Don’t get me wrong—I value and respect the work CalMatters does. Independent, not-for-profit journalism is more important than ever.
That said, Dan Waters—the author of this piece—said something horrifying that needs to be called out: “Therefore if Newsom does intend to pursue the presidency in 2028, or otherwise remain in the political spotlight, aligning himself with popular sentiment on such a hot-button issue [whether or not to curtail trans participation in sports] is a smart tactical move.”
A SMART TACTICAL MOVE? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!
Waters also says that 80% of Americans oppose allowing trans women to compete in women’s sports, including over two-thirds of Democrats. So what, the majority agrees, so that makes it okay? There was a time in American history when similar percentages were against same-sex and interracial marriages. There was also a time in American history when a majority of Americans approved of racial segregation. JUST BECAUSE THE MAJORITY LIKES IT DOESN’T MEAN IT’S RIGHT. I CAN’T FUCKING BELIEVE I HAVE TO SAY THIS OUT LOUD BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE SELF-EVIDENT, BUT HERE WE ARE.
Shame on you, CalMatters. Maybe I should’ve guessed that “nonpartisan” means normalizing fascism the way the NYT and WaPo do. Californians, and Americans in general, deserve better from an outlet that considers itself independent.
