THE WORLD IS SCREWED UP, WHY?

Valle de Bravo before the lock-down. Gorgeous tress every where!

By Isis Win

Through the frequent chats I have with people, locally and through the internet, I hear people throwing a statement about the world being upside down and then wonder the reason for that. I reckon the world is not as most believe it was, but I differ with this idea.

Since the inception of the industrial revolution, the world changed, not gradually, but fast and massive changes took place. Considering what it was before and it turned into, in less than a century, it is expected that the world could go in the wrong direction, and the time available to fix it was too short and shallow. Just the advent of the car and electricity changed everything the world was. Millions and millions of people of the world accepted and digested the comfort provided by the advance of technology. For instance, people in the US through generations did not travel more than twenty miles away from their homes, then they started to explore their neighbor states, and the next one, and their life became a different life. Electricity had a similar effect. Before it existed, it was “normal” to end daily activities after sundown and start after the sunrise. Not that people were not busy laboring or entertaining before and after those hours, but electricity extended to 24 hours the activity time and whatever can happen. The list grows as those two inceptions integrated newer technology.

As technology improved, just about everything in our personal and general world changed, and we went along with it. Population spread like rabbits; we accepted the enlargement of living areas, a buildup of larger homes spread, etc. (now shrinking). We consumed more of all types of resources. How much of that expansion was prepared for the negative impact? Just electricity shows a perfect example.

Electricity consumed vast amounts of coal. Coal created a considerable amount of contamination, then power plants came, and a war between suppliers of energy sources started. Solutions were designed and placed, but problems continue growing and growing. We people reacted in the very same way technology changed and changed us. Issues were “fixed,” but the number of problems increased as well the population and spread of people, the more problems appeared. The result, we have enough to worry about the consequences of that and that. A few things were addressed, but most were not and all based on the cost and revenue of whatever was in sight.

Everything started to fragment here in the US. Divisions multiplied among all sorts of differences among us, but we manage to keep our act together. Then, we have to count government actions. Among the different administrations, there were good and bad ones. Every admiration focused on one, two, or more issues, but many were untouched. Politics aimed (a promise!) to fix them, but every person representing a location wanted to be favored. With so many states wanting a piece of the cake, the cake is to be divided. Their representatives are getting a piece as well. However, some satisfaction was achieved, by any means- all problematic issues were not addressed—that increased level of the crisis, which sooner or later affected everyone.

Among the many not dealt issues of the past is racial discrimination. Slaves, blacks were liberated and theoretically were able to seek a better life on their own – whatever opportunity they could find and meld with the rest of the population. Meld with the original people that once slaved them. Injustice against blacks, Latinos, Asians, etc. continued happening. Apparently, not much focus was placed on those issues because they were considered political, and the supporters of the politicians and politics were not in agreement on how to fix that. The problem was not fixed, and it created the Civil Rights movement that as well, was fought to death, killing the leaders of that movement. Although there is a gain through the desegregation process, ethnic groups still have been victimized by those not willing or able to support the civil rights act.

That is one problem, a large one, but as I mentioned above, the spread of everything came with additional issues that needed to be addressed in a timely fashion. We were on the right track until recently, but this administration conceived an idea that many of those improvements were not at all such. Such as our intent to move towards fixing or aiding the world’s environment- that has been causing massive deaths and material losses. Expect to face more and worse natural disasters because we are behind the needed action, to at least reduce its impact.

We are, where we are because of the simple fact of cause and effect. Nothing critical we have faced since the last century is an accident. We are looking at the impact, but it seems that we are going to leave any possible action to the next administration. We were already late, we have lost four years, and it will take more time to undo, the wrong by this administration. Include into that package, the racism problem that is causing more effects to be paid in the future.

Racism, right now and ever, is wrong. However, ignoring the roots of that problem will not serve a real purpose to what is needed. Although it is undeniable that different ethnic groups are not treated as our constitution mandates, we cannot turn a blind eye to see why so many people feel antagonistic against a minority group. Not many people are willing or able to voice many of the elements that are part of this issue. Because said statements, against any of these minorities, will be seen as another form of racism. There is so much to be said about this growing problem! Although I do not support the way racism has been dealt with in the last four years, I dare to say; there is some valid basis to feel wrong about some of the people in those minority groups. Whatever can be said, requires an in-depth examination based on real, reliable facts that the other end would oppose to it. Such as members in those minorities do not behave like the rest of the population does, which is part of our protocols, and they believe their anger entitles them to act wrong – to act violently. I see this prevailing situation among Latinos, blacks, Asians, recently Arabs, etc. If you are invited to my house, you have to behave accordingly; otherwise, you are not invited. People filled with anger because injustice exists have nothing to win by acting up their sentiment. The same way our government needs to look into the parts that increase this situation, not to find an ending all solution. Those minorities must examine how they can stop what a few of their members do: pour barrels of gas to an already ignited fire – for far too long.

This is one of the too many reasons it seems the world is upside down. We are facing a lesson that we cannot ignore, and if we do, as we have done in the past, the crisis will increase, creating more damage and cynicism around all of us and the world.

The real important issue now is we must start addressing what we can – in the proper order – because the view about a screwed up world – may become a full reality – when we reach the point of no return. We have loads of issues that require immediate action, so we can have a certain future, not like the future we have now.

US CHECK THE ONLY NEXT STEP TO SAVE US

This flower is called “Dama de Noche”. “Night’s lady”. It opens only one night of the year and the next day it gave in. It contains another flower inside of it.

Although supporters of Donald Trump believe the country is heading in the right direction, the undeniable facts prove we are in the worst scenario the US has been. Trump supporters tend to believe Trump’s words stating he is under a witch hunt and all resulted from fake news. If that would be the case, how come several GOP members are showing their backs to Trump? Why executives from his administration are either hiding from the public eye or quitting their position? The answer is simple and reliable. Trump’s actions have demerit the country domestically and abroad. The outcome is a falling of the American people, international relationships that are seeking on their own new alliances with countries like China, etc. countries like Israel are enacting their own actions due to the lack of leadership from the US, such as the attacks to weapon creation facilities from Iran. Enrichment of nuclear material that would allow them to build their first atomic bomb. Therefore, any smart person stays away from supporting Trump because of our dire status.

Trump has been using everything in his power to derail thinking from the real issues we are facing. Disregard that, but take into account the result of Covid today.

Although I much prefer to ignore the failed policies from Trump about Covid, there are a few items to be said that make the case. Extensive testing will indeed result in massive positive results, and we will surpass the numbers seeing in other countries. We are a country with 330 million people. Therefore the numbers are proportional compared to other countries. However, testing serves one purpose: To know where the infection is spreading, and if tracing is enacted, to know in what direction is going. Basic math can prevent the dispersion of the virus. Trump claims the situation with the virus is not as bad as presented not just by the press, which relies on professional, scientific organizations, and those who claim the crisis in the US is far, far from reaching an end. The advent of an effective vaccine cannot be released in a short time. The reason is the required extensive testing to ensure it is safe to all, and it delivers its intent. So far, scientists have said that such a vaccine will not be safe for the elderly because the aging process already compromises their system. Therefore our solution is to stop the spread for good. We already have too many losses of lives, and contagion will continue for as long as the proper protective measures are not enacted.

America first has been the greatest fallacy the US heard. I compare this lie to George’s Bush Jr. When he announced the preemptive attack to Iraq would be successful, short, and our troops would be back right away. You know the facts if you are well informed.

Trump’s protocols created to continue imputatively in power and pretend he is acting in favor of the US, and the American people, is causing a divide so sharp that it does not allow the country to assess what is getting damaged and what is fixed. An old formula used throughout history, and in all cases showing devastating results. Then, he has been able to break the law protected under our constitution, creating new paths that are destructive, but money-making success stories, such as deregulating laws protecting lands threatened by energy materials extracted in those lands. What we will see – no so long after – is one of the most massive increases in our deficit resulted from the cost of dealing with those consequences.

Right now, thinking about the political process, left or right, is ludicrous. Not that there is something to laugh about it, but what Trump says, what his supporters believe, and the proven results are two different scenarios with several different outcomes. Consequences that could be halted if someone was able to determine that Trump is a cheater to the US by examining his tax returns. I want to know about that, not just because his smarts are a clear sign of perverted criminal acts, but he, his family, and pose have been becoming many folds richer than they were before four years ago.

Whether our situation is extremely dire or not, we ought to fix all that. It will take time, and very likely taxes for everyone would go up to keep the nation afloat. However, the number one issue for the next few months is to make sure that a landslide elects Biden, so Trump does not start ranting and whining about a crooked election. He has been setting the path to building such claim, and right-wingers believe it.

Although our domestic crisis demands prompt and stern action, there is an impending issue that requires to be the #1 issue to be dealt with. Our position in the financial, political, diplomatic and trade fronts, is a top priority if we care about losing supremacy in the world, or we do not mind China or Russia take our place leading the world. They are not our enemies because if they were, having a war with them will result in an III WW that no one can afford. Both countries have been moving in that direction steadily, and both are set to trigger an armed conflict that we have nothing to win. We see the threats in the sea south of china and Hong Kong. Russia is keeping a sort of muted profile to avoid conflict with China, the US, Israel, and the European Union. Our placement in those regards is to respond militarily, and that will be it. Such will become an end to the US, and the rest of the world will suffer as much because the currency trading all economic matters is the dollar. It will need to go – to allow any other country to take control of the monetary realm, hence the world’s power.

It is sad, irritating, and heavily concerning that a sector of the population is not looking in the right direction. A direction that is the only path to bettering America and that one is to deliver what is needed to the entire population. Divided as is, there is no destination to reach that place. The bottom line, not even the people believing in Trump can be the recipients of that benefit because a fragmented country cannot give to one or another sector. Instead, smart people like Trump, there are many at-home, can funnel of what is for the American people to have. Do not forget, the United States of America is = where we are today, in the future as in the past, because we, the working people. The people that support <$$$> the nation with our blood, sweat, and tears and we suppose to get something in return. A check for 1200.00 when you are missing your entire wages for four months (and more to come)?

Do not be naïve and think not for yourself, but the mother country that supports everything we depend on and a small piece of that country will only give a few crumbles to feed to anyone. Thank Donald Trump and his administration for that. Maybe, just maybe, after the next administration is in place, many of the people behind Trump will rest in prison. If not dead, because a single one talking to save his skin, will not survive as a particular predator of young people died no long ago.

USA, LET’S GET TO BUSINESS, WOULD YOU?

View from my door’s step in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

Although we are passing through some crisis that needs attention, such as abuse of the police force to blacks, Latinos, LGBT, etc. or the disaster created by Covid, the resurgence of white supremacy, a fast-growing debt rate, a presidency that fails to protect the population, etc. etc. all issues that either fall under the political spectrum or are manipulated to make it look like that. We have more impending threats that will affect the majority of the US population. Regardless of our lenience in the political realm, our #1 concern should be the USA and our people. Politics have been tainting our focus of attention because that favors special interests to continue creating the environment they need to grab higher revenue than ever before—part of Trump’s plan since his political campaign.

Whether left or right, what is at stake is the solvency of the country. Mega money will continue benefiting financially as the result of the lack of leadership to bring what America needs, left or right. The facts show that we are not any better than we were in 2016, and our government lies in the hands of dubious people that only care about their access to power, therefore money-making.

Although millions of Americans still believing Trump was the answer to their “prayers,” the question about placing at the top chair, a man that was known not being a devoted US citizen, but a “smart” man capable of cheating his tributary obligations, a racist, misogynistic, deceitful, and a plain con man, the facts prove that he increased the level of non-American policies. We are where we are facing an internal and international demise of our role as the leading nation of the world.

What we have seen in the almost last four years, have nothing to do with left or right. It appears to be extreme right because Trump has used his power to entice the right-wing voters to jump out of their comfort chair and cheer him as if his actions make America better. The left, reckoning the immense power of the WH sloppily tried to do something about it but failed.

I wish I could focus exclusively on discrimination. An issue that prevails in the nation since long ago, and represents the poor status we are in today because the solution to either side of the spectrum is not what has been done. Our constitution and the law should be the parameters to address the issues; apparently, Trump has addressed. Clearly, there are issues for Trump to gain support, and ours are not even near to be addressed. I wonder what Trump has been doing during these years because reliable answers to our issues are not present. In fact, the USA is facing the worse lack of stability since the conception of the republic and fixing that will require authentic leadership and the following of the citizenship.

To fix what is broken, we only have one alternative: to decide the future of the USA this coming November. However, there are a few threats that can derail our democratic choice. On the one hand, the manipulative response from Trump already accusing the country of heading towards an electoral fraud and the international cyber terrorism threatening to do the exact same. Whether this terrorist act favors Trump or his opponent, is irrelevant. What is essential is that the American people decide the fate of the American people.

We only have one choice if we want to deter the falling off 99% of the citizenship. Joe Biden, who has credible and sustainable credentials. Perhaps not the most charming candidate to the WH, but a man that has dedicated his life in the political realm and believes in the continuation of the path the US has created and preserved until four years ago.

Before Trump, we were not in the best place we should be at this point in the 21^st century. Nothing to do with what Trump’s beliefs should be. The missing part in our progress in all regards is the people, the American people. Being the #1 nation financially and militarily, we are supposed to be the #1 nation providing the US population everything that makes the entire country better. But we lack more than we have. All because politics have been aimed to entertain other issues that lack the domestic needs of several millions of Americans, such as decent, affordable health care, affordable prescriptions, affordable housing, affordable education, the cleaning of a decaying environment, etc. I can think of several dozens of issues needing a leader that takes the country in the right direction. Right now, our place before the world has opened a wide door to other nations to take the place we have filled through more than 75 years. Losing it will not do anything for us, the country, the people, or the world. So, the answer is to remove Trump from the WH and to ensure Biden takes the right path.

What would that require? A different of thinking. To leave behind left or right ideology. Also, the restrictive policies that come with each one, and to focus exclusively in the country. That involves including everyone that is American, whether we like it or not. The exact place of the thinking offers a potential exit to the downfall. To get there, we must stop what we are doing now did not work. Think about it and join the effort to bring America back to what we have been since the II WW. We do not need to wait for another world war. Join a better America for everyone now.

HOW TO BATTLE TRANSPHOBIA

Before Covid, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Photo Isis

Gay, lesbian and transgender people have a common ground regardless of the differences between each group. We all are discriminated, harassed, threatened, beaten, and even killed. Being a minority, we are at a disadvantage compared to bigots. Just w a few years ago, we were OK celebrating the recent gains in our favor, and although we did not pause our efforts, we were waiting for the next stride to continue advocating towards a federal mandate that protects all of us. We are distant from getting there. Advocacy groups claim we are close to either put on the house and the senate table such bill or to be referred to SCOTUS to render that decision. A change of plans took place, and we are in a much worse situation than we were before Obama’s administration. This administration claims to be fully supportive of our minority, regardless of the evidence that detracts the president and his administration. Trump publicly has belittled the transsexual community engaged in the armed forces. As well, health providers, insurance companies deny coverage to the transgender community because of the expense they claim.

Their explanation: transsexual surgical procedures are expensive. Because such procedures are not covered by insurance and because those procedures are not common in the US, that explains the high cost of those surgeries.  Almost all industrial nations have specialists in those procedures <- – – $$$>. They are cheaper, and they are good. However, insurance policies do not cover surgeries in foreign countries. As well, cases such as GRS (gender replacement surgery) require a few visitations to check the progress of the procedure, which makes the whole extremely difficult or costly, if performed in a foreign country. GRS Surgeons exist in the US, but again, their cost is too expensive because there is no competition in that field. That is one issue we transwomen face, but there is another one getting worse by the day; discrimination.

Discrimination against trans people has been around forever. The difference between the recent years and two or three decades ago is that the majority of trans people have come out of the closet. Therefore, advocacy has increased its force and presence. However, not having federal protection makes it easy for bigots to take action on their own hands, and the results this year are more than two dozen transwomen killed.  As well, harassment has increased in volume and intensity. For instance, Twitter, the known platform that has been used by Trump, has been used to attack transwomen. The attacks are quite vicious too often, and as a consequence, transwomen respond equally against them. At the time of writing this, the membership of a man was revoked because of the unjustified attacks against one of those women. However, he was one of the many people attacking transwomen in that platform, including women.

In recent weeks, well-known author J.K Rowling started a campaign against transsexuals by claiming to have the proper treatment to reverse transsexualism in young children. Such an approach has been used before causing severe trauma in young children. Licensed psychologists have lost their license after parents of those children complained about these cases. Rowling herself has conducted attacks against people accusing her of not having the academic credentials, and that it is impossible to change the self-identity of a person. Psychologists opposed to this claim, reversal treatment for trans children cannot reverse their gender identity. However, the battle at twitter continues, and that is exacerbating the adverse reaction of bigots against transsexualism. Since threats are not part of the issue, twitter has failed to react and remove the culprits. Nevertheless, those tweets are dividing and accusatory. 

I have been using Twitter recently. Through the days spending a couple of daily hours on Twitter, I read among dozens of messages, frequent attacks between phobic and defenders of the trans validity, and they are nasty, no good, fire is thrown to fire.

One of the many reasons transphobes attack us is ignorance. Are we the trans community as ignorant? Perhaps one or two, but overall we are knowledgeable about the questions and answers of our nature. Those solid arguments will present a better tool to disarm them than attacking them. If we all present evidence of our nature, what science has proven, what academics explain to support our realm, and not that transsexualism is the result of wants or desires, but it is a natural process. No one is responsible for it, but Mother Nature, nor is it something that could be changed. Knowledge is always reliable, and when it is well-funded and smart, it is hard to argue it. They will argue any evidence they can invent, but by no inciting them to battle against us, we move a step ahead of them, and their arguments become idiotic and badly intended. They have their right to exercise their freedom of speech, but ignorant speech can only be ignored, not fought.

I believe tools such as Twitter are useful for people. However, across the internet, many statements found – are so misinformed – when people glance at them, “most” move on. We have more pressing matters to take care of, and to address someone saying we do not qualify as people, as humans, and that we are wrong, sinful and bizarre, the battle will be their idea against our facts. That is their view, ours can only be bigots do not behave as educated and respectful people, and their messages are biased, stereotyped, based on false premises, there is no validity in them.

No one can fight the rights of several million trans people around the world (and throughout history) since trans people do nothing toxic against anybody. Their ignorance is unrelated to what we are, and attacking law-abiding citizens of their own country does not favor anything or anybody. We cannot become a reflection of them because the price is, will be, a never-ending war. We already have a few conflicts to sort out, and losing them reflects a substantial loss to them as to the rest of us, the people of the USA.

Be kind, be pacific, and be nurturing, that makes our cause a real cause while theirs is just a rant against those that engage with them without knowing the potential consequences. Such as they get pissed, they want to hurt a trans person, but since that particular person is not at reach, they do it against an innocent transwoman, that have nothing to do with them. Check the recent statistics and learn that every week there are more fatal victims of the same hate they showcase in social networks. Do we need more evidence?

HANDS TIED IN THE BACK?

One of the waterfalls that feed the lake. The boulder at the center is the size of a car. At the top of the water, you’ll see a red dot, that is a person looking down.

Whether we like it or not, Trump is the US president, and we have a few more months to go for a change if it happens. The White House seats the most powerful political figure on earth, and this administration has shown it. We have many other problems that detract the attention of Trump in the upcoming election. Will he be elected again? Although the signs are clear, they were the same four years ago, and look where we are today.

What the US is facing (grand part of the world too) is the virus killing thousands of people, spreading like thin air, the financial syndrome caused by the lockdown, a decaying environment, natural disasters called the 1000 year disaster, policies established by the previous administration removed or stalled, a divided population by several factors, an impoverishing nation, an erosion of the legal order and constitution, the most massive deficit in history, two political parties unable to manage to avoid the collision between the people and the parties,  the loudest reaction of the black community against abuse towards them, and more, much more.

Each of those problems requires a fix before the damage becomes larger. However, the potential of finding proper and fast solutions seem too far to reach this point. Another but crucial aspect of this situation is, we, the people, are reacting as we have our hands tied, and we just let them happen. We probably would not know much about our status if the press does not report it, but they as well, are not acting as the 4^th power to realign how our country is shaping itself.

I am not even close to a figure that can present solutions to our problems, but I have a take. Regarding Corona, the answer to stopping the spread is known but is not federally enacted. People going outdoors wearing the proper PPE and conserving social distance, testing, and tracking may reduce the impact and longevity of the virus. It will come with a price, but the expense pays off compared to what is going on now. In the political arena, the media and social justice machines could stop the broad distribution of false news, produce checks and balances that are not colored, therefore dividing information is shut down and the media balances their act by allowing and enticing the voters to develop an educated guess about the direction we are taking, and the course we want to take.

Regarding the BLM, it is true having monuments to honor the confederates is a no-no. Still, they should be moved to particular areas where people can access them, far from prominent sites that created more division. Regarding the past policies presented by previous administrations – the option – is to demand a full stop of their implementation and wait for the next administration to revise them. As well, something should be done about political Pacs and contributions to political runners.

We cannot change what Trump does and says, except that we can decide that fate in November. However, final strokes through the campaign will be dirtier and smellier than anything the country has seen before. Trump will aim to destroy, not to win Biden, based on a socialist agenda, faulty brain power, and by enhancing the divide he created. Although the frustration of white America has been imploded, creating more support and numbers of supremacists, the numbers in most of the country are favorable for the democratic candidate. However, having another opponent to the left can provide the missing votes to favor Trump, by eliminating votes in favor of Biden. That is a severe threat to the future electoral process. About the environment situation, all we can do is wait for the next administration to act. The next four years require a massive investment and labor to reduce the level of poverty and lack of essential services for the suffering sector of Americans. Internationally we will face a gross challenge not just because of the resulted status cause by this administration, which is grim. Still, there is a battle for supremacy in the world between China and Russia. Hopefully, the incoming administration has the strength to pull all allies to join an effort to balance, and we lead the world’s ticket. As you see, there are many other issues unfulfilled, but our economy in the next twenty or so years will have to recover from the money issues we already face.

Thinking positive means in the next several years, the American population will have to make several sacrifices from top to bottom. The 1% will not be able to continue the rate of revenue they had during the last forty or so years. The middle class will have lesser opportunities to go upwards, the lower class will have to become very creative to meet ends, and the government will have to pitch in.

Yes, our world, our reality changed, and we are in need to adjust accordingly. Otherwise, what we will face will be a disaster in many folds and areas. The truth of today is whether we like or not Trump, he still is our president and the damage already incurred into, will proliferate in the next months and leave an inheritance which we all are going to be the recipients. There is nothing good in it, but a need to deliver our contribution, but not just in the form we are used to, but directly have an involvement in our next, and next administration. We choose a leader, but choosing a leader does not mean we do nothing, just watch and kick them when we are not satisfied. We only have the option of showing up in any fashion we can to check and demand our government to follow the right path. The right path is clear, transparency, to have the tools to make top figures accountable for their acts. To streamline any expenditure, our government support, to stop deceive and manipulation among our legislators, to stop the divide that only benefits the crop of our entrepreneurs, and to support our press – only when their role is informative – not formative.

We own, we are the USA. Seating, whining, and ranting about the wrong status or character only serves the crooked and greedy. It is enough of being the slugs of the country because a man, or two or three, decides based on our short memory, and level of alienation we just sight and wait for a miracle. Left or right, our country must take the leadership about justice, fairness, and proper policies that do not only benefit a few, and the rest are awed by our lack of capacity to change it. After all, figure the value of a democratic process, and who knows, you may find that we are the two wolves, and the greedy is a big, fat sheep. Its dinner time!

CONVERSION THERAPY?

Like an omen, two fronts colliding. Sun was out and then poured, just like with J.K.

By Isis Win

It is almost a scandal the declaration of J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter stating of having what it takes to reverse gender incongruence in the born body of children. There is so much raw material to be chewed about this issue and in all regards. It becomes clear, Mrs. Rowling is clueless as to what happens in these cases. Therefore, her words, in reality, created a reverse reaction on people that know as little about transsexualism as she does. Consequently, they oppose to that call from young children and point it as something to be fought and removed. The opposite of what has been happening in many countries that are adapting their laws and protocols to include this minority as any other ordinary citizen.

It is ridiculous that we are here again after several previous attempts from other people to create a wave of practice to resolve this issue as they believe it can be determined. Changing the perception of the children that claim not reaching congruence with their born body. All failed unsubstantiated theories that miss the core of the true nature of these cases. This type of “therapy” has gone so bad in the past, people forced to attend it, have shown signs of abuse and cruelty. Psychological and emotional abuse because they were not able to reach the plateau the therapist presumes should be available to them.

The first premise to be check here is: why do some people not only are unable to see and learn what these cases are, and recognize that they do not have the authority and knowledge to decide who is right and not when a crime is not committed. They tend to see transsexuality as an unnatural tantrum of some children that challenge the status that has prevailed through hundreds of years. This, disregarding that in the past, many cultures did not have an issue about it, and those cultures respected, honored non-binary people. A certain level of integration of those people that happened to be different from most of their population. That is recorded in history throughout thousands of years.

The second one is what credentials do they have to challenge a factual reality around the world, which preexisted in our modern times and fail to present any evidence to claim such is wrong, and it can be fixed. I have not found any argument or documentation on the part of J.K. that shows she knows something that I do not know, although I have lived with this issue throughout all my adult life, after rejecting my self-perception for so long. If I could reverse my inner perception (then), I would have done it. Because accepting being in a body that did not belong to me, was extremely bizarre and unacceptable because that is what it was dictated by society, and the consequences could be drastic. Do I know better than Dr. J.K.? or she knows something that could make my life less complicated and painful?

The third is a question with an assumption. Is Dr. J.K. worried about the pains and tribulations suffered by non-binary people or simply she is convinced that is wrong and unnatural? I am clueless as what prompts her to assume whatever, but what I know is that children should be raised in a loving and peaceful environment, so they become what their parents want them to be. Adjusted, clear thinking, reliable, well behaved, and caring person that is good in all corners of their lives. I assume that this author, not a therapist, most likely lacked through her growing years, what she denies to non-binary children. Read above again if it is not clear.   

During the last two decades, parents around the world have educated themselves to grasp what is involved and how to help children presenting this scenario. The result, they follow the proper protocols guided by a specialist and support their kid according to those protocols. When the child is approaching the appropriate age, and after a conscious observation of their psychological and emotional status, a green flag is waved, so the child may pursue their gender congruence. Contrary to what has been said, these young children are not prescribed hormones of their opposite born gender. They are prescribed inoffensive hormone blockers. Those for the sake of not allowing the standard gender features to develop until a judgment is reached. That presents the opportunity for transsexuals to continue their growth in the corresponding gender.

Sadly, this type of approach is available to educated parents that live in a free country that does not stigmatize people because of their differences. As well, it requires some level of solvency to consult with specialists. If the non-binary minority could use some help, that can only be support, understanding, and respect.

Dr. J.K. triggered a hell among older transsexual women, in particular. However, popular opinion as well reacted in favor and against this character that supposedly is about empowering children. I believe this polemic and controversy will be short-lived since J.K. will not be able to produce evidence of knowing something that the rest of the world unknown. However, simultaneously, she is incendiary propelling square and extremist religious thinkers that, in their view, the existence of men in this life, still is a design of creation by who they believe. Those views claim people can only be in shape or form their scriptures declare.  Forgetting the original message of the illuminated, such as Jesus Christ, Buddha, and all religious figures that propagated the message love yourself, and others, as you love the lord. I see the lost love in this controversy.

An essential part of this equation is the reaction of a few transsexual people that exercise their anger and anguish towards this woman. If you are there, offended and pissed by this “revelation,” instead of despising the “enemy” as you portrait them, speak about the findings through your experience that makes you a better person because you are reaching or reached your gender congruence. I am there as thousands and thousands of transsexuals, men, and women. People that once fixed their incongruence found a full self, and that enhance their lives many folds. On that note, congruence s not found through stimulating ideas. Not even the most potent drug can change self-perception, and if there should be a general goal by any and all people, that is to find congruence within their self-awareness and self-congruence. So, Mrs. Rowling, with all respect, you are mistaken, wrong, and out of place.

J.K. RAWLING GENDER CONVERSION THERAPY I WANT IT!

Orchids from my mother’s collection

By Isis Win

I have read so much convulsion about J.K. Rawling declaration that he has the answer to the conundrum of gender assignation. She claims to have the proper knowledge to stop a person from experiencing gender incongruence. Gosh! I hope she is true because I would love to try it!

You do not know me, so I may wonder why on earth would I like to go through that, right? Well, all started when I was a little boy. I do not recall precisely, but it could not be more than 8 YO, possibly 6. The reason I believe those numbers if because that is the age I was when I went to visit my cousins during summer vacation. Just three years. At that time, I played with my male cousin and his two sisters. We mostly played ball games, and sometimes the girls protested not wanting more ball games, so would play something else. One day, they wanted to play tea. We all agreed, and they suggested we dress in their clothes. My male cousin did not want to change his clothes, but I was more than drawn to do so. I have wanted to dress in girl’s clothes I do not remember since when, but I could not because I had no girl’s clothes to wear. My sister was too little for me to fit into hers.

We dressed, played, and when my aunt saw us, she gave me a hard time. She was gentle and sweet, so no harm was done, but she warned me that if I would do that again, she would have to tell my mother. I did not want any trouble with my mother. However, the following year we met again, and this time I asked them if I could wear their clothes. They consented, and I was dress as a girl, and I remember perfectly well how immensely happy I was. That changed because I was discovered again, and the warning this time was pretty scary. I stopped doing that, and we did not get together again, except when parties, celebrations, etc.

After the second experience, I learned boys are boys and girls are girls. So, anything girlie seeing in me would be pretty bad, and chances of facing mother, even dad, were too high. Throughout the rest of my life, I had thoughts about it, and from time to time during my teens, I wore my mother’s clothes, her lipstick, hair adorns, etc. it was great, and it was terrible. Fear, shame, and guilt wrapped me pretty badly afterward, so I promise to myself never to do it again.

I did it a few more times, but each time I swore not doing it again. The itch to do it never stopped, but the older I became, the more information I got about something I should not do ever! I pretty much turned off that light and remained shut down until I reached my fifties. All I knew is that such was wrong, bad, sinful, and deserving of a bad penalty. Punishment for being a man trying to be a woman. That became my secret that I kept for so long, but it never stopped bothering me. I tried counselors, but that did nothing for me because I was not able to open my mouth about it!

I was getting closer to my mid-fifties when I started to realize that what I experienced was not unique, bad, and sinful or anything that should produce me fear, guilt, and shame, so I started to open a tiny crack to see it. My mind always fought that inclination of mine. But the call was more substantial, much larger, so I avoided to dress again, while I struggled – not just because that call – but how on earth I felt being a woman while being a man is a much cooler gender. Men can do everything and anything and everyone celebrates that, instead women, well you know. Everything that came into my mind was opposed to considering that stupid thought. Frankly, the whole thing seemed to be a stupid idea. When I reached my mid-fifties, something was bothering so much that finally, I checked in with a therapist, opened my big, tiny mouth, and started to unveil what was inside of myself. One thing leads to another one, and at some point, I considered the possibility of attending a conference for people like myself. People that can find congruence in their born gender. I spent an entire week living as a woman. I attended several workshops, talk to dozens of people with a similar issue, had breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a woman, I even went clubbing as a woman! When I was returning home from that week, my thoughts were: I have never felt so great in my entire life. Everything felt normal, and for the first time in my life, I felt so complete! I never wanted to go back to my old self. Well, that is easy, simple, and pain-free to say. However, I took my time, continue working with a therapist, and finally, I arrived at a place that I knew, I am embracing myself as who and what I am and I have never done that before. I started my plans to transition after coming out to my family: mother, siblings, wife, daughters, and friends. I lost most of my friends, but the family stayed with me.

A little more than fifteen years ago, I was engaged in HRT (hormones) started to live like a normal woman, and I never went back to my old self, to whom I am incredibly grateful for keeping up with me and my issue. However, it was time to say bye to that dear friend of mine.

The following fifteen years after that move have been greater than anything I experienced before. Both ends, the black and white feelings, and experiences in life became many folds more intense, but as well, both are quire gratifying. I am glad to have the opportunity of having this unique chance in life, although it came so late but it is worth it.

What J.K Rawling is offering is nothing short but bullshit. It is impossible to reverse what is not. Denying one’s self is the worst of all the worst mistakes a human being could make. I learned that after fifty-some years of life and whatever I have left, I will treasure it as it has been my entire life. Because the reality found is: this is my whole life. Denying it was painful, harsh, numbing, humiliating, deprecating, and much more. So I can’t envision how someone thinks to be capable of creating a conversion that denies the self and life. That is how little she knows about gender incongruence. So how can she bring congruence? The lady, regardless of how talented, smart, and wealthy she is, is clueless not just about gender congruence but about life. Maybe she does not know what that is – because- if she would, instead of thinking something so demeaning, she would think something that builds character, self-confidence, and love, and she would sponsor young people that lack the means and support to find themselves in a society that is lost itself. Do I need to say more?

NEED AN AI BRAIN REPLACEMENT

Bird’s eye view of Chapultepec trees, MX. ISO 100, Canon 5D 1/100s, F3.5, 80mm

The situation in the US points: there is a sector of the population unable to do simple math. 2+2=4, 2-2=0. But that sector seems to miss that calculation. Example: President Trump declared Covid is not a threat to the US; all was under control =2. In the following weeks and months, the situation crept to the point that more than 100K lives perished, and the number of confirmed infections exceed more than .5M. That equals another 2. Both numbers either result on zero if subtracting – or 4 if adding. That = the assessment shared by Trump is not reliable. Therefore, trust is put under a cloud of doubt. Either we accept that fact, or we analyze our brain’s results.

It is annoying to repeat and repeat the facts that tell us something is creating a stalemate in moments that the country requires to be progressive. Progressive not towards the right or the left, that results irrelevant considering what is a stake. Therefore, thinking linearly does not serve any purpose. The necessary element right there is consciousness. The ability to clearly see the connected components, do the math, and proceed accordingly. Well, in a divided environment, possibly while one considers the situation one way, the other one sees it the opposite. Again, consciousness may resolve this issue.

What we are facing is much more than what an alive person can recall. Corona, for instance. For the benefit of the doubt, I am throwing some nonrealistic elements, the same that could be the consideration of some people in that group. E.g., Covid is an attack from Chinese or China. The conscious thinking process can go in that direction and stay focused on that and miss the results of that attack, which is the critical matter in this case. Another one, Covid, is not as dangerous or life-threatening as said by scientists. Numbers around the world state thousands and thousands of deaths and forecast a multiplication of those numbers. Following a + train of thought and common sense: whatever it is, the spread keeps moving forwards, more people are infected = more deaths. If you do not want to die from it, then your options are: not going out at all or, if so, wear full PPE and keep proper social distance and the rest of the protocols. Doing so may save your life, a bad experience of getting very ill and suffer the results, or not getting ill = the spread have one less chance to contaminate others. That as well = the economy or my return to “normal” life will happen sooner than later—simple math and thinking, not just linearly thinking, presents the right answers.

Racism: the information that triggered this massive campaign to protest police abuse against blacks has been, for a long time, evident. Whether it is justified or not, demonstrating against the police abuse requires doing in a civilized and conscientious matter, or it is throwing gas to the fire. Dr. Luther King or Gandhi showed to the world that avoiding a spread of the fire pacific demonstrating works. However, among the demonstrators, many blacks were allowed to break that pattern. Looting, screaming foul language, braking things is not reasonable. Even supporters of the cause get very annoyed by knowing those facts. Stupid things such as painting a street with a consistent message that triggers the anger from people who disagree with reckoning racism prevail in the country or those who believe it, maybe perceived as gas, have been thrown to the fire. What gain could be there? A white person clearly annoyed, paints black that sign—a no good nor resolved anything. The fire is growing out of proportion.

Facing the Covid threat, the China threat, the Russian threat, the Iran threat, the N. Korea threat, the Jihadist threat, and the list goes on and on = we Americans should stay together and demand from our government to procure all safety actions. Hence, we remain robust and resilient or… Adding a divisive element created by politicians or pseudo politicians, all it does is to break any possible pattern that could ensure safety for all Americans. Simple math is applied.

Anyone with a decent knowledge of history, such as the Briton history, will find that the rulers manipulated the masses to gain the best control of them, therefore exploit whatever is necessary to achieve their goals. In all historical chapters, to provide what is just – to the people they rule – was not true. That example should suffice to understand that if we think linearly and based on the rhetoric of our rulers, the promised gain is never gained. The ruler must be honest, and we must keep the checks and balances rolling, so there is a gain.

There are three parts to the division of what could affect in both directions our future. #1 our analytical process lacks or has the needed investment to do the right math. # 2 what triggers our analytical process lacks or has a proper foundation to arrive at an educated guess. #3 we are or not genuinely invested in fixing numbers one and two, so we arrive at a place in which questions are answered, and the results are visible and reliable or the exact opposite end.

On that note, nationalists wish America would only be whites that pass their approval. That isn’t going to work! Hitler and his people tried to exclusively preserve what they considered the pure human quality human race with their Aryan approach. Did they succeed? What were the results?

Blacks, Latinos, Jews, LGBT, etc. on the opposite side want to exercise their freedom as the USA conceived it. Will that arrive at a solution?

We are facing massive damage, not just to our country and people. Our standing before the world is sinking and sinking, and while some throw temper tantrums, ambitious nations, and people take the place, we temporarily abandoned. Once we want it back, we will find that as history points, a decaying empire decays, and there is no return. An addition of poor leadership and poor followers = 2-2= 0, and we are moving in that direction.

Continuing this pattern financially, we are in doom land if Covid is not over right away. Socially we are in the worse dystopian status a leading nation could be. Therefore, our leadership role stops being such so others can take over that role. Who do we choose to take our role? Historically in the past, not just one nation destroys the leading role of another country. First, the people of that moving upward nation gets involved, then other nations and their people push them all upwards, following suit.

Meanwhile, our leadership and us – are pushing downward. That equals = we lack the right IQ power to protect and defend our nation simply because someone is telling us, we are alright, better than ever, and we have everything under control. Is that so? If you disagree, check with Watson because its response is precisely the opposite.

SERIOUS THREAT LOOMING OVER THE USA

4th of July D.C. 2008

I wish not being capable of thinking, seeing, hearing because the result has been lately, I get overly concerned over recent events in the US. Bad news reporting makes me think bad news too.

What I see right now is a warning about the potential attacks against anybody that represents the opposite of what some section of America is expressing, the white supremacy. The battle against blacks, foreign migrants, LGBT people, Jews, and anything that supremacists want to remove from the country has started.

Right now, my sentiment has been triggered by the speech from DT at Rushmore on the 4^th of July celebration. He claims he and the country are threatened by the far-left fascism, He makes it look like a direct threat to all right-wing Americans. Such is a deceit to get a granted a favor from the white population that sides with his policies. Aside from been dividing speech, it is another cueing for the white supremacists against the mentioned groups (lots of religious groups among them), and such is a direct trigger to unrest white Americans nationwide. On the other side, intelligence had reported groups of supremacists are moving to key areas to do what we know they do. Nothing pacific nor coming along with what America is about. Next to that, frequent attacks by supremacists have been reported across the nation, such as the throw of a vehicle against a group of demonstrators in Seattle. Also, a transwoman was killed a few days ago. Last night shootings in several cities took place, killing two minors.

Many of the actions taken by white supremacists do not get enough attention from the media. It will always require a courageous witness videoing the event and put in online so, the evidence is right there. Although cell taping happens, it is a rare case most of the time. A few days ago, I saw a video online of a black kid resisting arrest. Although there were two big strong officers involved and one police woman, the kid managed to make them struggle, and as a result, a plastic bag was placed in his head. In another incident, a couple threatened a black woman with their guns, and more. That speaks about the resurgence of supremacy taking action in the country and it is triggered by Trump.

In the international arena, Iran is enriching fuel for an atomic weapon. China is moving its marines to exercise in the south of the region; the US is following suit sending carriers to the area. Perhaps that is not a threat, but because DT is feuding with everyone, it is apt to consider that we are looking at a potential reaction that can trigger an international conflict.

We are in a place that most administrations have avoiding since II WW. But the concern of mine now is domestic. I suspect the actions of supremacists are just a tad of what gradually is becoming the political status of the US and that threats everyone not aligned by white nationalists. So, my advice to everyone is to keep safe and a much larger distance than social distance. This situation is seen in almost all countries, it is just a warning.

According to polls, Trump lost his chances for reelection. That can be the trigger for that sector of America to start revolting in demonstration of their opposition for not having him again at the WH. Clearly, DT will accuse the electoral process of being a fraud, so distress stars right there. Unless we are willing to allow DT to take a second term, the potential of a serious threat is impending.

Now, the core of the issue. There are no official numbers about how many citizens are part of the nationalist “movement.” However, what it makes clear is that losing the civil war by federalists did not stop the movement to oppose to ethnic minorities, LGBT, Jews, and all the groups they aim to destroy since those war days. A phenomenon that even academics fail to understand because it simply does not make any sense. However, minorities will prevail, and discontent from those people will remain. The result is clear. The US has been dimming all traces of what made us – what we were – up to the time Trump took over the WH. Human and civic rights have been threatened through the period. Since Trump has been in power. Initiatives to secure the wellbeing of people in the world and the planet have been shut down one way or another one. The UN, NATO, WHO, EPA, and most organizations that watch what threatens our future have been belittled and diminish by this administration. Ridiculously, in detriment of nationalists as well, but their frustration against the direction the country has taken since II WW has made them passive terrorists of their own land. The presence of a democrat first black president, his eight years in office, and the advent of a republican representing the exact opposite of him and his presidency, have triggered what we can see is the slow destruction of the fabric that made the USA.

I have refused to land on one side of the fence or the other one, but the circumstances present now, force me to side with one of the two sections that divide our country. I have chosen the liberal side because mistaken or not, they pursue to follow what the framers wanted as the core of what this new nation should be. The same aim and goal that have created our place before the world and history. All my thinking and feeling draws me to become part of the many Americans that can avoid the demise of our country. Exactly what nationalist claim, but in reverse order. The extreme right is doing precisely that, so we have no choice but to react equally and more robust. After all, the majority of Americans are on this side that has nothing to do with left, center, or right. It is about an entire nation that cares and protects its citizens against all threats.

Nationalists are under the belief that DT is a man that cares about an America as it should be, not as is. But the facts prove that such is not the case. He wants reelection and not for the sake of the country but to achieve his goals that are nothing less than personal and economic. Nationalists are deceived by their anguish, same that DT uses for his purposes, but once Trump is out, they will figure that their efforts were exclusively for the enriching of the Trump family and his pose. Nothing new, but this time it has become as evident as the transparency of water. I wish the US awakens and learns the truth of what is happening, and they realize that we must straighten our path, now that it is possible. Possible for as long as we are a robust and solid nation. We are one!

CAN THE COUNTRY BE CHANGED FOR GOOD?

Photo created with a moto e5.

By Isis Win

While Trump keeps accusing Americans attempting to change the country into a socialist, fascist nation, he has been triggering a reaction from the sector of the population that is considered a supremacist America. A political maneuver to manipulate that sector of America to win the White house. He accuses the left and does exactly that but in reverse. Trump changed the country for worse.

America in the majority, including so many republicans, conservatives, independents, and most on the left side, concur with the latest assessment by scholars, historians, and independent political analysts; America is going in the wrong direction. There is not a single item that is the antithesis of what America has been, from the moment he sat at the White House.

From the beginning, Trump faced an antagonism to collect the initial cost of the southern border wall. Nearly four billion dollars that were estimated to escalate to thirty billion cost to reach the end of the wall. The opposition was strong and stern, and he was able to fetch some of that money removed from the Defense Department. A move that was considered illegal and unethical. Democrats decided not to challenge that appropriation.

In the following months and years, Trump’s position to control illegal immigration as well was considered inhuman and anti-civil rights. Both ends of the spectrum join this criticism. However, as time went by, republicans realized that fighting Trump was a threat, potentially ending their political career. They stopped presenting their Checks and Balances obligation.

International trade became a challenge for both parties. To this point, there is no indication that the approach can possibly find a solution to a problem; no previous administration could fix it. As a result, we have a cold war with China, and we do not really know the complications of such.

Trump adverted all possible and committed funding to several programs such as the US contributions to the UN, NATO, WHO, EPA, even ended the White House infectious disease program, which was necessary to enact programs since he announcement of a pandemic threat. There had been many other challenges Trump faced, including decisions taken by SCOTUS that supposed to be conservative. As result, Trump continues firing any member of our government, including his cabinet, that questions his decision making of national and international policy.

Trump’s daily part of his presidential routine to attack, criticized anyone, including the press, for anything that he is in disagreement with. Social networks, such as Tweeter and Facebook, started to monitor his messages, removing several considered offensive, dividing, and enticing to create a crisis among the American people. As well, he has taken credit even of policies designed during the Obama administration and exaggerates the results of his actions.

In a few words, egocentric Trump has no visioned of his actions, and he has appeared to the US and the world as an unfit, perhaps derailed president. Result? Other countries either had expressed no interest in dealing with Trump or simply walk away when they foresee that possibility.

The upcoming months are a critical time for Trump. Approaching presidential elections, the polls have shown he has been losing two-digit points against the presumed candidate for the Democratic Party, Joe Biden. Anticipating a possibility of losing the election, Trump has stated in many of his rallies that the upcoming election must likely be fraudulent. As well, his belittling of Biden, any potential runner in his ticket, has increased. The growing crisis of the spread of Covid 19 and the death toll are other issues that are removing him from the possibility of a second term. According to several people, it seems that Trump is doing everything at his reach to lose the election. Most likely, he is having second thoughts of his actions because now he is accusing the democrats of changing the country if they win and turn it into a communist nation with a fascist regime. So far, there is no basis to claim such a drastic political change, so the opinion of more than 60% of the Americans is that the country already changed for worse.

My take in this drama is that it is true. The days of Reaganism are overshaded by the image resulted from a republican president that lack of all republican view and platform. So far, Trump has shown the world that he lacks all basic education to assess any problem and policies, but he is not aware of such. Contrary to that, he claims to be a sound genius, and his policies benefit the country. However, he fails to show reliable signs of such belief. On another side, the only winners of his presidency are the 1%, his family members, and pose. Clearly, at the end of his administration, he will be a multi-billionaire resulted in the businesses that have been ONLY possible to his position as the president of the wealthiest nation of the world.

This a sad, pathetic reality that the country will face for who knows how long. The US has been embarrassed through the entire world, and we had lost several positions before the world that allowed us to lead regarding economies, trade, manufacturing, innovations, discoveries, intellectual power, international policy and ethics, science and technology, and more. The US was until recently the leader and example of human and civil rights before the world, but today our position is so dim that even challenging China’s abuse of Muslims and Bangkok will be seen as hypocrisy that is supported by the 30 million Americans.

Now, we have a clear picture, much clearer after his speech at Rushmore that we are a changed country. What we most Americans want is to return to what America was before Trump. Result? Four wasted years and trillions of dollars to pay off.