On this record, as the son of an Ashkenazi Jew and husband of another Ashkenazi Jew, I find nothing offensive or malicious about Mr. Kennedy's statement.
Small pox was a scourge. Our history books reflect that it was especially so for indigenous populations in the Americas. This is neither controversial nor subject to serious debate.
Certain other diseases are more prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. This, too, is neither controversial nor subject to serious debate. (It is, in fact, so well accepted that preconception genetic testing is standard procedure for couples with Ashkenazi ancestry. See, e.g., https://www.bmc.org/genetic-services/jewish-genetic-disease-screening )
Though clearly not without some unfortunate consequences, on the whole this diversity among the human population is to be celebrated. It makes it that much harder for a single pathogen to threaten the survival of our entire species.
Imagine passing up the opportunity to study that immunityβand how it may help the broader populationβas some sort of sacrifice on the altar of political correctness. And imagine a high-level public-health official too scared to talk about it because of what the B.B.C. might print.
The way our genetics affect everything is truly remarkable! I once read an article that broke down some really interesting ones, for example a specific genetic group in which nearly all studied claimed that cilantro tasted like soap. I don't recall which group it was but that example stood out to me because⦠what a WEIRD genetic trait!!
Also Iβm 1/8 Ashkenazi Jewish, from my maternal great-grandmother and Iβve had Covid three times now. Though my immune system is quite the slacker when it comes to shielding me from just about any virus. Also during the first two times I had it, I was babysitting toddlers in my home. They despise sharingβ¦ UNLESS weβre talking about germs! π€¦π½ββοΈ
Yes, just once, I think. It might be that I'm lucky, or it might be that it's congruent with the evidence for those like me who opted not to get a COVID shot -- we were less likely to get infected again. My heart goes out to those suffering from long Covid.
I was lucky though. I know that many people got severe cases of long-term covid. One lady I met, lost her mobility completely. She is still in a wheelchair π
I only got vaccinated when it was first made available. I will say that I NEVER had it until 2021. Likely because we barely socialized that first year so there was no exposure. As soon as the kidsβ school stopped requiring masks, went back to full days, 100% capacity, with kids sitting in close quarters, everyone in our house got it. The first time I had it was actually horrible. We think it may have been long covid because I was winded just going up the stairs and that lasted for months. The other 2 times I had it, it was no worse than a cold. But its interesting that the time I had it the worst would have only been months after my vaccine. The times when it was milder it had been well after a year past the expiration date of the immunization.
Thanks for stopping by my Substack! And, I'm subscribing in returnβ¦. not as a favor, but because I love what you're doing with your Substack. This is how the whole WHI study results got disjointed! I'd love to learn from you and hear your take on things.
WHI = Women's Health Initiative. Sorry, so many abbreviations lately. It was a large study in the United States that was the basis for the media declaring that hormone therapy caused breast cancer. I mention it from time to time, but I focus more on the practical and applicable side of perimenopause.
I only recently learned about this from my Swedish friend living in Dubai after a few years of living in USA during Trump's last administration. There is a lot of info on this topic from a European perspective but I know nothing!!
Gotcha. Yeah, I know nothing about the topic as well and have heard different European perspectives. I was in Amsterdam a few days ago and thought of you. Hope you're doing well!
His career, his organizational ability, and the way he's conducted his advocacy paint a good picture. He's a talented administrator, with strong ethics, remarkable intellectual capacity, and the social aptitude to work with difficult people. There's a lot to like.
On this record, as the son of an Ashkenazi Jew and husband of another Ashkenazi Jew, I find nothing offensive or malicious about Mr. Kennedy's statement.
Small pox was a scourge. Our history books reflect that it was especially so for indigenous populations in the Americas. This is neither controversial nor subject to serious debate.
Certain other diseases are more prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. This, too, is neither controversial nor subject to serious debate. (It is, in fact, so well accepted that preconception genetic testing is standard procedure for couples with Ashkenazi ancestry. See, e.g., https://www.bmc.org/genetic-services/jewish-genetic-disease-screening )
Though clearly not without some unfortunate consequences, on the whole this diversity among the human population is to be celebrated. It makes it that much harder for a single pathogen to threaten the survival of our entire species.
Did you know that a very small percentage of humans is genetically immune to H.I.V.? See, e.g., https://www.medicaldaily.com/hiv-immunity-genetic-variation-and-antiviral-enzymes-explain-why-some-people-are-311664
Imagine passing up the opportunity to study that immunityβand how it may help the broader populationβas some sort of sacrifice on the altar of political correctness. And imagine a high-level public-health official too scared to talk about it because of what the B.B.C. might print.
Yes! Genetic diversity is a GOOD thing.
This is really interesting! I
The way our genetics affect everything is truly remarkable! I once read an article that broke down some really interesting ones, for example a specific genetic group in which nearly all studied claimed that cilantro tasted like soap. I don't recall which group it was but that example stood out to me because⦠what a WEIRD genetic trait!!
Also Iβm 1/8 Ashkenazi Jewish, from my maternal great-grandmother and Iβve had Covid three times now. Though my immune system is quite the slacker when it comes to shielding me from just about any virus. Also during the first two times I had it, I was babysitting toddlers in my home. They despise sharingβ¦ UNLESS weβre talking about germs! π€¦π½ββοΈ
Oh yeah, none recently! βπͺ΅
The cilantro distaste is a weird genetic trait indeed, Tirzah. π
I'm 1/8 Ashkenazi Jewish too. ππΌ
Hope you've recovered from your Covid cases. π©΅
I suppose that perhaps if we were half or more, we would have been less likely to get sick with Covid. Have you had it?
Yes, just once, I think. It might be that I'm lucky, or it might be that it's congruent with the evidence for those like me who opted not to get a COVID shot -- we were less likely to get infected again. My heart goes out to those suffering from long Covid.
I was lucky though. I know that many people got severe cases of long-term covid. One lady I met, lost her mobility completely. She is still in a wheelchair π
I only got vaccinated when it was first made available. I will say that I NEVER had it until 2021. Likely because we barely socialized that first year so there was no exposure. As soon as the kidsβ school stopped requiring masks, went back to full days, 100% capacity, with kids sitting in close quarters, everyone in our house got it. The first time I had it was actually horrible. We think it may have been long covid because I was winded just going up the stairs and that lasted for months. The other 2 times I had it, it was no worse than a cold. But its interesting that the time I had it the worst would have only been months after my vaccine. The times when it was milder it had been well after a year past the expiration date of the immunization.
That's interesting, Tirzah, thanks for sharing that. Sorry it hit you so hard the first time.
Honestly, I know that many people had it much worse. Hereβs hoping we all stay relatively healthy from here on out!
Thanks for stopping by my Substack! And, I'm subscribing in returnβ¦. not as a favor, but because I love what you're doing with your Substack. This is how the whole WHI study results got disjointed! I'd love to learn from you and hear your take on things.
Thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words, Shelby. What is the WHI study? Maybe I'll find out when I start reading your newsletter. ;)
WHI = Women's Health Initiative. Sorry, so many abbreviations lately. It was a large study in the United States that was the basis for the media declaring that hormone therapy caused breast cancer. I mention it from time to time, but I focus more on the practical and applicable side of perimenopause.
Thanks ππΌ for the information! I need your newsletter. π
I only recently learned about this from my Swedish friend living in Dubai after a few years of living in USA during Trump's last administration. There is a lot of info on this topic from a European perspective but I know nothing!!
Do you mean the topic of hormone therapy and menopause, Audra?
yeah sorry! I jumped from reading about RFK Jr ambushes to HRT and forgot to add an intro... lol #overwhelmed
Gotcha. Yeah, I know nothing about the topic as well and have heard different European perspectives. I was in Amsterdam a few days ago and thought of you. Hope you're doing well!
His career, his organizational ability, and the way he's conducted his advocacy paint a good picture. He's a talented administrator, with strong ethics, remarkable intellectual capacity, and the social aptitude to work with difficult people. There's a lot to like.
This is the stark opposite of one of the first comments I got about Bobby in this series. I love the diverse opinions of my readers. π©΅