Hello, James. Your take is sensible, and I agree with you that life is too short for engaging with bullshit. I’m a straight, white, twice-married breeder and recovering misogynist who nonetheless has a wide range of friends and who has also soured on the useless and hyper-compromised Democratic party, without crossing over to the equally horrible “conservative” camp. I also believe that leaving kids un-harangued by damaged, agenda-driven adults (including trans “groomers,” “spiritualist” parents and relatives, pedophile “caregivers,” Christian and Muslim and Hindu and other religious fundamentalist soul-farmers, etc., to grow and develop into whatever personal wonderfulness their genetic memory will permit, should be an inalienable right.
Reading your post I was amazed that you kept responding. In recent years despite my age I learned my mother’s lifelong behavior was due to Borderline Personality Disorder and over the past 5 years have achieved a better understanding of myself and the dysfunctional behaviors I learned from dear, sweet mama. I realized I had to give up social media because I could not just ignore that which triggered me (made me angry, but also prompted dysfunctional over reactions ala BPD.) I am prepared now thanks to your post for the time when trolls find me. Perhaps being small potatoes here more for the reading than the writing that won’t happen. I think you should see if you can come up with a strategy for dealing with the trolls. Might I recommend the Southern expression, “Bless your heart!” And then ignore any further comments. Consider blocking if they don’t take the hint.
Once again, James, thank you for your cogent, humane, and passionate commentary. The one point you made that I may disagree with: “I do not believe that Trump, or any leader, should have the power to decree that there are only two genders.” If you mean “gender” as in how people present themselves—e.g., “feminine,” “masculine,” “queer,” etc.—I agree. But if you mean biological sex—female and male—then I think it is appropriate to state the scientific fact that sex is binary (the occurrence of “disorders of development”—intersex—does not invalidate the essential fact of binary sex, and trans activists misappropriate this condition), otherwise, female spaces and sports cannot be defended politically and legally. Also, without this clarity, trans activists are better positioned to unduly influence young people. With that said, I agree trans people should not be discriminated against in the military, employment, housing, etc. Tragically, even trump’s legitimate ideas are being implemented carelessly and fostering prejudice. Not only will this harm innocent people, it most likely will trigger left wing extremism. Keep up the good fight!
To take the point a little further, it appears to me that Trump’s objective is to keep the trans people from redefining “sex” in a fashion that enables them to broaden the law beyond that originally intended, without having to get Congress to do it. “Intersex” is not a sex - it’s a physical sexual disorder and probably will turn out to be outside the purposes of the EO. That is, medical procedures attempting to correct the problem will be handled without regard to the EO, once the confusion with “gender” is cleared up. As you point out, trans activists are misappropriating the condition, intentionally in my view.
I don’t think trans people belong in the military. Being post-trans surgery is like having an organ transplant - a lifelong disability controlled by drugs. Perhaps I’m misinformed, but I don’t think disabled people can join the military.
The implementation aspect is unavoidable. Basically, Trump is cutting a bunch of Gordian knots. If he took the time to work out the details (that is, untie the knot), he’d get nothing done. Better to make mistakes and later correct them (or have them corrected by the judiciary).
There are numerous positions in the military other than combat roles that “disabled” and trans people can and do perform. There are strict criteria for combat positions: if a trans individual is able to meet them they should serve; if not, they shouldn’t. Same applies to females. Cutting Gordian knots does not require cruelty. I have worked in enormous and complex corporations that implemented widespread and radical changes, including mass layoffs, while treating employees respectfully. It would be trivial for trump and his minions to remind everyone of the dignity and civil rights of all citizens. But, of course, trump and musk are sociopaths (I mean that in all seriousness).
Thanks for the information about disability in the military.
Concerning your experience with mass layoffs etc, did that include “The Resistance” that Trump faces? The lawfare that has to have the rug pulled out from under it? When I was working in management in the government, any attempt to do things for employees was met with a response from the union attempting to leverage that as a concession for further concessions, or to thwart the action. And that was before the current atmosphere of outright subversion of Trump by people in management itself.
So my experience tells me that the most important thing Trump has to do is to get things done before he can be thwarted by the Democrats, inside the bureaucracy and outside. Because from his first election, it has been clear that the Democrats have decided not to engage with Trump in any constructive fashion, and they won’t do it now. Stupidity, because it should be obvious by now that Trump is not ideological, but transactional. The Democrats could have worked with Trump and got a lot of things done, but have made him their enemy instead.
So now, we reap the whirlwind. Cutting the Knot is the only way he will get anything done.
I don’t think either of these men are sociopaths. I do consider Trump to be a solipsist. And Musk is apparently on the autism spectrum. So no doubt many of us normies would find them difficult.
We agree about the desperate need for governmental reform and the challenges, including organizational resistance. I have no problem with aggressive change and the swift firing of ideological administrators, and managers (much management is wasteful anyway), but certainly there are large numbers of government workers who are conscientious and performing worthwhile work.
Yes, Democrats need to cooperate when it makes sense, pick their battles carefully, and jettison unpopular and illiberal policies, AND Republicans need to exercise courage to resist lawlessness and to defend the Constitution.
The “lawfare” complaint has been overstated. Prosecuting trump for interfering in the 2020 election and for incitement on January 6 (not to mention the impeachments) were justified. I agree that Mar-a-lago documentation case should not have been pursued, but trump could have avoided it if he simply cooperated. The one case that can be rightfully labeled lawfare is the hush money case.
Yes, trump is transactional, and he is driven by resentment, narcissism, and authoritarianism. I won’t make a case here, but I think the evidence for sociopathy is overwhelming. I repeat, it would take little for trump to express a modicum of empathy for impacted citizens and reaffirm the rights of all. But he never will because in his mind the entire world is separated into the holy (sycophants) and the evil (everyone else).
I predict that the current war (Reformation) will be mired within a year because of legitimate Constitutional issues and future popular discontent. Sadly, a great opportunity for urgently needed reform (in cooperation with a sympathetic legislature and conservative court) will be squandered.
While it’s true that the TQ activists have done damage, gay men have also contributed-both in their cowardice in not standing up to the “activism” but also in going along with it. See the video from the SF Gay Men’s Chorus below. This “We’ll Convert Your Children” Broadway style ballad is still live on their YouTube channel because they think poking people who disagree with them in the eye is funny. I don’t think it is. Of all the things to sing about on “Pride” I would not have sung this. https://youtu.be/ArOQF4kadHA?si=fWWzxhd6jWucA2mP
It needs to be acknowledged that the “community” of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t really one. And I am of the opinion that it’s ok, I feel like it’s the natural step as folks explore gender more publicly and politically that these two sides of the queer coin diverge, because they are different! Something that is still being explained to those unfamiliar with it to this day.
Although I don’t consider DEI in the same regard as you, I have witnessed the development of “the perfect leftist”, a concept where if you have any sort of differing opinion for the whole, you are met with aggressive backlash. A likely cause of the cultural pendulum swinging back to the conservative after (what I fondly consider) our rainbow years of the 2010s. They rewrote Shrek: The Musical!!!!
This John is evidently feeling the pressure to perform his activism and it’s aimed at the wrong audience. He fails to see that exploring the nuance at, what I can only describe as, the community level is one of the only places you can do it in our current world of eternal broadcasting. Zoom out and the greater population is only reading headlines and buzzwords, leaning heavily into the black and white of us against them and if you aren’t with me you must be against me. Exhausting! Such commenters should welcome the experience of reading new and different opinions. You rocked his world, I can only hope he had the sense to appreciate that gift.
Yes Michael, I also appreciate James' thoughts on the contemporary scene along with his giant heart (note to James: don't spend too much time on the querulous and antagonistic scribblers - they've got rocks in their heads!)
Hello, James. Your take is sensible, and I agree with you that life is too short for engaging with bullshit. I’m a straight, white, twice-married breeder and recovering misogynist who nonetheless has a wide range of friends and who has also soured on the useless and hyper-compromised Democratic party, without crossing over to the equally horrible “conservative” camp. I also believe that leaving kids un-harangued by damaged, agenda-driven adults (including trans “groomers,” “spiritualist” parents and relatives, pedophile “caregivers,” Christian and Muslim and Hindu and other religious fundamentalist soul-farmers, etc., to grow and develop into whatever personal wonderfulness their genetic memory will permit, should be an inalienable right.
Reading your post I was amazed that you kept responding. In recent years despite my age I learned my mother’s lifelong behavior was due to Borderline Personality Disorder and over the past 5 years have achieved a better understanding of myself and the dysfunctional behaviors I learned from dear, sweet mama. I realized I had to give up social media because I could not just ignore that which triggered me (made me angry, but also prompted dysfunctional over reactions ala BPD.) I am prepared now thanks to your post for the time when trolls find me. Perhaps being small potatoes here more for the reading than the writing that won’t happen. I think you should see if you can come up with a strategy for dealing with the trolls. Might I recommend the Southern expression, “Bless your heart!” And then ignore any further comments. Consider blocking if they don’t take the hint.
Once again, James, thank you for your cogent, humane, and passionate commentary. The one point you made that I may disagree with: “I do not believe that Trump, or any leader, should have the power to decree that there are only two genders.” If you mean “gender” as in how people present themselves—e.g., “feminine,” “masculine,” “queer,” etc.—I agree. But if you mean biological sex—female and male—then I think it is appropriate to state the scientific fact that sex is binary (the occurrence of “disorders of development”—intersex—does not invalidate the essential fact of binary sex, and trans activists misappropriate this condition), otherwise, female spaces and sports cannot be defended politically and legally. Also, without this clarity, trans activists are better positioned to unduly influence young people. With that said, I agree trans people should not be discriminated against in the military, employment, housing, etc. Tragically, even trump’s legitimate ideas are being implemented carelessly and fostering prejudice. Not only will this harm innocent people, it most likely will trigger left wing extremism. Keep up the good fight!
To take the point a little further, it appears to me that Trump’s objective is to keep the trans people from redefining “sex” in a fashion that enables them to broaden the law beyond that originally intended, without having to get Congress to do it. “Intersex” is not a sex - it’s a physical sexual disorder and probably will turn out to be outside the purposes of the EO. That is, medical procedures attempting to correct the problem will be handled without regard to the EO, once the confusion with “gender” is cleared up. As you point out, trans activists are misappropriating the condition, intentionally in my view.
I don’t think trans people belong in the military. Being post-trans surgery is like having an organ transplant - a lifelong disability controlled by drugs. Perhaps I’m misinformed, but I don’t think disabled people can join the military.
The implementation aspect is unavoidable. Basically, Trump is cutting a bunch of Gordian knots. If he took the time to work out the details (that is, untie the knot), he’d get nothing done. Better to make mistakes and later correct them (or have them corrected by the judiciary).
There are numerous positions in the military other than combat roles that “disabled” and trans people can and do perform. There are strict criteria for combat positions: if a trans individual is able to meet them they should serve; if not, they shouldn’t. Same applies to females. Cutting Gordian knots does not require cruelty. I have worked in enormous and complex corporations that implemented widespread and radical changes, including mass layoffs, while treating employees respectfully. It would be trivial for trump and his minions to remind everyone of the dignity and civil rights of all citizens. But, of course, trump and musk are sociopaths (I mean that in all seriousness).
Thanks for the information about disability in the military.
Concerning your experience with mass layoffs etc, did that include “The Resistance” that Trump faces? The lawfare that has to have the rug pulled out from under it? When I was working in management in the government, any attempt to do things for employees was met with a response from the union attempting to leverage that as a concession for further concessions, or to thwart the action. And that was before the current atmosphere of outright subversion of Trump by people in management itself.
So my experience tells me that the most important thing Trump has to do is to get things done before he can be thwarted by the Democrats, inside the bureaucracy and outside. Because from his first election, it has been clear that the Democrats have decided not to engage with Trump in any constructive fashion, and they won’t do it now. Stupidity, because it should be obvious by now that Trump is not ideological, but transactional. The Democrats could have worked with Trump and got a lot of things done, but have made him their enemy instead.
So now, we reap the whirlwind. Cutting the Knot is the only way he will get anything done.
I don’t think either of these men are sociopaths. I do consider Trump to be a solipsist. And Musk is apparently on the autism spectrum. So no doubt many of us normies would find them difficult.
We agree about the desperate need for governmental reform and the challenges, including organizational resistance. I have no problem with aggressive change and the swift firing of ideological administrators, and managers (much management is wasteful anyway), but certainly there are large numbers of government workers who are conscientious and performing worthwhile work.
Yes, Democrats need to cooperate when it makes sense, pick their battles carefully, and jettison unpopular and illiberal policies, AND Republicans need to exercise courage to resist lawlessness and to defend the Constitution.
The “lawfare” complaint has been overstated. Prosecuting trump for interfering in the 2020 election and for incitement on January 6 (not to mention the impeachments) were justified. I agree that Mar-a-lago documentation case should not have been pursued, but trump could have avoided it if he simply cooperated. The one case that can be rightfully labeled lawfare is the hush money case.
Yes, trump is transactional, and he is driven by resentment, narcissism, and authoritarianism. I won’t make a case here, but I think the evidence for sociopathy is overwhelming. I repeat, it would take little for trump to express a modicum of empathy for impacted citizens and reaffirm the rights of all. But he never will because in his mind the entire world is separated into the holy (sycophants) and the evil (everyone else).
I predict that the current war (Reformation) will be mired within a year because of legitimate Constitutional issues and future popular discontent. Sadly, a great opportunity for urgently needed reform (in cooperation with a sympathetic legislature and conservative court) will be squandered.
“Reformation “ is a good label, if one is a Republican. I don’t think it will work for Democrats!
While it’s true that the TQ activists have done damage, gay men have also contributed-both in their cowardice in not standing up to the “activism” but also in going along with it. See the video from the SF Gay Men’s Chorus below. This “We’ll Convert Your Children” Broadway style ballad is still live on their YouTube channel because they think poking people who disagree with them in the eye is funny. I don’t think it is. Of all the things to sing about on “Pride” I would not have sung this. https://youtu.be/ArOQF4kadHA?si=fWWzxhd6jWucA2mP
Gen z bisexual here!
It needs to be acknowledged that the “community” of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t really one. And I am of the opinion that it’s ok, I feel like it’s the natural step as folks explore gender more publicly and politically that these two sides of the queer coin diverge, because they are different! Something that is still being explained to those unfamiliar with it to this day.
Although I don’t consider DEI in the same regard as you, I have witnessed the development of “the perfect leftist”, a concept where if you have any sort of differing opinion for the whole, you are met with aggressive backlash. A likely cause of the cultural pendulum swinging back to the conservative after (what I fondly consider) our rainbow years of the 2010s. They rewrote Shrek: The Musical!!!!
This John is evidently feeling the pressure to perform his activism and it’s aimed at the wrong audience. He fails to see that exploring the nuance at, what I can only describe as, the community level is one of the only places you can do it in our current world of eternal broadcasting. Zoom out and the greater population is only reading headlines and buzzwords, leaning heavily into the black and white of us against them and if you aren’t with me you must be against me. Exhausting! Such commenters should welcome the experience of reading new and different opinions. You rocked his world, I can only hope he had the sense to appreciate that gift.
YOU ROCK. I AM ONE PROUD GUNCLE. I LOVE YOU, IZZY!!
I love love LOVE your message, your leaning into nuance. Grateful for stackers like you. We have a lot in common.
Yes Michael, I also appreciate James' thoughts on the contemporary scene along with his giant heart (note to James: don't spend too much time on the querulous and antagonistic scribblers - they've got rocks in their heads!)
Right on, Michael--yes, kindred stackers!! Keep up the good work.