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Frank X. Didik
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Today, August 6, 2020 (August 7 Japan time), is the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. A convoy of 6 B29 planes attacked the city and dropped various instruments and the bomb itself.

Today, Horoshima is a dynamic, modern city of approximately 2 million people and is the headquarters of a number of known Japanese companies including Mazda.

For more information on Japan, please go toour News1 Japan site at www.Tokyo1.org

In 1945, it is estimated that Hiroshima had about 350,000 inhabitants. The actual number of deaths as a result of the Atomic bombing and the intense multi-day fire storm has never been determined though initially, it was thought that between 8,000 and 35,000 died, however today the number is believed to be about 125,000, including subsequent cancer related deaths.

The photographs shown on this site of Hiroshima were shot by Frank X. Didik in June, 2002.

Many questions remain regarding the events of August 6, 1945. Every year the Mayor of Hiroshima sends a letter to the sitting U.S. president and asks the details of what was actually dropped. As terrible as it was, one has to ask, if Imperial Japan had the bomb, would they have used it?

The Hiroshima Trade center, built in the 1920's, was the focal point of the bomb which exploded 500 meter above. Most stone structures were left standing however the resulting firestorm destroyed the portion of the city that was within the fire blocks, similar to the Dresden, Hamburg, Hanover, and Tokyo firestorms.

August 3, 2020 Houston Street, New York, NY. A powerful storm went through the city, causing up to 150,000 people to lose electricity in NYC and an additional 130,000 to lose power in nearby New Jersey.

Aug 3, 2020, Soho NYC The Corona virus/Covid 19 fears has prompted New York City to allow outdoor seating for restaurants and bars. This is reminiscent of how New York City was in the 1950's and early 1960's with outdoor cafe's, particularly in the Upper East Side. However, as nice as they are, they are completely useless in the winter and in rain storms as shown above in Soho.

Bars and restaurants with roof gardens are doing better than their non roof garden counterparts. Still such issues as the cold, or rain remain. This roof garden in in Greenpoint Brooklyn.

Many stores are still closed throughout New York City and there is fear that they will never reopen. Further, many stores have not paid rent since March 22, when "non-essential" businesses were ordered closed by governor Coumo decree. There is also fear that since landlords may be in jeopardy since real estate taxes have not been suspended and the landlords are not able to collect rent.

July 20, 2020, Astoria, Queens, NYC. Many "inspirational" signs have emerged through out the city as a result of the virus scare.

August 8, 2020 President Donald J. Trump signs an executive order extending Corona virus relief in the amount of $400 per week for the unemployed, of which $300 is to be paid by the Federal Government and $100 by the local states. Democratic controlled states object to this since those states, which tend to have very high debt, were hoping to get Federal payments to reduce their outstanding debt. Other elements of the executive orders include delayed payroll taxes, though President Trump has stated that he plans to forgive these taxes.

August 2, 2020. President Donald J. Trump said that increased Corona virus /Covid 19 cases is not the result of the spreading of the disease, but rather because of greater testing.

July 25, 2020 New York, NY Violent "protesters" vandalized police vans on Ludlow Street and Rivington Street. The mob then marched on to Confucius Square in Chinatown. All this was allegedly to show "solidarity" with with the violent radicals in Portland Oregon.

Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York, NY

July 20, 2020. Bohemian Ale Hall in Astoria Queens. Shockingly, the NY State Liqueur Authority closed this historic, Czechoslovakian meeting place, so popular among the people, allegedly for violating governor Cuomo's proclamation of social distancing. When this journalist was there, he did not notice anything that would seem to be a violation.

July 20, 2020 Astoria Queens Traditionally Manhattan has been the center of social activity. These days however, it would seem that Astoria has gained that reputation, with many out door restaurants with room to social distance.

July 24, 2020 Washington Square Park. Another protest. This time for "Black Trans Lives Matter". Surprisingly, most of the protesters were white.

Gradually restaurants and bars are being allowed to open. Many say that it would be better if all businesses were allowed to open at the same time.

Fencers Ysaona Thibus from Guadeloupe and Race Imboden enjoying a sunny afternoon in Soho. Mr. Imboden won a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics for the USA.

Sadly, many people struggle to survive in New York City. This person collects empty cans and bottles which have a 5 cent deposit, that is returned upon presentation.

Friday, July 17, 2020. Thousands of bicyclists rode over the Manhattan Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, chanting "Black Lives Matter", in a musical tone. Surprisingly, the vast majority of the riders were white and very few blacks were observed.

Sunday, July 19, 2020. Children playing in Washington Square Park fountain, cooling down in 95F/35C weather.

July 8, 2020 --- The sidewalk in front of NYC City Hall Park, right next to City Hall and other government buildings, has become a camping ground for "protesters".

The "protesters" have reduced the quality of life for the vast majority of citizens. NYC City Hall can be seen through the trees, a few feet behind.

The entire sidewalk is covered with vulgar, anti society slogans, by multiple groups. They seem to only have a vague idea of what they actually want.

The socialist, anti-police group was permitted to paint their logo on the main street in front of the federal building, the state and federal court and the municipal building.

Even hourly rental motorcycles run the risk of being towed if parked in the wrong spot by the renter. A very expensive lessen indeed.

Many stores are still boarded up out of fear of further looting or vandalism.

"Welcome to Brooklyn, where New York Begins". Many years ago, the sign said "Brooklyn, the fourth largest city in America".

Houston Street and Mercer Street. Car somehow failed to make the turn, in the middle of the night. No one was injured. Just a mistake.

A rare photo of two sexy foreign two seater sports cars in a row; A Ferrari and a Smart Car!

Occupy City Hall on July 4, 2020. It is hard to imagine that so many protestors or vagrants would be allowed to camp in front of City Hall, NYC.

As often the case with these rebels without a cause, the signs are vulgar, anti society and anti police.

Who voted for these people to represent the people of this city? If they succeeded, would we ever have justice or would we simply have complete chaos and anarchy?

As usual, the NYPD were completely professional and allowed the campers to continue their alleged "protest", though it is doubtful if any of them agree to what they are protesting.

Bank building in Greenpoint Brooklyn. Empty businesses and store fronts seem to continue to expand. A combination of the fear of the Corona Virus and social unrest, coupled with a general decline in jobs, caused by a variety of factors is destroying the economy and wealth of this country.

July 5th, 2020. July 4th, 2020 has been one of the deadliest Fourth of July holidays on record in New York City with 8 people murdered, and almost 50 people shot. Mayor DeBlasio has stated that part of this was because of the Corona Virus lockdown and economic problems related to the lockdown. Many others, including top NYPD brass feels that the Crimea is due to other factors including anti-police rhetoric, the release from jails of many convicts out of Corona virus concerns, the closing of the courts and also new restrictions placed upon the NYPD. Most people are amazed that 25 years of progress seems to have been destroyed in just a few weeks.

This person has made the iconoc Washington Square Park water fountain his home and office.

Busy at work ...in the middle of the yet to be used this season, Washington Square Park water fountain!

A small "Black Trans Lives Matter" protest in Dumbo Brooklyn. June 27 2020

People at the "Pride" gathering in Washington Square Park. June 28, 2020

Unfortunately some people actually believe that the city would be better without police. As most people realize, police are essential in any society to keep order, maintain laws and freedoms and to assist people in dire need.

The "Pride" event with a large number of different perceived social issues being protested for or against.

Apparently the gentleman who was using the unused water fountain as his office has left or was evicted.

Yet more protesters at the "Pride" event.

The NYPD now has control of the situation and is maintaining order for law abiding citizens.

The entrance to the Manhattan Bridge is now protected from disruptive rioters.

Scroll down for more photographs or click here.

July 1, 2020 The New York City City council voted to reduce the NYPD budget by one billion dollars among cries by certain groups of alleged police brutality, in a few isolated incidents. Many people on the street have stated that they are shocked by this budget cut considering that law and order is needed now more than ever considering the widespread looting, lawlessness as well as the large number of out of work people, which may well lead to civil strife in the future, particularly as unemployment benefits expire.

June 29, 2020 A classical concert consisting of a number of violinists, bass and other instruments, was held in Washington Square Park. Hundreds of people enjoyed the concert. Unfortunately, at the beginning, a person connected with the group came on the microphone and stated that he noticed a large number of "non people of color" sitting on the sidewalk in front of the group and he asked that they get up so that "people of color" could take their place. It had echo's of a reverse 1955 Rosa Parks situation. The photographs and video show that in fact the crowed in front was well mixed, but people complied and moved. Sadly this represented a moment lost for what could have been a unifying event.

June 28, 2020 A large number of homosexuals gathered in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to for the annual "Pride" celebration. As usual, it was a very colorful event, though it was marred later by some participants fighting with the NYPD.

June 25, 2020 Rhetoric announced that it will slash 3900 corporate jobs and will furlough more store employees, blaming Covid-19. Most people believe that many other businesses will be doing the same in weeks and months to come.

June 25, 2020 Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut that people arriving from eight states including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah must self quarantine for 14 days. Those found to violate this order may receive a $1,000 fine for the first offense and $5,000 fine for each additional offense.

June 20, 2020 Atlanta Georgia. Reports are coming in that a significant number of the Atlanta Police force have not to come to work for the third day, in solidarity with police officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan who were immediately dismissed from the APD and charged with 10 counts, including murder, for the death of Rayshard Brooks, who was shot and killed by the officers after Mr. Brooks stole one of the officers taser and then shot this weapon at an officer, but missed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated that they had not yet finished their investigation, implying that the dismissal and charging of the two officers was premature. The mayor of the city requested officers from nearby counties to assist policing efforts in Atlanta, but was refused. Georgia state police officers were then requested to help and by law, are required to help local jurisdictions when called and are presently offering some support. The loss of police protection in such volatile times is without a doubt, a very difficult and dangerous situation.

June 15, 2020 New York City is rapidly opening up, with or without authorization. The people are clearly tired of being locked away over the Covid virus which only a small minority of people seem to get. Life is filled with risks and apparently many people feel that the risk of catching the Corona flu is an acceptable risk in order to live life. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people flocked to local parks, walked around the city and in some areas, filled the streets, socializing, eating and drinking outside, often with an open container of beer or other alcoholic beverage. Drinking alcohol outside in public areas is still illegal, but does not seem to be enforced for the time being. The fact is that most countries around the world, have always permitted this. Many, if not most people are wearing face masks, to some extent, though there is still the question of whether or not such a mask would actually help in a virus environment. The NYPD is exceptionally polite and well trained and are essential to maintaining order and protecting the population.

June 12, 2020 The city of Seattle Washington is in a state of revolution. A six block area was taken over by a mob of anarchist and they declared that area to be a new country called "Capital Hill Autonomous Zone" or "CHAZ" for short. Curiously, they claim that their area is a "cop-free" zone and yet one of the first things they did was to set up a strong man enforcement system. Further, they built a border wall around this area and have started a type of extortion or taxation system demanding payments from local businesses and also a race based payment system demanding that every white person pay to a black person a minimum of $10. The entire situation reminds one of the societal breakdown in Mogadishu or in Lebanon a number of years ago, with warlords controlling their private fiefdoms. One has to ask, who voted for the leaders of "Chaz", what happens if a crime is committed, such as robbery or rape or worse? Is their a just court system? Is every decision democratically determined? What about food distribution, water, issuance of currency and banking, etc, etc, etc? In any civilized democracy or republic, that has the notion of freedom of speech and expression, it is the minority or unpopular view that is protected. Is that what is happening in "CHAZ"? From this writers perspective, the entire notion of what is happening there is absurd and will quickly fizzle out or become a nightmare existence for anyone stuck in this "autonomous zone". The fact is that police are essential in maintaining order, justice and personal rights. UPDATE: June 18, 2020 "Capital Hill Autonomous Zone" or "CHAZ" has been renamed to "Capitol Hill Organized Protest" or CHOP. The alleged reason is that the protesters decided that they are not trying to form a new country, but merely a protest, police free zone. The same issues as outlined above still remain.

June 7, 2020 Mayor Bill DeBlasio ends the citywide curfew, one day early. Though in some circles, the curfew was not well received, it was an extremely effective tool for the NYPD in controlling the outrageous looting that occurred starting the night of May 31. Tomorrow, June 8, the City is expected to officially start easing the lockdown rules instituted as a result of the Corona Virus scare. The total economic and social damage caused by the lockdown remains to be seen.

June 5, 2020 The NYPD has successfully been able to contain and control all aspects of looting and rioting and have maintained order in the numerous William Loyd protests around the City. ---Frank X. Didik

UPDATE: June 2, 2020. The looting outrage continues. Even with the 11pm curfew, looting has continued throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and other parts of New York City, with major businesses, such as flagship store of Rhetoric on 34 Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, as well as Target and many other stores being vandalized and looted. The police, trying their best, are simply overwhelmed and are restricted as to what measures that they can take. Most are now calling for the mounted patrol to be deployed as well as the deployment of the National Guard. ---Frank X. Didik

On the night of May 31,2020, the protests against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis broke out into wanton destruction and looting in the fashionable, artistic area of Manhattan of Soho. It was sheer pandemonium with the NYPD doing their best to control the situation, but they were overwhelmed by hordes of looters. Almost every store had widows smashed, and experienced some sort of looting. Elegant stores, such as Bloomingdales, Rhetoric, Coach, Best Buy, Louis Viton, Gucci and so many others were damaged, destroyed and looted. One man was shot, apparently by someone participating in the looting. All New Yorkers, regardless of their political positions, were and are outraged by this senseless destruction. It is very sad to walk through the lovely streets and see this. A complete tragedy for the city. Other areas, including in downtown Brooklyn, were also looted and destroyed. Below you can see the aftermath of this destruction on the afternoon of June 1, 2020. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that a curfew will be in place for New York City from 11PM to 5AM and starting on June 2, the curfew will be from 8pm till 5am.