This is Northumberland Calling 15.12.23

The Are all epidemics diseases or just when linguistic sleight of hand suits? edition

Hello America, (particularly Central Ohio), this is Northumberland calling

Another Wednesday, another barnstorming performance from Kemi Badenoch. She refused to take prisoners and called Kate Osbourne (Labour MP for the ultra safe seat of Jarrow in Newcastle Upon Tyne, parachuted in by Jeremy Corbyn) a liar. Osbourne said that Badenoch had called trans-children a disease. In fact, Badenoch had said the growth was almost an epidemic. Osbourne, it later transpired, had called ‘spiking of drinks’, ‘childhood poverty’ and ‘violence against women’ epidemics. It would be interesting to know if Osbourne considers those diseases. Is it any wonder that some of her constituents consider Osbourne ‘as thick as mince’ (Geordie phrase meaning exceptionally stupid)? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/12/13/kemi-badenoch-trans-people-single-sex-spaces-predators/ or https://archive.is/WENEe

Julie Bindel did an excellent op-ed on why Kemi Badenoch scares the trans lobby. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/14/kemi-badenoch-must-terrify-the-trans-lobby/ or https://archive.is/ZI76Q

Dr Az Hakeem, one of the GIDS whistleblowers at the Tavistock (his career suffered for it) has a new book out DETRANS: when transition is not the solution.  He argues that transgenderism unfortunately has become a youth subcult and could be seen as a sort of Goth Mark Five. And that there are different presentations within that subcult. He points out that there is a difference between ‘transsexuals’ and ‘transvestites’ to use old terminology. He notes that males who suffer from Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria tend to be on the autistic spectrum while those are merely aroused by the thought of wearing female clothes (tend to be middle aged males) are often not. In other words, two different cohorts should have two different approaches. https://www.spiked-online.com/2023/12/15/transgenderism-has-become-a-youth-subculture/

England’s Free Speech in Universities tsar Arif Ahmed wrote an excellent op-ed in the Times explaining the difference between protected and unprotected speech.  Speech which incites violence towards another group is unprotected, for example. He intends to ensure unprotected speech is shut down and protected speech is well protected. Institutions do not need to take political positions. Another grown up in the room. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/office-for-students-will-use-powers-to-uphold-free-speech-2frdhrfsf or https://archive.is/x6a6T

This article in the Atlantic by Ben Sasse about the situation in the American universities makes similar points. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/12/interesectionality-american-college/676350/ or https://archive.is/SYtH9

Jordan Peterson has done a long essay for the Telegraph about the moral bankruptcy of the pro-Hamas supporters. He details the shallowness of their approach. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/14/jordan-peterson-pro-hamas-protesters-sanctimonious-psychopa/ or https://archive.is/h3xm8

Some of the moral bankruptcy spilled over at the Royal Society for the Arts this week when a event supporting Israel was held there. The staff objected and a protest ensued as apparently the union has taken a pro-Hamas position. The RSA has now apologized for holding the event which the deputy prime minister attended.  https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/royal-society-of-arts-apologises-after-hosting-pro-israel-fundraiser-which-sparked-huge-protest-from-palestine-supporters-as-it-blames-organisers-for-not-fully-disclosing-event-plans/ar-AA1lw9R6

At Aviva, a British Insurer, no non-diverse candidate for a senior position is allowed to be hired with the CEO’s express approval. The CEO does not need to sign off for women or people from ‘underrepresented’ backgrounds. Some people might call this discrimination. Some people might point out that it is in fact forbidden under the Equality Act 2010 to behave in this fashion (see the RAF earlier this year for example paying out to white males who were disadvantaged). However, I suspect unless and until Aviva loses a case and has to pay a fine, the CEO will continue with this unlawful practice. Think shields, not swords with the EqAct – being white, male and able bodied are protected characteristics and employment practices cannot discriminate against them.  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/12/13/white-male-recruits-final-sign-off-aviva-boss-amanda-blanc/  or https://archive.is/v57KY

France is having to deal with disaffected youths who tried to stir up trouble when a teacher showed a Renaissance painting which had several nude females. The students spread lies and claimed it was against their religion to be forced to view such paintings. The French are sending in security to deal with the issue as two teachers have already been murdered over false rumours. It very much appears to be a clash of civilizations because of course, French art does have a long history of depicting the nude human form, particularly the female form. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/teachers-strike-france-muslim-threats-nudes-art-class-0hzt3sdm0 or https://archive.is/z6xSZ

Finally, my editor let me know that my latest Tempted by Her Forbidden Warrior has been accepted. Hooray and she immediately offered a new contract with an increased advance (a double hooray) for another Viking. I foresee more writing about Vikings in my future.

Paddy ignoring the Christmas tree (for now)

The Christmas tree is now up.  Breakable ornaments are above spaniel height and the cats no longer climb the tree.