On a vexing trend, a South American president, a Navajo code-talker, American foods, Susan Ford, and more
‘Four college volleyball teams forfeit against San José State over possible trans player,” reads a headline. The article is here. I think that word “possible” is just a matter of politeness, or perhaps journalistic caution. Also, just by the way, what’s the deal with the accent in “San José”? In this country, haven’t we always written “San Jose, California”? We don’t write “Los Ángeles,” do we?
From what I know, transgenderism is as old as time. Or at least as old as humanity. The word may be new, or newish, but the occurrence is not. When I was young, I knew two transgender people. I would not have known the word “transgender,” or related ones — but the phenomenon seemed clear.
Today, I believe I know two such people. Lovely people, admirable people, and well-adjusted, so far as I can tell. (It’s hard to know someone’s inner life. It’s hard to know even one’s own sometimes.)
I believe that transgender people, like all people, should be treated with compassion and dignity. I’m not sure you would wish this condition — if “condition” is the right word — on anybody. Lots of trans people go through hell. Sheer hell.
You are familiar with the phrase “social contagion.” When I was young, anorexia was a big, big deal. Every third girl was anorexic, it seemed. So were some boys. (I knew one.) But the “contagion” of anorexia subsided. This terrible affliction is still with us, of course, but it is not a “rage.”
Will transgenderism, as a social flare-up (if you will), subside? I would think so.
Nobody likes my views on transgenderism, as you will see — as you will understand when I state them. Here they are, in brief.
Except in extreme cases, I believe there should be no tampering with minors. Nothing radical. Nothing irreversible. To be crude about it: no loppin’ it off. Young people go through phases, stages.
I think of a phrase from the gun-control debate: “waiting period.” This ought to apply to the issue we are now discussing.
As a rule, I don’t think that biological males should participate in girls’ or women’s sports. I think it’s a matter of fairness and common sense. I think of an old expression: “Pick on someone your own size.”
So, the above views, one side cheers and the other side jeers. But when I continue, the sides may switch . . .
Minors are one thing, adults another. I believe in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Each person, I think, should work out his own salvation with diligence. There is a great variety in human life. A variety that should be acknowledged and accommodated.
Smith may not like Jones or his choices (if choices they are). Jones may not like Smith or his. Tough noogs. We all have a right to our own lives. And we should let one another alone, to the extent we are not harming others.
You see why I can’t run for office, don’t you? (Or one reason.)
• Shirel Golan, an Israeli, survived the attack on the music festival on October 7. She has now killed herself, on her 22nd birthday. (For a news article, go here.) The total destruction of Hamas is both a moral and a practical necessity.
• “Peru’s ex-president Toledo gets more than 20 years in prison in case linked to corruption scandal.” Alejandro Toledo is now 78. I met him a few times, years ago. A tragic case. For the article whose headline I have quoted, go here.
He was an inspiring figure. The first Indian, or indigenous person, to be elected president in South America in 500 years. (He would often state the matter that way.) Pro-democracy. Educated in California: San Francisco University and Stanford. Personable.
Brought down by corruption — the lure and vice of corruption. Damn it.
• Many times, I have quoted, and interviewed, Rosa María Payá. She is the noble daughter of the noble Oswaldo Payá, the Cuban democracy leader, martyred in 2012. Rosa María is a democracy leader herself.
Her latest article can be found here, and it begins,
The Cuban people are yearning for a new era, and Latin America’s democratic future hinges on the eradication of communism from the Island. Thousands of Cubans have fought under brutal repression to bring about systemic change, despite the misery and oppression imposed by those in power. Yet, much of the free world has chosen to turn a blind eye, exercising the short-sightedness of those who self-identify as pragmatic.
Interesting.
• You want to see an arresting photograph? It was snapped by Petr David Josek of the Associated Press: go here. It shows a coalminer in the Czech Republic.
I am reminded: Do not romanticize the “old” jobs — the factory jobs, the mining jobs, the mill jobs. Lest you are tempted to do so, ask those who worked them . . .
(I knew a man in West Virginia who worked in a steel mill. After he retired, he never drove by the mill again. He always contrived a way to get where he was going, around town, without passing the mill. I was amazed by that.)
• “Will US convenience stores find the secret to selling better food?” A very interesting story, and all-American. If convenience-store food is good, by which I mean, mainly, good for you — will it be convenience-store food? (I, for one, welcome the changes, traditionalist though I am.)
(Way back, in the ’90s, I thought microwavable burritos at gas stations were very heaven.)
• Another article: “Love it or hate it, feelings run high over candy corn come Halloween.” My feelings run: pro-.
• Farewell to John Kinsel Jr. The AP’s obit is headed, “One of the last Navajo Code Talkers from World War II dies at 107.” We owe our servicemen so much. Almost inexpressibly much.
• Saquon Barkley is a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, comfortably ahead in a game, were pulling their starters. The head coach informed Barkley that he was only 13 yards away from his career-high rushing total — his total for a single game. He could stay in if he wanted to. No, said Barkley. “Let ’em eat.” Let the younger players and the backups have a chance.
Marvelous. See it here.
• Many years ago, Sunday newspapers carried a supplement called “The Mini Page.” It was meant for children. Of course, I read it, faithfully. So did other members of my family.
Susan Ford was in the White House. She was in high school, I believe. Her dad was president. In The Mini Page, she offered a recipe for lemon squares. Which my mother tried out. Awfully good, these lemon squares.
What made me take this strange trip down Memory Lane? Susan Ford has been in the news this week. “Republican President’s Daughter Says She’s Backing Harris Despite Policy Disagreements.”
• A report out of Wellington:
Emotional farewells are a common sight at airports, but travelers leaving the New Zealand city of Dunedin will have to be quick. A new three-minute time limit on goodbye hugs in the airport’s drop-off area is intended to prevent lingering cuddles from causing traffic jams.
“Max hug time three minutes,” warn signs outside the terminal, adding that those seeking “fonder farewells” should head to the airport’s parking lot instead.
The cuddle cap was imposed in September to “keep things moving smoothly” . . .
I love that expression: “cuddle cap.”
In March 2020, I wrote about my friend Martha Apgar. A paragraph:
She would quote her mother: “Go ahead and walk in the rain. Enjoy it. Don’t worry about getting wet. Rain is part of life, and part of the outdoors.” One time, Martha was kind of lingering over a departure — a parting — and she said, “Mother didn’t like long goodbyes.” I would repeat that, in ensuing years. For instance, I might end a phone call with Martha that way: “Mother didn’t like long goodbyes.”
Bye. And thanks for joining me.
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