12/4/25 - The R-word, threatening trends, and DIY health
Hello!
Today we see the return, in more ways than one, of an old topic – plus a high-altitude look at disability issues today, and a grim assessment of winter virus season. Enjoy, I guess ...
Donald Trump's Nephew, Whose Son Has 'Severe' Disabilities, Asks 'Where Has This Country Gone?' After Uncle Uses the R-Word
Meredith Kile, People - December 2, 2025
"On Sunday, Nov. 30, Donald's nephew Fred wrote on X, 'As the parent of a young adult with severe disabilities, the use of the 'R' word is never acceptable and is very hurtful. Where has this country gone that we even have to discuss this?'"
While this revival of a crude disability slur is genuinely upsetting and harmful, it's hard not to feel that the outrage around it is a bit pointless. It's important to keep speaking out whenever someone like President Trump uses the R-word. And messages like this from his own nephew are especially valuable. But it's dispiriting to see people yet again try to make Donald Trump's blatant ableism a thing – a scandal that will somehow finally sour some of his supporters on him. There are many things that could politically ruin Trump. But I don't think his use of the R-word is ever going to be the "last straw." Unfortunately, Americans culture is still too comfortable with it.
Seven Trends Threatening People With Disabilities
Andrew Oliver - December 3, 2025
Via: Mark Johnson
"Various scattered developments have continued to converge into deeper trends that threaten the lives of people with disabilities. It’s hard to discern the real threats, let alone know what to do about them, so here’s my effort to help make sense of it."
I have no argument with any of these seven listed threats. There is always room to add a few more, but the trends presented here ring pretty true. This is a good overview – a chance to step back, regroup, and think about what to do next, as we approach a new year.
Your guide to the weirdest winter virus season we’ve ever had
Dylan Scott, Vox.com - December 3, 2025
"We’re a deeply divided country, specifically on the subject of public health. And that means a lot of your neighbors aren’t going to take precautions."
Let's not forget. This "DIY" approach to public health has been lurking in the background and occasionally breaking through for years – even in the peak COVID years when shutdowns, masking, and vaccines were supposedly the order of the day. What we are seeing now is just a more thorough and officially-endorsed version of the "you're on your own" approach, and, by implication, the "too bad for you!" attitude towards the elderly, the chronically ill, and people with disabilities. It's probably going to take years, maybe decades to rebuild any sort of cooperative sense of public health. So while we continue to fight for better health policy, each of us will need to take practical steps to protect ourselves. This article is light on actual advice. But it's a start.
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