Day #77 of Self-Imposed Isolation in Epidemic Central

What can I say? Except to continue to report on what is unfolding as I see it day by day. To give you a sense of what it is like to live here in Brooklyn and New York City during a pandemic.

We are currently under a curfew citywide. I'm told it is nation wide by friends on FB. 8pm to 5am. I got an emergency alert on it around 8PM and at 5PM.

I read an article in the New York Times today that stated Where the Virus is Growing Most - Countries with Illiberal Populist Leaders - The US, the UK, Russia and Brazil.

Accomplished very little today - my mind refused to focus. And sleep is filled with jagged nightmares as the days flow tirelessly into each other.

I signed petitions online and tried to text - the text didn't work. And I've donated.

So this is the fifth day of protesting in pandemic central despite an 8pm curfew...actually they are kind saying "fuck that curfew".

( New Yorkers vs Racism, the Police and the Corona Virus )

I leave you with flowers.

( flowers )

Hope...

Tonight's email from our Governor, who I am starting to respect more and more as the days drift forward...he's keeping me calm and seems to be providing hope in the darkness.

We are witnessing a lot of events occurring simultaneously. It is easy to be confused. There are many who want to intentionally blur the lines between peaceful, legitimate protesters and looters. They want you to watch the videos of the looting — not the video of Mr. Floyd being murdered. Don't fall for it. Throughout the state we have seen peaceful protests that call for long-overdue change. As I have said — I stand in solidarity with the protesters. But separate and distinct from the peaceful protests there are criminals who are opportunistically using this situation for their own purposes. Criminal activity and looting must stop. Not only is it illegal — it distracts from the point of the protests.

This is a moment from which real positive change can emerge. I will not let it be blurred by those who seek civil disorder.

Empire State Building.
Photo of the Day: Last night, the Empire State Building went dark to recognize the murder of George Floyd and other victims of injustice (Photo by Jonathan Colton)

Here's what else you need to know tonight:

( Read more... )

Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": The South Korean government sent 10,000 masks and other personal protective equipment to members of the Navajo nation to honor their service during the Korean War. During the war, 800 members of the Navajo nation served as "code talkers," using their native language (Navajo) to send coded radio messages to allies. Around 130 of the "code talkers" are still alive today.