A Troubled Republic

 

Previously ,intellectuals , explained man’s negative condition,For instance,Marx, believed  man was alienated as a result of capitalism; Tolstoy ,from a spiritual and moral point of view, stressed man's moral and spiritual  impoverishment; Rousseau , blamed a terrible society without freedom, liberty and reason    and Freud believed that civilization was repressing man's instinctual drives, resulting in neurosis.This essay provides a perception of the state of our Republic from a brief economic, political, social and psychological points of view. Is man an instrument for the wealthy; are we a government of the people ; how absurd is our society; and what is the degree of our  mental and physical health ?

From an economic perspective, approximately 11.6% or 37.9 million individuals are living in poverty in this country, of which approximately 30% of them are children.  Poverty is defined as when an individual  lacks financial resources and the essentials for a basic standard of living.  In California ,the hourly  minimum wage is $16.65 and in Mississippi it is $7.25. And, approximately 24% of  California’s population  live in poverty .Further, about 42.4 million ,nationwide , received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  (SNAP) benefits 

On the other hand,a few statistics pertaining to the economic inequality in our Republic: The 400 richest people in the US are worth $6.6 trillion.  Their wealth has increased by a trillion  over the past year thanks to the surging stock markets and the AI mania.  

The top five most wealthy include Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Larry Page.  In the NBA , Stephan Curry’s 2025-26 salary was just under $60 million.followed by Joel Embiid earning about 55 million along with Nikola Jokic . In the NFL ,DAk Prescott’s  2024 annual salary was 65 million followed by both  Joe Burrow  and Trevor Lawrence at 55 million . Baseball's  highest paid player in 2023 was Juan Soto at 126.9 million,  Shohei  Ohtani earned 102 million and Blake Snell  65.6 million. A Taylor Swift  concert ticket ranges from $657-$819.These figures are  madding compared to $7.25 an hour wage.

From a political point of view, an  authoritarian was elected president and the right-wing GOP majority has provided him with enormous power and control.  The GOP Senate,House of Representatives and Cabinet faithfully follow his wishes.  His tariffs and "big beautiful bill " proved unpopular for the masses.  Additionally, the president sent military and ice agents to blue American cities rounding up "illegal" immigrants employing aggressive tactics.  Many of these individuals without due process have been denied rights under the U.S. Constitution and have been sent to undesirable places all over the world. His use of social media has allowed him to spread the propaganda  and conspiracy of misinformation as his wealth has increased dramatically . We the people are currently divided - either those that support this would be king , those that oppose him or those fed up with politics and do not vote. .

Universities, law firms ,press, entertainers and "enemies" of the president have been harassed, subject to legal proceedings and their free speech has been under attack. The president has waged a "drug" war, attacking boats driven by various individuals and killing many in the process.  The lower courts have deemed many of the president's actions as violations of the constitution but , in some, the Supreme Court has ruled differently.  The President  has also pardoned convicted  undesirables and  he continues his attempt to interfere with voting..His longest  government shut down  just ended .Most of his executive orders   are associated with pain and suffering . 

From a historical point of view, the old and new Testaments provided  messages of freedom,  morality , and a belief in the supreme being.  Jesus and his prophets clearly pointed to the hazards and evils of greed and wealth.  They also  promoted the solidarity of humanism with “loving  thy enemy.”  Today ,with mega churches, the message appears to be about monetary and political power.  There's  also a disregard and division within the church regarding whether or not they should be political or not . Unity,morality and humanism in our Republic is more important than taking away a woman's  freedom to have an abortion..

From a religious , spiritual and moral point of view , supporting a deranged pathological liar and convicted felon is absurd and inconsistent  with being a christian.  This  twice impeached man  attempted to overthrow the 2000 presidential election;’ Currently , he’s working to do the same for  the 2026 elections  .His flip flopping on the Epstein files  is politically  expedient,ingenious,  legally, and morally corrupt .Factually, he once said, something to the effect that just his thinking about files makes them unclassified. 

Physically, 50 to 60% of Americans have a chronic disease of asthma, diabetes, or cardiovascular .  Chronic is defined as persistent and long-lasting.  Despite the fact that health spending ,on a per capita basis as a percentage of gross domestic product, the US spends more than two times the average compared to comparable countries. Yet, the GOP’ continues to eliminate The Affordable Act.

 US life expectancy has grown, but at a lower rate than other countries; we have the highest rates of infant mortality, low birth weight, high rate of motor vehicle crashes ,and  non transportation  injuries .Lung disease is associated with a higher risk of death and older US adults report a higher prevalence of arthritis that limits  their daily activities.  We have the second highest prevalence of HIV infection and highest incidence of AIDS ;and we lose more years of life to alcohol , drugs and  even when deaths from drunk driving are  excluded .The number surpasses homicides and car crashes.

Psychologically, too many are alienated,  unproductive, fail to control irrational passions of hate, greed, exploitativeness, possessiveness, and with their narcissism, enhance their personal prestige and are not concerned with the social welfare and solidarity of men.  The primary physiological ego needs, according to Maslow, of hunger and thirst along with safety, belonging, love and esteem greatly affect mental health . And when unsatisfied., these needs can dominate the individual as in the case of a man who’s starving. A realistic  fear of starvation makes hunger dominate conduct.  Stealing, lying and violating the law are just some examples of men driven to fill their physiological need for self and family.  The ego need of safety,  can also dominate behavior and with the association of anxiety  individuals act  aggressively toward fellow humans.  Security is important and can be easily identified when encountering insecure, anxious and stressed individuals.  A common reaction to insecurity as a defense is aggressiveness.  Without the ego's physiological and safety needs being met ,the belonging  and love needs become difficult to satisfy .. 

It's not at all surprising that with  the assistance of algorithms and AI our social media has been contaminated by expressions of hate, anger and calls for violence.  We have a history of school shootings, political attacks, suicide,  anti-Semitic and anti Israel incidents which are troubling and depict a sick society..Further our  capitalistic and technological culture is heavily associated with furthering man’s robotic  insignificance and interfring in meeting the ego need of affiliation with alienation

A healthy man was described by Freud as being able to love and work.  More specifically, a healthy individual is one who is productive and contributes to a betterment of society's members , is able to relate to his fellow man, not subjecting himself to an irrational authority and utilizes thinking, reason, and rationality.  Further, that individual has to be able to minimize , understand and not allow ego defenses of denial and rationality  to interfere with  reality. Psychologically, the potency of economics, politics,religion, and society all interact   and are like a mosaic  in that they contribute to man’s sense of well being or his hell.

Hydration

 

There are a plethora of factors affecting the stress and well-being of Homo sapiens in our civilization.  They include, but are not limited to, pandemics, global heating ,economic inequality, authoritarianism, AI and nuclear threats.  But, the subject of this essay is hydration which is  personally easier to control .

Hydration is the process of causing the body to absorb water while dehydration is the absence of sufficient water in the  body. A loss of about 2% of bodily fluid  results in the body being unable to function properly.  And , the earliest signs of dehydration affect both  cognition and mood . Dehydration also negatively impacts short-term memory, attention and vigor.  Other signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine ,weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness and confusion. Inadequate fluid intake also causes heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke 

Children and older adults often do not have as many resources to manage the  negative effects of dehydration. Additionally ,people with neurologic conditions are already compromised. Some aspects of the  brain's functions suggest that  the risk of dehydration and heat illness can be magnified, which means exacerbating existing conditions.  Also people with MS should  avoid heat illness.

If dehydrated, catching up can be difficult, especially being active on a summer day.  Perhaps drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily, but that also can vary.  A few suggestions, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, wear lightweight clothing that protects you from the sun's rays, stop or slow down what you're doing, get in the shade and make sure of  access to fluids .In addition  sports drinks  include carbohydrates and electrolytes that replace minerals lost through sweat and are best for exercise sessions lasting longer than 60 to 90 minutes.  Also, watermelon ,strawberries and grapes are good fruits to help with summer hydration.  Be careful  because prescribed medications, which are diuretic ,deplete fluids.

Moreover, different ways to remain hydrated are applying cold wraps, wearing cooling garments, drinking cold or icy liquids, having a fan blowing during  exercising , swimming as water dissipates heat and it is also easier to move weakened muscles in the water.

In order to qualify for a lottery pick In the Western States 100, I had to run a 50 mile trail run in 10 hours based on my age of 62.  At about 25 miles or so into the Helen Klein 50 mile run, I developed stomach problems probably related to my mixing too much Gatorade powder into my water bottles.  Luckily, Joan Giniel ,  one of my pacers, suggested that we walk as she was supplying me with ginger.  My brief discomfort vanished, and I finished the  qualifying run in plenty of time.Thank you Joan.

 Later, while training for the Western States 100, Chris Turney., a Western States alumni, introduced me to William Emerson, a Western States contender.  I talked with him about hydration and told him that I was going to use a Camel pack.  After dinner, we went into the kitchen with the Camel pack and filled it with water.  He demonstrated that filling that container took too long as time was a crucial factor in the run.  Convinced, I then planned to carry 4 water bottles mixed with Gatorade and made sure to fill each at the aid stations. Additionally, I wore lightweight clothing and a hat that protected the back of my neck.  Unfortunately I could not avoid the sun except when I was running at night.  I remember a quote by Charlie Gabri.  "Run like a turtle and drink like a fish."

I remember years ago, when Tony and I ran in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.  What stands out about this run was there was an absence of water at one of the aid stations.  And ,because of that fact , I didn't run  an additional loop because I was concerned about hydration.  Tony ran faster and didn't have an issue with hydration on that loop.

 Another time  I was competing in the Quicksilver Ride and Tie.  Unfortunately, we had a late start that morning.  DavidDe La Rosa, a terrific runner, was my partner.  During that first loop I pushed my horse Gypsy because I wanted to stay up with Tom Johnson( multiple  Western States winner ) and Rufus. Schneider (a good runner and high school track coach ). They rode Samson, a Tevis Cup  winner . We stayed near that team on that first loop. However, Gypsy tired from her hard work.   On the remaining loops,Gypsy had difficulty so I had to make sure she was able to finish as so many horses got pulled that morning.Despite my mistake, we came in third.A young team of women came in second.

Currently I am working out on alternate days at  the Ironworks gym  .There are  fans located in different parts of this establishment, I make sure I frequently drink water during my workout . And,at the end of the workout with machines and free weights, I make sure that  I drink before I get on the treadmill for an additional  workout.. When  done, I hydrate  again . On alternate days , Linda drives the golf cart and I run ahead, making sure that we both hydrate during.  However, each morning,before exercising, for the last 25 years or so, my breakfast consists of  fruits, vegetables ,green tea ,MCT oil, yogurt and whey  protein powder for my  smoothie making sure I'm starting my day right .

An article titled "The Good: Getting in Shape, Charity Fund-Raising.  The Bad: Blisters, Existential Crises" referred to first-time marathoners entering the New York City  Marathon  was found in the September 2, 2025 edition of The New York Times . I was curious to see if this article addressed hydration in any way.  It did not.  Numerous speculations  can be made. I won’t speculate. However , hydration is an important factor in running a marathon.

In essence, hydration is a significant component for completing extraordinary goal  competitions and well-being while dehydration is a stressor.  Keep yourself and your animals hydrated. Despite having limited control in this civilization, there’s not a rational reason for dehydration.Life consists of cognitive choices.

Reference

Brain and life .  June/July 2025.  American Academy of Neurology

Malignant Narcissism

 

Homo sapiens, according to Fromm, have varying degrees of narcissism.  For example, Alexander, Caligula, Borgias, Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler,Washington, Jefferson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Freud can be characterized and described by their degrees of  narcissism.  Some  have malignant narcissism while others have ”normal.” This essay describes narcissism with implications.

Freud  made extraordinary contributions to our understanding of human motivation. Narcissism is just one example . It  assists  in explaining nationalism, national hatred and the psychological motivations for destructiveness and war.  Since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the peril to mankind has become more real ,serious and imminent.

Primary narcissism  is described as  the fetus , which is  in an absolute state of narcissism. And, with birth is  without perception of object; but through development experiences and encounters objects, object love and the “law. “ Then ,in that state of secondary narcissism, he’s able to distinguish “me and not me”and then "object”love and hate. In other words, with normal development ,narcissism  evolves from absolute primary narcissism to “normal” secondary  narcissism. In the state and development of secondary narcissism , there’s a capacity for objective reasoning ,object love  and becoming socially acceptable.  Remember, the newborn cannot distinguish between” I and not I.”

Rulers  with malignant narcissism have obtained ultimate and unsurpassed  power . Their word becomes the judgment for all,and does not limit their capacity to get what they want , when they want it . And, with malignant narcissism, they became more paranoid , more  isolated , more frightened and with  more people becoming their enemy. As a defense , they  increased their power with their controlling,sadistic  and ruthless actions.  Everyone had to agree and assist these rulers within their  narcissistic reality.  They became like a God , and in the process ,took away freedom from  others.

The individual with malignant narcissism has difficulty perceiving the reality of others . In other words,their preoccupation is with their own self with little or no interest or empathy for  others. For example, a government shutdown has negative consequences for so many others. 

Individual narcissism  can be and is transferred, into group narcissism-the clan, tribe, flag, nation, religion,and  race  become objects of a narcissistic passion. Simply put,  psychic energy of a narcissistic individual is maintained but’s  now used for the interests for their survival within the group rather than for employing narcissism  for  the survival of themselves .

The pathology of  malignant narcissism is the distortion of rational judgment . And, one's attached object becomes  perceived as being the most valuable, best, good, beautiful, supreme and wise. Narcissistic value judgments are also distorted, prejudiced and biased. They are psychologically  employed to transform that distortion of reality to fit  and fulfill their own narcissism..For  example,he’s the  greatest, kindest  and the best president ever.

Another form of malignant group narcissism becomes evident  when the government  lacks  or purposely withholds necessary resources to provide adequately for the majority of its members. When that occurs, the narcissistic ruling  group must provide their followers with some form of narcissistic satisfaction, especially if it wants to prevent dissatisfaction among them. They accomplish that by claiming the leader is superior  to the other group which is bad,  evil, non patriotic and cheaters- they stole that election  .With that messaging,narcissistic pride becomes significant because by belonging to the group  that becomes the only effective or major  source of satisfaction and pride for  these vulnerable folks .  

Regarding racial narcissism, the “ malignant”  group  claims to  have racial superiority with  an inflated image of itself and proclaim that it is the most admirable, powerful , just,loyal and exceptional religion in the world . And ,in fact ,this religion is superior to all other racial groups as the others are inferior.  In other words, even if I am poor, uncultured, uneducated, I can become somebody important because I belong to the most admirable and significant religious  group in the world.

These  malignant narcissistic groups preach love of country, love of God and  with “consensus” everybody's  narcissism becomes inflated and reasonable. Their messages and propaganda have nothing to do with reason, but consensus.  The group’s  narcissistic attachment may be a blood group with a common language.  In  essence ,group narcissism can be  malignant and just like individual narcissism.

Historically speaking, when the Catholics and Protestants battled in their 30 year war, they both spoke of love of God, love of Christ,  read the same Bible, yet they hated each other.  Each group said and believed they were admirable and the other was despicable. We are good, they are evil.  This narcissistic group pattern  has been repeated with hatred between the French and the Germans, the whites and the blacks, Aryans and non-Aryans, communism  and/or  socialism  and capitalism and  science and non-science.

Briefly, malignant individual and group narcissism can destroy our 250 year old experiment with democracy.  Their goal is to divide,and to conquer , but not based on the Constitution, rule of law , teachings found  in the Old and New Testament, or with  reason and objectivity . There are too many individuals not prospering within this unequal capitalistic culture and society.  Thus,  emotionally, many are vulnerable psychologically.  Being vulnerable emotionally, economically, intellectually, and socially, threatens one's narcissistic self and therefore requires an inflated boost for survival.  Joining a group with consensus is an attempt to fulfill one's deficits.  And ,with the malignant  narcissistic  sadistic leader   with his  anti-social tendencies ,threatens democracy and  freedom for everyone except the wealthy  technology gurus and other wealthy ..  And , in short, we are headed in the direction of the point of no return as the “ Divided States of America .”

 Reference

Fromm.Erich. The Heart of Man  Its genius for good and evil.