Youth Advocacy
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 10 (200 total reports)
28.02.2023-05.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of far right Christian nationalists willing to do anything to force their religion on others. Suddenly, we are all “accidental” politicians.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
01.03.2024
American Psychological Association takes a stand against bans on gender-affirming care for minors
Gender affirming care is not castration—as far right religious conservatives are trying to get their base to believe. It delays the onset of sexual maturity while the individual (and usually a doctor and parents) determine what gender is most “affirming” for the individual. This is a landmark endorsement by the most reputable psychological organization in the world. Let us listen to reason here, not to the far right religious opinions of a small group of hateful evangelicals and their political minions. The lives of young people is literally at stake and that has been proven. Banning gender affirming care is psychologically damaging to tens of thousands of young people (estimated 42,000). This is not a decision for either politicians or right wing religious fanatics to force down the throats (or onto the bodies) of others. “Why,” some might ask, “are we seeing an increasing number of young people question their gender?” Perhaps it is because—in most States—it is not seen as a threat. In those rational States, gender development is seen as a healthy aspect of human development. When I was young, it was thought to be morally wrong to be left-handed. Being left-handed, I remember having my arm tied to my chair by backward nuns in Catholic institutions. Thank God, we are past that. Perhaps we will get past this hurdle too, if we can stop these right-wing zealots from spreading their spiteful hate and fear.
Best Links of The Week
05.03.2024
The Alabama Embryo Opinion Is Part of a Larger Plan
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/alabama-embryo-parker-new-apos/677642/
A very small minority of far right evangelicals is trying to force their religious views on the rest of America. This group doesn’t care what other people believe, they are willing to force people to do what they want and they will support any politician who will do their bidding—even if that politician is a fraudulent rapist. As always, The Atlantic probes deeply into this issue of IVF and looks at the underlying right wing religious agenda which it promotes.
04.03.2024
The 'accidental' politicians: Meet three women risking everything to fight for democracy
This article made me realize how many of us—but especially women and diverse groups—are being forced to become “accidental” politicians. Most of us do not face the possibility of incarceration or death that some of the women in this article experience, yet, it is the height of privilege to only care about the issues that affect ourselves directly. With the prevalence of a small, hard core, religious minority attempting to take over world politics, every one of us is now an “accidental” politician. Over 52 countries face the loss of democracy this year. Standing by idly, is immoral and will be a historic blunder. I’ve heard it said (and I agree), “If you wonder what you would have done when Hitler came to power, look at what you are doing now.”
03.03.2024
A History of Human Resilience Can Brace Us for Impending Global Changes
This is such a refreshing article and so hopeful. We need it—not so we can relax our endeavors—but so we can solidify our resilience in the face of horrific miscalculation.
02.03.2024
‘Thank you for 26 years of utter happiness’ Yulia Navalnaya’s farewell message to her husband — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/thank-you-for-26-years-of-utter-happiness
If this eulogy does not tear at your heart, nothing will. The death of Alexandr Navalny is a grotesque example of what happens when a world dictator (Putin) has no checks and balances. The Prime Minister of Australia (Anthony Albanese) tells us that Putin made Trump “weak in the knees” like an adoring school boy. This is the same immunity that Trump would like to afforded. What the Far Right doesn’t realize is that if Trump wins his Presidential immunity case, that immunity would start with Joe Biden, not Donald Trump.
01.03.2024
Trump and his allies have made over 250 anti-democratic threats — and counting
Make no mistake, the upcoming election isn’t just about choice between Presidential candidates, it’s a choice between democracy and tyranny. Trump himself (and Project 2025) have boldly stated their nefarious purposes and we should take them at their word.
29.02.2024
52 countries saw "severe" declines in freedom last year, report finds
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/freedom-house-rankings-democracy-decline
Here is an extreme warning sign that all of us need to heed. This is why all of us are becoming “accidental” politicians.
28.02.2024
Poll: Most Americans cool to Christian nationalism as its influence grows
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/poll-christian-nationalism-americans-reject
What Christians don’t seem to understand is that nothing is driving people away from Christianity more than Christians themselves. They are becoming the next Taliban, whether they see it or not. A small group of fanatical, conservative Christians want to turn the US into a “Christian Nation.” And don’t mind using force and sabotage—even violence—to get their way. One need look no further than Donald Trump on his campaign trail this week to see how far his backers are willing to go to support someone who will further their agenda. Not only is Trump facing 91 felony charges (and nearly half a billion in debt) but he is losing his mental capacity. Increasingly, his “handlers” are trying to keep him from taking the stage and posting on Truth Social because the man is simply increasingly incoherent.
This Week’s Links
05.03.2024
The Alabama Embryo Opinion Is Part of a Larger Plan
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/alabama-embryo-parker-new-apos/677642/
The Supreme Court Is Not Up to the Challenge
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/trump-v-anderson-unanimous-decision/677635/
Mitch McConnell did more to destroy democracy than Donald Trump
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/03/mitch-mcconnell-did-more-to-destroy-democracy-than-donald-trump/
Judge blocks Texas’s “cruel attempt” to force LGBTQ+ group to out trans families
Maddening New Poll: Voters Are Unaware of Trump “Dictator” Threats
https://newrepublic.com/article/179548/poll-voters-trump-dictator-threats
Trump supporters target black voters with faked AI images
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68440150
“I Don’t Like Prayer/Blessed Language Directed At Me”: Woman Shuts Down Religious Email At Work
https://www.boredpanda.com/atheist-coworker-prayers/
A Moment of Deep Sorrow on the U.S.-Mexican Border | Nieman Reports
https://niemanreports.org/articles/a-moment-of-deep-sorrow-on-the-u-s-mexican-border/
Right-wing group won't condemn Uganda's 'kill the gays' law, enraging queer Democrats
https://www.advocate.com/politics/right-group-wont-condemn-uganda
A Self-Absorbed America Means Disorder for the World
https://www.cfr.org/article/self-absorbed-america-means-disorder-world
Places across the U.S. are testing no-strings cash as part of the social safety net
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1233440910/cash-aid-guaranteed-basic-income-social-safety-net-poverty
11 Subtle Signs of Narcissism That Are Easy to Miss, According to Psychologists
https://parade.com/living/subtle-signs-of-narcissism-according-to-psychologists
04.03.2024
The 'accidental' politicians: Meet three women risking everything to fight for democracy
Latest Trump Speeches Highlight Same Cognitive Fears That Republicans Express About Biden
https://newsone.com/5052384/trump-speeches-cognitive-fears/
Why do millions of Americans believe the 2020 presidential election was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump?
Faith and conspiracy: Study shows religiosity is related to belief in COVID-19 conspiracies
Residents of these 10 states are the most stressed out in America—New York and California didn't make the list
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/03/top-10-states-with-the-most-stressed-out-people-in-america.html
03.03.2024
A History of Human Resilience Can Brace Us for Impending Global Changes
Column: We can’t count on the courts to hold Trump accountable before November. It’s up to us
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-03-03/supreme-court-donald-trump-jack-smith
How to Tackle Truth Decay
https://apple.news/AjWPT_iDpRJimA3Hlbw0HQg
Florida is swamped by disease outbreaks as quackery replaces science
https://apple.news/Acp40st4eSnC06J2ilmqu7Q
Texas Newspaper Issues Warning About Secession
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-newspaper-warns-about-secession-pledge-1875324
A warped version of the Bible killed Nex Benedict
https://www.salon.com/2024/03/03/a-warped-version-of-the-bible-nex-benedict/
Where Did Evangelicals Go Wrong?
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/evangelical-support-republican-trump/677610/
Parents underestimate the importance of guided play in education
https://www.psypost.org/parents-underestimate-the-importance-of-guided-play-in-education/
A Psychologist’s Guide To Silencing Your ‘Inner Saboteur’
The science of how to stop saying yes to everything
https://apple.news/AQxo-QDvrT1iUrAXulI0WFQ
02.03.2024
‘Thank you for 26 years of utter happiness’ Yulia Navalnaya’s farewell message to her husband — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/thank-you-for-26-years-of-utter-happiness
‘It feels like it’s Russia’s funeral’ Reflections, goodbyes, and eyewitness accounts as Alexey Navalny is laid to rest — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/it-feels-like-it-s-russia-s-funeral
Navalny’s legacy and the future of Russian opposition
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/navalnys-legacy-and-the-future-of-russian-opposition
As Tucker bends to Putin, the truth about 'borders,' liberation and history: Ari Melber x Marley
Democracy’s Dark Winter
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/03/democracys-dark-winter/677624/
Anand Giridharadas: America is a country built of the world, from the world, from every part of the world
60 Years After the Civil Rights Act, Equal Opportunity Is Under Attack
https://capitalbnews.org/report-state-of-black-america/
Red-Blooded Republicans
https://progressive.org/latest/red-blooded-republicans-fiore-20240301/
Nobody Wants to Look Stupid: Resources for Teaching About Executive Functions (Opinion)
Child Adversity’s Impact on Cognition and Mental Health
https://neurosciencenews.com/child-adversity-cognition-mental-health-25689/
A helpful chart to explain the difference between support and 'toxic positivity'
How Neurodivergence Can Be a Superpower
https://www.inc.com/tracy-dennis-tiwary/how-neurodivergence-can-be-a-superpower.html
01.03.2024
Trump and his allies have made over 250 anti-democratic threats — and counting
American Psychological Association takes a stand against bans on gender-affirming care for minors
Report: Florida last in public education
During Alexei Navalny’s funeral, I’ll be remembering Medgar Evers
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/-alexei-navalny-funeral-medgar-evers-rcna141262
Highlights from the transcript of Hunter Biden’s closed-door interview with House Republicans
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/29/politics/takeaways-hunter-biden-transcript/
Opinion: Russia's Republicans
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/28861
GOP's post-Roe peril spreads like wildfire
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/01/republicans-reproductive-rights-2024-election
Arizona Republicans Advance Bill Allowing Property Owners to Kill Migrants
Texas Poised to Lose Billions in Investment if Donald Trump Elected
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-will-lose-billions-investment-donald-trump-elected-2024-1874806
Trans children could be taken from their parents if this shocking new law passes
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/trans-children-kentucky/
Managing Expectations With Neurodivergent Children
29.02.2024
52 countries saw "severe" declines in freedom last year, report finds
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/freedom-house-rankings-democracy-decline
‘Putin must answer for what he’s done’ Alexey Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, addresses the E.U. Parliament — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/02/28/putin-must-answer-for-what-he-s-done
The ‘Caudillo Syndrome’ is spreading around the world as economic disillusionment pushes voters to bet on populist strongmen
Supreme Court hands Trump a huge win before it even hears his case
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/trump-wins-delay-immunity-case-supreme-court
'Republicans in robes': Supreme Court critics see politics behind action on Trump immunity case
Pax Economica: The forgotten history of the free-trade movement
https://bigthink.com/the-past/free-trade-economics/
A Thousand Little Moments: The Insidious Loss of Women’s Freedom to Christian Nationalism
https://msmagazine.com/2024/02/28/women-choice-freedom-republicans-religion-ivf-fertility/
The Republican assault on sexual freedom is underway
Enabling Trump, distorting the Supreme Court define McConnell legacy as he exits leadership
Coalition of 20 Groups Press Lawmakers to Reject Florida Teacher Training Bill
States offer services for disabled kids, then make their families wait 10 years for them
How To Disarm A Narcissist With The ‘Gray Rock’ Method
28.02.2024
Poll: Most Americans cool to Christian nationalism as its influence grows
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/poll-christian-nationalism-americans-reject
Gavin Newsom slams GOP for giving rapists more rights than families who want IVF
Florida's response to a measles outbreak endangers children, experts say
Over 40 of Nex Benedict's Classmates Walked Out to Protest the School's Bullying Policies
Black Writers Share Their Favorite Books to Honor Black History Month
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/black-writers-share-favorite-books-to-honor-black-history-month