What motivates us to vote? Are our brains engaged or are we guided by knee jerk emotional reactions? Do we focus solely on “who”, ignoring “what”? It appears so. It is critical to understand what we are voting for especially when choosing between bad candidates. For example, millions voted against Trump but gave little thought to what Biden’s handlers would do to us and our country. We are in the middle of a giant shit sandwich as a result.
As candidates on both sides attempt to engage our emotions with “threats to democracy”, it is clear the real threat to democracy is an uninformed electorate. If we don’t get serious, ensure our representatives mirror our own belief structures, our so called leaders will continue to dump on us in their Gollum like quest for power and money.
It is hard work, however. In this age of media propaganda, cancel culture, incessant lying and information overload, it takes an impossible amount of time to discern the truth on any subject much less whether a candidate is ethical or will succumb to the clarion call of power and sacrifice us or our children in their quest.
Perhaps the following candidate checklist is a helpful starting point. For those who espouse limited government, individualism as contemplated in our constitution, conservatism, and a free market, “yes” answers should disqualify a candidate.
For progressives, globalists and collectivists, “yes” answers signal a sympathetic candidate. For those who don’t know what they believe, figure that out first and if can’t, please don’t vote.
Examining a candidate’s actions will cut through the endless rhetoric and provide a window into a politician’s belief structure, intellect and penchant for independent thought. We can then compare their policy positions against our own and vote accordingly. For example, those who voted for Biden 1) voted for inflationary policies such as dumping trillions into our economy and hampering fossil fuels with no alternative in place, 2) voted for the drugging and mutilation of minors, 3) voted for a porous southern border controlled by the cartels 4) voted for a progressive president who is not that bright. Any voter surprised by this did not do enough research.
Did or does the candidate:
Support the covid “money vs lives” narrative?
Support extended lockdowns?
Support school closures beyond May 2020?
Support vaccine mandates even after it was clear vaccines did little to “stop the spread”.
Force small business to close while allowing big corporate retail stores to remain open?
Fall for or promote the BLM scam?
Support massive BLM protests while simultaneously forcing the closure of small businesses, churches and parks?
Ignore their own covid rules?
Put covid patients in nursing homes and/or issue stay at home orders? We knew in March 2020 that covid primarily killed older folks with underlying conditions and that people were far safer outside than inside.
Seek to ban covid “misinformation” from public forums, especially “misinformation” that has proven to be true?
Turn a blind eye to the BLM rioters?
Turn a blind eye to the January 6 rioters?
Donate money to bail out BLM rioters?
Donate money to bail out January 6 rioters?
Support the effort to “defund the police”?
Support “cashless” bail?
Advance the now debunked narrative that Trump colluded with Russia?
Believe that climate change is an existential threat that can only be solved by a transition to government-controlled wind and solar power?
Seek to restrict nuclear power?
Agree with the Biden administration’s efforts to limit fossil fuels before viable alternatives exist to supply our energy demand?
Attempt to silence those who believe global warming has causes other than fossil fuels and cow farts?
Support the consolidation of power at the federal level.
Support the nationalization of various segments of the economy such as healthcare and energy.
Support trillions of dollars of government covid spending much of which had nothing to do with covid with billions lost to fraud?
Believe victim/oppressor ideology is beneficial for minorities and should be taught to children?
Believe abortion should be legal up to the moment of birth?
Believe abortion should be banned completely with no exceptions for the life of the mother, incest and rape?
Believe abortion limits should be decided at the federal level?
Hopefully folks will conduct the necessary research and vote with their brains on November 8. Lets choose common sense, intelligent candidates whose policies mirror our own belief structure, who understand the realities of human nature, economics and national security and who will put the good of the Country above themselves.
The success of the decades long campaign to normalize transgenderism is quite extraordinary. When folks finally wake up and understand that gender ideology promotes the drugging and mutilation of minors, perhaps our society will thoroughly analyze how it was accomplished.
While we wait for this to happen, however, we must sort this out ourselves so we can take effective action. What strategies have convinced so many, including our preeminent medical institutions, to believe the following:
Gender dysphoria is no longer a mental condition requiring psychological treatment.
Anyone can be any gender on any given day.
All kids should be taught they can be “born in the wrong body” and change their gender at will.
Kids can actually become the opposite sex with social affirmation, drugs and/or surgery.
Parents who disagree with a child’s transition should be ignored.
There are many genders and the number grows daily.
The skyrocketing number of transgender kids has nothing to do with the promotion of gender ideology in schools and social media.
One strategy outlined in “Through the Looking Glass” is the manipulation of language. For example, ten years ago did anyone say “gender assigned at birth”? When folks mindlessly repeat this phrase, they are really saying “I agree that gender is a social construct and not determined by biology”.
As we learned in “Snowballs”, blinding people with their own compassion is also highly effective. Folks certainly have compassion for children who suffer from gender dysphoria but when we give our own pronouns in solidarity with these kids, we offer our tacit agreement that human beings can change their sex. We signal our support for “gender affirming care” which is a pathway to medicalization, sterilization and serious health problems with no guarantee of an improved emotional outcome.
We also learned in the “Marketeers” that the debates over women’s sports, locker rooms and prisons are the perfect chaff to deflect our attention from the actual tenets of gender ideology. While society rages over the consequences, gender ideology has been quietly and methodically pushed into every facet of our society.
Another powerful strategy used to manipulate people and hide the ugly reality of the transgender campaign is to label inconvenient beliefs as biases. Mirriam Webster defines bias as “a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment:prejudice.”
For example, I believe that humans are binary, one’s gender is determined by biology, that a very small number of people suffer from gender incongruence, that men and women have an infinite number of personality traits that often overlap, and we should bust stereotypes not the reality of our biology. According to the current orthodoxy, my beliefs are considered biases suggesting I am prejudiced against transgender people or, simply, transphobic. Nonsense. There is absolutely nothing “unreasoned” about my belief that humans are and always have been binary nor do I hold prejudice for those who suffer from gender dysphoria.
Because people abhor being labeled prejudiced or transphobic, their belief structure wobbles as they are confronted with gender ideology and the vast power of the transgender lobby. They accept rather than question. Alternatively many are afraid to speak out. They fear being canceled, fired or kicked out of school. This phenomenon is occurring at every level of our society. The marketeers have done a marvelous job silencing debate and dissent.
Meanwhile the marketeers’ media lapdogs are vicious labelers who attempt to delegitimize those who disagree with the narrative. Mainstream publications are afraid of that wrath and do not publish dissenting opinions which relegates important work to the fringe. The media also keeps a lid on the consequences of saturating schools and social media with gender ideology. As a result, many people remain blissfully unaware of the exponential increase in the number of “gender diverse” kids; the explosion of gender clinics that prescribe puberty blockers to minors; the cadre of social media influencers waiting to tell your daughter she was “born in the wrong body” because she is a tomboy and the growing number of surgeons who will perform “top”, “bottom” and “eunuch” surgery.
The silence and inaction of the manipulated, fearful and uninformed have allowed gender ideology to infect every institution in our society.
And then there are the true believers. That is their right. The broader question is why do the rest of us have to replace our beliefs with theirs? We don’t. The gender narrative is an idea, not a confirmed theory based on science. It is therefore more akin to a “religion” and should be treated as such. Teachers are not allowed to teach religion in public schools, why should they be allowed to teach gender religion? It is a belief based on an idea not a fact.
It is productive to take a quick step back and examine where the idea came from. John Money, who introduced gender as a social construct, is often credited with being the “father” of modern-day gender ideology. He is also called a pedophile due to his sexual experiments on twin boys in the 1960s. Regardless of Money’s proclamation that his experiments proved that gender is learned not inherent, it was a dismal failure. The twin who was raised as a girl committed suicide and the other twin died of an overdose. Most have probably never heard of John Money. No surprise there. Pedophiles and perverts generally do not make great figureheads when the manipulation of millions is the goal.
How did we get from John Money’s sexual experiments on twins in the 1960s to the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) recommending “chest masculinizing surgery” of teenage girls in 2022? Dr. Quentin Van Meter who worked at John Hopkins with Money provides an excellent historical overview in this 2017 speech. He does not address the huge money that pushed transgenderism mainstream. This article by Jennifer Bilek aids in that portion of the history. Since 2017, gender ideology has only become more entrenched. This is especially true since 2020 when the Biden administration began to legislate biology out of existence.
Why? This is not a grassroots movement. A coordinated well-funded progressive coalition has pushed the idea of “gender diversity” on society. While I cannot provide a definitive answer to “why”, the fact that the marketeers have had to use fraud and force belies their initial stated goal – to educate kids so they don’t bully those with gender dysphoria. If it were not so sad, it would be laughable. To keep kids from bullying other kids with gender issues, we had to teach the rest they too could be “born in the wrong body”? How gullible are we?
Perhaps we can examine a handful of consequences to determine the goals.
This movement has divided society on yet another fault line.
Detaching our youth from reality seems certain to destabilize them mentally.
“Gender affirming care” can lead to a lifetime on drugs supplied by Big Pharma.
There is a ton of money to be made in “gender affirming” surgeries.
The movement creates a growing number of “marginalized” victims making it another head of the “victim/oppressor” hydra.
Transgender legislation is driving a wedge between parents and children.
Unabated this movement will disrupt the traditional family structure, a foundational element of society. (Note eliminating the family is a foundational goal of Marxism).
It sterilizes children who are medicalized early.
It infringes on women’s rights and privacy.
While subtle, we cannot underestimate the negative impacts of turning children’s attention inward on a mythical “gender journey” rather than towards the broader world of ideas and big dreams.
Several potential goals come to mind based on the above. Discontentment + Unrest + Destabilization + Greed + Division = Conquer. As horrific as it is that children are being sacrificed in a quest for money and power, I suspect this might be the low hanging fruit. It feels as though there are far deeper motives as well. Is this an effort to dehumanize us?
Regardless of the nefarious motives of the marketeers, there is one thing I am 100% certain of. We have been conned. What easy marks we humans are.
For those who see the dystopian future the transgender campaign promises, silence is not an option. We cannot wait for the lawsuits that are sure to come for change. We must fight the marketeers’ strategies with our own. Here are a few suggestions:
Refuse to use language designed to change your beliefs such as “gender assigned at birth”.
Communicate firmly that it is unnecessary to believe gender ideology to offer compassion and assistance to those who suffer from gender dysphoria.
Who cares if someone calls us transphobic. It’s a lie designed to manipulate. Feel free to speak and stand firmly by your beliefs. Loudly and often. Gender dysphoria is not a normal state to be encouraged as this religion would have us believe.
Whenever a debate arises about women’s sports steer the conversation to the basic tenets of gender ideology. We are more than happy to support an individual who transitions to seek relief from their emotional anguish but that person will never be the opposite sex. Biology is immutable. Sadly this precludes transgender men from playing in women’s sports. We can’t always get what we want.
What is happening in your child’s school? How many kids claim to be trans? Are they teaching gender religion? Does the school’s policy require teachers hide a child’s social transition from parents? If so, build your own coalition of parents and demand change. This parent’s story might propel you to action. The San Francisco school board has lost their minds over gender religion as this article describes. Parents must get involved so the drugging of children is not encouraged at a school near you.
Even if your school is silent on gender religion, social media is not. Be aware of the social media sites your child visits. This parent’s description of what she found on her daughter’s accounts is incredibly disturbing. This child became addicted to trans anime via social media and lost 7 years of his life.
For those without children in school, it is still essential to educate yourself. Politicians and school board members have played an outsized role in promoting transgenderism. We voted these people into office and now our kids are being indoctrinated. We can vote them out. Research every candidate in depth. For example, how many children will be sterilized unnecessarily because Biden has pushed “gender affirming care” on society. What will be the long term impact of Biden’s proposed amendments to Title IX?
Spread the word. I recently posted a video shown to school kids in California and a friend said this was a fringe issue and people who focus on it are only doing so “to stir derision in our political system to divide us” aka a right wing talking point. Like so many other folks, he does not realize what is happening. It was a fringe issue when Obama pushed it mainstream in 2008. It isn’t anymore. Who knows where we will be in ten years if reality does not make a comeback. Right now, there are school kids walking on all fours who identify as cats. And worse, schools tolerate it. What’s next?
Stand firm.
DETAILS
I began the transgender series because, of the con jobs being foisted on society, it seemed the easiest to see. Then I discovered it wasn’t easy to see at all. Most people had no idea of the basic tenets of gender ideology, how it started and how far it had progressed. As much as I read, I did not fully understand the implications of “gender affirming care” until spending hours upon hours researching the subject. My mission then changed to inform and now a call to action. This is the fifth article in the series. Previous articles include background information that will clarify my sense of urgency. Part 1 “Through the Looking Glass”, Part 2 “Snowballs”, Part 3 “The Marketeers”, Part 4 “Comment on Biden Administration’s Proposed Amendment to Title IX”.
Dr. Quentin Van Meter provides the history of John Money in his 2017 speech. For those who wish to understand the early days of this movement, it is much watch TV. This article summarizes John Money’s experiments on the twin boys referenced above.
It is important to remember that most western countries are dealing with an increase in those claiming to be transgender or nonbinary. The Netherlands was instrumental in promoting the use of puberty blockers on children. Even they have raised the alarm. Other European countries have banned their use on minors.
I highly recommend PITT on substack, Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans. One of the more impactful articles is True Believer. Knowing what I now know about this movement, reading this article brought tears to my eyes.
It is important to participate in our democracy. Today is the final day to comment on the Federal Department of Education’s proposed changes to Title IX. We must always take a stand when presented with governmental actions that will harm the very people they are intended to help.
While there is much that should be challenged in the administration’s proposal, I focused on the inclusion of gender identity in Title IX protections. My comment is below. Please feel free to use any or all of it in your own comments which can be submitted here.
I strongly oppose modifying Title IX to include gender identity. This will enshrine gender ideology which teaches children they can be any gender on any given day. Upon the child’s self selection, all must immediately affirm or face consequences. Wedges will be driven between kids and parents. The clock will be turned back on women and girls as their protections under the existing Title IX are sacrificed. Reality itself will be undermined as social contagion spreads and vulnerable children with no previous history of gender dysphoria decide they are transgender in an effort to belong. Once they declare themselves transgender, immediate affirmation at school, with or without the parent’s consent, follows. After affirmation, medicalization will likely follow and regardless of the federal government’s assertions to the contrary, puberty blockers are not fully reversible. The government’s recommended “gender affirming care” will be reinforced with the proposed Title IX changes and will lead to more transgender adults who are relegated to a lifetime of drugs, sterilization, and poor health. It is unconscionable.
When did the federal government gain the right to force citizens to reject the most basic of all scientific realities, our biology? Schools, teachers and students can be compassionate to children with gender dysphoria without the need to force all to accept a revised reality that states that gender and biology are independent of one another. Why does the government believe it is necessary to teach kids they can change genders at will when it is physically impossible to do so? No drug or surgery will ever turn a boy into a girl or vice versa. No drug or surgery will ever erase a child’s genetics. Imagine the absolute cruelty of dangling that possibility to a confused child.
Gender ideology is incredibly regressive in that gender stereotypes are narrowed and reinforced creating the bizarre need for an endless array of genders. Isn’t it far healthier for a child physically and emotionally to embrace their biology and eliminate the stereotypes?
An adult with persistent gender dysphoria will weigh the pros and cons of sex change drugs and surgery and may choose this avenue to mitigate their sense of dysphoria. These folks should have our full support and compassion. But have they truly changed themselves into the opposite sex? Sadly for those with gender dysphoria, they have not and never will. Sex change drugs and surgery are cosmetic with seriously bad side effects. Why is the federal government telling kids they can be any gender they want?
The devil is always in the details and based on the executive order President Biden signed on June 15, 2022 chances are the revised Title IX language will prioritize medical transition over “watchful waiting” psychotherapy. Government edicts in combination with the APA have already led most therapists to immediately affirm even when other psychological conditions are present. Why is the federal government attempting to tell therapists how to treat their patients? Why do the proposed changes to Title IX encourage unquestioning affirmation? Other Western countries are moving in the opposite direction and have put the brakes on the medical transition of youth. Why is our government ignoring the evidence?
Below are the facts:
• In the absence of social and medical transition, “Childhood-onset gender dysphoria has been shown to have a high rate of natural resolution, with 61-98% of children reidentifying with their biological sex during puberty.” Source. In other words, puberty itself cures gender dysphoria in most kids.
• “Historically, the small numbers of children presenting with gender dysphoria were primarily prepubescent males. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in referrals of adolescents, and particularly adolescent females, to gender clinics. Many do not have a significant history of childhood gender dysphoria and a number suffer from comorbid mental health issues and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The reasons for these changes are understudied and remain poorly understood.” Source. Are the increases a result of the marketeers’ attempt to redefine gender, inundate society with trans messaging making it “cool” and a way to “belong”?
• A recent study suggests desistance is rare when parents elect to socially transition a young child (6 or 7 years old).
• Once a child begins puberty blockers, desistance is very rare if at all. Almost all will progress to cross sex hormones and the certainty of infertility and other lifelong health consequences.
Please do not enshrine gender ideology in our schools. The consequences will be enormous and none of them will be good.
For more information and references, please see the previous articles below:
From “It Feels Good to be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn
Can the transgender movement be simply explained? Yes. To be truly supportive of transgender children, activists demand that society believe gender is independent of biology. In other words, any individual can be any gender on any given day regardless of chromosomes.
A decade ago, and for eons prior, generally accepted reality dictated that males are men, females are women, men and women have limitless personality traits that often overlap and a very small proportion of the population had gender identity issues. Until 2013 such issues were considered a mental disorder by the American Psychological Association (APA).
While the silent majority had their collective head in the sand, a campaign percolated in academia to declare this human reality wrong. The idea that “one’s gender is part of personal identity and not a disorder requiring treatment” exploded out of academia and is now supported by a large, well-funded coalition of progressives including politicians, their benefactors, private and public institutions, the APA, the Endocrine Society, teachers’ unions, woke corporations, big tech, big pharma, gender clinics, sex change surgeons, powerful LGBT+ NGOs and a cadre of social media influencers. These are the marketeers who relentlessly promote their idea that the man/woman dichotomy is a false premise, gender exists on a spectrum to be decided at will and social and medical transition are the only appropriate courses of action for a gender confused youth.
The marketeers’ campaign to change the definition of men and women under the guise of protecting our gender confused children has the potential to fundamentally change our society. Equally important, success will fill their coffers which will solidify their power.
We learned in the previous article, Snowballs, how the marketeers use compassion to manipulate society to accept their idea that gender is independent of biology. They also use another classic trick, encourage folks to focus on the consequences of their ideas instead of the idea itself. For example, society tears itself apart arguing over biological men who compete in women’s sports when we should be questioning whether we accept their ideas or not. As our attention is diverted with one gender crisis after another (rapes in prison, sports, bathrooms) we unwittingly signal our tacit acceptance of the core concepts. The result? The marketeers’ underlying gender ideas continue to seep into our institutions with little resistance. Genius.
For those who don’t buy what they are selling, the marketeers employ another successful tactic – cancel public voices into oblivion. They also rely on their fanatical acolytes to ostracize the disbelievers or anyone who questions their methods and motives. This family’s story provides an excellent example.
Have the marketeers’ strategies been successful? Yes, they have made significant progress. Let’s examine the data.
According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis “Adults under 30 are more likely than older adults to be trans or nonbinary. Some 5.1% of adults younger than 30 are trans or nonbinary, including 2.0% who are a trans man or trans woman and 3.0% who are nonbinary – that is, they are neither a man nor a woman or aren’t strictly one or the other.”
A recent Gallup report stated “Roughly 21% of Generation Z Americans who have reached adulthood — those born between 1997 and 2003 — identify as LGBT. That is nearly double the proportion of millennials who do so, while the gap widens even further when compared with older generations.” As Bill Maher famously said, at this rate we will all be gay by 2054.
According to the Williams Institute as of June 2022, “among U.S. adults 18 and older, 0.5% (about 1.3 million adults) identify as transgender. Among youth ages 13 to 17 in the U.S., 1.4% (about 300,000 youth) identify as transgender.”
The Williams institute estimates the number of transgender 13–17-year-olds is 300,000 today and was approximately 150,000 in the 2016/2017 report. Note however better base data is available today and the earlier estimate could be inaccurate.
The Williams study also examined prevalence at the state level, “At the state level, our estimates range from 3.0% of youth ages 13 to 17 identifying as transgender in New York to 0.6% in Wyoming.” Is this disparity a result of how active the marketeers are in New York vs Wyoming? The marketeers would have us believe that children are more comfortable coming out but geographic disparities call this theory into question. In July 2015, to be more “inclusive” and stop kids from bullying those with gender dysphoria, New York implemented guidelines forcing schools to teach all kids they can be any gender they want at will. The data shows that kids are listening. So are their parents.
Interestingly the Williams Institute report stated “overall, based on our estimates from 2016-2017, we find that the percentage of number of adults who identify as transgender has remained steady over time.” Marketeer messaging to adults does not appear to seek their transition but instead the acceptance of the medical transition of young people. The marketeers and their acolytes tell distraught parents “would you rather have a live son or a dead daughter” suggesting that if the child doesn’t start expensive, dangerous puberty blockers, which lead to a lifetime of drugs and serious health consequences, he or she might commit suicide. Parents should dig a bit deeper before accepting such statements.
While the accuracy of the studies above is unknown and they have different parameters and results, it appears transgender youth represent a very small part of the population. Yet there is a significant upward trend especially in areas where the marketeers have control of the messaging. Considering that US marketeers insist on immediate social affirmation and irreversible medical treatments in lieu of “watchful waiting” psychotherapy, the trend is also alarming for the physical and emotional health of any child (and their parents) who heed the call to social affirmation and medicalization.
Before we examine the data regarding puberty blockers and surgery, it is important to restate key facts:
In the absence of social and medical transition, “Childhood-onset gender dysphoria has been shown to have a high rate of natural resolution, with 61-98% of children reidentifying with their biological sex during puberty.”Source.
“Historically, the small numbers of children presenting with gender dysphoria were primarily prepubescent males. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in referrals of adolescents, and particularly adolescent females, to gender clinics. Many do not have a significant history of childhood gender dysphoria and a number suffer from comorbidmental health issues and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The reasons for these changes are understudied and remain poorly understood.” Source Are the increases a result of the marketeers’ attempt to redefine gender, inundate society with trans messaging making it “cool” and a way to “belong”?
A recent study suggests desistance is rare when parents elect to socially transition a young child (6 or 7 years old).
Once a child begins puberty blockers, desistance is very rare if at all. Almost all will progress to cross sex hormones and the certainty of infertility and other lifelong health consequences.
Regardless, the Biden Administration released standards of care for transgender children that include immediate social affirmation, puberty blockers at approximately 12, cross sex hormones at 16 and sex reassignment surgery if desired. In some locales puberty blockers are encouraged at younger ages.
President Biden signed an executive order on June 15, 2022 that appears to further prioritize medical transition over “watchful waiting” psychotherapy. Note other Western countries are moving in the opposite direction and have put the brakes on the medical transition of youth.
How many children in the US have been prescribed puberty blockers?
Curiously this information is not readily available. We do know the first gender clinic prescribed puberty blockers in 2007 and there are hundreds of prescribers now which suggests the number has increased dramatically.
Lupron (Abbvie) and Supprelin (Endo) are the primary drugs prescribed off label to block puberty in children with gender dysphoria. The charts below reflect total sales which include among other uses, prescriptions for palliative care for prostate cancer, endometriosis and precocious puberty. Therefore, one cannot conclusively prove without additional data from Big Pharma how much of the increase is due to kids with gender issues.
Note Abbvie’s annual report explained the 2020 reduction in Lupron sales was due to pandemic related shortages while Endo’s annual report suggested the increase in Supprelin sales was due to supply shortages of a competitor. Endo canceled production of Vantas in 2021, a cheaper alternate to Supprelin prescribed off label for puberty suppression. Annual sales data for Vantas were not included in the online annual reports. 2022 annual sales reports will be interesting.
The long-term effects of prescribing these drugs to healthy kids have not been properly evaluated nor have Abbvie and Endo undertaken the rigorous testing necessary to obtain FDA approval for on label use to block puberty for healthy children. However, there is evidence that these drugs can do serious damage especially in bone and brain development. Equally important, almost all kids who start blockers progress to cross sex hormones which are irreversible and have many serious health consequences not the least of which is infertility.
The marketeers’ assertion that puberty blockers are reversible is a blatant lie.
The Swedish health authority sums up the concerns regarding puberty blockers best: “the risks of puberty suppressing treatment with GnRH-analogues and gender-affirming hormonal treatment currently outweigh the possible benefits, and that the treatments should be offered only in exceptional cases.”
An older study in the Netherlands suggested that 65% of children referred to their primary gender clinic in 2010 progressed to hormone treatments by 2015. If this trend holds in the US, without question the marketeers’ push for medical transition of kids will result in a greater number of transgender adults many of whom will fill Big Pharma’s pockets for the rest of their lives. One cannot help but wonder if the marketeers hope the number of kids prescribed blockers stays hidden. If this information were available along with an honest assessment of the risks, their acolytes and the silent majority might finally wake up.
How successful are the marketeers in encouraging minors to have sex reassignment or nonbinary surgery?
Below are charts compiled from data released by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that represents the number of adult sex reassignments since 2015 performed by their members.
Note the data does not include minors nor does ASPS have this data sorted by age but considering the Williams Institute and Pew Research data above, it is likely heavily tilted towards young adults. The location of these surgeries is also key data necessary to evaluate the marketeers’ efforts. Are procedures concentrated in areas where the marketeers have successfully redefined gender in K-12?
Is the increase in female to male surgical transitions a result of the increase in rapid onset gender dysphoria in young girls that many believe is a result of social contagion? If so, we can draw a clear line between the marketeers’ messaging, “gender affirming care” and a surgeon’s knife.
While the increasing trend is clear, the number of people seeking surgery is very small compared to our population. This raises questions regarding intent. Why did the California Department of Insurance direct all insurance companies in the Golden State to pay for the mastectomies of any gender transition patients under the age of 18? Did California force this change because there was an existing market of young girls who were desperate to remove their breasts or to encourage market demand?
The marketeers in western countries are gleefully counting their future dollars as demand for these surgeries grow. Global Market Insights (GMI) estimated in 2019 that we “will witness 25.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during 2020 to 2026.” They estimate sex change surgeries will be a billion-dollar industry by 2026. The synopsis suggests that “increasing focus on the transgender issues through various studies will contribute to the sex reassignment surgery market growth.” And not unexpectedly, “favourable government policies associated with gender transition surgeries is one of the major factors driving the industry demand.”
As with puberty blockers sex reassignment surgery comes with serious risks and long-term health consequences. According to some who have transitioned, these pesky details are not thoroughly discussed with patients. This article will open one’s eyes to the brutality of male to female sex change surgeries as will Scott Newgent’s female to male experience during and after surgical transition.
Let’s summarize. A coalition was built to promote a new definition of gender under the guise of protecting a minute number of transgender youth relative to the population. At no time did the marketeers offer an alternative method to assist our gender confused children that did not include reordering society at large.
Through a variety of successful strategies, the idea that gender is independent of biology has been relentlessly pumped into mainstream culture via education, entertainment, legislation and social media. Young people are listening. Their parents suffer with nowhere to turn.
Utilizing poorquality data, the marketeers including the APA, the Endocrine Society and the Federal Government encouragesocial and medical affirmation of gender confused children, a strategy that will likely result in their sterility, a lifetime of drugs and profound health issues with no guarantee of improved mental or physical outcomes. Meanwhile the marketeers seek to suppress opposing views, deliberately lie about the side effects of the drugs they push and downplay the consequences of sex change surgery. This should be deeply troubling to all.
Unbelievably many, if not most, Americans are oblivious to the danger to our youth and therefore our country. Society rages over consequences of this ideology (bathrooms, prisons, women’s sports) which have served as effective diversions. Meanwhile, the ideology itself has taken root. This is striking since it is highly likely the silent majority believes that gender and biology are inexorably linked.
We the people let this happen and we the people are the only ones who can stop it. We must.
Details
Note this is the third article on the transgender campaign that has gripped and divided our country. For background data it may be helpful to read “Through the Looking Glass” and “Snowballs”.
To be perfectly clear, I firmly oppose the marketeers’ tactics, ideology, and push to transition and medicalize children. I believe we can and should be supportive and compassionate to our gender confused children without a fundamental shift in our understanding of gender and the resultant reordering of society. In addition, should any informed adult whose prefrontal cortex is fully developed wish to pursue hormones and/or surgery to reduce distress caused by gender incongruence, they should have the opportunity to do so. Medicalizing children before their brains are mature and they are able to fully understand the risks is akin to child abuse and should only be pursued in the most extreme circumstances after extensive traditional (not affirming) psychological treatment.
The Society for Evidenced Based Gender Medicine (SEGM) has a wealth of information for those interested in understanding this topic in greater detail. Anyone with children in school districts controlled by the marketeers and who are free to roam social media should have a laser focus on this issue. “Our aim is to promote safe, compassionate, ethical and evidence-informed healthcare for children, adolescents, and young adults with gender dysphoria.” https://segm.org
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a prime marketeer for “gender affirming” care who also supply materials to schools. In concert with other organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA) they published “Schools in Transition, A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 School”. While much of the material is appropriately based in compassion, the following excerpts indicate their goal – to redefine gender.
“While this concern may seem understandable, it is often based on the false idea that a transgender boy is not a “real” boy, a transgender girl is not a “real” girl or that a transgender student wants access to those facilities for an improper purpose. Schools should attempt to address these and any other misconceptions that may be causing the student’s discomfort.” The article goes on to suggest that the student who is uncomfortable use a different restroom.
“Unfortunately, schools often erroneously believe that a transgender student, particularly a transgender girl, will have a competitive advantage over the other players and therefore should not be allowed to compete on the team that matches their gender identity. Concerns regarding competitive advantage are unfounded and often grounded in sex stereotypes about the differences and abilities of males versus females.11”
“As part of this effort, it is important to educate the student’s family members about the serious consequences of refusing to affirm their child’s gender identity.” There is no mention of informing the parents of the serious consequences of affirming their child’s identity and that going through puberty cures gender dysphoria for the majority of kids. Nor do they mention the substantial numbers of adolescent girls claiming to be transgender with no prior history.
This article examines the experience of one family in California. It is a “must read” and demonstrates how open discussion of the pros and cons of transition is prohibited in certain areas and those who attempt to question the narrative are ostracized.
Anyone considering Lupron for themselves or their children might benefit from contacting one of the many Lupron victim groups. I have been in touch with the Lupron Warriors group on Facebook.
I searched extensively for Lupron and Supprelin annual sales limited to puberty blockers for transgender children and the number of prescriptions written annualy but, as a Big Pharma outsider, was unable to find this data. It is important data and if any reader has a means to obtain it, please feel to contact me. We may have to wait until states such as Texas release reports resulting from their actions against Abbvie and Endo.
Please feel free to visit BayBuddha Travels for articles on a wide range of subjects.
At a press conference in Japan, Biden said “[When] it comes to the gas prices, we’re going through an incredible transition that is taking place that, God willing, when it’s over, we’ll be stronger and the world will be stronger and less reliant on fossil fuels when this is over,”
A few pressing questions come to mind:
What are we transitioning to? Renewables? It is critical to understand that renewables such as wind and solar are currently unreliable and unable to meet US energy demand. Until a solution for long term storage of energy is invented to overcome the variable nature of weather and/or nuclear energy is increased dramatically, we are stuck with fossil fuels if we wish to satisfy current demand. Does Biden mean we are transitioning to low emissions nuclear? Nope. This administration has declared war on nuclear as well. Why would they undermine fossil fuels and nuclear which supply 88% of our energy without a viable alternative in place? An important question that is never asked much less answered by our so called leaders.
Is Biden doing everything he can to lower gas prices? Regardless of Biden’s words to the contrary, this administration is taking more steps, right now, with the highest gas prices in history, to further hamper the US fossil fuel industry. Regulatory actions impact prices. For additional details please also refer to an earlier article “Predators”, a deeper dive into energy policy.
Intent or incompetence? Any serious conversation about the Biden administration’s record invariably leads to this question, can they possibly be this incompetent or is there some measure of intent? Biden lifted the curtain with his “transition” remarks and confirmed intent. Think long and hard about that folks. Their intent crushes Americans economically and he encourages us to suck it up with some grand notion of transitioning to a better future. It’s blatant manipulation.
It is now crystal clear that this administration has purposely put America on shaky ground to achieve an “incredible” yet undefined “transition”. A “Great Reset” perhaps? How long will we tolerate this assault on our country? How long will it take otherwise intelligent people to stop believing foolish memes that deflect blame from Biden and attempt to normalize high gas prices? Will the silent majority finally dispense with their silence?
SHAKY GROUND SUMMARY
Below is a summary of destabilizing factors addressed in this and previous articles in the America on Shaky Ground series.
Part 1– “The Beauty of Gathering”. Division and distrust caused by the prohibition of gathering.
Part 2– “Bad Ole Men”. Division and distrust caused by categorizing women and men into victims and oppressors.
Part 3– “Whitey in the Woodpile”. Division and distrust caused by racial segregation via victim/oppressor ideology.
Part 4 – “Annie Get Your Gun”. Destabilize the populace by undermining the constitutional right of self-defense.
Part 5 – “Thou Shalt Lie”. Propagation of false narratives designed to destabilize the populace and consolidate power.
Part 6– “Predators”. Destabilize US economic and national security with unsound energy policies.
Part 7 – “Through the Looking Glass” and “Snowballs”. Division via the splintering of society based on gender. Destabilization caused by teaching kids to reject reality.
Part 8 – “Incredible Transitions”. Purposeful economic and national security destabilization to “transition” the United States.
Our compassion was hijacked years ago. How else could our perception of reality be so twisted that we believe biological men should compete in sports against biological women? That it is a moral imperative to teach young girls and boys they can be a boy, a girl, a boy and a girl, or neither? That tampons should be in K-12 boys’ bathrooms? That minors should be able to pursue chemical castration without parental approval?
Most humans ache for a troubled, unhappy child and would do whatever possible to bring them comfort. This basic human compassion has been teased into a grotesque acceptance of policies that risk the health of both our gender confused youth and kids in general. Equally disturbing, “gender affirming care” increases the demand for transgender care, which increases the number of opportunists who lobby for more “gender affirming care”. A nationally orchestrated cycle of Munchausen by Proxy. Who wins? Opportunists. Who loses in the short term? Confused kids. Who loses in the long term? All of us.
From “What Are Your Words” by Katherine Locke
Many are unaware how far this insanity has spiraled since Obama gave the gender snowball a shove via administrative and executive actions in 2009. Very few objected. Would we have blocked Obama’s pen if we knew it would result in our kids being taught “See, when you were born, you couldn’t tell people who you were or how you felt. They looked at you and made a guess. Maybe they got it right, maybe they got wrong”. Would alarm bells have gone off if parents knew “gender affirming care” could lead future kids to declare “they got it wrong” and unilaterally pursue irreversible, life altering drugs and surgery as minors?
From “It Feels Good To Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn
As we witnessed with appalling clarity during Covid, once a snowball gets rolling encouraged by politicians, institutions and a media machine that cancels opposition, folks tend to jump on board. “Of course we have compassion for kids with gender dysphoria, love is love”, they mimic. Sadly people are too busy to see the rot beneath the pretty words or consider what this snowball will look like in a decade. Nor do they wonder why the snowball got pushed over the cliff initially. Or why our compassion and acceptance of those with gender dysphoria isn’t enough and to be truly supportive, we must deny the link between gender and biology for all humanity. Note less than 1% of the population were transgender when this movement began.
For those who wish to critically evaluate this movement, it’s important to determine where we are and where the transgender snowball is headed. Let’s start by understanding that most kids will grow out of gender dysphoria by the end of adolescence. On the other hand, desistance is rare once puberty blockers are prescribed to a gender confused child (the federal government recommends blockers at age 12). Puberty blockers are not “reversible” when consider the full range of physical and psychological impacts not the least of which is a desire by almost all kids to continue with cross sex hormones (the federal government recommends cross sex hormones at 16). The combination of these drugs results in irreversible sterility, undeveloped sexual organs and other potential health issues. There appears to be no foolproof method to determine who will desist and whose gender dysphoria will persist. Since most 12-year-olds are incapable of grasping the ramifications of these drugs, treatment with comprehensive psychotherapy appears to be the only safe and humane avenue for gender confused minors. When the brain of a gender dysphoric young adult is fully developed, the individual can then decide if drug and surgical interventions are the appropriate course of action.
From “It Feels Good To Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn
Next, let’s consider the future. Where will we be in ten years without a course change? Three states have passed laws that allow minors to pursue puberty blockers and cross sex hormones (ie sterility and other complications) without parental consent. How many more politicians will follow like sheep? Will a generation of children who have been taught that feelings supplant reality be easier to manipulate by future snowballs that target emotions? How does the push to unmoor children from their biology impact the family in the future? We have learned how the collapse of the family has impacted poor black communities. Can we expect similar destabilization in other communities? What will be the impact on the family as government entities insert themselves between kids and parents on health matters?
This is a small sampling of potential outcomes to ponder. We must take our collective heads out of the sand and face this issue head on. Lest folks think the above is nothing more than a right-wing talking point and, as such, should be ignored, let’s examine actual trends which will help us understand where we are and predict the future….
From “What Are Your Words” by Katherine Locke
Details
Note my previous article, “Through the Looking Glass” on the transgender movement is a deeper dive and would perhaps be helpful to understand the basics. The above seeks to communicate a few important details in a shorter format and set the stage for an examination of data and trends.
“A new law recently passed in California allows (foster) children as young as 12 years old to receive taxpayer-funded transgender treatments and services, without parental consent.” Source.
In 2015, Judicial Watch wrote regarding Oregon’s new law: “In a matter of months dozens of kids—some younger than 9—received taxpayer-funded, sex-change therapy in a state that earlier this year made it legal for minors to undergo radical treatment for “gender dysphoria” without parental consent.” Source.
In Washington, “the age of consent for obtaining health care services was lowered to 13 in a bill that went into effect in January of 2020.” Source. Note it appears that HB2288 referenced in this article to locate health centers on middle and high school properties which would effectively bypass parents, is dead. That it was even considered should raise eyebrows.
“Gender affirming care” has had an impact on how therapists approach treatment of gender confused kids. This article by Dr. Miriam Grossman is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the current state of care or for parents of a child who has declared they are transgender, especially Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) that has impacted so many young girls. ROGD is a recent phenomena that many believe is caused by social contagion.
The photos from this article were taken from the following two books which are in many school libraries around the country. Brenda Lebsack, a teacher in California, forwarded them to me. I do not believe they are used in the classroom or if it is likely a child will encounter them. They do however provide insight in how gender ideology is communicated to children. I highly recommend listening. Please consider the impact on a young mind.
A byproduct of the “gender is a feeling” movement is that people who pee sitting down must share public restrooms with people who pee standing up. This is unacceptable. Their restrooms tend to get that not so fresh smell from pee landing in places it does not belong. Logic also dictates that crouchers who pee all over the toilet seat should be relegated to the standers’ bathroom. In fact, restroom usage should be divided not on how one feels but on who can keep their pee in the toilet bowl. Laws must be enacted and enforced. If absurdity is the norm let’s at least be practical.
Is the above any more absurd than men who wish they were women competing in sports with actual women? Or that anyone would ask a potential supreme court justice what the definition of a woman was and equally bizarre, the judge would refuse to answer? No.
Let’s take a step back and examine the gender and transgender narrative that’s dumped us all in the same restroom.
A narrative is often accompanied by the manipulation of language. “Prior to the 1950s, gender meant male or female, but applied only to grammar not persons. Latin based languages categorize nouns and their modifiers as masculine or feminine and for this reason are still referred to as having a gender.”Source.
Now definitions like this proliferate: “Genderrefers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender diverse people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they act and interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society. Gender identity is not confined to a binary (girl/woman, boy/man) nor is it static,” etc.
The word gender itself has been transitioned.
The word “Intersex” describes an old phenomenon. In rare instances, people are born with abnormal chromosome combinations that result in both male and female characteristics. The first sex change operation on an intersex individual occurred in the early 1900s. While there is disagreement on the prevalence of intersex people, one calculation states they represent approximately .018% of US population.
Gender Identity Disorder is not new either although this condition is now referred to as Gender Dysphoria. “Gender dysphoria (GD) in children describes a psychological condition in which they experience marked incongruence between their experienced gender and the gender associated with their biological sex.” Source. “Children represent a small number of individuals with gender dysphoria and in only 10-20% of the children, gender dysphoria will continue to manifest in adolescence”. Source. These folks and intersex individuals deserve our compassion and hope for a fulfilling life. For perspective, a rough estimate of the number of GD individuals seeking sex reassignment surgery can be found in the Details section.
The label “gender nonconforming” is new but the concept is old. Gender nonconformity refers to the extent to which a person’s gender identity, role, or expression differs from the cultural norms prescribed for people of a particular sex.
What is new is the idea that we should teach children gender is fluid so they will accept and be compassionate towards those who suffer from gender identity disorder.
What is also new is the increased volume of GD diagnoses over baseline (referred to as excess demand in this article) and the willingness to treat GD chemically and surgically at younger and younger ages ignoring the data that at least 80% of GD cases resolve with psychotherapy alone by late adolescence. Unbelievably, in some clinics, chemical transition is initiated in the absence of comprehensive psychological evaluation.
It appears the increase in referrals to gender clinics has not been quantified although we can look at the explosion of clinics and surmise demand has grown significantly. The first US clinic to pioneer puberty blockers for children opened in 2007. According to one study, there are approximately 200 clinics and growing. This number does not appear to include Planned Parenthood clinics which have embraced puberty blockers and cross sex hormones. GD drugs and surgery have become big business.
Why are there so many more gender confused kids? Why has the number of young girls seeking transgender care surged? The chicken and egg debate rages but it is important to understand these questions have not been evaluated as outlined in this Dutch article. Without this essential data the federal government has issued official support for “gender affirming care” which can include social transition (name and pronoun), puberty blockers, cross sex hormones, surgery and psychotherapy. The federal government has also warned states they could be in violation of civil rights laws if they block minors from receiving “gender affirming care” even though the long term impact of puberty blockers on children has not been adequately studied.
Even without studies, it stands to reason that excess demand is driven by the relentless gender narrative of social media influencers, politicians, educators and the media coupled with the censorship of critics. The rhetoric resembles a well-executed marketing campaign. Gender drug pushers and surgeons welcome the new target market with open arms.
Another likely driver of excess demand is the age at which gender ideology is introduced. Is it wise to tell little kids that boys can be girls and girls can be boys? Imagine a prepubescent child’s reaction when presented with the Gingerbread Person or the Gender Unicorn, images that are clearly designed for a young audience. Once these concepts are in a child’s mind, will they confuse common body image concerns, normal identity questions and insecurities with GD? According to Erikson’s Psychological Stage Summary Chart, an important factor for adolescents is their search for personal identity. Is it possible the relentless gender messaging from teachers, children’s programming and social media will misdirect children in their search?
Like Alice, it feels like we have entered a fantastical world, where we find that, just like a reflection, everything is reversed, including logic. Did our society take a wrong turn through the looking glass?
It certainly appears so. Any human who has been around for a while witnessed the negative impacts of strict gender stereotypes and the existence of “gender noncomformists”. In the 1970s things visibly started to change. By the turn of the century expectations and assumptions had loosened to such a degree that those who march to their own drummer were celebrated.
The gender movement is regressive however and strict stereotypes are back. How can a 10 year old girl casually tell her parents she is not a girl unless society has narrowly defined how a girl behaves, how she thinks and what is expected of her? This is obvious “elephant in the living room” logic and is the crux of society’s wrong turn. We should bust the stereotypes not the reality of our biology.
Are there any other elephants that deserve our attention? Yes, big ones.
“Also, some experts noticed that a clear majority of children on GnRH therapy (puberty blockers) will decide to pursue cross-sex hormonal therapy.” Source. Other sources suggest this number is close to 100%. We have already learned that 80%-90% of GD resolves without drug intervention plus there has been a notable increase in children, particularly girls, seeking transgender care. Do the math. If we start children on puberty blockers whose GD would have otherwise resolved, we will increase the number of transgender adults who are also dependent on cross sex hormones. No doubt the pharmaceutical companies support “gender affirming care”.
Consider the distinctive manifestations of women and men in your own circles. How can gender labels and pronouns possibly encompass the depth of our uniqueness? They can’t. That is why the number of genders/pronouns has grown to ridiculous proportions, 64 by one count. Yet what is the endgame of gender transition? Male and female genitalia. A full circle of absurdity.
How can equal opportunity laws conceivably address the expanding number of genders?
When I was in grade school, the kids viciously teased an overweight girl because she was different. Imagine her isolation and trauma. Did the government issue a directive on “fat affirming care”? Of course not. Why would we force society at large to declare their pronouns and abandon biologic reality rather than teaching kids to be kind and accept the differences of others? Does anyone really believe “gender affirming care” will result in kids being nicer to those who are different? For example, a group of kids in a Maryland junior high bullied another group of kids because they were not bisexual. Junior high. Will the law of unintended consequences rear its ugly head as people are divided into small angry victim groups and kids turn on each other?
No amount of compassion for a gender confused individual supports a biological man playing on a women’s sports team. Note the Biden Administration is scheduled to release a revision to Title IX April 2022. Consider what that report will do to the polarization in this country.
A man who wants to be a woman can change his name and pronouns, elect chemical and physical castration, get breast implants and other feminine features but he will never be a woman with the ability to give birth and nurse her child. A woman who wants to be a man can select one of 78 pronouns, pursue hormone therapy, have a double mastectomy and radical hysterectomy. She will have a clitoris with penis clothing and will never be a man with the ability to impregnate a woman. The bottom line? Sex reassignment surgery is cosmetic and pronouns are superficial. Quite a sad reality for GD folks but it is a reality none the less.
Transgender individuals who pursue full chemical and surgical transition will be sterile, yet “a clear majority of them express the desire for reproductive potential after transition”. In a society that caters to the smallest minority, where will the transgender desire to maintain fertility lead our nation legally and ethically? The future is emerging already. Some states do not require surgical transition to change gender on birth certificates.
How will our unique, gifted or troubled children fare in this new environment. Will an influencer suggest their uniqueness is a sign of GD and recommend “gender affirming care”? Will one of the sleazy gender clinics put them on drugs without comprehensive psychological evaluation? Is it possible the side effects of these drugs will derail the natural development of their gifts or enflame underlying psychological conditions? Do we undermine our society by undermining our children?
Societal trajectories matter. In addition to ignoring the long-term impacts of transgender drugs, we are also ignoring the potential progression when reality is supplanted with desire. The furry movement comes to mind as does research into uterine transplants in men. What’s next?
How do we get back on track? Let’s apply common sense.
Can we return to simplicity, reality and acceptance? Let’s celebrate the beautiful diversity of being human, embrace our woman and manhood, reject gender stereotypes and revel in our differences. Let’s extend our understanding and acceptance to those with persistent GD without forcing society to participate in gender ideology. Let kids be kids, educate them on the basics, encourage them to be kind, turn off the gender marketing machine and cancel the drug pushers. This isn’t complicated. Common sense rarely is.
Wouldn’t the above actions be preferrable to splintering our society into an infinite number of angry victim groups who take offense at being called the wrong pronoun? To eliminating a key bedrock of human experience, our biology? To the gender wars developing between parents, schools, states and the federal government? To the manipulation of compassion which results in the incremental acceptance of senseless legislation? To the weaponization of greed to advance an agenda? To subjugate parents’ belief structures to the will of government?
Yes, reality grounded in common sense, compassion and pragmatism will unite us. The absurdity of modern gender ideology and associated legislation will rip this country apart, undermine our children and put this nation on dangerously shaky ground. We should reject it and equally important, determine why the government and their corporate cronies are hellbent on drugging our kids and splintering society.
SHAKY GROUND SUMMARY
Below is a summary of destabilizing factors addressed in this and previous articles in the America on Shaky Ground series.
Part 1–Division and distrust caused by the prohibition of gathering.
Part 2–Division and distrust caused by categorizing women and men into victims and oppressors.
Part 3–Division and distrust caused by racial segregation via victim/oppressor ideology.
Part 4 – Destabilize the populace by undermining the constitutional right of self-defense.
Part 5 – Propagation of false narratives designed to destabilize the populace and consolidate power.
Part 6– Destabilize US economic and national security with unsound energy policies.
Part 7 – Division via the splintering of society into an ever increasing number of “marginalized” victim groups. Destabilization caused by teaching kids to reject reality which will ultimately undermine children.
DETAILS
Gender ideology is complicated. The above only scratches the surface. For those who want a deeper dive, there are many resources above and below to get you started. My plan is to examine gender transition drugs in a future article. Regardless of the rhetoric to the contrary side effects of long-term use of puberty blockers and cross sex hormones have not been adequately studied. In addition, once the Biden Administration releases their proposed Title IX update, an article on the illogical outcomes of gender legislation will likely be in order.
Update 4.8.22 – New Jersey has updated their education standards. Gender ideology will be introduced in the 2nd grade. “Discuss the range of ways people express their gender and how gender- role stereotypes may limit behavior.“
How many transgender kids were referred for treatment prior to this movement (baseline)? Was this number consistent over the years? What is the number of kids claiming to be transgender now? I don’t know. I wonder if anyone does. This is important information, however. In search of a baseline estimate, it was suggested I review the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. While modern transgender narrative began prior to 2013, the Obama administration gave it a hefty push around then. “There are no recent epidemiological studies to provide data on prevalence of Gender Identity Disorder. Data from smaller countries in Europe with access to total population statistics and referrals suggest that roughly 1 per 30,000 adult males and 1 per 100,000 adult females seek sex reassignment surgery.” Census data reveals there were approximately 154,650,000 men and 161,610,000 women in 2013. Therefore approximately .003% of men and .001% of women sought sex change surgery in 2013. Did this number justify foisting fringe academic gender theory into mainstream culture?
Update 4.8.22 – After publishing this article, I became aware of the Gallup poll which seeks to measure the number of people who identify as LGBT. This is not surprising.
The reader will note that I did not touch on sexual orientation above. While that may be inexact because many of the new genders speak to orientation, I did not want to complicate the article further.
Upon the release of the above documents which endorse the use of puberty blockers and cross sex hormones, President Biden said among other things: “To transgender Americans of all ages, I want you to know you are so brave. You belong. I have your back.” With everything we have learned about a child’s need to belong, their search for personal identity and the fire hose of gender messaging, this statement is disturbing.
While the US government has embraced transgender drugs, Sweden’s top children’s hospital suspended puberty blockers. Note Sweden instituted their version of gender affirming care prior to the US and they are not the only country putting the brakes on drugging kids. https://segm.org/Sweden_ends_use_of_Dutch_protocol
The Gingerbread Person is a tool to teach gender ideology. https://go2tutors.com/what-is-the-genderbread-person-and-how-is-it-being-used-in-schools/ The Safe Zone Project, creates gender curriculums utilizing the gingerbread person. Sam Killerman, who is a gender and sexuality consultant, had a hand in creating both. Reading this material is recommended. Much of it seems fine until one realizes that these lessons teach kids they can be any gender “they know themselves to be”. I have been unable to confirm at what age this is introduced but have seen references as young as 4th grade and up. https://thesafezoneproject.com
Because some LGBTQ folks don’t agree with how gender is depicted on the Gingerbread Person, the TSER (Trans Student Educational Resources) created the Gender Unicorn which is also being taught in some schools. https://transstudent.org/graphics/ Studying the mission and message of TSER is highly recommended.
The American College of Pediatricians is opposed to the current transgender treatment protocol. They have been vilified and labeled as a hate group. For two vastly different perspectives read the releases of the Biden Administration “Gender Affirming Care” documents above and this ACP article. In a takedown of this article, an author suggested ACP misrepresented the twin study. I have reached out to ACP for clarification. https://acpeds.org/position-statements/gender-dysphoria-in-children
While generally in favor of transitioning, this article examines many ethical considerations that deserve the attention of all transgender practitioners and parents. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6020665/
TSER Graphic for Students
Please feel free to visit BayBuddha Travels for articles on a wide range of subjects.
We are at a critical juncture in history. Our choices now will have far reaching consequences at home and abroad. We must choose wisely. Can anyone predict with certainty how Russia will respond to our actions? No. Therefore we must focus on strengthening America so we can weather any storm that arises.
While bolstering America is a multipronged effort, the purpose of this letter is to focus on energy policy and request your assistance. Let’s please dispense with the talking points and recognize that America is in a precarious position. We import more energy than we export, have massive debt, spiraling inflation and fiscal responsibility at the Federal level is nonexistent. The supply chain is fragile at best and most industries are besieged with worker shortages. While much needs to be done, one strategy to strengthen our foundation is shift immediately to energy independence. Our exports should exceed imports, we should import only from trusted allies and produce most of the energy we consume.
The Biden administration energy policy is driven by the belief that fossil fuel emissions are the cause of our warming planet. Energy policy is therefore geared to reduce fossil fuel production and increase renewable energy. While the environment is an essential pillar of any energy policy it is critical to understand that renewables such as wind and solar are currently unreliable and unable to meet US energy demand. Until a solution for long term storage of energy is invented to overcome the variable nature of weather and there is a substantial overhaul and expansion of the grid, we must rely on fossil fuels and nuclear to satisfy demand unless we want to collapse our economy.
Even though renewables cannot possibly supply US demand, through executive order and regulatory action, the administration has hampered investment and impacted US oil and gas production. The willingness to invest is negatively impacted by this regulatory atmosphere, as is the market, as are prices. Consumer price increases are the result.
Inexplicably this administration tightened the regulatory screws on US oil and gas while simultaneously requesting OPEC to increase supply to moderate “prices at the pump”. When Russian imports were cut, the administration sought alternate supply from Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela without a corresponding policy change at home.
The President and his appointees don’t like nuclear energy either. If climate change is an existential threat, why is the Biden administration closing low emission nuclear plants, revoking extension permits and denying permits for new builds? When nuclear plants are shuttered, they are typically replaced with gas generation plants with higher emissions. The consumer also pays more, a classic lose, lose scenario that makes zero sense.
Recently Congress has shown willingness to override bureaucrats and regulators. We ask that members set aside concerns of special interests, ignore the endless rhetoric, and consider only America’s present and future. Please examine the efforts of this administration to undermine domestic energy supply and undo them. Prohibit future regulatory actions without Congressional approval. Honestly evaluate the shortcomings of renewables and incentivize technological advancement. Construct an energy policy based on national security, economics, climate and environmental concerns.
High energy costs and dependence on foreign oil and gas will lead to increased economic instability that weakens America and her allies. A stable economy with affordable energy is essential, especially now. Please act.
Please feel free to visit BayBuddha Travels for articles on a wide range of subjects.
To be effective participants in our democracy, a dedication to reality is essential. Said dedication is difficult amid the relentless political theater and complexity of the issues we face. But try we must. Energy policy, Russian aggression, and the West’s ability to respond are inextricably linked. To understand, let’s begin with what we know to be true, raise questions and finally, determine if we can draw any conclusions.
FACTS
Readily available, affordable energy is the backbone of a society. Energy is to society as oxygen is to humans. Every industry, business and citizen rely on energy to function. Every product brought to market requires energy to produce. A sound energy policy is essential for economic and national security.
If energy prices increase, the price of goods and service will also increase, i.e., inflation. Steep inflation has and will continue to jeopardize our economy.
Many factors impact energy prices. Supply and demand are key as are the games nations play with supply to manipulate pricing and/or advance agendas such as climate change. Regulatory policy and uncertainty also impact prices.
Biden administration energy policy is driven by the belief that fossil fuel emissions are the cause of our warming planet. Energy policy is therefore geared to reduce fossil fuel production and increase renewable energy. Biden attacked the fossil fuel industry immediately. For example, he revoked the permit for the Keystone pipeline on day one, temporarily suspended the issuance of oil and gas permits on federal lands and waters and most recently, during the Russia/Ukraine crisis, FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) modified approval requirements to include climate considerations for interstate natural gas facilities and pipelines. The new guidelines will ensure such projects are far more difficult if not impossible to permit.
While the environment is an essential pillar of any energy policy it is critical to understand that renewables such as wind and solar are currently unreliable and unable to meet US energy demand. Until a solution for long term storage of energy is invented to overcome the variable nature of weather and/or nuclear energy is increased dramatically, we are stuck with fossil fuels if we wish to satisfy current demand. Please review the charts in this article that outline energy consumption by source.
In February 2022 the NRC (Nuclear Energy Commission) rescinded extension permits for two functioning nuclear plants in Florida and Pennsylvania. In January 2022, the NRC rejected the application to build a reactor in Idaho. Shuttered nuclear plants typically are converted to gas-fired plants which have higher emissions. Rescinding permits that were issued under a previous administration is a sure fire way to dampen investment at time when we need nuclear energy to reduce imports. For more information please read this article.
Germany provides a clear example of a climate based energy policy that neglected to properly balance environmental, economic and national security concerns and ignored the reality of renewables. “Germany embarked on Energiewende in 2010 with the goal of eventually making Germany independent of fossil fuels. The idea was to phase out oil, coal, and natural gas to allow for drastic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Since 2009, Germany has spent over a hundred billion euros on solar and wind energy, but carbon dioxide emissions did not decline over that period. Source. Germany also began a process to shutter their nuclear power plants with the remaining two plants scheduled for closure at the end of this year. How has this worked out for Germany? “Currently, Russia provides Germany with 55 percent of the natural gas, 50 percent of the coal, and 35 percent of the oil consumed by its inhabitants.” Source. Germany supported Nord Stream 2, a pipeline that would transport Russian gas to Germany. Nord Stream 2 will be a significant economic boon to Russia, filling its coffers to rape and pillage Ukraine, threatening Europe’s stability. Germany has since halted the process to certify the pipeline but has declined to enact any Russian sanctions that jeopardize its energy supply. .
Unlike demand, US energy output has not rebounded to prepandamic levels. This imbalance pushes costs up. It is difficult to discern the cause. Some say it is a result of Biden administration policies intended to restrict supply. Some say it is a lack of investment due to the regulatory atmosphere created by Biden policies. The Biden administration blames OPEC, Russia, big oil and more recently, the conflict in Ukraine. Still others blame Covid.
The United States achieved “energy independence” for the first time in 2019. This means that our net exports exceeded imports. It does not mean that we produced all the energy we consumed. We continue to import energy. Becoming a net exporter was fueled in part by regulatory changes and the hydraulic fracking boom. Prior to the end of the Trump administration our imports exceeded exports due to the havoc lockdowns wreaked on supply and demand. We continue to import more than we export under Biden.
Soon after Biden took office Russia began amassing troops on the Ukrainian border. This article from April 2021 states that troop movement to the border had started “weeks” prior to publication.
Putin has repeatedly stated over the years that there will be significant consequences if Ukraine joined NATO. Biden and Harris have repeatedly used language supporting Ukraine’s addition to NATO.
While implementing steps to restrict fossil fuel production at home, in May 2021, Biden waived sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2. Also in May 2021, U.S. imports of oil and refined petroleum products from Russia increased 23 percent to 844,000 barrels a day from the prior month, according to the Energy Information Administration. In August 2021 Biden requested OPEC and Russia increase the supply of oil and gas production to offset higher energy prices in the US.
While US imports from Russia increased to their highest historical level in 2021, It is important to note that the US has been importing oil from Russia for years. Russian exports currently represent roughly 7% of total US 2021 consumption. We import oil from many countries. Top exporters to the US are Canada, Russia and Mexico. For a detailed dive into the data, click here. For more information consider this US Chamber of Commerce article, this article from Oil Price.com or summary from Institute For Energy Research.
“Russia’s sales of oil and natural gas far exceeded initial forecasts for 2021 as a result of skyrocketing prices, accounting for 36% of the country’s total budget.” Russia’s energy exports are a significant source of funds and finance Russia’s brutal attack. Source.
Almost a year after signs of impending Russian aggression began, there is finally a bipartisan push to cut energy imports from Russia. However, the way some suggest it be done is counterproductive. Elizabeth Warren stated “I think that means it should all be on the table including banning the import of Russian oil, not just here in the United States but among all of the nations. We can protect ourselves, we can support ourselves, we can keep our economy going without fossil fuels.”
QUESTIONS
Why have so many NATO countries financed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?
Why didn’t the US and NATO turn off Russia’s money machine and seek alternate means of energy supply in 2014 after Russia invaded Crimea? Or if not then, as soon as the troop build up began on the Ukrainian border? Considering Russia’s history, Russian aggression in Ukraine had a high probability. Why was it ignored for so many months?
Knowing Putin’s “red line” regarding NATO expansion, how much did Biden’s NATO/Ukraine rhetoric enflame the situation? Were those overtures serious suggestions to Ukraine to join NATO or did they have another purpose? Did Biden and Harris consider Ukraine’s entrance into NATO worth the potential for war? If so, why? This opinion piece offers an interesting perspective.
The timeline above raises serious questions. Let’s recap. On Biden’s first day in office, he takes steps to hamper US energy markets at a time when the country was reeling from Covid and the disastrous results of the lockdowns. Russia amassed troops on Ukraine’s border shortly thereafter. While Russian troops were in place, Biden increased oil imports from Russia and greenlights Nord Stream 2 which will aid Russia economically and increase their control over Europe. Biden then requests OPEC and Russia to increase supply. Meanwhile Biden suggests Ukraine join NATO and actively takes steps to reduce oil, gas and nuclear production in the US. Days before Russia’s invasion, FERC made it more difficult to build infrastructure to transport natural gas and the NRC rescinded extension permits for two nuclear reactors. This is strikingly bizarre behavior for an American president. Whose side is he on? Were Biden’s actions an invitation to Russia, is he mentally incapable of evaluating the consequences of his actions, or is he hamstrung by the ideology of his masters? Who are his masters?
How did Biden’s and his son’s financial arrangement with Ukraine impact this situation? How did the false and relentless Trump Russia collusion narrative impact our relationship with Russia? How does the Ukraine “phone call” and subsequent Trump impeachment play into this? The opinion piece referenced above attempts to address these questions as well.
Undermining the fossil fuel industry under the guise of climate policy without a viable alternative actively in place seems foolhardy in the extreme. Now that we are confronted with the clear consequences of this policy, why hasn’t the administration changed course and taken steps to increase energy production at home?
Why is the Biden Administration also undermining the nuclear industry? It is incomprehensible. Nuclear is the only way to reduce emissions and satisfy our energy needs.
While unplugging Russia’s money machine seems to make sense, imagine what will happen to energy prices and overall inflation if we eliminate 7% of our energy supply overnight. Has Biden’s energy policy restricted our ability to react to Putin effectively and therefore compromised our national security? We import more energy than we export, have massive debt, spiraling inflation and fiscal responsibility at the Federal level is nonexistent. This WSJ editorial explains why cutting our Russian imports could largely be a symbolic gesture and have no meaningful impact on Russia.
Does the anticapitalistic “degrowth” movement inform Biden’s energy policy? Would this explain Biden’s attempt to reduce fossil fuels and nuclear without an alternate means of supply?
CONCLUSIONS
We can easily conclude that Russia’s actions are horrific. The people of Ukraine will suffer greatly. We can also conclude that Biden’s and Europe’s feckless energy policies have helped finance this carnage and hampered our ability to respond in the most effective manner. We know that countries like Germany are so dependent on Russian oil and gas they are incapable of meaningful sanctions without tanking their economies. We know many months elapsed with no discernible strategy from Biden or Europe to thwart this invasion or improve our leverage.
In addition to the complexities inherent in the energy industry, there are far too many unanswered questions for us to fully understand how we came to this juncture in history. We will not learn the truth from talking heads or politicians. Their rhetoric is political theater and feels like manipulation, the goal of which is unclear but instinctively troubling. Collectively we must demand answers and seek true motive.
Russia is not the only aggressor. Ukraine is the classic shiny object to deflect attention. Elizabeth Warren clearly demonstrated she would use this situation to advance a drastic climate agenda and it appears many in the administration share her view. Biden attempts to sweep consequences of his administration’s policies under the Ukrainian rug. These are the manipulative strategies of weak leaders. It is high time we view this latest assault on our economic and national security as an act of aggression against the American people. Equally important, we must ask why.
And finally, we can conclude that our current leaders, whoever they may be, are woefully inadequate to navigate the difficult times ahead. Can we trust them to do now what they have neglected to do for the last year? No. Will they dramatically change course to strengthen America at home and abroad with sound fiscal and energy policies that balance environmental, economic and national security with available and evolving technology? No. Their goals are not our own. They have put America on dangerously shaky ground.
SHAKY GROUND SUMMARY
Below is a summary of destabilizing factors addressed in this and previous articles in the America on Shaky Ground series.
Part 1–Division and distrust caused by the prohibition of gathering.
Part 2–Division and distrust caused by categorizing women and men into victims and oppressors.
Part 3–Division and distrust caused by racial segregation via victim/oppressor ideology.
Part 4 – Destabilize the populace by undermining the constitutional right of self-defense.
Part 5 – Propagation of false narratives designed to destabilize the populace and consolidate power.
Part 6 – Destabilize US economic and national security with unsound energy policies.
Please feel free to visit BayBuddha Travels for articles on a wide range of subjects.
Have we descended into a fact free culture? A time where outrageously false pronouncements are commonplace? Yes. Truth is the sacrificial lamb in our “thou shalt lie” society. Why do we tolerate this insult to our intelligence?
While a book could be filled with examples from this and previous administrations, let’s examine a few recent whoppers:
During his election campaign after the Kenosha riot, President Biden implied that Kyle Rittenhouse was a racist white supremacist in a tweeted video condemning President Trump. The media joined in. Not surprisingly folks only learned the facts if they watched the actual trial. Racism played no role and those who stated it did were lying.
On January 6, 2022, Vice President Harris stated: “The violent assault that took place here, the very fact of how close we came to an election overturned — that reflects the fragility of democracy.” At no point was the election in danger of being overturned. To characterize the January 6 riot as a coup is political theater at its worst. Another lie uttered by yet another morally bankrupt politician.
During his second public address after Kabul fell, President Biden said: “Any American who wants to come home, we will get you home.” The President also made the assertion that if we needed to remain in Afghanistan beyond the end of the month to continue to evacuate Americans we would. Clearly a lie.
In reference to the trumped up kerfuffle over border agents on horseback, President Biden stated: “To see people treated like they did, horses barely running over, people being strapped – it’s outrageous. I promise you, those people will pay. There will be an investigation underway now and there will be consequences. There will be consequences.” Deflection? Probably. Lie? Definitely.
During President Biden’s speech in Atlanta regarding his proposed bill to federalize election law, he stated: “Jim Crow 2.0 is about two insidious things: voter suppression and election subversion. It’s no longer about who gets to vote; it’s about making it harder to vote. It’s about who gets to count the vote and whether your vote counts at all. It’s not hyperbole; this is a fact.” It is hyperbole and it is a lie. For an excellent summation, consider this editorial from the WSJ.
And how about the Biden administration talking point, “inflation is transitory”. Gross incompetence? Yes. Lie? Yes.
Other than sporadic Washington Post Pinocchios, there appears to be a bizarre indifference to the incessant lying as evidenced by empty excuses such as “all politicians lie” or more often “at least Trump is gone”. Our silence is permission.
Not only do we encourage lying politicians and their propagandists with our silence, very few ask why they bombard us with one obvious lie after another. Has our curiosity been dulled by years of unethical politicians? Are we too lazy to ask why? Too busy? We certainly are not too stupid. We must reengage and examine the liars’ motive.
Some motives are obvious. As evidenced above, much of the lying seeks to divide us on racial lines spawning resentment and anger between groups causing the citizens to turn on each other. Clearly division and resultant destabilization is one goal. Another goal appears to be the consolidation of the liar’s power. Divide and conquer is an axiom for a reason.
Consolidation of power also requires an erosion of our Federalist system of government which distributes power between the States and the central government. Not surprisingly we have recently witnessed an uptick in proposals to shift power away from the States, such schemes fueled by blatant lies. Why do they lie in this case? To gain popular support. We should reject all efforts to concentrate power at the federal level and loudly denounce the lies. Our system of checks and balances offers us protection from tyranny and limits the power of unethical individuals who manage to win elections or lurk in the shadows controlling an incompetent figurehead.
We tolerate the manipulative behavior of politicians and their propagandists at our own peril. Our rational democrat, republican, black, brown, yellow and white neighbors are not the enemy as they would have us believe. The liars are the enemy. Regardless of their rhetoric to the contrary, these dishonest politicians do not care about us, the constitution, our democracy, voting rights, poverty or racism. They only care about themselves, their power and money.
Our country desperately needs ethical, competent men and women at the helm who will uphold our brilliant constitution. We need leaders who respect our intelligence with the truth and do not propagate false narratives for their own gain. It is up to us, we the people, to demand the best and stop accepting politicians who put America on dangerously shaky ground.
Shaky Ground Summary
As a reminder we will only examine what is happening and leave why unasked for now. Below is a summary of destabilizing factors addressed in this and previous articles in the America on Shaky Ground series.
Part 1–Division and distrust caused by the prohibition of gathering.
Part 2–Division and distrust caused by categorizing women and men into victims and oppressors.
Part 3–Division and distrust caused by racial segregation via victim/oppressor ideology.
Part 4 – Destabilize the populace by undermining the constitutional right of self-defense.
Part 5 – Propagation of false narratives designed to destabilize the populace and consolidate power.
Notes
The thoughts above are not intended to be solely a Democrat bashing session. There are Republican politicians who have been equally guilty of lying and creating division. I chose to focus on the present lies and avoid the distraction that any discussion of Trump always brings. Republicans were virtually silent about Trump’s lies and Democrats are virtually silent about Biden’s lies. This contributes to the division in our country. We can no longer be silent regardless of party.
Lately everything seems to be a “threat to democracy”. This is head spinning material considering that the same folks who use that talking point are also leading efforts to consolidate power at the federal level. Concentration of power opens the door to future tyranny, which is a very real threat to democracy.
Here is a Daily Mail article that summarizes a CATO institute study which assessed each of the 50 states under 23 different categories and produced an overall freedom ranking. The most and least free states are unchanged – New York being the least free, followed by Hawaii and California, and New Hampshire, Florida and Nevada being the most free.
Since so many false narratives involve race, it behooves us to reacquaint ourselves with the global history of slavery. Thomas Sowell outlines much needed facts in his essay “The Real History of Slavery” found in his excellent book “Black Rednecks and White Liberals”.
The lies and rhetoric that surround HR1 are beyond belief. Read the full text of the Georgia law here. Schumer is the latest in a long line of politicians to enter the fray. This WSJ editorial demonstrates what Schumer really cares about and its not voting rights.
Biden took the opportunity during his press conference on January 19, 2022 to divide the country further by suggesting that the 2022 elections could be illegitimate unless his federal voting rights bill is passed. Haven’t we had enough talk about illegitimate election results from would be and elected Presidents? I encourage the entire country to watch Biden speak on this issue. Do we really want to put control of elections in the hands of this man and his handlers, Trump or any other future President?
There is always a kernel of truth in a good lie. This WSJ editorial attempts to find that kernel in the distorted justifications supporting federalized election law.
Please feel free to visit BayBuddha Travels for articles on a wide range of subjects.
