What to call this thread?

[sear]

"Its pretty scary that anyone would want to run this country on an ancient Byzantine bible instead of modern science?" R5 #1,240

Indeed. BUT !
As perplexing, seemingly non-logical as it may, some of the finest humans I've ever met were Christians.

Not the kind that boast about it for personal benefit.
Instead those that practice it patiently, confidently, as a way of life. Turn the other cheek for example might seem silly, ridiculous.
And yet, MLK accomplished without firing a shot, more than untold bloodletting could have.

"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief." Gerry Spence, Attorney at Law

PS
If we apply [pseudo?] rational test, one might believe the Machiavellian has the greatest prospect for personal happiness.
But I'm not sure I've ever met a sincerely happy Machiavellian.

 

[Shiftless2]

Today's Supreme Court oral arguments show a concerning trend: Using the trans rights conversation as a vehicle to promote religious dogma.

Read the full story

https://ffrf.us/3LzH4J9

 

[sear]

"Today's Supreme Court oral arguments show a concerning trend: Using the trans rights conversation as a vehicle to promote religious dogma." S2 #1,242

"It's not about "fairness" anymore." ffrf.org #1,242

Will it ever return to being about our Constitution?

 

[Rigby5]

Indeed. BUT !
As perplexing, seemingly non-logical as it may, some of the finest humans I've ever met were Christians.

Not the kind that boast about it for personal benefit.
Instead those that practice it patiently, confidently, as a way of life. Turn the other cheek for example might seem silly, ridiculous.
And yet, MLK accomplished without firing a shot, more than untold bloodletting could have.

PS
If we apply [pseudo?] rational test, one might believe the Machiavellian has the greatest prospect for personal happiness.
But I'm not sure I've ever met a sincerely happy Machiavellian.

The New Testament is not bad, but the "Genesis 1" reference by Cissie Graham Lynch, was the Old Testament, which is not Christianity but Judaism instead, and it is not so great.

 

[Shiftless2]

 

[Shiftless2]

3 states could put trans athletes on the ballot this year​

Anti-trans lobbies are putting energy and money toward 2026 elections in hopes of barring trans girls from girls sports.

3 states set to place trans athletes before the voters in 2026 - Outsports

Anti-trans lobbies are putting energy and money toward 2026 elections in hopes of barring trans girls from girls sports.

www.outsports.com

Not surprising - the bigots won't give up.

 

[sear]

"Dear phobic Christian, I don't know how you ended up deciding that anyone else's body, gender identity, or sexual orientation were any of your business. They aren't." meme #1,245

Some mot juste memes cleverly deflect an errant socio-political position.
This one falls short.
With / against whom trans athletes compete is not about "deciding that anyone else's body, gender identity, or sexual orientation".
It's rather more about fairness to the cis-athletes.

That's not a final ruling. But it's a consideration in addressing the issue.

The problem with this meme is:
the clatter about it seems based more on prejudice or emotion than persuasive science.
This meme doesn't clarify the science, it compounds the clatter.

mot juste (mō zhüst)
n. pl. mots justes (mō zhüst)
Exactly the right word or expression.
[French : mot, word + juste, right.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

 

[Shiftless2]

With / against whom trans athletes compete is not about "deciding that anyone else's body, gender identity, or sexual orientation".
It's rather more about fairness to the cis-athletes.

If that were the case the podium would be completely dominated by trans athletes. After all, they've had years to take over their respective sports.

 

[sear]

"If that were the case the podium would be completely dominated by trans athletes. After all, they've had years to take over their respective sports." S2 #1,248

?
You're suggesting intrinsic superiority. I wasn't aware I'd offered that perspective.

You're welcome to advocate for that, or any other position. But I'd prefer you not falsely attribute it to me.

 

[Shiftless2]

Then why is it unfair?

 

[sear]

"Then why is it unfair?" S2 #1,250

Until we've isolated and quantified each and every variable parameter, and demonstrated there is no competitive advantage, we can't legitimately declare with metaphysical certitude there isn't any.
We may know a lot.
But have we taken into account such factors as age of transition?

If it were simple anti-trans, then the transitioned community would be opposed both on and off the field of competition. And by some they are.
But there are others whose criticism applies only to athletic competition.

 

[sear]

Bud Light backlash figure Dylan Mulvaney joins women-centered Broadway musical​

Casting follows influencer’s Bud Light partnership that sparked nationwide boycott​

By Madison Colombo Fox News / Published January 16, 2026 8:00pm EST

Dylan Mulvaney, the transgender influencer at the center of the 2023 Bud Light backlash, has been cast in the Broadway musical about women’s history, "Six."

Mulvaney will play Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, marking her Broadway debut. The casting comes more than two years after Mulvaney’s partnership with Bud Light sparked a nationwide boycott and a steep decline in sales for the beer brand.

"Losing our heads to introduce your newest Anne Boleyn! Show some royal love to Queen Dylan Mulvaney, who will be joining the #SIXBroadway 5.0 cast as Anne Boleyn starting February 16!" the musical’s official X account announced Friday.

HOW ANHEUSER-BUSCH LOST ITS WAY WITH DEI, ACCORDING TO A FORMER EXECUTIVE

Bud Light backlash figure Dylan Mulvaney joins women-centered Broadway musical

Dylan Mulvaney, whose Bud Light partnership sparked a 2023 boycott, will make a Broadway debut as Anne Boleyn in the feminist musical "Six."

www.foxnews.com

 

[Shiftless2]

Until we've isolated and quantified each and every variable parameter, and demonstrated there is no competitive advantage, we can't legitimately declare with metaphysical certitude there isn't any.

Same thing goes for being tall in basketball.

 

[sear]

"Same thing goes for being tall in basketball." S2 #1,253

This is not supported by either history, tradition, or common sense.
The fact is not even so called "identical twins" are identical.
There has never been an expectation that athletic competitors meet / pass the type test you suggest, PROVIDED
they are drawn from a natural pool.

What is different in this case is "trans" athletes are literally artificially transformed.
And whether or not in any one individual case that transformation does, or does not impart performance modification, have we genuinely legitimately scientifically ruled out the possibility that it could?

 

[Shiftless2]

 

[sear]

"gay" #1,255

Alright.
Thus, whence cometh homophobia?
Is it fragile-egoed straight guys afraid they'll be hit on?
Or that they won't?

 

[Shiftless2]

The majority of homophobes are in denial of their own feelings, even to themselves, so ....

 

[Shiftless2]

In the heart of Texas ....



Dallas officials have approved rainbow-colored steps outside a pro-LGBTQ church as a temporary art installation, allowing the display to remain for up to three years despite objections tied to historic preservation rules.