Transcendent
Several Things Can Be True At Once
TODAY'S RAMBLINGS
2 Minute Read + Podcast
Welcome to Wednesday and this could also be entitled Portico Darwin Touches Third Rail.
But hopefully not, because I think the topic of transsexuality is something we should be able to discuss. At least when one considers it is a matter as complicated as life itself.
And no, I’m not rehashing more of the why and how of the 2024 election.
Today’s post was instead motivated by an excellent podcast I heard last Friday. It reinforced - via good ol’ fashioned reality - my personal beliefs on the matter.
I completely support transgendered people. Who would seek those kinds of challenges in life?
I have concerns about people born as men competing in women’s sports. Science does matter.
Is this that big a deal in the first place? At least if we can agree everyone deserves to live in dignity?
But my confirmation bias habits aren’t why I’m sharing this.
Because if you have an interest in factually understanding the topic and its multiple dimensions, with no Psycho Woke or Dear Leader nonsense, this is it.
Spoiler: Pablo Torre intentionally chose a non-trans person for the photo for this episode of his podcast. You’ll have to listen to find out why, and it illustrates the complexity of this topic.
Another spoiler and it was one of my favorite factoids in a podcast full of them:
During testimony before Congress, NCAA Commissioner Charles Baker was asked how many students participate in all of collegiate sports.
510,000 was his answer.
Next question from a member of Congress:
“How many of those are transgender?”
The commissioner answered, “Less than 10.”
Maybe a bit of perspective and common sense - along with empathy - are in order? W
And for you youngsters out there, the photo I chose for this blog is of Renée Richards, a transgender icon.
FROM THE UNWASHED MASSES
I shared this all over the place, so my apologies for the repetition if you saw it already, but as usual, Sam Harris is perfect. I do hope you’ll take the time to read his important essay - and idea.
I had an unfortunate experience, and it is a part of what Sam writes about.
I donated $75 to the American Red Cross, and posted this photo on the San Francisco Subreddit, encouraging others to donate and help our neighbors in Southern California.
While I got some positive comments, most were just awful - just what Sam described. To paraphrase the filth:
They’re rich already - why donate?
I wouldn’t give a penny to them - they’re Godless there and they deserve it.
Fuck Los Angeles
The American Red Cross is a scam.
I know, I know: it’s just social media being social media. And I recognize I just bemoaned the super-rich and their greed on Monday.
But that doesn’t mean I want their lives destroyed in a fire. Or anybody’s.
I agree with Sam Harris that we can’t go on like this. Schadenfreude cannot be our default emotion as a society.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
KLUF
It’s not only perfect, it’s Diamond Certified. Jeez, what a song.