More People, More Problems 🇨🇦
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Good morning, It’s Monday, August 12th. In today’s news, the Tavistock review exposes reckless medicalization of gender-confused kids, Kamala Harris releases her stance on key policy issues, Canada is on track to surpass 500,000 new permanent residents in 2024, US presidential campaign targeted by Iran-backed hackers, and much more.
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Tavistock Scandal: Review Exposes Reckless Medicalization of Gender-Confused Kids
After four years, the final “Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People,” led by pediatrician Hilary Cass, exposes the deeply troubling practices that have been inflicted on vulnerable children at the now-closed Tavistock gender clinic. The report slams the so-called “gender affirmation” model, revealing how it fast-tracks children—many of whom are already struggling with other mental health issues—into irreversible treatments like puberty blockers and surgeries with shockingly inadequate assessment.
The interim findings were already damning, but the final report pulls no punches, exposing the “poor quality” research used to justify these life-altering decisions. It points out the “weak evidence” supporting puberty blockers and underscores the utter recklessness of rushing children into medical interventions when most might naturally resolve their gender confusion after puberty. These children, many of whom are autistic or same-sex attracted, have been failed at every turn—pushed through a conveyor belt of medicalization without anyone stopping to consider their broader mental health needs.
Despite this scathing review, Canada clings to the very practices that have been so thoroughly discredited. The Trudeau government even passed a “conversion therapy” law that could criminalize the act of offering these children alternative, more holistic therapeutic options. Meanwhile, the medical community in Canada remains eerily silent and cowed into compliance while children continue to suffer. It's infuriating that, despite all the evidence, these dangerous practices persist, unchecked and unchallenged. How many more children will be pushed down this dangerous path before there’s an outcry? More
Tiny Thought: Canada’s ‘cut first, ask questions later’ approach to dealing with gender dysphoric youth, especially when you stack it up against Europe’s stricter standards, really shows how badly we need to rethink our policies. The facts speak for themselves—there’s no excuse for how our government is dealing with this. Accountability is way overdue.
Where Kamala Harris Stands on Key Policy Issues
Since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee (through a process that lacked many democratic principles), Kamala Harris is shaping her platform on the fly. With a late entry into the race and no set agenda, her policies appear to be evolving through public statements. Here’s a quick rundown (with a few more of our thoughts):
Abortion: Harris emphasizes reinstating Roe v. Wade protections, aligning with Biden's stance and her past positions as a senator. (If the Dems really cared about this, they would have codified it decades ago - abortion is a political pawn).
Border: Her stance has shifted from overhauling ICE to supporting a more nuanced approach to immigration, focusing on enforcement and humanitarian concerns. (Kamala was the official border czar as appointed by the big man himself, under her watchful guise, America is facing its biggest immigration problem in modern history).
Israel-Hamas: Harris supports Israel but has criticized its actions in Gaza, showing a willingness to challenge Israeli policies.
Ukraine-Russia: She continues to back Biden’s strategy of supporting Ukraine against Russia, including significant aid. (This whole ‘Democratic Warhawk’ stance should concern every lifelong Democrat).
Supreme Court: Harris now supports Biden’s proposed reforms, like term limits for justices, rather than expanding the Court. (Let’s see those in the Whitehouse first).
Policing: Her views have evolved from strict sentencing to supporting criminal justice reform and rejecting “defund the police” rhetoric.
Gun Rights: Harris supports strict gun safety laws but no longer advocates for mandatory buybacks of assault weapons.
Taxes: Both Harris and Biden support higher taxes on corporations and high earners, with Harris favouring a 35% corporate tax rate. (Let’s talk about spending cuts, not tax increases - for fiscal year 2024, the US government is projected to spend a record $6.4 trillion).
Healthcare: Harris aims to protect and expand healthcare access, with a past push for “Medicare for All” but currently focusing on improving existing systems.
Harris's rapid policy adjustments reflect her attempt to balance her evolving platform with both her past positions and current political dynamics. More
Tiny Though: If I’m being honest, this is more centred than I expected. That being said, she has had 3 and a half years to fix—or at least attempt to fix—these problems, yet she’s done nothing. This is how I currently feel about the Liberals in Canada as well: Trudeau has been in power for nearly a decade, and all he’s done is burn our country to the ground.
Canada on Track to Surpass 500K New Permanent Residents This Year
In June, Canada saw a 4.9% dip in new permanent residents, following two months of growth. Despite this, the country still welcomed 44,540 new permanent residents. If current trends continue, Canada will reach 511,410 new permanent residents by the end of 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 471,815 by 8.4%. This would also exceed the Trudeau government’s target of 485,000 for 2024 by 5.4%. Ontario remains the top destination for newcomers, receiving 41.6% of all new permanent residents in the first half of the year.
However, public opinion is increasingly divided on these high immigration targets, with over a third of Canadians believing the country is taking in too many immigrants. Additionally, the government has decided to backtrack on its plans to regularize the status of illegal immigrants, acknowledging that it’s not aligned with the views of most Canadians. There are an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 illegal immigrants currently residing in Canada. More
US Presidential Campaign Targeted by Iran-backed Hackers
On August 9th, Microsoft reported that an Iran-backed group, Mint Sandstorm, targeted a high-ranking official on a US presidential campaign with a spear phishing attack in June. The Trump 2024 campaign later confirmed it had been hacked, linking the breach to "foreign sources hostile to the United States." The breach involved stolen campaign documents, including a dossier on Sen. JD Vance. Microsoft’s report highlights increased Iranian attempts to influence the US presidential election, with similar tactics used in previous election cycles. US intelligence officials have observed Tehran’s efforts to sway the election, although Iran denies any involvement in cyberattacks. More
Victoria Venue Cancels "Detransing Canada" Event After Trans Activist Backlash
A panel discussion titled “Vancouver Island Speaks! Detransing Canada,” set for September 14, 2024, at the Ambrosia Banquet in Victoria, BC, has been cancelled by the venue. The event, organized by volunteers, aimed to discuss the risks of gender identity ideology for children, criticizing the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries on minors.
Despite a previous successful event at the same venue, harassment from trans activists led to the cancellation. The venue owner, who reported being "abused" and facing vandalism, ultimately decided to cancel the booking, stating the event did not align with their values. Ironically, the same evening, Ambrosia accepted a booking for a "Queer Family Values All-ages Dance Party," featuring a "binder exchange" for trans and non-binary participants.
The organizers of Vancouver Island Speaks are now searching for a new venue for their event. More
Swiss Authorities Arrest Former Canadian UN Official for Spying on Behalf of China
A former Canadian UN official, now a North Korea expert, has been detained in Switzerland on suspicion of espionage for China. Arrested after a two-year investigation, Swiss authorities suspect him of gathering intelligence for China during his frequent visits. The Swiss Attorney General’s office, which began its probe in March 2023, has yet to release his name or formal charges. This case only further highlights the rising concerns about foreign espionage, especially following the recent revocation of security clearances for Canadian bureaucrats from several different departments. More
Law Allowing Phone, Laptop Search at Borders Unconstitutional, Ontario Court Rules
Ontario's top court ruled on August 9th, that a law allowing Canadian border agents to search personal electronic devices violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Chief Justice Michael Tulloch and justices Jonathon George and Patrick Monahan found that Section 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act infringes on the right to be secure against unreasonable searches, as it permits searches based on minimal suspicion. The court gave Parliament six months to amend the law to meet Charter requirements, emphasizing that searches should be based on reasonable suspicion supported by objective facts. More
Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mayo' Zambada Says He Was Ambushed and Kidnapped Before Being Taken to the US
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent Mexican drug cartel leader, claimed in a letter that he was ambushed and kidnapped while expecting a meeting with local politicians, including Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, on July 25th. Instead, Zambada was forcibly taken to the US by plane with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of the imprisoned drug lord “El Chapo.” This letter followed the US ambassador to Mexico confirming Zambada's arrival in Texas under these circumstances. Both Zambada and Guzman Lopez face multiple drug-related charges in the US. The circumstances of their capture and the involvement of Sinaloa politicians are currently under investigation. More
Venezuelan President Bans X for 10 Days Over Scuffle with Elon Musk
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for 10 days after a public dispute with its owner, Elon Musk. The conflict intensified following a controversial presidential election, which Maduro claims was marred by a "cyber coup" and fraud. Musk has criticized Maduro as a "dictator" and accused him of election fraud, while Maduro has retaliated by alleging that Musk incites hatred and violates Venezuelan laws. The US and several Latin American countries have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the election winner, but official results and vote tallies remain unreleased. More
Poilievre Calls for New Tariffs on Chinese-made Steel and Aluminum
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging the Trudeau government to implement substantial tariffs on Chinese exports, including steel, aluminum, electric vehicles (EVs), and critical minerals. Speaking to steelworkers in Hamilton, Poilievre accused China of flooding the market with subsidized goods, exploiting lax environmental and labour standards, and threatening Canadian jobs. He proposed a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs, a 50% tariff on semiconductors and solar cells, and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. Poilievre also called for blocking rebates for Chinese EVs. He argues that action is needed to protect Canadian industries and align with US trade policies. The Trudeau government has not yet detailed its response, though it has started a consultation period on the issue. More
FDA Rejects MDMA for Mental Health Treatment
The FDA has denied approval for MDMA as a PTSD treatment in a 10-1 vote, despite positive test results. The agency cited insufficient data and concerns about the necessity of psychotherapy in the treatment. Lykos Therapeutics expressed frustration, noting the drug showed promise in trials, with 71% of treated participants no longer meeting PTSD criteria. However, an FDA panel had reservations about the drug’s long-term benefits, study design, and potential risks. MDMA remains classified as a Schedule I substance. More
Canada’s Labour Participation Rate Plummeted to 26-year Low in July
Canada's economy shed 2,800 jobs in July, keeping the unemployment rate steady at 6.4%, a 30-month high. The labour force participation rate dropped to a 26-year low of 65%, reflecting a decrease in job seekers. Employment fell in wholesale, retail trade, and finance while rising in public administration, transportation, and utilities. Recent immigrants faced higher unemployment, especially youth, with rates climbing significantly compared to last year. The public sector saw an increase in jobs, while the private sector declined. More
Scientists Say Secret to Fusion May Lie in Hellmann's Mayonnaise
Mechanical engineers at Lehigh University are using Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise as a stand-in for plasma in their research on nuclear fusion. Mayonnaise, which behaves like a solid but flows under pressure, helps scientists study the conditions needed for plasma, a key component of fusion power. By simulating plasma behaviour with rapidly spun mayonnaise in their Turbulent Mixing Laboratory, researchers aim to better understand and control the conditions needed for fusion. This approach could help make inertial fusion—a method that compresses fuel pellets to induce fusion—more practical and cost-effective for generating clean energy. More
Humans One Step Closer to Living on Mars as New Theory Aims to Make Planet Habitable
Scientists have proposed a new method to warm Mars by injecting iron and aluminum dust into its atmosphere. This dust could enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping heat and potentially raising temperatures by 18°F in a few months. If successful, this approach could make Mars more habitable by freeing frozen water and enabling agriculture. While this research advances Elon Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars by 2050, challenges like low oxygen levels and thin air pressure remain significant obstacles. More
Paris Olympics Medal Wrap-up: Canada Sets National Record, US Wins Medal Count
Team Canada ended the 2024 Paris Olympics with a record medal haul, setting a new national record for a non-boycotted Games. Canada secured a total of 27 medals—9 gold, 7 silver, and 11 bronze—surpassing the previous high of 24 medals won at Tokyo 2020. More
Team USA topped the Paris Olympic Games medal tally, with 42 bronze, and 44 silver, while tying China with 40 gold after all events were completed on Sunday. Their total of 126 medals beat China’s second-place count of 91. More
Tom Cruise Hands Paris Olympics Off to Los Angeles in Skydiving Stunt at Closing Ceremony
Tom Cruise concluded the 2024 Paris Olympics with a dramatic skydiving stunt, swinging from Stade de France and landing on the field. He then received the Olympic flag, mounted a motorcycle, and rode through Paris landmarks in a pre-recorded video before jumping from a plane and transforming the Hollywood sign into Olympic rings. The flag was handed off to cyclist Kate Courtney, who then delivered it to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in Los Angeles, marking the start of the countdown to the 2028 Games. More
Los Angeles Olympics Make a Preposterous Promise: ‘No-car Games’ in 2028
On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympics handover to Los Angeles 2028, LA Mayor Karen Bass announced ambitious plans for a "no-car Games," where attendees would rely solely on public transportation to reach venues. This proposal, however, met skepticism from Angelenos, given LA's notorious traffic and limited public transit options compared to Paris. Bass acknowledged LA's transportation challenges but promised to deploy over 3,000 additional buses and encourage remote work during the Games. Despite the grand vision, the feasibility of such a plan remains questionable, reflecting a history of Olympic promises that often fall short. More
David Rush Breaks 15 Guinness World Records in One Day - Serial record-breaker David Rush visited Guinness World Records headquarters in London and broke 15 records in a single day. Rush is working to surpass Italian Silvio Sabba’s record of holding 180 Guinness World Records titles. He is currently verifying if he has achieved more records than Sabba.
Countries Experiencing the Most Positive Emotions - People from 142 countries were asked if they felt well-rested, treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned something interesting or felt joy: the top two countries that tied for first place were Panama and Paraguay with a score of 86/100.
On This Day in 1908 - Henry Ford's company built the first Model T car