csmonitor--2020-07-07--Angela Merkel’s leadership style: willingness to change

Angela Merkel had been a cautious technocrat .
The German chancellor demanded a government run with fiscal austerity .
And while she ’ s always acknowledged Germany ’ s key role in the European Union , she never pushed to see that union grow stronger .
Her educational background ( a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry ) has taught her to take a methodical , low-key approach to problem-solving .
But with her political career nearing its end – she ’ ll leave office in 2021 – she ’ s now showing another quality : a willingness to dramatically change course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Merkel and Germany took over the rotating presidency of the EU July 1 .
The union faces a pair of huge difficulties familiar to governments around the world : a pandemic and , as a result , in her own words , “ the greatest economic challenge in the history of the European Union.
” She arrives in her post with another strength : the backing of the German people .
Her popularity waned in 2015 when in a gesture of compassion she allowed hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-ravaged countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spurring a rapid rise in anti-immigrant sentiment .
Yet in early 2020 , when the pandemic arrived , Ms. Merkel was able to move swiftly to coordinate efforts to fight its spread : Deaths and cases quickly dropped to low levels , and the situation appears under control .
The public appreciated her efforts : A recent poll showed a remarkable 82 % of Germans approve of her performance in office .
Now the problem-solver faces another huge task : persuading the EU ’ s member countries to collectively undertake a gigantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic crisis .
In May she and French President Emmanuel Macron proposed that the EU borrow €500 billion ( $ 545 billion ) on financial markets to fund the effort .
So much for an austere and debt-free Germany .
But the times , she realized , had demanded it .
In a recent wide-ranging interview with a half-dozen leading European newspapers , she set out her thinking .
Germany had watched as countries such as Italy suffered a heart-rending human and economic disaster .
“ It is only right for Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be prepared to engage in an extraordinary act of solidarity , ” she said .
“ It was in that spirit that ... [ President ] Macron and I made our proposal.
” Helping needy neighbors was good for everyone , she insisted .
“ It is in Germany ’ s interest to have ... the European Union grow closer together , not fall apart .
As ever , what ’ s good for Europe is good for us.
” Very high unemployment provides the tinder for political upheaval “ and thereby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy , ” she said .
“ For Europe to survive , its economy needs to survive.
” Framing the problem as economically stronger northern European countries , who must bail out weaker southern economies , isn ’ t useful , she said .
“ That is seeing things in black and white .
I expect each of us always to put ourselves in the other person ’ s shoes and consider problems from the other ’ s point of view.
” In sum , she said , “ I see my job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fundamental rights of the individual.
” That broad perspective she embraces holds great promise to guide Europe through this economic storm , and allow it to emerge again : prosperous , democratic , and united .

Angela Merkel had been a cautious technocrat. The German chancellor demanded a government run with fiscal austerity. And while she’s always acknowledged Germany’s key role in the European Union, she never pushed to see that union grow stronger.
Her educational background (a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry) has taught her to take a methodical, low-key approach to problem-solving.
But with her political career nearing its end – she’ll leave office in 2021 – she’s now showing another quality: a willingness to dramatically change course when new evidence calls for it.
Ms. Merkel and Germany took over the rotating presidency of the EU July 1. The union faces a pair of huge difficulties familiar to governments around the world: a pandemic and, as a result, in her own words, “the greatest economic challenge in the history of the European Union.”
She arrives in her post with another strength: the backing of the German people. Her popularity waned in 2015 when in a gesture of compassion she allowed hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-ravaged countries such as Syria to settle in Germany, spurring a rapid rise in anti-immigrant sentiment.
Yet in early 2020, when the pandemic arrived, Ms. Merkel was able to move swiftly to coordinate efforts to fight its spread: Deaths and cases quickly dropped to low levels, and the situation appears under control.
The public appreciated her efforts: A recent poll showed a remarkable 82% of Germans approve of her performance in office.
Now the problem-solver faces another huge task: persuading the EU’s member countries to collectively undertake a gigantic aid program to help those devastated by the economic crisis. In May she and French President Emmanuel Macron proposed that the EU borrow €500 billion ($545 billion) on financial markets to fund the effort. So much for an austere and debt-free Germany.
But the times, she realized, had demanded it. In a recent wide-ranging interview with a half-dozen leading European newspapers, she set out her thinking. Germany had watched as countries such as Italy suffered a heart-rending human and economic disaster. “It is only right for Germany to think not just about itself but to be prepared to engage in an extraordinary act of solidarity,” she said. “It was in that spirit that ... [President] Macron and I made our proposal.”
Helping needy neighbors was good for everyone, she insisted. “It is in Germany’s interest to have ... the European Union grow closer together, not fall apart. As ever, what’s good for Europe is good for us.”
Very high unemployment provides the tinder for political upheaval “and thereby increase[s] the threat to democracy,” she said. “For Europe to survive, its economy needs to survive.”
Framing the problem as economically stronger northern European countries, who must bail out weaker southern economies, isn’t useful, she said. “That is seeing things in black and white. I expect each of us always to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and consider problems from the other’s point of view.”
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In sum, she said, “I see my job as working for a ... Europe rooted in the fundamental rights of the individual.”
That broad perspective she embraces holds great promise to guide Europe through this economic storm, and allow it to emerge again: prosperous, democratic, and united.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Migrants have helped Canada weather the pandemic. Will it return the favor?

Permanent residence for temporary workers would help protect them , says Edward Dunsworth , a historian at McGill University .
It “ wouldn ’ t solve every single issue , ” he says .
“ But a lot of these problems really lead back to this issue of status.
” And as many as 60,000 temporary workers are laboring in the country ’ s critical agriculture and food production .
This year ’ s program went forward with workers required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada .
But still the virus spread , many public health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quebec , the epicenter of Canada ’ s COVID-19 crisis , has leaned heavily on asylum-seekers to fill in its depleted long-term care facilities , which have been ravaged by the pandemic .
More than a thousand asylum-seekers are working in Quebec ’ s health care sector , and a large portion of them are nonwhite women who are living in poverty .
Canada ’ s migrant agricultural and health care workers and asylum-seekers are increasingly seeking permanent residence in the country .
And many Canadians agree that the essential nature of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern threat to Canadian life , should be recognized .
Juan Luis Mendoza has spent more of his adult life on Canadian soil than Mexican .
For eight months of each of the last 30 years , the Mexican agricultural worker has harvested sunflowers , cabbage , peaches , and strawberries from Ontario farms – missing the graduations of his three daughters as they moved from elementary to high school to college .
Today as COVID-19 has swept through migrant farms – three agricultural workers in the province have already died and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the worst outbreaks in Canada – he wipes a tear from behind his glasses .
But not because of the virus or fear of it .
“ You remember all that you missed with your family , all those moments , ” he says .
He recognizes all that he has gained by participating in Canada ’ s temporary foreign worker program , modeled after one in the United States .
But he feels that the sacrifices he has made warrant permanent status .
And now he says people are finally paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of Canada , ” he says .
“ But we have been invisible , until this pandemic.
” Mr. Mendoza joins a growing movement of agricultural and health care workers and asylum-seekers seeking permanent residence here .
And many Canadians agree that the essential nature of their work and sacrifice , during the biggest modern threat to Canadian life , should be recognized , much the way immigrants in the U.S. are fast-tracked to citizenship if they serve in the American military .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asylum-seekers on the front lines of health care permanent status in Canada .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
They join a global movement sparked by the precarity that has been exposed by the pandemic .
In Paris , more than 5,000 marched for legalization of the sans papiers , or unauthorized workers .
In Portugal and Italy , governments have granted temporary rights to workers , while in Lebanon , where maids were abandoned by families who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a push to end the “ kafala system ” in which domestic workers are tied directly to one family has grown .
Over the weekend , asylum-seekers , unauthorized workers , and migrant workers protested in Canadian cities demanding more rights and protections amid the pandemic .
“ It ’ s part of a broader reckoning during this pandemic , in the kind of profound irony and hypocrisy that a lot of the most essential workers in our economies are often the worst treated and lowest paid , ” says Edward Dunsworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Canada and soon assistant professor of history at McGill University in Montreal .
The movement for migrants has gained much traction in Quebec , the epicenter of Canada ’ s COVID-19 crisis , with half of all cases and more than 5,400 deaths .
Some 80 % of those have occurred in long-term care facilities , which were so depleted by the pandemic that the military had to come in to assist this spring .
So too did asylum-seekers , says Wilner Cayo , an activist with the Quebec-based advocacy group Debout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dignity ) .
He says between 1,200 and 1,400 asylum-seekers are working in Quebec ’ s health care sector , including many from Haiti and North Africa , and a large portion of the workers are nonwhite women who are living in poverty .
Quebec Premier François Legault began referring to these home care workers as “ guardian angels.
” It ’ s a stark reversal from rhetoric that propelled him into office in the first place .
In August 2017 , he said Quebec couldn ’ t be expected to accept “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now many recognize the service of those escaping misery – men like L ’ Houcine El Arbane who came to Canada in 2016 and began a job as an orderly at a long-term care home north of Montreal in mid-April , making sure elderly patients there were well-fed , clean , and comfortable .
His first shift started a week after his daughter Ghalya was born .
He didn ’ t want to worry his wife .
But his own anxiety rose with each red marker placed outside residents ’ rooms to mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about quitting , ” he says .
“ Every [ day ] you would see funeral homes [ arriving ] with their stretchers to pick up a patient who had passed away .
They were long days – long , long days.
” Today as those numbers have gone down , he faces another uncertain road ahead .
His original refugee claim was denied , and he resubmitted an application for permanent residence in March 2020 .
Now he waits .
Mr. Cayo says many asylum-seekers are suffering psychologically because they are unsure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ends and their jobs are no longer deemed “ essential.
” “ François Legault [ compared them ] to guardian angels .
Justin Trudeau called them humanitarian workers .
Yet despite that glowing rhetoric , we still left them in a precarious situation as to their migration status , ” he says .
And the current proposals pertain narrowly to health care workers , launching a conversation about what “ essential ” means , and why food processors or security guards in care homes , for example , wouldn ’ t also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an associate professor at the University of Ottawa ’ s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs , says all of those who need protection in Canada should be granted it .
Still she likens the moment to grant health care workers a path to residence to Mr. Trudeau ’ s promise in 2015 to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada .
The political class and the public were on board then just as they are today .
“ There ’ s a political will here [ today ] in a government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claims of asylum-seekers and refugees and is pretty hostile to certain categories of immigrants , ” Dr. Lenard says .
Among them are temporary workers , who number as many as 60,000 every year to work in agriculture and food production .
This year the program , central to Canada ’ s food security , was initially in doubt over possible border closures .
It went forward with workers required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada .
But still the virus spread , many public health officials say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says his research has shown that as programs have grown in scale since the first was established in 1966 – and as Canadian farming has become a more centralized , corporate industry – conditions have worsened for workers .
But it ’ s been hard to draw attention to that , in part because of the program ’ s juxtaposition to American farming .
“ Because of how prevalent undocumented labor is on farms in the U.S. , these managed migration programs are actually seen in a more positive light compared to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , ” he says .
He says permanent residence for temporary workers would protect them – giving them the power to walk away from an abusive boss , unsafe conditions , or , particularly relevant in today ’ s environment , poor living conditions .
It doesn ’ t mean , he says , they would necessarily – or even want to – stay in Canada permanently .
Permanent residence “ wouldn ’ t solve every single issue , ” he says .
“ But a lot of these problems really lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syed Hussan agrees .
As executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change in Toronto , he is trying to protect the rights and welfare of migrants , unauthorized workers , and refugees in Canada .
But it is an uphill battle ; for example , Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently changed rules to allow workers who test positive but are asymptomatic to continue working .
“ I think it is very possible that there ’ s a huge instinct and a desire to return to normal , ” Mr. Hussan says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

Permanent residence for temporary workers would help protect them, says Edward Dunsworth, a historian at McGill University. It “wouldn’t solve every single issue,” he says. “But a lot of these problems really lead back to this issue of status.”
And as many as 60,000 temporary workers are laboring in the country’s critical agriculture and food production. This year’s program went forward with workers required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. But still the virus spread, many public health officials say, because of bunking arrangements.
Migrant workers are making significant sacrifices to benefit their host nations' well-being. In Canada, that includes braving the pandemic. At what point do these workers deserve the residency status they seek?
Quebec, the epicenter of Canada’s COVID-19 crisis, has leaned heavily on asylum-seekers to fill in its depleted long-term care facilities, which have been ravaged by the pandemic. More than a thousand asylum-seekers are working in Quebec’s health care sector, and a large portion of them are nonwhite women who are living in poverty.
Canada’s migrant agricultural and health care workers and asylum-seekers are increasingly seeking permanent residence in the country. And many Canadians agree that the essential nature of their work and sacrifice, during the biggest modern threat to Canadian life, should be recognized.
Juan Luis Mendoza has spent more of his adult life on Canadian soil than Mexican. For eight months of each of the last 30 years, the Mexican agricultural worker has harvested sunflowers, cabbage, peaches, and strawberries from Ontario farms – missing the graduations of his three daughters as they moved from elementary to high school to college.
Today as COVID-19 has swept through migrant farms – three agricultural workers in the province have already died and more than 1,000 have been infected among some of the worst outbreaks in Canada – he wipes a tear from behind his glasses. But not because of the virus or fear of it. “You remember all that you missed with your family, all those moments,” he says.
He recognizes all that he has gained by participating in Canada’s temporary foreign worker program, modeled after one in the United States. But he feels that the sacrifices he has made warrant permanent status. And now he says people are finally paying attention. “We have contributed to the development of Canada,” he says. “But we have been invisible, until this pandemic.”
Courtesy of Juan Luis Mendoza View caption Hide caption Juan Luis Mendoza, shown here in the sunflower fields he harvests in Ontario, has been a temporary migrant worker in Canada for 30 years and is fighting for permanent residence.
Why We Wrote This Migrant workers are making significant sacrifices to benefit their host nations' well-being. In Canada, that includes braving the pandemic. At what point do these workers deserve the residency status they seek?
Mr. Mendoza joins a growing movement of agricultural and health care workers and asylum-seekers seeking permanent residence here. And many Canadians agree that the essential nature of their work and sacrifice, during the biggest modern threat to Canadian life, should be recognized, much the way immigrants in the U.S. are fast-tracked to citizenship if they serve in the American military. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he is looking into the possibility of granting asylum-seekers on the front lines of health care permanent status in Canada.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
They join a global movement sparked by the precarity that has been exposed by the pandemic. In Paris, more than 5,000 marched for legalization of the sans papiers, or unauthorized workers. In Portugal and Italy, governments have granted temporary rights to workers, while in Lebanon, where maids were abandoned by families who said they could no longer afford to pay, a push to end the “kafala system” in which domestic workers are tied directly to one family has grown. Over the weekend, asylum-seekers, unauthorized workers, and migrant workers protested in Canadian cities demanding more rights and protections amid the pandemic.
“It’s part of a broader reckoning during this pandemic, in the kind of profound irony and hypocrisy that a lot of the most essential workers in our economies are often the worst treated and lowest paid,” says Edward Dunsworth, a historian of migrant agricultural labor in Canada and soon assistant professor of history at McGill University in Montreal.
Guardian angels in a precarious situation
The movement for migrants has gained much traction in Quebec, the epicenter of Canada’s COVID-19 crisis, with half of all cases and more than 5,400 deaths. Some 80% of those have occurred in long-term care facilities, which were so depleted by the pandemic that the military had to come in to assist this spring. So too did asylum-seekers, says Wilner Cayo, an activist with the Quebec-based advocacy group Debout pour la dignité (Stand Up for Dignity). He says between 1,200 and 1,400 asylum-seekers are working in Quebec’s health care sector, including many from Haiti and North Africa, and a large portion of the workers are nonwhite women who are living in poverty.
Quebec Premier François Legault began referring to these home care workers as “guardian angels.” It’s a stark reversal from rhetoric that propelled him into office in the first place. In August 2017, he said Quebec couldn’t be expected to accept “all the world’s misery.”
Now many recognize the service of those escaping misery – men like L’Houcine El Arbane who came to Canada in 2016 and began a job as an orderly at a long-term care home north of Montreal in mid-April, making sure elderly patients there were well-fed, clean, and comfortable.
Courtesy of L’Houcine El Arbane View caption Hide caption L’Houcine El Arbane started his first shift at a long-term care home north of Montreal a week after his baby girl (pictured) was born. He worried about the risk of bringing the coronavirus home.
His first shift started a week after his daughter Ghalya was born. He didn’t want to worry his wife. But his own anxiety rose with each red marker placed outside residents’ rooms to mark positive COVID-19 cases. “I thought about quitting,” he says. “Every [day] you would see funeral homes [arriving] with their stretchers to pick up a patient who had passed away. They were long days – long, long days.”
Today as those numbers have gone down, he faces another uncertain road ahead. His original refugee claim was denied, and he resubmitted an application for permanent residence in March 2020. Now he waits.
Mr. Cayo says many asylum-seekers are suffering psychologically because they are unsure whether they will face deportation once the pandemic ends and their jobs are no longer deemed “essential.” “François Legault [compared them] to guardian angels. Justin Trudeau called them humanitarian workers. Yet despite that glowing rhetoric, we still left them in a precarious situation as to their migration status,” he says.
And the current proposals pertain narrowly to health care workers, launching a conversation about what “essential” means, and why food processors or security guards in care homes, for example, wouldn’t also fit the definition.
“This issue of status”
Patti Lenard, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, says all of those who need protection in Canada should be granted it. Still she likens the moment to grant health care workers a path to residence to Mr. Trudeau’s promise in 2015 to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada. The political class and the public were on board then just as they are today.
“There’s a political will here [today] in a government, which has been pretty reluctant to recognize the claims of asylum-seekers and refugees and is pretty hostile to certain categories of immigrants,” Dr. Lenard says.
Among them are temporary workers, who number as many as 60,000 every year to work in agriculture and food production. This year the program, central to Canada’s food security, was initially in doubt over possible border closures. It went forward with workers required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. But still the virus spread, many public health officials say, because of bunking arrangements.
Dr. Dunsworth says his research has shown that as programs have grown in scale since the first was established in 1966 – and as Canadian farming has become a more centralized, corporate industry – conditions have worsened for workers. But it’s been hard to draw attention to that, in part because of the program’s juxtaposition to American farming. “Because of how prevalent undocumented labor is on farms in the U.S., these managed migration programs are actually seen in a more positive light compared to the abuses and the ever-present dangers for undocumented workers,” he says.
He says permanent residence for temporary workers would protect them – giving them the power to walk away from an abusive boss, unsafe conditions, or, particularly relevant in today’s environment, poor living conditions. It doesn’t mean, he says, they would necessarily – or even want to – stay in Canada permanently. Permanent residence “wouldn’t solve every single issue,” he says. “But a lot of these problems really lead back to this issue of status.”
Syed Hussan agrees. As executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change in Toronto, he is trying to protect the rights and welfare of migrants, unauthorized workers, and refugees in Canada. But it is an uphill battle; for example, Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently changed rules to allow workers who test positive but are asymptomatic to continue working.
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 think it is very possible that there’s a huge instinct and a desire to return to normal,” Mr. Hussan says. “Normal was just not good enough.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--How one woman turned a small Vermont town into an arts destination

“ It ’ s a place where individuals feel their creative , imaginative selves can thrive , and it ’ s supported , ” says Ms. Dolan .
“ It ’ s supported by teachers , by the people around you , by the space.
” Throughout ArtisTree ’ s growth , one thing is constant : a spirit of accessibility and inclusion .
With her nonprofit , Ms. Dolan has also brought new vitality to this sliver of quintessential New England , where the local ski resort Suicide Six towers above the landscape .
The arts center , gallery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this town of about 900 into something of a cultural center .
The projects boosted visitor traffic and gave the village a new dose of vitality it hadn ’ t seen in decades .
ArtisTree Community Arts Center is a powerhouse of creativity , welcoming local artists to its classes , art exhibitions , concerts , and theater productions in the village of South Pomfret , Vermont .
Kathleen Dolan ’ s goal was to make the arts more accessible to all .
Many years ago , she began by toting her keyboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child care centers .
Today , she owns a dynamic arts center that has transformed a small New England town and become a regional arts destination .
When Kathleen Dolan started teaching music and art to young children in Woodstock , Vermont , in 2003 , she was used to being a one-person operation .
In an earlier role in Boston , she conducted music programs at child care centers , and she recalls , “ I would just travel with my keyboard.
” In a span of 10 years , she went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small downtown space in Vermont for classes , to owning a dynamic arts center that would give her community and others accessibility to the arts .
Her local nonprofit , ArtisTree Community Arts Center , has become a powerhouse of creativity , welcoming local artists to its classes , art exhibitions , concerts , and theater productions in the village of South Pomfret .
Here , they can explore their craft and share it with the world .
Driven by Ms. Dolan , a spirit of inclusion and openness to all artists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s a place where individuals feel their creative , imaginative selves can thrive , and it ’ s supported , ” she says .
“ It ’ s supported by teachers , by the people around you , by the space.
” Woodstock-based artist Judith Taylor is one of the artists who enjoys that support .
“ I really believe we ’ re here to question and imagine and create and tell stories , ” Ms. Taylor says .
“ I always had a feeling at ArtisTree that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really got the courage to explore whatever interested me.
” Ms. Dolan has also brought new vitality to the village of South Pomfret , a sliver of quintessential New England where the local ski resort Suicide Six towers above the landscape .
The arts center , gallery , and the 90-seat Grange Theatre have transformed this town of about 900 into something of a cultural center .
The journey began when Ms. Dolan rented a downtown space in Woodstock in 2003 to provide music and art for young children .
“ That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community space was for parents and kids , ” Ms. Dolan says .
And she always honored that community spirit , says Dail Frates , executive director of Zack ’ s Place , a nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs , where Ms. Dolan sometimes teaches programs .
Mrs. Frates remembers a time when only a couple of participants showed up for a class Ms. Dolan was teaching there .
Mrs. Frates apologized for the low attendance , and she says Ms. Dolan ’ s response touched her .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter too .
It doesn ’ t matter if it ’ s two or 20 people .
Everybody matters just as much.
’ ” “ She ’ s such a kind , considerate , and respectful person .
It doesn ’ t matter who you are ; you ’ re important to her.
” After Ms. Dolan moved her organization to a larger Woodstock location in 2006 , community participation skyrocketed , and local partnerships grew .
She continued putting resources into it , and in 2011 , gave the organization its current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ArtisTree ’ s biggest expansion to date included the opening of the arts center and gallery in South Pomfret .
For the first time , ArtisTree had a location it owned .
“ We got to design the space , and we had performances in mind , so that piece of it really started to get more attention and energy , ” Ms. Dolan says .
Art enthusiasts can now find a wide range of classes there , including the visual arts , theater arts , music , movement classes , and creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused , personal growth experience through a given art form.
” “ That ’ s another way that the arts can be of service to people , ” Ms. Dolan says .
“ You can really learn something about yourself and find some peace and wellness through an art project as well.
” Fiona Davis , director of the ceramics program , says accessibility is one of the hallmarks of Ms. Dolan ’ s work .
“ We get the chance to provide art to people who don ’ t always get that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s been one of the most important things to me.
” The arts center was also a game-changer for this tiny village , spurring the restoration of a historical barn , farmhouse , and Grange Hall , the last of which became Pomfret ’ s first theater venue in 2017 .
Its theater productions draw actors and performing arts fans from around the region .
The projects boosted visitor traffic and gave the village a new dose of vitality it hadn ’ t seen in decades .
Still , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Pomfret ’ s history .
At the Grange , a cherished landmark in town , ArtisTree salvaged parts of the building wherever possible , displaying several historical Grange artifacts behind glass .
“ We were really sensitive to that because the Grange held a lot of the cultural history of this area , ” Ms. Dolan says .
All this adds up to a unique arts experience .
“ It ’ s pretty significant that we have this amazing , amazing facility , ” Mrs. Frates says .
“ I love going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In coming years Ms. Dolan plans to host more productions featuring local talent .
“ It brings more participation from the people that live here , and that ’ s the whole point of ArtisTree , ” Ms. Dolan says .
Ms. Taylor , the Woodstock artist , has been working with ArtisTree for years .
She remembers displaying her work of art “ Mudrug ” in ArtisTree ’ s gallery in 2017 .
She fashioned mud from the Dead Sea , brought back from a trip to Israel and the Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer rug adorned with intricate designs , and allowed it to dry on the floor , where it was exhibited facing east .
It was meant to honor a culture at a time when there was a lot of discussion in the world about Muslims , Ms. Taylor explains .
“ My intention really was to make something beautiful and fragile , because it seemed to me there was so much negative feeling about something that was in the world and has great meaning , ” she says .
Ms. Taylor treasures the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dried mud that formed “ Mudrug ” in a glass bottle at her home .
“ This is what Kathleen made possible in my life , and I ’ m so grateful , because if she did it for me , she ’ s done it for so many other people .
”

“It’s a place where individuals feel their creative, imaginative selves can thrive, and it’s supported,” says Ms. Dolan. “It’s supported by teachers, by the people around you, by the space.”
Throughout ArtisTree’s growth, one thing is constant: a spirit of accessibility and inclusion.
With her nonprofit, Ms. Dolan has also brought new vitality to this sliver of quintessential New England, where the local ski resort Suicide Six towers above the landscape. The arts center, gallery, and 90-seat Grange Theatre have transformed this town of about 900 into something of a cultural center. The projects boosted visitor traffic and gave the village a new dose of vitality it hadn’t seen in decades.
At a time when many rural villages have faded, South Pomfret, Vermont, population 900, is thriving. At the heart of its success: a passionate advocate of the arts and her campaign to bring them to this quaint New England village.
ArtisTree Community Arts Center is a powerhouse of creativity, welcoming local artists to its classes, art exhibitions, concerts, and theater productions in the village of South Pomfret, Vermont.
Kathleen Dolan’s goal was to make the arts more accessible to all. Many years ago, she began by toting her keyboard around Boston, teaching music programs at child care centers. Today, she owns a dynamic arts center that has transformed a small New England town and become a regional arts destination.
When Kathleen Dolan started teaching music and art to young children in Woodstock, Vermont, in 2003, she was used to being a one-person operation.
In an earlier role in Boston, she conducted music programs at child care centers, and she recalls, “I would just travel with my keyboard.”
In a span of 10 years, she went from toting her keyboard to renting a small downtown space in Vermont for classes, to owning a dynamic arts center that would give her community and others accessibility to the arts.
Why We Wrote This At a time when many rural villages have faded, South Pomfret, Vermont, population 900, is thriving. At the heart of its success: a passionate advocate of the arts and her campaign to bring them to this quaint New England village.
Her local nonprofit, ArtisTree Community Arts Center, has become a powerhouse of creativity, welcoming local artists to its classes, art exhibitions, concerts, and theater productions in the village of South Pomfret. Here, they can explore their craft and share it with the world. Driven by Ms. Dolan, a spirit of inclusion and openness to all artists and art forms guides ArtisTree’s mission.
“It’s a place where individuals feel their creative, imaginative selves can thrive, and it’s supported,” she says. “It’s supported by teachers, by the people around you, by the space.”
Woodstock-based artist Judith Taylor is one of the artists who enjoys that support.
“I really believe we’re here to question and imagine and create and tell stories,” Ms. Taylor says. “I always had a feeling at ArtisTree that I was welcome to do that. I really got the courage to explore whatever interested me.”
Ms. Dolan has also brought new vitality to the village of South Pomfret, a sliver of quintessential New England where the local ski resort Suicide Six towers above the landscape. The arts center, gallery, and the 90-seat Grange Theatre have transformed this town of about 900 into something of a cultural center.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Kathleen Dolan stops in front of the Teago General Store, which she has begun to restore in South Pomfret, Vermont. Though not connected with ArtisTree, the store is a stone’s throw from the Grange Theatre. Ms. Dolan’s goal is to maintain the store as the community hub it has been for decades.
Community spirit
The journey began when Ms. Dolan rented a downtown space in Woodstock in 2003 to provide music and art for young children.
“That was the beginning of me noticing how valuable a community space was for parents and kids,” Ms. Dolan says.
And she always honored that community spirit, says Dail Frates, executive director of Zack’s Place, a nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs, where Ms. Dolan sometimes teaches programs. Mrs. Frates remembers a time when only a couple of participants showed up for a class Ms. Dolan was teaching there. Mrs. Frates apologized for the low attendance, and she says Ms. Dolan’s response touched her. “She said, ‘Well, they matter too. It doesn’t matter if it’s two or 20 people. Everybody matters just as much.’”
“She’s such a kind, considerate, and respectful person. It doesn’t matter who you are; you’re important to her.”
After Ms. Dolan moved her organization to a larger Woodstock location in 2006, community participation skyrocketed, and local partnerships grew. She continued putting resources into it, and in 2011, gave the organization its current name: ArtisTree.
In 2013, ArtisTree’s biggest expansion to date included the opening of the arts center and gallery in South Pomfret. For the first time, ArtisTree had a location it owned.
“We got to design the space, and we had performances in mind, so that piece of it really started to get more attention and energy,” Ms. Dolan says.
Art enthusiasts can now find a wide range of classes there, including the visual arts, theater arts, music, movement classes, and creative wellness. The wellness classes offer “focused, personal growth experience through a given art form.”
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Ceramic creatures sit on a shelf in the ceramics studio at ArtisTree, which has become a powerhouse of creativity in the region.
“That’s another way that the arts can be of service to people,” Ms. Dolan says. “You can really learn something about yourself and find some peace and wellness through an art project as well.”
Fiona Davis, director of the ceramics program, says accessibility is one of the hallmarks of Ms. Dolan’s work.
“We get the chance to provide art to people who don’t always get that opportunity,” Ms. Davis says. “That’s been one of the most important things to me.”
Small-town revival
The arts center was also a game-changer for this tiny village, spurring the restoration of a historical barn, farmhouse, and Grange Hall, the last of which became Pomfret’s first theater venue in 2017. Its theater productions draw actors and performing arts fans from around the region.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption The Grange Theatre is one of the buildings Kathleen Dolan restored through her organization, ArtisTree Community Arts Center in South Pomfret, Vermont. The Suicide Six ski resort rises behind the building.
The projects boosted visitor traffic and gave the village a new dose of vitality it hadn’t seen in decades. Still, it was important to Ms. Dolan to honor South Pomfret’s history. At the Grange, a cherished landmark in town, ArtisTree salvaged parts of the building wherever possible, displaying several historical Grange artifacts behind glass.
“We were really sensitive to that because the Grange held a lot of the cultural history of this area,” Ms. Dolan says.
All this adds up to a unique arts experience.
“It’s pretty significant that we have this amazing, amazing facility,” Mrs. Frates says. “I love going to the theater and watching the productions.”
(Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, theater and music events are canceled for the season as of publication.)
In coming years Ms. Dolan plans to host more productions featuring local talent.
“It brings more participation from the people that live here, and that’s the whole point of ArtisTree,” Ms. Dolan says.
Ms. Taylor, the Woodstock artist, has been working with ArtisTree for years. She remembers displaying her work of art “Mudrug” in ArtisTree’s gallery in 2017. She fashioned mud from the Dead Sea, brought back from a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, into the shape of a prayer rug adorned with intricate designs, and allowed it to dry on the floor, where it was exhibited facing east. It was meant to honor a culture at a time when there was a lot of discussion in the world about Muslims, Ms. Taylor explains.
“My intention really was to make something beautiful and fragile, because it seemed to me there was so much negative feeling about something that was in the world and has great meaning,” she says.
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Ms. Taylor treasures the memory of that exhibition, and keeps the dried mud that formed “Mudrug” in a glass bottle at her home.
“This is what Kathleen made possible in my life, and I’m so grateful, because if she did it for me, she’s done it for so many other people.”


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Plunge into summer with the 10 best books of July

1 .
The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama Gail Tsukiyama ’ s novel of enduring love – and just as important , enduring friendships – is set in Hawaii against the backdrop of the 1935 Mauna Loa volcano eruption .
She immerses readers in the stories of close-knit characters with a gentle tone and rich descriptions that do not obscure the darker context of the historic setting .
What if the beauty is also the beast ?
That ’ s the premise of Melissa Bashardoust ’ s feminist fairy tale .
The Princess Soraya has grown up hidden away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
A curse has made her poisonous to the touch , and since a baby she ’ s been taught to apologize for and minimize her existence .
Then a soldier captures a parik , a magical creature , who says she knows how to break the curse .
Soraya must choose : Her family or her freedom .
3 .
The Son of Good Fortune by Lysley Tenorio Lysley Tenorio follows up his story collection “ Monstress ” with a novel that highlights the tested-but-never-torn bond between a Filipino American mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Excel Maxino , must stop hiding and face his daunting future .
Tenorio adds a unique twist to the # OwnVoices immigrant narrative .
Duchess Goldblatt is a source of wry wisdom and off-kilter commentary on Twitter .
And , as she ’ s the first to admit , she ’ s entirely fictional .
It might be assumed that her creator would share her warmth , generosity , and love of life , but the real story is more complicated .
Spurred by loneliness and loss , the anonymous author ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers of redemption , reinvention , and yes , country singer Lyle Lovett .
When a curator for a museum of natural history and a famous fashion designer discover they share a design aesthetic , she proposes they collaborate on an exhibition .
From this premise , Carlos Fonseca unspools a genre-defying , literary puzzle of a novel .
Propelled forward by exquisite prose , the book is a credit to translator Megan McDowell as well as to the author .
Amy Poeppel ’ s novel offers a delightful ode to contemporary life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipates a summer of romance .
That is , until her beau dumps her via email and her two grown kids move back home unannounced .
But there ’ s always Will , her dear friend since Juilliard , the rock that anchors the chaos .
In a luminous gift to Janeites everywhere , Rachel Cohen recounts how only the novels of Jane Austen gave her the calming insight she needed to grapple with several challenges in her own life .
U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld was negotiating an end to the Congolese civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash in 1961 .
To this day , many believe he was assassinated .
Journalist Ravi Somaiya explores one of the most compelling mysteries of the Cold War in this grim and absorbing book .
Gamblers and gangsters abound in David Hill ’ s nonfiction debut .
“ The Vapors ” details the surprising history of Hot Springs , Arkansas , a small town that was once home to the country ’ s most lavish casinos and spas .
It ’ s an engaging portrait of America ’ s less-than-savory past .
Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searching reflection on whales , earth ’ s most awe-inspiring creatures .

1. The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama
Gail Tsukiyama’s novel of enduring love – and just as important, enduring friendships – is set in Hawaii against the backdrop of the 1935 Mauna Loa volcano eruption. She immerses readers in the stories of close-knit characters with a gentle tone and rich descriptions that do not obscure the darker context of the historic setting.
2. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
What if the beauty is also the beast? That’s the premise of Melissa Bashardoust’s feminist fairy tale. The Princess Soraya has grown up hidden away in the palace while her twin brother rules. A curse has made her poisonous to the touch, and since a baby she’s been taught to apologize for and minimize her existence. Then a soldier captures a parik, a magical creature, who says she knows how to break the curse. Soraya must choose: Her family or her freedom.
3. The Son of Good Fortune by Lysley Tenorio
Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers View caption Hide caption “The Son of Good Fortune” by Lysley Tenorio, Ecco, 290 pp.
Lysley Tenorio follows up his story collection “Monstress” with a novel that highlights the tested-but-never-torn bond between a Filipino American mother and son. The young adult son, Excel Maxino, must stop hiding and face his daunting future. Tenorio adds a unique twist to the #OwnVoices immigrant narrative.
4. Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous
Duchess Goldblatt is a source of wry wisdom and off-kilter commentary on Twitter. And, as she’s the first to admit, she’s entirely fictional. It might be assumed that her creator would share her warmth, generosity, and love of life, but the real story is more complicated. Spurred by loneliness and loss, the anonymous author’s story is a testament to the powers of redemption, reinvention, and yes, country singer Lyle Lovett.
5. Natural History by Carlos Fonseca
When a curator for a museum of natural history and a famous fashion designer discover they share a design aesthetic, she proposes they collaborate on an exhibition. From this premise, Carlos Fonseca unspools a genre-defying, literary puzzle of a novel. Propelled forward by exquisite prose, the book is a credit to translator Megan McDowell as well as to the author.
6. Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel
Amy Poeppel’s novel offers a delightful ode to contemporary life as Bridget, a classical cellist, anticipates a summer of romance. That is, until her beau dumps her via email and her two grown kids move back home unannounced. But there’s always Will, her dear friend since Juilliard, the rock that anchors the chaos.
7. Austen Years by Rachel Cohen
In a luminous gift to Janeites everywhere, Rachel Cohen recounts how only the novels of Jane Austen gave her the calming insight she needed to grapple with several challenges in her own life.
8. The Golden Thread by Ravi Somaiya
Courtesy of Hachette Book Group View caption Hide caption “The Golden Thread: The Cold War and the Mysterious Death of Dag Hammarskjöld” by Ravi Somaiya, Twelve, 304 pp.
U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld was negotiating an end to the Congolese civil war when he died in a plane crash in 1961. To this day, many believe he was assassinated. Journalist Ravi Somaiya explores one of the most compelling mysteries of the Cold War in this grim and absorbing book.
9. The Vapors by David Hill
Gamblers and gangsters abound in David Hill’s nonfiction debut. “The Vapors” details the surprising history of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a small town that was once home to the country’s most lavish casinos and spas. It’s an engaging portrait of America’s less-than-savory past.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
10. Fathoms by Rebecca Giggs
Rebecca Giggs crafts a beautifully written and deeply searching reflection on whales, earth’s most awe-inspiring creatures.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Red Sox track record: Racism and allegations of sexual abuse

Last month , when former Major League All-star Torii Hunter said he 'd been called the N-word `` a hundred times '' at Boston 's storied Fenway Park , the Red Sox were quick to back him up with a promise to fight racism .
`` Torii Hunter 's experience is real , '' the team said in a June 10 Twitter post , adding that there were at least seven incidents as recently as last year where fans used racial slurs .
The team promised to do a better job dealing with racism : `` As we identify how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are listening . ''
But those words rang hollow for more than a dozen Black men who have spent the last several years trying to get the Red Sox to listen to their claims that they were sexually abused by a former Red Sox clubhouse manager who died in 2005 .
The former clubhouse manager , Donald `` Fitzy '' Fitzpatrick , pleaded guilty to criminal charges of attempted sexual battery in 2002 , admitting that he used Red Sox team memorabilia to lure young , Black clubhouse workers into secluded areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility , where he abused them .
Mr. Fitzpatrick did not admit to abusing young boys in other ballparks .
Since then , a growing number of men have stepped forward to allege that they , too , were abused by Mr. Fitzpatrick at Fenway Park and at major league stadiums in Baltimore and Kansas City , when the Red Sox were playing on the road .
Because their claims date to the 1970s , 1980s , and 1990s , they are too old to be included in civil lawsuits , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen on deaf ears .
Gerald Armstrong said he believes the team knew that Mr. Fitzpatrick , who worked for the Red Sox for decades , was molesting youngsters hired as bat boys , ball boys , and club house attendants .
`` You ca n't tell me that you can have 30 or 40 guys traveling around with him and observing his behavior and not know what he was doing , '' Mr. Armstrong said .
Mr. Armstrong said that former Red Sox first baseman George Scott , known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` stay away from Fitzy . ''
Mr. Scott died seven years ago .
`` It was another slap in the face for me , '' said Charles Crawford , an African American man from Taunton , Massachusetts , after hearing the most recent Red Sox statement about combating racism at Fenway Park .
Mr. Crawford alleges that Mr. Fitzpatrick abused him in a locked storage room and in the team showers at Fenway Park when he was 16 years old , in the summer of 1991 .
`` Now would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show everyone they mean what they say , '' said Mr. Armstrong , who claims he was the first Black youth to be hired in the visitors ' clubhouse by the old Kansas City Athletics – only to be allegedly abused by Mr. Fitzpatrick multiple times in a stadium storage room and the historic Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City .
When contacted by The Associated Press , Daniel Goldberg , an attorney for the Red Sox , re-issued a statement the team released in 2017 , noting that Mr. Fitzpatrick pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's previous ownership .
`` The Red Sox have always viewed the actions – which date back as long as six decades ago – of Mr. Fitzpatrick as abhorrent , '' the team statement says .
`` When the team , under prior ownership became aware of the allegations against Mr. Fitzpatrick in 1991 , he was promptly relieved of his duties . ''
Mitchell Garabedian , an attorney representing 21 men who claimed they were abused by Fitzpatrick – 15 of whom are Black men – has been pushing for out-of-court settlements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams , and Major League Baseball for years , but to no avail .
Recently , following the death of George Floyd and statements about combating racism issued by the Red Sox , Major League Baseball , and several teams , Mr. Garabedian has tried again to open negotiations , without success .
`` It 's inconceivable to me that they would n't want to help these victims in this day and age , '' said Mr. Garabedian , who is known for his work representing victims of Catholic clergy sex abuse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2002 settlement with the Boston Archdiocese .
Forbes Magazine recently pegged the value of the Red Sox at $ 3.3 billion , third among the 30 major league ball clubs .
In a recent ranking of billionaires , the magazine also estimated principal owner John Henry 's net worth at $ 2.6 billion .
Today 's Red Sox , led by Mr. Henry , who also owns The Boston Globe , have labored to shed the team 's racist past since buying the franchise in 2002 .
Under the late Tom Yawkey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Sox were the last major league team to integrate , signing infielder Elijah `` Pumpsie '' Green in 1959 , more than a decade after Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers .
In addition , the Red Sox had a chance to sign Robinson before he went to the Dodgers , and they took a pass on signing fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays .
Two years ago , the Red Sox tried to step away from the team 's racist legacy when it asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's name from a street that runs alongside Fenway Park .
The request ignited opposition from a group of civic leaders who said the move would tarnish Mr. Yawkey 's record of charitable giving .
But the Red Sox prevailed and today Yawkey Way has reverted to its original name , Jersey Street .
Mr. Crawford and Mr. Armstrong , who have long accused Mr. Fitzpatrick of abuse , said the former clubhouse manager used official team caps and baseballs to draw them and others into private settings in major league ball parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said three of the 21 alleged victims claim Mr. Fitzpatrick molested them after showing up at little league games in Boston and nearby Brockton and telling them he was a scout for major league baseball .
`` He was very active , '' Mr. Garabedian said .
Mr. Garabedian is seeking $ 5 million for each of the 21 alleged victims .
But Mr. Armstrong said he 's speaking out in large part to encourage all Black men who are victims of child sexual abuse to overcome the shame or embarrassment they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done to them and get the counseling they likely need .
`` I think a lot of black men have been molested and for cultural reasons they just do n't come forward to deal with it , '' he said .
`` And if you do n't deal with it , you 're looking at a lot of emotional problems . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
@ @ @ @ @

Last month, when former Major League All-star Torii Hunter said he'd been called the N-word "a hundred times" at Boston's storied Fenway Park, the Red Sox were quick to back him up with a promise to fight racism.
"Torii Hunter's experience is real," the team said in a June 10 Twitter post, adding that there were at least seven incidents as recently as last year where fans used racial slurs. The team promised to do a better job dealing with racism: "As we identify how we can do better, please know we are listening."
But those words rang hollow for more than a dozen Black men who have spent the last several years trying to get the Red Sox to listen to their claims that they were sexually abused by a former Red Sox clubhouse manager who died in 2005.
The former clubhouse manager, Donald "Fitzy" Fitzpatrick, pleaded guilty to criminal charges of attempted sexual battery in 2002, admitting that he used Red Sox team memorabilia to lure young, Black clubhouse workers into secluded areas of the team's Florida spring training facility, where he abused them. Mr. Fitzpatrick did not admit to abusing young boys in other ballparks.
Since then, a growing number of men have stepped forward to allege that they, too, were abused by Mr. Fitzpatrick at Fenway Park and at major league stadiums in Baltimore and Kansas City, when the Red Sox were playing on the road. Because their claims date to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, they are too old to be included in civil lawsuits, and the men say their requests for out-of-court settlements have fallen on deaf ears.
Gerald Armstrong said he believes the team knew that Mr. Fitzpatrick, who worked for the Red Sox for decades, was molesting youngsters hired as bat boys, ball boys, and club house attendants. "You can't tell me that you can have 30 or 40 guys traveling around with him and observing his behavior and not know what he was doing," Mr. Armstrong said.
Mr. Armstrong said that former Red Sox first baseman George Scott, known as the "Boomer," frequently told him to "stay away from Fitzy." Mr. Scott died seven years ago.
"It was another slap in the face for me," said Charles Crawford, an African American man from Taunton, Massachusetts, after hearing the most recent Red Sox statement about combating racism at Fenway Park. Mr. Crawford alleges that Mr. Fitzpatrick abused him in a locked storage room and in the team showers at Fenway Park when he was 16 years old, in the summer of 1991.
"Now would be a good time for the Red Sox to show everyone they mean what they say," said Mr. Armstrong, who claims he was the first Black youth to be hired in the visitors' clubhouse by the old Kansas City Athletics – only to be allegedly abused by Mr. Fitzpatrick multiple times in a stadium storage room and the historic Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City.
When contacted by The Associated Press, Daniel Goldberg, an attorney for the Red Sox, re-issued a statement the team released in 2017, noting that Mr. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to criminal charges under the team's previous ownership.
"The Red Sox have always viewed the actions – which date back as long as six decades ago – of Mr. Fitzpatrick as abhorrent," the team statement says. "When the team, under prior ownership became aware of the allegations against Mr. Fitzpatrick in 1991, he was promptly relieved of his duties."
Mitchell Garabedian, an attorney representing 21 men who claimed they were abused by Fitzpatrick – 15 of whom are Black men – has been pushing for out-of-court settlements with the Red Sox, three other teams, and Major League Baseball for years, but to no avail. Recently, following the death of George Floyd and statements about combating racism issued by the Red Sox, Major League Baseball, and several teams, Mr. Garabedian has tried again to open negotiations, without success.
"It's inconceivable to me that they wouldn't want to help these victims in this day and age," said Mr. Garabedian, who is known for his work representing victims of Catholic clergy sex abuse, including those who took part in a 2002 settlement with the Boston Archdiocese.
Forbes Magazine recently pegged the value of the Red Sox at $3.3 billion, third among the 30 major league ball clubs. In a recent ranking of billionaires, the magazine also estimated principal owner John Henry's net worth at $2.6 billion.
Today's Red Sox, led by Mr. Henry, who also owns The Boston Globe, have labored to shed the team's racist past since buying the franchise in 2002.
Under the late Tom Yawkey, the team's former owner, the Red Sox were the last major league team to integrate, signing infielder Elijah "Pumpsie" Green in 1959, more than a decade after Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In addition, the Red Sox had a chance to sign Robinson before he went to the Dodgers, and they took a pass on signing fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
Two years ago, the Red Sox tried to step away from the team's racist legacy when it asked the City of Boston to drop Mr. Yawkey's name from a street that runs alongside Fenway Park. The request ignited opposition from a group of civic leaders who said the move would tarnish Mr. Yawkey's record of charitable giving. But the Red Sox prevailed and today Yawkey Way has reverted to its original name, Jersey Street.
Mr. Crawford and Mr. Armstrong, who have long accused Mr. Fitzpatrick of abuse, said the former clubhouse manager used official team caps and baseballs to draw them and others into private settings in major league ball parks and at other locations.
Mr. Garabedian said three of the 21 alleged victims claim Mr. Fitzpatrick molested them after showing up at little league games in Boston and nearby Brockton and telling them he was a scout for major league baseball.
"He was very active," Mr. Garabedian said.
Mr. Garabedian is seeking $5 million for each of the 21 alleged victims.
But Mr. Armstrong said he's speaking out in large part to encourage all Black men who are victims of child sexual abuse to overcome the shame or embarrassment they may feel so they can acknowledge what was done to them and get the counseling they likely need.
"I think a lot of black men have been molested and for cultural reasons they just don't come forward to deal with it," he said. "And if you don't deal with it, you're looking at a lot of emotional problems."
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Polish coal industry battered by virus as global demand plummets

The coronavirus has ripped through Poland 's coal mines , where men descend deep underground in tightly packed elevators and work shoulder-to-shoulder to extract the source of 75 % of the nation ’ s electrical power .
Of Poland 's more than 36,000 reported COVID-19 cases , about 6,500 are miners – making them nearly a fifth of all confirmed infections in the country , even though they make up only 80,000 of the country 's population of 38 million .
The virus hot spots , centered in the southern Silesia region , have paralyzed an already-troubled industry , forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggering a three-week closure of many state-run mines that are only now reopening .
It is one more blow that the pandemic has dealt to the global coal sector , already in steep decline in much of the world as renewable and other energy sources get cheaper and societies increasingly reject its damaging environmental impact .
Economic shutdowns from the virus also have cut electricity demand .
Britain completely removed coal-fired power from its grid for 67 days starting April 9 – a record set since the Industrial Revolution as the National Grid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Coal is in a long-term decline , ” said Bob Ward , policy director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics .
“ It ’ s simply cheaper to use gas or renewables , and the economics of coal just no longer make sense in many parts of the world.
” “ The question is whether the recent sharp reduction in coal use is sustainable and will last beyond the impacts of the pandemic , ” Mr. Ward said .
United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble , are more likely to default because of the pandemic , according to S & P Global Market Intelligence .
Italian utility ENEL says it will be able to close coal-fired power stations that it operates across the world sooner than anticipated due to the virus .
But China , the world 's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases , actually has been accelerating plans for new coal power plant capacity as it tries to revive its virus-hit economy .
Poland , under pressure from the 27-member European Union to lower carbon emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coal troubles .
Poland is the only EU state refusing to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050 .
Governments in Warsaw have argued for years that as an ex-communist country still trying to catch up with the West , it can not give up the cheap and plentiful domestic energy source .
It also says its reliance on coal plays is important for weaning itself from Russian gas .
In reality , Poland 's coal production is becoming less efficient , and it has increasingly been importing cheaper coal from Mozambique , Colombia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does so , Poland 's own coal piles up unused , and some mines have been closed .
“ Look what 's happening with coal , how many millions of tons are being imported from outside Poland , and it was supposed to be completely different , ” Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski said at a campaign rally in Silesia .
He faces conservative President Andrzej Duda in a presidential runoff election Sunday .
Piotr Lewandowski , president of the Institute for Structural Research in Warsaw , says Poland 's coal sector is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by several factors : falling demand for coal because of warmer winters ; wind and other renewables becoming cheaper ; rising costs of carbon emissions ; and a society less willing to tolerate high levels of air pollution .
“ As coal mines struggle , their stock of unsold coal is the highest it has been in five years , ” Mr. Lewandowski said .
“ The mines are between a rock and a hard place .
They need to manage the outbreak while they are in financial tatters.
” In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morawiecki , some 40 environmentalists , scientists , and other groups urged him to urgently prepare a plan for phasing out coal use in order to receive EU funds for making a transition to a greener society .
They said the pandemic has sped up “ the economic , ecological , and social problems '' associated with coal .
Miners , however , worry the government could use the outbreak as a pretext to permanently shut inefficient mines .
Conservative leaders have tried to calm those fears , aware of the political costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When communism fell in Poland , it still had about 390,000 coal miners .
Layoffs created high unemployment and poverty in Silesia , and miners staged violent protests in Warsaw .
Jacek Sasin , the deputy prime minister in charge of mining , insists there is no reason for miners to fear for their long-term prospects .
“ All those who tried to argue that reduction was some sly plan to liquidate mines talked nonsense , ” he said .
Certainly nobody expects any big decisions about coal before Sunday 's election between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Trzaskowski .
Coal miners already are frustrated by stagnant wages and a feeling the government is less committed to supporting them , said Patryk Kosela , a spokesman for a miners ’ trade union , Sierpien 80 .
Adding to their concerns have been long waits for coronavirus test results and a state mining institute report issued at the start of the pandemic that said miners were not at risk .
“ It was wishful thinking , ” Mr. Kosela said .
“ In mining , you work in tight groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift , people are crowded .
Then you travel on an underground train , together , rubbing shoulders.
” Polish miners normally wear only goggles and helmets with lamps , but one of the biggest companies said it supplied masks and disinfectant , and implemented other hygiene measures at the start of the outbreak .
It was unclear how many workers actually wore the masks .
The virus spread very fast , Mr. Kosela said .
The good news is that very few have faced serious complications , and many have recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected because they feel fine , ” he said .
Adam Henkelman , a miner who recovered from the virus , blames the government for the high infection rates and the other troubles in the sector .
“ They had lost interest in us , ” said Mr. Henkelman , who works in the Murcki-Staszic coal mine in Katowice .
“ We do n't know what tomorrow will bring.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Monika Scislowska contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

The coronavirus has ripped through Poland's coal mines, where men descend deep underground in tightly packed elevators and work shoulder-to-shoulder to extract the source of 75% of the nation’s electrical power.
Of Poland's more than 36,000 reported COVID-19 cases, about 6,500 are miners – making them nearly a fifth of all confirmed infections in the country, even though they make up only 80,000 of the country's population of 38 million.
The virus hot spots, centered in the southern Silesia region, have paralyzed an already-troubled industry, forcing many to stay home from work and triggering a three-week closure of many state-run mines that are only now reopening.
It is one more blow that the pandemic has dealt to the global coal sector, already in steep decline in much of the world as renewable and other energy sources get cheaper and societies increasingly reject its damaging environmental impact.
Economic shutdowns from the virus also have cut electricity demand. Britain completely removed coal-fired power from its grid for 67 days starting April 9 – a record set since the Industrial Revolution as the National Grid works toward a zero-carbon system by 2025.
“Coal is in a long-term decline,” said Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics. “It’s simply cheaper to use gas or renewables, and the economics of coal just no longer make sense in many parts of the world.”
“The question is whether the recent sharp reduction in coal use is sustainable and will last beyond the impacts of the pandemic,” Mr. Ward said.
United States coal companies, already in financial trouble, are more likely to default because of the pandemic, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Italian utility ENEL says it will be able to close coal-fired power stations that it operates across the world sooner than anticipated due to the virus.
But China, the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, actually has been accelerating plans for new coal power plant capacity as it tries to revive its virus-hit economy.
Poland, under pressure from the 27-member European Union to lower carbon emissions, is seeing the pandemic complicate its coal troubles.
Poland is the only EU state refusing to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050. Governments in Warsaw have argued for years that as an ex-communist country still trying to catch up with the West, it cannot give up the cheap and plentiful domestic energy source. It also says its reliance on coal plays is important for weaning itself from Russian gas.
In reality, Poland's coal production is becoming less efficient, and it has increasingly been importing cheaper coal from Mozambique, Colombia, Australia, and even Russia. As it does so, Poland's own coal piles up unused, and some mines have been closed.
“Look what's happening with coal, how many millions of tons are being imported from outside Poland, and it was supposed to be completely different,” Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski said at a campaign rally in Silesia. He faces conservative President Andrzej Duda in a presidential runoff election Sunday.
Piotr Lewandowski, president of the Institute for Structural Research in Warsaw, says Poland's coal sector is being pushed to a “tipping point" by several factors: falling demand for coal because of warmer winters; wind and other renewables becoming cheaper; rising costs of carbon emissions; and a society less willing to tolerate high levels of air pollution.
“As coal mines struggle, their stock of unsold coal is the highest it has been in five years,” Mr. Lewandowski said. “The mines are between a rock and a hard place. They need to manage the outbreak while they are in financial tatters.”
In an open letter Friday to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, some 40 environmentalists, scientists, and other groups urged him to urgently prepare a plan for phasing out coal use in order to receive EU funds for making a transition to a greener society. They said the pandemic has sped up “the economic, ecological, and social problems" associated with coal.
Miners, however, worry the government could use the outbreak as a pretext to permanently shut inefficient mines. Conservative leaders have tried to calm those fears, aware of the political costs of job cuts to the industry.
When communism fell in Poland, it still had about 390,000 coal miners. Layoffs created high unemployment and poverty in Silesia, and miners staged violent protests in Warsaw.
Jacek Sasin, the deputy prime minister in charge of mining, insists there is no reason for miners to fear for their long-term prospects.
“All those who tried to argue that reduction was some sly plan to liquidate mines talked nonsense,” he said.
Certainly nobody expects any big decisions about coal before Sunday's election between Mr. Duda, the incumbent, and Mr. Trzaskowski.
Coal miners already are frustrated by stagnant wages and a feeling the government is less committed to supporting them, said Patryk Kosela, a spokesman for a miners’ trade union, Sierpien 80.
Adding to their concerns have been long waits for coronavirus test results and a state mining institute report issued at the start of the pandemic that said miners were not at risk.
“It was wishful thinking,” Mr. Kosela said. “In mining, you work in tight groups. You go down in a packed small lift, people are crowded. Then you travel on an underground train, together, rubbing shoulders.”
Polish miners normally wear only goggles and helmets with lamps, but one of the biggest companies said it supplied masks and disinfectant, and implemented other hygiene measures at the start of the outbreak. It was unclear how many workers actually wore the masks.
The virus spread very fast, Mr. Kosela said. The good news is that very few have faced serious complications, and many have recovered.
“Some are surprised that they are infected because they feel fine,” he said.
Adam Henkelman, a miner who recovered from the virus, blames the government for the high infection rates and the other troubles in the sector.
“They had lost interest in us,” said Mr. Henkelman, who works in the Murcki-Staszic coal mine in Katowice. “We don't know what tomorrow will bring.”
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Monika Scislowska contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Is TikTok, Facebook user data safe in Hong Kong? Maybe not.

TikTok said Tuesday it will stop operations in Hong Kong , joining other social media companies in warily eyeing ramifications of a sweeping national security law that took effect last week .
The short-form video app 's planned departure from Hong Kong comes as various social media platforms and messaging apps including Facebook , WhatsApp , Telegram , Google , and Twitter balk at the possibility of providing user data to Hong Kong authorities .
The social media companies say they are assessing implications of the security law , which prohibits what Beijing views as secessionist , subversive , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's internal affairs .
In the communist-ruled mainland , the foreign social media platforms are blocked by China 's `` Great Firewall . ''
Critics see the law as Beijing 's boldest step yet to erase the legal divide between the former British colony and the mainland 's authoritarian Communist Party system .
TikTok said in a statement that it had decided to halt operations `` in light of recent events . ''
The company would not comment on the size of its operations in Hong Kong or any other matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TikTok has sought to distance itself from its Chinese roots while striving for global appeal .
It recently hired former Walt Disney executive Kevin Mayer to be its CEO .
The company has said all its data is stored in servers in the United States and insisted it would not remove content even if asked to do so by the Chinese government .
Even so , TikTok has still been regarded as a national security risk , with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo saying Monday that it was looking at banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Facebook and its messaging app WhatsApp said in separate statements Monday that they would freeze the review of government requests for user data in Hong Kong , `` pending further assessment of the National Security Law , including formal human rights due diligence and consultations with international human rights experts . ''
Hong Kong was convulsed with massive , sometimes violent anti-government protests for much of last year as the former British colony 's residents reacted to proposed extradition legislation , since withdrawn , that might have led to some suspects facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new law criminalizes some pro-democracy slogans like the widely used `` Liberate Hong Kong , revolution of our time , '' which the Hong Kong government says has separatist connotations .
The fear is that it erodes the special freedoms of the semi-autonomous city , which has operated under a `` one country , two systems '' framework since China took control in 1997 .
That arrangement has allowed Hong Kong 's people freedoms not permitted in mainland China , such as public dissent and unrestricted internet access .
Telegram 's platform has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and information about the protests .
It understands `` the importance of protecting the right to privacy of our Hong Kong users , '' said Mike Ravdonikas , a spokesperson for the company .
`` Telegram has never shared any data with the Hong Kong authorities in the past and does not intend to process any data requests related to its Hong Kong users until an international consensus is reached in relation to the ongoing political changes in the city , '' he said .
Twitter also paused all data and information requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law went into effect last week , the company said , emphasizing that it was `` committed to protecting the people using our service and their freedom of expression . ''
`` Like many public interest organizations , civil society leaders and entities , and industry peers , we have grave concerns regarding both the developing process and the full intention of this law , '' the company said in a statement .
Google likewise said it had `` paused production on any new data requests from Hong Kong authorities . ''
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hong Kong , users have begun scrubbing their accounts and deleting pro-democracy posts out of fear of retribution .
That retreat has extended to the streets : Many shops and stores that publicly stood in solidarity with protesters have removed the pro-democracy sticky notes and artwork that had adorned their walls .
Under implementation rules of Article 43 of the national security law , which give the city 's police force sweeping powers in enforcing the legislation , platforms , publishers , and internet service providers may be ordered to take down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to constitute an offense endangering national security or is likely to cause the occurrence of an offense endangering national security . ''
Service providers who do not comply with such requests could face fines of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ( $ 12,903 ) and receive jail terms of up to six months .
Individuals who post such messages may also be asked to remove the message , or face similar fines and a jail term of one year .
Hong Kong authorities moved quickly to implement the law after it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police arresting about 370 people .
The rules allow Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to authorize police to intercept communications and conduct surveillance to `` prevent and detect offenses endangering national security . ''
Police can conduct searches for evidence without a warrant in `` exceptional circumstances '' and seek warrants requiring people suspected of violating the national security law to surrender their travel documents , preventing them from leaving Hong Kong .
Written notices or restraining orders also may be issued to freeze or confiscate property if there are `` reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is related to an offense endangering national security .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

TikTok said Tuesday it will stop operations in Hong Kong, joining other social media companies in warily eyeing ramifications of a sweeping national security law that took effect last week.
The short-form video app's planned departure from Hong Kong comes as various social media platforms and messaging apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, and Twitter balk at the possibility of providing user data to Hong Kong authorities.
The social media companies say they are assessing implications of the security law, which prohibits what Beijing views as secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities or as foreign intervention in the city's internal affairs. In the communist-ruled mainland, the foreign social media platforms are blocked by China's "Great Firewall."
Critics see the law as Beijing's boldest step yet to erase the legal divide between the former British colony and the mainland's authoritarian Communist Party system.
TikTok said in a statement that it had decided to halt operations "in light of recent events." The company would not comment on the size of its operations in Hong Kong or any other matters.
Operated by Chinese internet giant Bytedance, TikTok has sought to distance itself from its Chinese roots while striving for global appeal. It recently hired former Walt Disney executive Kevin Mayer to be its CEO.
The company has said all its data is stored in servers in the United States and insisted it would not remove content even if asked to do so by the Chinese government. Even so, TikTok has still been regarded as a national security risk, with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo saying Monday that it was looking at banning certain social media apps, including TikTok.
Facebook and its messaging app WhatsApp said in separate statements Monday that they would freeze the review of government requests for user data in Hong Kong, "pending further assessment of the National Security Law, including formal human rights due diligence and consultations with international human rights experts."
Hong Kong was convulsed with massive, sometimes violent anti-government protests for much of last year as the former British colony's residents reacted to proposed extradition legislation, since withdrawn, that might have led to some suspects facing trial in mainland Chinese courts.
The new law criminalizes some pro-democracy slogans like the widely used "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time," which the Hong Kong government says has separatist connotations.
The fear is that it erodes the special freedoms of the semi-autonomous city, which has operated under a "one country, two systems" framework since China took control in 1997. That arrangement has allowed Hong Kong's people freedoms not permitted in mainland China, such as public dissent and unrestricted internet access.
Telegram's platform has been used widely to spread pro-democracy messages and information about the protests. It understands "the importance of protecting the right to privacy of our Hong Kong users," said Mike Ravdonikas, a spokesperson for the company.
"Telegram has never shared any data with the Hong Kong authorities in the past and does not intend to process any data requests related to its Hong Kong users until an international consensus is reached in relation to the ongoing political changes in the city," he said.
Twitter also paused all data and information requests from Hong Kong authorities after the security law went into effect last week, the company said, emphasizing that it was "committed to protecting the people using our service and their freedom of expression."
"Like many public interest organizations, civil society leaders and entities, and industry peers, we have grave concerns regarding both the developing process and the full intention of this law," the company said in a statement.
Google likewise said it had "paused production on any new data requests from Hong Kong authorities."
Though social platforms have yet to be blocked in Hong Kong, users have begun scrubbing their accounts and deleting pro-democracy posts out of fear of retribution. That retreat has extended to the streets: Many shops and stores that publicly stood in solidarity with protesters have removed the pro-democracy sticky notes and artwork that had adorned their walls.
Under implementation rules of Article 43 of the national security law, which give the city's police force sweeping powers in enforcing the legislation, platforms, publishers, and internet service providers may be ordered to take down any electronic message published that is "likely to constitute an offense endangering national security or is likely to cause the occurrence of an offense endangering national security."
Service providers who do not comply with such requests could face fines of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,903) and receive jail terms of up to six months.
Individuals who post such messages may also be asked to remove the message, or face similar fines and a jail term of one year.
Hong Kong authorities moved quickly to implement the law after it took effect on June 30, with police arresting about 370 people. The rules allow Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to authorize police to intercept communications and conduct surveillance to "prevent and detect offenses endangering national security."
Police can conduct searches for evidence without a warrant in "exceptional circumstances" and seek warrants requiring people suspected of violating the national security law to surrender their travel documents, preventing them from leaving Hong Kong.
Written notices or restraining orders also may be issued to freeze or confiscate property if there are "reasonable grounds" to suspect that the property is related to an offense endangering national security.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-07--Dakota Access pipeline halted pending environmental review

A judge on Monday ordered the Dakota Access pipeline shut down for additional environmental review more than three years after it began pumping oil – handing a victory to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and delivering a blow to President Donald Trump 's efforts to weaken public health and environmental protections his administration views as obstacles to businesses .
In a 24-page order , United States District Judge James Boasberg in Washington , D.C. , wrote that he was `` mindful of the disruption '' that shutting down the pipeline would cause , but that it must be done within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to ask a court to halt the order and will seek an expedited appeal , spokeswoman Vicki Granado said .
The order comes after Judge Boesberg said in April that a more extensive review was necessary than what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers already conducted and that he would consider whether the pipeline should be shuttered during the new assessment .
`` The Court does not reach its decision with blithe disregard for the lives it will affect , '' Judge Boasberg wrote Monday .
`` Yet , given the seriousness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Policy Act ] error , the impossibility of a simple fix , the fact that Dakota Access did assume much of its economic risk knowingly , and the potential harm each day the pipeline operates , the Court is forced to conclude that the flow of oil must cease , '' he added .
The findings may challenge the legal footing for the Trump administration 's most momentous environmental rollbacks .
Mr. Trump surrounded himself with industry leaders and workers in hard hats this January when he announced plans to overhaul the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Access pipeline was the subject of months of protests in 2016 and 2017 , sometimes violent , during its construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border .
The tribe pressed litigation against the pipeline even after it began carrying oil from North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa and to a shipping point in Illinois in June 2017 .
The $ 3.8 billion , 1,172-mile pipeline crosses beneath the Missouri River , just north of the reservation .
The tribe draws its water from the river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have never been built here .
We told them that from the beginning , '' Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Mike Faith said in a statement .
Texas-based Energy Transfer contends proper procedures were followed in granting the original easement for the pipeline , Ms. Granado said .
`` The economic implications of the Judge 's order are too big to ignore and we will do all we can to ensure its continued operation , '' she said .
`` Billions of dollars in tax and royalty revenue will be lost by state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Dakota , South Dakota , Iowa , and Illinois .
Farmers will suffer as crude transportation will move to rail , displacing corn , wheat , and soy crops that would normally be moved to market .
Ironically , the counties along these rail lines will face increased environmental risks due to the increased amount of crude oil traveling by rail . ''
Ron Ness , president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council , decried what he called a `` shocking '' ruling and noted that the pipeline is moving 570,000 barrels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic devastated the U.S. oil industry , daily oil production in North Dakota – the nation 's No .
2 oil producer behind Texas – was at a near-record 1.45 million barrels daily .
The state 's output slipped to below 1 million barrels daily in May amid low energy prices and sparse demand .
Permits for the project were originally rejected by the Obama administration , and the Army Corps of Engineers prepared to conduct a full environmental review .
In February 2017 , after Mr. Trump took office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permits , concluding that running the pipeline under the Missouri River posed no significant environmental issues .
The Corps said that opinion was validated after an additional year of review , as ordered by Judge Boasberg , an Obama appointee , in 2017 .
Judge Boasberg ruled then that the Corps `` largely complied '' with environmental law when permitting the pipeline but ordered more review because he said the agency did not adequately consider how an oil spill under the Missouri River might affect the Standing Rock Sioux 's fishing and hunting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect the tribal community .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers James MacPherson and Ellen Knickmeyer in Oklahoma City contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

A judge on Monday ordered the Dakota Access pipeline shut down for additional environmental review more than three years after it began pumping oil – handing a victory to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and delivering a blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken public health and environmental protections his administration views as obstacles to businesses.
In a 24-page order, United States District Judge James Boasberg in Washington, D.C., wrote that he was "mindful of the disruption" that shutting down the pipeline would cause, but that it must be done within 30 days. Pipeline owner Energy Transfer plans to ask a court to halt the order and will seek an expedited appeal, spokeswoman Vicki Granado said.
The order comes after Judge Boesberg said in April that a more extensive review was necessary than what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers already conducted and that he would consider whether the pipeline should be shuttered during the new assessment.
"The Court does not reach its decision with blithe disregard for the lives it will affect," Judge Boasberg wrote Monday.
"Yet, given the seriousness of the Corps' NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] error, the impossibility of a simple fix, the fact that Dakota Access did assume much of its economic risk knowingly, and the potential harm each day the pipeline operates, the Court is forced to conclude that the flow of oil must cease," he added.
The findings may challenge the legal footing for the Trump administration's most momentous environmental rollbacks. Mr. Trump surrounded himself with industry leaders and workers in hard hats this January when he announced plans to overhaul the rules for enforcing NEPA.
The Dakota Access pipeline was the subject of months of protests in 2016 and 2017, sometimes violent, during its construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. The tribe pressed litigation against the pipeline even after it began carrying oil from North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa and to a shipping point in Illinois in June 2017.
The $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile pipeline crosses beneath the Missouri River, just north of the reservation. The tribe draws its water from the river and fears pollution.
"This pipeline should have never been built here. We told them that from the beginning," Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Mike Faith said in a statement.
Texas-based Energy Transfer contends proper procedures were followed in granting the original easement for the pipeline, Ms. Granado said.
"The economic implications of the Judge's order are too big to ignore and we will do all we can to ensure its continued operation," she said. "Billions of dollars in tax and royalty revenue will be lost by state, local, and tribal governments in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. Farmers will suffer as crude transportation will move to rail, displacing corn, wheat, and soy crops that would normally be moved to market. Ironically, the counties along these rail lines will face increased environmental risks due to the increased amount of crude oil traveling by rail."
Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, decried what he called a "shocking" ruling and noted that the pipeline is moving 570,000 barrels of Bakken oil a day.
Before the coronavirus pandemic devastated the U.S. oil industry, daily oil production in North Dakota – the nation's No. 2 oil producer behind Texas – was at a near-record 1.45 million barrels daily. The state's output slipped to below 1 million barrels daily in May amid low energy prices and sparse demand.
Permits for the project were originally rejected by the Obama administration, and the Army Corps of Engineers prepared to conduct a full environmental review. In February 2017, after Mr. Trump took office, the Corps scrapped the review and granted permits, concluding that running the pipeline under the Missouri River posed no significant environmental issues.
The Corps said that opinion was validated after an additional year of review, as ordered by Judge Boasberg, an Obama appointee, in 2017.
Judge Boasberg ruled then that the Corps "largely complied" with environmental law when permitting the pipeline but ordered more review because he said the agency did not adequately consider how an oil spill under the Missouri River might affect the Standing Rock Sioux's fishing and hunting rights, or whether it might disproportionately affect the tribal community.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers James MacPherson and Ellen Knickmeyer in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.