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.

The Lonely

 

Our children,especially males, are in trouble.,if  the statistics on teenage loneliness are accurate.  Factors attributed to loneliness include but are not limited to parenting within a socio economic  ,unequal,technological society that affects and contributes to inadequate personality development  . These  prominent factors are significantly  associated with  the loneliness epidemic.

Loneliness is sweeping across America touching every generation, especially the young, and is now considered and linked to a public health epidemic..  For example, nearly twice as many adolescents in 2018 versus 2012 had elevated levels of loneliness . And teens ,in the span of two decades ,saw that their personal social interactions dropped by 70%. Further, teenagers are experiencing more loneliness than any other age group in the world 

Back in the day during the school week, I regularly had breakfast and dinner with my entire family.  Dad left for work.  I walked on Wayburn  street to Wayne  elementary school with neighbors , mom made school lunch and took care of the home.  After school and on weekends, I either joined or started baseball and football pickup games with my friends.  My parents didn't express concern about my outdoor  play activities but reminded me to be home, on time, for dinner.

My father, as an undefeated ,over 20 years, union president, modeled intelligence, effectiveness and concern for others.  His involvement with others was noticeable as many individuals visited our home seeking counsel from dad.  Dad was also highly involved in my sports participation in high school and college.  Mom modeled care ,concern,and respect for family, friends and neighbors . She also sang and played the piano and was unsurpassed and intelligent while playing and dominating various games.  She also was a crossword puzzle wizard.

Years later, the pill ,economic inequality, divorce, technology and political divisions continued . Also, more women entered college and the workforce.  Because of the economic pressures., traditional family meals and parental availability was radically changed as children could not always go home after school.  Daycare centers and babysitters became the norm.In other words inapt, inadequate parenting resulted in contributed and affected negatively in their children's psychological development, resulting in emotional and behavioral, verbal problems .

Divorce rates increased  and children were bombarded with male figures during their mothers loneliness.  Mothers were depressed, angry and resentful.  They harped and attacked their former spouse, setting up splitting-good versus bad .  The angry spouse had no difficulty blasting her former husband for being worthless., no good , inept, cheap and he should pay more child support. The  innocent children experienced stress ,insecurity, anger, rejection, mistrust, loss, with a depressed mother.  These factors made it difficult for the male child to favorably identify with his once omnipotent father role model.  Relationships, and unions didn’t last, and were associated with  mistrust ,rejection,anger and hate 

Moms  became exceptional in the workforce and often surpassed ,excelled and overachieved the alcohol ,drug, ill health and inept non-paying child support  dad.  These and other numerous factors were.associated with the inability  of the male boy  to develop an identity . Instead he developed role  confusion  which leads not to affiliation but to isolation, dropping out , and rebelling against the established norms . These males felt “safe”, stayed home, played and became addicted to video games and other devices, associated with online  hate groups , and a few even killed others in their community.

Many of these adolescents and young adults were developing inadequate  personalities.  They were generally ineffectual when it came to the ordinary demands of life which are actions related to the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical behavior.  They were also inept in life and showed poor judgment continually, and lacked a normal sense of moral responsibility.  They had an inability to persevere in anything except maybe the instant gratification of the iPhone's  addictive qualities which means being unable to postpone and instead  pursue immediate pleasure like young children.  In essence they were certainly not responsible and ineffectual with their interactions with their nuclear family 

Moreover, their personality development can be characterized as being narcissistic, with the inability to love self and others.  And,  is in conflict with the “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself “ Biblical quote.  Freud described these selfish people as narcissistic in which  they had withdrawn and directed their psychic energy away  from others, and in fact turned it toward their own person. It's true that  excessive narcissistic people are incapable of loving others, but they are also not capable of loving themselves either.

An excessive narcissistic person is interested primarily in himself . Everything is for himself . He feels no pleasure in giving, but only in  the taking . The world  is seen and perceived only from the standpoint of what he can get out of it.  He lacks interest in the needs of others ,unable to empathize,as well as respecting dignity and integrity. Of others.  He can see nothing but himself, and he judges everyone and everything from its usefulness to him. 

The pursuit of self-interest becomes the supreme norm of life as narcissistic  individuals are divorced from themselves and withdrawn from the world.  They feel isolated,lonely. and depressed as well.  Their purpose and future seems beyond reach and nonexistent.

In addition, we had the ongoing  technological revolution.  With that revolution, disastrous mental health statistics occurred.  Inappropriate and excessive smart phone usage by children and adolescents have been associated with mental health problems such as  depression, suicide, aggressive  and bullying behaviors. 

 During one survey many young people felt trapped by Tik Tok and Snap Chat. Nearly all the participants expressed regret about having access to many of the most popular social media platforms.  Additionally, a survey of over thousand parents with children under 18 found that many parents gave their children smart phones and social media access too early.  In fact, many wish that social media had never been invented, and hoped for new social norms, policies and restrictions.  It was also reported that 55% of these parents of the children began smart phone usage by the age of 12 and 61% said the same about Instagram.  The parents reported that social media access was given to their young children too soon along with giving them smart phones as well.  Some parents also rationalized their inappropriate decisions by saying there was too much social pressure and their children would be better prepared for the future by the use of this technology..

Technology today is sophisticated.  These giants of industry have utilized psychological principles and are able to  immediately reward the neurotransmitters in the brain. like dopamine.  With their technology., they are able to provide immediate gratification and thus  addict their users with tremendous animistic life qualities. Their visual, auditory,  ability to “ connect” with  ambiguous others is inordinate.  Their devices have a spirit and seem to have a life of their own.  In other words, for many, these inorganic  devices are extensions of themselves. It’s  their “security” and  the attachment has replaced significant human contact .They experience separation anxiety without their device.These devices become narcissistic attachments and  sadly the possessors invest   inordinate amounts of psychic energy with them . 

These individuals who are narcissistic are extremely comfortable, attached  and dependent with these devices which have replaced human affiliation.  By spending so much time with them, they don't have time for other things in their life.  These devices have interfered and in many cases have prolonged ,contributed and interfered with healthy narcissism development  Healthy narcissism is being able to have interpersonal relations, empathy,respect ,mutuality,concern ,care with moral maturity with self and for others

Concluding thoughts, the epidemic of loneliness. Is related to not being able to adequately  meet the ego's need of affiliation, which is to be able to enjoy, cooperate, reciprocate with another, as well as pleasing winning affection and remaining loyal as well. Loneliness is a failure to connect with the other despite the fact of the anxiety of being alone .Electronic devices are a poor substitute , an inadequate replacement for living the life of  being human. A matrix of factors have  significantly contributed to the  loneliness  epidemic. . The biblical teachings of love thy neighbor and thy enemy as thyself  is unrealistic in a divided, angry, and lonely  capitalist  technological society. With that being said, it’s not surprising that our divided society exhibits so much hate and , insanity within  its absurdity

Reference

There Is a Way to Bring Back Childhood.  The New York Times, June 22 2025.

Boy Crisis of 2025, Meet Boy Problem Of the Early 1900s.  August 17, 2025.

Talion Law

 

Albert Camus in The Myth of Sisyphus  incorporated fate , moral heroism in the  world of absurdity in his take on Sisyphus  However, from a psychological point of view, the story is very familiar. This familiar theme was based on the Talion Principle, which is found in the Old Testament "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. " Ghandi remarked  it was something to the effect  of the world going blind. The dynamics are as follows : the powerful was disobeyed or wronged by a morally disloyal mortal and that was followed  by a retribution, a punishment consequence for the victim. Retribution occurs after the fact and in no way can undo the “crime.’ TakeTrump, he rationalises his vengeance as transactional.

Briefly, a few points regarding the convoluted  irrationality of the Sisyphus myth : 1. Greek  Gods like  Ares, Jupiter and Mercury were involved , directed and controlled man's behavior.  2.  Sisyphus was accused of stealing the secrets of the  God's 3. Because of his benediction regarding water, he was sentenced to death.  4.  His wife failed his test to have his unburied body placed in the middle of the public square.  5.  Mercury saved  him  from death 6.  His punishment was being chained to the rock in the underworld. 

In the myth, these gods are ruthless,  contradictory , controlling and cruel. Their word was law ,one must  be loyal and obey in order to please the gods .This condition is similar to authoritarian rule.  Sisyphus with his  "minor" offenses displeased a God and was  first sentenced to death and then “rescued” only to be  severely and cruelly punished,and condemned to futile and hopeless labor.  He had to roll a rock to the top of the mountain but then  the heavy  rock would fall back because of its  weight.  This repetitive behavior was his punishment without any  trial. God said he was guilty and so be it .

Repetitive and futile labor with no end in sight reminded me of employees of the past ,working on an assembly line. Psychologically, repetitive behavior results in experiencing satiation.  Satiation can be defined as a task beginning with a positive valence.  However, with repetition ,that same task psychologically changes from a positive to a negative valence. 

 In graduate school, Dr.Jacob. Kounin demonstrated the effects of satiation.  In the class,we were instructed to draw a cat with a round head,two pointed ears,  a round body and a tail.  We were instructed to keep drawing that cat.  After a while, both the body and head became misshapen.  The size changed, the rotation changed and integration exacerbated a distortion of the shape; Perseveration also occurred in the drawing as the head was first drawn repetitively  across the page.  In other words, to combat the boredom of that same task, I  made various changes resulting from the satiation as the same  task became quite negative. Workers on the assembly line were found to come in late to work,had frequent absences and engaged in drug and other escape measures despite being paid well.

Satiation occurred earlier, in the year, when I chose to create a defensible fire space around my 11+ acres. The task of creating a defensible space was to reduce the fuel zone for fire safety.  In fact, I bought a new battery operated weedeater and cut the weeds daily, but after a while the task became tiring and I did not enjoy the experience.  Although the gods were not punishing me,  I continued to complete the project without any joy or heroism .

Currently from a political point of view, the New York Times, NPR and cable news are reporting  about the power of an authoritarian government.  There is an absence of fairness, disrespecting the Constitution, authoritarian overreach and the rejection of laws.  Federal courts have ruled many of these actions unlawful only to be overturned by the Supreme Court. The GOP acts like Sisyphus. They perform repetitive tasks submitted to them by their leader.  They faithfully obey,follow and submit to his wishes. Will they continue and  follow the same fate as Sisyphus with no hope or opportunity for  future freedom ?

Also ,note that Sisyphus was sentenced to be alone without  being able to meet  the ego needs of sex ,autonomy, dominance ,achievement,  nurturance, and play   However, the ego need of abasement, the submission to external force ;accepting injury,blame,punishment ; to surrender; resigned to fate;to seek pain punishment and misfortune was met.In other words, the absence of   love, happiness, self acceptance, meaning, fate with  a negative future does not define an authentic being.  Psychologically, Sisyphus was not displaying ego strength ,authenticity  but mental illness and inauthenticity.

Albert Camus's last two sentences of his essay reads: "The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart.  One must imagine Sisyphus happy."  If Sisyphus was happy,  it's certainly self-deception , denial of his reality and one example of the irrationality pertaining to human frailty.  Humans are adaptable and  make themselves believe crazy stories over and over. 

 My take is that Sisyphus was an obedient and submissive  victim to the irrationality of the authoritarian  gods.  Sisyphus's behavior was also associated with a ridiculous test for his wife which does not represent love but was associated with mistrust. His compliance resulted in his inability to meet many of his ego needs  which suggests  victimization ,self imposed tragedy and being inauthentic  Further, Freud’s repetitive principle - repeated self destructive behavior with a punitive super ego comes into play and is associated with neurosis. Also, to be alone and  chained to a rock does not serve any human purpose and one wonders what is his  point of living with his situation.This Greek myth is about mental illness , with the strong treating the weak cruelly and unjustly .

Saturday, a group of us joined the "No Kings protest"  rather than bow , submit  and please the king,Linda, Pat and I were joined by Linda's daughters Sidne and Kristi and their friend Carol.  The turnout was spectacular, peaceful and uplifting.  People honked  their horns ,passengers gave thumbs up and numerous creative signs were displayed.

Reference

Murray, Henry A. Explorations in Personality.

Precious ?

 

President Kennedy "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future."  Statistics in our Republic tell a very disturbing story regarding our children.  For instance: 1.  High school students are reading and learning math and science at historic lows.  2.  Significant increases in suicidal ideation, particularly among females.  Percentages of females who had dangerous suicide attempts exhibited upward trends.  3. Overdose deaths among adolescents increased substantially since the end of 2019.  Nearly 1/4 of deaths included evidence of counterfeit pills.  Two thirds of the descendents had potential bystanders present.  Approximately 41% had a history of mental health conditions or treatment.  4.  Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like unsafe sex..  This behavior can lead to injuries and other health conditions.  5.  Alcohol can impair brain development affecting memory and learning.  6.  56% of 18 to 24 year olds and 16% of adults between 25 and 34  remain in their childhood homes,  7.  The US  birthrate hits a historic low of 1.6 children per woman.8.One in four girls are estimated to experience child sexual abuse. 9.  About one in 10 adolescents will experience homelessness before the age of 18 . Approximately 4.2 million youth experience homelessness in the US each year. We know that man's development or being is related to his nature and his nurture.  With that being said, this essay implicates parents with an excessive need for affection.as it relates to their children .  

From a psychological perspective, our country generates a great deal of anxiety . Often, individuals have more anxiety than they are aware of and also without  being aware of it at all.  Anxiety may be hidden behind feelings of physical discomfort such as heart pounding and fatigue  and may be concealed by  a number of fears that seem rational or unwarranted . It also may be the hidden force driving one to drink, eat and/or to submerge ourselves in all sorts of distractions like smart phone usage, social media, keeping busy , engaging in excessive  sex .  Also, anxiety ,when based on the feeling of being menaced ,easily provokes a reactive hostility as a defense.  In other words, anxiety can  and does provoke aggression and reactive hostility . And,  hostility when repressed ,may create anxiety so that there's a reciprocity between hostility and  anxiety that’s  always generated and reinforced by the other.

Based on  the above , the importance and implications  of a successful union cannot be understated as it relates to the mental health of their children. Universally, Homo sapiens experience degrees of existential anxiety related to being dependent, insecure and powerless. Within the context of surviving, there’s  an ego need for affiliation, in which affection plays a most significant part. Also, within some unions there is an excessive need for affection by one or both individuals.which results in an unsatisfactory union. 

In essence, individuals consciously or unconsciously  “protect “themselves ,in various degrees, against anxiety with a striving to be loved or approved of.  And , if excessive, often  go to any lengths to have this wish gratified. Behaviorally, they  might have a tendency to comply, to give in  and not take any steps of self-assertion . Or, they could strive to dominate by exhibiting their success, power, and possessions .There are  many ways with various degrees in which individuals go to protect themselves against anxiety in which there is a powerful  need , a desire for affection .

However, when driven by anxiety,  that feeling and acting behavior is often compulsory and indiscriminate with  hunger and  sex being examples .One can experience pleasure and satisfaction as a relief from the anxiety . Also, there's the unconditional and excessive demanding ,striving for reassurance, wanting the feeling of being loved, appreciated,and being reassured constantly so there can be relief  from  pent up  hostility because of feeling helpless and insecure  and frustrated living in a “non loving” hostile world. Therefore,  the anxious  angry one searches and demands  affection, loyalty,and appreciation unconditionally.. This excessive need threatens the union. 

Linda Ronstadt's "it's so easy to fall in love" fits because of  the neediness ,the insecurity , and the tremendous amount of anxiety that’s coupled with hostility. It’s not love but a dependency. . As a result, we are not talking about love even though the words are repeatedly  expressed. 

 Love is actually an expression of a positive attitude toward others and is not based on  anxiety, fear of loss or to dominate and subjugate  the other person .

Further, love is not using another person as a means for some other purpose, or the  fulfilling  of some other need like wanting that other person only for sexual gratification, to avoid being lonely,  for marriage  or for prestige. Often ,blind admiration is not love but a responsive gratitude for some kindness and a hope for affection. The excessive need for affection, results in an incapacity to love. Being unaware of the  incapacity to love is likely related to a hostile impulse toward others .

Briefly, love has to do with an attitude and orientation of character  in which one  relates to the person  with intimacy and care .It permits validation of all components of personal worth  of the other, mutual sexual satisfaction ,concern, respect, understanding,being separate and being one coupled with maturity.

With that brief representation of an excessive need for affection, if present, it's likely that the union will fail with drastic implications for the offspring . Of course there are  other mitigating nature and nurture factors like  fantasies and expectations interfering with a successful union. There has been an inordinate amount of nature and nurture research pertaining to children, parents and families describing psychologically  the implications and its ramifications . All of the findings are beyond the scope of this essay.  However, the following are a few examples that illustrate the research areas that are associated with parent-child family dynamics.  They are as follows:  Democratic parents, the warm-restrictive parents, hostile authoritarian parents,  hostile neglectful parents , effects of inconsistent discipline; child self-concept; parent response to children's behavioral predispositions; parental absence; effects of father absence on boys  effects of father absence on girls, social class differences ,social class difference in child rearing practices ,class differences in child's attitudes to parents ,influence of siblings, sex of sibling, sibling death in childhood ,sibling rivalry, development of conscience and moral standards, parent-child relationships and conscience development, anxiety,  the mechanisms of defense, nightmares, sleep disturbances, school phobias, death, phobias, depression, repression, compulsions ,conduct problems,, development of prejudice ,prejudice and mental functioning and racial attitudes. 

Additionally, other concerns pertaining to dysfunctional child rearing are as follows: and take many forms  .In regards  to health , pay attention to  the mental and physical health of the parents, especially their decision making.. Does  their preaching have to do with the consistency of their  behavior ? Or,is it “ do what I say ,not what I do? “

 Are the parents eating nutritiously  and are they physically  and mentally healthy?  California, for example, is the only state ,so far, that's prohibiting ultra processed foods being fed  during lunch time. Again, it’s about making appropriate decisions with children  .

.Are the parent's view on vaccinations consonant with their choices and decisions regarding their own health and /or is it based on  science or lies.?  5. Parental behavior and decision making related to computer games, iPhones and social media.are significant. For instance, some school districts are banning I phones for good mental health reasons.    Moreover, Utah has limited pornographyand there's a backlash against online gambling . Yet, The Daily Caller,  a prominent conservative online publication, published an online opinion calling for violence in response to physical assaults on conservatives in America. Studies have shown that many parents are unhappy that they allowed their children to have iPhones too early. 6. With divorce,there's tremendous social economic strain resulting in mothers working while the child has to deal and cope with after school programs, babysitters, older sibs,  grandparents, as "parents."Capitalism does not benefit all. 

In conclusion,i. Too many of our  children , young adults and families are experiencing mental health issues 2.  Psychologically, foundations of character and  personality are  formed very early based on nature and nurture  3. Parents   that exhibit an excessive need for affection are experiencing much  anxiety, hostility and an incapacity to love 4.  Children reared within these families are saddled with negative  psychological conditions and barriers for obtaining favorable  mental health. 4.Outlawing birth control and abortion is unjust ,criminal and  another contributing factor for  harming children 5..With capitalism, resources are exploited , just like what we are doing with our children.

Reference

Horney, Karen.  The Neurotic Personality Oo Our Time.  

Mussen,Conger ,Kagan.  Child Development and Personality

Alzheimer's

 

This essay has to do with Alzheimer's Disease( AD) which has been described as just one of 50 or so dementias.  Factually, A D is found in up to about 50% of people aged 85 and older . And,an A D pathology is found in 60-85% of all dementias in the US.. World Health Rankings had the  US ranked 8th for AD and Dementia .

 AD is a complicated degenerative disease . A University of Washington study of 3400 autopsies of  older men and women, taken from the normal population, found that 45% had plaques and tangles associated with AD  Additionally, 33% had evidence of tiny strokes from vascular multi--infaret dementia and another 10% had Lewy bodies that are found in  both Parkinson's  and Lewy body dementia.  Also, many  had a combination of two or more of these brain pathologies present at autopsy.

Other autopsy studies found that older people get dementia with 65-85% of  plaques and tangles of A D in the brain.  However, only 30% of these people had pure AD. The rest had evidence of Alzheimer's pathology, vascular dementia or stroke.  30-50% had Lewy body dementia ;and  20 to 30% had Parkinson's disease. Also, 48% had more than one type of dementia  which appeared to accelerate the deficits and speed of decline.  However, the famous Nun-studies showed that  having the plaques and tangles of AD. in the brain ,did not necessarily mean someone will become mentally disabled with dementia .In other words, a thorough understanding A.D.  is limited at this time and is one possible explanation as to why there's no effective treatment..

It's been stated that only 5 to 10% of all A.D. cases run in families of the early onset familial type and 90 to 95% of all A.D. cases typically do not run in families, in the late onset sporadic type.  Yet ,it has also been stated that risk factors for A.D. is about 50% genetic and about 50% lifestyle.

Listing of lifestyle  risk and risk reduction factors for A.D includes 1. Genetics and family history(50% of risk).  2.  Age and sex(more women than men) .  3.  High blood pressure.  4.  Cardiovascular disease 5.  Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.  6.  Traumatic brain injury.  7.  Low educational achievement ,low mental stimulation and smaller brain size . 8 Poor diet, toxins, lack of exercise and obesity.  9.Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. 10. Chronic inflammation, hearing loss, low social support. 11.  Chronic stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disorder .12. History of caregiving for family members with dementia.

The high  number of people in the US with an AD diagnosis is not surprising based on lifestyle risk factors.  On the other hand, people who live to 100 years old( centenarians) have remarkably low levels of dementia.  This is especially true for the 50% of  centenarians who live independently.  There are  over 70,000 centenarians in the US. Although there are genetic factors involved, centenarians are having  a long and healthy life. The most important  predictor, for them, is the lifestyle they had  led.  To repeat, brain health is associated with lifestyle. Protect your brain. Smart centenarians have the know how!

A few statistics pertaining to the brain.  The adult brain weighs about 3 pounds; the size of a medium cauliflower; 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses.  Essentially, there are three brains of a human being.  There is the archaic brain , the old brain and the new brain.  The Archaic Brain is involved in the pathophysiology of dementia such as Alzheimer's. 

 The Old Brain has a number of functions pertaining to A.D.  These functions include 1.  Mood, memory, and hormone production control . 2.  Anterior cingulate structure primarily responsible for cognitive, emotional and attentional processing.  3.  Hippocampus functions related to memory formation, spatial memory and navigation.  4.  The amygdala is primarily responsible for fear, fight  or flight responses and anger. 5.  Hypothalamus is the major controlling organ of the autonomic  endocrine system regulating temperature, hunger  thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle .6.  Hippocampus and other limbic areas are selectively destroyed in dementias like A.D. 

 The New Brain is where most dementias destroy areas of the cortex and or white matter connective tracts to produce cognitive impairment.  With that being said, it's no wonder there's been inadequate treatment for dementias because of the complexity and workings of our miraculous brain. 

Although memory doesn't encompass all cognitive abilities,  it's an important facet of cognition.  And, different types of memories are related to different parts of the brain.  Memories are classified according to length as short-term and/or long-term.  Short-term memory encodes information into the cortex to hold onto for approximately 30 seconds. An example might be remembering a phone number long enough to call that number . Also, short-term memories are forgotten unless they are consolidated into long-term memory.  

Long-term memory consolidates information into long term storage so that information can be retrieved at a later time.  The hippocampus, of the limbic system, is heavily involved in storing long-term memories.  Long-term memories can be retrieved at a later time with free recall being less effective than cued or recognition recall. 

Declarative memory is a conscious recall of facts and information such as who is the President of the United States.  Episodic memory includes facts and events tied to specific time which they occurred.  Example: what happened on your 21st birthday, the day you graduated from college .This type of memory is first impaired in A.D.  Procedural memory is unconscious knowing of how to do actions, operations ,tasks and skills. Examples include how to ride a bicycle, and how to drive a car.

Warning signs for A.D. includes 1.  Memory loss that disrupts daily life.  2 Difficulty with planning or solving problems.  3 Difficulty completing familiar tasks.  4 Confusion with time or place.  5 Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. 6 New problems with words and speaking or writing. 7 Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps. 8 Decreased or poor judgment.  9 Withdrawal from work or social activities, 10, Changes in mood and personality.

Billions of neurons die as a result of A.D. pathology.  These neurons die from several different interrelated causes which makes it very difficult to develop drugs that will significantly alter the course of the disease.  There are at least seven mechanisms for neuron death in A.D. Will there ever be appropriate and meaningful treatment for A.D. in my lifetime?  I don't know but certainly the current GOP policies regarding AD funding ,cutting grants  and witnessing the brained drain is making things worse for too many individuals in our Republic.  And, maybe the GOP motivation is just that they don't care.

In summation 1. The US has  high rates of A.D. 2.Lifestyle factors are responsible for about 50% of A.D. pathology. 3.  The human brain is remarkable and complex. And A.D.  functions interactively between  the archaic brain, the old brain and the new brain . 4. A.D.  Is progressive; accompanied with aging ,and  exhibiting a weakening in a changing  body. 5.Psychologically ,psychic energy that was previously  directed towards meeting ego needs of achievement, aggression, dominance, independence , self reliance and so forth is now directed towards affiliation by pleasing and cooperating with another with dependency and attachment coupled with insecurity, anxiety and fear in the direction of the end. 6..There is no effective treatment for A.D.7. The GOP has drastically cut  A.D. research funding .

Reference

Brain Injury: Alzheimer's, Stroke And Head Trauma.  Institute for Natural Resources.

Deja Vu ?

 

Describe our 2025 Republic ? This essay provides a few socioeconomic, political, and psychological notions that characterize the 1929 German Republic and will compare them to our 2025 Republic.  Similarities between the two republics are to be noted

In 1929 Germany , the following are a few factors  attributed to an embittered , vulnerable angry and sadistic lower middle class that was affected by large-scale unemployment and increasing  militaristic strength forces perpetuated by social Democratic leaders of heavy industry and following their WW1 defeat along with the unfair  Versailles Treaty  With that introduction ,a brief listing of significant factors follows: 1.  One political party became dominant, backed by the industrialists and the Junkers(landowning aristocrats).  At that time, there was inner tiredness,insecurity,  resignation ,anger and disappointment with their political leaders. In fact, the Kaiser, and others were  ridiculed.and scorned. 3.  There was a spirit of blind obedience to a leader and hatred against others especially those  that were non Aryans.  4.  The lower middle class loved the strong and hated the weak with expressed hostility. They  were envious and rationalized their moral indignation with an enhanced respect for authority, the craving for submission and lust for power  .5. With the depression and  inflation, their savings and sense of security was severely threatened .They sought security which affected their narcissistic pride related to their economic decline.  This decline and insecurity was also  related to  social prestige as their sense of superiority was threatened as they had no one to look down upon.  6.. There was a breakdown of family, and the authority of the father. And the younger generation acted as if he didn't care about receiving their parents approval .Parents lost prestige and authority as the younger generation believed they were superior to their elders.  Economically, the parents were deprived of their role of backers and providers  for the economic future for their children.  Furthermore, this older generation grew more bitter and resentful as the chances for making a living diminished. 7.  With increasing social frustration,they thought of their life in terms of the nation which now had no or little chance for the future or to a return  of the great German Reich. Previously,the German Reich was a symbol of social prestige and security.  They experienced feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, and isolation as well as a resentfulness against the urban creditors with whom  they were in debt.  9 .This individual insignificance and powerlessness was related and perpetuated by monopolistic capitalism 10.. This Nazi regime proved to be economically detrimental to the have nots  but it fostered the interests of the most powerful group of German industry and furthered  the development of monopolistic capitalism- the haves.

Pertaining to Trump voters in 2024, we find a larger share56%  of young men, especially white men, voting for him . Also; 24% of black men and 47% of Latino men did likewise,  especially those aged 45  and older . 

Stated polling  percentages important to young men and women in the 2024 election were : 1. 66% of young men were deeply pessimistic about Biden's handling of the economy as did women  aged18 to 44 .  Almost 2/3 disapproved of Biden's overall job performance while 50% of white men approved  of Trump's previous handling of his presidency 2.  40%  of these males listed inflation and the cost of living among the top three issues followed by immigration, the border ,and  jobs. 3. Inflation and cost of living were most frequently listed as a top issue among  women. 

Economically speaking ,57.4% of Americans have accumulated less than $1000 in savings. The median retirement savings of the richest 10% are 35 times higher than the median retirement savings of the poorest 20%. One quarter of non-retirees have no retirement savings at all.A monopolistic capitalism is a major reason  perpetuating the increase in economic inequality.

The degree of health in our republic is 76% of those experiencing the lowest levels of well-being in 2023 were males aged 25 to 44.  2.  76% of men and 73% of women in the US were either  overweight or obese in 2021 4. There were  905,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease in 2021, We have a poor health republic  and longevity is related to high-quality education, earning a sufficient income and importantly,making smart cognitive and physical  lifestyle choices

Our current authoritarian led republic is supported by appointed  government loyalists, Congress ,Supreme Court ,corporations,  Tech billionaires  and about 40% or more individuals 2.  Political figures, comedians,journalists , universities,rule of law and scientists are  attacked and discredited by  Trump 3.  Trump is making the economy worse for the have nots and better for the haves. 4.  Foreigners and immigrants are state enemies “justifying” or an excuse for a police and military state  5. White nationalism, racism, hate , prejudice and verbal and  physical  attacks are increasing.  6.  Trump's sadistic rhetoric and executive orders reinforces acts of violence ,splitting and hate 7 .Trump's MAGA slogan is about restoring and compensating for feelings of anxiety, powerlessness and insecurity and is the symbol for social prestige ,dominance,exploitation and  power  of a past white USA. The immigrants, Democrats , people of color ,minorities and other non-MAGA types are evil and must be threatened,  attacked and referred to as non humans. 8. Evil and scapegoating  are enemies of  reason, objectivity, and rational judgment.  9.  Trump's political strategies are ,largely  in part, for his TV  audience  based on his narcissism and his need for self glorification.10 Individuals are arrested without due process and being sent to countries other than their own .

It's apparent that there are familiar themes pertaining to both Germany's 1929 Republic and our 2025 Republic . For example: 1.  We have an embittered, insecure ,anxious ,angry and sadistic lower middle and upper lower class( the have nots) as indicated , in part, by the amount of hateful  social media toxicity and their voting record..  2.  We have one political party in control that's backed by biotech industrialists , CEOs , corporations and 40% or so of the population.  Biden , Harris ,Schumer, Jeffries and other Democrats are ridiculed and attacked.  3.  There is blind obedience to Trump and  hatred and disrespect toward people of color , Democrats, foreigners and non-Christians. 4. We have overt hostility, respect and loyalty for Trump, craving for submission  and pursuit  for power, control and domination.  5.  We have inflation, massive personal and student debt along with minuscule savings.  In the past( MAGA) the white population looked down upon people of color, other peoples with discrimination 6.  There is a breakdown of family and the younger generation has difficulty respecting the older generation. The older generation is also bitter and resentful as their economic resources have  been severely diminished 7. Because of the  economic insecurities, the have nots experience feelings of powerlessness , anxiety ,isolation and scapegoat their  resentment. 8 . Their individual insignificance is related to  monopolistic capitalism with its increasing income inequality . 9. The authoritarian  GOP is proving to be economically detrimental to the have nots but not the haves 

Another consequence or contributing factor for   authoritarianism is the  monopolistic economic inequality which affects the mental and physical health of the lower middle and upper  lower class. Pertaining to Dr.Emeran  Mayers microbiomes research, ,there's an ongoing ,two way.relationship between the mind (brain)and the  body (gut).  As a result of an  unhealthy lifestyle, chronic  physical disease such as heart ,type II diabetes, obesity and cancer, as well as the cognitive,-Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, and anxiety, are common.  This unhealthy lifestyle also affects not only the cortex but the limbic  and archaic systems in our brain as well..Other common disorders  Includie stress, suicide, sleep , mood and IBS that’s related to the mind and body connection. ..

Poor lifestyle choices  include  antibiotic meds , diet laden with sugar, salt and ultraprocessed foods, lack of exercise, few social connections and inadequate meaningful contributions,have been identified as contributing factors for physical and mental illness. Ultraprocessed foods are easy ,convenient, inexpensive ,taste good and appeal to the have-nots.Unfortunately, poor diet affects major decision making.

 In essence,it's been found that   inadequate lifestyle choices  affect  the brain's cognitive decision-making. Also, add the amount of time spent,  lies ,hate, conspiracy, paranoia,and misinformation propagated and found on social media sources.  In other words, cognitive decision-making from brain impairment ( lifestyle, food , social media ) characterizes many of these Trump voters. And, It's not a surprise that a  significant dumbing down  has and continues to  occur  for them . And their  attitude, emotions , thinking and behavior is constantly reinforced by authoritarian lies,dominance  and craziness throughout our cultural  mediums .Furthermore,our nation’s  health, medical care,economic,and  happiness statistics  compared to other nations  do not lie and indicate a realism concerning our nation . Our republic is in trouble. It's not surprising that as our mental and physical health is declining .In fact, a positive  correlation exists  with threats to  democracy ,rule of law ,economics and freedom as authoritarian oppression  pervades this nation at this time. 

Reference

Fromm, Erich.  Escape From Freedom