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I’m introducing a new feature called The Junk Drawer.
You know, that kitchen drawer where you stuff everything that doesn’t have an intuitive place elsewhere in your home? Old hot sauce packets? Spare change and batteries? Unfamiliar kitchen utensils that lack a clear purpose but vaguely seem at home in a kink seminar?
Also: the drawer for those who are lazy and need a place to put random things. (Me.)
This feature will be a weekly thing that offers odds and ends, mostly just interesting stuff that may not merit a larger essay but nonetheless makes me think or laugh or otherwise feel something.
I’ll also include any upcoming events I’ll be doing and personal news.
Here’s a cool feature of this: all are encouraged to submit items for consideration in The Junk Drawer. See something quirky or notable? Send it to me, and I’ll write it up as an item and credit you. (Email: cmclymer@gmail.com)
Lizzo plays a flute and some conservatives play themselves
On Tuesday night, Lizzo played a show at the Capitol One Arena here in D.C. — she was predictably fantastic, especially a segment in which she introduced, on behalf of the Library of Congress, a crystal flute once owned by James Madison from the early 1800s. She then became the first person ever to play it. She was magnificent. You can watch the full segment here, and you absolutely should.
A number of conservative commentators complained loudly that she “disrespected history” by playing the flute, though they failed to elaborate on how it was disrespectful. One commentator—to whom I will not link—claimed that her playing the flute was an attempt to humiliate white people.
I’m white, and I was at the show. I did not get the memo that Lizzo was attempting to humiliate me by playing a flute. She came across, however, as a history nerd and a music nerd and a nerd to whom I aspire in my own nerdiness.
Seriously, watch the damn video. It’ll make you smile.
I’m not a fan of performative hurricane coverage
This week saw the landfall of Hurricane Ian, the second major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic season. It hit Southwest Florida at Category 4 strength on Weds. afternoon and barreled up the state over the following 24 hours, leaving in its wake widespread death and destruction.
Some experts predict it will be the largest hurricane economic loss in the state’s history. Karen Clark & Co, a catastrophe modeling firm, estimated the economic loss would be $63 billion and the total economic damage to “well over $100 billion”.
While the hurricane made landfall, the trope of vulnerable human beings reporting in the thick of it seemed to endure with no expectation of ever stopping.
Admittedly, I have never understood the appeal of watching some poor soul in a light parka needlessly stand outside in the middle of a hurricane to tell millions of folks watching at home that hurricanes are, in fact, quite dangerous. This isn't a gospel that needs evangelists.
Like, does anyone really think someone tuned into The Weather Channel today because they were skeptical about the lethality of a Category 4 hurricane? No, of course not. This is all entertainment. It's a show. And it's very weird that we all just kinda go along with it.
About that hero Coast Guardsman
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, U.S. Coast Guardsman Zach Loesch received a call from President Biden thanking him for his lifesaving rescue efforts. Rightwing media then jumped on this, pointing out that Loesch is expected to be separated from service within days due to his refusal to take the COVID vaccine. Here are a few of those headlines:
Fox News: “Biden thanks Coast Guard rescuer for hurricane heroics days before firing over vaccine policy”
New York Post: “Biden thanks Coast Guard member for hurricane rescue — days before vax mandate firing”
You get the picture.
But what they won't tell you is that this Coast Guardsman, when he enlisted in the military and began basic training, took vaccines for:
-- adenovirus
-- influenza
-- measles
-- meningococcal
-- mumps
-- polio
-- rubella
-- tetanus-diphtheria
-- varicella
They won't tell you that this Coast Guardsman was then required to take an annual influenza shot and--if he deployed--more than likely took additional vaccinations.
So, this Coast Guardsman has no problem with vaccinations. He's only doing this out of extreme partisanship.
This Coast Guardsman is not above the rules. He is not a special snowflake. He does not get preferential treatment because his politics are misaligned with common sense public health policies reasonably implemented by the military.
So, when you see some conservatives today inevitably claim that "a hero's career is being destroyed" over not taking the COVID vaccine, remember that he didn't have this issue with vaccines before now.
He made this choice all by himself and for selfish reasons.
Personal news…
My birthday is next week! I’ll be turning 36 on October 12th. Every year, I do a birthday fundraiser for Running Start, an org that empowers young women and non-binary folks to get involved in politics. More details regarding that on Monday.
I was unanimously confirmed by the D.C. City Council as one of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s nominees to the D.C. Human Rights Commission — very excited to serve in this volunteer role!
You know that Super Follower thing you’ve been seeing on Twitter? Well, I’m doing it now, and anyone who Super Follows me gets a follow-back. Just go to my Twitter profile and click “Super Follow”.
It’s a new fiscal year and school year, and I’m always available for speaking engagements. Looking for someone to speak at your conference, college, or company? Click here.
Where I’m gonna be in the near future…
Oct. 5-9: 2022 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS in San Juan, Puerto Rico (if you’re also attending and see me there, please say hello!)
Oct. 11: Sustainability Awards in Washington, D.C.
Oct. 12-15: Lesbians Who Tech San Francisco Summit (tickets here)
Oct. 15: moderating book tour event for “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan at the Smithsonian Zoo Visitor Center Auditorium in Washington, D.C. (tickets here)
Oct. 16: Regina Spektor concert in Washington, D.C. (so excited for this!!!)
Hi, I’m Charlotte Clymer, and this is Charlotte’s Web Thoughts, my Substack. It’s completely free to access and read, but it’s also how my bills! So, please do kindly consider upgrading to a paid subscription: just $7/month or save money with the $70/annual sub. You can also go way above and beyond by becoming a Lifetime Member at $210.
The Junk Drawer -- Vol. I