Trump and members of his family but that Pence would resume campaigning since he tested negative.
Trump has been trying all year to convince the American public that the worst of the pandemic is behind them. His handling of the pandemic has already been a major flashpoint in his race against Biden, who spent much of the summer off the campaign trail and at his home in Delaware citing concern about the virus. Biden has since resumed a more active campaign schedule, but with small, socially distanced crowds. He also regularly wears a mask in public, something Trump mocked him for at Tuesday night’s debate.
“I don’t wear masks like him," Trump said of Biden. “Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from me, and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”
In a tweet Friday morning, Biden said he and his wife “send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.”
World leaders offered the president and first family their best wishes after their diagnosis, as governments used their case as a reminder for their citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing measures.
Trump's announcement came hours after he confirmed that Hicks, one of his most trusted and longest-serving aides, had been diagnosed with the virus Thursday. Hicks began feeling mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday evening, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private information. She was isolated from other passengers aboard the plane, the person said.
Hicks had been with Trump and other senior staff aboard Marine One and Air Force One en route to that rally and had accompanied the president to Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland, along with members of the Trump family. The Trump contingent removed their masks during the debate, in violation of the venue rules.
Multiple White House staffers have previously tested positive for the virus, including Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, national security adviser Robert O’Brien and one of the president’s personal valets. An RNC official confirmed Friday that Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel learned she had tested positive Wednesday afternoon. She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday and did not attend the debate.
But Trump has consistently played down concerns about being personally vulnerable. He has mostly refused to abide by basic public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing face coverings in public and practicing social distancing. Instead, he has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of often maskless supporters.
“I felt no vulnerability whatsoever,” he told reporters back in May.
As for Trump's attendance at Thursday's fundraiser, press secretary Kalleigh McEnany said, “He socially distanced. It was an outdoor event, and it was deemed safe by White House Operations for him to attend that event.”
McEnany and Trump’s social media director Dan Scavino, who were originally set to join him on the trip, were replaced at the last minute by other aides. McEnany briefed the press Thursday morning and made no mention of any suspected illness, raising anew concern about White House transparency.
It is unclear where the Trumps or Hicks may have caught the virus, but in a Fox interview, Trump seemed to suggest it may have been spread by someone in the military or law enforcement in greetings.
The White House began instituting a daily testing regimen for the president’s senior aides after earlier positive cases close to the president. Anyone in close proximity to the president or vice president is also tested every day, including reporters.
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Trump is far from the first world leader to test positive for the virus, which previously infected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent a week in the hospital, including three nights in intensive care.
Editor's note: This wire story was updated twice on the day of publication.


csmonitor--2020-10-03--Readers write: Seeing the good, a fig tree saga, and more

It has become my practice over the years , when some “ disaster ” or difficulty comes into my experience , to look for the blessing .
Every difficulty eventually reveals some blessing as part of its unfoldment , and so I like to expect and look for a blessing , no matter how difficult my experience .
Several of the articles in the July 27 issue of the Monitor Weekly illustrate how much this pandemic has brought us all together , and moved us to appreciate one another and work for one another – and so has actually united @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have occurred .
In the article “ ‘ What we do is help ’ : Not for the first time , Mexican neighbors band together for the pandemic , ” I read how informal workers in Mexico have worked together to bless one another , for instance .
In “ Farm to food bank : Moving farmers from ‘ dump ’ to ‘ donate , ’ ” I learned how German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have worked together toward financing aid in response to the pandemic in Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of global upheaval , a new Olympic spirit , ” I saw how Olympic athletes all over the world have been united as they find ways to prepare for the next Olympics ; they now seem to appreciate one another more than before .
Thank you for highlighting these blessings flowing from the pandemic .
We are waking up spiritually and learning to work together in support of one another as a result of it , and so are coming closer together .
Regardless of what happens , God is at work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ekstrand ’ s Home Forum essay , “ Too many figs !
Or so I thought , ” in the June 15 Monitor Weekly brings back memories of the 1950s when my grandmother was determined to grow fig trees at her home in Bridgeport , Connecticut .
The species of fig she desired could not withstand freezing weather – rather an obstacle in Bridgeport .
Now , we had read that the Rockefeller family grew citrus on its New York estate by bringing the trees into heated greenhouses every winter .
Our family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required a less costly solution .
So we employed an alternative ( back-breaking ) technique : Each autumn , these rather large trees were dug up and buried in deep trenches below the frost line .
In late spring when the danger of frost had passed , the trenches would be opened and the trees stood upright for another growing season .
Unlike Ms. Ekstrand ’ s overly productive Seattle fig trees , the Bridgeport trees were quite stingy with fruit and evidently did not like the ritual of being dug up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this exercise , we suggested to my grandmother that the trees should , by now , be acclimated to New England winters .
We skipped the burial ritual that year – and sadly that was the end of the Bridgeport figs .
Ryan Lenora Brown ’ s article “ 99 days , 4 lives , 1 pandemic : South Africa in lockdown ” in the Aug. 10 Monitor Weekly is one of the best news stories I ’ ve ever read .
Is it too much to praise it as a kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May all your writers achieve such transcendence of the medium and with such relevant social importance .

Seeing the good
It has become my practice over the years, when some “disaster” or difficulty comes into my experience, to look for the blessing. Every difficulty eventually reveals some blessing as part of its unfoldment, and so I like to expect and look for a blessing, no matter how difficult my experience.
Several of the articles in the July 27 issue of the Monitor Weekly illustrate how much this pandemic has brought us all together, and moved us to appreciate one another and work for one another – and so has actually united us in ways that would not otherwise have occurred.
In the article “‘What we do is help’: Not for the first time, Mexican neighbors band together for the pandemic,” I read how informal workers in Mexico have worked together to bless one another, for instance.
In “Farm to food bank: Moving farmers from ‘dump’ to ‘donate,’” I learned how German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have worked together toward financing aid in response to the pandemic in Europe.
And in the cover story “Out of global upheaval, a new Olympic spirit,” I saw how Olympic athletes all over the world have been united as they find ways to prepare for the next Olympics; they now seem to appreciate one another more than before.
Thank you for highlighting these blessings flowing from the pandemic. We are waking up spiritually and learning to work together in support of one another as a result of it, and so are coming closer together. Regardless of what happens, God is at work in all of us so beautifully!
James Raynesford
Lakewood, California
A fig tree saga
Mary Ekstrand’s Home Forum essay, “Too many figs! Or so I thought,” in the June 15 Monitor Weekly brings back memories of the 1950s when my grandmother was determined to grow fig trees at her home in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The species of fig she desired could not withstand freezing weather – rather an obstacle in Bridgeport. Now, we had read that the Rockefeller family grew citrus on its New York estate by bringing the trees into heated greenhouses every winter. Our family was somewhat lacking in Rockefeller resources and required a less costly solution.
So we employed an alternative (back-breaking) technique: Each autumn, these rather large trees were dug up and buried in deep trenches below the frost line. In late spring when the danger of frost had passed, the trenches would be opened and the trees stood upright for another growing season.
Unlike Ms. Ekstrand’s overly productive Seattle fig trees, the Bridgeport trees were quite stingy with fruit and evidently did not like the ritual of being dug up and buried every year.
After many years of this exercise, we suggested to my grandmother that the trees should, by now, be acclimated to New England winters. We skipped the burial ritual that year – and sadly that was the end of the Bridgeport figs.
Harry Melkonian
Vaucluse, Australia
Quality writing
Ryan Lenora Brown’s article “99 days, 4 lives, 1 pandemic: South Africa in lockdown” in the Aug. 10 Monitor Weekly is one of the best news stories I’ve ever read. Is it too much to praise it as a kind of diminutive journalistic “Ulysses”? May all your writers achieve such transcendence of the medium and with such relevant social importance.
Stephen Rose
Hudson Valley, New York


csmonitor--2020-10-04--Weather helps as California hits new wildfire milestone

In a year that has already brought apocalyptic skies and smothering smoke to the West Coast , California set a grim new record Sunday when officials announced that the wildfires of 2020 have now scorched a record 4 million acres — in a fire season that is far from over .
The unprecedented figure — an area larger than the state of Connecticut — is more than double the previous record for the most land burned in a single year in California .
“ The 4 million mark is unfathomable .
It boggles the mind , and it takes your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , known as Cal Fire .
It is an area that is larger than the state of Connecticut .
“ And that number will grow.
” Cal Fire said in a statement Sunday that there have been more than 8,200 wildfires since the start of the year that have burned “ well over 4 million acres in California ” or 6,250 square miles .
The previous record was set two years ago when wildfires destroyed 1.67 million acres ( 2,609 square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have killed 31 people , incinerated hundreds of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes .
The enormity of the fires has meant that people living far from the flames experienced a degree of misery that in itself was unprecedented , with historically unhealthy air quality and smoke so dense that it blurred the skies across California and on some days even blotted out the sun .
Last month , a relentless heat wave hit the state that helped fuel the fires and caused so much air pollution that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell out of air purifiers .
Despite Sunday 's grim milestone , there were signs for optimism .
Powerful winds that had been expected to drive flames in recent days hadn ’ t materialized , and warnings of extreme fire danger for hot , dry and gusty weather expired Saturday morning as a layer of fog rolled in .
Clearer skies in some areas allowed large air tankers to drop retardant after being sidelined by smoky conditions several days earlier .
“ In certain areas , we were able to get quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we really pounded , a couple different areas hard with aircraft , ” Mclean said .
“ If the weather does what is predicted , we ’ re on that glide path I hope .
But that doesn ’ t diminish the amount of work that still needs to be done.
” A cooling trend is expected to slowly begin on Sunday .
Long-range forecast models hinted at the possibility of rain early next week .
Fire officials said the Glass Fire burning in wine country for the past week was their top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proved a mixed blessing for firefighters battling the giant blaze , which is currently 17 percent contained .
“ We are seeing some relief in the weather , but it ’ s going to be three of four days before it really makes a difference on the fire , ” Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said at a Sunday news briefing about the Glass Fire .
“ The one good thing going forward , we ’ re not expecting any wind events to push into the fire.
” Three fires , driven by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into one tearing into vineyards and forested mountain areas , including part of the city of Santa Rosa .
Thousands of people were under evacuation orders , including the entire population of Calistoga , a town of 5,000 .
Across the state about 17,000 firefighters were at work battling nearly two dozen major blazes .
Virtually all the damage has occurred since mid-August , when five of the six largest fires in state history erupted .
Lightning strikes caused some of the most devastating blazes .
The wildfires have incinerated hundreds of homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them are burning in largely unpopulated land .
Many of the most destructive fires sparked in Northern California , where hills and mountains dotted with many dead trees have provided plenty of fuel for fires igniting amid high temperatures and strong winds fanning the flames .
Thick , gray smoke from the blazes has fouled the air in many hill communities and major cities in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond .
Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal , oil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made California much drier , meaning trees and other plants are more flammable .

In a year that has already brought apocalyptic skies and smothering smoke to the West Coast, California set a grim new record Sunday when officials announced that the wildfires of 2020 have now scorched a record 4 million acres – in a fire season that is far from over.
The unprecedented figure – an area larger than the state of Connecticut – is more than double the previous record for the most land burned in a single year in California.
“The 4 million mark is unfathomable. It boggles the mind, and it takes your breath away,” said Scott McLean, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. It is an area that is larger than the state of Connecticut. “And that number will grow.”
Cal Fire said in a statement Sunday that there have been more than 8,200 wildfires since the start of the year that have burned “well over 4 million acres in California.” The previous record was set two years ago when wildfires destroyed 1.67 million acres.
The fires of 2020 have killed 31 people, incinerated hundreds of homes, and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes. The enormity of the fires has meant that people living far from the flames experienced a degree of misery that in itself was unprecedented, with historically unhealthy air quality and smoke so dense that it blurred the skies across California and on some days even blotted out the sun. Last month, a relentless heat wave hit the state that helped fuel the fires and caused so much air pollution that it seeped indoors, prompting stores across California to sell out of air purifiers.
Despite Sunday's grim milestone, there were signs for optimism.
Powerful winds that had been expected to drive flames in recent days hadn’t materialized, and warnings of extreme fire danger for hot, dry, and gusty weather expired Saturday morning as a layer of fog rolled in. Clearer skies in some areas allowed large air tankers to drop retardant after being sidelined by smoky conditions several days earlier.
“In certain areas, we were able to get quite a bit of aircraft in. So we really pounded, a couple different areas hard with aircraft,” Mr. Mclean said. “If the weather does what is predicted, we’re on that glide path I hope. But that doesn’t diminish the amount of work that still needs to be done.”
A cooling trend is expected to slowly begin on Sunday. Long-range forecast models hinted at the possibility of rain early next week.
Fire officials said the Glass Fire burning in wine country for the past week was their top priority. Easing winds over the weekend proved a mixed blessing for firefighters battling the giant blaze, which is currently 17 percent contained.
“We are seeing some relief in the weather, but it’s going to be three of four days before it really makes a difference on the fire,” Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said at a Sunday news briefing about the Glass Fire. “The one good thing going forward, we’re not expecting any wind events to push into the fire.”
Three fires, driven by strong winds and high temperatures, merged into one tearing into vineyards and forested mountain areas, including part of the city of Santa Rosa. Thousands of people were under evacuation orders, including the entire population of Calistoga, a town of 5,000.
Across the state about 17,000 firefighters were at work battling nearly two dozen major blazes.
Virtually all the damage has occurred since mid-August, when five of the six largest fires in state history erupted. Lightning strikes caused some of the most devastating blazes. The wildfires have incinerated hundreds of homes and killed 31 people but large parts of them are burning in largely unpopulated land.
Many of the most destructive fires sparked in Northern California, where hills and mountains dotted with many dead trees have provided plenty of fuel for fires igniting amid high temperatures and strong winds fanning the flames. Thick, gray smoke from the blazes has fouled the air in many hill communities and major cities in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
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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.
Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Scientists say climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.


csmonitor--2020-10-05--Monday Sunrise Briefing: A confusing presidential health watch

Questions about President Donald Trump 's health swirled through the weekend as his physicians and White House staff gave confusing or conflicting assessments .
One month from the election , the American public saw a historical pattern of obfuscation , half-truths , and secrecy that ’ s often marked US presidential illnesses .
The motives over time have ranged from politics to national security .
On Sunday , Mr. Trump ’ s doctors again evaded basic questions about his health but also said he “ continued to improve ” and that he could be discharged as early as today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , saying “ It ’ s been a very interesting journey '' and he took a short , controversial car ride to wave to supporters before returning to the hospital .
Also testing positive for COVID-19 are three senators - including two on the Judiciary Committee that will oversee Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett - and several White House and Trump campaign officials .
While Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has halted all Senate floor activity , he said the confirmation process was going “ full steam ahead.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence outlined plans to ramp up campaign appearances by Trump family members and himself after Wednesday ’ s vice presidential debate .
2 .
In California , a grim record and reason for hope .
Wildfires this year have scorched a record 4 million acres - an area larger than Connecticut - in a fire season that ’ s not over .
The acreage burned is more than double the previous record set two years ago .
California 's 2020 fires have killed 31 people , incinerated hundreds of houses , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 17,000 firefighters are still battling nearly two dozen major blazes .
But a shift in weather is expected to help .
Winds and temperatures dropped Sunday , while moisture levels are rising , and rain is forecast at higher elevations .
“ We are seeing some relief in the weather , but it ’ s going to be three of four days before it really makes a difference on the fire , ” Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said Sunday .
Recognizing progress in medical care : The Nobel Prize in physiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
It 's the first of five prizes awarded annually thanks to Swedish chemist , engineer , and industrialist Alfred Nobel .
Recognizing progress in physics .
The Nobel Prize in physics is expected to be awarded today .
The 2019 prize was shared by three astrophysicists “ for contributions to our understanding of the evolution of the universe and Earth ’ s place in the cosmos.
” US vice presidential debate .
Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic candidate Sen. Kamala Harris are scheduled to debate sitting 12 feet apart at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City at 9 p.m. E.T .
China watchers .
Top diplomats from the U.S. , Australia , and India plan to gather in Tokyo to discuss regional concerns , such as China 's increasingly assertive actions .
These are the first face-to-face ministerial meetings hosted by Japan since the coronavirus pandemic began .
Best at prepping for winter .
The annual ursine competition for bulking up for hibernation concludes .
Online voting will lead to the crowning of the Fattest Bear of 2020 .
Recognizing progress in chemistry .
The Nobel Prize in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2019 prize was shared by three researchers for `` for the development of lithium-ion batteries . ''
Recognizing literary excellence .
The Nobel Prize in literature is expected to be announced today .
The 2019 prize was awarded to Peter Handke `` for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience . ''
Thai tourism returns : Thailand receives the first group of tourists from China as the tourism industry reopens .
A flight with 150 tourists from Guangzhou is scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Nobel Peace Prize is scheduled to be awarded today .
The 2019 prize was given to Abiy Ahmed Ali `` for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation , and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea . ''
The latest wrinkle in food donations are free food refrigerators or “ freeedges.
” We ’ ve seen innovations in giving like this before .
Remember the Little Free Pantry movement modeled after the mini-libraries .
This is the icebox version of the tiny food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , since the start of the pandemic , these “ freeeges ” have popped up .
There are at least 40 on the sidewalks of New York City , reports The New York Times .
And they ’ re showing up in the streets of Latin America , Europe , and Asia ( see the map for locations ) .
Volunteers stock the often second-hand refrigerators with perishables , such as milk , yoghurt , eggs , and produce .
The guiding philosophy : “ Take what you need , leave what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's incredible how fast this is all happened .
I mean , I ca n't even explain how much hope this gives me , '' Marina Vergara , a Los Angeles resident , told NPR .
`` You know it 's really nice to know that we 're here for one another . ''
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for our story about the lasting legacy of Agatha Christie on the 100th anniversary of her first mystery novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • Will Trump ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis change anything ?
Or everything ?
• Put the kettle on and settle in with a fresh batch of British TV shows You have unlimited access to all our pandemic coverage .
If you value our hopeful and respectful approach , please consider subscribing .
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update .
Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what @ @ @ @ @ @

Questions about President Donald Trump's health swirled through the weekend as his physicians and White House staff gave confusing or conflicting assessments. One month from the election, the American public saw a historical pattern of obfuscation, half-truths, and secrecy that’s often marked US presidential illnesses. The motives over time have ranged from politics to national security. On Sunday, Mr. Trump’s doctors again evaded basic questions about his health but also said he “continued to improve” and that he could be discharged as early as today. Mr. Trump released a brief video Sunday afternoon, saying “It’s been a very interesting journey" and he took a short, controversial car ride to wave to supporters before returning to the hospital.
Also testing positive for COVID-19 are three senators - including two on the Judiciary Committee that will oversee Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett - and several White House and Trump campaign officials. While Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has halted all Senate floor activity, he said the confirmation process was going “full steam ahead.”
With the president sidelined, Vice President Mike Pence outlined plans to ramp up campaign appearances by Trump family members and himself after Wednesday’s vice presidential debate.
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are two news events from this past weekend (while you may have been sailing, playing chess, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
2. In California, a grim record and reason for hope. Wildfires this year have scorched a record 4 million acres - an area larger than Connecticut - in a fire season that’s not over. The acreage burned is more than double the previous record set two years ago. California's 2020 fires have killed 31 people, incinerated hundreds of houses, and forced thousands of people to evacuate. About 17,000 firefighters are still battling nearly two dozen major blazes. But a shift in weather is expected to help. Winds and temperatures dropped Sunday, while moisture levels are rising, and rain is forecast at higher elevations. “We are seeing some relief in the weather, but it’s going to be three of four days before it really makes a difference on the fire,” Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said Sunday.
AP Photo/Ian Walton, Pool View caption Hide caption Canada's Brent Lakatos, right, won the men's wheelchair race at the London Marathon in England, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. Dutch athlete Nikita Den Boer won the women's wheelchair race. Shura Kitata of Ethiopia won among male runners, and Kenya's Brigid Kosgei won among women.
Look Ahead
Monday, Oct. 5.
Recognizing progress in medical care: The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine is scheduled to be announced today. It's the first of five prizes awarded annually thanks to Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist Alfred Nobel.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 .
Recognizing progress in physics. The Nobel Prize in physics is expected to be awarded today. The 2019 prize was shared by three astrophysicists “for contributions to our understanding of the evolution of the universe and Earth’s place in the cosmos.”
US vice presidential debate. Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic candidate Sen. Kamala Harris are scheduled to debate sitting 12 feet apart at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City at 9 p.m. E.T.
China watchers. Top diplomats from the U.S., Australia, and India plan to gather in Tokyo to discuss regional concerns, such as China's increasingly assertive actions. These are the first face-to-face ministerial meetings hosted by Japan since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Best at prepping for winter. The annual ursine competition for bulking up for hibernation concludes. Online voting will lead to the crowning of the Fattest Bear of 2020.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Recognizing progress in chemistry. The Nobel Prize in chemistry is expected to be announced today. The 2019 prize was shared by three researchers for "for the development of lithium-ion batteries."
Thursday, Oct. 8
Recognizing literary excellence. The Nobel Prize in literature is expected to be announced today. The 2019 prize was awarded to Peter Handke "for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience."
Thai tourism returns: Thailand receives the first group of tourists from China as the tourism industry reopens. A flight with 150 tourists from Guangzhou is scheduled to arrive in Phuket.
Friday, Oct. 9
Recognizing peacemakers. The Nobel Peace Prize is scheduled to be awarded today. The 2019 prize was given to Abiy Ahmed Ali "for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea."
Generosity Watch
David Clark Scott View caption Hide caption A free food refrigerator or "freeedge" outside D'Friend's Barber Shop in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in Boston. These mini-food pantries are popping up around the world.
The latest wrinkle in food donations are free food refrigerators or “freeedges.”
We’ve seen innovations in giving like this before. Remember the Little Free Pantry movement modeled after the mini-libraries. This is the icebox version of the tiny food pantry. In cities throughout the United States, since the start of the pandemic, these “freeeges” have popped up. There are at least 40 on the sidewalks of New York City, reports The New York Times. And they’re showing up in the streets of Latin America, Europe, and Asia (see the map for locations).
Volunteers stock the often second-hand refrigerators with perishables, such as milk, yoghurt, eggs, and produce. The guiding philosophy: “Take what you need, leave what you don’t.”
"It's incredible how fast this is all happened. I mean, I can't even explain how much hope this gives me," Marina Vergara, a Los Angeles resident, told NPR. "You know it's really nice to know that we're here for one another."
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
More nations ending soccer’s gender wage gap: ‘This could change things’
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for our story about the lasting legacy of Agatha Christie on the 100th anniversary of her first mystery novel.
Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
You have unlimited access to all our pandemic coverage. If you value our hopeful and respectful approach, please consider subscribing.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update. Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think. Thank you!


csmonitor--2020-10-04--US presidents throughout history have kept illnesses hidden

Throughout American history , an uncomfortable truth has been evident : Presidents have lied about their health .
In some cases , the issues were minor , in others quite grave .
And sometimes it took decades for the public to learn the truth .
Now President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease .
The White House initially said he had “ mild symptoms . ''
By Friday evening , he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
After a rosy press conference by the president 's medical team , White House chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had gone through a “ very concerning ” period Friday and that the next 48 hours would be critical in terms of his care .
On Sunday , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present an overly optimistic description of the president ’ s condition on Saturday .
“ I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team , that the president , that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” Pandemics have dogged the presidencies of both Trump and Woodrow Wilson .
Each played down the viruses that killed hundreds of thousands of Americans .
Both presidents got sick — and each had to decide how much to tell the public .
Like many administrations before , Wilson 's White House tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at talks in Paris on ending World War I when he fell ill in April 1919 .
His symptoms were so severe and surfaced so suddenly that his personal physician , Cary Grayson , thought he had been poisoned .
After a fitful night caring for Wilson , Grayson wrote a letter back to Washington to inform the White House that the president was very sick .
Flash forward 100 years .
In a tweet at 12:54 a.m. Friday , Trump told the world that he and first lady Melania Trump had contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few details about his condition .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said he was taken to Walter Reed many hours later “ out of an abundance of caution.
” However sick he was or was n't , his COVID-19 was startling since Trump had been declaring almost daily that the nation had turned the corner on the disease , which has killed 209,000 people in the United States .
Trump has said he has played down the pandemic so as not to create panic , but there were political reasons for doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , Trump did not want the U.S. economy to tank before the Nov. 3 election .
“ The Wilson administration , for a very different reason , completely downplayed the pandemic , ” said John Barry , an adjunct professor in public health at Tulane University whose book “ The Great Influenza ” chronicles the 1918-19 pandemic that sickened Wilson and killed 675,000 Americans .
“ Wilson was concerned that any negative news about anything would detract from the war effort — decrease the energy that people would put into winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more strictly political benefits.
” William Howell , professor of American politics at the University of Chicago , wonders how transparent the White House will be about Trump ’ s case of COVID-19 .
“ He is obviously going to be eager to get back onto the campaign trail , '' Howell said .
`` He has all kinds of incentives to signal strength and to get back into the mix .
He ’ s going to want to.
” But he added : “ This is a president who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his presidency about all manner of factual issues .
And so , is he to be believed is a good cause of real concern.
” He said the pathology of COVID-19 and the virus in 1918 are `` very similar , and that ’ s a little scary.
” History is replete with examples of how presidents have kept the American public in the dark about their ailments and medical conditions .
President Grover Cleveland , fearing poor health would be a political weakness , underwent secret oral surgery late at night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sound .
President Lyndon B. Johnson secretly underwent surgery for removal of a skin lesion on his hand in 1967 .
After leading the nation through a decade of war and depression , Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed early in 1944 as suffering from high blood pressure , hypertensive heart disease , cardiac failure and acute bronchitis .
Roosevelt was put on a low-salt diet and ordered to cut down on smoking .
But with an election coming on , Roosevelt and the White House staff issued a statement saying the problem was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s in bad health are understandable enough around election time , but they are not true , ” his doctor told a reporter .
Historians now believe his doctors concealed all the facts from their patient and the public .
Roosevelt won reelection .
Only months later , on April 12 , 1945 , he died .
According to historian Robert Dallek , President John F. Kennedy suffered more pain and illness than most people knew and took as many as eight medications a day , including painkillers , stimulants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him alive .
Dallek , who wrote a biography on Kennedy , examined medical files from the last eight years of Kennedy ’ s life before Kennedy was assassinated .
President Dwight D. Eisenhower had a heart attack in 1955 , while vacationing in Colorado .
He was hospitalized for six weeks .
Instead of advising Eisenhower not to run for a second term , his doctor recommended that more time in office would aid his recovery .
In 1841 , William Henry Harrison became ill with what doctors thought was pneumonia caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he rode horseback sans topcoat .
The White House did not tell the public that Harrison was sick .
Harrison died just nine days after becoming ill and only one month after taking the oath of office .
After pools of reporters began to cover nearly every moment that a president is in public , it became harder for commanders-in-chief to keep their medical conditions private .
The first known instance of a so-called pool reporter inside the White House was in 1881 when James A. Garfield was shot .
As he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklin Trusdell sat outside the president 's sick room , listening to him breathe and sharing updates with other correspondents .
“ I listen for every sound , ” Trusdell wrote to his wife in a note about his overnight Garfield watch at the White House .
“ A dog barking in the distance is heard .
A fountain splashes on the lawn .
Not a step is heard in the mansion .
The president sleeps .
”

Throughout American history, an uncomfortable truth has been evident: Presidents have lied about their health.
In some cases, the issues were minor, in others quite grave. And sometimes it took decades for the public to learn the truth.
Now President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease. The White House initially said he had “mild symptoms." By Friday evening, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. After a rosy press conference by the president's medical team, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Saturday that Mr. Trump had gone through a “very concerning” period Friday and that the next 48 hours would be critical in terms of his care. On Sunday, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present an overly optimistic description of the president’s condition on Saturday.
“I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team, that the president, that his course of illness has had. Didn’t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction,” Dr. Conley said. “And in doing so, came off like we’re trying to hide something, which wasn’t necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he’s doing really well.”
Pandemics have dogged the presidencies of both Mr. Trump and Woodrow Wilson. Each played down the viruses that killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Both presidents got sick – and each had to decide how much to tell the public.
Like many administrations before, Wilson's White House tried to keep his sickness secret.
He was at talks in Paris on ending World War I when he fell ill in April 1919. His symptoms were so severe and surfaced so suddenly that his personal physician, Cary Grayson, thought he had been poisoned. After a fitful night caring for Wilson, Grayson wrote a letter back to Washington to inform the White House that the president was very sick.
Flash forward 100 years. In a tweet at 12:54 a.m. Friday, Trump told the world that he and first lady Melania Trump had contracted COVID-19.
The White House initially shared few details about his condition. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said he was taken to Walter Reed many hours later “out of an abundance of caution.”
However sick he was or wasn't, his COVID-19 was startling since Trump had been declaring almost daily that the nation had turned the corner on the disease, which has killed 209,000 people in the United States.
Trump has said he has played down the pandemic so as not to create panic, but there were political reasons for doing so. Seeking another four years in office, Trump did not want the U.S. economy to tank before the Nov. 3 election.
“The Wilson administration, for a very different reason, completely downplayed the pandemic,” said John Barry, an adjunct professor in public health at Tulane University whose book “The Great Influenza” chronicles the 1918-19 pandemic that sickened Wilson and killed 675,000 Americans. “Wilson was concerned that any negative news about anything would detract from the war effort – decrease the energy that people would put into winning the war. In this case, there are more strictly political benefits.”
William Howell, professor of American politics at the University of Chicago, wonders how transparent the White House will be about Trump’s case of COVID-19.
“He is obviously going to be eager to get back onto the campaign trail," Mr. Howell said. "He has all kinds of incentives to signal strength and to get back into the mix. He’s going to want to.”
But he added: “This is a president who’s been less than straightforward over the course of his presidency about all manner of factual issues. And so, is he to be believed is a good cause of real concern.”
He said the pathology of COVID-19 and the virus in 1918 are "very similar, and that’s a little scary.”
History is replete with examples of how presidents have kept the American public in the dark about their ailments and medical conditions.
President Grover Cleveland, fearing poor health would be a political weakness, underwent secret oral surgery late at night in a private yacht in Long Island Sound.
President Lyndon B. Johnson secretly underwent surgery for removal of a skin lesion on his hand in 1967.
After leading the nation through a decade of war and depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed early in 1944 as suffering from high blood pressure, hypertensive heart disease, cardiac failure and acute bronchitis. Roosevelt was put on a low-salt diet and ordered to cut down on smoking. But with an election coming on, Mr. Roosevelt and the White House staff issued a statement saying the problem was far less serious.
“The stories that he’s in bad health are understandable enough around election time, but they are not true,” his doctor told a reporter. Historians now believe his doctors concealed all the facts from their patient and the public.
Mr. Roosevelt won reelection. Only months later, on April 12, 1945, he died.
According to historian Robert Dallek, President John F. Kennedy suffered more pain and illness than most people knew and took as many as eight medications a day, including painkillers, stimulants, sleeping pills and hormones to keep him alive. Mr. Dallek, who wrote a biography on Kennedy, examined medical files from the last eight years of Mr. Kennedy’s life before Mr. Kennedy was assassinated.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower had a heart attack in 1955, while vacationing in Colorado. He was hospitalized for six weeks. Instead of advising Mr. Eisenhower not to run for a second term, his doctor recommended that more time in office would aid his recovery.
In 1841, William Henry Harrison became ill with what doctors thought was pneumonia caused by cold weather during his inauguration, where he rode horseback sans topcoat. The White House did not tell the public that Mr. Harrison was sick. Mr. Harrison died just nine days after becoming ill and only one month after taking the oath of office.
After pools of reporters began to cover nearly every moment that a president is in public, it became harder for commanders-in-chief to keep their medical conditions private.
The first known instance of a so-called pool reporter inside the White House was in 1881 when James A. Garfield was shot. As he lay in bed, Associated Press reporter Franklin Trusdell sat outside the president's sick room, listening to him breathe and sharing updates with other correspondents.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“I listen for every sound,” Mr. Trusdell wrote to his wife in a note about his overnight Garfield watch at the White House. “A dog barking in the distance is heard. A fountain splashes on the lawn. Not a step is heard in the mansion. The president sleeps.”
This story was reported by The Associated Press.