Pronoun Usage / Virus Update

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

I was going to eventually read Dennis Baron's book, or at least skim it, but the Big V (my pet name for COVID-19) closed down the NYPL, even before I had a chance to pick up another reserve.  The author discussed his book at NYPL this year in fact and C-SPAN just re-aired an appearance he had with a trans journalist (she sounds a bit saucy).  The complexities of pronoun usage is not something that was just a thing in recent years. 

Part of the thing cited was debate early on over the use of the universal (?) "he."  Could, e.g., a woman become President?  Some said "no," but others pointed to usages like this.  Women do not lack the right against self-incrimination.  So, the usage of the male pronoun must at least sometimes be intended to be universal.  It should be noted that usage of "he" does have baggage, including a general supposition that public matters will only involve men, even if that would entail crime too.  Striking to me too is that that "himself" is something I pass over.  In fact, and I'm not your ordinary constitutional reader, first was like "wait! the amendment says 'person,' right?"  It does, but not for that one thing for some reason, apparently since the possessive pronoun fits there.

And, we do not have a generic third person singular form whose sex is determined by context though can also in effect by "he or she." The Latin for "I came, I saw, I conquered," the famous Julius Caesar line were merely verbs of a certain person.  The usage of pronouns is not necessary as much as it would be in English.  It is interesting and/or ironic that a language like ours, with so many words with various meanings and providing shades of meanings of the same general concept, is so limited with "he" and "she."  Even the modern day "you" is less particular than it might be in another language where one form is more formal than the other. 

(The book is not about trans issues particularly but there is overlap. I would be interested in a book that provides a history of trans development since again one might get the idea it is, with apologies to Justice Alito whose 70th birthday was on 4/1 -- he is such a kidder -- younger than cell phones.)

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A bit of a virus update. For one thing, though this doesn't really change things much including my overall sentiments on the response, found out one of my sisters [a public school teacher with some mild if troublesome health condition though her husband has a more serious heart issue] found out she has the virus.  She apparently is doing okay enough and is one of millions really that is likely to have some form of it, many without knowing it.  The problem is some subset is particularly at risk, thousands in this country already dying. Thus, e.g., the need for isolation, masks etc. Her husband might be an example as is my elderly mom. not too nearby.

I obviously have a personal stake in it now, but didn't I before? New York City, my home, is greatly affected now.  Not to be heartless, but my sister is a statistic as much as I am in my home.  BTW, being able to do less, including even going to the library, is a possible road to spending much of your time doing trivial things and eating too much.  I gather I don't merely speak from experience, but yes ... e.g., you'd think I would be reading more books-wise, but in fact have read less, spending more time online.

 I don't like to personalize these things and only say it here since basically no one reads it. Did not comment on Twitter.  But, it is important for some to speak out about personal effects.  We do respond more when things aren't seen as merely academic.  We always shared personal accounts in some form be it at the bar, coffeehouse, marketplace, church or what have you.  It is helpful for some to share too.  I do fear at times that one might be given too much weight; my sister has the virus! Cannot challenge me without insulting me!  Yes, can still be wrong about things and so forth.  I also prefer to keep things private.

Anyway, it does seem unreal -- first week in March, normal, even if the educated on the question knew what could come, first week in April, so many things shut down and so forth.  The efforts made to respond, even on the federal level with all the problems there, is amazing.  Yes, a lot of problems. But, consider even something as small as daily meals for children at public schools here, now expanded to adults.  Monday to Friday.  I checked the vegetarian option on Friday and it might not be quite a complete meal (hummus, carrots, applesauce, pretzels and chocolate milk or peanut butter and cheese, I was told) for the day, but not bad at all.  For free, for all, no questions. 

My state senator, Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, has detailed email updates and there is a text you can send to get some from the city.  Meanwhile, a budget was crafted for the state, and some liberals (including my rep and senator) found it seriously wanting in a variety of ways. A reminder that Gov. Andrew Cuomo might be competent, especially in an emergency (his brother also caught the virus), but people were concerned for him reasonably.  I have good team representing me though my city council person is someone I have issues with (as noted in the past).

When the NYPL first closed, there was a tentative two week time frame though books were extended until April 15th.  Now, it is more indefinite as seen by the postponing of the presidential primary to late June, which is the time of the city/state primaries.  But, who is to know how long?  We are now hearing talk of concerns bout the November elections.  Who knows.