Man and/or Machine

 

Roughly 10,000 years ago the Neolithic evolution occurred.  Man was no longer just being a hunter and gatherer. Then, Homo sapiens began to farm , create material goods , become herdsmen, using their brains, imagination and energy to create a more favorable environment for many . The  Industrial Evolution followed  in which machines then  replaced human energy and human thought, Cybernetics, increased production  and machines themselves assumed control of other machines within the production process.  The evolution proceeded and this technology along with AI and other devices is headed in the direction of machines taking control of humans.  Today,the young are faced with many psychological issues including but not limited to loneliness,  boredom,depression, hate , suicide and  low academic achievement .  This essay associates these issues and “causes” with technology.

To begin, the newborn is limited and unable to distinguish between  himself and the outside world.  Freud called this state primary narcissism. Primary narcissism is a condition in which the infant loves himself , with supreme egotism only because he is unaware of any difference between himself and other people or objects in his life space . It is  a state in which there is no relation to objects or people. 

Developmentally , the infant proceeds and becomes able to overcome his magical thinking( omnipotent wish and control) to develop  more of a realistic sense of reality between his own feelings and actions within  his many experiences .And, realizes the limitations, that he is not the master of the universe. That his crying,tantrums and other  noxious behaviors do not always result in gratification . Further, he develops insights and  learns  satisfying behaviors that  crystallize and eventually  he becomes able to meet his ego's need  for Affiliation.  And , with normal development , he is able to cooperate or reciprocate with an allied other, be able to please , win affection of another ,to adhere and remain loyal to a friend.  If successful, that  child proceeds and  develops  a state of secondary narcissism.

Proceeding to a  state of secondary narcissism has extreme implications. To illustrate, as a school-age boy after school ,weekends and during summer vacation, I left the comfort of  home and went to various neighbors to play . Sports were my passion and I had little difficulty taking part in these activities.  In fact,  my  neighbor Henry had a basketball rim  attached to his  parents garage.and whenever I saw he was out shooting baskets, I joined him and  met the  ego need of Play- which is  without purpose, like laughing, making jokes and participating in games,or sports. While playing sports, other ego needs were met, such as Achievement- achieving and mastering something difficult , to be independent, overcome obstacles, attain standards, to excel and deal with rivals,to increase self regard by successful exercise of talent was met and developed during those playful activities.  Also, the ego need of Counteraction was met by overcoming obstacles, difficulties and challenges in maintaining self-respect and pride . Further, the ego need of Deference was met by admiring and praising other exceptional athletes.  Even the ego need of Dominance was met being able to organize and persuade others to participate. The ego  need of Exhibition -making an impression, to be seen and heard,  to entertain, to entice others was also met.  And moreover , the  importance of having interpersonal relationships, friends, unions, children and family was the meeting of the ego need of Affiliation which was necessary for appropriate secondary narcissism and on the road to well-being.   In essence, many ego needs were met in the state of secondary narcissism .

On the other hand, take a hypothetical male today.  This fictitious or  imaginary person has all the latest electronic gadgets and is more  likely to spend time after school ,weekends and summers in a room or basement alone  rather than spending time with others . And,is unable to  develop or experience emotional intimacy. He’s passive and leads a boring life.Yet,his iPhone will be  close as it’s his” security “ blanket, so to speak.  He doesn't leave home without it and takes it to bed with close proximity.  It's his attachment in which he is dependent upon overall even though it doesn't provide  nourishment,warmth , being kissed, or being physically held. Electronic devices  are good for some but not good for him. His luxury items  are evil and make him  more impersonal and vulnerable to manipulation.

The iPhone and video games , for example ,  provide constant and instant reinforcement and  gratification. They do not provide or give the opportunity for the ego to develop the necessary frustration tolerance or appropriate delay of gratification or tolerance . It’s  what I want, I’m entitled . It’s  part of a narcissistic character structure. It's a paradise of  superflicity. And, with addiction, results in  making one passive and lazy .The  device , the  Interaction, is passive in the sense that it does not result in productivity, art , creativity or  the ego need of sex . The repetitive  stimulus response becomes addictive, resulting in more and more of a connection to this inhuman inorganic thing.  Yes, one can achieve and become proficient in playing this game .. However,this inorganic device  doesn't  adequately meet the ego's need for affiliation.

This fictitious individual likely becomes irrationally attached to some social media group.  And, because this loner individual has a  faulty , incomplete ,emotionally toxic relationship with father, it’s  more likely for him to  act out in a rebellious,oppositional,  or antisocial manner. Anti social behaviors like,hate and prejudice are unifications with these  illusive associations . In other words, it's not surprising that this fictitious  character  has  not developed. secondary narcissism-appropriate interpersonal and concrete relationships.thus not meeting what’s necessary for mental health - the ego need of affiliation

As far as education, learning and school is concerned, these electronic devices are terrific for stimulus response learning. “ However, when the material is impersonal and without meaning, that short term  memory is quickly forgotten..For learning to be effective, it takes a form of significant meaning and then that individual can gather information, synthesize, interpret, relate and associate that material for long-term learning  to take place.  For example, there's plenty of online "classes."  Simply put, being on one's computer, iPhone, one can answer questions with having the open book  answers easily at hand.  Its stimulus response  behavior  to  those answers to those questions which  are then quickly forgotten.  The goal is not learning but simply to pass a course of requirements or answers to a test.  In other words, reason, intellectual curiosity, and insightful  inquiries are  not  developed or required.  Short-term reciting of “facts”is quickly forgotten and is not learned . And now,  students are able to  present and submit written material or plagiarism  based on some algorithm.

From a Gestalt -field theory point of view ,learning involves an ongoing, purposive person, interacting with his own perception within his psychological environment or life space.  Need , a hypothetical tension system ,valence ,satiation ,levels of aspiration are  concepts associated with productive learning.  For example, if I wanted to learn about something important to me, a hypothetical  state of tension is created and that learning becomes the goal.  The only way to reduce the  tension is to accomplish that learning goal .  Of course there are barriers in the way and the activity has to have a positive  valence. Or, if the activity becomes  too repetitive, a negative valence  occurs with satiation  and learning stops.. Reading and/or interacting  or listening to someone intelligent,for me ,is an activity with  a positive valence.  However, if or when the material becomes repetitive ,satiation sets in with a negative  valence.   

Surveys have expressed parental displeasure when they purchased various devices for their children. The parents recognize a problem but  seem inept in dealing with their children  Lately some school districts are now  limiting iPhone usage at school. Not to dismiss the pressures for consensus, belonging  and having what all the children have, brings back memories of my dear friend Jonathan and his three boys.  While they were young, Jonathan and his wife, Tara, did their best to reduce the time the boys spent with their electronic devices despite opposition.  I remember Jonathan remarking  about that constant struggle with  the boy's peer group .

Humans can be characterized as either having positive interactions with another; moving aggressively against another and/or withdrawing from others.  Man is born a complex biological organism within a social life space .  The normal process of development of  secondary narcissism produces self-involvement with objects, people, groups, social organizations in the physical and social environment. 

 Residing with significant and various degrees of social isolation results in developing a negative self-concept and a plethora of psychological issues. With this being so, these individuals have difficulty distinguishing right from wrong;have an impaired aesthetic sense ,language impairments ,and are incapable of intelligent abstract thinking while their mental health suffers.  Therefore, only living with a positive  ratio in the “human’-electronic world  results in having a biological organism with a unique type and  emerging  as a  potentially humanistic or “healthy” psychological person.

In summation, from the beginning and proceeding to the end of life,  humans continuously interact and develop through a series of different experiences in behaving, thinking and feeling.  Harry Harlow's research  demonstrated the necessary warmth of a caretaker with his rhesus monkeys during  feeding that resulted in positive emotional experiences . Without that necessary. contact,those monkeys became "neurotic" . The  importances  of being human, of being reared and interacting with another human is emotionally ,intellectually and morally different than primarily with some robotic device.  A few quotes follow.  First, by Epicurus ," While the means which wisdom requires to ensure happiness throughout the whole of life, by far the most important is friendship." Einstein "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."And,"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."   Confucius "The man of virtue is not left to stand alone.  He who practices it will have neighbors."  Marx "Luxury is no less an evil than poverty.”And Stanley Milgram.  "It may be that we are puppets-that's controlled by the strings of  society.  But at least we are puppets with perception with awareness.  And perhaps our awareness is the first step toward liberation." 

PS

Full-page advertisement from Okta ((the world's identity  company) found in the January 4, 2026, The New York Times: “AI agents on the rise? Put chaos on the decline.”

Reference

Bigge, Morris L.  Learning Theories For Teachers.

Murray, Henry A. Explorations in Personality.

Our Republic

 

An article titled "My Love for America Is Unconditional,"  written by David Brooks ,was published in the November 30, 2025 edition of The New York Times. A few definitions follow before my response.  America is defined as a continent of North America, South America, and lands of the Western Hemisphere.  Patriotism is defined as devotion and vigorous support of one's country. Love is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection and can be used as a noun or verb . It's a feeling of deep affection for someone to be in love with, to be infatuated with that arises out of oneself, or personal ties.  And proud, defined as feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities or possessions, or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.

In this article, Brooks wrote that in 2001, 90% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats said they were extremely or very proud to be American.  And today, 92% of Republicans say they are proud to be American, while 36% of Democrats do  according to a recent Gallup survey.  He also pointed out that Gen Z.  Democrats say they feel little or no pride in being American compared  to feeling very proud. For those respondents, proud refers to self, another , both  or something else ?

Brooks goes on to say that his patriotism is more like that of a Republican in that it is unconditional and is based on what America has always been.  He added that his patriotism is rooted in the nation's ability to arouse ambition and energy and goes on to quote, an example  given by a Frenchman involved in the French - Indian war in the 18th century . And he follows with this energy is related to a force that  also produces crassness materialism and from time to time immaturity.  He mentioned Abraham Lincoln  and then states  the "gaudy display of a Donald Trump and the occasional recklessness of an Elon Musk.

 Further, he quoted Walt Whitman  "Americans have an almost maniacal appetite for wealth."  And that Whitman never stopped celebrating the nobility of regular working people.  Additionally, he quotes FDR “happiness lies not in the mere possessions of money, it lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of created effort. “ And finished with  a statement about Ronald Regan’s optimism, patriotism and hope.

First, there is a difference between love, patriotism and being proud.  Love , as a verb, pertains to not only an emotion or feelings, but behavior associated with that object as it is highly inter-personal .Emotions  constantly change , related behavior and thinking also changes.  With this being so,  feelings , thinking, actions and interactions also change in a ratio of positive or negative direction depending upon a multitude of variables  associated with another over time . Also, depending on the degree and severity of another’s  inappropriate , toxic,or  sadistic  character orientation  that’s expressed in words and behavior,  I am unable to love that other who consistently and pathologically lies cheats with threatening and abusive behavior. I do not love thy enemy.

I  am an American and marvel at the perseverance,  outstanding accomplishments, contributions , and the humanism of so many Americans.  Although Benjamin Franklin wasn't mentioned, I recognize his brilliance and moral change when he became an abolitionist.  Abraham Lincoln, was  the most instrumental humanist president of all time, and second to none.  Walt Whitman was a brilliant poet and I applaud FDR's efforts in combating Nazi-ism, but not his political position regarding placing limits on European Jewish refugees.  He was morally wrong in that regard.

I agree with Brooks regarding the people of our republic's ambition and energy but find it limiting.,too narrow and not the full story  of our republic .  Our republic's history is very complex and contradictory and I cannot dismiss Brooks  referring to Trump as only being gaudy. Trump, the convicted felon and pathological liar, betrayed the idea and  peaceful implementation of democracy and the constitution with his attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results and his constant whining and fraudulent claim about the  election. He was and is a pathological  liar.

 Our elections and peaceful  transfer of power, according to the founding fathers, was supposed to be  unique .  What might Lincoln ,Whitman, FDR and Ronald Reagan ( Iran-Conta Affair) say about Trump’s role in the January 6 riot at the capital?  If Brooks' love for Trump is unconditional , that's based on his denial, rationalization, and intellectualization at best.Intellectually, Brooks is no fool?  Keep your head above ground and acknowledge reality .

Our Republic’s policies , not America, to be more precise, have been extraordinary at times; and at other times, inhumane ,discriminatory, sadistic and inappropriate.  Just recently, there was a murder by Ice in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  A 37-year-old mother  of 3 children was shot and killed by a murderer working for the president.  Brooks, how would you describe that action and Trump’s response ?  What about your unconditional love for the Ice, the president and all the sycophants with their lying propaganda ,deceit and fictional stories?  How can you be proud of all the lies, corruption, moral failings, criminal behavior and constitutional disregard by this fascist GOP government in America at this time ?  

Moreover, Benjamin Franklin, in the 1700’s stated four important behavioral ideals t 1.  Be extremely frugal.  2.  Endeavor to speak the truth.  3.  Apply myself industriously.  4 Speak ill of no man.  Brooks, how does  Trump and his followers compare and measure up with Franklin’s ideals ?  Furthermore, Paul Ekman developed a list of 6 primary emotions that include: 1 anger .2 disgust .3 happiness.  4  sadness, 5 fear and 6  surprise.  Pertaining to Trump and his behavior, policies, and statements, I've experienced every emotion except happiness.  And, I take exception to your vague and misuse of the word love.Love is an active  emotional based interactive act resulting in a response.  Your wide range or gross meaning  of the word love has lost the clarity and  essence. 

Reference

Ekman, Paul.  Emotion in the Human Face. 

Discrimination

 

It's been said that history repeats itself.  It’s human history that’s repeated.There are similarities throughout the history of man which are based, in part, largely on the consistency of character and personality within the various  socioeconomic societies . Briefly ,this essay characterizes America about 100 years ago as authors F. Scott Fitzgerald , Theodore Dreiser ,John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway , John Dos Passos,Jack London and others presented stories depicting that time period  in our Republic. How relevant are their stories compared to today ?

Racist psychology ,in the 1920s ,promoted pseudoscientific ideas pertaining to WASP racial superiority . Also, there was  an eugenics movement that advocated selective breeding to improve our population by targeting marginalized groups.  In fact, social Darwinism was used and abused  to justify  racial hierarchies. survival of the fittest. White nationalism is still alive.

We had immigration laws that were enacted to limit immigration from certain countries deemed racially inferior.  There was also media and literature that perpetuated negative stereotypes about racial  ethnic minorities. And, segregation laws , with institutionalized  Jim Crow racism  promoted and enacted  racial separation .Do the majority of today’s rapists,murders and drug traffickers come from -across the border ?

The Robber Barons or the Titans of the Gilded Age included Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jay Gould, Jim Fisk, and John D.  Rockefeller.  These figures dominated and influenced the labor movement battling against collective bargaining ,living wage, employee benefits etc.  On the other side and perhaps the most significant person in the history of the American labor movement was  the Dutch Jew Samuel Gompers.  He represented the "underdogs" And, he persisted in his effort to improve the lives of working people by establishing unions.

 There were many battles and casualties against the workers perpetuated and enforced by government police agencies.They broke the “strikes.” There was significant income inequality then..Today’s tech billionaires come to mind with their power and influence .Today union membership , workers aged 45 to 54 had the highest union membership rate in 2024 at 12.6% . In comparison, workers aged 16 to 24 had the lowest union membership rate at 4.3%  Trump, no friend to unions or workers, undermines them .

The immigration act of 1924 slowed immigration from undesirable countries and favored Northern and Western Europeans..  It limited and set quotas on the number of immigrants from Asia, eastern and southern Europe and also authorized the creation of the country's first formal border control service.  The US border patrol  was established as a control system allowing entry only to those who first obtained a visa from a US Consulate abroad.  The rationale ,at that time, pertained to  public and political concerns about the  country's changing social and demographic landscape.  It significantly reduced immigration from countries outside the Western Hemisphere and the total annual immigration quota.  The rest of the world was capped at 165,000, an 80% reduction of the yearly average before 1914.  Its purpose was to preserve the ideal of US homogeneity.  Note, I was taught in school that we were a melting pot . Sending individuals elsewhere, without due process is simply discrimination ..

Today, we have approximately 20% less foreign students applying to our universities than  we did last year.  Also , Afghan immigration applications are stopped as well as immigrants from other countries. Trump said Somalis are garbage and they should go back to where they came from.  His administration claimed it can classify undocumented 14-year-old Venezuelans as alien enemies and deport them without judicial review.  Miller said migrants and their descendents re-create the conditions and terrors of their broken homelands. 

 A few titles of articles from the December 21, 2025 edition of The New York Times are other illustrations of Trump's discrimination regarding immigration: 1.  For Sikh Truckers, a New Wariness on the Road-a Trump administration crackdown is distressing an immigrant community of long-haul drivers 2.  Administration Pushes Asylum Seekers to Apply in Other Countries.  3.  Queens Man And Son, 6, Are Deported Back to China.

The voting right act of 1965 allocated visas based primarily on family unification and applicant's ability to contribute to the labor market.  Every immigrant is individually vetted and immigration is worldwide, and no longer are any nationalities automatically restricted.  Actually,America is stronger for it.  Nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, and many came from countries that were heavily restricted before 1965.  Immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than native born Americans. And, Afghans are no exception. 

The KKK is an American Protestant led white supremacist far right hate group.and was founded in 1865 during reconstruction in the South. Historians have characterized the klan as America's first terrorist group.  The group was structured as a secret society containing several different organizations that had historically resorted to terrorism, violence and acts of intimidation to impose their sadism and oppress their victims mostly African-Americans, Jews and Catholics.

The KKK of the 1920s had a nationwide membership in the millions and reflected a cross-section of the nativeborn white Protestant population;. The klan was largely a reaction to the growing civil rights movement and issued murder and bombings to achieve its aims.  They called for the "purification" of American society.  In fact, the KKK had a rally in New York at Madison Square Garden and one of Trump's relatives, his grandfather, was in attendance. Today’s Heritage  Foundation comes to mind with their anti -Semitic cronies as well as the hate expressed on social media . The ADL responds quickly to anti-sematic attacks: monitors ,exposes and disrupts  anti-Semitism online; supports Jewish students facing harassment at school and uses litigation to protect and defend Jewish communities.

Henry Ford fanned anti-Semitism and made racial hatred bear the false resemblance of respectability.  In fact, his 100 or more hate publications perpetuated his power and his hatred and ignorance.  He waged a war against Jews and asserted that some members of some ethnic and racial groups should not be allowed to immigrate to the United States.  His columns accused the Jews of radicalism.  He also used his influential business power and fortune to promote anti-Semitism  in the United States and was admired by some Nazi leaders, including Hitler.  

Also, the Canadian American Catholic priest Charles Coughlin was a demagogue and one of the first political leaders to use radio to reach a mass audience who supported social justice and anti-Semitism.  An estimated 30 million listeners tuned into his weekly broadcasts.  A few of his quotes.  "We have lived to see the day that modern Shylock's have grown fat and wealthy, praised and defied because they have perpetuated the ancient crime of usury under the modern racket of statesmanship."  "I have dedicated my life to fighting against the  US rottenness of modern capitalism because it robs the labor of this world's goods.  But blow for blow.  I shall strike against communism because it robs us of the next world's happiness ."  Coughlin expressed sympathy for the fascist governments of Hitler in Germany and Mussolini in Italy terming them as an antidote to communism.."  From Berlin, they identified Coughlin as a German hero in America for the moment, with his sympathetic statements or Nazi-ism as a defensive front against Bolshevism.Today  the authoritarian Putin is supported, not Zelensky, a Ukrainian Jew. and president since 2019.

At the university level, Harvard had racist admissions practices in the 1920s by implementing a quota system to restrict the number of Jewish students.  This Harvard plan was enacted to maintain a balance of ethnicities favoring Anglo-Saxon applicants. Actually these practices reflected broader societal prejudices and anti-somatic sentiments of the era.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-sematic incidents in the US  have reached an all-time high.  In recent years, hate crimes against Jewish individuals have increased significantly, making up a large percentage of religiously motivated hate crimes.  Also ,online.  anti-Semitism has surged with a notable rise in hate speech and conspiracy theories on social media  platforms.  Moreover, surveys have indicated a significant portion of the population holds anti-Semitic beliefs often unknowingly. And, the ADL reports that anti-Semitic rhetoric has been linked to extremist groups and movements as in the Bondi Beach  attack.

The number of incidents against Jewish students has been reported and documented during the Israel and Gaza conflict.  As if American Jewish students have anything to do with or have influence with the Israeli government?  Discrimination and hate continues.

Disliking, exploiting, discriminating and oppressing others  either aggressively or passive aggressively is a significant aspect pertaining to Homo sapiens and certainly not limited to the 1920s or today . Sadistic cruelty toward others is a matter of fact.  And, the powerful have had no difficulty in rationalizing , denying or dismissing their  hateful and flawed morality behaviors .  Unfortunately,many voters and non voters in the United States Republic’s 2016 and 2024 presidential election ; conservative Supreme Court Republicans with their unitary executive idea which is contrary to the beliefs of the brilliant Thomas Paine's writings in "Common Sense" regarding the separation of power ;congressional Republicans and unaccountable architects like  Vought, Miller, Rubio, Hegseth, Kushner and Witcoff  with Monroe doctrine beliefs and other discriminatory policies support a morally bankrupt  authoritarian  to implement the racist  “America First” agenda.  And, do not deny that our Republic was founded and had flourished with discrimination.  However,  in our  Republic’s history, some of the powerful  made significant improvements with  humanistic  policies in combating discrimination .Today ,many more are better off than those in the 18th and 20th century. The battle for liberty and the pursuit of Human rights is in danger and  requires perseverance of action .

Reference

Once Nativism Escalates, It Is Hard to Stop.  The New York Times, December 7, 2025.

The White House Is a Lost Cause.  The New York Times, December 21, 2025.

Trump's Monroe Doctrine Will Tip Our World Into Chaos.  The 

 New York Times, December 21, 2025

Mendacity or Fact

 

 A pertinent article was found in the November 30, 2025 edition of The New York Times.  That article was based on a book written by Joseph J.  Ellis, a Pulitzer winning historian, in his book " The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding."  This essay points to Washington and Jefferson’s moral character of prejudice and discrimination.

To begin, the importance of this quote can not be understated.. It’s a letter written to George Washington in 1785 from Robert Pleasantis, a fellow tobacco planter. Significantly, Pleasantis, a Quaker, freed his enslaved workers as soon as the  Virginia law allowed him to do so.  "Remember the cause for which thou wert called to the Command of the American army, was the cause of liberty and the Rights of Mankind." “ This Quaker reminded Washington of the irony  that many who had recently fought for freedom were now sitting in this state of ease, this dissipation and extravagance on the labour of Slaves."

In his book, Ellis acknowledged both the institution of slavery and the disposal of Native Americans.  Were these events  a flaw in the character of those in power or were the egalitarian principles founder's achievements, the obstacles they faced in achieving more and the progress the  nation has made more morally and significantly more important and relevant ?What about the morality of those in power?

Ellis acknowledged two unquestionably horrific tragedies the  founders oversaw . The American revolution disrupted slavery's as thousands of enslaved people fled to fight for the British and in Charleston . And, South Carolina patriots refused to arm enslaved men in exchange for their freedom, forcing the city  to surrender to the British in 1780. In essence, these  white ,in power, deprived others of liberty which  mattered more than securing their own. These fools dismissed morality and pursued  power, domination and economics .These greedy  were stupid.

Washington, who had owned people since he was 11 years old, later warned that by imposing new taxes, the British were seeking to make the colonists "as tame, and abject slaves,as the Blacks we rule over with such arbitrary Sway."  And,after the war, Washington was angry when British ships carried off enslaved servants who had fled Mount Vernon.  However,in  1790 Madison called slavery "a moral and political evil,"  but deemed it "improper to push for  abolition “ at that time. Ambivalence and contradictory .

Ellis  believed revolutionary leaders were well-meaning prisoners of circumstance and that they could not have abolished slavery even if they wanted to and that pushing for it would have divided the fragile union.  And, that slavery's rapid expansion stalled any resolution, turning at least some of the founders' hopes that slavery would eventually disappear  after  decades of paralysis broken only by the Civil War. So what ,we continue to have a fragile union. 

Additionally, in a  chapter about the forced expulsion of native peoples from their homelands,  Ellis downplayed Washington's lifelong involvement in the project of settler expansion. Also,  the total destruction and devastation of Iroquois's villages in 1779 goes unmentioned.  He presented Washington as powerless to obstruct the relentless tide of white settlers venturing westward and he also ignored the  American soldiers who waged war  against nations aligned in Northwestern Indian Confederacy across Ohio and Indiana.Yes, the “Father “ of our Republic was a racist who discriminated against his fellow man.

Would  the abolition of slavery have impeded the American revolution?  If so, an argument can be made about the importance of character and economics of our revolutionary heroes.  This means that the orientation of owning another fulfills the ego needs of aggression( to oppose and punish another), counteraction (to maintain self respect and pride on a high level) , dominance (to  direct the behavior of others by command) and  rejection( to exclude,expel  or remain indifferent to an inferior object).  And for Jefferson and others.  affiliation(to please and win affection  of a cathected object),, succorance (to have one’s needs gratified by the sympathetic aid of an allied object) and sex(to have sexual intercourse). And ,economically for profit and for the neurotic tendencies for power ,possession and prestige.

If we had lived in the 18th century, would we have done it any differently?  People with a character orientation like Trump would have pursued similar behavior based on the ego needs previously mentioned. In other words, ego needs, character orientation, within the influences of culture and society result in similar behaviors.per history..  

It's not about what we say or write as we, in various degrees ,lie, omit, rationalize,deny, distort,and  overlook in order to persuade, influence,escape responsibility, reality and to dominate.  It's about  our behavior ,actions -what we do .That’s our story and the rest is simply fiction and illusion.  For example,take  the terrific studio recording by the Beatles  "All you need is love.”.  The words and melody are  wonderful ,pleasing ,soothing, familiar and entertaining  but are  wish fulfillments- a fantasy . The " father" of our country.  Washington was acknowledged for his military brilliance but  was  also greedy, morally suspect, prejudiced and discriminatory . And, the brilliant intellectual Jefferson was greedy, prejudiced, discriminatory, ambivalent and morally inept but met his affiliative and sexual ego needs  with Sally Hemings ,his enslaved object . Essentially, our Republic’s ground floor was oriented and aligned with  prejudice and discrimination which continues today. The  discrimination  and  prejudice of the many  others  were demonstrated clearly every day , every year by their laws, politics,socioeconomics and ,religious acts .Therefore, their  unjust ,prejudicial and discriminatory actions on grounds of ethnicity  were embedded in their orientation of character and personality within the history, culture and society of Homo Sapiens  Freud  and others  have clearly described man and his contradictions , authoritarian conscience ,narcissism, irrationality and sado masochistic actions .The history of  this Republic  is repetitive and based on  the “kaleidoscope" of ego needs , character  orientation within  culture and  a capitalistic society. Discrimination with acts  of dominance, exploiting others for sex ,power , possession, and prestige suggest a  narcissistic quality for  personal gain, survival and define a group of  privileged Americans . .

Reference

Murray, Henry A. Explorations in Personalty

Food For Life

 

The content of this essay  began years ago. For instance, one fall day in  1957, I suggested to my parents that I wanted steak for breakfast, thinking that it would improve my on the field football performance.  Needless to say, my request was not honored.  Back in the day I believed that protein would benefit my strength and endurance. Not being alone is a quote by Bill Pearl, a four-time Mr. Universe, a former Mr. America and Mr. California who  was voted the world's best built man in 1974.  "In the mid-70s.  I often ate lunch at Perry Boys, an all-you-can-eat restaurant in Pasadena.  Bob, a hard-core bodybuilder who worked out in my gym, used to eat there. Bob believed that ingesting huge quantities of protein was necessary for muscle strength and bulk . In one session he would eat 15 minute steaks, 3 to 4 helping platters of chicken, mounds of cottage cheese and a quart of ice cream."........  Also ,"a good friend of mine has been known to eat   32 eggs a day."  Some things don't change as I still run and work out with machines and free weights.  As a result, I'm still interested in food ,nutrition for strength,endurance, and health.Incidentally, Bill became a vegan.

Nutritional balance is the foundation of a healthy diet as these chemical substances supply the body with heat and energy; provide material for growth : repair  body tissues and help regulate body processes.  In concert, the body burns three fuels for energy- proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  Protein is essential for growth and maintenance of all body tissue.  It is a major source of building material for muscle, blood, skin, hair, nails  and internal organs including the heart and brain.  Protein is also needed for the formation of hormones, including testosterone enzymes; substances necessary for basic life functions and for anti-bodies, which help resist foreign substances in the body.

Additionally ,the body needs approximately 22 amino acids to manufacture new protein.  13 of these can be manufactured in the body f\rom almost any source of nitrogen.  The nine that cannot be produced in the body are called essential amino acids.  These come directly from what we eat.  

Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids . Proteins contained in foods that lack or low in essential amino acids are called incomplete proteins.  Meat and dairy products are complete protein foods . Starches(except soybeans), are vegetables and fruits which are incomplete protein foods.

Not enough proteins may cause poor muscle tone, low energy levels, poor resistance to infection, slow recovery from wounds , weakening of  nails, hair and skin .Protein deficiency also makes it difficult to bounce back from a hard workout.  What counts is not the amount of protein you take, but the type of protein that counts.  When you eat too much protein, excess nitrogen is passed out as (urea) in  urine ( nitrogen) it  is the element that distinguishes protein from carbohydrates and fats.  The rest is broken down for  energy or stored as fat.  The main danger is kidney overload.  So it's important to drink plenty of water to help flush the kidneys.

There is an enormous amount of substantive information and research pertaining to nutrients, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.  Also, there are numerous diets that include Pritikin, Dr. Atkins, Mediterranean, Dash Diet , Weight Watchers and others. In addition, there are recommended foods, foods to avoid, low fat versus low carb, caloric restriction ,fasting, intermittent fasting  etc.With that being said, it's no wonder that many of us have difficulty with what and what not to eat. A few questions include : Is  red meat really a killer?  Are dietary supplements and vitamins necessary?  What about energy drinks?  And, what about dark chocolate, coffee and tea? Most and many of these issues are beyond the scope of this essay.

 In 1997 I was introduced to the sport of Ride and Tie.  Once again my interest and desire was awakened to increase strength and endurance.  Also, I  received the reference Stopping The Clock and took  numerous continuing education classes that focused on  Diet ,Longevity  and Cardiovascular Health; Inflammation and Nutrition;and  Evidence-based Nutritional Strategies for the Aging Brain . As a result, I have incorporated an eclectic approach for my health, and endurance from many  of these sources. Also, I  added and subtracted numerous substances over the years and will likely continue that practice. and continue to run and engage in free weights and machines  Further, in order to present the energy source,  I'm presenting my dietary approach today.  I am not recommending my approach.  Anyone interested in diet and so forth should consult their physician first.  

In no particular order, the following is an example of my ingestion of food and dietary supplements  in the morning : 1.  Blueberries , strawberries  and ginger  2. Whole grains  3. Apple, banana and tangerine 3.  Green tea 4. Red and green pepper 5.  MCT Oil 6. Carrots 7. Tomato 8. Broccoli 9.Yogurt 

10. Cinnamon 11.Whey protein 12. Collagen protein .13.Beets 14. Soy beans 15. Raisins .Additionally, vitamin supplements include :  A ;B12;CoQ 10; Calcium ;D3 ; Fish Oil ; Magnesium ;Turmeric and. Zinc

Additionally, there are side effects of eating healthy foods, especially fruits,vitamins and vegetables.  Essentially, which you eat relates to the aspects of your microbiome (bacteria,fungi, viruses ) in your gut This ,in effect, relates to your immune system, skeletal systems,  carbohydrate digestion , the manufacture of certain vitamins and so forth.  If you have an unhealthy gut (dysbiosis ) it puts you at risk of chronic diseases and neurological disorders.  We know that there is a communication system between the brain and the digestive track . And, these messages run along(vagus) nerves which extends from the gut to the brain.  In other words a healthy gut leads to a healthy brain.

Back in 1997 , I switched from eating granola for breakfast to making smoothies.  So , I began my day on a positive note. and I ate healthy for the rest of the day as a rule.  That does not mean that I am rigid as I enjoy fat and sugar.  So, when Linda and I go out for  lunch or dinner, we share pastrami and we split our sandwich in half.  When we attend Michigan football with the alumni, we share French fried potatoes.  And, when we come back on Interstate 5.,we  stop at Ghiradelli’ and share a hot fudge sundae with pleasure ..

My pursuing extreme sports is associated with healthy and productive food choice.  The two factors exercise and nutrition are associated with health span and  I am fortunate to have a supportive partner for the past 25 years.  A few quotes pertinent follow  1…. The cornerstone to your health is diet.   Dr. Willam  Castelli  2.Mark Twain, "when I was younger I can remember anything whether it had happened or not, but my faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so.  I cannot remember any but the things that never happened."  3.  "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."  Hippocrates. And, whether or not food is a source of survival, nutrition, comfort, symbol of love, recreational pastime ,connection to family and community, and occasionally the ground for potent emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, and depression ,the making of good choices is a difficult decision .

PS

For additional energy, dad provided me with honey during my football workouts.  And, on competitive trail runs.  I would drink Coke at the last  aid station .

Reference

Keep Your Gut Microbime Healthy to Support Brain Health.  Brain and Life. 

Cognition, Diet and Longevity.  Institute for Natural Resources 

Klatz, Ronald and Goldman, Robert.  Stopping The Clock.

Lara, Michael .  The Pharmacy in Your Kitchen: An Overview of Medical and Medicinal Foods’

Pearl, Bill.  Getting Stronger.

An Evil "Mother"

 

Sigmund Freud’s brilliance  provided us with inordinate amounts of insight into the motivation of man.  One  significant concept was the negative implications of the occurrence of an incestuous fixation or attachment to mother or a  mothering person. Psychologically, this begins pre Oedipal and was represented by an extraordinary amount of psychic  energy.  This fixation, according to Freud,not only affected man's capacity to relate to women.but  with this attachment, expressed itself  with an inordinate amount of dependence that interfered with his inability for independent and autonomous thought and behavior . The focus of his essay is  a negative attachment to “mother.”

As a result of genetics, the newborn is totally dependent for his survival on the mother or some other mothering person.  Without mothering, the infant parishes. That helpless infant craves care, nourishment ,warmth, certainty,

protection and satisfaction of its needs unconditionally.  During development, without having to be responsible, it pursues a longing for unconditional love, without any expectation of a loving response on his end.  This dynamic is not unique to adults.  Adults, although in many ways not as helpless , do become so much more aware of the dangers and risks during life's journey-  social forces beyond control ,accidents, unforeseen sickness and death.

During the numerous hazards and obstacles common during life, man's motivation becomes a longing for power or control which provides certainty, protection and love on a different level.  So, it's not surprising that man is driven relentlessly to pursue that previous  “ paradise."

Can  a "mother" be found in order to relieve the risk and the tragedies that occur during life ? What is more desirable and comforting  than to  receive unconditional love, protection and security ?  Initially, it's the personification of the mother.  However, that original mother ,as a person ,is often replaced or assisted by the family ,clan, those that share the same blood and/or have been born on the same soil.  Further, the size of the group increases to race, nation, religion or political powers that have now replaced and become the guarantors of protection and love.  In other words, there can be representations or representatives of the "mother."  So, the transfer of the motherly connection from the real mother  then proceeds psychologically  to the family, clan, nation, race, and so forth.

Factually, everybody's mother is likely to die before her children and therefore the need and requirement  for a mother figure becomes immortal.  Also, the attachment to one personal mother leaves one alone and isolated from others who have different mothers.  However, if the whole clan, nation, race, religion or God can become the common mother , then everybody is on the same page in the praise of the mother , and without rivalries or jealousy . Therefore, the “great “mother can become the cult of nationalism and patriotism.  Further, there is a close correlation between persons with a strong or incestuous fixation to their mothers and those with exceptionally strong ties to a nation, race, soil, and blood.

Additionally, and significantly certain learnings in various degrees affect and influence one's  orientation and personality . For instance, security, being saved, rescued , assisted, dependent, loyalty, obedient ,persuasiveness ,being a victim ,helped with the reduction of anxiety and being entitled become psychological and  behavioral tendencies.  These factors also fall within the province  and fear of losing love, affiliation and affection  Further, because and with  the degree of attachment, the loss of objectivity, reason, morality, truth also occur .In  essence,the  psychic energy for a powerful and emotional need for a powerful “mother “figure can’t be minimized . 

With that being said, turning to politics,  Donald was victorious over  two perceived “weak “ mothers” for the presidency.  Perhaps ,there are additional reasons why Donald captured the presidency.  However, his rhetoric ,persona and behavior was associated with being that  powerful "mother figure." Donald boasted and promised,promised, and  promised .

"From the day I take the oath of office,  we will rapidly drive prices down and make America affordable again" during the summer of 2024.  Did he mean groceries, electricity bills, buying a new car,  housing, inflation, good paying jobs or low  interest rates?  Reality did not matter for the gullible as he  easily misled his voters.  This "mother figure" was believable  and  to be feared.  Tariffs were also going to bring back manufacturing so he said. 

Donald claimed America was under attack from within, and immigrants were poisoning the nation's blood.  He also said we have to fight like hell to get our nation back, suggesting potential civil war and he would restore greatness by making America great again,  In other words, the threats from within came from the Democrats in Washington, fake news attorneys, universities, human rights groups, Blacks and other people of color especially those  across the border.

Trump  spread fear which resulted in a cohesion because  survival depended on following the leader while  eradicating the enemy.  In other words, patriotism becomes persecution, especially the invaders on the left  and of course,he promised and posted to save the Christian soul. It was an existential crisis !

After all,the border was porous with rapists, drugs and murderers coming to harm our citizens.  In fact, he attacked and dictated he would ban  people of color, attempting to migrate to the United States.  These people were vermin ,contributed nothing positive and would  infect and destroy our Republic.  He alone was the only one that could stop the flow and rid the country by deporting these undesirables irrespectively .

Donald asserted he  would also expose the Democratic pedophiles in the release of the Epstein files. Also, comedians, judges and others not loyal to him were the enemy.  Once again, only he alone would and could  protect and save the people.from these non loyal  despicables .

Trump also criticized and posted about  the economic  and health care policy of the evil Biden.  He would reduce the cost of living with the beautiful tariffs.  He would reduce and eliminate fraud, big government,  government handouts and had a health care plan..  He alone would fix the drug problem and make things better .At his rallies, he  also told the crowd that he loved them.

Ukraine, Russia , Israel and  Hamas wars would be eliminated the day he took office.  In other words, people of color, the economy and wars were weakening this Republic.  He would make America great again by being  able to provide economic security, protection and safety from these external threats. And, if opposed ,he would unconditionally retaliate, avenge and punish .

In summation, there's a mutual relationship occurring psychologically and politically.  On one hand, we had that charismatic "mother" politician whose rhetoric and actions perpetuated fear and anxiety  thus furthering  uncertainty, doom and gloom, feeling unsafe, being  vulnerable ,and  without safety, comfort and status .  As a result, many voters consciously and unconsciously expressed tendencies and an orientation for economic relief,and other insecurities  thereby  reinforcing the psychology of human nature .  The "mother" phoenix rose and promised to be the only one  that could  be the rescuer- ,just like the Pied  Piper .  It did not  matter that the “mother” had  no  credible  plan. The voters wanting and seeking to be rescued now became the victims.  This bad "mother "  not only lies, and “rescues” but also punishes his victims with sadistic cruelty.  

Barriers to Happiness

 

Walter  Isaacson's most recent book "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written"  refers to "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable  Rights, that among these are life ,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"  written by Thomas Jefferson and assisted by Franklin and Adams.  This essay pertains to the pursuit of Happiness, which means man's ability to fully develop morally, intellectually and emotionally.

Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 and died in 1826. Intellectually, he was influenced by others . Notably,some of the writings before and after Jefferson - Karl  Marx, Shaftesbury, Jean- Jacques Rousseau,Karl Jaspers , Albert Maslow and others also  characterize man's quest within  his society. 

 Marx's protest was against man's alienation; the loss of himself and his  transformation into a thing . Man’s problem was related to dehumanization  and the automatization that’s related to Western Capitalism and industrialization. How can man realize his potential  with Capitalism? 

More specifically, Marx was  not concerned  with the equalization of income, but with the liberation of man trying to work that destroys his individuality by changing him into a thing which makes him a slave of things.  And ,when the worker had no part in the direction of the work being employed  he becomes  part of the “machines,’" He serves and becomes transformed into a thing and becomes dependent on capital .”

For Marx ,alienation was about the change of being alienated with meaningless labor,  into productive free labor. Better payment of alienated labor, private or by the state was irrelevant.  In other words, his concept of socialism was emancipation from,alienation and the return of man to himself.  

 A few quotes from Max’s youngest daughter, Eleanor.  She described the  relationship between her parents.  In a letter   shortly before her mother's death.( Moor) Marx's nickname got the better of his illness again.  Never shall I forget the morning he felt himself strong enough to go into mother's room.  When they were together., they were young again-she a young girl and he a loving youth both on life’s threshold,  not an old disease ridden man and an old dying woman parting from each other for life.

This quote pertains to walks with his children when he told them tales, tales not measured by miles ,not chapters.  He read the whole of Homer, the whole of Nibelungenlied,Gudrun, Don Quixote, Arabian nights, etc.  As to Shakespeare, he was the Bible of our house and seldom out of our hands or mouths.  By the time I was six,I knew  scene upon scene of Shakespeare by heart.

Recently, I had a conversation with Deb, a realtor that I've known for  the past 25 years.  She retired approximately a year ago and is having difficulty adjusting.  I asked her if she wanted to return to selling real estate and she emphatically replied no.  I asked her if she wanted to return to work in another area and she replied she didn't know.  She added that she liked her career in real estate.  If Deb  actually liked her career in real estate and is unhappy with her retirement, why not consider returning? 

Shaftesbury, grandson of John Locke ,wrote that it's natural for man to exist in society and declared that his moral sense is inborn .This moral sense consists of a sense of order and harmony and  can be reached through thought and introspection.  

Rousseau stressed that experience had great value and he condemned society and its influence on man.. He believed that  society generated egoism . And, that this interferes with man’s needs and capacities. This conflict results in frustration, doubt,and  suicide, Rousseau advocated new system of education, a new attitude toward religion in full recognition of the rights of man by the state.

Karl Jaspers wrote that our  highly technological mass production society, with its emphasis on mass communication, propaganda and conformity results in the individual being lost . Man’s task or  struggle  is to awaken the possibilities of his for an authentic and meaningful life within the standardization of this type of society.

Albert Maslow wrote about man  developing his fullest by becoming self-actualized.In Maslow's study of self-actualizing people ,he identified 15 characteristics of a self-actualized person.  He wrote that  these people were not perfect , had ordinary human feelings and occasionally were ruthless and alienated  others. Briefly, a few of these  characteristics follow: They had a more efficient perception of reality and that these self-actualized people readily detect falseness in another and judged people accurately . They were able to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity more than others.  These people also had less guilt, shame and anxiety, accepted themselves and were less defensive. They were  not ego centered, but rather oriented to problems outside of themselves. These external problems  in which they became devoted became their mission .They were independent  within their environment.  They experienced ecstasy, inspiration and strength from basic experiences in life.  They had a dedication, sympathy and affection for mankind even though they were troubled by the many shortcomings of the species.They respected people  and related to them irrespective of birth,blood, family and nation .  They tended to be philosophical and non-hostile in their humor  These are a few of the characteristics that describe  a self-actualized person according to Maslow.

It's difficult for individuals , in our republic, to become self-actualized because of a number of reasons affecting health . In our environment, we have the occurrence of global warming and its effects on health.  For example, residing  in California, my residence is  just under 12 acres and  adjacent to BLM land.  In other words, the prospect of  fire is a concern for me  as well as the surrounding area in the foothills.  As a result, there is  anxiety about fire and air quality .  Also, our streams, water,rivers and oceans have become polluted as a result of the consequences of industrialization.  Add the toxins, fertilizers and  pesticides associated with growing food . Supposedly organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides; free from genetically modified organisms; produced without artificial fertilizers; processed without artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and certified by a recognized organic certification body.

Next, we have all the processed foods found in our supermarkets.  In fact, most of the food  on the shelves is not  healthy.  We have too much sugar, salt ,fat and ingredients that are difficult to understand and pronounce.  It's no wonder that life expectancy is 79 1/2 years and does not measure up to other industrialized countries. We are living in  an unhealthy and  sick country.

Our present government's policies are stressful and are  also contributing to ill health. There has been elimination of government jobs; pertinent  health research; toxic round up of individuals; threats and attacks on universities,law firms, comedians, "enemies” of Donald; cuts to foreign and domestic aid; attacks on a number of Democrats; and murdering individuals in  small boats many miles from our country.  And, health care and vaccinations are also under attack.

The idea that healthcare as a human "right" in a capitalistic system is conflictual to say the least.  Healthcare is part of a capitalistic system and is about profits.  A  short story from years ago.  I joined a provider group to deliver psychological services.  Each patient was to receive up to  five visits irrespective of diagnosis or condition.  For some, I requested additional visits.  Shortly after, I wasn't receiving any referrals.  With a phone call I was told that they found another provider  with less educational qualifications and less expensive .  

The following is based on "The Whistleblower: Confessions of the Healthcare Hitman" by Dr. Robert F. Rost.  1.  The healthcare system is financially designed in a way where your illness generates profit.  Your wellness does not.  And the system is not broken.  It works exactly as intended.  2.  The healthcare system is controlled by four power centers-what test you get, which medications you are allowed, whether imaging referrals or surgeries are approved  and the timeline of your care.  3 Doctors get 6 to 12 minutes per patient in most systems; medication is the fastest way to treat; insurance algorithms  deny tests until disease proves itself; keeping you managed is more profitable than curing you.  4.  Doctors use approved medications, follow insurance scripts, stick to corporate mandated pathways, maximize billable activities and limit unnecessary testing.  Dr. Mark Hyman   "We don't have healthcare in America.  We have disease care."

In summation, becoming self-actualized for most of the individuals in this country is unrealistic. As an adolescent, I had the opportunity to attend the  University as an undergraduate . Graduate school was relatively inexpensive and I had the drive and desire to enter the assisting profession first as a teacher and then as a psychologist . I had the intelligence ,drive and good fortune to maximize  socio-economic's   Further, my  psychological history ,additional research, continuing education , and a behavior orientation toward health furthered my options and choices in pursuit of health and well-being  Today, the  political,  social ,educational and economic realities are not designed for opportunities for the pursuit of Happiness. The capitalistic system is supreme and  the God  to worship  for the rich. The  powers in this  Republic favor the rich and despise the rest.

Reference

Barrett W. Irrational Man; a study in existential psychology..

Bottomore,T.B.Translation from Marx’s Economic And Philosophical Manuscripts..

Fromm,Erich. Marx’s Concept of Man

Maslow ,Abraham H. Motivation And Personality

In Decline

 

On a Thursday morning, I heard Kennedy Jr. state, what  we all know, that America is a sick country. I also know that Trump's bill  cuts  Medicare , Medicaid and  10 - 20 million are  losing health coverage  passed by the  GOP and signed by Trump. Further, 50 to  60% of the population have chronic disease health conditions;  cuts in food subsidies during the government shutdown and the Epstein files  cover are terrible from a moral point of view.In addition  2 ,articles from May 11, 2025,edition of The New York Times titled The Financialization Trap and Have We Quit On  Learning?  are relevant to this essay   All the above are  symptoms occurring in our Republic and suggest cracks in our  experiment  in democracy  with rule by the wealthy . 

French historian Fernand Braudel’s  provocative insight  in detailed cycles of economic history are pertinent with his research that included Venice, Amsterdam and London.  These cities ,at one time , were the financial centers of the Western world and then faded into the background. In their day, commerce prospered and investment in their surplus resulted in building new centers that actually became associated with their decline.  

In the 17th and 18 century, Amsterdam’s merchants became bankers and began  seeking better returns from fast-growing London.London had become  a more sophisticated market for moving their money. Prosperity was controlled by the elite ; and its satellites no longer needed as many workers . In essence, the city's economy became more dependent on  the vulnerability of finance . For instance, In 1782, much of  Amsterdam's capital had been lent to foreigners instead of financing their own development.  In fact, when  Louis XVI didn't pay back its debt , that greatly contributed to a loss of economic power and advantage for Amsterdam . 

In 1944,  victory became our power to dictate the global economy;  the freedom to trade ; and the US and its allies agreed to establish the dollar as the basis for an international monetary system.  Trade barriers were dismantled which resulted in the golden age of prosperity.  Blue-collar workers, for example ,with their living wages, were able to buy cars, houses , other toys and go on vacations while rearing their children in the suburbs.  They enjoyed economic prosperity and captured that “dream “home .

In the late 70s ,as a center of the global economy,  New York found its commerce and industry, leaving the city.. In  fact, during the next few decades the following occurred.  Donald Trump built towers along with his bankruptcy casinos. Wall Street dominated, income inequality blossomed  and the working class wages  became stagnant .  Trump stated that America was losing its wealth and power.  And, in 1987, he spent $94,801 on full-page ads in The New York Times and two other papers.  Basically, he proposed billing Japan, Saudi Arabia and other countries for US military spending and stated that  it would reduce our federal deficits and allow for  tax cuts.

Trump employed the fear factor, blamed  and scapegoated other countries and so forth for America's woes as he called us patsies. Now, he's proposed tariffs while “attempting “ to force American companies to make products for our markets and providing  tax cuts for the elite.  In other words, his rationalization and denial - other people and other countries are exploiting  the US and we can solve our problems with revenge .Trump’s policies  are disastrous for most in our country.  In the past what was good for General Motors was good for the country according to Wilson.  Today that's not true. What's good for Trump is good ! There is no such thing as trickle down economics.

The dollar has allowed America to purchase imported exports more cheaply while making America's exports more expensive . For decades, US companies began  pouring money into foreign markets, building their global business.  For example, Apple  spent billions of dollars in China.  It has trained their workers to build Apple’s I Phones. However, Apple now has competition with China. Not only can these trained workers  build  phones , they can transfer their skills to other areas, such as building drones and so forth.

Some believed that the national defense budget was a price for power and trade was the reward. US prominence was assisted with the rise of finance and tech companies.  However, we are in trouble when finance replaces manufacturing according to the French historian.  In the 1970s, factories produced about 45% of corporate profits and finance about 15%.  Over the last 20 years, finance has now produced a larger share.  Further, the rich don't help the poor .However, the rich help Americans by allowing them to  purchase  cheaper goods . The rich also help  themselves by exporting  products and employing cheaper foreign workers.  

The rich build homes for themselves, but not for others. It is now harder to get an education, harder to earn a living wage,harder to save,  harder to afford housing and medical insurance .The minimum wage in Mississippi is $7.25 per hour .Actually, 75% born in 1950 ended up earning more money than their parents.  However, being born in 1980, only 50% have ended up doing better than their parents.  Also in the US there is less economic mobility compared to  much of  Western Europe and the US is less egalitarian than Denmark.

Moreover, with our technology and with AI  we have eliminated more jobs than China . Also, trade has made the rich richer while reducing the earnings  for about 70% of those workers who don't have college degrees. Poverty, homelessness and starvation rates are rising.

40% of students entering college do not graduate.  Also, reading scores are lowest in decades thanks ,in part, to social media and computers. AI is also contributing to our dumbing down.  Furthermore, this government has no goals pertaining to learning or  in improving reading  arithmetic, science or increasing high school graduation rates.. Public education is no longer elite and many parents are sending their children to charter schools, private schools and homeschooling . In the last five years, this  number has increased to more than a million .

Trump nominated a wrestling promoter to head the Department of Education while reducing its workforce.  His curriculum is based on having schools focus on race,  transgender issues and creating a patriotic curriculum.  Those ideas have  nothing to do with school performance  civics, interest in learning,or rational inquiry . Teacher pay ,counselors, health and social support are not even considered but are factors associated with assisting our failing educational system

Trump's agenda is not contributing to raising our educational systems standards  for the majority, but instead seems to be dumbing it down.  Teaching was once considered a noble profession, but there are so many problems that teachers are facing, because of low pay and being hassled by parents on what and how to teach .It’s no wonder that teachers are exciting and schools of education are  having  difficulty attracting students. 

Our Republic is headed  for a  fall . The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.  Too many individuals are physically and psychologically ill; have low educational achievement; economic stagnation; can't afford housing ; in debt ; without medical insurance; homeless and/or not experiencing optimism.  In addition, there's an enormous amount of hate,division,  fear, stress being exemplified at the expense  and being perpetuated by malignant,  narcissistic and greedy people with economic and political power.