Dynamics of Nationalism Part 2

A sense of identity eventually merges. Initially, the identification and imitation of parental figures are incorporated. The language, beliefs, punishments and behaviors of parents are noted along with their rules, emotions, and contradictions. Good, bad and how people are treated are learned. Teachers, religious leaders, sports figures, movie stars, entertainers, etc. also begin to become part of the individual’s fragile sense of identity. Later on, identity becomes clearer based on potential love objects, social groups, achievement and accomplishments in academic and vocational arenas, membership in religious and political groups, participation in college and professional sports teams, country, etc. Through formal and Informal education, the person begins to learn more about love from the great teachers of man. From Ikhnaton, Moses, Confucius, Lao-tse, Buddha, Socrates, and Jesus to name a few. The introduction to the learnings of the philosophers from Europe become embedded consciously or unconsciously. For instance, Machiavelli wrote about employing fear and love to control the populace. However, he added that fear was a stronger technique and more dependable than love. Hobbes, the British philosopher, believed that because of man’s conflicts and frailties, man would submit, and give over control to a sovereign or the state, which would be geared to protect the individual from attack. In other words, fear was the strongest motive. And then there was Spinoza. He believed there was an unconscious motivation that existed in man. He also wrote “but if the greedy person thinks only of money and possessions, the ambitious one only of fame, one does not think of them as being insane, but only as annoying; generally one has contempt for them. But factually greediness, ambition, and so forth are forms of insanity, although usually one does not think of them as illness.” Currently, we have a political divide that was exacerbated by the May 7 zero tolerance policy. This policy resulted in young children being separated from their parents and placed in chain-link areas all over the country. Politically, we were told that these brown skinned people were illegal and associated with disease, rape, homicide and gang related behavior regardless or irrespective of age. Then we witnessed a video of crying children in their cages. One TV station and its various representatives of this man-made policy talked about the strict rule of law with its narrow right and wrong interpretation regarding the immigration madness or mess. However, this was expressed as if there was a concealment of truth as well as an absence of emotional, conscience, moral, ethical behavior, brotherhood of men, religious teachings and critical inductive and deductive reasoning. Instead, there was a blind obedience to this policy based on nationalism or populism, which means hatred and demonization toward nonwhite skinned minorities, love of the strong, disgust toward the poor weakly masses of insignificant strangers. Moreover, we have been told that the other is lazy, shiftless, ignorant, less intelligent and inferior. They don’t deserve legalization, minimum wage, food stamps, health insurance, affirmative action or government, assisted housing. In fact, it’s admirable that Doug McMillion, Walmart’s CEO earned $22.2 million in 2017. The median salaried employee at that company would have to work more than 1000 years to match that income [New York Times, May 27, 2018]. More To Follow

Dynamics of Nationalism

Psychologically, when going from intrauterine to extra uterine or birth, the baby begins life emotionally vulnerable and sensitive to pain, dependent, fearful and helpless. It doesn’t have perception, cannot feed itself; and relies on the mother or caretaker for feeding, diapering and its existence. Within its development, the infant evolves from primary narcissism and begins to recognize outside objects, reacts with emotion, becomes able to grasp things, coordinate movements and then locomote or walk. Secondary narcissism begins as a child starts to recognize the importance of the other. The rudimentary basis for love has now been established. At the cognitive level, primary process thinking evolves into secondary process thinking as the child develops language, speaks, and learns about things and their function. Jean Piaget viewed cognitive development proceeding through four stages. 1. Sensorimotor 2. Preoperational 3. Concrete Operational and 4. Formal Operational. In the fourth stage, the ability to think abstractly, hypothetically, philosophically, ethically, socially, politically, and employ deductive reasoning emerges. Conscience evolves as the child learns “bad” as a result of parental punishments and threats and “good” as result of parental approval. It behaves as such only when the parent is present. We know that conscience was thought at one time to be a major influence on behavior and that conscience was developmental. Initially, according to Piaget and Kohlberg, a child’s behavior was guided externally by punishment and obedience, and then was based on receiving the approval of others, in order to maintain good relations. Later on, the individual begins internally to employ more rational, beneficial mutuality and utilitarian based behavior. He begins to see a logical and rational necessity for people to cooperate with one another .Appropriate behavior is based more on mutuality, reciprocity and the interests of all. With the capacity to view the world objectively, it can see others within a moral, ethical and humanistic framework. We also know that if the parents had a defective or authoritarian based conscience that was expressed in the manner of excessive rigidity or harshness, then it’s very unlikely that the development of the child’s conscience and moral standards would become mature and reasonable. More To Follow

Anthony Bourdain Part 3

Man is irrational and has need structures. He has a need for abasement and exhibits masochistic behaviors. Additionally, pugnacity, repulsion, fear, disgust, anger, and negative self-feelings accompany behavior. We have wars, and we have men sending off mother’s sons to injury or death. The military is advertised as seeing the world; adventure; having teamwork; and being all that you can be. However, the injury and suicide rate of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are significant. Yes, the environment and living conditions play a major role with one’s emotional state of being. We cannot discount the effects of the battle conditions and its effect on the emotional toll on these men. They experience closeness and bond with each other, and then find bits and pieces of their brothers bodies scattered. It’s no wonder that PTSD is a common diagnosis for returning vets. Let’s take someone who prefers suicide or assisted suicide. This person wants to end his life for any number of reasons. Emotionally, the ending of life is consonant with suicide. Once that decision is made, the person is unlikely to be open to revoking that position. No amount of persuasion or logic will make a change. When the person wants to die, the present becomes less pleasurable; his future looks bleak; and he is unable to contemplate growth, optimism and change. Anthony Bourdain was not afraid to die. He achieved fame through his cooking, was a famous TV personality, had a popular TV show and was well rewarded economically. Likely, he had a support system and resources to receive help. Although Bourdain had many ways to end his life, he chose a painful death. His emotional misery from depression was so pronounced that he was unable to think clearly and figure out a more satisfactory solution. He believed that he was banging his head against an unsurmountable barrier that he was unable to cross or penetrate. His belief in the future was void of significant or meaningful goals. His awards and attainments were simply symbolic realizations at best. These achievements did not adequately substitute or protect Boudain from depression. Instead, in his depression, he exhibited angry and aggressive impulses inward against self. He contemplated and fantasized about suicide, developed a plan and carried it through. Was it a rational, heroic, intelligent or a destructive act for him? One would have to be in Anthony’s shoes to perhaps more fully understand his thinking and all the elements or components within his life space at that particular moment of time .One could agree or disagree about his act being logical, sensible or violent. However, remember, a suicide gesture and behavior is always based on the perception of the beholder and is within man’s fragile will. PS Per the June 25, 2018 edition of Time, a quote by Graham Greene in his autobiography, Ways of Escape,” sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear, which is inherent to the human condition” had special meaning for Anthony Bourdain as he had a copy of this book on his nightstand. I’ll wager that by reading Greene’s autobiography additional clues will surface as Bourdain likely identified with this brilliant writer. According to Wikipedia, Greene’s book describes “his struggle to stave off terminal boredom rather than merely have a good time. Sometimes mildly heroic, often seedy with those stories of his life, he described his lifelong ennui, his frequent bouts of depression and his endless search for meaning in life he often appears to view as meaningless….. Impression that the author lived a very interesting and varied life, but not a happy one.”

Anthony Bourdain Part 2

We all know that emotion accompanies behavior since man is a thinking, perceiving, sensing, moving and an emotional Homo sapiens. We also know that man is irrational and does not always behave based on his interests. In Leon Festinger’s theory of Cognitive Dissonance, he believed that a discrepancy was an important condition for relevant motivation. Simply put, dissonance gives rise to a tension state, which is unpleasant and motivational. Then the individual will be oriented to reducing or eliminating the dissonance or unpleasant tension. And successful reduction of tension would be rewarding. Dissonance arises in the presence of information, bits of knowledge pertaining to self or others. It can be present or implied. It can be a thought, expectation, attitude, opinion or perception. Importantly, it can be an idea that has a significant emotional meaning pertinent to our perception of ourselves or belief system. That being the case, we’re open to like information and closed or discount ideas of opposition. Let’s take the belief that the earth is 6000 years old or such. In that view, man lived with the dinosaurs, sabretooth tigers, etc. If, that’s the case, we neither want to hear that the earth is 3.8 billion years old and was not formed in seven days, nor that the evolution of Homo sapiens, appeared about 70,000 years ago. We would more likely not read the scientific or biological journals relating to man’s origins, nor would we seek out lectures, movies or documentaries to that effect. If someone attempted to influence us with a different point of view, we would likely become angry. We would call it “fake news.” It would be a threat, dissonance, to our belief system. On the other hand, we would likely visit, a theme entertainment park based on the Old Testament stories with Adam and Eve, mastodons, and other prehistoric animals. That behavior would be consonant with our belief system. And yes, we can be illogical, irrational and employ denial because we are Homo sapiens. A more recent example of how man’s bias resulted in self-defeating behavior was found in a May 27, 2018 article in The New York Times. Briefly, a recent experiment demonstrated just that. Subjects were given a task to identify figures that had different shapes. Then, the participants received feedback as to whether their answers were right or wrong. These participants then observed the answers of four other co-players who were completing the same tasks. The participants were also asked whether they agreed or disagreed with a number of political statements such as “building a wall along the southern border would reduce illegal immigration.” The participants also observed the responses by 4 other co-players. To make the most money, the participants could learn from the co-player who best demonstrated the ability to identify the various shapes, regardless of political view. Unfortunately, the participants chose to agree with those co-players that matched their own views, regardless of their failure rate on the shapes. In essence, the participants lost money because they agreed with the politically like-minded co-players. They could’ve made more money by partnering up with those co-players that excelled at the task. The participants simply trusted like-minded individuals, or simply put, that resulted in an absence of dissonance. Politically, a contrary political view created dissonace to their belief system regardless of an opportunity to earn money. The dissonance resulted in a non-logical and rational decision. The tension or anxiety was stronger and interfered with smart decision-making. More to Follow

Anthony Bourdain

For the past few weeks I’ve had discussions with my friend Paul about the recent suicide of Anthony Bourdain .Paul and his wife Karen had this wonderful perception of Mr. Bourdain. They perceived him as being famous, worldly, engaging, wealthy, and a wonderful connoisseur and spokesman for superb tasting foods. And the fact that he traveled all over the world breaking bread with the natives about wine, food, and food preparation. In fact, he even got paid well to engage in this activity .Paul simply cannot understand this most personal and conscious act by Bourdain, in that it was not rational decision. Paul, being born and schooled in Athens Greece was no doubt versed and familiar with the writings of the famous Greek philosophers Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. These philosophers believed that knowledge, rationality, and the search for truth played a major role in virtuous conduct or right or wrong behavior. Further, that virtue through knowledge and rationality could control the passions. This meant that the mental aspect was superior to the sins of the flesh. And Aristotle believed that the highest aspect of human life was the pursuit of happiness, which was achieved through reason. Later on, Arthur Schopenhauer wrote about the evilness of impulses. He believed that impulses actually don’t bring pleasure, but instead result in pain. Not only that, but impulse gratification leads to satiation but not happiness. I am reminded of an exercise that I participated in one of my graduate classes held by Jacob Kounin. Briefly, Dr. Kounin drew a figure of a cat on the chalkboard and we were told to do the same, until he asked us to stop. This exercise demonstrated an example of satiation. Starting out, the drawn figure of the cat looked similar to the Professors. After minutes, the drawing errors mounted and the cat’s disfigurement developed more and more so. At the conclusion of the task, the cat drawings were placed randomly on the page. In essence, satiation took over, going from a positive valence, to a negative valence. Perhaps, if one ate a particular and favorite food [positive valence] three times a day, eventually, one would prefer something else as the food item would change from a positive to a negative valence. Sex would be another example. More to Follow

Too Many Suicides Part 3

All of us, have had mothers primarily responsible for our upbringing. And men have been largely responsible for sending sons off to war. Suicide is not legal in most states, regardless of one’s mental or physical condition. Jack Kevorkian was a pathologist in Michigan my home state. He assisted approximately 130 patients to end their life on their own terms. Government interfering in that most personal decision did not make any sense to me. In fact, the medical board in Michigan revoked his license; and he was found guilty of second-degree murder, despite the fact that Michigan had no law against assisted suicide. This was a miscarriage of justice. The right to life slogan is just a slogan and means what? Wars don’t count, do they? Our government protects Big Pharma and the food industry by not fully warning the consumer of the consequences of use of pesticides, chemicals and other GMO’s that contaminate our food and are used in household products .I would argue that poor physical health{ cancer and obesity associated with these elements} contributes to depression and likely harmful behavior to self. My friend Dr. Jim Steere was awakened while studying in Denmark on a Fulbright scholarship. Denmark with zero population growth had complete medical coverage for its citizens, and they viewed suicide as humane. To quote Jim in “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.” According to Jim, “in Denmark, suicide does not carry criminal charges or have a religious connotation. Jim’s grandfather, California pioneer. committed suicide by ingesting strychnine. In the US, shame and guilt are associated with suicide. It’s not openly discussed and is a crime and therefore punishable. The Danes are both more humanistic and progressive when it comes to depression and mental illness.” Source: Basic Handbook of Child Psychiatry, Disturbances of Development, Joseph D. Noshpitz, Editor

Too Many Suicides Part 2

Suicide and suicide attempts by children, adolescents are troubling with the fact that the first attempt surprises everybody, and as a result, prediction becomes difficult. Suicidal ideation is often a closely held secret. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and youth in United States. It is been estimated that about 12% of suicide attempts in our country are with adolescents and 90% of these by adolescent girls. Moreover, since 2010 there has been a 70% increase in suicide rate among girls ages 10 to 19. Ingestion of barbiturates, psychotropic drugs, tranquilizers and drugs combined with alcohol are typical. As far as childhood suicide attempts, they appear to be impulsive acts, often motivated by feeling badly treated. And by the desire to punish those who would grieve at their death. Often the child who threatens to kill himself is expressing rage towards parents, usually his mother. Those who do seriously attempt to kill themselves are usually emotionally disturbed with a pathological family situation as a rule with a very sick mother. Parental feelings toward the child include feeling the child was a burden and the child feels that he was expendable. Suicidal children often do not take part in school activities outside the classroom. They may have reading our learning difficulties. The child may also feel that he can no longer tolerate the pain of living and that his adaptive attempts to fill his need come to nothing. Regardless of the concept of death, he views it as a solution to his difficulties. Children suffer depression with behavioral and somatic symptoms as the outward manifestation. Essentially, they want to punish the significant persons in their life. A few statistics regarding suicidal behavior with children and adolescents. For example, 20 percent have a parent who attempted suicide; 40% have a parent, relative or close friend who attempted suicide; 72% have one or both natural parents absent from the home-divorced, separated or deceased; 84% of those with stepparents felt they were contending with being with a not wanting stepparent; 58% of the parents were married more than once; 16% have had serious problems with a current parent due to the parents alcoholism; and family show marked residential mobility. Specifically, an unusual number of school changes, and siblings leaving the home are common findings. To Be Continued

Too Many Suicides

The surprised recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain triggered memories in my past. In the early 1970s, Gail, a beautiful redhead, was the love of my life. She was bright, talented and full of life’s energy. I met her in San Francisco, while separated from my wife. We had a terrific love affair that resulted in her moving to Detroit while I was in graduate school completing my PhD. Unfortunately, we separated, and I did not see her for about 25 years. Surprisingly, I met her at my 40th high school reunion. She had married a classmate of mine. However, she was unhappy in that union. Within the next five years or so, I found out that she had committed suicide. In the late 1970s, I feel in love with another woman that I met in San Francisco at the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. Jackie, at that time, was working on her PhD and also had a volunteer position with Suicide Prevention of Alameda County. One might argue, that these two facts were coincidences. Maybe or maybe not. In any event, Bourdain’s suicide brings back pleasant memories along with sadness regarding Gail. I would’ve liked to been there with her in her last moments. A few thoughts regarding suicide. Aggression is part of man’s nature and frustration leads to aggression. Even though there is a drive for survival, man, not only kills others, but kills self. We do not find any hard data generalizing or duplicating that behavior with the animal world. In the recent mass shootings, the perpetrator becomes the victim of suicide, either killing self, being killed by others, or spending the rest of his life behind bars. Overall, roughly 2/3 of all suicides are by men; and with a greater percentage being between the ages of 15 and 30 or over 70 years of age. There’s been close to a 30% increase in suicides since 1999 and it has been reported that about 70% of individuals committing suicide have communicated with others prior to taking their own life. Further, in 2016 suicide was the 10th most leading b cause of death. For the population at large, mental disorders, including personality disorders alcoholism, substance misuse coupled with feeling alone; being not afraid to die, are associated with intentionally causing one’s own death. To Be Continued

Biological Age or Psychological Age Part 2

In relating identity to aging, it is clear that this is most important component. For instance, The Dictionary of Psychology defines personal identity as “psychologically, the sense or feeling of being the same person, based on common sensibility and continuity of aims, purposes and memories.” It seems to me that employing a number pertaining to an individual’s chronological age is not a useful description. A more useful description would be more like using the term “psychological age.” My friend Tony sent me a link with the message “somebody beat you to it.” Tony was referring to my term psychological age. In the link, in question, Disabled World published in 2014 and updated in 2017, what they called, was a real age calculator referred to as Biological Age. They claimed to compare Health Age; with Life Expectancy; and Typical Life Expectancy based on a questionnaire. Their questions employed health, medical, and personal habits to determine these actuarial numbers. Obviously, they employed more questions relating to habits and behaviors than to health and medical. One questionnaire does not fit everyone. We know that for Homo sapiens about 30% of who we are is based on DNA. Some disease conditions, height, strength and skin color are linked with DNA. I Disagree with John Watson. Based on DNA findings, human nature is not a blank tablet or tabula rasa. Yes, we are social animals and maybe 70% or so of who we are is based on environment, learning and experience. And because of our four basic processes [perception, movement, emotion and thinking] who we are and what we do is heavily influenced by our individual psychology. All our habits, behavior, beliefs, and mood is based on our individual psychology. As a result, psychological age is more inclusive, accurate, encompassing, influencing, and more specific than biological age. The term psychological age would not only take in aims, purposes, and memories, but more specifically would include important perceptions and expectancies pertaining to levels of physical activity or movement. In order to maintain and sustain activity levels, descriptions of physical and mental health self-talk, mood, feelings, drive and mental toughness are paramount. How an individual trains and conditions for the activity; how and what the individual eats nutritiously; and the other variables like how the individual maintains his life and life space would all be prescribed under the rubric of identity. Another way to put it, identity is not only what the person says about self, but also about the person’s choices and behavior. My purpose is not to come up with a particular number or tables like in life insurance. My task is to provide insight, understanding and a plan of action to be able to take in discrepant ideas for those wanting to change existing self-defeating patterns and dynamics around both birth and psychological age.

Biological Age or Psychological Age

After sustaining a horseback riding injury in 2009, in which I broke some bones in my neck, my first book “It Has Nothing To Do With Age” was published by Winter Goose in 2011. In that book, I focused on male and female athletes 65 years of age and older that were still competing in extraordinary sports. Many of these athletes were acquaintances that provided me with additional insights about their aging process. Simply put, their physical daily activities had to do with who they were as Homo sapiens. In other words, their competitiveness , their choices, their commitments and their ability to stick and persevere under varying conditions of stress in their particular sport or sports make up their identity. People, age differently which is reflected by who they are. Pay attention to the subject matter when having a conversation with a senior. Some, talk about their aches and pains; past or upcoming medical procedures like surgeries; or go on or bring up the many things that they used to do. These individuals more than likely have a psychological age, older than their birth age. One can argue that they are impaired. For others, talk centers around how good they look and feel; current and future plans regarding activities; compared to the doom and gloom and focusing on the “used to do.” These individuals have a psychological age that is younger than their chronological age. Psychologically speaking, Homo sapiens exhibit 4 basic processes. They perceive and sense. That is, he sees, tastes, smells, touches, and hears. Secondly, he moves and acts. That is, he walks, eats, swims, throws, climbs, etc. Thirdly, he feels or emotes. That is, he loves, hates, fears, becomes guilty, feels depressed, etc. Fourth, he reasons or thinks. That is, he remembers, imagines, hypothesizes, concludes, solves problems, etc. We know that none of these four basic processes are experienced in isolation. If the Homo sapiens perceives that he is different-he views himself looking older than his peers, his posture may be bent over as he walks; he may be depressed about his weight or physical health; and he may conclude that he’s not doing too well. With these Homo sapiens, their psychological state is significantly influenced but only in part by biological limitations. Mind and body are a two-way process. If one thinks he can’t run, then his body complies. If he is overweight and has bad knees, he believes that he can’t run and doesn’t run. Briefly put, how an individual perceives, thinks, acts, lives his life, emotes and feels about his daily activities determine who he is .Focus on actions and the ways in which he spends his time and it begins to paint a picture of his identity. It’s easier when in a career to have an identity related to that occupation. In retirement, one has to fill or re-create that gap in the 40 to 50 waking hours every week. To Be Continued

Race in America Part 3

While those specializing in genetics are linking DNA to disease, our political system is employing racial categories from a social- political point of view. In fact, respondents on census questionnaires are asked to choose from an arbitrary classification which race or races that they are. I imagine its difficult when one parent is light-skinned and the other parent a person of color. What if they been adopted and had never met or known about their birth parents? What’s being measured? Taking a look at questions pertaining to race from the 2010 U.S. Census: 5. is this person of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin? Mexican, Mexican-American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, 6. White, Black, African American or Negro, American Indian or Alaska Native, 6. Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, other Asian, Japanese, Korean, Native Hawaiian, Guamanian or Chamorro, Samoan, Other Pacific Islander, Some Other Race. From these questions, the US has gathered questionable statistics on ethnicity and color of skin .Country, location, ethnicity and nationality are addressed. Maybe, just maybe, eliminating the social construct race from a governmental, political, and prejudicial point of view and referring to humankind as Homo sapiens might be more accurate and truthful. Asking where you were born, where your parents were born and where your grandparents were born would be more accurate and more useful .We are a society of immigrants and Native Indians. PS Yes, even the native Indians migrated.

Race in America Part 2

Dr. Reich argued that we should be careful about drawing conclusions about race that involves constructs that can be modified by the environment. For instance, in studying performance on an intelligence test, factor in such variables as a number of years of schooling, the way a person was reared, and the socioeconomic factors of the parent’s .Genetics do not exist in isolation. Differentiating the percentage pertaining to genetics or nature and the percentage pertaining to nurture or environment are age-old relevant questions. In fact, a behaviorist John Watson emphasized learning and experience, or simply put, nurture, and believed that experience could be inscribed in any message on the tabula rasa, which is the blank slate of human nature. Dr. Watson stated in 1925 “Give me a dozen healthy infants, well formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select-Doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and yes even beggar-man, and thief regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, locations and race of his ancestors.” This behaviorist incorporated the effect of negative learning regarding the development of social and political ideas of race. To illustrate, if a poor person of color is subjected to negative environmental influences, that Homo sapien is likely to develop negative character traits. My sister took part in a DNA testing. The results were 99.6% Ashkenazi and .4% Sephardic. Ashkenazi Jews refers to ethnicity of Jews from Central and Eastern Europe-Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and Belarus. Sephardi Jews lived in the Iberian Peninsula-Spain, Portugal, and France. Although our parents were born the United States, both sets of grandparents were born in Russia. Location, location and location. My friend Tony’s early DNA story indicated 45% Europe, South; 20% Europe, West; 12% Caucasus and 11%, Scandinavia. Tony’s mother and grandparents were born in Italy, but he’s not sure about the birthplace of his father and his father’s parents. Does this make Tony half Italian? To Be Continued

Race in America

Biologists classify organisms into species. Species that have evolved from a common ancestor are linked together under the category of genus or the plural genera. Genera are then grouped into families such as Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens came into being around 70,000 years ago, even though the first humans evolved from East Africa roughly 2.5 million years ago. On a side note, Homo sapiens eliminated the Neanderthals. However, some might argue that the superior Homo sapiens won and attributed that to their superior brain power and aggressive nature. In any case, violence, irrationality, destruction and negative emotions like hate are the nature of Homo sapiens. Let’s visit The New York Times article in the March 25, 2018 edition titled “Race in the Age of Modern Genetics” by Dr. David Reich. Reich sets the stage for an understanding of race within biological science. In 1942, Ashley Montagu, the anthropologist, in his book, argued that race was a social concept that had no genetic basis. However, in 1972, Richard Lewontin, a geneticist employing a variation in protein types in blood, classified seven races-West Eurasians, Africans, East Asians, South Asians, Native Americans, Oceanians, and Australians. He stated that about 85% of variation in the protein types could be accounted for by variation within populations, and only about 15% variation across them. He added that “to the extent that there was variation among humans, most of that was because of differences between individuals.” From the data, a consensus established that among human populations, there were no significant differences to support the concept of race. Instead, race was considered a social construct, which is a way of categorizing people that changes over time and across countries. Dr. Lewontin wrote that human populations “are remarkably similar to each other” from a genetic point of view. However, Dr. Reich stated that groundbreaking advances in DNA sequencing have been made over the last two decades. And these advances enabled him to measure with accuracy what fraction of an individual’s genetic ancestry traces back to that say West Africa before the mixing in the Americas of the West Africans with European gene pools. He added that while race is a social construct differences in genetic ancestry correlate with some of today’s constructs. Dr. Reich used examples like skin color, bodily dimensions and susceptibility to disease. Moreover, Dr. Reich pointed out that the differences between males and females were most profound. In addition to anatomical biological differences between the sexes, were average differences in size and physical strength. To Be Continued

Continued Teenage Violence Part 2

This brings to mind research conducted by Harry Harlow with rhesus monkeys at the University of Wisconsin and the development of attachment. In a series of experiments, Harlow and associates constructed a wire-mesh “mother” and a wire- mesh “mother” covered with Terry cloth. Even though the wire mesh mother, had a bottle attached to its wire mesh chest, these infant monkeys preferred the terrycloth mother. With the terrycloth mother, the infant rhesus monkeys preferred them; it reduced their fear, and these monkeys were more likely to explore the open space around the strange and threatening wire- mesh mother. According to theory, attachment was not established with the wire meshed “mother.” Let’s apply infant attachment to humans and the psychological ability to develop a sense of trust and security. It’s my guess, that the 17-year-old perpetrator had a wire- mesh caretaker and thus was unable develop a sense of trust and developed a sense of mistrust Instead. When the development of trust is impaired, the humankind emotionally experiences an unhealthy degree of anxiety and insecurity. He can no longer expect that his safety and other needs are going to be met by significant others or by our institutions. This results in frustration and anger. The displacement of this anger can be directed toward self and others that have foreign ideas, beliefs and attitudes. This is coupled with the reliance on self to meet one’s needs. Thus, this personality type developed an unhealthy degree of narcissism. Unfortunately, this character type also developed emotional impairment, sadomasochistic tendencies and violent behavior patterns. Prior to the industrial civilization, we experienced a “we or us” psychological mentality. However, we have evolved, and currently the focus is on individuality, becoming all that you can be, striving to meet one’s potential, acquiring as much wealth as possible in the “ me” narcissistic culture. Just keep on buying, whether it’s that dream house, exotic vacation, latest app, fastest sports car or latest killing weapon. And remember, according to capitalism, greed and debt are good as they further, the economic dynamics of those in the 1%. However, there is widespread alienation, isolation, emotional disturbance among our population. The statistics on violence, suicide, drug abuse, accidents and economic variability are symptoms. There is a major gap between what once was “real” family and the current inability of the government and political system to take over all those necessary caretaking functions. These troubled homegrown killer- victims have fallen through the cracks and stand out like a sore thumb with their acts of violence. Society has not yet created the institutions for creating an emotionally close, safety net with ideal surrogate parenting for all.

Continued Teenage Violence

A 17-year-old shooter murdered 10 at his Santa Fe High School near Houston, Texas. This weaponized student, regardless of a security adult, created havoc. All it takes for death and destruction is one Rambo like figure with a killing weapon. We have glorified this protagonist type over and over again in fiction, TV scripts, video games, and on the big screen. Good and evil is played out, but the lines get blurred between what is appropriate and honorable versus what is bad and deplorable. Do the ends justify the means, as the hero performs numerous killings? Prior to the Industrial Revolution, we had “family. “ This meant that within a nuclear family, each member contributed to the welfare of the whole group. Sons worked alongside father daily without complaint and daughters assisted their mother as well. Education was provided in many different forms and ways. If a family member was sick, they were cared for by the family. If there was death to the father or mother, the eldest stepped in and took over the reins. Nurturance, support and child rearing was the job and task of the family members. Neighbors were good neighbors and if one neighbor experienced some form of hardship, other neighbors came to their aid. There was not an exchange of money for assisting with the building of a structure or with the planting and harvesting of crops. Altruism existed and one could expect, that in hardship, the neighborhood community would be there with hands-on help. On the other hand, if there was a killing, then that community would take care of the problem. There was no external police force or court system that would apply law and order. Nowadays, we have institutions that provide for education, social services, employment, police and military, incarceration, Social Security, health insurance, and other functions that were once handled by family. We now have foster care and babysitters to rear the children. We have psychologists, psychiatrists with psychotropic meds, and social workers to provide for remediating the emotional needs for those with interpersonal, social and individual difficulties. We have teachers, counselors, principles, providing assistance for mass, universal education. We have doctors, nurses, hospitals providing for the physically ill. To Be Continued

The Pill

I recently became aware, thanks to the February 26, 2018 edition of Time, of a relatively new antiaging product in this $250 billion industry. This molecule is found in all living cells and critical for regulating cellular aging and maintaining proper functioning of the whole body. It is called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD +. According to David Sinclair a co-director for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School, “It’s one of the most important molecules for life to exist, and without it, you’re dead within 30 seconds.” During aging, levels of NAD+ in people and animals diminish. Recently, researchers found that by increasing levels of NAD+ in older mice it resulted in them looking, acting younger and it increased their life expectancy. In fact, the NAD+ levels rose significantly, and in about a week, the tissues and muscles of the older mice looked similar to that of younger mice. Some testimonials of individuals taking NAD+ in pill form. “Sinclair…. does not experience hangovers and jetlagged like he used to, he talks faster, and feels sharper and younger. His father takes it to. He’s 78 and used to act like Eeyore … Now he is going on 6 day hikes and traveling around the world.” Another co-director Leonard Guarente “It’s not intended to extend people’s life spans, but to help them stay healthier for longer.” And Sir Richard Roberts, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine “the only difference I’ve noticed is that the skin on my elbows is smoother than it used to be. Whether it’s Basis [Name of the supplement] or something else, I have no idea.” By bringing Basis to the market as a supplement and not as a drug, it’s not required to undergo years of clinical research and FDA approval. Also, a number of Nobel laureates have endorsed the supplement, but have not reported whether or not they have been paid. Because I would like to run forever, this product interests me. I have entered a tough 10 mile trail competition this Saturday. Having a three month trial, I will compare my running time to previous races over the last five years. After this Coloma River Run, I’ll evaluate and determine whether or not I’ll continue taking this anti – aging product. Eliminating hangovers, jet lags, talking faster, and traveling around the world are not my priorities. However, being able to run daily is important for me. Remember, my motto is “keep moving. PS Tony is joining me on the Coloma River Run. He doesn’t believe in taking supplements. However, after the run, we will compare our running times, and likely laugh. Once my wife Linda heard about this aid and my intention, she said “I want to start taking this pill too.”

One Step In Front of the Other

I was disappointed with the article “Why Men Quit and Women Don’t” found in the April 22, 2018 edition of The New York Times. This article was based on the results of the 2018, Boston Marathon. In this 26.1 mile run, 5% of men did not finish compared to 3.8% women. The writer gave her opinion as to the difference. She cited old wives tale like women are tougher. She said women have higher pain tolerance because they give birth; and women may be better able to realistically evaluate their expectations based on the circumstances. This year’s run was wet and cold. She also stated that women have a higher ratio of body fat compared to men and females exhibit more nurturing behavior than males. However, she didn’t cite any reference sources to support these claims. First of all, the Boston Marathon is the most prestigious and oldest run in the United States. On the other hand, it’s not a particularly difficult marathon. It has limited elevation gain and an absence of natural obstacles like in a trail marathon. Second, the only conclusion that one can make is that this year 5% of men did not finish compared to 3.8% of the women in this particular marathon. We don’t know if those percentages/numbers are statistically significant or not. The outcome may be by based on chance alone. A simple test employing a .95 confidence level, would conclude that 95 times out of 100, we would have that numerical difference. Third, we don’t have a random sample of men and women, so we can’t conclude that women are tougher and don’t quit. Let’s face it, a random sample of men and women cannot run a marathon. In order to run the Boston Marathon, one has to qualify based on age parameters. Fourth, any race, over 26.1 miles is considered an ultra-run. So employing a 26.1 mile variable, for one particular race, on one particular day and using that to generalize the results is preposterous. Why not use a 50 K, a 50 miler, a 100 K or a 100 mile run? Then, employing a scientific method, one might be able to generalize the relationship between toughness and ultra-running. A friend and a three-time winner of the 100 mile Western States trail run, reportedly might quit that race if he is not likely to win. Another friend, a former US 100 K record holder, was pulled from the Western States trail run at 94 miles [No Hands Bridge] and spent the next few days in the hospital recovering. He was paced by another world class runner, a female nurse and friend. When age 63, in 2003, I pulled from the Western States trail run at 62 miles. At the time, I was unaware that I couldn’t stand up straight and had to hold myself up using my pacer as a support. I knew something was wrong, but couldn’t and didn’t understand what it was at that time. Quitting a running race, has to do with many variables, and tolerance to pain, maybe just one of them. Be careful about generalizing based on faulty assumptions as well as not employing a scientific method. To learn about mental toughness, I refer you to my book “Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. Chapter 10 is about Mike Keller, who was an All-American at the University Michigan and the number 64th pick by the world champion Dallas Cowboys. Mike, after his playing career ended, worked in the front office for both the Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks. He also worked in the front office for the Michigan Panthers of the USFL, as well as the Scottish Claymore Football Team in NFL Europe. His insights regarding the mental toughness of professional football players is second to none.

Healthy Aging

The February 16, 2018, edition of Time, raised the question “Do Religious People Live Longer?” This article identified studies or research related to church, temple and mosque attendance; and the use of prayer and its impact on longevity. In the initial section, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2016, was cited. According to the Time article, the results indicated that women that attended a religious service more than once a week had a 33% lower chance of dying during a 16 year study follow-up period. A second study published in PLOS One found that regular service attendance was linked to reductions in stress and even mortality. These worshipers were 55% less likely to die in the 18 year follow-up. A number of variables that may or may not have been addressed in these two studies come to mind. 1. There was statistical significance in the first study for women and apparently for both men and women in the second study. Why, the difference? 2. What were the worshiper’s ages in both studies? 3. What was the socioeconomic status of the worshipers? 4. The BMI index, pre health conditions and other health issues in both studies needs to be addressed in order to give some assessment as to the physical health of the subjects being studied. There is another significant variable that may be a valuable component in this research. Previous research studies regarding aging have identified that loneliness was a significant variable associated with health and longevity. As we are social animals, it is not surprising that being connected with and to other humans is important. Attending a group on a regular basis, significantly contributes to becoming a member. Perhaps, these two studies were measuring human connections provided by group affiliation and association. Studies attempting to evaluate prayer, disease outcomes, and long-term survival are inconclusive at this point. For example, a study published by the American Heart Journal, found a surprising result. In this study, people, undergoing heart surgery, were told that there were others praying for them. Unfortunately, these surgeries experienced more complications than a control group. Maybe, you can’t leave your praying to someone else before you have heart surgery. Praying can be thought of as self-talk. Positive self-talk or positive praying allows one to have a single focus, and can become associated with deep breathing or relaxation. We know that relaxation is beneficial for one’s health as it reduces stress, and eliminates external influences/noises and distractions. Deep breathing becomes yoga like .Furthermore, Yoga has been associated with decreases in both heart rate and blood pressure. I support yoga as well as positive self-talk messages. Prayers and going to church, temple or mosque may result in long-term aging and may have to do in meeting affiliative needs and combating loneliness. However, what good would long-term aging be for the mentally and physically unhealthy with conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, or some other discomfort? We know that some organizations are toxic and hateful. So join your groups carefully. For me, a more realistic pursuit would be creating a healthier lifestyle. In fact, I provided 7 such prescriptions in my book “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.”

Trouble Is Civilization Part 3

Before the birth of Christ, we had oral and written language that governed human behavior with its various consequences. Within the evolutionary development of man, with the creation of large groups of people, rulers surfaced and implemented strategies to correct, control and limit man’s food, sexual, aggressive, and dominance needs. Per the 10 Commandments, swearing, honoring the father and mother, not murdering and committing adultery, not stealing, not lying and not coveting were considered affronts to God if broken. Marriage and monogamy were created, established and expected to be the norm. How’s that working out? The United States currently has produced the most advanced killing operation ever. Doesn’t that fact contradict the Judeo-Christian “thou shall not kill” rule? The 10 Commandments and the Hammurabi code correlates with the establishment of civilization. Now, man’s inhumanity to man was exacerbated. Since 12,000 BC, group and individual violence has dramatically increased. Mythical reasons such as my God is the only true God; belief in one God; fighting for land or territory; fighting for national resources; fighting for national interests were some of the reasons given to go to war in order to kill. Nowadays, killing and maiming, has become more widespread by mentally sick sadomasochistic individuals. Start with man’s nature; thwart growth by creating an atmosphere of insecurity, hate and prejudice; market Second Amendment mythology; produce a plethora of guns and military weapons, and you have a recipe for evil. Man’s nature is man’s nature. At this juncture, man’s aggressive drive and cruelty toward others is the biggest threat toward peace within our civilization. I wonder, if it’s possible for this society to reduce mechanisms that produce inequality and transpose it into equality reforms between and among people? We must first take into account man’s insecurity, sexual and aggressive drives and needs for dominance and promote rationality. In other words, a society based on humanistic principles can be a start. For instance, it’s necessary to eliminate man made prejudicial distinctions, divisions, and/ or illusions such as upper, middle, lower, white and black; patricians and plebeians; male and female and the rich and the poor. Unregulated classifications and divisions between people would nullify the myths that justify making some people legally, socially, morally and politically superior. If man’s evolution does not occur, we can expect continued acts of violence against other humans. Extinction follows. Sources: Civilization and Its Discontents, Sigmund Freud; Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari

The Trouble with Civilization Part 2

12,000 years ago, man was able to communicate better than earlier man, and keep track and control the production and distribution of wheat, rice, etc. Thus, civilization gave birth to the creation of more negative interpersonal conflicts. Man likely had to lie, steal, and cheat, in order to survive. Because of the conflict between man living in a civilization, leaders devised a system to combat and keep track of foodstuffs. The Sumerians about 3500 BC and 3000 BC established a base 6 numbering system. Now, accountants, or bureaucrats were able to record various transactions called writing. With writing, came rules with more attempts to regulate and control man. This development resulted and interfered with man’s ability to resolve conflicts and interfered with the fulfillment of his need and drive structure. Along came King Hammurabi in 1776 BC of Babylon, overseeing the world’s largest city at that time. He established the first significant written code for inappropriate behavior with consequences. Within this system, Individuals were either divided as superiors, commoners or slaves. According to the code, the Gods Anu, Enlil, and Marduk appointed Hammurabi to make justice and eliminate evil. Within this three tier approach, the consequences for broken rules varied. For example, “if a superior took the eye of another superior, they should blind his eye. If a superior took the eye of a commoner, then, they should pay and deliver 60 shekels of silver. If the superior took the eye of a slave, he shall deliver one half of the slave’s value in silver.” This code was not justice for all, even if was established by the God’s. These guys were prejudiced. Yes, man created illusions, which are followed like the blind leading the blind. According to the Old Testament, the 10 Commandments were given to Moses by God. 10 Commandment references can be found in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. However, these 10 principles initially did not have clear consequences, other than displeasing God. Consequences came later with the holy day of Rosh Hashanah. To Be Continued

The Trouble with Civilization

More senseless murders happened, this time in Tennessee at a Waffle House. For a perspective on violence, let’s take a look at our beginning, some 700,000 years ago at behavior of the hunters and gatherers. They have been named Neanderthal, Homo erectus, Homo soloensis etc. We know that a drive for food and water; aggressive drives or needs to fight; to attack, injure or kill another; sexual needs or drives to have intercourse; and dominance needs to control one’s environment by suggestion, seduction, persuasion or command are in man’s nature. To survive, man had to satisfy his hunger. If some larger prey killed a more vulnerable prey, man likely had to wait his turn, in the pecking order, before he could engage. Let’s suppose another hungry group arrived on the scene. Chances are the stronger would take over and push the weaker aside and if necessary kill his human opposition. By the same token, let’s hypothesize that there were more mating males and fewer females. It’s not hard to imagine that once again, the stronger would prevail, and if necessary, injure, attack or even kill the rival. Let’s also hypothesize that a younger, stronger male wanted to be in charge of the group. If suggestion or persuasion didn’t work, it’s not hard to imagine the younger dethroning the older male. Once again, aggression, violence and death were outcomes. Thus, the fulfillment, by brute strength. Of man’s drives and needs were more easily met in this period. Much later, through evolution resulted in the cognitive, about 70,000 years ago, and the agrarian revolution, roughly 12,000 years ago, with greater numbers of people congregating in one locale. With this historic change, more and more people were subjected to residing in smaller settings; with extremely difficult labor conditions in planting, watering and harvesting the crops; building more permanent man-made structures; having less variety of food nutrients; being an employee; being dependent on the system; living in cramped spaces; and being subjected to contaminated sewage and water; with more disease and the inability to meet basic needs which leads to frustration and aggression. Within larger group formations of people congregating, group dynamics surfaced. Man either become a member of a commoner or slave group; had more pressure to conform to a particular group; could either gain power, control and influence over the group or become a follower of the group. Man seeks power, success and wealth for self. He also admires these components in others. Further, mythology flourished. In other words, the formation of larger groups created numerous interpersonal conflicts with the thwarting of man’s basic needs and drives coupled with bias, irrational thought, prejudice and fictional beliefs To Be Continued

Modern Man and Humankind. Part 3

He’s an expert when it relates to forging, as he’s knowledgeable about plants, insects and everything edible. When he finds ripe fruit, he may stay a while and gorge. He doesn’t think about or worry about BMI index, diabetes, heart conditions or other physical ailments. He knows by now, what herbs provide relief from discomfort. He has become his own functional medicine expert specialist. Essentially his diet is varied depending upon availability of game and likely he is getting most if not all the important nutrients. He does not require supplements, nor diet books from the health food store. His well nutritionally-balanced diet suits him fine. Further, his diet likely changes from day to day. Moreover, he also does not suffer from infectious diseases brought about by the agricultural and industrial revolution. He is able to meet his sexual drive and needs based upon availability and is not hindered by man-made fictions like marriage. Child support and visitation rights are not issues. However, there is infant mortality. We are unable to say much about the spiritual and mental life of these ancient hunter gatherers. We have no recording device and are left at formulating hypotheses based on paintings, drawings and gravesites. However, we can speculate that they likely believed in animism. If true, this is a fiction that most animals, most plants and natural phenomena has perception and feelings. They can communicate with humans. Essentially, there’s no psychological barrier between humans and other beings. Communication is evident directly through speech .song, dance or ceremony. There is not a strict hierarchy in that nonhuman entities do not exist to provide for the needs of man. Further, they don’t have all-powerful mythical gods running the world. In essence, the world does not revolve around any humankind or other particular groups of beings. Sounds to me that there are some advantages in believing this fiction. However, what if an individual believed in another fiction like a supreme being? Would that individual be subjected to mediation, negative language, bullying, expulsion or physical violence, and perhaps death? We don’t know how competing beliefs were handled or disagreements or consequences from them. Sounds to me that there are some advantages in believing this fiction. Based on this brief bit of information, does anyone want to be a hunter and gatherer? If so, one can visit certain areas in the Arctic or the Kalahari where modern gatherers still exist. Don’t take too long, because, knowing man, we will eliminate them also. This is one price we pay for modern civilization

Modern Man and Humankind, Part 2

With this routine or way of life, visits to the doctor, dentist, and shopping are likely .The family likely experiences stress, anxiety, depression, overweight issues and other physical health concerns like arthritis, slipped disc and other back related issues known to modern man. There’s plenty of diversions, such as cell phones, TV, movies, novels, sports, etc. but they do not provide or resolve mental and physical health conditions. Instead, for example, cell phone dependency has addictive habit forming qualities. You cannot leave home without it. Now let’s turn to the fictional life of a hunter and gatherer. He may awaken as result of the rising sun, or from the barking of his trusted and dear domesticated canine. He throws off the pelt and rises from the bed of leaves placed beneath him. Today, may be a hunting day. If so, he is likely to be joined by others for possibly the group chase without his sunscreen, orthotics, fit bit, compression socks, hydration pack etc.; corner, trap and kill. The animal has to be skinned and quartered. All parts of the animal are used by these talented individuals. Each has become an expert in tracking, running down and killing the beast. Large motor skills are well developed for this athletically conditioned individual. He’s able to run, climb and utilize his endurance by being able to outlast, with help of others, the four legged prey. He likely doesn’t suffer from meniscus, MCL and other injuries. His small and fine motor dexterity is outstanding as he’s able to make a flint, attach it to the spear in record time. He’s in touch and in tune with his bodily functions because it is necessary for survival. He doesn’t require going to the gym, running on the elliptical or using free weights. Nor does he have to engage in yoga as his dexterity is superb. He has become a knowledgeable specialist in so many areas of the outdoors. Yes the outdoors. To Be Continued

Modern Man and Humankind

Anyone willing to trade places with the hunters and gatherers? Perhaps, mythology, age and gender are significant variables? Let’s take a look at a fictional day for modern man, and then hypothesize about ancient humankind. Today’s man might be something like the following. He awakens from the ring from alarm clock, turns on the lights, dresses with store bought clothes, checks cell phone, and proceeds in the comfort of his domicile more than likely built by others. He might have coffee with the assistance from the grocery store with his coffee maker device. Procures cream from the refrigerator and sugar, along with his typical genetically modified, sugary, fat, salt breakfast He is accompanied at the kitchen table built by somebody else with his wife and kids. Then he climbs into his automobile, checks cell phone, turns the key, leaves his remote-controlled garage, fills his car with petrol and off to work with his long, stressful hour commute. He labors indoors generally for an eight hour plus day, provides income to support his family by paying for the groceries; gas, oil, and car payment; and the mortgage or rent on his house. Don’t forget that he requires automobile, life, health and homeowners and an umbrella policy insurance as well. These are a few economic stresses. On the job, his task might be singular, specializing in just one part of the whole. It might be repetitious and bureaucratic despite the fact that he has a college degree. He also has a college debt to pay off. His work may not be satisfying, but the illusion that it may provide a springboard for him to climb up the corporate ladder. Meaningful work is not the goal, but navigating with his boss, getting along with fellow workers is in a 9 to 5+ job. He also has to fight the stressful morning and evening commute in heavy traffic but can monitor his cell phone. Plus, he is away from his family for long periods of time. Returning home, he may fix himself an alcoholic drink to unwind from the workday, to ease his body discomfort, and listen to his harried helicopter wife who has to control the kids, with their school, and after school schedules. She is likely to be tired as well. Having electronic gadgets like TV, radio, computer, cell phone, fast food and kitchen appliances do not seem to make her life any easier. Do they really save time? Don’t forget homework and kids interacting with kids. They keep to this religious schedule, likely, five days a week and then look to the weekend for additional chores, maintenance around the house, sports schedules and maybe even time for themselves by themselves. There may be Sunday church or religious services, followed by family or friends for lunch or dinner. Maybe, they get to go on a 2-4 week vacation in order to exit the rat race every year which is another myth. If lucky, they go to the zoo and see large mammals and sea creatures like elephants, whales, sharks, tuna and dolphins not yet extinct. Too late to see mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths and sabretooth tigers as they are extinct. Don’t forget to visit botanical gardens as they could vanish also. Thank you civilization. To Be Continued

Civilization and Humankind Part 2

Yes, then, as is now, the hunters and gatherers employed thinking, memory, perception, sensing and feeling, and motor behavior. Their language was limited as was their fiction, fantasy and beliefs. Then, they began to further develop tools, form groups and increase their ability to communicate with others and increase further understanding of their natural world. However, fiction became more entrenched. Over time, the social animal became agrarian about 12,000 years ago, assimilated and accommodated into larger groups of individuals, arbitrary states and countries. The result of maturation and time passage occurred within the last 6,000 years and we now have a society, culture and way of life, considered to be most advanced. Fortunately, scientific advances within the last 500 years and technological breakthroughs have been progressing at warp speed. Unfortunately, man’s fears, anxieties, drives, needs, irrational and disorganized thinking, prejudices have not evolved. Essentially, we are somewhat like hunters and gatherers in terms of our nature, while corralled in our “advanced” civilization. Institutional groups are divisive. Institutions sell and promise fiction; pit” them “versus “us “mentality; are biased, narcissistic, and prejudiced; instill emotion to interfere with rational thought and behavior; become resistant to change; create false status; force and press for uniformity and consensus; and generate autocratic and authoritarian leadership. If mankind is to survive, our species and institutions have to change as we produce too many weapons of mass destruction; exhibit too much violence and killings; create dangerous levels of economic inequality and exploitation ; and have a dysfunctional democracy . Our species has to evolve by reducing anxiety and fear levels; become more efficient in meeting our safety [food, water and air] needs; and better able to fulfill drives and needs of sex, aggression, and dominance. If we are so lucky, then our species can likely create an attitude and philosophy of humanism for groups provided that it includes ethical and moral consequences for human interaction. It’s clear that our present civilization is not working for many, and requires something different. Time will tell. For in-depth understanding, consult Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents and Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens a Brief History of Humankind.

Civilization and Humankind

Let’s go back in time about 2.5 million years when there were hunters and gatherers. These nomads simply met their safety and survival needs, such as food, water and sex. In order to survive. However, they fearfully had to deal with ferocious beasts, and infections. When hungry or thirsty, they would search for food or drink. If they ran across something very tasty, they would gorge themselves and not worry about gaining excess weight since they were extremely active and likely didn’t reach middle age. The drive to procreate was based upon availability. In fact, back then there was collective fatherhood. That meant that the child was not born on the belief of the importance of a single sperm. Instead, the accumulation of sperm from different men in a woman’s womb was considered important because of all the multiple qualities such as the greatest hunter, the greatest storyteller, the greatest warrior and the greatest lover from multiples of males compared to one male. Further, there would also be more males available for protection and child care. The Bari Indians of today share a similar sentiment. Those hunters and gatherers, as far as sex was concerned, did not have to consider ideas, and increase fiction or consequences of monogamy, marriage, divorce, nuclear family, sin, child support, me too etc. They also did not concern themselves with obesity, reading nutrition labels, joining spas and purchasing workout equipment, diets, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, health and prescription insurance. These nomads also didn’t have stress related to career, retirement, self-esteem, pursuit of happiness, being killed in school or at a concert, or nuclear annihilation. They were not exposed to daily propaganda, “brainwashing,” bombarded by social media, radio and TV. There were also not influenced by the idea or fiction of good or bad unions, corporations, political groups, capitalism, socialism ,democracy ,communism, free trade, tariffs and a whole host of rules, regulations and laws decided by a few. To Be Continued

Searching for Integrity Part 3

Adding to an understanding of conscience, Shakespeare , many years ago, said something to the effect that “nothing was good or bad, but thinking made it so.” I would add to that the emotional center of our brain, our hypothalamus; our perception and sensorimotor process; our desiring, thinking and memory also affect our ability to judge, analyze, synthesize and assist in determining good from bad. As a result of inconsistencies, ambiguous definitions and the complexities found in our social environment, it’s no wonder that an individual conscience cannot sort out all the irregularities that have confronted it over time. Moral equivalency is suspect. Moral, ethical leadership is nonexistent and/or flawed. Lying and cheating is no longer a taboos as the ends seem to justify the means. The barriers of what was once forbidden, now seem to have holes in them. In essence, the moralistic side of individuals have now been diminished and have been regulated to be somewhat non relevant. Narcissism rules. Just listen or read the tremendous amount of hype- hypocrisy that exists with all the contradictory explanations and ignoring right from wrong. It’s no longer about the common good or we, but instead it’s about me, me and me. PS How I many current political, entertainment models with integrity come to mind? What a sorry state of affairs regarding the absence of integrity, when it comes to the use of algorithms, data mining, and expressions of hate and prejudice perpetrated by employing social media platforms.

Searching for Integrity Part 2

Throughout life, one is faced with numerous contradictions, inconsistences and double talk. For example, religion preaches that human life is important with its “do not kill” commandment, but the government wages military wars and lies about weapons of mass destruction .Local police forces kill unarmed civilians without due cause etc. Religion may “ban “abortions, but the government then limits food stamps and other important aid to single mothers for child rearing. Save the baby so it can be malnourished. Economics also comes into play with mass manufacturing of weapons and bullets. As a consequence, there are approximately 100 gun related deaths per day. The media, movies, TV, Interactive games, continues to glorify shooting, destruction and killing of humans as well. Furthermore, how important is human life when schools conduct lockdown drills during school hours? That unhealthy message within that institution is clear. What a great learning environment and an important lesson in civics. Because of the insecurity of the nature of man, politics and the media take advantage by promoting so-called hope, but drown it with fear. Guns, walls, immigration restrictions, supposedly promote safety, but instead prey on insecurities and create divisions within people. Carl Sandburg’s poem “A Fence” portrays division with fence, separateness, and death and rain references. Other confusions and irregularities of morality are expressed by our so-called leaders and celebrities. Some of these individuals are disrespectful of others through abusive verbal tweets and/or sexually inappropriate interactions. These political types, wage war, are indicted, lie, cheat, and exploit. These are our leaders and role models? There ethics are what? So much for integrity. To Be Continued

Searching for Integrity

What is good, bad, right, wrong, ethical, honest, dishonest, decent etc. is blurred. Ethical and what is moral have become divisive. Has our conscience or moral behavior failed us? At one time, our voice or our conscience was our guide or internal voice that guided and directed our behavior or actions. If there was a problem with our choices or decisions, we then experienced anxiety, guilt or dread. The development and influence of conscience begins very early as a result of the many interpretations of interactions with a caretaker and/or caretakers. Generally, if that behavior, throughout life, pleased the significant other, one was verbally praised or physically rewarded. On the other hand, if the behavior didn’t correspond with the caretaker’s idea of right or good, but instead was perceived as bad or wrong, one was punished in some way, either or both verbally and/or physically. That behavior might have been ignored as well by the parent. The verbal and physical behavioral consistency or inconsistency by the caretaker was important in developing a notion of the difference between right, wrong and good and bad. Understand that being consistent is very difficult and can be affected by the parents mood, perception, or thinking, at any particular time or day. Add other caretakers, siblings or figures into the equation, and the individual more than likely experienced many other inconsistencies or differences throughout a lifetime. That suggests that an individual would not be clear about what actions gets punished and what behavior gets praised. Would consequences get expressed in a caretaker’s absence? Add to the individual’s experience mixed messages like “Do what I say, not what I do” provides more confusion regarding good or bad. As the infant or child matures, he begins to incorporate and learn many other messages regarding good and bad from figures or models while developing conscience. In other words, the social network and culture of the child expands. Further influences between right from wrong, good from bad, become more difficult to understand. Teacher’s behaviors play an important part in furthering influencing conscience development, as movies, television, cartoons, commercials and the social media. Thus, the moral and ethical definitions , misunderstandings or irregularities continue to be modified, changed as the result of the many influences of interactions within our human world. To Be Continued

Looking for Magic Part 2

Back in 1971, Dick Cavett hosted a TV show. He invited Jerome Rodale, age 72, “the guru of the organic food cult” as his guest. During taping, sitting next to Cavett, Jerome proclaimed that he would live to be 100. However, that guru then made a snoring sound and died right there in front of Cavett and his audience. So much for proclamations. In this skewed sample, the writer made a point regarding magic. I agree, that there is not, at this time, a 100 year longevity pill. We all know, there are seven different areas in the world where centenarians flourish. However, we also know that their lifestyle is more complex than a diet alone. Physical activity, nonsmoking, minimal stress, social network, are a few correlates of these centenarian groups. In our country. Dr. Thomas Frieden, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated “since 1900, the average lifespan, in the United States has increased by more than 30 years; 25 years of this gain has been attributed to public health advances.” This means that we must require more than ever clear thinking and appropriate funding for our EPA, oil spill remediation, clean water programs, global disease detection and prevention, mental health research, reducing the sources of lead exposure, pesticide contamination etc., if we expect to live healthier and longer .We have more than enough cancer. As I am older then the individuals listed in this post, my secrets have credibility. My magic formula was clearly identified when I listed 7 prescriptions found on pages 18 and 19 of “It Has Nothing To Do with Age” published by Winter Goose. For example, one my physical activities includes running 50 K trail runs. PS The current administration is letting us down by downsizing EPA and reducing funding in many important government programs areas affecting our health while increasing the military budget.

Looking for Magic

The article titled “No Magic Pill Will Get You to 100” published in the March 11, 2018 edition of The New York Times was thought-provoking. In this article, the writer provided interesting examples of a number of scholarly educated individuals pursuing a long or extended life. For example, geologist Anatoli Brouchkov ingested bacteria that he harvested from the Arctic. This bacteria was injected into female mice that seemed to extend their youth. The geologist said. “If you found some prehistoric microbes, how could you not put them in your mouth?” Then there was Valter Longo, director of the University of Southern California Longevity Institute. Dr. Longo [per findings of Satchidananda Panda of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies] undertakes long intermittent fasting. On the other hand, Dr. Charles Brenner, a biochemist, adds high doses of nicotinamide riboside to his milk regime in the hopes that it slows down his aging process. Turning to the research lab, Clive McKay, nutritionist, fed his rats a low-calorie diet while at Cornell. Today, from that study, there exists two male white rats that are 130 years of age equivalent to man years. Despite that Dr. McKay Incorporated a low-calorie diet, this athletic individual had two strokes and died at age 69. Another prominent scientist Dr. Roy Walford published “The 120 Year Diet “and “Beyond the 120 Year Diet” but unfortunately died of ALS at the age of 79. Then we find out that wild foods enthusiast Euell Gibbons died at age 64 of an aortic aneurysm. Unfortunately, he was born with a genetic disorder that predisposed him to heart problems. Another nutritionist, Adele Davis studied the dangers of refined foods like white bread. Unfortunately, she contracted cancer and passed away at the youthful age of 70. Physicians, familiar names and best-selling diet authors Nathan Pritikin [low-fat] and Robert Atkins [low carb] passed at age 69. To Be Continued

Know Yourself

An article titled, “I Think I Can” in the February 25, 2018 edition of Time highlighted the power of thinking. Research published in Health Psychology studied 84 female hotel room attendants. These female employees told the researchers that they believed they completed little or no daily exercise during the workday. 42 or half of these female workers were told that they were meeting or exceeding national recommendations for 30 minutes of daily exercise. Within a month, these 42 females began believing they were now exercising because of their work. In fact, they lost weight, body fat and developed lower blood pressure, even though their daily work routines remained the same. A second study employing statistics from the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey examined data on 61,141 participants. Questions pertaining to whether or not they felt they were getting more, less, or about the same amount of exercise as most people their age was the important variable. Further, many of these individuals wore accelerometers tracking their physical activity. Then the researchers correlated the above information to data from the National Death Index that measured death rates. They found a strong association between people dying early and their beliefs that they were relatively inactive, regardless of the accelerometer measurements. In fact, the reality was that they were getting as much exercise as others their age. However, the risk of early death was 71% higher based on their belief regarding the amount of exercise. In other words, the perception that other people their age were more active had negative health effects consequences. Likely, these irrational thoughts increased their level of stress hormones. Once again, the power of thinking is significant. It doesn’t matter if one’s beliefs are correct, truthful or factual. It’s the perception of the beholder. However, thoughts, about some topics, tend to increase stress levels, depending upon the meaning we give to these ideas. For example, levels of stress can be exacerbated when dealing with loss, work, divorce, marriage, health etc. Further, irrational beliefs such as seeking approval; having to be loved; needing to be perfect; blaming others; complaining about fairness; and dealing with prejudice and frustration further increase levels of stress. It’s our thinking that gets us into trouble. Defense mechanisms such as repression, rationalization, projection, isolation of affect, intellectualization, etc. attempt to reduce anxiety or discomfort, but distort reality, evoke behavior choices and have disastrous long-term effects. Thus, fictional beliefs, assumptions, distorted generalizations, fairytales, non- rational thinking, prejudice, or other nonsensical self-talk, or delusions not only evoke behavior, but lead to unhappiness, depression, and ill health. This parataxic thinking is a function of consensual validation, anxiety, and a distorted self-perception. On the other hand, believing “I can” when it comes to realistic, logical, rational syntactic thinking coupled with appropriate behavioral choices increases expectancies that result in positive goal setting and achieving. The ancient Greek aphorism “know thyself” fits perfectly but extremely difficult to attain since choice or behavior is influenced by perception which is influenced by need, or drive of the individual. PS A Florida mom of a 12-year-old bullied girl who took her own life apparently said “I never thought she would kill herself.”

The Power of Fiction Part 2

Establishing a minister for loneliness or creating a commission on school safety is simply imaginary or fiction. Ministers or commissions cannot solve false beliefs; provide re-parenting; nor fix the flaws of the development of secondary narcissism. A few examples of false , erroneous , non-rational beliefs , include heaven, hell, Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, a dream home, happiness, let’s fight them there so we don’t have to fight them here, bringing democracy to the Middle East, and a fountain of youth that propel behavior .These irrational beliefs are pipedreams, fantasies, falsehoods, and, simply nonsense. These notions have been created by religious leaders, political types, and economic marketing because they are expedient, wishful thinking with some major ideal transformation at the end. Not only do these ideas or dreams exist in our mind, they also direct our repetitive behavior. Some of this fiction furthers our capitalistic economy. Dwight Eisenhower said it best in describing the war machine when he labeled it “the military-industrial complex.” I ask you what “dream house” has ever cured or compensated for feelings of insecurity, inadequacy or inferiority. By the same token, has the purchase of many automatic military weapons eliminated any underlying fear or insecurity? No, you have to keep feeding the fear by purchasing more and more weapons and bullets. We are born helpless, dependent, and inadequate. We cannot survive on our own. We are only able to survive within the context of caretakers. Intellectually, we have matured and made mountainous discoveries with breathtaking works of art. Emotionally, we can be stuck in the dark ages with our fears, prejudices, beliefs that propel us irrationally over and over again, with anger, and revenge, along with the ability to kill and maim our own. Yes, we are social and nonsocial, which is also part our nature. Society and culture exploits our fears and provides platitudes, prayers to solve our fragile insecure state of being. Pick your fantasies, dreams and fiction wisely. However, don’t expect a pot of gold when reaching that irrational goal state at the end. One of my fictional beliefs includes “keep moving.” PS According to Stephen Hawking “There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”

The Power of Fiction

I am certain that Facebook and Twitter, with all the so-called “friends” has not solved the loneliness problem in the United Kingdom. A February 11, 2018 article in the New York Times titled “Is Loneliness a Health Epidemic?” addressed this troublesome issue. According to the article in question, Prime Minister Theresa May referred to loneliness as “The reality of modern life.” In fact, a consensus of public health leaders agreed with her and Great Britain now has a “Minister for Loneliness.” There have been numerous studies that have correlated loneliness and social isolation to heart disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, and suicide. In fact, our former United States Surgeon General has stated that “loneliness and social isolation are associated with a reduction in life span similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity.” The professor, who wrote the article, didn’t think that we have a loneliness epidemic. He cited various studies that had contradictory results to prove his point. First of all, we know that all studies are flawed based on the non-universal population sample studied. We know that a random sample of individuals is not really random because of the tremendous cost required to obtain such a sample. With that being said, it’s not surprising that the loneliness findings have different conclusions. Another problem related to a conclusion is the lack of a clear cut definition of loneliness. One definition of loneliness stated “Sadness because one has no friends or company.” Sadness, according to the definition, can also mean depression, which is a mood state. It is known that sadness is only one component or mood state of an individual. Loneliness suggests [the absence of real friends] that an appropriate degree of secondary narcissism has not been developed or established. When secondary narcissism is impaired, we find an individual that is too self-centered, not concerned about the other, and therefore narcissistic. This suggests deficits in being able to form appropriate and/or meaningful attachments. In the process of development, if that individual has also developed hateful sadomasochistic tendencies, coupled with depression, then we can expect future mass military style shootings. To Be Continued

Gadgets, Wood Chopping and the Amish

The February 26, 2018 edition of Time’s article “What Can We Learn from Amish People?” spurred interest. These devout people [with Swiss Anabaptist origins; related but distinct from Mennonite churches] live primarily in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. They continue to flourish somehow without such electronic gadgets- as TVs, computers, cell phones etc. In the 1900s, regular average life expectancy in our country was 47. However, the Amish had a life expectancy greater than 70. A century later, most of us have caught up to this group. Further, between 1992 and 2017 this population of people increased by 149% while the rest of the US population increased by 23%. Fitted with the pedometers, these religious folks are about as six times as active as the average American. Not only do they take more steps, they also lift, chop, saw wood and plant their crops. It has been reported, that these individuals have an obesity rate of about 4% compared to 36% for the rest of us. They also have lower tobacco-related cancers, and other cancers. Some Amish have the, PA I gene, which is associated with an average life span of 10% longer than people without this particular gene. These fortunate subjects have 10% longer telomeres [the ends of the chromosomes].All good for aging. Another advantage is that the elderly are cared for at home by relatives. They are not hustled off to some location of strangers being cared for by minimum wage employees. Not surprising, the Amish people also have significantly, by half, lower suicide rates. However, their diet is heavy on pancakes, eggs and sausage for breakfast and meat, potatoes, gravy and bread for dinner. As a result, the Amish have high rates of blood pressure and heart disease issues. This suggests that physical activity alone does not guarantee good health. It is been reported that neighbors, at times, have expressed discrimination, hostility by the throwing of stones and other objects at the Amish horse driven carriages. Yes, outside prejudices exist against this group. It would be interesting, to assess the degree of narcissism and group narcissism within this religious group to determine their prejudices. In conclusion, it would be prudent to see if changing their diet would increase their lifespan. They have mastered the keep moving.

Healthy Strategies

Under what conditions would you volunteer to participate in a study on weight gain? Well, 23, overweight men and women participated in a study referred to as “omics” reported in the January 28, 2018 edition of The New York Times. The researchers evaluated changes in genes as well as other biological systems that are affected by weight gain. In this research, the volunteers were asked to overeat. The subjects added about 880 calories a day to their diets and in the process gained an average of about 6 pounds per month. Then, the subjects were asked to cut back on the calories and lose that weight. Time wise, it took most of them at least twice as long to lose the weight they had gained .Further, these subjects were then asked to keep their weight stable and return after another three months for a final round of tests. The findings were that 318 genes worked differently after these 23, had gained even a little weight. Some genes were more active while other genes were turned off .Also, weight gain resulted in increased inflammation throughout the body and the possible beginnings of cardiomyopathy, which is an enlarged heart. Likely, most of the genes reverted to their previous normal state, once the men and women lost their added weight. The keyword here is most but not all. In other words, imbalances or shifts occur biologically even after small amounts of weight are added to your frame. A second study found in the March 2018 edition of Health evaluated obese men. In this particular study, one group dieted for two weeks and then did not for another two weeks over a total period of 30 weeks. This group was compared to those that dieted continuously. They found that intermittent dieters lost more weight. In essence, additional weight is not good, especially if you’re obese. Perhaps, intermittent dieting of two weeks on and two weeks off is something to consider. I like the word intermittent, which means, according to the American college dictionary: “alternately ceasing and beginning again.” I like the meaning because it’s a process and no one is perfect. I would classify my running and eating behavior as intermittent. I total, on the average, 50 miles per week running and walking on the trail. That total might cover six or seven days. As a result, I alternate the number of days; miles per day; and the amount of time running and walking. If the trail is sloppy and conditions are poor, I spend more time running on the street. Intermittent and variability are key strategies for my running regime. As far as eating behavior, it’s certainly easier Incorporating intermittent strategies in reducing the number of calories. My ratio is more restriction than overeating. However, when it comes to ice cream, I have Incorporated, a different ratio. I suggest that if one wants to limit calories and exercise, keep a concrete record in order to accurately compare. PS Whatever you do, keep moving.

Group Connections

We have heard many so-called solutions to our epidemic of violence ranging from raising the age to purchase weapons, eliminating the bump stock accessory, to adding more firepower to the burning inferno by arming teachers. The Parkland students encountered a real-life version regarding the learning of civics. They visited the state legislature in Tallahassee to find that the lawmakers had already voted not to deal with this important issue until next year. Those members voting not to deal with this issue reportedly received an A rating from the NRA, while those voting to deal with it this year ,didn’t do so well according to the NRA’s grading system. Another personality component related to this major problem is the motivational withdrawing of energy from others, as reflected in impaired attachments. This is coupled by difficulties with objective reasoning and less interest in the complexities that exist in the outside world. Examples of this personality component are often expressed verbally. The individual can talk incessantly coupled with not being open to another. One may verbalize about his all-encompassing knowledge about a whole range of topics; his superior wit, brain and intelligence; his prowess; his wealth or acquisitions; his superior family; and his famous friends are some examples. These are simply the objects of his attachment and are mechanisms to inflate a vulnerable ego. The individual identifies and becomes part of a group that provide safety , a sense of belonging to provide relief from feelings of aloneness and fear from the dangerous and immoral world. In addition, engage in the distortion of rational judgment. There’s also a prejudicial accompaniment. My clan, my religion, my race, my nation, my political party, my team is greater, better, more honorable, more superior, more fair, or more righteousness than the other. This inflation is in the absence of reason and rational judgment and is based on consensus, as there are many others in the particular group or groups. Once again, everything outside or different from” the group” is undervalued, perceived as dangerous, immoral or corrupt, and simply bad and not worthy. For those that are economically and culturally poor, with very little realistic opportunity to better their lives, pride can be gained by belonging to a particular group. Since the world is dangerous, unpredictable with violent others on the loose, one can experience a false sense of security by obtaining a weapon and belonging to that particular group which continues to promote and disseminate fear and anxiety about losing that killing device. The one that you’re going to kill is unworthy, violent, without morals, mentally ill or UN American. You are simply protecting your family for survival. Yes, survival is a necessary and an important biological function. In this case, this group essentially symbolizes violence and has tremendous input with many of our political representatives. Unfortunately, choosing a group is not necessarily based on rational judgment, but is based upon something lacking. PS I entered the Salmon Falls 50 K last Saturday with my friend Jonathan and his two teenage sons. I significantly smashed last year’s finishing time, as did Elijah age 16.

More about Violence Part 2

At the other extreme, we have an opposing personality orientation that values love of life as in Jesus Christ and Mother Teresa. With these individuals, there’s a strong tendency to preserve life and to battle against sickness, disease and death. With this dynamic, there’s also exists a tendency to integrate, to unite, and to fuse with different and opposite entities. Growth is dependent upon having a future. With growth, we have an attraction to the process of life, which is to construct rather than to retain; experiencing adventure as opposed to living with certainty. In other words, life approaches the functional and the individual strives to mold, to influence by love, rationality and reason. In essence, we have a duality between the motivation to kill, hurt and disrespect self and others; verses, the drive to love, respect and give beyond oneself. With this duality of poles, we have significant degrees, mixtures, and blending’s of the two extremes. Aspects of the duality can be expressed not only in physical behavior, but in conversation, tweets, slips of the tongue, thoughts, attitude, feelings, dreams, and fantasy. Sometimes one trend of the duality becomes more dominant over the other. In fact it can even extinguish the other. Negatively, it’s like a hardening of the heart in that the love of death seems to be logical and a normal response per one’s life experience, which is essentially a passion to destroy humanity. Further, this negative aspect in man can become the dominant force and when that happens, it becomes malignant and psychopathological. Perhaps, instead of focusing on the typical political talking points regarding the Florida shooter, we should be focusing on the contradictory aspects of the nature of man. Long-live death as a norm should not be our motto.

More about Violence

Currently, there’s conversation about guns, violence and killing. For some, there’s talk about their Second Amendment rights; fear of losing that ability to purchase weapons; and for others placing blame on the FBI, police force, school administration or on others. Why not utilize the clinical understanding of the underlying drive or orientation provided by Sigmund Freud and Erich Fromm? We know there are many mechanisms that get in the way of viewing underlying motivational dynamics. Often, Individuals would rather rationalize, project, than look in the mirror, face-to-face. Guns were developed in order to kill people and for survival. These weapons have been developed over centuries - from a single shot to a rapid-fire weapon. I am talking about loss of life, destruction, tearing of flesh, implementing pain and suffering, spilling the blood of others and agony to a community. At one extreme, we have the Manson’s, the Koresh’s, the Paddock’s, the Roof’s, the Hitler’s, and the Stalin’s. Their personality characteristics suggest they were attracted to power, control, and multiple killing. Force was used to humiliate, to destroy, coupled with an unleashed willingness to kill. Not only that, this orientation or pattern became a way of life. It was the powerful over the powerless and the killers and the killed. Their base was afraid and preferred to admire, to follow rather than face the truth. With faulty lenses, they perceived these ruthless types being great, as protectors, not as killers. Further, these sadomasochistic killers craved predictability, certainty, control, along with being orderly, possessive and pedantic. The individuals that were destroyed were not considered of value, nor human beings but rather as statistics, or things. These savage killers worshiped the gods of force, the attraction to death, sadism, and desire to transfer the organic into inorganic. To Be Continued

The Epidemic of Violence

We have had another example of violence in our country. Unfortunately, this also took place in a school setting; and again in Florida. It seems these murderous acts occur over and over. It should be clear by now, that we need to do more than pray. Socioeconomically, in the world, we do not have a monopoly on poverty, lowercase status, employment deficits, political inefficiency, or a deplorable educational system. We do not have a monopoly on mental health issues such as parental loss, family breakups, depression, anxiety and thought disorders. On the other hand, we lead the world in the acquisition of assault weapons, along with serious drug addictions. Some questions regarding this terrible act by this sadistic, narcissistic, young 19-year-old. At the moment, we don’t know whether or not this act was reactive and rooted in fear? Was individual getting back at this population over some wrong done to him? Killing 17 and wounding over14 because of being expelled from school seems to be a superficial explanation. Was he fearful and in danger from someone at the school, so he reacted violently? In other words, was revenge a motive or attempt to restore his self-esteem? Was the shooters faith a determining factor in that he was let down by parents, sweetheart, teachers, or other members of society? Was he suffering from some physical or neurological condition? I’m sure with all the attention that this young boy will receive, that a profile and motive or motives will be produced. That profile will not protect us from future acts of violence. We require more sensible ideas regarding minimizing destruction. It’s not a Second Amendment right to have a military killing weapon. Nowhere in the Second Amendment does it say we should not have background checks. Nor does it say in the Second Amendment that citizens should kill other children or students. We’re not going to end violence, but we might be able to limit its damages and live in a safer country. These do nothing, lawmakers should be replaced. Current legislation favor the gun lobbies, but not US citizens.