The Watford Observer scolds its readers for losing sight of “feelings.”

At the time of writing, the comment section underneath our online story ‘Petition as girls’ school trust will no longer admit transgender pupils’ had grown to more than 120 entries.

It is one of the most divisive subjects of our times, with accusations of ‘cancel culture’ and ideology even tainting formerly beloved figures like JK Rowling.

Is it Rowling who is “tainted” by the accusations, or is it the rabidly furious people who scream about her who are tainted?

The argument does not necessarily split along right/left political lines, with many feminists who might once have been considered left-wing aligning themselves with views on the right.

So the argument does not necessarily split along right/left political lines, but it’s definitely views on the right that many feminists are aligning themselves with. It takes real talent to contradict yourself that flatly within a single sentence.

It’s not a sharp mind behind the writing of this editorial.

But what often gets lost as people take sides and make accusations about others’ agendas are the feelings of the people in the midst of it.

I beg your pardon? How could we possibly lose sight of the putative Feelings of the people we’re disagreeing with when their agonized Feelings are their only argument??

And what about our feelings? Eh? We bizarro feminists who might once have been considered left-wing but are now aligning ourselves with views on the right according to the Watford Observer? What about our feelings about being told to shut up and take whatever is thrown at us?

Nothing, that’s what. We don’t count as people.

They may have spent many years feeling confused about their gender and how they fit in to the world around them. Then when they do dare tell others how they feel and try to live a fulfilling life they find themselves facing hostility and hatred.

I see. There’s only one “they” here, and it’s not women reminding the world of our own rights. The only “they” that matters is the one that feels “confused” about its “gender.”

These people suffer a far higher rate of mental health problems, as well as being more likely to be the victims of violence and murder.

Higher than what? More likely than what? Really not a sharp mind here.

So before we weigh in on who should be allowed into what space or sporting field, we should consider how we present our opinions on such a sensitive issue.

We should remember first and foremost that we are dealing with real people whose feelings should be respected.

Women are real people too. We have feelings too. We even think our feelings should be respected just as much as those other people’s are.