I have always said " when you disagree with Tom Horner expect a 1,000 word response". Gender Dysphoria is this generations ADHD. Much older generations relied on Lobotomy's. I am not against medications, but I am not in favor of over medicating kids. Which is exactly what happens more times then we care to mention. I don't consider High School sports "Elite Level". Transgender MTF compete in their gender ASSIGNED at birth. Assigned at birth is a new term I came across recently. Some people must think the doctor holds the newborn up over his/her head & says this is a girl. Never mind that the baby has a penis. It's because we had to many boys born today and we need equity in the delivery room.
We can agree to disagree. Keep writing. All the best, Rick
"Rather than allow parents, in consultation with doctors and other medical experts, to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children, they are dictating that parents be replaced by politicians in making these highly personal family decisions." If every parent could be trusted to do as this line suggest, then why do we have a Division of Family & Children Services in every county & major city in America. Politicians are already dictating when you can drive car, purchase and smoke cigarettes, buy alcohol, vote, join the military, etc. Roughly 440,000 kids had to be removed from homes last year.
The Transgender MTF is the issue getting the most attention today. That's because most people (me included) do not think Trans MTF should be allowed to compete in a sport designated for Girls or use facilities specifically set aside for Girls. Such as Girls Track, Girls Volleyball, Girls Swimming, Girls Restroom/Locker-room. A sports that is not gender specific, like Football, is open to everyone.
Thanks for responding. There are child protection services to protect children whose parents or other adults are jeopardizing their health and safety, not to intrude on parents who are doing the right thing and following medical protocols. The laws passed in many states to prohibit services for children dealing with identity are in direct conflict with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations, put politicians in the role of making medical decisions that are not backed by science. These laws put the health of children in jeopardy by denying them exactly the care and treatment recommended by every leading organization of health experts. The states are imposing their judgements on parents who are following the advice of medical experts. There is no conservative, moral, ethical or medical care principle that justifies substituting political judgement for the decisions made by parents in consult with their health providers. Certainly, if parents are denying appropriate care for their children, government should be involved. That's not what these laws are targeting, however. As to girls in sports, the irony is that young boys in transition who receive the appropriate care, including if warranted, puberty blockers, do not develop the strength and endurance that gives some trans athletes an advantage. So the irony is that the very treatments the laws stop are the treatments that neutralize disadvantages for girls. The bigger reality, though, is that very, very few girls are being denied opportunities to compete and win because of transgender competitors. There was one NCAA swimmer who took a medal in competition, replacing a female athlete who reportedly had Covid twice after she chose not to take the vaccine. Her training was disrupted which probably had more to do with her losing than the competition. The issue really is at the elite level of competition, and rules are being developed to manage the challenge. Those concerned with equal access for girls in sports would do much more good if they focused on the real problem -- the on-going disparities in funding, facilities, support and cultural acceptance. And, at the end of the day, the estimate is that the TOTAL number of transgender people in America is about 1% of the population and certainly no more than 2% and that has remained steady for the past decade at least. This is a political issue, not a medical or societal one. Hope this is useful information and that you and your family are well.
Brilliant, Tom. The “invasion” of the State into our private lives, even into the intimate discourse between parent and child, is an element of fascism. We should start calling this what it really is.
Agree with Mike R. below, best and most powerful piece I've seen on the subject, and that includes a lot of nationally syndicated writers. Great points on where medical professionals stand on these issues. and important factual corrections to the falsehoods about surgical procedures.
I have always said " when you disagree with Tom Horner expect a 1,000 word response". Gender Dysphoria is this generations ADHD. Much older generations relied on Lobotomy's. I am not against medications, but I am not in favor of over medicating kids. Which is exactly what happens more times then we care to mention. I don't consider High School sports "Elite Level". Transgender MTF compete in their gender ASSIGNED at birth. Assigned at birth is a new term I came across recently. Some people must think the doctor holds the newborn up over his/her head & says this is a girl. Never mind that the baby has a penis. It's because we had to many boys born today and we need equity in the delivery room.
We can agree to disagree. Keep writing. All the best, Rick
True enough...long, but always respectful and substantive. I'll keep writing and you keep responding thoughtfully. Be well.
"Rather than allow parents, in consultation with doctors and other medical experts, to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children, they are dictating that parents be replaced by politicians in making these highly personal family decisions." If every parent could be trusted to do as this line suggest, then why do we have a Division of Family & Children Services in every county & major city in America. Politicians are already dictating when you can drive car, purchase and smoke cigarettes, buy alcohol, vote, join the military, etc. Roughly 440,000 kids had to be removed from homes last year.
The Transgender MTF is the issue getting the most attention today. That's because most people (me included) do not think Trans MTF should be allowed to compete in a sport designated for Girls or use facilities specifically set aside for Girls. Such as Girls Track, Girls Volleyball, Girls Swimming, Girls Restroom/Locker-room. A sports that is not gender specific, like Football, is open to everyone.
All the Best Tom.
Thanks for responding. There are child protection services to protect children whose parents or other adults are jeopardizing their health and safety, not to intrude on parents who are doing the right thing and following medical protocols. The laws passed in many states to prohibit services for children dealing with identity are in direct conflict with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations, put politicians in the role of making medical decisions that are not backed by science. These laws put the health of children in jeopardy by denying them exactly the care and treatment recommended by every leading organization of health experts. The states are imposing their judgements on parents who are following the advice of medical experts. There is no conservative, moral, ethical or medical care principle that justifies substituting political judgement for the decisions made by parents in consult with their health providers. Certainly, if parents are denying appropriate care for their children, government should be involved. That's not what these laws are targeting, however. As to girls in sports, the irony is that young boys in transition who receive the appropriate care, including if warranted, puberty blockers, do not develop the strength and endurance that gives some trans athletes an advantage. So the irony is that the very treatments the laws stop are the treatments that neutralize disadvantages for girls. The bigger reality, though, is that very, very few girls are being denied opportunities to compete and win because of transgender competitors. There was one NCAA swimmer who took a medal in competition, replacing a female athlete who reportedly had Covid twice after she chose not to take the vaccine. Her training was disrupted which probably had more to do with her losing than the competition. The issue really is at the elite level of competition, and rules are being developed to manage the challenge. Those concerned with equal access for girls in sports would do much more good if they focused on the real problem -- the on-going disparities in funding, facilities, support and cultural acceptance. And, at the end of the day, the estimate is that the TOTAL number of transgender people in America is about 1% of the population and certainly no more than 2% and that has remained steady for the past decade at least. This is a political issue, not a medical or societal one. Hope this is useful information and that you and your family are well.
Brilliant, Tom. The “invasion” of the State into our private lives, even into the intimate discourse between parent and child, is an element of fascism. We should start calling this what it really is.
Excellent well researched article Tom! Thank you for always fighting fear.
What a fantastic commentary. Fact filled and on-point as always!
Agree with Mike R. below, best and most powerful piece I've seen on the subject, and that includes a lot of nationally syndicated writers. Great points on where medical professionals stand on these issues. and important factual corrections to the falsehoods about surgical procedures.
Tom, I am glad you wrote this thoughtful commentary. Judge Kevin S Burke
Thank you. Please feel free to share with others.
Tom-thank you! This is THE BEST comment on this issue that I have read.
Mike Robertson
Thanks, Mike. Feel free to share
Just shared on Facebook!
Thanks for writing this thoughtful and informative piece.