Social Media

 Our country is no stranger to individuals that lie, exploit, discriminate with hateful prejudice that began in 1619 for the sake of power, possession and status , in 1692 there was the Salem witch trials; in the 18th-century there was violence against the Freemason; later  attacks on Catholics ignited by Protestant leaders who lied about their sexual depravity and infanticide ;  Henry Ford's publishing "The International Jew,"  the anti-semetic series reported in his Dearborn Independent newspaper; McCarthy’s communism witch hunt in the 1950’s ;  the CIA's clandestine  filming of encounters between sex workers and Americans unaware that the agency had given them LSD ; the 1980s when innocent people had their lives ruined when children reported "recovered memories" of ritual abuse inside suburban daycare centers;  young moms  first  entertained , briefly, the falsehood that the Sandy Hook elementary school shootings was just a hoax and was about gun control ; a Trump  man who believed that walling off the southern border might have prevented his son's death from opioid addiction;  and the current election fraud disinformation . This disquisition addresses the June 25, 2023 edition of The New York Times  article titled "Social Media Is Said to Harm Teens, but Proving It is Hard." Is there substantially  more craziness occurring  because of internet technology ?

 The article , in question , addressed some   research difficulties encountered in studying social media. One major problem included a lack of a definition for social media, its apps or features  and sites . Definitions are required for research. For this particular research  It's also important to identify variables being studied  .

Inconsistent findings, at this point  are expected without a clear  definition and as well as  the particular  variables  for the research . This suggests the possibility of a flawed  research design  . It's been reported that there was a small negative correlation between social media use and mental health but specifics have not been identified. Other research has shown that social media is not inherently beneficial or harmful and its effects depend on individuals .  It's  also been found that teenagers with certain vulnerabilities such as those with low self-esteem , poor body image or social struggles seem to be most at risk.  One experiment found that exposure to manipulated images directly led to worse body image, particularly for girls more prone to compare themselves with others.  Another study found that using social media to compare self to others and seek approval was associated with depressive symptoms, especially for teens who struggle socially.  One study found that social media often had positive and negative effects on the same person.  According to Project Awesome, that  study reported that teenage girls with symptoms of depression were more likely than girls without symptoms to say  that social media made other people’s lives better  and were more likely to say it enhanced their social connections . 

A few recommendations  found in the article included  were as follows: 1. Set limits, especially around bedtime.  2 .Don't give a young teenager a smartphone right away.  Start with a smartphone or a phone without Internet.  3.  Talk to you teenagers and have them show you what they're seeing and how it  makes them feel.  Discuss privacy and safety.  4.  Pick a family springtime plan that takes into account which activities increase stress versus providing long-term satisfaction.  5..  Model responsible Internet use .  Parents should engage with their kids. Just like parents who did pre-social media .Talk  about being good humans and citizens , talk about respect for others and themselves ,and talk about how their day was.

 In thinking about this article, my take as follows  for  a research  study 1.  A thorough review of existing social media research pertaining to the subject matter.  2. A research design that would  measure attitude change pertaining to antisemitism, based on social media. Teens; anti-Semitism; attitude change and psychological variables.  3.  Coordination with the Anti-Defamation League(ADL) .  This service  organization addresses itself to  education, anti-Semitism . racism , religious harassment, bigotry, xenophobia ,conspiracy theories and so forth.  They conduct research; track hateful attacks;  evaluate social media content ; assist the schools with programs relating to anti-Semitism  bullying and march for justice and equality. The ADL would be a terrific resource for information  research expertise regarding online tropes on You Tube ,Tick -Tock  and Snapchat.

A few variables for consideration would include the following: 1.  The study of anti-sematic attitudes using a Likert or Gutman scale survey  and/ or  other ideas after consultation with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.  2.  Moral development scores employing either  Kohlberg's moral judgment scale and/or using The Defining Issues Test to assess level of moral reasoning   3.  GPA, intelligence  quotient and standard testing achievement scores   4.  Personality components such as conventionalism, superstition, cynicism, dependency, suggestibility, anxiety, impulse control, alienation, depression, denial, rationalization , projection, ethnocentrism, obedience are considerations 5.  Socioeconomic variables pertaining to parents.  6.  High school teenagers, preferably 10th or 11th graders.

.Briefly, the purpose of the research would be to evaluate  positive, negative or neutral effects  on moral and character development from a social media platform with high school students.  Moral and character development  within our socioeconomic culture is exhibited with attitudes with corresponding behaviors . Throughout history there are many examples of persons with anxiety, fears and flaws who become attracted to  authoritarian leaders . In essence, they identify and become loyal followers to the projective  power, possession and status of that person .They  become a part of a consensus irrespective of reason, objectivity or morality. Social media can be effective , with certain  moral and character types, for propagating  hate, prejudice , and disinformation  for those vulnerable types seeking  it.

Longevity

  Last week's disquisition , including alienation. foreshadowed  the negative consequences pertaining to  physiological and psychological health .  Moreover , lifespans are  headed in the wrong direction.   This disquisition addresses additional factors interfering with  functional aging  employing  The longevity Test  which was based on  research from the Longevity Institute International. 

 

Alienation according to Marx  was related to socioeconomic factors in the work environment.  A few of these  socioeconomic variables  were measured , and suggest their importance affecting longevity . They are as follows : 1. Family income  up to $200,000  .2. Educational attainment had a higher score for postgraduate or a professional degree compared to some highschool or less  3.  Professionals and self-employed workers received higher scores than clerical, support, shift work or being unemployed.  4. Being in contact ,in the work environment with pollutants, toxic waste chemicals, radiation, or carrying a firearm to work. 5. Commuting time to and from work  6. Comprehensive medical insurance  and being able to use  physicians of your choice  compared to having  a limit for physician choices and/or having no insurance  7,Therapeutic measures such as comprehensive physical exams, blood tests, gynecological exams. Pap smears ,monthly breast exams , mammograms., genital self exams,  prostate exams, menstrual status, hysterectomy scores, postmenopausal , estrogen supplements, bowel movements, constipation, irritable bowel disorder ,sigmoidoscopy and skin lesions  .Other additional measures evaluated were blood pressure  with numbers ranging from normal ,borderline or high; cholesterol  being low, moderate, high; HDL-cholesterol 30 to 45, over 45;  and family member having diabetes.

Alienation also has to do with  having a negative  attitude and  making poor choices regarding self. This test identified many  of these behaviors that pertain  to  physiological, psychological and functional aging. The following variables  correlate and have to do with smart  or poor behavioral health choices.  For example: 1.  Tobacco use, ranging from one pipe or two cigarettes to the number of packs smoked daily  2. The number of years smoked compared to never smoking was also heavily weighted. 3.Alcohol  consumption was measured ,ranging from no alcohol consumption to the number of ounces of alcohol consumed on a daily basis.4..  Exercise ranged from 20 minutes or more of moderate aerobic exercise five or more times a week to no regular aerobic activity. 5. The number of flights of stairs  walked  6. Physical exercise at work  -from at least 2 miles of walking per day or   sedentary work without  much walking or climbing. 7. After taking a brisk walk or slow jog were symptoms of racing heart, irregular heartbeat or chest pain experienced  8.  Weight was evaluated for being  ideal or underweight  9.Measuring waist to hip ratio for both men and women . 

Accident Control  behavior was  assessed. 1. Wearing a seatbelt  2 . Drinking and driving including number of arrests 3. Weight of vehicle , subcompact or motorcycle.I would  have added contact sport activities , auto accidents and/or CTE diagnosis .

 Nutrition was important and some choices included :1.Eating a well-balanced diet or not eating a well-balanced diet 2. Eating regular meals at a consistent time  or not eating regular meals at a consistent time  3. Eating a balanced breakfast or not 4. Consuming fish, or poultry as primary protein sources  or not ;5.Eating at least five servings of green leafy vegetables daily or not 6. Eating at least five servings of fresh fruit or juice a day  or not 7. Avoiding fats or not avoiding  8. 50% meals consisting of fries, take-out foods, prepackaged or pre-cooked foods,or not 9. Eating some food each day that has a high fiber diet or not 10.Taking a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement that includes vitamins A ,C ,B complex, zinc, selenium .

.Changeable psychological factors were measured such as: 1. Being married or in a long term committed relationship or not 2. Satisfying sex life twice a week or more or not 3. Having close friends or not  4. Having a  regular daily routine or not  5.Hours of good sleep. or not  6. Yearly vacations or  not  7. Participation in stress management, yoga, meditation, music or not .I would have added psychotherapy treatment.

 Factors related to psychological  health called Changeable Emotional Stress factors  were measured , with a Likert Scale  . It  ranged from never, rarely ,sometimes ,to always.  The categories included : 1. Being generally happy  2. Having enjoyed time with family and friends 3 . Feeling in  control of personal life and career  4. Living within financial means  5. Set goals and look for new challenges  6. Participate in  a creative outlet or hobby 7. Having and enjoying leisure time 8. Express feelings easily 9. Laugh easily  10. Expect good things to happen 11. Anger easily  12.  Critical of self  13. Critical of others  14. Lonely even with others  15.Worry about things out of your control  16. Regret sacrifices made in life.

 Although I did not present the entire test, the topics Identified provide an indication of the number of choices pertaining to diet, lifestyle, environment,  mental attitude that relate to aging  that can be modified or changed..  I would have added  test  questions related to leisure activities such as equestrian , motorcycle, contact sports , accidents   along with pandemic vaccinations ,  mask wearing , climate change  stressors , CDC , prescription medication and physician guidelines,  dental care and participation in psychotherapy .

The importance of stress cannot be understated.   Dr. Hans Selye, postulated the alarm reaction caused by prolonged stress, which he called distress. Selye identified 4 stages:  !. Alarm Reaction. 2. Resistance  3. Exhaustion .4.Organ failure ,disease and death in his model.  There are many factors that affect the physical or emotional disequilibrium resulting from stress or prolonged distress.. Change in temperature , having a conversation , watching TV, playing a sport, planning an event, reading a novel, running a hill , driving a car. being late to an event, working , being in an uncontrollable situation etc..  Any activity can result in a change in homeostasis or disequilibrium resulting in  hazardous. Health consequences 

Negative  stresses are not pleasurable, but result in anxiety that affects mind and body such as a headache, stomachache ,allergies, ulcers, heart disease, cancer as well as affecting one's immune system, blood pressure, increased serum cholesterol levels, and lowered lymphocyte count.  In fact, one study found evidence of a heart attack four days after the individual experienced angry episodes with the risk doubling only  two hours after the outburst.  Specifically, the hormone cortisol is released with a cascading effect of production of free radicals . The hypothalamus ,neuropeptides , pituitary and adrenal glands become activated during stress.

In conclusion, healthy living is influenced by heredity , environmental circumstances, luck , values, perseverance,  commitment , being astute and well read with a myriad of choices and their unintended consequences. Psychological and functional age has to do with lifestyle.  Individuals in "It Has Nothing To Do With Age,"  pursued  healthy lifestyles that were indicative of their youthfulness, competitiveness and excellence.  Russ Kiernan  passed at 84; Jim Steere at 85 and Jack Sholl at 85.  Lew Hollander remains active in his 90s.  I'm nearing 84 and fit . I was told , as a teenager, by my dear Aunt Eva that there was nothing more valuable than health .Aunt Eva was a wise Lieberman .

Reference

Klatz, Ronald and Goldman, Robert.  Stopping The Clock.  Keats Publishing Inc.

PS

Some people try to achieve immortality through their offspring or their works.  I prefer to achieve immortality by not dying.-Woody Allen

Karl Marx

 Income inequality and alienation leads us to Karl Marx’s philosophy of man.  His propositions unfortunately  ,especially in the West , have often been misunderstood and  misrepresented. Today's disquisition reflects the implications of Marx's philosophy . 

Karl Marx was a humanistic existentialist born in 1818 and died in 1883. Briefly, his philosophy of man was actually a  protest against man's alienation. He  meant that man has lost himself and has been transformed into a thing based on the socioeconomics of the West. Marx was against man being transformed into a thing and  the dehumanization and automatization taking place in  corporate  production. He opposed this highly technological mass production with its emphasis on an abundance of  erroneous  communication , propaganda and conformity . He believed that socio economic conditions were contrary to developing  an authentic and genuine  existence.  This existentialist was rooted in the humanistic Western tradition and influenced by Spinoza, French and German Enlightenment philosophers  and with the writings of Goethe and Hegel.  This existentialist movement foreshadowed the humanistic psychology  of  Fromm ,  Maslow , May , Allport , Rogers and others . Marx believed that man had the capacity to liberate himself, and realize his potential . With emancipation or self-actualization , justice, equality and universality would flourish, not at all like the totalitarianism , communism in Russia ,China and elsewhere.

Marx's conception of socialism was not related to equality of income  nor that people would be well fed, well dressed with many possessions.  Also, socialism , in his conception, was that  the production of goods and services should not be subordinated to  the state, corporations or powerful individuals.  The aim of socialism was for man to achieve his potential in order to overcome the alienation that's evolved as a result of the socioeconomic conditions ithat has infected the development of  negativity with self, with others -loneliness, suicide, estrangement ,separation, and nature. Man can develop his own powers and become one with the world, 

Alienation was found in the Old Testament's story of  idolatry.  Alienation is the process by which  man creates idols by  his own hands;  bows down , faithfully follows , obeys and worships this thing.  In doing so, he associates himself with this thing or object and therefore  becomes estranged  from himself.  This alienation is an experience in which he becomes passive , receptive and becomes separated from self .

In other words, according to Marx ,the process of alienation is expressed in man's work behavior , and in the division of labor.  When  his work is active, as in the creation of intellectual or artistic forms, man begins to create the powers of  himself. However, when  his labor becomes alienated  that process , behavior  or work does not fulfill his being.  As a result , man experiences a feeling of misery, resentment, and  frustration rather than well-being . And his labor  or work becomes physically exhausting or mentally debasing without joy and satisfaction .  Marx states "labor exists for the process of production and not the process of production for the laborer."  He adds, "consciousness which man has from a species is transformed through alienation so that the species life becomes only a means for him."

Marx was not concerned primarily with the equalization of income, but with the liberation of man from a kind of work which destroys his individuality , transforms him into a thing which makes him into a slave of things.  The worker having no part in the direction of the work, being employed as part of the machines he serves, is transformed into a thing and is dependent on capital.  Marx referred to this as the "fetishism of commodities."  Marx adds, "it cannot be otherwise.  In a mode of production in which the laborer exists to satisfy the need of self-expression of existing values, instead of on the contrary, material wealth exists to satisfy the needs of development on the part of the laborer.  As in religion man is governed by the products of his own brain, so in capitalistic production he is governed by the products of his own hands."  "Machinery is adapted to the weakness of the human being, in order to turn the weak human being into a machine."

 Further , production should be under common control.  This means that individuals should not be exclusively associated with being in a  competitive , dog eat dog atmosphere , being second as in being a loser with its primary aim as profit and loss. Production being under his control means that he is actively participating in the planning and execution of all plans related to  that process.

Marxists socialism  was about living ,  actualizing or reaching his potential . His attitude of likes , dislikes  should be his main business rather than producing the means for  a living.  In other words, life aims should  not focus on wages to buy things, but to actually evolve,  create , live , like and love self and fellow man.  Competition can lead to rivalry,  destructiveness, hostility , getting ahead, stepping on others and greed for non-useful or irrelevant  things.  Once again socialism developed by Marx was meant for tman’s fulfillment  but was never the fulfillment of life, but only the condition of fulfillment.  The goal  of life  is  to be able to create a self for its own end, freedom for producing and  being  creative. .

In a hazardous environment  or with stress , a fear response is activated in the amygdala  section of the mammalian or old brain within the limbic system .With fear is the activation  of  the stress hormones cortisol epinephrine and norepinephrine . These  deleterious  emotional effects result in significant interference in higher ordered  or executive ego functioning cognition in the cerebral cortex in the human or new brain . And  cortisol is associated with degenerative diseases of aging , ulcers, myocardial  infarction, diabetes, cerebral vascular accidents, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, alcoholism, and obesity.  In other words, a warlike or stressful environment does not  result in more intelligent thinking and actions , but in  primitive emotions , less intelligent thinking and behavior with physiological and psychological  disease .

A recent article titled "We're in the Era of the "Top Gun" CEO" in The July 30, 2023 edition of The New York Times supports Marx's definition of alienation  in addition to  a May 11, 2022 report by Gallup. They stated that many employees are drifting from their organizations - even when they are not actually leaving.  Only one in four employees strongly agree they feel connected to their culture and only one in three strongly believe that they belong in their organization. In the New York Times article, CEOs are undergoing combat like training because :1.  Work is war 2.  Their stress related  problems are  the competitive  market , shareholder pressure and  significant  employee  turnover 3.Typical corporate office environments  are riddled with passive aggressiveness that includes shouting, cursing and pacing the floor with lacrosse sticks. These overpaid , passive aggressive Walter Mitty types represent the aggressive  exploitative nature  of our time.  In war, there’s an enemy, friendly fire and civilian deaths.  When CEOs are at war , then they should be held accountable for their hostility. It’s not surprising , with alienation and hostility,  that there's a high employee turnover in the corporate environment. The current state of the capitalistic system with its  shortsightedness and greed contribute to decrease in physiological and psychological health with increased probability of a Doomsday Clock occurrence. And do not forget to review Edwin Starr’s “War” lyrics.

A few words about friends , associates and  retirement . Their fields of employment consist of a counselor  and teacher in public school ; teaching in a  state prison ; state employee with law enforcement; teamster; employee in a   corporation. Are  these  individuals  alienated ?  That question  can be debated.  However, there are some common themes that pertain to  these individuals : 1.  All were concerned about income and the best time to retire.  2.  All were looking forward to retirement and were counting the days.  3.  All expressed , a form of happiness,  when not working or on vacation.  4.  All  expressed various forms of frustration, disappointment and discouragement regarding interacting with supervisors, fellow workers, or rules and regulations. 5.  All received good earnings with benefits.

For me, these last 24 years of  retirement have been a blessing and have resulted in well-being . Chasing the mighty dollar was compulsive  and stressful behavior .  Retirement  resulted in freedom, additional options for personal decisions and the ability for furthering the development of physical and mental health.  Equine activities were fun, joyous, personal and facilitated important interpersonal relationships  irrespective of the competition.  Running also has been super , satisfying and enjoyable while pursuing and meeting all the difficult challenges with many friendships ..  Reading and writing has become necessary, fulfilling, educational and intellectually satisfying . 

There are many problems within income inequality. Many employed individuals  appear alienated , lonely and not happy while at work. It’s likely related to  wages,  health, family, education , skill level , character issues etc.. Capitalism works best for those with the right inheritance ,  ZIP Code , educational opportunities , intellectual capacity  and character in a limited supply and high demand field.  Fortunately, too many don't have the right variables and become  isolated, left out , resentful and make  too many self-defeating  victim-like decisions.  Marx identified one major socio economic  problem  that affects physiological and psychological aging along with disease .. Alienation plays a major part and  makes significant contributions to our  political, personal and economic dysfunction.

PS

A special word of gratitude to T.B. Bottomore for his translation of Marx's Economic And Philosophical Manuscripts.

Lake Tahoe

  Linda and I just returned from Lake Tahoe . Lake Tahoe is  located relatively close as I buckled  on  both the Tevis and Western States when I was in my  early 60’s. This essay relates to our recent visit .

We  left for Lake Tahoe after I had finished completing my early morning run . On the way, we called Paul to see if he was somewhere in the vicinity.  As it turned out, he was returning from Nevada . We coordinated and met at a nearby Shell gas station . After a discussion about  the recent Tevis  and other topics, we parted. We headed  East and Paul West. On our way , Linda connected with her long time friend Trina .

Linda and I had lunch  at a Japanese restaurant in Tahoe city  that came with a spectacular view of that gorgeous lake.  After lunch ,we proceeded to our destination . For the first time ,I booked through Airbnb because of a credible recommendation. Charlotte informed us to not  book a  room without a  private toilet.  Online, there was a beautiful picture of Lake Tahoe with a beach and condo. The picture and location seemed perfect .

 We arrived at the Airbnb condo which was located parallel to  Lake Tahoe Blvd. But, there was  no lake  or beach in sight.  The condo was in an old building. The  furnished room seemed  clean . There ,on the table, was a list of do’s and don'ts . We unpacked and then found that the TV  was not  usable unless one had all sorts of streaming passwords . We subsequently found out how to navigate to the beach and that it was necessary to bring  beach paraphernalia. It would've been appropriate to know about all these  significant details when booking.  

Linda and I had a pleasant  dinner and a noisy tavern. There , it was reinforced that  it was a better idea to share meals as opposed to ordering them separately. I had a couple of tacos and salad even though the  attractive waitress told me that she consumes three tacos. Two tacos and the salad was more than enough. After dinner, we did some sightseeing.

The next morning, Heidi's was recommended for breakfast.  We got in line and waited for a table.  After being seated , we looked around and found ourselves surrounded by gigantic sized people  . We shared an Eggs Benedict breakfast which was tasty .The restaurant reviews were correct pertaining to our order . We then proceeded to the pickle ball court.  After playing for about 45 minutes , a couple walked in and Linda invited them to join us.  The woman said she wasn’t wearing the correct shoes  for pickleball . They left and she returned  with pickleball  shoes .  They didn't have their equipment and used paddles from the facility.  Joe was 20 years younger than Linda and he played competitively in tournaments although his wife did not.  Linda and Joe teamed up and I played with Karen.  Joe was skilled and taught us a few things about competition rules and so forth. He also informed us about indoor and outdoor balls as we were  skunked. As it turned out , they lived in Lake of the Pines and played in Auburn. Playing was a fun experience and we both enjoyed our meeting .

The next morning we decided to go to an IHOP as we had not experienced one in many many years. I was thinking about pancakes and remembered that that was one place to check out.  The waitress seated us and I opened up the menu.  The waitress took  the menu from me and turned  the page to the 55+ section.  I thanked her as I was unaware of that fact.  During  breakfast, at a nearby table, a gentleman asked the amount of batter used in making pancakes since he was on a low-carb diet.  If I was on a low-carb diet, I certainly wouldn't go to an IHOP.

For dinner we proceeded to a fancy restaurant on the water with valet parking.  We shared a salmon dinner.  The waitress told us  that with a second plate we would have to pay extra.  I asked what other extras came with the second plate. She replied” extra rice” . I said okay.  The attractive waitress had a dialect that we didn't recognize.  I asked her where she learned that dialect and she said Bulgaria.  Initially,  the people didn't seem to be huge. But when we were about to leave the restaurant  it became more crowded and also the size of the people became greater.  After dinner, we played more pickle ball and walked around the tourist section. adjacent to the casinos.

After breakfast we took a leisurely drive back to the Truckee area and proceeded home. All in all, I have a smile on my face while writing this short essay . Lake Tahoe’s beauty is second to none along with many great memories. However, it certainly is a popular place as there were many people and lots of traffic.

1084

 The history of man , as presented in the Old Testament , suggests a self-actualization philosophy .  Man can reach his potential when he develops his powers of reason and love for mankind. In doing so, man's able to preserve individuality and integrity while pursuing values of justice and universal peace in spite of his weakness, and moral failings.  Yet, his days are numbered "end of days" with the coming of the Messiah.  Centuries later Christian thinkers, with  the rise of the universities in Paris and Bologna, suggested that the social order must encompass the spiritual principles of Christianity.  However, today's reality is  different. Man experiences anxiety, frustration, anger and resentment with a sour mood.  Common sense is not apparent with the threat of nuclear war, climate change, political ineptness  and authoritarianism.  On the other hand, indictments of Trump are associated with hope.  This essay depicts a few ideas found in George Orwell's 1984.

Before the World Wars, Stalin, Hitler, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there were positive utopias written such as Thomas More’s Utopia . More’s book critically penetrated the irrationality and injustice in society, but did not suggest we are in the period of " end of  days."  Subsequently, Huxley's Brave New World, published in 1932 and George Orwell's 1984, published in 1949 presented an opinion that did not suggest that man's nature was  relative , a  blank sheet of paper that can be modified at will. Instead, they insisted the nature of man is driven to fight hopelessness and powerlessness in his quest for freedom, integrity, justice, truth, love and solidarity. However ,  both authors acknowledged  that society imposed  mass suggestions , hypnosis for the populace; drugs, torture, and brainwashing.  Yet, the paradox exists.  Although we’ve had tremendous advances in  science, technology , food production,  and health , we remain faced with loss of individuality with the dangers of  bureaucracy, automation, income inequality and artificial intelligence,

In 1984, there were three dictatorial powers situated in European Russia, Western Europe and North America.  Despite the agreement that no more nuclear bombs should be dropped, the three existing powers continued to produce and store  weapons of destruction .  They “believed” that peace would be “maintained" by having nuclear weapons but did not trust the others to keep the peace . What a projection !

The concept of war was related to arms production . In 1984 , it was believed that weaponry  production was both a necessity and necessary for the economic system to function properly. Today, there’s  a constant review and preparation for war, as well as the constant fear of being attacked with plans to annihilate one's opponents . How is striving for freedom and continuing to find and look for new technologies to destroy the enemy related to peace ?  In other words, to not trust and arm in order for peace is propaganda . Today ,we  and our allies  are supplying  Ukraine in its fight against Russia . We are told that providing these  weapons will lead to a safer world . For whom I ask ?

We have the Republican cult talking about truth by destroying  something called woke . They do not even pretend that this is going to make individuals happier or safer . Orwell used doublethink accurately.  We currently have many examples of "Doublethink."  Doublethink is the ability to hold two contradictory feelings in one's mind simultaneously, and accept both of them at the same time .  The unconscious is also  apparent because not going along with doublethink propaganda can bring a feeling of falsity and guilt.  Current examples of doublethink include having the biggest military budget in the world = peace; censorship = enlightenment; slavery  =freedom and skill development ; January 6 = patriotism;  Abortion = killing ;  2020 election=fraud . Do not forget to believe a pathological liar when he said the election was rigged and fraudulent .

Statistically, books targeted for censorship in America's libraries in 2022 were nearly 40% over 2021 with 40% of those pertaining to LGBTQ according to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.  In San Diego,  2 neighborhood residents of one Library branch informed the manager of that Library that they checked out nearly all of the books in the Pride display and would not return them unless the library  permanently removed  them because they  considered  it "inappropriate content."  Another example of censorship was from a group called Catholic Vote.  This group is not affiliated with the Catholic Church.  They have a campaign that describes LGBTQ characters and families as pornographic and obscene and should not be available for young library patrons.  The role of public libraries is to provide a place to find information , art, etc. for anyone in the community .

Orwell also described the ability to manipulate the historical past by removing or erasing evidence of it.  In other words, there was no  objective  fact , but  only the existence of information provided by the party . The  power structure of the party determined and controlled the truth..  The sensors in essence, propagated  learning,  thinking and memory..  We have book bannings and have eliminated certain subjects and classes by a small minority especially  regarding slavery . Orwell wrote  “ Who controls the past controls the future  and Who controls the present controls the past. “ 

Individuals, many of whom , now think the opposite of what is true and they're not aware of the discrepancy between falsehoods , reality or between truth and falsehoods . Are we the number one country in the world ? World rankings of countries tell another story. It’s just another illusion .  What about the Christian view regarding  killing as evil or more evil than being killed ?  Jesus preached love thy neighbor ; blessed are the poor ; the 10 Commandments etc.  A Christian Mike Pence did not say Trump’s actions on January 6 were criminal.  What type of Christian is Pence ?

The authoritarians have no trouble with doublethink, because they believe that man is frail, cowardly , wants to escape from freedom and therefore is unable to face the truth.  The aim of authoritarianism is not truth but power .Power not as a means, but as an end which means man's capacity to inflict unlimited pain-and-suffering on other human beings.

Examples of power  and misleading are a  CEO’s “truth”. CEO’s have no trouble telling the shareholders and others that their product is the best and better than the competition, regardless of objective reality or even proof.  CEOs have no trouble leaving one company and going to the other  and allowing the truth  to change from product to product.  The new product becomes the best,  the state-of-the-art  etc.. The new truth will be as true as the old one.  It’s the same with advertising. These products are advertised with a testimonial  paid  to some individual that says this product did wonders.  Once again there is no objective evidence that demonstrates one product is better than another product.  It's all about marketing, profit and possessing .  Take for example that 71 million people or so that voted for Trump in 2020.  So ,with the belief that the election was stolen , there was a consensus.  How can  71 million be wrong about that lie ?  Truth and accuracy is not at all objective judgment, but a brain washing technique. 

We have a number of authoritarian leaders throughout the world as in Russia: Turkey; North Korea; China; Hungary; Iran ; Saudi Arabia and others. How long  will our world continue to have these mad men as leaders ?  Have we lost our power of individuality,  love, rationality, reason, and  humanity. ?  Are we unaware of all the doublethink ? Reality is what the cult preaches. For example, Republicans have a script that they all follow such as Biden is evil or they are not scientists so they have no opinion re climate change. In fact, these  Republican characters all repeat, robotically the same phraseology over and over again.  After a while, the lie has a numbing effect and becomes effective ?

It's only been 74 years since Orwell's prediction.  Brilliantly, Orwell’s  insights  depict  the history of man  which permitted him to predict  the repetition of  irrationality and susceptibility . Hopefully, man's human nature is not relative so we can prevail and overcome fear, short sightedness, hate, poverty  and  madness .

PS

A book must be the ax for the frozen sea inside us, said Franz Kafka.

Differences

 

Two articles in the July 2, 2023  edition of The New York Times titled  “ Pay Day Just Keeps Getting Sweeter, If You're the Boss" and " Does It Help to Know What CEOs Earn ?”  are pertinent to today's economic  inequality.  Thomas Jefferson's "all men are created equal..... came to mind .. “ Instead of the philosophical inquiry regarding equality, this disquisition illustrates deviations from the norm  of intellectual, emotional, creative and physical differences, uniqueness and excellence between Homo sapiens.

Individuals  can be described as unequal, unalike ,differentiable, partisan, different, unique  with many  standard deviations from the norm .Just a  few examples : Moses, Jesus, Samson, Socrates ,  Aristotle, Plato, Epicurus , Machavelli, Buddha,  Confucius , Allah , Alexander  , Spinoza, Rousseau, Napoleon , Marx , Goethe,  Mendelson , Chopin , Heidegger, Sarte ,  da Vinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Russell, Currie, Pasteur, Camus, Doevetsky , Chagall, Picasso,  Pollock , Jefferson, Lincoln, Whitman, Dickenson, Frost, Sandberg , Einstein , Oppenheimer, Teller,  Roosevelts  Sabin ,  King Jr. Chomsky, Skinner , Gandhi , Luther, Freud, Fromm, Jung, Chaplin, Ali ,  Gompers,  J.Robinson , J. Brown ,B. Jackson , Tiger ,  Venus, Serena ,   Phelps, Spitz ,R. Charles, Michael J. , Jordan, Magic, Bird  etc. I admit that , in my biases, I omitted many exceptional, unique ,creative,and intelligent individuals. 

Countries are also unequal. For instance,  "List of countries-adjusted human development index based on 2021 estimates.”  According to this ranking , the US was tied with Cyprus at number 25 on their  list of 156 countries. Norway , Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany were ranked better than ours.

According to the first article, the earnings among CEO’s  and the median earnings of their employees is increasing. The research firm  Equilar  reported that the top earner in 2022 was the CEO from Google . He was awarded $225,985,000 while the median income  Google  employee earned $270,862 . And,  it would take that median employee 808 years to accumulate that  pay difference . In 2021, that  Google CEO earned  $6,333,680. And ,he accomplished what ? In 2021, the top CEO at Trade Desk earned $835 million. In 2020,the CEO at Palantic earned $51.1 billion.That can’t be accurate.

Peter F.  Drucker  was quoted and said that most workers understood that CEO’s would be paid more and  about 10 to 12 times more would be appropriate.  Drucker went on to say that CEO’s should impose a voluntary limit on their pay keeping it no higher than 20 times  that of what rank-and-file members make.  The economist went on to say that to do otherwise would create corrosive levels of income inequality as a warning not only to companies but to all society as well.  I do not know about Dr. Drucker's wisdom related to the pay of CEOs, however, it's obvious that not all CEOs are taking his advice. But, I do agree that CEO pay is corrosive, toxic, and illustrates economic madness. 

The second article stated that in 1933 the  federal government asked 2000 corporations listed on the stock exchange to disclose how much their top bosses were earning.  It was an idea  and based on the  erroneous belief that it would encourage a more conservative management industry. CEO compensation has risen. In 2018,  the Securities and Exchange Commission required companies to publish  executive pay  and its ratio to median worker pay. In 2022, the median pay for  CEOs ,who were on the job for at least two years, was 14.8 million . This number was 186 times greater than median employee pay according to Equilar.

One study looked at a companies' performance related to the pay ratio between  the median worker and the leader. There are two theories regarding worker performance. The first is called the Tournament theory . It suggests when pay is fair, workers will be motivated to put in more effort . Because with more disparity , there is a bigger prize for climbing the corporate ladder.  The second theory is called Equity. This suggests that when pay gaps are perceived as unfair, it builds resentment and leads to poor performance.  The researchers hypothesized that firms with lower ratios would perform better.  Instead, they found no significant differences .  Some believe that median worker pay may be more important , if fair, than knowing what the top boss makes.

Another study found that the average real earnings of the top 0.1% grew by 298 % between 1984 -2014 compared to 21% for the bottom half.

Jefferson’s “ equal reference “  might have been related  to the male WASP’s.    Jefferson didn't have a psychological understanding of Homo sapiens. A few illustrations  of differences follow.  In S.R. In Maddi's comparative analysis of personality theories, he called one  group of theories, the Conflict model as represented by Freud, Murray, Jung, Sullivan, Rank and others.  A second classification for Maddi was the Fulfillment model represented by Rogers ,Maslow, Adler, Fromm and others.  The third was called the Consistency model and was represented by  McClelland ,Kelly, Maddi and others.  Last week I  described  the Authoritarian conscience and its differences . There are a number of  mental illness diagnoses as well.

Albert  Maslow, years ago, studied individuals who were considered  unique and productive like Thomas Jefferson, Elenor Roosevelt and others .Maslow acknowledged that the people, in his study , were not perfect.  They had ordinary human failings, and on occasion they were ruthlessly alienated from others and detached.  He concluded that there was a motivation to achieve self actualization and he listed 15 characteristics of an actualized person.  In  his 15 characteristics these individuals did not have tendencies for\ seeking  power , possession nor status .Their characteristics included  possessing a more efficient perception of reality and being comfortable with it ; accepting self and others; spontaneity, problem-solving , detachment; need for privacy; autonomy , freshness of  perception ; mystic experience , oceanic feeling;  identification, sympathy and affection for mankind ; Interpersonal relations; democratic character structure;  discrimination between  means  and ends; creativeness; sense of humor ; and resistance to enculturation.

In "It Has Nothing to Do with Age ,"  I described athletes that participated in extreme sports.  The findings pertained to just them and I did not and would not  generalize their motivation , drive and excellence as being  representative of individuals in our country nor did I with the athletes that I interviewed in "Bo’s Warriors  Bo Schembechler  and the Transformation of Michigan Football. “ 

The research regarding the CEOs and their employees did not have a universal  sample . With their  select sample, the results only apply to those few in the study.  We can't generalize since it's not a universal sample. For example,  Musk, Bezos, Gates, Buffett  and Zuckerberg were not included in their study.  We  know what CEOs earn and their employees.  Are those numbers regarding wages fair, equitable, just, impartial,  honest, nondiscriminatory, unprejudiced ,objective, aboveboard ,legitimate ,good, on the level ,kosher or proper ?  

The answer is " no."   CEO  compensation is a symptom of the disastrous and toxic effects of capitalism.  Income inequality has been increasing as long as I can remember and  is an example of discrimination and exploitation by those in control . The  zealous pursuit of power, possession, prestige are neurotic symptoms. Currently our world ranking of inequality is loud and clear.  No wonder there's so much division in this country. It's not surprising why so many have an authoritarian conscience  and the state Republican power structure is adding to the discrimination by attacking voting rights, abortion rights,  gay rights etc. 

In summation, our country began with differences between the economic and political  Wasp elite  and the rest. Our  current economic and political policies exacerbate the  same inequality irrespective of Jefferson’s words. Is possessing a virtue and does it result in happiness  or is it  simply selfishness ?

A Threat To Freedom

 

Authoritarian is defined as  favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of government, at the expense of personal freedom.  Authoritarianism drives from believing in the static, unwavering set of rules about power , control, submission, and obedience.  The   Superego is the internal representation of  traditional values and ideals of society as interpreted to the child by the parents and enforced by a system of rewards and punishments for behavior.  This disquisition describes an authoritarian conscience within the superego for many Trump followers.

Trump  is the head of a group called Republicans.  He is leading  a few  apparently seeking the nomination  for president . Trump, while previously in office, was impeached twice and  recently lost a court case to E. Jean Caroll for sex abuse and defamation; is awaiting trial for  stealing government documents;  facing a possible indictment in Georgia; and another indictment for attempting to steal the 2020 presidential election.  Members of Trump's inner circle are facing indictments, loss of legal license; and over a thousand of his followers have been found guilty for 

Sigmund Freud , included the biological, psychological and social  components in his model  with  id, ego, and superego  concepts .  Freud's superego incorporated both  conscience and the ego ideal in his understanding of  the mind. The superego represented the critical , moralizing , censor  role in dealing with the  ego, which is the organized , realistic  and reality agent . The ego  also mediates between  the instinctual desires of the id and the critical superego. The child , with his superego , learns right from wrong as a result of the disciplinarian's ideas , beliefs  and actions . The authorities' reinforcement ratio of consistency or inconsistency becomes a factor and affects learning good from bad, right from wrong. Obeying the disciplinarian's principles is followed by  praise,  smiles, hugs, and other actions.  Disobeying the authorities' rules is followed by aggressive , harsh  verbalizations such as "no" , physical expressions  and/or loss of love. The learning  of  right and wrong is based upon the expectation of an occurrence of reward or punishment. With a humanistic upbringing , the child identifies and internalizes  syntonic societal  principles. With  authoritarian upbringing , the child identifies and internalizes dystonic societal values  Thus, either  ethical or unethical values become part of the individual ‘s conscience regardless of whether it’s  good or bad for self or society .

Children, initially, don't feel guilt for wrongdoing , but  instead experience fear of violating the laws and sanctions of the  authority figure. Rules become internalized in their conscience  which influences the image of  that  external authority. While passing through life stages , character is formed and  significantly influenced by the development of an authoritarian conscience . The person, moreover , finds inner security by becoming symbolically part of that authority.  That authority is always felt to be  greater and more powerful than self.  In other words, the individual  feels he is participating in the authorities' strength . He becomes “like’ the authority or his role model . With internalization, he submits to that authority and becomes a strict taskmaster to himself while developing tendencies  of sadism and destructiveness .

An additional part of the superego, is called  the ego ideal .The ego ideal is an unrealistic  over evaluation of the self and  dependent on parental rewards for developing self approval, self-love and self-esteem .  However, when  doing “bad” or disobeying the disciplinarian  results in  guilt . Guilt can also occur for transgressions with  “bad”  thoughts.  It’s the  ego ideal  that identifies and internalizes the authority's  power, perfection and  omnipotence.  Unrealistic ideals can lead to  dissatisfaction in life because one can't achieve the fantasy or the perfection as in  not receiving a pardon , being indicted  or losing one's license .

 During development, the personalized representations of parental authority are  replaced  and introjected with other  powerful authority figures ,heroes or idols. However, they “exhibit” unrealistic qualities of being the most beautiful,  the most successful, the most powerful, the most intelligent, etc. They are unattainable qualities and function as an attempt to compensate for self related inadequacies .However, idols are  illusions and are simply exaggerations of reality .They also represent and signify moral or immoral , ethical  or  unethical principles. Homo sapiens develop  needs  to  admire ,  seek perfection and  power because of insecurities. In other words, the ego ideal authority is colored , not real, that occurs in the workings within the superego. Within a  conscience , character becomes influenced  by these exaggerated qualities .

With an authoritarian conscience ,moral and amoral  become discordant  with humanistic  ethical values . As a result,  the individual, based upon his identification in his ego ideal , creates an unshakable conviction and belief  in that authority. In fact,  he becomes unable to differentiate fact from fiction regardless of reality .  Further,  the ego ideal can  be represented with  imaginations, identifications, and heroes  with the likes of Nero, Atila the Hun, Dillinger, Hitler and other despicables like  Trump  . Trump lost  the 2020 election  . He  and followers attempted to steal it. Trump was a fraud.

Another example of the significance of the ego ideal pertains to Juwan Howard’s son Jett.  Father was a member of the "fabulous five" at the University of Michigan.  After leaving Michigan, Juwan was a first-round draft pick in the NBA and has a championship ring as well.  While playing for the Miami Heat, father brought son Jett to his practices.  Roughly at five years of age, Jett became acquainted with Coach Spoelstra and Pat Riley, the legend.  The young man's goal within his ego ideal was to play on the big stage like his father . Jett attended the University of Michigan and was coached by head coach Howard.  This year ,Jett was  a number one first round draft pick by the Orlando Magic.  Good luck Jett .

One lesson from the Old Testament illustrates that physical punishment is subservient and not as powerful as that of rejection for regulating behavior.  In the  Biblical story, God accepted Abel's offerings but did not accept Cain's.  Not giving any reason, God did to Caine the worst thing that can be done to anyone.  He refused his  offering and  rejected him.  This rejection was unbearable for Cain.  Cain killed Abel who had deprived him of the indispensable.  Cain's punishment was that he was not killed, nor harmed, and God forbid anyone to kill him.  Cain was now an outcast after God rejected him.  He was separated from his fellowmen, and Cain said "my punishment is greater than I can bear."

 How many of Trump' s followers marched on the capitol on January 6 ?  How many exhibited sadistic actions towards capital police and destructiveness during the attack?  Did they all expect to be pardoned and/or were their interactions simply permitted to operate under the guise of virtue as some referred to this event as a 1776 occurrence ?  Enmity , cruelty and destruction was noticeably apparent. One rioter was seen sitting with his feet up on Nancy Pelosi's desk.  They said they were acting with a good conscience because they were obedient and followed Trump's orders . But realistically , they expected to be saved by Trump. They would have felt  guilt if they hadn’t followed his direction.

Trump demanded submission and his power is attributed to his wisdom and  strength. He is unmatched by anyone else.  In fact, Alina Hobbs, one of Trump's lawyers has now become a legal spokesman and General Counsel for The Save America Leadership Pack.  In fact, she said this was a "privilege of a lifetime." The other pretenders remain unable to criticize him as they are fearful of retribution and  rejection. To be rejected means to face the horror of nothingness.  And, rebellion against authority is sinful and obedience is virtue.  Obedience implies a recognition of  the authorities, power, wisdom, and  reward.  The authority demands submission on the conviction of his moral superiority and his righteousness. So far Trump’s  their guy.

The essence for  a democracy is the ability of the  individual to choose freedom . Authoritarianism is the opposite  , the individual becomes enslaved to the other . Trump's ethical and moral character and behavior are toxic and destructive for everyone in society.  Man has reason, with knowledge, understanding , identification,  a superego , and an ego ideal at his disposal . But, the attitude  of power, sadism , destruction , division and hate  are not equated with  a moral and ethical unrestricted independence or freedom . instead , it’s a  tyranny for  mankind . And, beware of the promise that he has the  possession of power, who claims he can take care and protect the weak that submit to him  and free him from the burden of  uncertainty in order to make him feel secure.

Fromm, Erich. Man For Himself an inquiry into the psychology of ethics.

The Supreme Court

 

 Recent  Republican Supreme Court decisions  based on  authoritarian values and ethics prompted this essay.  These decisions pertained to abortion ( referencing  past centuries of primitive rulings when women were property)  ; affirmative action; student debt; immigration; environmental; gun safety; separation of church and state and LGBTQ ( erroneously confabulating and misinterpreting  Ist amendment speech with hate, discrimination and bigotry) . During their Senate confirmation hearings, they lied, misled and suggested that they believed in precedent.  However, their decisions are based on  an authoritarian conscience and likened to the founding of our Republic.

Historian Richard Morris in 1973 suggested that the key founders  of the Republic included Hamilton, Madison ,Adams, Franklin, Jay . Jefferson and Washington.  These seven represent the 39 signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Rhode Island declined and three other members refused to sign that historic document.

These seven were white males with Anglo-Saxon origins and well indoctrinated in the theology of Protestantism.  It was suggested that Hamilton's mother was Jewish and if so, Alexander would be Jewish.  However, that is only speculation and not fact.  These seven were well educated either by attending college , law school or being provided with tutorials. 

These men were knowledgeable of the old and new testament.  They knew, at some level, that  God was an authoritarian.  They knew that Hebrew slaves were disobedient,  rebelled against Ramses, submitted to  the authoritarian Moses and with God's assistance wandered in the desert for 40 years. And, that  the Hebrews established ethical values and norms based on humanism. Despite being well-versed in religion, that did not stop many from being slave owners or having sexual relations with their property.  Incidentally,  white women were also property and Native Americans were considered heathens. 

They were  well-versed in Greek and Roman  authoritarianism and the age of Enlightenment that included John Locke and other English and French philosophers.  They were  well-versed in the British monarchy under the authoritarian king George. They were disobedient and  fled British authoritarianism, and created their own. For example, the Declaration of Independence was based on authoritarian values and ethics.  The hypocrisy that all men are created equal; have rights because of their Creator;  the establishment of an electoral college; power of congressional representatives being able to count a black as 3/5 of a person is not based on humanism but on authoritarian autocracy.  A Republic was formed because they did not trust the common man.  They were fearful that commoners would take away and limit  their authority, power, control and exploitation.  Thus, power was reserved for a minority.  In other words, the Boston tea party, give me liberty or give me death are essentially rationalized expressions of the irrational and and often unconscious desires and fears.  Authoritarian ethics believes that a minority knows what's good and best for the others , and establishes norms of conduct to faithfully be followed .

Authoritarian ethics and values are  dictatorial and dictated by an irrational conscience . The behavior results in power  and control over individuals.  The power and control could be realistic in terms of anxiety and helplessness generated by individuals submitting to that authority. Further, irrational authority is based upon inequality.  The commoner is not considered to know what's good or bad for him. But the authority always knows what's best .  Furthermore, the acts of the authority must not and cannot be questioned.

Irrational authority in authoritarianism begins very early for the child.  The child has a limited cognitive capacity ; the beginnings  of conscience  development with the superego and its ego ideal accompanied by ;internalization, introjection, projection  and identification.  Initially, a young child’s positive or negative behaviors  are based upon the rule or voice  by  internalization of an external authority . The authority  sanctions or prohibits  behavior  based either upon fear of receiving a verbal or physical punishment  for  disobedience ( goes into his conscience) or hope of receiving praise, love, acceptance for obeying ( gots into his ego ideal).  In other words behavior is based upon the expectation and occurrence of receiving a reward or punishment for obedience or disobedience. Later in life , displaying disobedient or unfavorable behavior  toward the authoritarian is avoided based upon fear , disapproval and not guilt. This means that  behavior is sanctioned according to an external authority's value judgments and not because of a humanistic developed conscience . A humanistic  developed conscience guides behavior by guilt based  on the internalization  of society's traditional   moral ethics of  rights and wrongs.  In essence, Individuals  with an authoritarian developed conscience are acting according to an external authority's values  even if the acts are revolting, disgusting ,amoral and against societal norms and decency. Having an abortion, even if the woman is raped, and calling it a sin is not about life.  It's about power ,control ,exploitation, discrimination, dominance and hate . Abortion has nothing to do with God, but man.

The relationship to the internalized authority begins with a live individual. That  image of the identification figure forms in the conscience. That   powerful father figure authority image  is supreme  and omnipotent .It’s the ego ideal which is an abstraction of the omnipotent and magical qualities of  the  father's authority . In the superego , is the creation of  other  authority figures or  idols  to follow, obey and worship . The continuation or repetition of identifying with idols'' occurs repeatedly and becomes apparent . Homo sapiens  must have an object  or objects to admire while seeking effectance , excellence,  achievement and perfection . 

Freud referred to the ego ideal as another aspect of the  dynamic between the ego and superego .  It's an ideal , a fantasy or illusion . Therefore, it’s irrational ,false  and  differs from  the real  objective qualities  of that  figure.  With the creation of an authoritarian model or idol , that  ego ideal figure is the hero to worship and  becomes  the arbiter for establishing  what is right , truth and reality or  what is  wrong , lies  and sinful  .That  standard becomes  an unshakable conviction , immune to criticism  and irrespective of empirical evidence . For the follower,  the lies  become truth  and not relevant to  fact or reason . In the ego ideal of these authoritarian   supreme court justices, the golden rule,  love thy enemy or love thy neighbor  are not to be  found.  Why should they possess lifetime appointments ?

The Fels Research Institute studied  family atmospheres and parent-child interactions.  Differentiating democratic from  authoritarian homes , they found that children  rated high in authoritarian controlled homes were  well behaved, nonresistant ,and interacted non aggressively. But  these children exhibited restricted curiosity, originality and forcefulness that interfered with their freedom of expression. It was suggested the children in authoritarian environments were likely punished and disapproved when the children exhibited curiosity, spontaneity , self-expression and  were rewarded for obedience to parents conformity and standards . It was also noted that these parents  didn't practice what they preached  and were more concerned with her own ideas and standards and not with the child's interest and welfare.  Implications for  responses of compliance and conformity in children  become strong habits and generalized to the  world at large.  As a result, children, in their numerous interpersonal experiences, are exposed to authoritarian religious characters, authoritarian  teachers, authoritarian coaches, authoritarian bosses , authoritarian police departments and authoritarianism in the  military.  The ultimate authoritarian with power control and dominance are judges.

The Supreme Court has male, female and black justices.  The founding 7 fathers hadn't conceived of that occurrence . The authoritarian justices believe that the constitutional origins are sacred, divinely inspired by God, is perfect and must not be changed. Realistically, the 7 did not have current knowledge pertaining to the  physical and social sciences, technology, advances in health ,  climate change , weapons of murder, women's health, income differences , capitalistic discrimination, lobbyists etc.  Yet, these "Republicans" believe what was printed, traditional and ethical for the 18th century is right and best for a  current multicolored  nation . 

In essence, obedience, self-denial, and irrationality  are not the main virtues for humanity. Disobedience is not a sin , as human history values freedom.  Man's happiness is rooted in his relatedness, solidarity to fellow man, not in division, racism, fear, bigotry and hate. Also, man's ethical systems and social institutions are not fixed and unchangeable. Although man's character exhibits   contradictions : rational - irrational, moral- amoral , pleasure- pain ,security-insecurity , destructive - creative , must we have toxic Supreme Court authoritarians with life appointments  accountable  only to themselves ? . 

Reference

Freud, Sigmund Civilization and its Discontents

Fromm, Erich.  Man For Himself  an inquiry into the psychology of ethics.

Virtue or Vice

  

The Old Testament , the  New Testament and Hammurabi code provide descriptions of man's  moral failures, vice, and irrationality as well as man’s strivings for happiness, virtue and health . With that being said, The New York Times provided two recent illustrations of man’s nature and its consequences with  "House of the Dragon"  in April 23, 2023 and the "Speaking of the War at Long  Last”  in the April 30, 2023 of that newspaper.  This disquisition depicts man’s vulnerabilities , his moral decisions , his  potential for good(humanism) and for evil ( authoritarianism )for two 20th century American citizens.

In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan ( authoritarian principles) expanded its reach in American life.  In Kokomo, Indiana in  Creekside Park, there was a celebration on independence  day ( hypocrisy , as independence is not related to exploitation, discrimination  and sadomasochism) on July 4, 1923.  There were patriotic songs, parades, and many thousands in numbers wearing white hoods and robes of the Ku Klux Klan with banners depicting  "America is for Americans."  During the celebration ,floats portrayed Klansmen defending women from black people and Catholics .The keynote speaker was  David C.  Stephenson ( authoritarian) ,the Grand Dragon of the realm of Indiana, who arrived on a Klan branded biplane. The tribe of  narcissist's and sadomasochists dropped to their knees and in rapture reached out their arms and he replied, "My worthy subjects."

The powerful clan expanded its reach across the American Midwest in the 1920s.  He perpetuated racial hate, the mythology of white victimhood with a broadened appeal to the old Confederacy.  The klan provided an expansive set of resentments providing more points of entry for the loyalists.  They stoked hate and the fears of being replaced by the "insane,  diseased" Catholics and Jews.  They were waging war from the pulpits against eugenics  and enlisting the KKK vice squads to beat adulterers and smash  speakeasies. The klan perpetuated  a neurosis of hate , an insane  purpose as well as providing shopping opportunities at klan approved stores, cooking Klan approved recipes , enrolling children in junior KKK’s , daughters in Tri K clubs and spending the evening singing Klan songs by the piano.  Individuals got their misinformation from editors loyal to the Klan along with  disinformation network’s  spreading fears, lies and hate .  Corruption was rampant and growing.  Police and politicians were bribed and businesses owned by Jews, Catholics or Blacks were shaken down . Leaders and  recruiters ,including pastors ,  got a cut from initiation fees, dues and robe sales.

The Grand Dragon was a sadistic ,narcissist, authoritarian  loyal to none other than himself.  He was evil ,racist, hateful and destructive.  This man studied Mussolini’s  speeches and described himself as the world's " Foremost mass psychologist."  This master of hate controlled the Klan in 21 states. He ruled from  an office that included seven black  and one white telephones. He claimed it was a direct line  to the President of the United States  and a  title he expected. With extortion and embezzlement , he was wealthy, powerful and  either lived in a mansion  or on his 98 foot yacht.  He threw parties and his guests included judges, elected officials, captains of industry that drank bootleg liquor. He was  also a sexual predator, and beat his second wife so savagely that it took her months to recover. He drugged  and sexually assaulted women .  He ate their flesh  and on one occasion spent the night in jail only to be escorted out quickly and quietly.  The next morning he claimed "I am the law."He  had control and power over his like minded masochistic loyalists.

In 1925 he abducted, raped and murdered a woman named Madge . During his  incarceration,  the sheriff kept him supplied with whiskey, cigars and home-cooked meals .Once convicted and his hypocrisy surfaced, he fell from grace. But, hate remained .

David's primary narcissism was evident as it was all about him and only him.  He was suspicious, paranoid, did not trust and obviously personified " Bad Mother."  He exhibited authoritarian morals and ethical principles.  His malignant  narcissism resulted in his quest for achieving power and control of a hate  sadistic and necrophilia tribe of like minded followers . His power , control and influence was extraordinary and he was , for a time , above the law as there were no consequences for his evilness and exploitation. He  easily misled the  gullible, fearful and hateful loyalists that submitted  to this godlike phony until he was held accountable for his evilness .

Once again, insecurity, fear and hate become prime motivators for authoritarian ,evil destructiveness.

The second article had to do with John Wenzel (humanistic)  nearing 100 years of age.  John was a young college student 19 years of age when he enlisted in the second world war.  Close to 16 million Americans served in that war and 99% of them are now deceased.  He had never been on an airplane , prior to his enlistment, and yet was dispatched to flight school in Miami In 1944 . John became a firefighter pilot flying P 47 Thunderbolt bombers as the lone occupant in an 8 ton weapon fully loaded.  He was subsequently  sent on missions to the Italian front to fight the Nazis.

 Lieut. John Wenzel had a number of missions in northern Italy near Milan  and over the Austrian border destroying axis railroad cars, gasoline trucks, dozens of enemy cars with machine guns serving a rail line, fired rockets , strafed enemy trains and stalled cars with machine guns.  In fact, he achieved two purple hearts in eight days. He flew several missions every week guiding his team through bad weather with persistent accurate anti aircraft fire.  In one of his notes, he wrote "Is that we are working harder than ever , flying some of our best missions for the first time we openly talked about survival."

After serving his country , John graduated from college and spent time in New York alone, attempting to find comfort in other people like him but without interacting with them.  He drank too much and kept  to himself hoping to erase  from his consciousness his inner demons.  He referred to this as "The dark times."  He admitted he was "a mess. " Luckily, he met a young social worker , married , started a family and stayed busy  avoiding  and not confronting his fears, guilt and shame.  He entered the Ideal Corporation, worked his way up and eventually became president of the company.  He  retired  and played  a lot of golf  until his aging body caught up to him .  

John's depression  and PTSD after  returning home made sense.  Returning to his exploits in World War II, this pilot was anxious, fearful , worried and felt guilty . He recounted,  On April 14 , I led a team of four fighter planes providing air support for units pushing toward a rail hub in the town of Zocca scoring direct hits with our bombs.  Then, a German shell burst right outside my cockpit, fragments sliced into my plane tearing my uniform and blood coming from my neck. I circled around for another attack before guiding my  damaged aircraft back to the base.  Flying another mission with German troops on both sides of the river and beating our guys up with all kinds of guns, our team moved toward the farmhouse that held a machine gun nest . In our first pass, plenty of tracers came at us,  and I got hit from underneath.  It felt like somebody pulled my rear end.  Then , smoke started to fill my cockpit and my parachute seemed to be on fire.  I was told by another officer don't be a jerk, John , go home.   We  attacked  again until satisfied, then  we turned home toward the  base.  Fire consumed most of my parachute plus, the seat of my pants hurt along with my  seatbelt which burned . I  could not eject without a parachute and opening my cockpit would feed the flames with oxygen. My only option was to push and  return to Pisa,  home base.

We  begin life fearful ,anxious, helpless and dependent for survival. Emotionally, fear and anxiety never leaves us.  Then, as a pilot, John had numerous terrifying war experiences.  In times of war, Individuals sometimes  risk their lives to save their buddies in spite of the dangers.  Is it heroism or is it being counter phobic?  Counter phobia is heading towards an unconscious fear . It’s  repressing fear despite the reality of dangerous obstacles.  Being the leader of the group also has something to do with demonstrating , modeling by example or an expectation . He was  without a parachute and was trapped in that cockpit .With skill he survived and made it back to base.

John  attempted to repress many memories by denying and rationalizing in his unconscious mind. He had symptoms of distress and used alcohol as an elixir,   but  was unable to  talk about his  war experience . He had a PTSD  diagnosis , was depressed , withdrawn and according to him a mess.  He repressed , from his consciousness, his  war experiences and attempted to deny those horrible  traumatic realities .  Even with his family, he was resistant ,would not talk about his trauma and  kept his medals, a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal, a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts sealed in an unopened box.  He stayed busy attempting to keep his thoughts and memories  buried .  However, he reached that stage in life when, again, he experienced  significant fear, anxiety, helplessness, and dependence related to his age  and weakened physical condition. His  unconscious symptoms surfaced with weakened defenses  resulting in night terrors.  Finally, he began to talk with his family about his emotional state , his service and retrieved his box of medals.  It was a catharsis , a release of  his repressed  terrifying  war based experiences . Finally, his nightmares ceased.

In conclusion,  David’s character was associated with an indifference to a productive sense of self , vice and self destruction while the Klan represented hate, destruction, discrimination , exploitation and death .  It's not surprising that  this social group  had an authoritarian, sadistic  narcissist  leader  for the sycophant followers  to submit, demonstrate  loyalty and obedience to an insane David.  Their illusion, hypocrisy,  and irrationality is  obvious with their celebration on 4th of July.  The 4th of July represents freedom and autonomy from the yoke of Great Britain and not hate and prejudice.  The Klan's values and ethics  represent the  perpetrators of death.  They pretend  that they are Christian .  Love thy neighbor might be impractical, but not  to like thy neighbor ?  To hate and murder thy neighbor is simply evil. On the other end of the spectrum,  Lieut. John  Wenzel’s  productive character constituted a basis of virtue . This patriot also  had the necessary psychological and character supplies associated with secondary narcissism which is love, growth and life.  He was able to like , respect and treat his neighbors according to the Golden Rule.  Not only that, John put his own life at risk, and served his country by fighting  the evilness that threatened the  world's humanity during World War II.  This man was a hero and decent human being.  He  served others, and his behavior was related to improving the welfare of many by fighting against the devil  and its worshipers . Thank you, Lieut. John Wenzel for your decency and humanitarianism . Confucius “ what you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”