tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42819662147248860752024-03-17T20:03:07.116-07:00BO'S WARRIORSFrankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.comBlogger754125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-17425499473880190442024-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:002024-03-14T20:17:02.756-07:00Sapiens Repeat History<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">An assistant professor of environmental studies program wrote an article titled "Extinction Panic Is Back, Right on Schedule" In the January 28, 2024 edition of the New York Times . His last paragraph reads in part "We are living in the very world that many in the 1920s already saw coming. But we're also doing something they could not have predicted: surviving it. At least for now. “ My response follows.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1ca6fd87-7fff-7055-dd2c-7ee20d935dda"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He acknowledged that we are in an age with the expectation of an apocalypse . We have issues with climate anxiety and quoted an article called "The Morality of Having Kids in a Burning Drowning World" B. We have public health infrastructure problems with worse contagions to come. C. A.I will soon threaten humanity ,by taking jobs, D. Having an imminent population collapse as researchers are studying fertility and population decline . Some call it a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. E. Will the Ukraine and Middle East conflict trigger World War III with the use of nuclear weapons ? The author adds that the human species could be extinguished by our own selfishness . And , violence may well be the last bipartisan impulse .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The professor described the extinction panic that occurred about a hundred years ago. The 1920’s was traumatized by a pandemic , a devastating world war and new technological developments. Notable quotes about the doom , gloom and the belief that we were headed for self-destruction because of being hardwired were disseminated by Winston Churchill , novelist H. G. Wells, biologist J. B. Haldane, F.C.Schiller, the British philosopher, and the Czech playwright Karel Capek . Additionally, the 1925 Geneva protocol was signed. It was an international agreement banning the use of chemical weapons in combat. These facts supported the author's contention that despite the near hysteria of the 1920’s, we survived .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the evolution of the Homo sapiens species , regarding extinction, consider the following : 1. The human brain consists of three parts. The first is considered the Archaic or Reptilian brain which is also found in lizards and snakes with the function of instinctual behavior like defending territory and keeping safe. We can all agree that instinctual behavior is necessary in our survival . . However, more than Instinctual behavior is necessary for human survival .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second part of our brain , and more evolved,is referred to as the Old or the Mammalian brain as found in cats and dogs. The functions of this "brain" include mood, memory, hormone production and control of the limbic system. The anterior cingulate is the structure primarily responsible for cognitive, emotional and attentional processing with the functions of the hippocampus for memory formation, spatial memory and navigation. And the amygdala is primarily responsible for fear, fight or flight responses and anger. Also, the hypothalamus is a major controlling organ of the autonomic/endocrine system regulating temperature ,hunger , thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. This part of the brain allows us more opportunities than the "Reptilian " brain for optimal functioning. However, the emotional capacity, in the amygdala, has not significantly evolved and ,at times , contributes to self defeating irrational interpersonal amoral motivational survival behavior.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third part of our evolved brain is referred to as the New Brain located in the Cortex . Our human brain includes the functions of higher cognition. abstract thought, use of tools, formation and comprehension of language and social behavior. This section of our brain is the most complex object in the universe so far has allowed us to have created the most unimaginable technology with more to come. Perhaps, biological or genetic engineering technology might result with unintended consequences being related to the darker side of man.. Man’ nature can be described as helplessness with a sexual propensity . Has a tremendous capacity for learning , ego needs of dependency, aggression directed toward self and toward others as well as a preponderance of irrational and amoral repetitive behavior. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On our planet, over the past millions of years , we've had several human species. Species are defined as being able to mate with each other , give birth to fertile offspring and share common DNA. About 70,000 years ago ,species belonging to Homo sapiens arrived. For example ,there have been Homo rudolfensis, Homo erectus, Homo Neanderthal and others . For approximately the past 10,000 years , Homo sapiens have been premier and the only human species. What happened to all those earlier human species ? How did they become extinct ? And why should the extinction process end ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At one time, the Homo Neanderthals ruled. They had exceptionally large brains and were able to hunt large predators such as mammoths, sabertooth tigers, etc. They were built stocky, strong, lived in caves and so forth. They were not monogamous. They didn't have one sexual mate, or even one sexual partner at a time. In other words, the Neanderthals were tremendous hunters ,gatherers and polysexual beings . They created wood tools, took what they wanted when they wanted it. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There also were alpha males to lead , control and direct . Moreover, in thinking about our animal relatives, such as the chimpanzees, we find the dominant alpha male in their groupings in which other males and females submit. The alpha male stops and controls violence between other aggressors, monopolizes special foods and deals with mating interferences. He's in charge of the females. This alpha male wins his position because he has a large and stable coalition in which they all spend time together, share food together, have mutual grooming and help one another in times of trouble. This sounds very familiar .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What happened to the strong aggressive sexually minded Neanderthals ? How and why did they become extinct? Well, about 10,000 years ago Homo sapiens evolved . The smaller brain weaker Homo sapiens conquered, destroyed and wiped out the competition for food etc. The Homo sapiens were smarter and formed larger groups. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did all the Neanderthals vanish by genocide? I'm sure Homo sapiens contributed to the genocide of the Neanderthals. On another note, roughly 1 to 4% of our unique human DNA or self replicating material is a characteristic found in Neanderthal DNA. In other words, we share , have borrowed and have carried some genetic information from these primitives. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Likely, our alpha aggression , difficulty with being monogamous and amorality are built into the wiring in our evolved brain . Psychologically, Jung wrote about the collective unconscious . Jung suggested that all humans have an underlying experience in our mind . It’s latent memories of what our ancestors thought ,felt and behaved . It's a collection of deposits of ancestral experiences that's located and not visible in the unconscious. In other words, we are born with predispositions to perceive, think, feel and react according to various collected images , symbols or archetypes. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to Jung, we have images , memories of the great warrior; the omnipotent , cruel and powerful God, king ,emperor ; the wise old man; the good nurturing loving mother; the bad, wicked, adulterous harlot female and so forth. Jung wrote about a dark side that can become monstrous, dominant and evil . Notably, in our brain , there’s hard wiring with a propensity for impulsive, sadomasochistic, antisocial, emotional and evil behavior despite the more fully and well developed executive functioning in the cerebral cortex. At times , the dark ,evil side of homo sapiens dominate . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Historically, Homo sapiens are the prime rulers of this planet. We've wiped out Neanderthals and are on our way to wiping out the Amur Leopard, Black Rhino, Bornean Orangutan, Cross River Gorilla, Sumatran Elephant and so many more on the endangered species list. We have climate change disasters and have polluted our waters. We've raped the earth of natural resources and have developed "state-of-the-art" weaponry. Many in the world's population are anxious, fearful, and are turning to the "protection" of authoritarian rule. Perhaps, it's time to arm ourselves like the evangelicals for the upcoming "Armageddon" as the nature of man is helpless, sexual , requiring, dependency for survival, with tendencies for killing, hate, sadomasochism and destruction . .Moreover, another threat to Homo sapien survival relates to the future of A. I. , genetic ,and/or biological engineering technology with repetitive compulsive , greedy self serving authoritarians.. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the most dangerous , destructive and deadliest species in history , Homo Sapiens are associated with the extinction of 23 of 24 Australian animal species weighing hundred pounds or more; 90% of Australia's megafauna; and the majority of the local megafauna in New Zealand along with 60% of all bird species. The American fauna was far richer than it is today . At one time it had mammoths, mastodons, rodents the size of bears ,herds of horses , camels ,oversized species like sabertooth cats and,giant ground sloths. North America lost 34 of 47 of large mammals; South America lost 50 of 60; and most of the large animals of Madagascar vanished according to paleontologists and zooarchaeologists with the arrival of Homo sapiens ..Is it the "survival of the fittest" what Darwin meant or man’s repetitive compulsive history ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harari ,Yuval Noah . Sapiens , A Brief History of Humankind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Institute for Natural Resources. Understanding Dementia.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jung, Carl. Psychology of the Unconscious.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-10935673260073077172024-03-07T08:44:00.000-08:002024-03-07T08:44:20.222-08:00Family<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a117a6da-7fff-1ab9-4c17-730cd9334160"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last week, Linda and I drove to Phoenix, Arizona. My first cousin Robert, a year older than me, was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery. Dr. Bob was a psy chiatrist and attained a rank of Lieut. Colonel in the United States Air Force. He earned a nine gun salute. Our flag covered his casket and then was handed to his son Lee. Lee wore Roberts flight jacket to his burial. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robert was the oldest son of aunt Lillian and uncle. Harry. Aunt Lillian was mom's younger sister. Robert's siblings were Richard, followed by Shelly. Robert's first home was on Bedford Avenue located on the eastside of Detroit. The family then moved to Northlawn Ave. located on the west side of Detroit. Robert attended Mumford high school , became a practicing physician and later pursued a residency in psychiatry. He married Harriet and she gave birth to Lee . Lee lost his mother when he was 13 years of age.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robert entered the Air Force and spent time in aerospace medicine at Edwards Air Force Base. After a time, Robert married Janice and they had their wedding in Branson , Missouri. After leaving active duty military service, Robert was employed by the state prison system in Texas. Janice passed and Robert remained in Texas until his health became problematic. Roughly 3 to 4 years ago, Robert moved to Arizona to be cared for by Lee and his wife Grace. Lee and Grace have one son named Harrison.. At the end, Robert told Lee not to keep him alive. Robert was hooked up to a breathing device and had difficulty talking. Lee acknowledged Robert's wishes, and they sadly said their tearful goodbyes.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lee's business card reads Owner Healthcare Consulting. Lee operates a legal marijuana business . He told me that he learned the art of growing marijuana from Willie Nelson's right hand man. He doesn't advertise and his high-end clientele is based on word-of-mouth.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda and I stayed in their Casita that ‘s next to their home in a large courtyard. There, we met Ken, Lee's childhood friend from the fifth grade. Ken graduated from the University of Michigan as a civil engineer. He joined the Marines and became a helicopter pilot. Ken enlightened me regarding the military. He is a mountain climber waiting for treatment for his knee from the VA. Unfortunately, his treatment by the VA has been negligent.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the day of the funeral, Lee drove us to the National Memorial Cemetery for the barrial . The military service was brief and that was followed by a rabbi’s prayer. The event was filmed for relatives unable to attend. That evening ,we set Shiva at Lee and Grace’s home . Sitting Shiva is a memorial service with prayers as in Mourners Kaddish . There, Linda and I had the chance to interact with Grace's parents, Lee's aunt Joy and uncle Jack and some of their friends.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda and I have spent more time with Richard and his wife Judy and Shelly and Avi than with Robert ,Lee, Harriet and Janice. Shelly and my sister Beverly facilitated a number of family reunions back in Michigan. We had braunch, dinners, and attended football games with our cousins and their children. Robert and Janice attended one of the reunions. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One delightful memory from my past was watching boxing , in their Nortlawn den, on Friday evenings . Uncle Harry was into boxing and reenacted some of the fighting. Uncle Harry owned the Whittier movie theater located near the Belle Isle bridge. We would see a double feature and cartoon usually on a Saturday. Uncle Harry provided us with a large cardboard box filled with popcorn. After the movie, we visited Saunders for a hot fudge sundae . Those were the days. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, Linda and I headed home for our 813 mile road . trip. Going west on Interstate 10, we approached Palm Desert and Palm Springs. We were on the phone with Bev and I mentioned to her that Jack and Joan Sholl lived in Palm Desert. Jack was Chapter 14 of “It Has Nothing To Do With Age “ and titled Jack Sholl Patriot ,Rower , Gentlemen Unparalleled. Jack passed away a number of years ago at age 85 and I didn't know if Joan was still there . I also mentioned to Bev that our 14949 Evanston Avenue ,in Detroit , neighbor Frank lived in Palm Springs as well. Frank’s younger brother Hank passed away many years ago and his older brother John recently passed . Other memories got triggered. like my good buddy and 100 mile Ride & Tie Jonathan Jordan partner and one dearest psychologist buddy Denny who also passed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On our way to Phoenix, we called cousin Sheldon . Dr. Shell was married to my cousin Sybil. Aunt Sophie was also moms younger sister . Sybil, age 85 ,recently passed . Shell was not feeling well and discouraged with his assisted living situation. He told me not to go into any facility and dying in your own home is best. We also called him on a return, and he was feeling a little bit better but was ready to go. Shell is 88.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda and I stopped at the Harris Ranch for barbecue and for dessert we had a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With life, there is a plus - minus ratio of past, present and.future . In death there is a negative ratio of sadness, loss, grief and aloneness.accompanied by emotional and physical pain,This becomes a negative expectation of future with an insurmountable barrier of despair and therefore succumbing to the end. Einstein stated, "I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go. I will do it elegantly</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On my father's side, all our first cousins: Sammy, Gloria, Sherman, David, Sis, Raymond and Martin are deceased . Sherman was aunt Eva and uncle Abe’s only child. They lived nearby in Chicago and visited often. Sherman was about 10 years older than me and was my model. mentor and advisor. Introduced me to such things as intellectual encounters, fine restaurants, Second City and the Baha'i faith. Sherman married Lorraine and had Roger Kevin, Linda and Diane. Their family eventually moved to Southern California. In fact, when the Raiders moved to Southern California, Sherman and I attended a Denver Bronco -Raiders game. I still miss him and Lorraine as well . On my mother's side, remaining first cousins include Stuart ,Jeff, Millie ,Jerry ,Roger and Stephen.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-62665633188670306232024-02-29T17:42:00.000-08:002024-02-29T17:42:55.260-08:00The Age of Aggression Part 2<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3dae78e9-7fff-dd54-c983-b54aef9c6a9a"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An article titled "After Decades of Declining Fatality Rates, Why has Dangerous Driving Surged Again in America?" was found in The New York Times , January 14, 2024 edition. Doctors in emergency medicine, in Nevada, found an increase in motor vehicle and motorcycle injuries and fatalities. They found that initially safety measures like seatbelts and so forth reduced the number of serious accidents .Then, with the pandemic , numbers have increased dramatically, not only in Nevada but in the country at large. Primary causes of accidents were related to speeding, not wearing seatbelts and intoxication. Once again, these primary causes are related to aggressive human behavior . Speeding is impulsive, reckless, aggressive and dangerous to self and others on our crowded streets and highways. People rationalize about excessive speeds and speeding is reinforced because there’s an absence of violations or consequences for that behavior. People become irritable, angry, for any number of reasons and being at the wheel of the automobile becomes a weapon.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Flouting authority by not wearing a seatbelt is not only dangerous towards others, but dangerous to self . Is there any rational reason for not wearing a seatbelt? Then add intoxication when driving . Intoxication affects executive ego functioning and/or judgment. Speeding,not wearing a seatbelt and intoxication are examples of character flaws that contribute to malignant aggression. Annually, twice the number of people are killed in traffic than were killed in war, crime and terrorism combined. Also, more than 90% of these accidents are caused by human errors like somebody drinking alcohol and driving ;somebody texting a message while driving ;somebody falling asleep at the wheel ;somebody daydreaming, and so forth. 21% of all crashes involved distracted drivers . Statistically, we have four times the number of deaths from car crashes than Germany. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More specifically, accidents are, in part, associated with a passive-aggressive personality. This disorder is characterized by aggressive behavior manifested in passive ways, such as in obstructionism, pouting , procrastination, intentional inefficiency or stubbornness. The aggression often arises from resentment or disobedience in failing to find gratification in a relationship with an individual or institution upon which the individual is over dependent. The aggressiveness can also be civil disobedience, reactive and defensive like a rebellious child with sarcasm, provocative acts, verbal as in argumentativeness, demanding special attention and punitive regardless of what others do .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On January 6, we had a malignant attack on the capital because of a narcissistic ,sociopathic leader with passive-aggressive tendencies. He passively and aggressively told his followers to fight like hell. Was he going to be like Alexander The Great and lead his warriors into battle or be like the Persian King Darius, and be in the background , with his guards and watch the battle ,protected , and from a distance ? Yes, it's easy to be passive-aggressive in words and not physically. Yes, he can throw his food dish against a wall.His words , his tweets result in a number of impulsive irrational and passive aggressiveness among his amoral followers. Mitt Romney favored impeachment and he had to spend an enormous amount of money to protect himself and family from crazy death threats. More examples of crazy death threats for judges , prosecutors and those in the legal justice system have occurred . Law and order is for whom? Yes, it's passive aggressive to send anonymous threatening messages to anyone .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The crazies who attacked the capital police did not only exhibit emotional instability, they also did not control their hostility. They reacted with verbal threats and destroyed private property. It was not their House. How does one treat their house ? Of course, one-on-one, they may be outgoing, friendly but in the group they were a mob. Did these socially sociopathic individuals realize that what they were doing was dangerous , illegal and destructive ? Did they expect to be pardoned? Likely, it didn't matter that once in the mob , they were the mob. These oppositional characters prepared for battle regardless of the consequences. Of course they claimed for the most part there was nothing wrong with what they did. It was like fighting for independence in 1776 with slogans. Totally legit and patriotic were these patriots? Will these people learn from their mistakes? Perhaps being sentenced and being in jail might modify similar behavior but on the other hand, these antisocial sociopathic criminal types never seem to learn and just repeat the same stupid irrational amoral behavior. These individuals have serious personality disorders.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Symbolically, the January 6 stolen election attempt by Donald Trump is a symptom of the aggressive stance by the elites in the authoritarian Republican Party for dominance and control by the few. Their mission is simply to eliminate liberalism , democracy, and return to the originality of the Constitution and nullify amendments that favor a majority that pertains to Asians, Blacks, LGTB, same-sex marriage, abortion , voting ,poor and so forth. On the state-and local level, governors, state legislatures, and school board Republicans have declared war against CRT, book banning , school curriculum , liberal colleges , immigration and against anything liberal or progressive. They are discriminating and rationalizing with "conservative" ideas and policies that represent white minority control.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Additionally,there is a statistical rise in hate crimes against Jews and others and the plethora of passive aggressive oppositional chatter on the Internet and TV along with the popularity of aggression seen in movies , novels and video games . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Kings , Queens ,Caesars ,emperors ,Alexanders, Napoleon's, tyrants , fascist Nazi-ism, Pharaohs, monarchies , dictatorships that have dominated ,discriminated against the populace are well documented in the history of humankind. Less than 100 years ago, we witnessed the terror of authoritarian fascism of Hitler and Mussolini and their crowd. Currently, politicians like Romney, Cheney, Kinzinger , judges and prosecutors and others have received death threats because of their opposition to this authoritarian trajectory per an article titled "Trump Is Playing With Fire." January 14, 2024. The New York Times. Misinformation Infotech, biotech , algorithms ,AI are the tools ,in the hands of the powerful few, for manipulation to sadistically dominate , manipulate control ,and discriminate. The purpose is to retain wealth and power. George Orwell's 1984 comes to mind . It's not a surprise to witness the congressional and Supreme Court dysfunction in Washington by those few in power with their passive aggressiveness .Fair taxes ,abortions, elections, rule of law, minority rights, free choices, individualism, diversity, gender equality are under threat in this age of aggression. And, the GOP addresses the age of violence with legislation, policies of proposing more guns .. May 14, 2023., The New York Times, "A Gun Filled America" article.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our crisis in mortality rates places our country below countries like Kosovo Albania ,Sri Lanka and Algeria .Statistically, the European Union reported 5,800 overdose deaths in a population of about 440 million . We reported 68,000 in a population of 330 million. We've also had 22 times as many gun related homicides in our country compared to countries in the European Union..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The major difference between the age of aggression in our past history that includes the founding of our country; our Civil War; the two world wars, and the Korean and Vietnam wars with our current state includes the following: 1. We have over 20 plus years ,our longest in duration, of war and destruction taking place in the Middle East with no resolution in sight. 2. The Inordinate amount of guns possessed by our populace. 3. The excessive amount of hate perpetuated on social media, television and radio. 4. The political dysfunction at the state and federal level . 5. The antidemocratic GOP 6. The authoritarian criminal ex-president again running for office 7. A biased right wing Supreme Court supporting that Trump is above the rule of law . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cameron, Norman. Personality Development and Psychopathology . A Dynamic Approach.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fromm, Erich .The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Institute of Natural Resources. Understanding Dementia.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-18106167390402010482024-02-22T20:23:00.000-08:002024-02-22T20:23:20.107-08:00The Age of Aggression<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Human beings have essentially “three” brains. The functions in the “first” brain include instinctual behavior ,defending territory, keeping safe and located in the Central Core. Then, in the Limbic system is the Amygdala which is responsible for fear, fight , flight and danger responses . Also ,in the “second '' brain is the Hypothalamus which is the major controlling organ of the Autonomic Endocrine system . It regulates temperature,hunger, thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. These Reptilian and Mammalian structures in our brain are primitive and have not evolved like the cortex or our “third” brain with its development and evolution of cognition, advanced tool making , and executive functioning.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a22424b7-7fff-f214-218b-f547fd4584a5"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> . </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Charles Darwin popularized the Survival of the Fittest . Sigmund Freud's destructive instinct and his sadomasochism concept and Carl Jung's collective unconscious and shadow concepts described man's pathological aggressiveness. Erich Fromm's views man as impulsive, irrational and amoral . These pioneers have assisted us in understanding man's challenges with interacting with others. And about 6000 years ago, the 10 Commandments initially illustrated man's aggressive, irrational and amoral behaviors toward others with guilt consequences . Currently, our legal justice system attempts to reduce crimes toward others with consequences of probation, monetary fines and incarceration.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Irrespective, we are in "The Age of Aggression." Aggression is defined as hostile , violent behavior or attitudes toward another with a readiness to attack or confront. Aggression also serves as a defensive function when there are threats to survival as with sex, food as well as threats to self-esteem, power, position, status, etc. The reactions can be rage, attack , fight , fear or flight. Further, rage, fear and pleasure , areas in the brain , can be aroused or inhibited depending upon variables. Additionally, the male sex hormone testosterone promotes the use of protein to build muscle and promotes libido aggressiveness and sexual desire. In other words, aggression can be life saving or malignant .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aggression can be non hostile but a painful act toward another .Ask a mother about her sore and painful nipples when nursing her 6 to 9 month old newborn; watch the young baby chew, bite or spit while eating and/or unwilling to share toys or possession with another . Other examples of aggression are associated with competition and rivalry with and toward siblings , parents and peers. On the playground , view aggressive interactions while playing games, or in sports.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aggression can also be accidental in the sense that it may hurt another person in which there was not an intention to hurt or harm that individual. Perhaps the firing of a weapon and an innocent bystander getting killed might be an example. Aggression can also be classified as “playing” when witnessing professional sports. The intention for these competitive and highly skilled athletes in football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse ,is not to maim, kill or destroy their opponent, but to dominate and win the game.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Research suggests there are many variables relating to aggression that are harmful to others such as anxiety, frustration in child rearing , relationships ,governmental laws and policies . Aggressive behavior can be malignant. Within the last 25 years or so , we have had the following situational , anxiety and fearful events with negative consequences that includes 9/11 and it’s related wars ; a financial economic meltdown; obesity , addiction and suicide surges , Covid-19 and virus’ ; more motor vehicle accidents ; the January 6 capital attack and Ukrane and Middle East wars as a few illustrations. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During 9/11, we witnessed the propaganda of lies. deaths, destruction ,creation of terrorist groups and ongoing Middle East conflict. We killed Bin Laden and Saddam with our massive military might . We destroyed, we demolished but did not conquer the bad guys irrespective of our war machine. In fact, War Machine, starring Brad Pitt, highlighted and illustrated the craziness and irrationality pertaining to the Afghanistan war. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychologically, malignant aggression is related to revenge and protecting economic interests. Video games, TV, movies , documentaries, novels, biographies have provided many illustrations and models of “wonderful “ weapons used as agents of destruction and death. Role models to imitate have skillfully killed others and have become heroes . In other words, our government's message is that malignant violence is necessary and good for our safety and well-being. Guns, drones and so forth are to be desired. However, on the other side, our wonderfully trained killers with the best weaponry in the world and our passive-aggressive politicians, have created an inordinate amount of brain trauma , physical disabilities, suicide and more enemies for what ? The military-industrial complex thrives on malignant aggression for profit. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frustration is accompanied by anxiety and anger when the prized and important goal becomes blocked. Economic security is important in our capitalistic society. When there is blockage to goal attainment, one can break through the barrier, go around the barrier or become immobilized. There was an enormous amount of greed that benefited some while most became victims to their predicament. Around 2008 , one could aggressively obtain that American dream-home mortgage by falsifying information. They could put borrowed money in their account for a short period just to qualify for that loan, irrespective of any objective moral reason or rationale. It was just a lie .To obtain the goal, even if that goal was unrealistic. Of course people defaulted leaving many frustrated, anxious , depressed and angry individuals.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our country's lifespan and physical and psychological health are not good compared to other industrial countries. We have major issues with obesity, heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and rising rates of addiction and suicide. It is also known that many of our physical health problems are related to behavior, character and personality. There are many commercials about diet , physical activities and exercise. What one eats ,the size of portions and frequency suggests an unconscious drive or need fulfillment . Guilt and self-defeating behaviors are seen as aggression turned inward . Regardless of all the information available and opportunities ,these individuals continue to blame , put down self with irrational self talk to mutilate or commit suicide . It's as if they accepted the consequences of punishment . For example, depression is self depreciation as in hating self and that hate is expressed not only in verbal symbols but also in repeated behavior. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suicide and homicide rates among adolescents have increased . Also, it’s estimated that more than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide. Not only that, suicide rates have increased during the pandemic. And, there appears to be a link between prescription opioid misuse and heroin addiction. About 80% of people who used heroin first misused prescription opioids. There is also an alarming trend of school absences that started with the pandemic and have continued to rise. Once again, ineffective psychological emotional development of so many of our youth suggests an absence of productive parenting with resulting aggressive self defeating oppositional behavior.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To Be Continued </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-77719611785129459152024-02-15T21:08:00.000-08:002024-02-15T21:08:40.033-08:00Calistoga<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6747d07e-7fff-201b-51f8-064161d65c0b"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On February 2nd, Linda and I met with her orthopedic surgeon regarding her hip replacement. Linda's new hip has healed and she has no restrictions. Well done Linda and Dr. G. With that in mind, I planned a trip to Calistoga for our mud bath experience.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda was anxious regarding being in the mud.I was enthusiastic . Even though everyone she talked to about Calistoga mentioned that it was going to be marvelous,still, Linda remained nervous. So, on the following Tuesday , we headed for the Napa area and arrived around lunchtime. We stopped at the Calistoga Inn and shared a terrific Reuben sandwich. Then ,it occurred to me that , in my other life, I had visited that establishment roughly 35 years ago on a motorcycle trip . The old section seemed the same, but new sections were added. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After lunch we strolled down Lincoln Avenue window shopping. Passing a display of clothing garments outside St. Clair Clothing Company, Linda's eye focused on a fashionable coat. They talked. Within seconds, we were inside the store and Linda was trying on coats of different sizes . Yes, she purchased a sharp, fashionable coat for the remainder of her stroll. We then stopped for a mocha so Linda could catch her breath.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We proceeded and stopped at Shawn Smith's Art on the Vine Gallery and Studio . We engaged with Shawn and found out about his being a farmer, rancher, carpenter, and so forth until he was able to focus on his love of painting. His wife , Lisa Marie , is a schoolteacher and they opened up the store on Lincoln over three years ago. A fashionable set of earrings caught Linda’s eyes and she purchased them .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then we headed for our treatment. We parked, registered and checked into our room. We were told to come back about 2:45 PM, just wearing our bathrobes. We were given an introduction and details and then proceeded to the coed mudroom area. Linda was nervous regardless of reassurance and was told that if it wasn't to her liking, she could leave at any time. The aide gave us instructions and told us that she would be outside the door and we could call her at any time if needed. Linda and I disrobed and I had some difficulty assisting her into the tub. She was somewhat resistant and then was able to let go and then found herself floating in the mud tub. Linda quickly relaxed and said it was wonderful . I then proceeded and found myself in the adjoining mud tub. We floated on the top of the mud and had to use our hands to splash mud over the rest of our bodies. Linda quickly became calm and marveled at the experience. With soothing background music, we just floated in this special and unusual mud. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After 20 or 30 minutes or so, the aide entered and we were shown how to get out of the tub .We then took our showers to remove the mud. Unfortunately, the shower water never became hot. So the aide used the mineral water in the hot tub to remove excess mud. We then immersed ourselves in the mineral water for another 20 minutes or so. It was a erotic experience for me and Linda was very receptive and loving as well. Then, we proceeded to the next phase, which was the cooldown with a blanket wrapped around us and 2 cucumber slices on our eyelids during the cooldown.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After about an hour and ½ , we went back to our room and engaged in more closeness, warmth, tenderness and pleasure. Much later, we headed out to the Bricco Osteria and shared a delicious and scrumptious lamb shank over risotto for our dinner meal. After dinner, we then drove back to our room to resume the evening..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next morning after showering and so forth we left for Café Sarafornia for breakfast. I had oatmeal and Linda and scrumptious French toast with lemon and berries. I helped her clean her plate. Then we headed home. On the way, we talked with Bev and Linda's daughter Sidne. Linda became a cheerleader again and talked about her wonderful experience in Calistoga. She told them she was initially scared of the mud bath but once in the tub, it was delightful, soothing and relaxing. Before reaching home, we stopped at Barnes & Noble's for a mocha and book purchases and we talked about a revisit .</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-10096539620572836022024-02-08T20:41:00.000-08:002024-02-08T20:41:29.573-08:00Grief and Mourning<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3bcbe84-7fff-ee34-dcb4-ec25d5d338d6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This essay pertains to The New York Times ,December 3, 2023 article titled "It's Okay to Never Get Over Your Grief" written by a professor of philosophy at the University of Warsaw. The professor quoted Freud's essay "Mourning and Melancholia" and argued for the continued maintenance or for maintaining a place for the deceased in our lives and that drawing on these relationships can be a source of strength .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Freud acknowledged there can be "normal" mournings. Normal mourning can be described as the ability to love and work. In other words, morning is normal when it doesn't interfere, obstruct or incapacitate healthy functioning. Melancholia was a term that Freud used. Today , the term is called a Psychotic Depression.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concisely , Psychotic Depression is a mood disorder in which dejection, self deprecation and self condemnation reach delusional proportions. It’s when an individual loses effective contact with his human environment as a result of withdrawing. A sense of worthlessness and guilt persists. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Precipitating factors in a Psychotic Depression , is being vulnerable to psychotic episodes that are related to loss or threatened loss of a major source of gratification and/or a loss or threatened loss of one's basic security . And a loss of love may result in the form of a death. These Psychotic depressive reactions typically occur in the form of an attack and the onset may be sudden or gradual. In other words, an individual with a depressive personality type is vulnerable to loss of the significant other. Irrespective of a traditional religious morning practice </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Freud described Psychotic Depression as being very different from a normal morning . There are many appropriate normal morning practices for certain groups For example, the Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic , age 46, recently died suffering from a heart attack at a private team dinner that occurred despite lifesaving efforts. He was described by Coach Kerr as being a terrific basketball coach and one of the most positive and beautiful human beings he has ever known. Someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy . and that he would grieve with, and for his wife Natasa and their children Nikola and Masa. The Warrior coach also received a tribute from NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver. The NBA postponed NBA games with the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. Toronto Raptors head coach paid tribute as did Andre Iguodala . A moment of silence occurred between the game with the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers as players bowed their heads. The Toronto Raptor head coach said the Serbian is a great ambassador to the game as his picture was displayed on a big screen at the arena. The Warriors are also wearing a memorial tribute on their jersey's during each game for the rest of the season.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The philosopher's suggestion that prolonging grief is ok is poppycock. One size ,one religious custom and ritual is not psychologically healthy for everyone. For example, an individual that is depressed, and overly dependent on their partner and continues to grieve over an inordinate. duration, is more than likely to have that loss ,that reliance reinforced by others . The depressed and dependent, with their tremendous sense of worthlessness, approval seeking, blaming ,failure and guilt continues and persists regardless of what others say. It's as if there is a construction of a solid barrier or wall that maintains their toxic negative self-talk sense of self. Sympathy ,understanding, and support are like threats and dissonant and attack their self system . The threats must be repelled and displaced in order to maintain that emotional attitude and belief system. The oppositional ness with a consistent repelling of good deeds and grieving practices of a particular religious societal tradition,become reinforcing which further solidifies and perpetuates the suffering. They simply can't let go and irrationally hang on, which only works to their disadvantage as they are unable to think about their future of being alone. Within this dynamic, the remaining partner often joins their partner in death within the year as the loss of love for the dependent personality is so devastating as they symbolically require that “contact “ to fulfill their unmet dependency needs. So, extensive grieving only reinforces one's sense of worthlessness ;loss and guilt, irrespective of the input from others. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad passed away 44 years ago and mom 23 years ago. I have fond memories of dad who reinforced my independence by teaching me to drive his automobile once I could see over the steering wheel. One incident occurred when we were returning from cousin Sherman David's and Lorraine's wedding in Chicago. As I was driving back from Chicago, other drivers passed by and looked over to see if there was a driver behind the wheel. Dad also reinforced my sports activities as he attended practices and games at Denby and the University of Detroit. My friends called him "Big Ray." Dad also modeled and reinforced the power of education with his verbal brilliance. He even met Dr. William Wattenberg, the educational clinical psychology department chairman. At Wayne State University . Mom reinforced independence ,love , support and assisted me by typing the draft of my dissertation. She was smart and competitive too. I would not and could not compete with her over the game of Scrabble. She destroyed all competition. She would also say before my "runs and equestrian events" to not hurt myself. I'm appreciative of having loving and supportive parents that furthered my positive sense of self. I do not continue to grieve their death, but emotionally experience positive ,happy ongoing memories of our interactions.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cameron, Norman. Personality Development and Psychopathology . A Dynamic Approach.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-88113621401453792652024-02-01T17:48:00.000-08:002024-02-01T17:48:13.765-08:00Guilt, Lies and Betrayals<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-75cecc8b-7fff-621a-4591-46981b71702d"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This essay pertains to the 2006 movie The Good Shepherd. Matt Damon (Wilson ) , Angelina Jolie (Wilson's wife) ,Alec Baldwin (FBI ) , others featuring and directed by Robert De Niro (forming OSS and CIA ) tell the story of the founding of the OSS and the CIA. The essay's focus is on one dominant message expressed in this movie: "don't trust anyone."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wilson's admiral father was a candidate for Secretary of the Navy. Young Edward Wilson attended Yale and became a member of the secret student society Skull and Bones. The movie began with a contradictory message between a young boy, Wilson and his father. Wilson's father lectured his son about friendship. He told his 6 year old son, never to lie because that destroys friendship between two people. Edward's also told that you have to trust and that without trust, you can never be safe. Edward acknowledged. Later, Edward heard a gunshot and found his father lying on the floor dead with a suicide note in his hand. He puts the unread note in his pocket before mother arrives . Not only did Wilson's father not say goodbye to his son, he abandoned him and was no longer there to protect him . The father said one thing about honesty and friendship and behaviorally did the sadistic and cruel unthinkable. How did this act affect the young Wilsons sense of trust ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During a Skull and Bones initiation mud wrestling ceremony, one senior fraternity member, the balcony above, urinated on Wilson. We find Wilson walking fast away with another fraternity brother telling him, don't take it personally.. Did Wilson express anger or humiliation appropriately ? He went along with the humiliation and kept his anger to himself. In another scene, the recruits were told to tell their most private , guarded and never told secret to the group. Edward told the group about his father committing suicide and finding the note. One brother asked him if he read the note and he said he hadn't. Edwards was told to trust the society. They were all together in secret and their trust was "loyalty."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In another scene, Edwards meets his Yale advisor in a small seminar group . An FBI agent , hiding in the dark , told Edward that his advisor was suspected of being a Nazi sympathizer and that he had to "spy" on him. Edward found documents in his advisor's briefcase and gave his copied notes to the FBI. His teacher was fired . Later on, during the OSS in London, he met with his mentor who would teach him the espionage trade . The mentor turned out to be his Yale teacher who confronted him with messing up his spying operation at Yale. Later, Edwards told that his mentor was gay and must be eliminated. Edward met with his mentor and his mentor understood his fate. Edward witnessed his mentor being killed. Notably, there's an absence of any emotion, anger, sadness, grief, embarrassment by Edward. His emotions were nonexistent and hidden . More messages , in the story, about trust and especially mistrust . His advisor told him to get out of the business and that he's never met anyone that he could trust.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Edward was introduced to a fraternity brother's sister, Angelina Jolie. She found him alone at the party and seduced him. Shortly thereafter, Edward was at the beach with a young female student that he actually liked. She told him about her future and told Edward that he's not there emotionally. He denied the accusation. A fraternity brother enters and Edward accompanies him. Edwards told that Angelina was pregnant and Edward must do the right thing. Edward did not return nor say goodbye to his beach friend. He just left her in the sand .Guilt, lies and betrayal in view .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Edward was told about the OSS by the general. The general told him that this group had few Catholics, no Jews, and no Blacks. At the wedding, he’s told that he's been selected and he accepts . His orders were to leave in one week. Edward left for London. After the war, Edward was working in Berlin recruiting German scientists away from the Russians. His female interpreter invited him for dinner. He agreed and after dinner , said he had to leave. She asked him if he would like to stay . He stayed . Next scene we saw her murdered. Again, there's an absence of any expressed emotion by Edward.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Edward does express emotion but not when his wife told him about her affair . They were having dinner with another couple . His wife told the dinner guests , her friends, that William worked for the CIA. After they left, he expressed anger and told her she's never to tell anyone that he worked for the CIA. He works as a civil servant for the American Trade Bureau, which is the CIA's cover of this misinformation. She told him she had no idea of what he does, he's gone night and day, and she and him are miles apart without any sort of relationship. Their level of trust was ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter Edward Junior who wanted to join the CIA. Both Edward and his wife are against the idea. Throughout the movie, there's an investigation of a tape recording taking place in the Congo. There was a Bay of Pigs leak and the CIA's failed involvement in liberating Cuba . They were looking for the leak in the CIA and had this document that they had trouble decoding. During the movie, Edward was told about the CIA operation in Cuba. In the next room was Edward junior. Edward asked his son if he overheard the conversation, his son lied and denied that he did. As it turned out, it was Edward Junior having an affair in the Congo. Edwards' Russian counterpart, Ulysses, told him that the woman was an agent. Ulysses played a clear tape recording of the conversation, in which Edward Junior mentioned the intended Bay of Pigs operation . Ulysses, the Russian, tells Edward that he can protect his son or the agency. Edward said that the mission failed so there was no need to harm his son. Ulysses knew of the upcoming wedding and asked Edward if he wanted her in the family.?He also said that he may need a favor at some point . In another scene, Edward , Edward Junior and mother were at the church waiting for the bride to be. Meanwhile, she's boarding a plane , in her wedding dress, and traveling to her wedding. In mid-flight, she's thrown out of the plane. Another scene, Edward tells his son that she's not coming and they hug. Angelina knows different. Edward Junior and Angelina expressed emotion. Later, the general told Edward about his inability to trust anyone.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this movie, there's an absence of trust. Instead, there's mistrust, secrecy ,lies, misinformation, crazy loyalties ,betrayals and an absence of quality interpersonal relationships. With trust there is a mutuality of give-and-take with the ability of meeting another person's needs with intimate empathy between two individuals.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The building of a sense of trust begins very early based on the interpersonal interactions providing that the physiological, safety and security ego needs are being met by the caretaker . Later, the same dynamic occurs , with others, in forming and meeting one's affiliative needs. With consistency, a perceptual predictability becomes formed along with an important developed expectancy. If there's a high degree of ego that needs satisfaction , a mutuality occurs based on the dynamics of both interjection and projection . An inner feeling of comfort , goodness and well-being forms , an introjection , the foundation for trusting oneself can occur along with projecting that favorability onto others. In other words, when ego needs are being met and gratified, by another, with consistency , the ability to trust is formed and necessary and beneficial for being mentally healthy and having a sense of well-being. We have an ego need for companionship and opportunities for facilitating safety needs with individuals in which we can confide in and trust . That mutual empathetic contact with another individual is necessary and separates us from all other living beings ..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this movie, Edward was seen as quiet, obedient, evasive, secretive , suspicious and unemotional without a meaningful trustful interpersonal relationship. He met up again with that young female he left on the beach in the audience at a play in Washington. He meets her , secretly ,on the sly for one encounter. Unknown to him, pictures of them were taken and sent to his wife. She went ballistic . Later Edward's right-hand man returned the young woman's cross ( Edward had for over 20 years) to her without words or message. How well did Edward shepherd his wife, his son and his two affairs ? </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-42844876368916340662024-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:002024-01-25T20:39:58.774-08:00Dave,Prometheus and Donald<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dave, Prometheus and Donald </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-021e2f6f-7fff-35b6-2f1e-8ef1c738ed45"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This story begins with Dave, one of my Denby high school friends. Prior to Dave's graduation, he went to work at General Motors. He graduated and married Darlene after her Dominican graduation. Shortly after, they bought their first home in Warren, Michigan and started their family . Later on they moved to St. Clair Shores where he accumulated cars, trucks and boats. After retirement, an economically secure Dave and Darlene moved to Florida. This essay incorporates the last 67 years with the Prometheus myth.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over time, the ravages, fears, anxieties and stresses from mother nature, economics and health have increased and , in the process, many white male high school educated individuals' security and well-being have been compromised. We've had devastating fires, catastrophic hurricanes, destructive snowstorms, leveling flooding and distressing heat conditions. An article in the New York Times titled “Hot Mess”, July 16, 2023 reported the planet was burning and was running out of time. According to the article, death is now more common and it is not limited to humans . When it gets too hot, things especially . the old, sick and the poor die . In 2021 , the heat wave suffocated salmon and melted asphalt . In other words, global warming impacts all including plants and therefore our food supply which affects economics . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Economic conditions have also been thoroughly noted such as income inequality . Statistically , the middle class man has suffered the most with stagnant wages. However, on the other end of the scale , Wilt Chamberlain in 1974 had a salary about 20 times higher than the median household income. Recently, Jaelyn Brown of the Boston Celtics signed a contract that paid him about 800 times higher than the median US salary. Also, during this time period ,three social trends have occurred. These three trends, according to some, explain the rise of female economics . First,a role change has occurred with less traditional marriages and child rearing roles for females. Second, there is less production and more service related opportunities for females. Third , females are more college educated and have more skills than white high school educated males. In other words, young women are working at record rates while there are falling employment rates for white middle-age high school educated men per The New York Times ,December 24,2023 , What Social Trends Taught Us About the Economy.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Currently statistics on longevity are decreasing , especially for white high school educated males . They have excessive rates of overweight and obesity , gun deaths , drug dependency and suicide. Further, the Covid -19 and related variants has had a preponderance of negativity and pessimism effect Surveys measuring mood found doom and gloom highlighting many Illusions regarding our healthcare system and our ability to manage and control both internal and external events in our life space. According to one economist, "The pandemic caused the sudden increase in pessimism that hasn't gone away. “ This pandemic has affected almost everyone. We are individually worried about infection as well as the realities of death and dying. We are unable to control the cavalier and oppositional attitude of others toward disease . One survey described Americans as not happy and that figure almost doubled early in the pandemic and has barely changed since . Poor white male health has negative consequences for affiliations , economics , education , politics etc as lives have been turned upside down per The New York Times, December 10,2023 ,It’s No Surprise That America Is Pessimistic..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With this in mind ,enter Greek mythology, as a parable, to describe our understanding of today’s political morass for high school educated white males. Prometheus was a demigod - someone who was part human and part God. He was also a supreme trickster; was oppositional , stole and defied the gods. Further, he was credited with creating humanity from Clay. According to the myth , he stole fire from Zeus, the King of the Olympian gods. In revenge, Zeus condemned Prometheus for this transgression by binding him to a rock with an eagle sent to eat his liver daily .Note , there are many versions of this myth, such as Prometheus striving , overreaching with unintended consequences that results in tragedy. The Prometheus myth illustrates and/or represents the current crisis for our Democratic Republic.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trump symbolizes the rebellious Prometheus with the powerful Zeus or our Republic’s Constitution and criminal justice system . Being chained to a rock with an eagle tearing away at the liver, punishment for attempting to overthrow democracy ; and the 91 indictments are the repeated attacks on Trump’s soul .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the allegory, man's nature can be described as being fearful, weak, cowardly, irrational, easily manipulated and dependent. Man’s behavior can also be seen as a tendency for seeking both immediate, short-term pleasure as well as self-inflicted pain . Man must be taught to delay and to refuse immediate rewards in order to grow while attaining adulthood. Unfortunately, man doesn't have this ability to achieve and accomplish self reliance because of his insecurities, dependencies ,irrationality ,moral failings , intellectual shortcomings along with his contradictory ego needs . Therefore , incompetent and infectional man must be saved from himself .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This dynamic sets the stage for the great white hope father figure, the Hercules hero , and/or God’s “ shepherd to mankind “ . Only this god-like figure knows the way for salvation, for happiness and he alone has the power to make that happen. Further, those that doubt him , his power, his omnipotence are the evil enemy . They are traitors , heretic’s , and will be left behind to be revengefully punished Those that follow will become saved ,become masters, and king of their castle .They will have regained their slippage from falling to second place ,being replaced and once again establish power and again be first in dominance and supreme over all others. They want their god of sadomasochism, cruelty , and exploitation to become like Caesar so they can succeed .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometime near the end ,the hero in his rebellion, will assume an aspect of his victims in that he finds himself alone, humiliated with eternal suffering .The Daves of today are in a different place than my friend Dave. My friend had a secure and optimistic looking future. Too many Daves of today are fearful , resentful, angry , alienated without a moral purpose and a dim future .</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-36430301003377224242024-01-18T20:16:00.000-08:002024-01-18T20:16:42.070-08:00Cannabis<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> An article titled "Commune Is Roused From Its Utopian Dream" was found in the New York Times, December 10, 2023. I take exception with the title as a commune is defined as a group of people living together, ensuring possessions and responsibilities; and utopi a which is defined as an imaginary place or state of things in which everything is perfect. This essay pertains to the article in question.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eeeb78e0-7fff-5355-e69d-f4b09e7fea25"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christiana is a community located in Copenhagen, Denmark. This community was founded in 1971 by squatters on an abandoned military base. Per the article, people could live outside Denmark's market economy, be free to build their houses, where and how they wanted, to sell marijuana as a living, and to live as they pleased as long as they didn't harm their neighbor . It's not surprising that this community with this arrangement was doomed from the start .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To begin, this community is semi-autonomous, spread across 74 acres in the heart of Copenhagen. For a commune to work more efficiently , it has complete control over production , social medical,educational services along with total self-governance. Being able to sell marijuana, build houses and not harm your neighbor does not define commune and a contradiction.. There's nothing utopia about selling or using marijuana, etc. Utopia is imaginary and takes place between two ears.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Problems for the community started relatively soon with the influx of motorcycle gangs selling marijuana and other drugs, this was followed by crime and other problems . Police, from the outside, were brought in to clean up "Pusher Street" but that hasn't worked either. In addition, the Danish government is now proposing that these 900 residents could purchase this area and also provide necessary low income housing. With this proposal, these 900 or so residents would lose the authority to decide who moves in, as well as losing so-called protected land areas. Residents of course are worried that their experiment is likely to end soon.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the opportunity for a commune to be successful, it's essential for the community to be democratic and have the ability to decide its welfare by providing educational, mental and physical health resources, equal opportunities for production, protection, economic and social services with total self-rule. Autonomous is defined as the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs .Just because the state allows cannabis in this area does not define autonomy, it’s just free from breaking a man made law</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marijuana and other drugs are not associated with utopia. Drugs like cannabis distorts reality, whether it's pain, illness, anxiety, depression, etc. it's commonly used in an attempt to deal more effectively with ills connected to man's nature and the creation of his society. It's short-term and not associated with creativity, well-being or long-term pleasure. If one sells marijuana, one has to either have the financial capital to grow, to purchase the product along with resources for distribution. Often antisocial types like criminals or individuals with deficit character structure become involved for symbiosis and profit . There is no particular state in the US ,with the legalization of marijuana ,that can be called an utopian environment. Legalizing marijuana may reduce criminal elements at best, but does not significantly contribute to the welfare of that society. Cannabis can reduce pain but does not eliminate poor choices that often accompany an illness or contributing factors in the first place . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Individuals have ego needs. Some ego needs are necessary and beneficial for affiliation, love and work while other ego needs can interfere with significant unions. With troubled unions, domination, exploitation and sadomasochism occurs. When a community has little input as to its new neighbors , the values, goals, ethics and morality with overcrowding and other problems become apparent.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marx , Freud , Maslow and others have provided insights into mental health and disease as with the necessity for productive work , play , love, and the ability to fully develop psychologically . Cannabis, drugs, withdrawal , paranoia , exploitation and violence were not part of their equation. Eliminating certain rules pertaining to building a home or selling cannabis, does not provide freedom but instead permission to act out , not take responsibility nor contribute to the welfare of society.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In our republic , we too have a significant drug abuse and homeless problem. There is no simple answer as many of these troubled individuals have not developed adequate coping skills and are mentally ill. Instead, their mental and physical illness ,inadequate self harm character and exploitation of others represents tremendous challenges to all .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Maylon, one of my high school friends , in 1959 introduced me to cannabis. Maylon ,years later overdosed.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-47919209314678681412024-01-11T20:12:00.000-08:002024-01-11T20:12:46.637-08:00Capitalism<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Within capitalism, the pursuit and accumulation of money rules. The following 8 articles found in the December 17, 2023 edition of The New York Times relate to wealth. This essay provides a brief description of each article.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-501c4be4-7fff-1609-1896-b74608e844d5"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Makeover" refers to a review of the book titled The Bill Gates Problem Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire . The author suggested that Bill Gates and his foundation are suspect. He states that Gates was primarily using his foundation for more control over the business world . For example, he's now more in control now over such things as AIDS, HIV , implants all related to the drug industry . Also, he's not critically evaluated because individuals that do evaluate him , have received contributions from his foundation. The author stated that generosity comes at a cost. On the other hand, is it better for the world, If he gives his money away rather than hoard it ? The money belongs to him.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Financial Times" relates to a book titled The Money Kings: The Epic Story of the Jewish Immigrants Who Transformed Wall Street and Shaped Modern America. The author wrote about banker Jacob Schiff and his influence that spread beyond Wall Street. He provided the example when Schiff met with Adolph Ochs, the publisher of the New York Times,and Oscar Straus, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt's minister to The Hague about the potential war between Japan and Russia. Schiff told his friends that he had been approached about arranging a loan to the Japanese government to help fund their war . Schiff believed that financing the war might help reduce and actually bring down the Russian Tsar and hopefully eliminate the pogroms taking place. A pogrom is a violent riot incited with the aim of massacuring or expelling an ethnic or religious group, particularly Jews. Fiddler on the Roof comes to mind . Schiff wrote to British banker Nathaniel Rothschild about his reasons and then the money was loaned. Japan won the war. Of course Russia lost because of unnamed Jews. How could there be any other explanation? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anti-Semitism propaganda was one of the rationalizations of Jews conspiring to shape world events and taking over the world . In 1903 ,around the time the Russian - Japanese war ended, "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" was first published in Russia and then internationally . This was a fraudulent ,plagiarized, contradictory Jew hating book , with lies and the paranoid fear and “belief” that there was a Jewish conspiracy filled with assassinations, contradictory testimonies , secret societies etc to take over Russia and then the world. This book was used for propaganda by Hitler and the Nazis, and taught in their schools. Its hateful influence was also noted in Switzerland, Italy, Greece and the Middle East .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1920,the Detroit anti-semite Henry Ford published in his newspaper the Dearborn Independent and circulated 270,000 paid copies around the country a series of articles titled "The International Jew The World’s Foremost Problem.” The articles were based on the anti semitic paranoid beliefs found in this hateful , vague and irrational book . Did the powerful Jews end the Russian Empire and bring the Bolsheviks to power in 1917 ? This was an anti semitic conspiracy and fabrication of the truth. .The powerful Jewish bankers did not support the Bolsheviks. In fact Schiff hated the Russian Zahr Romanoff with his pogrom policy. Note ,a distant cousin Boris Leon Ganapol born in Kyiv ,Ukraine entertained Nicholas and his family and subsequently gave mom piano lessons in Detroit as well . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ford's newspaper’s articles did not mention patriot Haym Solomon . Solomon was a Portuguese Jew and a member of the New York branch of the Sons of Liberty, the secret society motivated to undermine British interest in the colonies. He walked the walk and was a principal financier and supported Washington's armies with food, clothing and arms. Thank you Hyam Solomon . George Washington thanks you, my grandparents, thank you, my parents, thank you and I think you.for your patriotism.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Rod Stewart, Aiming to Spend More Time in Britain, Lists LA Mansion. “ Rod's the one that recorded Da Ya Think I'm Sexy, Have I Told You Lately, Maggie May and others. The home was listed at $80 million. Stewart paid over 12 million in 1991 just for the lot. The home has 28,000 sq ft , 3 acres , soccer field , theater, and speakeasy and is just one of his residences in our country. He also has a residence in Las Vegas and another home in Palm Beach, Florida. His Beverly Hills neighborhood has some of the highest priced real estate in Los Angeles and his neighbors include Denzel Washington, Justin Bieber, Barry Bonds, and Adele, who just paid $58 million for Sylvester Stallone's home. He's open to selling his home furnished although his art is not for sale.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ The Soul of a Cotswolds Cottage Sits in Los Angeles- before developers could tear it down; an actor bought a 755 square-foot house. “ Many of the bungalows in this area have disappeared . Once upon a time, Los Angeles was not a tangle of vehicle choked freeways and it supported one of the largest electric railway systems in the world. The listing occurred in 2016 for a one bedroom house built in 1903. It’s among the oldest in the neighborhood and sits on 1/10 th of an acre. The actor was shocked he was able to make an offer that the seller entertained . The seller was an architect who respected the bungalow's history and was proud of the improvements he had made. He sold the house to the actor for $ 783,000 less than he would have gotten from other suitors . The actor hired a designer for her first job and she renovated the home for about $75,000 including a new energy efficient lighting throughout the home. The home has solar panels . He discovered that the property is zoned for two houses and he dreams of adding another building, but for now, he said the prized dwelling is just right for him as he only spends 65% of the year there .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Life in a Swampy New York Neighborhood - Can The Hole , a poor, waterlogged area on the Brooklyn-Queens border be saved ?” A home in this swamp has snakes, rats , septic tank leaks , groundwater pooling in the living room with mushroom like spores growing on the walls for a stay-at-home mother. This area is about 4 miles from Kennedy International Airport ,with small buildings, surrounded by vacant lots and flooded streets, dotted with potholes and abandoned cars. The swampy area sits at one of the lowest elevations in the city about 4 feet above sea level. Because of this, it's not connected to the sewer system and residents have to rely on septic tanks and cesspools in the streets that flood just about every time it rains. Would this woman move ? She said in a minute</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“On the Market, A Greenwich updated 1870 house listed at $2,495,000.” It's a three bedroom , 3 1/2 bath , 3943 square-foot house with original fireplaces, bookcases , crown moldings, a great room addition and a bonus room on 2.57 acres. Taxes are $ 18,230 a year. Pros include updates including a contemporary exterior and renovated bathrooms. Well maintained. Original details balance nicely with the modern renovations. Cons - The first floor air conditioning is partially and the basement is unfinished. There is no garage. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ Lower East Side Co-Op listed at $ 639,000. “ This is a one bedroom ,one bath roughly 665 square-foot unit with the windowed bathroom on the top floor of the building, shared laundry and a video intercom. Maintenance is $ 976 a month. Amenities include 24-hour security , a gym, two parks,and the Empire State building is visible from the apartment. Cons the kitchen has limited counter space. The concrete flooring may feel cold in the bedroom.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The locals Can Only Look at the Peak, and Weep. “The Windham Mountain Ski Resort’s just over two hours north of New York City was purchased by the founder of a national restaurant chain and a hotel group scion. Memberships to access the new amenities would come at $1 75,000 for those who joined right away and $ 200,000 for those who waited until March 1. Current members, some of whom paid as little as $25,000 for their spots, and if they did not opt in; memberships would be terminated on May 1. These changes are designed to attract wealthier clients from New York City, accelerating the gentrification of the Catskills in recent years. Numerous Windham residents circulated a petition calling on the town leaders to block the mountain's transformation into a semi private club. Many residents are not happy and say they are offended by what's taking place. Unfortunately, the town is now presented with a problem because it relies on so many weekends to fuel its economy. On the bright side , there are new restaurants, even a sushi restaurant. Great news for some, but not for the majority.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These articles do not suggest our country is a melting pot. These few articles illustrate the tremendous financial differences that exist. It's not surprising that there are so many feeling fearful, resentful, angry, envious of their neighbors and unable to keep up with the Joneses. And Washington state ,in 2024 has a $16.28 per hour minimum wage. And this is considered high? It's easy to not accept responsibility and find as an excuse someone or some group to blame for one's misfortune.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">College football champions Michigan Wolverines 34 and Washington Huskies 13.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-27797869047764219672024-01-04T21:36:00.000-08:002024-01-04T21:36:48.060-08:00Shakespeare<span id="docs-internal-guid-781462d3-7fff-8539-ac4d-2d13c297432a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anti-Semitism is not a new phenomena and has risen statistically since the October 6 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. There have been many injured and/ or Palestinians killed as a result of the initial attack by Hamas. The exact number is not clear. However, the propaganda attack continues . Many are outraged by the number of Palestians harmed yet remain silent regarding the raped Israeli hostages. This disquisition addresses William Shakespeare's characterization of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Historically, Shakespeare was aware of anti-Semitism existence in England. Since Edward 1 in the 13th century, Jews were expelled in England; Jews in Venice and other areas were forced to wear red hats to be identifiable as Jews in their ghetto and in 1492 , Spain tortured, killed and expelled Jews with their inquisition. 100 years ,or so, later Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice appeared. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A brief overview of Shakespeares’ play follows. A young Venetian named Bassanio ( irresponsibly) squandered his estate , needed 3,000 ducats to pursue a wealthy and deceitful manipulator named Portia .The Irresponsible and greedy Bassanio attempted to borrow the 3,000 ducats sum but was turned down by his gay friend Antonio . However, Antonio promises to cover a bond if Bassanio can find a lender. Bassanio goes to Shylock and names Antonio as the loans guarantor. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shakespeare's Shylock is portrayed as a miserly, irrational ,sadistic, narcissistic , moneylender Jew . Antonio is an anti-semite because he loans money without charging interest. Or, was he just ignorant , a stupid businessman or a saint ? In other words, charging interest on a loan was "a Jewish money grabbing thing ? " Shylock agrees to lend the sum without interest, upon one condition. If Antonio were unable to repay the loan at a specified date, Shylock may take a pound of Antonio's flesh. Shylock is now portrayed as not only unfair, miserly , greedy but now cruel and sadistic. Was the gay Antonio also a masochist and stupid to trust that his irresponsible friend was somehow going to change his ways ? What a fictitious fable ? How unbelievable.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shakespeare’s so-called comedy becomes more bizarre. Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea, so he cannot repay the bond. Shylock, becomes cruel , hateful ,resentful and revengeful ( a displacement motive) because his daughter Jessica eloped with a Christian and converted. Why take out anger and revenge on someone else ? Deal with your daughter that betrayed you. Not only that, Jessica took ( stole) a large amount of her fathers wealth as well as a turquoise ring, which Shylock had been given by his late beloved wife Leah. What a soap opera? What a daughter ? Cut her loose as she's not trustworthy either . Shylock had no choice but to bring Antonio before the court for revenge? Really, what a pitiful motive.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The miserly , greedy, vengeful , sadistic. and stupid Shylock refuses 6000 ducats for repayment ? Was he miserly and greedy or just wanted revenge “ Again, a displacement. He now demands his pound of flesh from Antonio. What will that accomplish ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In comes “ A doctor of law ,“ really Portia in a phony disguise, with a forged letter. Another crazy ,scrupulous figure in this farce. She wants to nullify ( cheat) Shylock’s irrational contract. Portia asks Shylock to show mercy advising him that mercy "is twice blest. “ This has nothing to do with mercy but manipulation instead. “ It blesseth him that gives and him that takes." Shakespeare becomes more bizarre and irrational when Portia says the contract allows Shylock to move only the flesh, not the blood. What ? And if Shylock were to shed any drop of Antonio's blood , his lands and goods would be forfeited under Venetian laws. She tells him that he must cut precisely 1 pound of flesh, no more no less. She advises him that” if the scale do turn but in the estimation of a hair. Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate." And is this really a law or just a rationalization for greed, cruelty and discrimination ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course Shylock consents to accept the money, but Portia prevents it on the grounds that he has already refused it again in open court. She cites a law under which Shylock is a Jew and therefore an alien having attempted to take the life of the citizen has forfeited his property . Shylock's life was now at the mercy of the Duke of Venice. To further make this ridiculous a long story short, a number of conditions arise and Shylock was to convert to Christianity and bequeath his entire estate to Lorenzo and Jessica. Shylock is re- threatened with death, but accepts all the conditions without being outraged but with a whimper "I am content." And Shylock is the antagonist in this play ? Shakespeare’s not just prejudiced but illogical,sadistic , manipulative and hateful as well. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shylock is the victim of anti-Semitism. Shakespeare manipulates under Christian domination and rule, with deceitful imposters, supposedly some Venetian law, ripping off Shylock , being threatened with death , being humiliated ,cheated , and robbed ! Moral principles are lacking in the despicable tale . The anti Semitic message is clear. In fact, this play was used by anti-Semites throughout the play's history. For example, Nazis used Shylock for their propaganda. The Merchant of Venice was broadcast to justify their cruel and barbarous ends over German airways. Productions of the play were allowed in Lubec , Berlin and elsewhere within Nazi territory. Further, the depiction of Jews in literature resembles Shylock in that they characterize the Jew as monied, lecherous, avaricious outsider tolerated only because of their golden hoard. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What if Shakespeare, the anti-Semite, lived, wrote , associated, produced within the mores of the Broadway culture during the 20th and 21 st century ? He'd be collaborating, associating, interacting and dependent with the likes of Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, Tom Stoppard ,Lee Strassburg Jacob Adler, John Garfield ,Bette Midler, Natalie Wood, Lenny Bernstein , Barbra Streisand, Joan Rivers, Mandy Patinkin, Jerome Weidman. Harold Rome, Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock , Phillip Roth, Dylan, Kaplan , Marily Sokol, Ben Platt, Leonard Nimoy, Michael Kantor, Harvey Fierstein, Liev Schreiber ,Ethan Slater, Idna Menzel, Tina Landau and many other Jews on Broadway. How might these reality experiences affect or influence his anti-Semitism attitude and character ? Further, what if he witnessed the events pertaining to Jewish messaging pertaining to Tzedakah, institutional religious sexual abuse, generous donating by Jews, to non Jewish causes ? Perhaps, Shakespeare's character portrayal of Shylock might've included intelligent capitalistic business practices, humanistic ideals, legitimate criminal justice system and community support. In other words, how would and if an attitude change occurred affected William Shakespeare's writing ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Factually ,monied is defined as having money, wealthy. The Jews that came to our shores in the late 1800s the early 1900s and 1940’s were not wealthy but poor. In Judaism, Tzedakah refers to a religious obligation to do what is right and just. In practice, many Jews donate a portion of their income to charitable institutions or to needy people. That was evident when many Jews arrived on our shores and were given assistance as my grandparents received. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lecherous is defined as having excessive or offensive sexual desire. Three of the US biggest religious denominations are in turmoil over sex abuse and LGBT policy. They include Roman Catholic ,Southern Baptist and United Methodist churches. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Avaricious is defined as having or showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain. George Soros pledged to donate 500 million to Bard College , Michael Bloomberg donated 150 million for the advancement of studies in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among minorities and advanced education. David Geffen donated 150 Million to Yale School of Drama.. Half of America's 25 most generous philanthropists are Jews. Few give to Jewish groups.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anti-Semitism continues to exist. It's not surprising that certain fearful individuals and groups require a scapegoat, someone to blame for the misfortune that exists for humans. It's convenient for those seeking power, control , and obedience to lie, make falsehoods, half-truths, and give simple explanations of evil to individuals that are anxious, insecure , needy, with limited cognitive and historical abilities . They seek protection and are given superficial easy explanations to express their hate. These dangerous simpletons are envious ,threatened by the status of Jews with their excellence, creativity ,scientific achievements , intellectual and creative abilities and moral principles . Hate is unconsciously a reaction formation that points to their inadequacies . Keep blame and hate simple. Ignore truth , objectivity , reason and don't provide the facts for the herd to blindly follow .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York Times ,December 3, 2023 . Let Us Tell You A Story </span></p></span><p> </p>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-24763282186053272472023-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:002023-12-28T20:21:19.619-08:00Terrific Memories<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Episodic declarative memory is long-term memory of personally experienced events. This remembered string of time-based life events is essentially an autobiographical memory. Memory is paramount when it comes to well-being, especially over a lifetime. Significant events define who we are. The ability to communicate is also based on memory and the potential for an in-depth relationship that allows one to experience empathy , union , and trust between individuals. With the absence or decline from normal aging or disruption from brain injury and dementia, the effects are noticeable when it comes to inter and intrapersonal interaction. This essay pertains to ego needs ,identity, sports ,memory and my friend Ed Budde , </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ddff19d8-7fff-31d2-b7a3-e438a1c0b88f"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ed passed away on December 19 , 2023 at the age of 83. Ed played professional football for 14 years. His major decision at the time was whether to play for the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs. He chose the Chiefs and played in the first Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. He was a first-round draft choice for the Chiefs as was his oldest son Brad.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1954 I was a freshman at Denby high school. Denby had a freshman , reserve and varsity football team coached by Ed Rutherford and Jack Rice . As a freshman , on the reserve team, I met Bob Budde , Ed's older brother. Ed was an 8th grader at the time. Brother Bob got him a Denby reserve jersey for practice .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a senior, I was the starting right guard and next me playing right tackle was Ed. That season against Eastern high school, the Detroit Free Press rewarded us as linemen players of the week. We had our picture taken and that's when I first met Carolyn . I still have that photograph taken by the Detroit Free Press. I'm the shorter one and wearing number 60 on my jersey and Ed is wearing 70 on his. I earned all city honors and Ed earned All-American honors. During that season, Denby allowed three touchdowns . Southeastern had one; archrival Pershing had one and U of D had one. We averaged close to seven touchdowns per game. We didn't play for the city championship which is another story and beyond today's scope .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On one occasion , in Denby’s gymnasium , Ed and I had a wrestling match . He was unable to put me down nor was I able to do likewise. I called that encounter a draw. Later, I took on 2 Notre Dame high school football players - Vince was their starting fullback and Steve their starting tackle at the same time, in the same gym. I had no trouble disposing of both . Carolyn, Ed's girlfriend, became pregnant with Brad, and had to leave school. After graduation, I went to the University of Detroit on scholarship and the following year Ed entered Michigan State University where he earned All-American honors playing for Coach Duffy Doherty.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2008, I reconnected with Ed and Carolyn. Ed invited me to attend an NFL alumni gathering in Southern California. There, Carolyn and I danced and I met Brad. That year, Denby's graduating class was having a reunion. I suggested to Ed that he and Carolyn also attend . They did attend that reunion . Of course all the Denby football players at that 50 th reunion sat at one table telling stories and laughing a lot. There was Larry H and his spouse , Rudy N, Mitch N, Carolyn and Ed, and Ron T. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During our junior year, Ron T was the starting middle guard on defense. That season I broke my leg, watched on crutches Denby's public school championship win and our 26-20 loss to De La Salle in the city championship Goodfellow game. However, the next season, I became our starting middle guard on defense while Ron became the starting middle linebacker. On offense I was starting right guard and Ron was the starting left guard. We dominated ,ran up big scores in the first half and our team was called , by the sports writers, one of the very best in our state history . In the 3rd quarter, coach Rutherford moved me to left guard so I played the entire game. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2009, "It Has Nothing to Do with Age" was published . I talked with Ed about doing a book signing in Kansas City. He agreed and set up various venues. Linda's sister Bretta also lived in Kansas City and we all got together. Ed's good friend Conrad Dobler’s book, "Pride and Perseverance: A Story of Courage, Hope and Redemption" was also just published . Ed invited Connie to join us at the book signings. There, I got to meet Connie, a real character. After a number of book signings, Ed invited us to attend Kansas City Chiefs alumni fundraisers. Linda, Bretta and I enjoyed the hospitality of the Budde Family when we also met Brad's two younger siblings as well.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ego needs are the foundation of identity that evolves during the psychosocial stage of adolescence, and with memory assist in the description of character and begin to answer the "Who am I " question. Personally, the activity and experience of individual and team athletics provide a basis in answering that thought provoking question . The existence , expression, and satisfaction of the following ego needs that occur during sports are the following: 1. Abasement is to accept injury, blame, criticism and punishment. It was not uncommon for an overuse injury and/or physical injury to occur. Various treatments and strategies such as nasid's, hot and cold, physical therapy, chiropractic , massage and/or orthopedic treatment, orthotics, bands, specified gear, wearing apparel, free weights, machines, bands, nutritional aids and so forth are part of the journey , An individuals perseverance and mental toughness are two descriptions commonly employed. 2. Achievement is the ability to accomplish something difficult, to master physical objects, and/or human beings, goals, etc. as with coming in first place, winning in your age division, making first string and so forth. 3. Aggression is to overcome opposition forcefully. Winning at the line of scrimmage, on the football field , winning at wrestling are examples . 4. Counteraction is to make up for failure , to maintain self-respect. Coming in second to an individual, and then beating that person at the finish line in another race and being promoted to first string . 5. Deference is to admire and support a superior as well as to emulate. Being second string and admiring one's teammate. 6. Dominance is to control one's human environment. An example would be to effectively and successfully block one's defensive opponent. 7. Exhibition is to make an impression and to be seen and heard by performing in front of others. 8. Nurturance to assist, help, support, console,comfort an injured teammate 9. Succorance is to have one’s need gratified by the aid of an allied object , to be advised, guided and to have a supporter which could be a coach 10. Play is to participate in sports,to laugh, to make jokes. Play begins very early with development of motor and cognitive abilities as with imagination, fantasy and so forth. I’m still playing with my running. And last but not least is 11. Affiliation to cooperate or reciprocate with an allied and to remain loyal . The expression I want to be in a foxhole with that individual is one example of the power of interpersonal dependence. All in all, my ego needs, identity , athletics and memory of Ed Budde provide a glimpse into Who am I.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-75673221985042865082023-12-21T19:59:00.000-08:002023-12-21T19:59:50.339-08:00Evangelicals<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are differences in the psychic attitude among those that call themselves evangelicals. There is one group that has a propensity for good, right) true and correct and the other group a propensity for evil , like “zealots” with their religious and political views which are more profoundly immoral, wicked , wrong and incorrect. The belief that evil began and originated with Adam , Eve and the Garden of Eden is beyond the scope of this essay. This good-evil division has resulted in some evangelical pastors being fearful ,burned out and leaving their congregations. The definition of an evangelical can mean someone or something that is in agreement with the Christian gospel of Jesus such as believing in the authority of the Bible , the importance of believing that Jesus Christ saved you personally from sin or hell . However, being in agreement , identifying with the “suffering” Messiah figure Trump, denying that he is evil is congruent in being a true “ false idol "evangelical" along with their hatred and death wishes against their democratic , liberal deep state oppressors. This essay has to do with those that call themselves Evangelical Christians.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3d86c2d5-7fff-2cae-fb74-0a5b722ef680"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do all evangelicals believe that God's angels battled demons in a war for our souls; the belief in the redeeming blood of Christ; God's endless love and ; how can evil exist if God is all-powerful and all good ? I would define an evangelical as one that not only believes , but acts in accordance with the teachings and philosophy of Jesus Christ and his disciples and the tendency for following the moral and ethical principles of the 10 Commandments; positive treatment for respecting all others; assisting the poor and unfortunate; not being prey , seduced being greedy regarding the acquisition of money and living a fulfilling life without hate , discrimination and prejudice. In essence, the proposition that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah promised by the prophets. Jesus, after His death is by the divine awakening raised to the right hand of God and will soon return to set up His kingdom visibly upon the earth is pertinent..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moreover, Jesus and his disciples like John the Baptist and the story of Lazurus "who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table." Luke 16:21 "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied....... ; Luke 6”20 . "How hard is it for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go to the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Luke 18:24 are examples of early Christian attitudes expressed pertaining to the poor and the rich . These statements do not sound like they come from the Trump cult.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The existence , purpose ,power and overthrow of God was challenged during the French Revolution in the late 18th century . The idea that a monarchy associating with God was necessary to rule was confronted and overthrown with rebellion. Man didn't have to follow the dictates of the King. Man could self rule based on his propensity to develop with liberty, equality, fraternity , and objectivity , and thus create a better, happier society in which man could more fully evolve. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Related, Karl Marx believed that man's humanistic potential was the result of his labor . With control, involvement and equality within the production of his labor , the opportunity for a classless society could be established. If so, man would create more meaning to his life, able to evolve physically, cognitively , emotionally, and interpersonally. In other words, man could have the potential and ability to love himself and to love others. If not, the potential for man becoming alienated would increase because of the negative practices , greed and consequences of capitalism. Note, current Russian and Chinese socialism was not what Marx had in mind but not for some of the evangelical types .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Further , Existential philosophy postulated an additional understanding of man's nature. Because , in part of the French Revolution as an example, the idea and notion that God was dead emerged. Furthermore, man's problems for the meaning in his life are increased with his excessive reliance on science and technology for a solution . In capitalism, man becomes a peg , a meaningless number, an insignificant item within the employment of production . Also, because man is irrational, follows false prophets,and becomes herdlike, he becomes inauthentic , Insignificant in his meaningless existence as are some of the evangelicals. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the 29th century , humanistic psychology based on the writings of Fromm, Horney, Maslow , Rogers ,May , Pearls and others hypothesized man’s ability to reach his human potential . Maslow studied and researched employing in-depth psychology of numerous statesmen, intellectuals, artists,and humanistic individuals . He established a hierarchy of needs and concluded that man could become self-actualized. Self-actualization was the end result of meeting various needs within his model. I would add Murray’s needs such as achievement, affiliation , autonomy, counteraction, deference ,exhibition ,nurturance, play ,sentience ,sex and understanding for reaching optimum growth as well. This emphasis for self actualizing and being in the present also results with better health and well-being. Today we have additional opportunities , such as classes on well-being, fasting retreats, sensory deprivation , yoga , hypnosis, mindfulness etc. for further development and not with so-called “gender” , “homosexual “ sexual conversion counseling.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With that being said, the character flaws ,of many, are represented in various evangelical settings. In fact , there are pastors that follow the teachings of Christ and his prophets ( good) but too many are not (evil). Some pastors are in conflict and intimidated by members of the congregation that are associated and follow a different God , a different Messiah and have difficulty confronting these neurotic types.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The neurotics include individuals that are alienated and inauthentic such as Christian nationalists, white separatists , those with conspiracy beliefs, following a Republican political party based on authoritarianism. They are stuck and according to Maslow with, and not in a state of B-love, which is a love for the other person's Being. Instead, they are characterized by a D-love, which is a deficiency love which is selfish or a neurotic love. Additionally, if Trump becomes "resurrected" from being an ex-president to being reelected, rising from the dead, so to speak, these insurrectionist types would be pardoned, bringing them back to life with freedom before the day of their final judgment. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issues for division of the pastors have included Covid- 19, to wear or not wear a mask; to hate ,discriminate,lie and disrespect the poor, people of color, race and gender; climate change; banning books ; eliminating CRT ; LGBTQ; being gullible to the lies of political pundits, and social media ; believing in the stolen election nonsense along; supporting other suspicious, non-trusting paranoid individuals with their conspiracy ideas that divide our republic . Perpetuating and pressure to support and vote for an authoritarian and fellow authoritarians in order to overthrow this Democratic Republic; not following the ethics and morality of the teachings of Jesus, but instead joining malicious groups that perpetuate hate and prejudice do not suggest the definition of being an evangelical, but instead being neurotically misguided. These so-called evangelicals claim their religion as being attacked. Instead, they are projecting and practicing using their "religion" as a weapon to control and subjugate others since they believe that power and control will result in fulfilling their pursuit of happiness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In essence, those evangelicals that do not follow or adhere to Christ and his disciples' humanistic messaging are alienated , inauthentic, with deficiency needs that support narcissistic criminals like Trump ,under the guise of the religion of Christianity. They are a disastrous threat to our Republic. Although we've had threats before, but not with additional A1 tools available for hijacking the Republic , the danger becomes elevated.. At this time , how does someone like Trump contribute to the welfare of many in our society ? A structure of character deficiencies with tendencies for narcissism, lying, stealing, possessing, manipulating, coveting and avoiding consequences may be good for the people of Russia, China, Hungary, and North Korea , but not for those valuing freedom , individuality ,truth and humanistic ideals. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Donald in the eyes of some evangelicals, is unconsciously like Jesus, a son of God. Like Jesus, he was " persecuted" on earth by his enemies. As an ex-president (dead ,without power and 91 indictments ) , he can be resurrected (reelected) and then the apocalypse will follow on his enemies.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fromm Erich . The Dogma of Christ . </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-59401163328750248982023-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:002023-12-14T18:12:52.899-08:00Good News<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last week Linda and I drove to Irvine, California for a visit with cousins Shelly and Avi . On the way we were able to exceed a hundred miles per hour until the Grapevine . Then we encountered LA traffic . This essay relates to our visitation. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-880c8c8d-7fff-a7df-e9a2-10cd113a7636"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelly is a first cousin and relocated from Detroit 20 years ago with Avi. Prior to Shelly's Parkinson diagnosis, she sold real estate, was president of the Orange County Michigan Alumni Association . With my sister Bev put together many cousin reunions back in Detroit . The reunions took place in many different locations. The reunions included Shelly's daughter Ariana and Shelly’s son Seth and his family. Other cousins that attended were with her brother Robert and his significant other and her other brother Richard , Judy and their daughters Linda, her spouse and their children and daughter Margie and her Buckeye spouse and daughter. Cousins Millie and Fred, Roger and Steve , second cousin Rick, Barbara and their children and "cousin" Julie also took part .Of course we attended Wolverine tailgating and games.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Avi was born in Israel and educated as a small animal veterinarian in Canada. While living in Israel, Avi spent time on the Nirim kibbutz established in 1946 and was located about a half-mile from Gaza. He remembered going to the beach on a bus in the early 70s until the bus ride ended as a result of bombings attacks. He was well-versed with the current situation.His “Genius” son is currently a psychotherapist.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our first dinner in Irvine was at Gulliver's. Linda and I shared a baked chicken dinner and we told many tales. The next day we met at Strawberry Farms Golf Club for lunch. Linda and I had Waldorf salad. After lunch, Linda and I went to the driving range and hit golf balls. For dinner ,we met at Crazy Rock'N Sushi . After dinner we shared a chocolate donut at a donut shop that's open 365 days a year.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda and I also visited the Newport Beach Pier. There, we walked and noticed that on one street facing the ocean, there were six food and drink establishments out of eight businesses. That's 75% related to food and drink. It’s not surprising why we have so many overweight and obese individuals in our country. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> At the end of the pier, we met Jim and his family. Jim was born in Columbus, Ohio, and a true Buckeye . His father attended Ohio State and had a 1963 game ball signed by Wody, Herbstreight and a number of other Buckeyes. One afternoon Jim played in his backyard with the game ball. When his father found out ,he got the licking of his life. His father passed away at the age of 57 and the older brother got the prize ball, but gave it to younger brother Jim. During the most recent Michigan victory over Ohio State, Jim congratulated a Michigan alumni. That alumni told Jim that was the first time anyone from Ohio State congratulated him after a victory. We also met Jim's daughter and son-in-law and young daughter who currently live in Australia.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda and I also contacted Kate, a friend from Linda's past. Kate's father was a Hollywood comedy writer and wrote for TV shows like Laugh In . Kate and her husband Brett are actors. Recently, they were performing in the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Linda and I attended many plays and got together with them before and afterwards. During our most recent Ashland experience, Dave and Joyce joined us in Ashland for the Shakespeare experience. This was prior to Covid-19.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We also contacted friends Gwen and Bill who live in the Bay Area on the way home . Unfortunately we didn't visit this time because of scheduling differences. Linda and Gwen were equine riding partners when they had a second home In Cool. They sold that home but we still maintain contact with them. Incidentally, Bill's parents were missionaries in China. On one occasion, Tony and I stayed with them prior to one of our Bay Area running competitions.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Returning from our Irvine stay, we left early in the morning to avoid the LA traffic . We headed home at an easy pace and didn't exceed 85 mph. Another reward was stopping at Ghirardelli's to share a hot fudge sundae .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michigan plays Alabama on New Year's Day in Pasadena and Linda and I were considering attending that Rose Bowl game. Go Blue ! However, good news for Linda. She replaced her hip that she had used for 90 years.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-24957664704785170692023-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:002023-12-07T20:27:56.610-08:00Nihilism<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our republics institutions,along with moral, ethical and religious values are at threat from nihilism . The Judeo-Christian 10 Commandments, Constitution and amendments , the democratic voting procedure , criminal justice system and public education are under attack . This disquisition addresses the threat of a nihilism rebellion. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d3dce74b-7fff-9c24-5b12-c41919483e82"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many have lost every trace of individuality, love, critical thought and not be aware of it ? So it seems , based on the current maga leader with his following. Trump has become the religion of power. His narcissism is expressed in his seeking of power , prestige , possession and privilege according to his own rules. His moral conscience is one of his weak spots as his "intellect" is compromised . He lives in a world of mistrust . Within his neurotic system , he has to have complete control and domination in every aspect of his life. He destroys, doesn't create and within his life space, his ethical system is perpetuated with a drive and desire for crime . Moreover , his rebellion leads to the subjection not only of his loyalists but others as well .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trump’ has constructed a set of objectives with force and hatred . His enjoyment appears to be with domination, destruction, possession and power over others. However, the behavior has to be repeated and repeated which can never be fulfilled . He doesn't live in a world of love and compromise. His adoration of self is above everything. He doesn’t judge his irrationality and his beliefs are not about truth, justice and reason.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Within Trump's irrational and criminal mind, he refuses to recognize any law other than his own. Does Trump's neurotic need for domination bring him happiness ? He desires to be the ruler of the world like Caesar. His rebellion leads to the justification of his crimes</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few examples of Trump’s nihilistic attitude and behavior include the following : 1. He said he could kill in New York and not be held accountable. Henry VIII comes to mind.. What are his moral principles and /or commandments ? 2. He handpicked Atty. Gen. 's to facilitate his rule and ethical breaking behavior and therefore was able to mislead the public regarding the Mueller report. 3. He was impeached twice . Initially by attempting to hold up arms shipment to Ukraine for political dirt on Biden, and then for the insurrection on January 6, 2020. 4. He has not paid a "fair" amount of taxes. He either inflated or deflated his assets to his advantage. He’s been found guilty and the amount of damages is being litigated. 5. Trump propagated fake news , lies about journalists in an attempt to dismantle and sabotage freedom of the press 6. Trump's university and foundation had been found fraudulent 7. Trump falsified Govid -10 information and trashed the reputation of the CDC 8. Trump lied about the 2020 presidential election and attempted to overthrow the republic . He disregarded the Constitution and facilitated fabrications in his attempt to retain power. The RICO indictments in Georgia; the fake elector scheme and the January 6 attack on the capital are a few illustrations. of his criminal and morally bankrupt sense of morality .Nihilism is a rejection of religious , moral ,ethical ,political , educational and rule of law principles , </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are we a Christian nation ? Have Trump and his loyalists followed Christ's teachings? With that being said, the “hanging ” of Mike Pence on January 6 was based on what justification , religious principle or commandment ? Did Pence commit some crime ? Following the Constitution, per his role, seemed reasonable . For loyalists intending to kill him for something that Trump said is not only immoral and criminal but crazy , irrational and nihilistic. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trump told his armed militia and others to go to the Capital and fight like hell. Fight is defined as taking part in a violent struggle involving the exchange of physical blows or the use of weapons. Going to the Capital to fight would serve what purpose? That act would be illegal, irrational , morally defunct , sinful and based on a lie about the election being stolen. What was accomplished by attacking Capital police and trashing lawmakers offices with urine , feces, etc. ? That motivational behavior was associated with an acting out ,emotional dysfunction character flaw of the participants. It had nothing to do with a stolen election lie. Their 10 commandments are ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An authoritarian despot wannabe requires loyalists which results in a symbiotic relationship between the authoritarian father figure ruler and his followers. The time is hazardous for many in our Republic who seek for a Messianic protector .The following 6 points are illustrations of existential anxiety and uncertainty facing many . 1. We have the greatest concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. Thanks to capitalism. This suggests financial existential anxiety despite the fact that Pres. Biden’s administration has created more jobs, higher wages and lower unemployment rates of any living president. One example, one successful employer stated that although Trump has many negative qualities, he supports him. He favors Trump's economic policies..He didn’t say he was narcissistic , seeks greed and exploitation .He did say that, he cares about people and is helping so many .He does pay them a few dollars more than minimum wage. He also employs many part timers .Prior, during the Affordable Care Act , he worried about having to pay health insurance for his employees. His greed and exploitation for his profit are paramount. Apparently everything else is subordinate .Other factors may be contradictory ,and not that important . His underlying motives and drive are ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Climate change results in existential anxiety regarding the abundance of natural disasters such as fire, hurricanes,earthquakes, tropical storms etc. affecting our safety, health and well-being. Every living thing is negatively affected as greed prevails. And who exited our country from the Paris Climate Change Agreement ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Covid-19 has resulted in over a million deaths with over 99 million cases reported. And what Pres. lied about the Covid -19 threat and placed blame on everyone else but himself ? According to the Woodward interview, Trump didn't perceive or understand that this disease was the most significant threat during his presidency. Aside from the number of deaths and stress on our health care system, another significant occurrence resulted with the negative impact on children's learning. An article in the New York Times, November 19, 2023, titled "The Starting Evidence of Learning Loss Is In “ provides another example.. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 4. Many in the GOP are reinforcing the rebellion and overthrow of this Republic. The following October 29,2023 New York Times articles titled a. A Right-Wing Fever Dream Comes to Life. b. Trump's Extremists Are Now In The House. c. The Rise of Reactionary Futurism . These articles pertain to the authoritarian threat to our Republic.and are not describing a democratic republic by his followers.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. 5. The occurrence of an exponential rise in hate crimes is contrary to Our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag , the song America the Beautiful and Judaic - Christian philosophy. Are we a melting pot ? Hate crimes are defined as a motivational bias when a perpetrator targets a victim for their perceived membership in groups related to ethnicity, disability, language, nationality, physical appearance, political views affiliation, age, religion, sex, gender identity and/or sexual orientation. These incidents may involve physical assault or homicide damage to property, bullying , harassment, verbal abuse. It includes insults, graffiti, hate mail etc. Recently, 73% of Jewish college students report anti-Semitism on campus this school year per ADL survey . An article titled The Plots Against America found in the November 19, 2023 edition of the New York Times illustrates the existence of a toxic history of hate in our republic. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 6. Book banning, criminalizing abortion ,critical race theory, parental rights, whether or not a transgender should be able to participate in sports or admission to a bathroom are just some of the restrictions of authoritarian nondemocratic policies based on hate. . Restriction, control , based on fear and hate thrive with insecurity, The GOP's Culture War Shtick Is Wearing Thin With Voters found in November 12, 2023 of The New York Times pertains. Is there a hidden set of Trump's 10 Commandments?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We cannot deny the peril that is facing our Republic. We are not an experiment per definition. An experiment is a scientific procedure to test a hypothesis or demonstrate a known fact. We have a Constitution and amendments followed based on evolving democratic and humanistic ideas. We have a Supreme Court that has evolved , however , at present has regressed. We have an educational system that assisted many at an earlier time, but now, with its extreme financial burden, have placed many in slavery debt. We have more weapons and of course more killings imaginable. We have a dysfunctional political system, although Santos was expelled. We have too many lawmakers that even though they deceive, lie, and cheat, they are reelected because of how voting districts are gerrymandered. We have an authoritarian ex-president with 91 indictments and his prosecutors , judges and staff are threatened. They are threatened for what moral, ethical or religious principle ? We have difficulty attracting and keeping public school teachers because of the pressure related to GPA ; ,diminished value for learning , for the profession and hateful pressure from unreasonable parents. We have profit mongering insurance monopoles controlling and discriminating against our health and housing welfare . Further , was Jefferson's pursuit of happiness fiction ? Our insecurities and the pursuit of power are the realities of today and threaten the republic .. Can the Republic be saved ? Is the rule of law significant ? Religious, moral and ethical values must be established. Our educational system is in trouble .. We must no longer deny the realities and face the threat of nihilism. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-58132724826875025662023-11-30T19:02:00.000-08:002023-11-30T19:02:55.227-08:00AD<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In 1907, Dr. Alois Alzheimer described the brain of his former patients who died with dementia at age 56. He found plaques and tangles in her brain tissue. Alzheimer's disease(A D) is the most common cause of dementia in individuals age 65 and over and affects over 5.4 million people in the United States and sure to increase with the rapidly aging baby boomer population. This disease is the seventh leading cause of death. The United States has an annual cost of $72 billion , involving 10.9 million unpaid caregivers. A D is the focus of this essay.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2a89ce52-7fff-c9f4-af27-78c6203b3570"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The adult weight of a brain is about 3 pounds; the size of a medium cauliflower; with about 100 billion neurons and about 100 trillion synapses. From a neurological point of view, A D. Is progressive, complex and affects many functioning components in the human brain. Briefly, the pathophysiology of A. D is found in the "Archaic Brain.;" - The Limbic System in which functions of the hippocampus or memory formation,,spatial memory and navigation are destroyed and in The Cortex where white matter connective tracts are destroyed and produce cognitive impairment .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Specifically, neurons are brain cells that coordinate movement ,perception, sensation, language and thinking . Neurons have three parts-dendrites , cell body and axons. Dendrites take in information and axons send out information. Neurons can have as many 20,000 dendrites and axons and do one of two things: conduct an electrical charge or don't conduct an electrical charge. Whether neurons are able to cause each other to excite or inhibit surrounding neurons depends on chemicals that pass between them,that are called neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine is an important chemical messenger that passes between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another. This chemical messenger signals the transmission from nerves to muscles, memory formation and is notably affected in the condition of A D.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The importance of the Limbic System is well noted. It is involved in survival oriented mammalian characteristics like homeostatic body mechanisms , sex , drives, emotions, moods, emotional memories, encoding and consolidation of long term factual memories .It is damaged by dementia of A. D producing memory and emotional deficits. Within the Limbic System is found, the Hippocampus. This encodes and consolidates new short-term declarative or factual memories into long-term memories. With most people the left hippocampus is involved in verbal language oriented memories while the right hippocampus is involved in nonverbal memories. A. D damage causes amnestic deficits in encoding, recalling new factual memories producing early memory deficits.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The cortex is the most complex object in the universe. Within the cerebral cortex , the frontal lobes are enlarged in humans compared to other animals . The frontal lobe is involved in planning ,initiation ,control and feedback changes in all actions; regulates attention and inhibits emotions and impulses; is responsible for integrating facts and emotions to make judgments and decisions including ethical and moral decisions and is the center for abstract conceptual thinking and problem solving . It is the site of short-term memory and the storage site for long-term procedural memories . The frontal lobes are impaired first in dementia and last-in A.D.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is Short-Term Memory which encodes information into the cortex to hold onto for approximately 30 seconds. There is also Long-Term Memory which consolidates information into long-term storage so that information can be retrieved at a later time. The Hippocampus of the limbic system is heavily involved in storing long-term memories and becomes impaired in long-term memory storage and retrieval ( amnesia) and can become a permanent deficit.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are two types of long-term declarative memory - remembering facts and events held over a long period of time as in telephone numbers, names of people) The first is Episodic declarative memory which is for personally experienced events such as what you ate for dinner last night. They are time-based life events in one's autobiographical memory and become most disrupted by dementia. The second is Semantic declarative memory for facts which are not tied to one particular time. Memories would include your name, kind of car you drive, words of a language, phone number, arithmetic operations. It’s a general fund of knowledge . Another type of memory is called Procedural memory and it's the ability to retain and to engage in motor activities such as making coffee, driving a car, playing a sport, sometimes called muscle memory. It's memories that become habits and automatically triggered. There can be disruptive declarative memory without disrupted procedural memories. This type of memory impairment is seen in moderate to severe AD.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With this brief overview of A D are a number of symptoms that become progressively worse over time: 1. Progressive memory impairment-recent facts and remote facts and procedures 2, Time , space, and spatial disorientation 3 Receptive language impairment-aphasia with visual and auditory comprehension deficits. 4.Anomia or poor object naming, especially parts of objects. 5. Decreased word finding 6. Vague statements and impaired abstract and conceptual thinking 7.Acalculia which is impaired arithmetic calculations 8 Visual Agnosia which is impaired object , or facial recognition 9.Apraxia difficulty performing purposeful movements, especially using household utensils 10. Apractagnosia, which is the inability to use objects correctly. 11. Personality changes in and out of passivity,withdrawal, hostility, anger 12. Progressive decreased emotional expression. 13. Delusions and hallucinations. 14. Depression or anxiety.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Within this irreversible progressive disorder , the brain cells, the neurons deteriorate with 4 different stages. A brief statement regarding the 4 stages follows . Stage 1. Mild Confusion State. Independent living becomes gradually affected, requiring minimal assistance . Stage 2 . Mild to Moderate Impairment. The person is self-aware and recognizes increasing deficits with the possibility of developing depression and anxiety. Stage 3 . Moderate Impairment. The person cannot live independently and requires moderate assistance, such as dressing, housekeeping , cooking . Able to remember basic identity and family information. Stage 4 .Severe Impairment . The person is unaware of present and recent experiences . Memory of personal history impaired. The person usually knows the names and faces of family members Stage 5. Very Severe Impairment . Person requires 24 maximum assistance. Often the person is bedridden and unable to move about independently. Seizures are possible , general organ system failure, health deterioration with immune suppression, and more infections .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For many Homo sapiens, having a future is extremely important for a wellbeing mental health. A future provides for the potential of hope, achievement, joy, happiness and creativity . In fact, the film The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman comes to mind. For others, their future is associated with doom, gloom, despair ,pain and extreme unhappiness. The devastation or the absence of hope is not limited to diseases of Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson's and juvenile diabetes . However, they are examples linked to an untreatable , progressive deterioration of mind and /or body. For instance, ALS and Parkinson's are similar with loss of muscle control, postural instability, gait problems,and slowness of movement, ;juvenile diabetes with vision impairment, poor circulation, and the severing of limbs; and A.D. is related with loss , amnesia, of identity,self , and others in their lifespace . This unconscionable devastating state also has consequences for loved ones, significant others, and caretakers. It's not surprising when individuals in a diseased condition intend to give up and even take their life. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A hospice nurse was quoted in the October 29, 2023 edition of The New York Times.: "I've never met someone 100 or older who still wants to be alive." However, my good friend Jonathan, in his 60s ,went out one day for a run with his son Atticus. On that run. Jonathan trailed behind. Atticus headed back on the trail and found his dad sitting on the ground being propped up by the tree without movement. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brain Injury: Alzheimer's, Stroke And Head Trauma. Institute for Natural Resources.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Understanding Dementia. Institute for Natural Resources.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-14600226216555539852023-11-23T20:27:00.000-08:002023-11-23T20:27:58.484-08:00I'm a Detroit Jew<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jews ,have dominated the news. This disquisition addresses what it is to be Jewish ,starting with a quote from Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This proverb sets the stage, the ground floor, for being Jewish. I learned that over 6000 years ago, in Genesis, a covenant was established between Jews and God. I also learned about Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, the Exodus ,the 10 Commandments, 12 tribes , Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Bris, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah . Succos, Passover yarmulke and titses . These few illustrations are part of my story.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0bc59d5e-7fff-3692-4516-67c3b0a21df9"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jews have flourished and inhabited different territories of the earth. Jewish traditions, beliefs, achievements and ambitions have been well documented along with other stories about persecutions, pograms, conversions and the holocaust . Hebrew, Yiddish, Ashkenazic, and Sephardic translations are exhibits and describe differences in interpretations regarding our customs, traditions and rituals.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another difference related to being Jewih relates to prayer and observance within Judaism. For example, there are the Hasidic Jews. They are the "most" religious in terms of their involvement with the Talmud, prayer, and the imminence of God in the universe; with joy and happiness within prayer. The Rebbe is the administrative head of the community and is the supreme figure of authority. There is much more but that is beyond the scope of this essay.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A second religious movement, within Judaism, are the Conservative Jews .. This movement employs historical critical research rather than traditional methods regarding matters of practice. This movement considers its approaches authentic and the most appropriate continuation interpreted with flexibility and allows greater pluralism in practice. This is the third-largest religionist grouping worldwide and once again, depth is beyond the scope .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A third religious movement Is Reform Judaism also known as liberal or progressive Judaism. This denomination emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism with the superiority of its ethical aspects ,with ceremonial ones and a belief in a continuous search for truth and knowledge. It is closely intertwined with human reason and not limited to the origins of Mount Sinai. It is characterized by personal observance regarding Jewish law and with autonomous , openness to external influences and progressive values and again an in depth analysis is beyond the scope of this essay..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another category of Jews, can be described as being apart from these three movements and not believing in things that have a supernatural basis, religious rule, and / or some of the biblical tales as facts . This group may or may not engage in religious behaviors ,not being active members of a religious community although there are significant degrees and variations within. In essence, however, Jews can be identified by their attitude towards family, their community, a respect for life, a caring for social action, public service , a commitment to the law, medicine, a passion for science, the arts with utmost, respect for objectivity, truth and learning. Being Jewish has not interfered with becoming part ,in making contributions, sacrifices to the culture and/ or society in which we reside. .One does not have to attend a synagogue to be Jewish.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few Jews from the past and current include: 1.Jesus 2 .Moses 3 .Karl Marx 4. Leon Trotsky 5. Baruch, Spinoza, 6 Albert Einstein 7. Anna Frank 8. Marc Chagall 9. Sigmund Freud 10. J. Robert Oppenheimer 11. Henry Kissinger 12.Madeleine Albright 13. Samuel Gompers 14. Emma Lazarus 15 Norm Chomsky 16. Levi Strauss 17, Jerry Seinfeld, 18 Steven Spielberg 19 Stanley Kubrick 20 Calvin Klein 21 Paul Newman 22 Elizabeth Taylor 23 Woody Allen 26, Mark Spitz, 27 Isaac Stern 28 Itzhak Perlman 29 Leonard Bernstein 30 Irving Berlin 31 George Gershwin 32 Kurt Lewin 33 Ralph Lauren 34 Bob Dylan 35, Barbra Streisand 36 Charlie Chaplin 37, Groucho Marx 38 Billy Joel 39 Alan Greenspan 40 Michael Bloomberg 41.Warren Hellman 42 Hyam Solomon 43. Dianne Feinstein 44 Philip Roth 45 Arthur Miller 46 Neil Simon 47 Carole King 48 Simon and Garfinkel 49 Dustin Hoffman 50 Harrison Ford ..61. Golda Meir 52 David Ben Gurion 53 Theodor Herzl 54 Chaim Weizmann 55. Alfred Adler 56 Albert Maslow ‘57 Erich Fromm 58 Louis D. Brandeis 59 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 60. Kirk and Michael Douglas 61. Carl and Rob Reiner 62 Al Jolson 63. Jack Benny 64. George Burns 65. Dinah Shore 66. Milton Berle 67.Lenny Bruce 68. Sarah Silverman 69.Chelsea Handler 70. Jackson Pollock 71 Mark Zuckerberg 72 Bert Bacharach 73 Tony and Jamie Lee Curtis 74 Eddie and Carrie Fisher 75 Jon Stewart 76 Billy Crystal.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">77 Adam Sandler 78 Jackie Mason 79 Larry David 80 Sachse Baron: Cohen 81 Lenny Bruce 82 Mel Brooks 83 Peter Sellers:84 Jamie Raskin 85 Lily Tomlin 86 Steve Martin 87 Robin Williams 88 Lawrence Bacow 89 Christina Paxon 90 Martha Pollock 91 Amy Gutmann 92 Christopher Eisgruber 93 Peter Salovey 94 Linoy Ashram 95. Meyer Lansky 96. Barney Ross. 97. Mickey Cohen 98. Max Baer 99. Bugsy Siegel 100. Sue Bird .101 Dara Torres 102 Max Fisher 103 George Soros 104 Larry Ellison 105 Sergiey Brin 106 Larry Page 107, Steven Ballmer 108 Michael Dell 109, John Paulson, 109. Bernie Sanders 110 Yitzhak Rabin 111 Shimon Peres 112 Menachem Begin 113 Ariel Sharon 114 Moishe Dayan 115 Benjamin Netanyahu 116 Natalie Portman 115 Bar Refaeli 117 Gal Gadot.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turning to sports, leads me to the Oakland-Las Vegas Raiders and Al Davis. Davis hired the first black head coach and his son Mark has a black female president, a black head coach and a black general manager . When asked why, he said, I hire the best. Al Davis was primarily responsible for the merger between the AFC and the NFC. They're now called the NFL. Sid Luckman, Benny Friedman, Ron Mix ,Crazylegs Hirsch, Sid Gilman ,Marv Levy ,Jerry Levine, Steven M. Ross, Steve Tisch ,Arthur Blank ,Julian Edelman ,Jay Frieder, Robert Kraft are a few football greats .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The co-owner of the Golden State Warriors. is Joe Lacob. Prior to the NBA, there was the Basketball Association of America, the forerunners. The first game in 1946 was between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies. The first points scored in that game was by Oscar Benjamin Schetcman. Later, Abe Saperstein, founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, introduced the three-pointer into the game of hoops. A few notables from the basketball world include Red Auerbach, Nancy Lieberman ,Larry Brown, Nate Holman , Red Holzman and Amar’e Stoudemire. Currently, Dan Gilbert ,Mark Cuban are owners and the current commissioner is Adam Silver. Adam replaced my Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity brother David Stern.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As far as baseball is concerned, Sandy Koufax ,Hank Greenberg, Ken Holtzman, Gabe Kappler, Alex Bregman and Bob Melvin are relevant. Incidentally, Bob and Jim Harbaugh are buddies and Jim visited the A’s during one spring training to learn more about conditioning .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other significant figures but not limited include Roman Polanski , Wolfgang Langhoff, Helen Berman, Irene Lieblich ,Bruno Bettelheim, Edith Balas, Hannah Arendt ,Otto Frank, Primo Levi, Daniel Kahneman, Leo Ettinger, Simon Wiesenthal, Bill Graham, Hedy Epstein, Anna Heilman, Margot Friedlander, Jack Mandelbaum, Paul Spiegel, Gershom Liebman, Max Friediger, Dov Freiberg , Viktor Frankl and others that suffered from the Holocaust</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A reference to Jewish filmmaking giants include William Fox, Harry and Jack Warner, Carl Laemmle, Louis B. Mayer, Adolph Zucker, Harry Cohn , Max Steiner, Billy Wilder, Hedy Lamarr . Jews that have been awarded in all six of the Nobel Foundation's awards include: 1. Chemistry has 36 or 19% of the total 2. Economics has 38 or 41% of total 3. Literature has 16 or 13% of total 4 Peace has 9 or 8% of total 5 Physics has 56 or 25% of the total 6 Physiology or medicine has 59, or 26% of total. A few include : Imre Keresz, Rita Levi Montalcini, Arthur Kornberg, Arthur Ashkin Niels Bohr , Roger Penrose ,Saul Bellow ,Louise Gluck, Paul Samuelson, Milton Friedman, Joseph Stiglitz, Daniel Kahneman, Paul Klugman, Ben Bernanke, Claudia Goldin, Shimon Peres ,Joseph Rotblat. Boris Pasternak initially accepted the award, but under intense pressure from the Soviet authorities declined it. Pulitzer Prize for fiction include but not limited to Edna Ferber. Herman Wouk ,Bernard Malmud , Norman Mailer , Allison Lurie , Geraldine Brooks and Joshua Cohen</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Words that immediately come to mind about being Jewish include smart, creative, artistic, achieving and resilient. I am Jewish and spent the first 33 and three-quarter years of my life in Detroit. I was reared on the eastside of Detroit and my parents made it clear about our family being Jewish. I attended Wayne elementary school, Jackson junior high and Denby high school. The Lieberman siblings didn't attend public school on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Even though Denby had scheduled its first football game of the season on Yom Kippur in 1957, I did not go to school but I played in the game. Mitch , one of our captains, in the pregame at the center of the field, told my teammates, “Let's win this game for Frank and his Jewish holiday. “ Denby 41 and Southeastern 7. I had a bar mitzvah and attended individual Hebrew lessons with Rabbi Fisher even though I had to take three buses one way for my instruction . I graduated from Temple Beth El 's religious Sunday school and taught Jewish history and culture at Temple Israel and tutored as well. I attended the University of Detroit and have degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. I taught in the Detroit and Oak Park public school system and was a counselor in Bloomfield Hills. I also taught at Oakland community college as an assistant professor and was a graduate instructor at Wayne State University..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I attended both the Detroit Tigers , Detroit Lions games and was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons . Incidentally, I met Dave Dsbusschere, a Piston coach when we both attended and played for the University of Detroit. I married a Jewish girl, divorced and then headed out to California for the next 50 years . I am a Detroit Jew, which is my identity. My Detroit experiences as an educator, psychologist and athlete also comprise my identity and established a grounding and a basis for my experiences in California and true to the above quoted Proverb.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite residing in California. I maintained my relationship with my Detroit family, even though mom eventually moved to Maryland to be close to brother Ron and his family. I visited mom and she reciprocated wherever she lived until she passed just prior to reaching the age of 93. Linda and I went to numerous events with my first cousins, their children and children's children that included birthdays and multiple family reunions coordinated by cousin Shelly and sister Bev . Linda, cousins , Bev and I also attended University of Michigan football games and tailgating prior to Covid . Book signings with former teammate Ed Budde and his friend Conrad Dobler occurred along with numerous book signings with Darden, Keller, Brandstetter, Moeller, Seyferth, Betts from the second book . I attended Denby high school's 30th,.40th and 50th class reunions and have maintained friendship with high school buddy Wayne Fisk. Further, Dave Halpin and I attended a classic University of Michigan and Ohio State game on one cold Saturday in November. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Saturday is the big game. Coaches have been fired when they have been on the losing end between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. The winner of this game goes on to play in the Big Ten championship the following week against Iowa and then play in the national college championship playoffs. Go Blue !</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-42174420679342395472023-11-16T20:15:00.000-08:002023-11-16T20:15:57.015-08:00Terrorists<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading the Old Testament, enemies between Hebrew and Arabs began with the Exodus when the Hebrew slaves fled from the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses. Then, much later, battles between Christian infidels and Arabs occurred during the Holy Crusades. After that, the Ottoman Empire ended when the Arabs' enemy , the infidels, the United States and others defeated them . About 100 years ago , the Balfour Declaration divided up the Middle East territories between the Shiites and Sunni , the main religious groups of the Arabs. Then, in 1948, Israel became a nation by defeating their enemy the Arabs.Currently, Arab terror groups , in their pursuit for power , with necrophilia declared Israel the infidel enemy and called for them to be pushed into the sea. Subsequently, the United States and its interests also became the enemy. Therefore , the Jews, Christians and the United States are the infidels. Recently, violent acts of terror groups , irrespective of religion and politics are called PLO, Isis ,Hezbollah, Hamas etc. The names change, but their goals of hate,murder,revenge ,values and objectives are similar .</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-360b141a-7fff-3232-e8b0-110c3eb976fb"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a rebellion, the following is required. A minority ,based on the dynamic of their ego needs , seeks power , prestige and status in order to control its followers. The pursuit of power becomes associated and requires the ability to exhibit force, murder and destruction by any means, irrespective of consequences. This passion is emotionally based, and exhibits itself in a nihilistic philosophy. The humanistic and moral teachings by religious prophets; the rule of law; the democratic form of government becomes irrelevant and negated. There is an absence of objectivity, reason and rational judgment. Instead, there’s a preponderance of necrophilia hatred , absence of reality with a distortion of cognitive rationality. It’s not about reason but acting out a neurotic pathology.The power structure is not guilty of any crime because they have established the rules and rationalized the “morality” of their crimes. In fact it’s permissible and better to engage in criminal acts . Furthermore, this handful of men degrade values and attempt to impose their values on all others. They are not about liberation or justice but exhibit contempt with action without healthy faith. In order for them to be successful, it requires an enemy(revenge) and non-human infidels to hate and kill. Their “religion “ is essentially power, control and death. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The loyal followers often experience emotions.of despair, doom and gloom within their reality . Feelings of despair , result with a preponderance of humiliation and hatred of self and others. They are on a path of self-destruction along with destruction of others , their enemies. They do not trust and find scapegoats to blame for their non fair , non productive life . In order to compensate for the misery or narcissistic injury and low self esteem,,they identify with others who also have a negative view of life , low levels of optimism growth and loving concern for others.Their identification figures are based on hate, criminality with a forced compliance ..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The "leader" gives an explicit or implicit command or recommendation,and all the Lieut’s obey . They propose directly or indirectly the command from the leader to the others, the soldiers , in slave-like fashion . These others obey the explicit or implicit command and they are unable to delegate to anyone else. In other words, the idea of obedience or the fact that I followed orders is loyalty and obedience and becomes the code of honor. Honor lies in obedience and becomes confused with rationality , the crimes that they are committing. There is no international law present for these terrorists . Slaves obey, and that behavior exhibits his loyalty, which is more important than anything else. It doesn't matter who becomes killed, murdered, beheaded or abducted .They are the enemy,and I am following my orders like a dutiful soldier .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's relatively simple for the “leader” to perpetuate hate, murder and revenge by words and/ or actions. Th”leader’, does not lead an attack but makes a plan to attack the infidel enemy even though the infidel enemy has a superior military. Suicide Rambo type missions are planned against the infidels. In essence, as a result, the infidels experience death , humiliation and destruction. The infidels retaliate to avenge the wrong committed against them. With their military superiority, they attack and severely damage the attacking group and population inflicting much hardship, loss, death and destruction regardless of who's in the way. The Arabs conveniently become the victims , the martyr’s , the heroes and play their parts with war crime propaganda perfectly. These hateful necrophilia leaders predict this process and expect a more severe retaliation which meets their goal of revenge , which is significant and justifies or rationalizes the plan to continue to further sacrifice their own . They are cognizant that the excessive killing of their own will only reinforce the hatred of the infidels and gain sympathy for their cause. In essence, they use non militants as human shields in order to safeguard and to protect their crazies. This tactic has been played throughout man’s history. .Victimization , scapegoating , avenge and blame are familiar tools for generating hate. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perpetuating hate ,keeps the leaders empowered and makes them relevant. The violent acts of terror groups have to have an enemy or it ceases from being .All enemies must be eliminated . As long as there are enemies , terror will be employed and there will be enemies as long as this dynamic exists. All this occurs under the pretext ,with irrationality, of doing this for the people and/ or the myth for the two state solution</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The two state solution does not eliminate nor diminish the power of hate and death to Israel for the terrorist group and the other crazies . With an uneducated population; low level skills; absence of natural resources; excessive poverty; victim mentality; non-technical expertise; manual labor oriented with excessive hate and victimization, what kind of, political, economic and humanitarian opportunities realistically exist ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hitler's Nazis exterminated over 6 million Jews ; over 6 million Europeans that were deported or killed; 10 million war victims with discrimination, imprisonment and /or death for homosexuals, Russians, political enemies etc. In the process, Hitler sacrificed his military according to Speer 's deposition , at the Nuremberg trials that Hitler could have earlier ended the war. Within this dynamic, Hitler sacrificed his military and is credited with the notion that because Germany lost the war, its people deserved to die. What a hateful and irrational belief.. This insane, irrational being had no difficulty in destroying Germany. His avenging the World War I defeat was a rationalization and masked his underlying hate and his severe mental sickness. He sacrificed Germany and committed suicide to avoid humiliation and to be held accountable..He’s still a hero. for those that identify with hate , death and destruction. An irrational line from Shakespeare, "love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In summation, Homo sapiens have exhibited hate, murder, retribution,terrorism, irrationality ,absence of ethics , objectivity, morality and inhumane treatment to their own kind. And we, Homo sapiens, have higher brain functioning than anything else on the planet . However we have infantile or primitive emotional development , deteriorated super ego functioning, ego needs, and a behavioral irrationality that becomes ,too often, compulsively repeated.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camus, Albert. The Rebel.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York Times . October 29, 2023. Hamas Sites Concealed by Hospital , Israel Says.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An example of propaganda used by the crazies is that Al Shifa "the hospital" is in harm's way and children are dying because of the Israeli military. Everyone knows that the hospital is not run nor controlled by the doctors . This building houses the crazies ; it’s a command and control center and stores their weapons of murder in the basement and in 310 miles of tunnels concealed underneath and adjacent to the building. The definition of a hospital. "An institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured people." Note, the definition does not include the operational functioning of a military establishment. Therefore, calling that building a hospital is a misnomer, wrong and not appropriate. Call a spade a spade. It's a militant operation that allows medical services.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-72223247080467417862023-11-09T20:24:00.003-08:002023-11-09T20:24:33.695-08:00Marin<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last week after my morning elliptical workout, Linda and I headed for Marin . Linda, on the way, called Tony and Deb . They were vacationing in Yosemite at the Wawona , Tony ran fast and caught the flu. A couple of hours later, we had lunch, fish tacos, at Salsa Mexican Grill. On our walk back to the car, we stopped at a French Bakery and shared a freshly baked croissant. Then, we headed for our mountain retreat. We unpacked and later that Halloween evening ,traveled to Gravity Tavern for dinner . We shared a delightful and delicious codfish dinner. The waiter wore a Lone Ranger type mask and we joked about trick-or-treating. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a2f03b65-7fff-bfa9-f023-1aaef1e37ffe"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next morning we headed for that breathtaking ride to Stinson Beach. We arrived and parked our Detroit classic car. Leaving the car, we held hands and strolled toward the Pacific and watched the riders of the surf . On the way back, we encountered a group sitting at a picnic table. One gentleman remarked that we looked like a perfect picture, walking and holding hands after leaving our prestigious ride. He said I looked like Phil Lesh. We laughed and I told him I didn't need a new liver. Phil just received one from an individual in Florida. We bantered about music , livers , and Phil. We enjoyed our chat and then headed for Sausalito.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were meeting Beverlee Bentley in Sausalito at the Spinnaker for lunch. Beverlee can be found in Chapter XV111 titled the Ultimate Caretaker in It Has Nothing To Do With Age. The setting of the Spinnaker was in the Bay with a 360° view of San Francisco , Angel Island, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, Tiburon, etc. etc. . It took a long time for us to order, as we chatted about past and current happenings. Dennis ,our waiter , gave us plenty of time and eventually we ordered. Linda and I shared a mixed grill . We talked for hours . Beverlee, age 85, no longer collects medals in water races , but still competes with the rowing machine on land. She’s originally from Toronto, Ontario and has been in the Bay Area since her early 20s.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Number years ago, Tony and I entered a run at Stinson Beach and stayed at Beverlee's home in Marin. At that time, Beverlee and Bill were vacationing in Maui but didn't mind that we stayed with her son. As it turned out, our Stinson Beach run was canceled. Tony and I then headed out and did our own mountain run. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After an extended and delightful visit with Beverlee, Linda and I headed toward McInnis Park Golf Club. There, we hit golf balls and enjoyed watching the young kids hit off the tee and work their magic on the putting green. After our practice, we headed back to our mountain retreat. Later that evening we headed out for dinner at the Vin Antico Restaurant and Bar in San Rafael. We shared a tasty beef and pasta dish in that quaint setting. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After dinner we headed back and watched The Warriors and Kings basketball game. It was a close game throughout with many lead changes. The Warriors were down by one point with 7.1 seconds to go in the game. Coach Kerr called a timeout. The Warriors had the ball and Draymond passed the ball to Klay. Klay went up for a shot and scored with .2 seconds remaining in the game. Exciting to say the least.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next morning we headed back to Cool. On the way, we shared a vegan burrito and a mocha. Linda called my sister Bev and we talked about her recent visit with our brother Ron and family. Apparently, he's slowing down but is working from home. He is a physician and still involved in drug trials. We also talked about visiting our cousin Shelly in LA next month for another great and enjoyable getaway. Already thinking about next month's trip. According to Dylan, "There's a wall between you and what you want and you got to leap it."</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-52751905158365541602023-11-02T20:34:00.000-07:002023-11-02T20:34:06.683-07:00Irrationality<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">One Friday evening, Linda and I joined Dave, Paul and Tony for a late dinner. Joyce and Debbie were ill so they did not attend. That evening, Tony brought up an article that he had previously sent me on Free Will. I responded to that email by saying that I agreed with the scientist that Free Will did not exist and added man is irrational both in thought and action . Rational is defined as based on or in accordance with reason or logic. Dave asked me if I knew about Elliott Aronson ? I told him I did and Dave asked me if I had read his read "Mistakes were made ( but not by me ). Why do we justify foolish beliefs, Bad decisions and hurtful acts ?” I told him I hadn't . Tony inserted that while working for Xerox, he was stumped while attempting to fix one of the machines. He had replaced the circuit board a few times and got the same result . He asked a friend for assistance. The friend plugged the cord into the wall. Problem fixed. This disquisition pertains to man's irrationality.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-61986dcc-7fff-f1ad-2bd7-db65458c3eb5"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reality has been hazardous for centurie . In the Old Testament, we learned about Genesis, Exodus, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Methuselah, Noah , Jonah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses, Samson and Delilah etc. These are terrific stories written and translated prior to knowledge and understanding about astronomy, planets, solar system, Milky Way Galaxy, Stephen Hawking's blackhole theory, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, Robert Oppenheimer, astrophysics, matter, etc.. Archaic beliefs began prior to employing the scientific method with a hypothesis, null hypothesis, advanced mathematical measurements etc. To believe about the creation of some significant ,powerful, omnipotent supernatural occurrence as fact is irrational. It’s not based on knowledge nor logic but on other psychological factors. However, eliminating animal and human sacrifice and reducing the number of God's to one might represent progress ? On the other hand, the attacks on science only perpetuates and is consonant with a belief in irrationality and is a concrete example of the use of cognitive dissonance, denial and projection..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1789 was the “beginning”of the French Revolution. At that time, Louis XVI had assumed the monarchy in 1774 at the youthful age of 19 . Family history and “divine” approval facilitated his power, prestige and status. However, he was inept and resentment for this despotic monarchy followed . There was rebellion and revolution . In other words, the rise of man and the removal or death of God occurred.. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1762 , Rousseau wrote about Social Contract theory based , in part, on the brilliance of Greek Stoic philosophy and Roman Canon law. The moral and political philosophy of a Social Contract was the battle cry and suggested that man was supreme,virtuous , righteous , good , and humanistic toward fellow man with liberty, justice and freedom . Man did not have to submit,or surrender freedoms to an authority. Man made good decisions and when the majority rules , it serves man best. Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and others also addressed this Enlightenment idea. However, the beheadings of Louis XVI, Robespierre and others do not equate rationality but irrationality as well the Devils Island imprisonment of Capt. Alfred Dryfus . Do not forget about Frederickh Nitschke’s famous quote "God is dead. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The French revolution,beheadings and the Social Contract has resulted with the following: 1. A just morality and a replacing God with man has produced immoral lies , hate, power and corruption . Using the guillotine did not represent a high degree of man's morality toward fellow man. In fact, the current Russian - Ukraine war; the Israeli -Gaza war; the criminal indictment of Trump,a previous president, income inequality, etc. are a few examples that do not suggest the importance of man’s morality but his tendency for hate, power, irrationality and lies. 2. We have a Republic and not a democracy. We saw the power of one senator holding up military nominations for promotions. We saw a minority in the US House of Representatives interfering with electing a speaker. We saw the use of the filibuster and the inability to pass legislation without a simple majority in the Senate . Democracy does not exist but instead the pursuit of power by a minority. With the pathological pursuit of power , we find an absence of morality and an increase in irrationality . 3. We see the power of the unknown; our enormous defense budget; the building of obsolete World War II type aircraft carriers that occurs and are not based on democracy but on the power of a few. One could say that pursuit of power exists for a few and the rest of us have very little input ; are simply slaves and subservient to that process. Do our representatives represent us, or do they represent powerful interest groups ? Minority power, tax cuts for the wealthy are irrational for the majority.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sigmund Freud 's Psychoanalytic model identified defense mechanisms which signifies the how and why individuals create illusions, mythology, in distorting reality. Subsequently, Freud's daughter Anna brilliantly in her book "The Ego And the Mechanisms Of Defense “ described , in depth , the importance of the ego , super ego , anxiety and the mechanisms of defense.. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Briefly, all defense mechanisms have two characteristics in common. 1. They deny, falsify or distort reality and 2, They operate unconsciously so that the person is not aware of what is taking place. A few defense mechanisms include the following. 1. Repression: is when a son who has repressed his hostile feelings towards his father may express these hostile feelings against other symbols of authority. In other words, the adult carries around a lot of childish fears, he never gets the chance to discover that they have no basis in reality. 2. Projection occurs if anxiety can be attributed to the external world rather than to the individual's own primitive impulses or to threats of his conscience, and is likely to achieve greater relief from his anxious condition . Projection is when one simply says “he hates me” instead of “I hate him,” or “he is persecuting me” instead of “my conscience is bothering me. “ Projection can reduce anxiety by substituting a lesser danger for greater one , enabling the projecting person to express his impulses under the guise of defending himself against his enemies. 3. Denial is used to resolve emotional conflicts and allay anxiety by disavowing thoughts, feelings, wishes, needs or external reality factors that are consciously intolerable.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Employing a Field Theory model of tension and tension reduction in addressing irrationality , Leon iFestinger’s research with cognitive dissonance provided additional data regarding man’s irrationality in thinking and behavior . Briefly, a tension state is motivational . A successful reduction of dissonance or tension is rewarding in the sense that it reduces tension .Cognitive dissonance are unpleasant cognitive elements, pieces of information , bits of knowledge that may be related to oneself ,to others or to the social environment. The cognitive dissonance goal is to reduce tension. For example ,if one likes Joe Biden, information that is at odds with Joe Biden would be dissonant . In order to reduce the dissonance , one ignores, avoids the negative information or seeks positive information that’s consonant regarding Joe Biden which coincides and maximizes one’s personal beliefs .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elliott Aronson, in one of his cognitive dissonance experiments, demonstrated that people who undergo an embarrassing initiation, and in order to gain admission to that group, develop more favorable evaluations of the group than people who are admitted after a milder or easier initiation. In his "Theories of Cognitive Consistency, ” Aronson stated dissonance theory does not rest upon the assumption that man is a rational animal. Rather, it suggests that man is a rationalizing animal. He attempts to appear rational to others and to himself.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Irrational is defined as lacking reason or understanding. With that definition , how reasonable is it to be engaging in obese eating behaviors; not receiving a Covid- 19 vaccination; not regularly exercising; not taking medication as prescribed; making suicide attempts; affiliating with a hate group; having a multitude of weapons; intending to vote for a multiple indicted politician; believing in conspiracy ideas, relying on social media for information ? How reasonable is it for a government to be a republic, and not democratic; a tax code favoring the wealthy; discrediting climate change, favoring income inequality, discrediting negatives of capitalism, believing the US is number one in longevity ,health , education and happiness ? How reasonable is it to have fentanyl, made entirely in a laboratory , result in more overdose deaths than automobile deaths, greater than the number of Americans killed in wars in Vietnam , Iraq and Afghanistan combined as well as gun violence did at their peers ; have a few financial institutions controlling the economy at the expense of the people; and high school graduation rates rising along with increases in absenteeism, have a higher percentage of GPAs in high school, even though national exams or test scores are not increasing, and teachers reporting that they can no longer hold students accountable regardless of grade level ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Man has difficulty dealing with the many conflicts , contradictions and threatening circumstances within his life space which makes reality dangerous to one’s health. The powerful ravages of nature; aging issues , challenges and mortality and the society in which he finds himself , since the past history of Homo sapiens is fraught by the irrationality of craziness which flows into the present. A few examples that illustrate and define man's irrationality: 1. Novels such as Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie, John Dos Passos's USA Trilogy, John Grisham and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. 2. Movies such as James Bond, Mission Impossible, Spartacus, and Helen of Troy from Homer's Iliad. 3. Songs such as Marvin Gaye's What’s Going On , John Fogerty's Fortunate Son, and John Lennon's Imagine 4. TV with the superficiality and contradictory messaging from "experts” and nonsensical commercials 5. The opinions of the M.A.G A ,election denier House Speaker politician Johnson. For an in-depth analysis of rationality and irrationality, Dave recommends Elliot Aronson's read.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to Eckhart Tole, the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. My formula is as follows. Irrationality is multifaceted, it results when “ happiness” is dissonant with one’s perception of their own reality . And it becomes expressed in the pursuit of fiction, illusion, mythology, fantasy, alcohol, drugs, unions, separations, love, hate etc. while chasing the fragileness of happiness . Per The Rolling Stones , I Can’t’ Get No Satisfaction.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">October 8, 2023, the New York Times.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-63747322085599805442023-10-26T19:59:00.002-07:002023-10-26T19:59:30.761-07:00Growing Old<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The quote by Anne Morrow Lindbergh from her " Gift from the Sea " We Americans, with our terrific emphasis on youth, action and material success, certainly tend to belittle the afternoon of life and even pretend it never comes “ and the article titled “Aging America Needs an Honest Conversation About Growing Old” triggered today's disquisition. Certainly Americans, individually and politically, are in denial and employ cognitive dissonance about the future .All we have to do is look at the current aging problems that are facing Japan for cognitive gain insight . The focus is about growing old in our country .</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fb371e8b-7fff-0513-bb6a-a17bc6a3e421"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Japan has the highest proportion of people 65 or older in the world. Further, especially in their rural areas, schools have shut down because there's not enough children to fill them; about 450 schools close every year and the birth rate is dwindling. With fewer young people working, revenue for retirement programs are shrinking and there is a chronic labor shortage. People in Japan work into their 60s, 70s and beyond, often in physically demanding low-paid jobs such as making deliveries and cleaning offices.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1935 , we passed the Social Security Act which was meant to ensure that older people would not die destitute because they could no longer work. How is that currently working out ? Homeless statistics are ? In 1965 aging was included as part of the vision of the great Society. It's time to adjust the Social Security and Medicare programs .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a recent decline in America's life expectancy and alarming deaths from drug overdose, along with higher mortality rates among children and teenagers from violence and accidental deaths , and an average of 10,000 boomers turning 65 each day. It's also been estimated that by 2053 more than 40% of the federal budget will go to programs for seniors primarily Social Security and Medicare. Obviously those programs were not not designed to handle that prediction . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, where and how will seniors spend the closing years of their lives? Millions of Americans are already grappling with these dilemmas. Not everyone wants to spend the last years of their lives in some convalescent facility. Most would rather be at home. If so, who's going to care for the older people ? Are our cities and businesses designed to handle the aged ? How are Americans who have aged fairing in a country that’s obsessed with youth , avoiding the inevitability and possibilities of old age ? Politically, the opposition is focusing on Pres Biden’s age. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One issue for aging relates to housing. California has made it easier to increase accessory dwelling units -ADU’s adding living spaces 800 feet tops that share property with the main house. Zoning and building requirements have to be addressed in order to increase these "Granny Flats." Since World War II, residential areas have evolved around the suburbs with the development of single family houses as opposed to duplexes, triplexes, townhouses and so forth. It's been estimated that only about 10% of the nation's housing stock is considered senior friendly. Not only that ,we have little affordable housing . Increase in homelessness among older Americans and about 1/3 of senior households are considered cost burdened.by housing - they spend about 30% of their income on housing In addition, there are restrictions for parking, and occupancy requirements. Design standards and the approval process needs to be streamlined . Mortgage availability and financial assistance are other issues related to housing. In other words, local communities, the county, states and federal government have to come up with a plan to deal with aging.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a number of places that provide environmental models . These models exist where individuals have the longest lifespans. These communities provide monetary incentives for older and younger people to live closer together; facilitate nearby communal dining options; encourage tutoring opportunities for the older to teach the younger children; availability of places for physical activity and being close to healthcare . Another example would be to view communities with the 55 and older age group and witness the number of physical, social opportunities for interaction, all the well being classes along with assistance for those requiring it. There are numerous models for assisting the aged. It's up to the voters to form interest groups and lobby these lazy self serving politicians.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Providing care for individuals wanting to remain in their home remains another problem. Currently we have for-profit franchises providing in-home assistance, but not health care. Unfortunately, these workers suffer burnout, low wages and minimal training irrespective of the marketing propaganda . For those family members providing care, they suffer burnout, lost wages, estimated at 522 billion, and physical and mental health handicaps.. My friend TD, travels weekly between Iowa and Ohio while caring for his mother and father with their health handicaps.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One suggestion : 1. County, state, federal, and health insurance companies should provide meaningful financial and transportation assistance for those special aged individuals requiring assistance 2. Have the University teacher education degree curriculums incorporate a major in assisting the aged. The curriculum should focus on teaching, learning, memory; physical activity as in pickleball, yoga, walking; and nursing care assistance 3. Breakfast and lunch availability based on nutrition 4. The setting should be an easy access elementary school that has a staff nurse , physical activity teacher, music teacher, psychologist and so forth to assist when needed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The aged would benefit from face to face interpersonal interaction, quality “hands on “ professional care in a familiar comfortable setting. These "teachers of the aged" would be properly trained, properly paid with the availability of consultation by psychologists, nurses and others with geriatric training. A pilot program could be easily established and properly evaluated. A program like this is morally needed and would more than likely reduce healthcare costs and increase well being for all..</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For an in-depth analysis of the benefits, rewards, and the why's, the how to do's and motivation for exercise, I suggest "It Has Nothing To Do with Age." An article in The New York Times October 8, 2023 titled "If You're a Runner, There's a Tribe for You" reinforced the importance of exercise. Exercise can facilitate the meeting of many needs of the ego . For instance, exercise does not have to be solitary. In fact , connections,and friendships result in meeting ego needs of affiliation , achievement, deference , nurturance and of course play..Believe Shakespeare, when he wrote "We know what we are, but know not what we may be."</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-82653033190133358992023-10-19T20:05:00.003-07:002023-10-19T20:05:55.599-07:00Necrophilia<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The state of Israel was established in 1948. And for the last 75 years, People living in Gaza have had a PLO and Hamas terrorist regime with their nihilistic philosophy , rejection of morals and life , within a necrophilia character structure encompassed by social narcissism or group dynamics . Their governing goal is to remain in power. They have accomplished their political goal, not by providing social and economic services, but by propagating hate with their necrophilia attitude and ideology of not recognizing the state of Israel and threatening to push the Isralies into the sea - by killing their enemy. They use humanitarian aid and assistance and major funding from Iran for military weapons and terrorist training. . This policy has perpetuated a triangular victimization (victim rescue, persecution ) dynamic, which becomes expressed with the ego need for aggression which is to fight, to attack, to injure or kill another and the ego abasement need which is to submit to external force , to accept injury, blame, criticism, punishment ,to blame, to belittle, to seek and enjoy pain, punishment, illness and misfortune They initially attack a superior military force which is subsequently followed by their severe and crushing loss of human life, misery, injury and death. Then, they seek to be rescued, saved, extricated, delivered, emancipated by others so they can , at a later time, persecute, attack with hostility ,seek to torture and kill all over again. This terrorist government is associated with teaching hate, death and destruction toward Israelis in the schools; within a population in which 50 % of the people are under the age of 19 , with an unemployment rate of 40% and a poverty rate of 60%. This is my commentary . </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e7d65e0a-7fff-95a9-d99c-27fda829d77e"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to Albert Maslow, man has a hierarchy of needs, beginning with the physiological needs of hunger , thirst, etc. followed by the safety needs with security that occurs in a well ordered, regulated society not seen by wars, diseases , natural catastrophes and so forth. In Erik H. In Erikson's psychosocial theory of development , he postulated the first ego developmental crisis becomes developing a sense of trust versus sense of mistrust. Both Maslow and Erickson agree that without optimal interpersonal and external experiences, there are dire consequences that affect the development of character. Anxiety , fear occurs and other emotional and cognitive factors influence the development of self-esteem , abilities, achievement , productivity, love, identity, and interpersonal relationships. Further, suspiciousness, paranoia, being susceptible to fake information following false idols, loss of autonomy, inability to be objective and so forth also occur with mistrust and become precursors for developing a necrophilia character personality .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the Hamas governmental regime facilitating , gratifying physiological and safety needs resulting in developing trust, providing security, health, well being and education for the population ? It's obvious that a necrophilia orientation psychologically and nihilism philosophically are currently present. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All character development orientations are relative with a variation in intensity and degree and are a mixture with other orientations . What is the dominant behavioral tendency ? With that being said, pathological necrophilia tendencies are the quintessence of true evil. Necrophilia represents a syndrome of decay associated with vicious destruction. The necrophilia character is related to Freud's anal sadistic psychosexual stage and his death instinct. Slogans like not recognizing the existence of Israel and sending them to their death are necrophilia examples. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With this syndrome, they are attracted to what is dead ,corpses, decay, killing, and showing off captives. It's okay to watch the destruction, humiliation , capturing and killing of the helpless. They dwell in the past and have sentimental feelings for previous attacks of killing Israelis . They are emotionally cold ,distant and death seems to excite and satisfy them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having a willingness , the power to transform a living human being into a corpse, suggests the love of force and their greatest achievement is to destroy lives. It becomes their way of life of power , control and force over the powerless as with babies, children elderly, and handicapped,.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other necrophilia tendencies are being attracted to darkness , night as in caves and especially tunnels. They are afraid of the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and death is the only certainty . Of course there are differences, and this orientation varies from person to person of wishing to kill, worshiping force , attraction to death and sadism . Yet it's a fundamental orientation that suggests the morbidity of what man is capable of as they hide behind their masks. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another significant variable characterizing these people living in Gaza is group or social narcissism. Social narcissism occurs because of man's wanting to survive. And one way to do that is to become part of a group. The group could be educated, Sunni, Gaza refugee, Hamas, martyr , family etc. Membership to a group has to do with interdependence. That interdependence, frequent interactions, with the group is based on the following: 1. Common interests among members ie. killing, revenge, power , death and dying etc. 2. Does the group resolve conflict issues i.e. freedom, independence , monetary etc. ? 3. How ego rewarding or emotionally satisfying is it to be part of the group ? 4. Are individual goals dependent upon group solidarity for success? 5. The ability to identify with the group? 6. Does group membership reduce or increase anxiety ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Further, the cohesiveness of the group relates to the following: 1. Are members motivated , exhibiting behavior and contributing to the group's welfare ? 2. Is the behavioral activity directed toward advancing and meeting the objectives and goals of the group? With that being said, if, within your family, you are young, unemployed, and poor, what is the likelihood of associating with Hamas ? Does your family, because of your association with Hamas, reject you and throw you out of the house ?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With a religious “belief” in God and the righteousness of their cause becomes a cathexis attachment to their group. In order to do this one has to serve the group, make sacrifices for the group as in the case of fanaticism ,injury and even death . Individuals who hate, and love death and destruction are malignant narcissists. What are the group goals ? Is it achievement, productivity, life, or is it to push the Israelis into the sea and wipe away their existence ? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Has the authoritarian political power structure been able to adequately provide for the majority of its members or has a large portion of them been dissatisfied and joined an underground ? Yet paradoxically and rationally, though they are economically, and culturally poor, belonging to this Hamas group provides a sense of satisfaction . It becomes their identity . I'm somebody, I’m a hero ,I have meaning in my life .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the identification , association , affiliation and mingling with group members, the group becomes morally right and Israel the enemy. Fanatical religious beliefs justify and rationalize that God is okay with killing. This becomes a racial, religious , nationalistic, narcissism, pathology of the group. With this pathology ,group narcissism is like individual narcissism as it lacks objectivity and rationality of judgment. Racism, prejudice, hatred, falsehoods, fabrications, becomes rapant and If the narcissism of the group is wounded or becomes frustrated by defeats, the reaction is rage as with individual narcissism. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moreover, if the followers are afraid rather than aware of the fears, they wind up admiring these terrorists . They become blinded by the sense and enormous quality of this malignant disease and see these terrorists as martyrs or freedom fighters. With difficulty in perceiving reality, they have not been able to form an underground .If they are repelled by all the inhumanity,, capturing of Israeli civilians , would they go along with all the death and destruction ? Death and destruction is as if everything is mechanical as with all living persons or things. There is a distortion of feelings and thoughts. They have memories rather than experiences and have difficulty seeing that those who are willing to kill ,become martyr’s or heroes and die for what they call justice are simply stupid and morally flawed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hiding behind followers and abductees as shields, targeting school aged children is consonant with the desire and love of death and destruction. Not being able to identify or have empathy with others is a significant part of their disease. Their way of life, goals ,ideals, identity are related to prejudice, hate , death and destruction. They are not trustworthy and any “agreement “ can be expected to be violated because they are unable to trust . The character orientation of necrophilia and malignant group narcissism has been reinforced over and over again for 75 years as in a circle without an ending.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A two state solution with continued Iran terrorist funding, with distressful young , unemployed and poor contingency does not mitigate nor eradicate necrophilia or malignant social narcissism, it just reinforces more of the same insane rebellion. Individuals living in Gaza become the enemy just like when the South, during the Civil War, attempted to separate from the union. The Confederate South became the enemy for the Union army. The Union army simply destroyed the entire city of Atlanta. Nazi Germany attacked US shipping vessels, and they became the enemy. We retaliated ,bombed and destroyed Berlin and other German cities, regardless of who lived there. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the enemy. We responded and obliterated Nagasaki and Hiroshima, regardless of the population. It was war with a nation, their military and its people.. After destroying those enemies, they are now our allies.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is God on the side of Hamas? If so, then killing, murder , and abduction is legitimate. Therefore, Hamas doesn't have to be moral, nor does God. As a result, all forms of morality are denied. And the PLO and Hamas rebellion demands unity of the whole of Gaza. How many of the population were actually born in Palestine over 75 years ago ? Their tyranny has become a crime against humanity.. Evil must be declared wrong and the people must be recognized as guilty. The rebellion has gotten out of hand with the annihilation of others and will end with their destruction of self. Their rebellion equates with only irrationality and immorality.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cartwright , Dorwin and Zander, Alvin. Group Dynamics.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fromm, Erich. The Heart of Man iIs genius for good and evil.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Murray, H. A. Basic Concepts for a Psychology of Personality.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-49259606424293740862023-10-12T19:42:00.004-07:002023-10-12T19:42:44.448-07:00<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last Tuesday, after my run, Linda and I left for Carmel. We talked to Paul and he warned us about the traffic. However, we had no difficulty on our journey. We called Tony and wished him a happy birthday as he reached the youthful 72 years of age. We also called Gwen around the Dublin area. and made plans to visit her and Bill on our way back. Tony and I, years ago, stayed with them before one of our ultra runs, in the East Bay, likely Fremont or at Lake Chabot.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7c7e7776-7fff-879d-c1af-3b1401cd16a6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We passed Mount Hamilton, the home of Dan Barger’s Mustang Classic, where I met Tony and Jeff and was introduced to Ride and Tie. After leaving San Jose, we passed Coyote. About 40 years ago, I met Veryl , a Saskatchewan born cowboy , bought my first horse named Nowata, was introduced to border collies, went on many trail rides and participated in my first round up. Also, In this area was my first Ride and Tie-at Quicksilver. During those competitions. I met a number of individuals and formed meaningful relationships with Jerome, Linda, my Western states partner, and Jonathan. For additional information consult, It Has Nothing to Do With Age.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Entering the Seaside area, I recalled riding on the beach with my border collie and lab. Wonderful memories. We then reached Carmel, unpacked and met our host Philip. He had a number of suggestions and we told him we were headed for Nepenthe at Big Sur. He agreed that it was a wise choice. Reaching that fabulous location, with my Michigan cap, I met Isah, a fellow Michigan grad , and we talked about the current football season. Even though the Wolverines are ranked number two in the nation, he was concerned about the upcoming game with Penn State at their Happy Valley location. We both agreed that that game would tell us more about the season and the hope for a national championship. We had a spectacular shared salmon dinner and the drive both ways, along Highway 1 was spectacular, breathtaking and beautiful.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next morning we shared breakfast in the warm sun at the Stationary restaurant in Carmel. We window shopped and then headed for the sea at the foot of Ocean Blvd. We found a place to park close to the beach, and took off our socks and shoes . We met a young man who liked my Corvette . We engaged in conversation .Mark was a nurse and we talked about the hazards and difficulties with our current health insurance system. We conversed about the abuses and the obstacles that overweight , unhealthy people are facing. Linda and I then headed toward the Pacific and listened to the pounding waves, blue skies looking for dolphins. We found some rocks and headed toward them for a place to sit down. We were joined by two individuals, one a Michigan grad. Once again my Michigan cap sparked an encounter. That of course led to Michigan football in the Big House. She intends to take her partner to the Big House and he is ready to go. We also talked about the 49ers and the Raiders. We had a delightful interaction with them and enjoyed this spectacular setting.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then we headed for Pebble Beach and the golf links. We started at Spyglass and then found our way to the Hay for a practice round of putting. Linda was spectacular in her ability to sink those puts. Linda was introduced to a new putter by Mike who told her that this new putter is about 30 years old and designed for more accuracy. Linda was impressed and wanted to talk to Sean at the Ridge for more information. After leaving the Seventeen Mile Dr., we headed back to our abode and got ready for dinner.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For dinner, we decided on seafood and found a terrific place in town. We didn't have reservations but were seated anyway. At the Flying Fish , we shared a wonderful artichoke appetizer and Yin Yang Salmon dinner delightfully arranged on two separate plates. We thoroughly enjoyed that dinner and intend to visit again. We did more window shopping after dinner and returned to our nighttime location.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we headed for our meeting with Gwen and Bill in Dublin. She served a delicious brunch and we sat outside reminiscing about old times. We initially met them when they bought a second home In Cool years ago. Gwen became a riding partner for Linda and they went on many trail rides. We had numerous dinners together , met family and enjoyed their company. Bill's parents were missionaries in China and unfortunately this year has been difficult for both Gwen, with her back surgeries, and their daughter who has a bipolar diagnosis and has difficulty staying on her meds. We met her two-year-old daughter Charity who was playing the guitar. Bill and I discussed mental health and he thought we needed more therapists and suggested that educational and training requirements might be shortened in order to attract more therapists. I disagreed and told him that it was important for a therapist to have a broad educational, cultural, and educational background. I agreed that mental health problems are rising and difficult to treat. I also told him that this country with all its problems has many crazies and helping people adjust also ,at times, seems insane . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After leaving our friends, we headed for Ghirardelli chocolate near Stockton. Tony and I, after many ultra runs in the Bay Area, would also have our reward at this location. Linda and I shared a hot fudge sundae sitting outside enjoying the taste. Linda bought other chocolates and we headed home after that reward. We picked up Teddy and made our way home.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During our stay in Carmel, a quote by Anne Morrow Lindbergh from her " Gift from the Sea." We Americans, with our terrific emphasis on youth, action and material success, certainly tend to belittle the afternoon of life and even pretend it never comes. “ The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence, said Einstein.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-54655202684410682742023-10-05T22:31:00.000-07:002023-10-05T22:31:42.971-07:00A Violent Republic<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3d4f491-7fff-4acc-8465-6744aa9c8c05"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peacemonger was the title of an article in the September 2, 2023 edition of The New York Times. The question is, if wars are the least rational of human projects , why have there been so many of them all over the world in every era ? The article traced wars beginning from the Roman Republic to Putin’s involvement in the Ukraine, the Imperial China, Mongol conquest, feudal Japan ,carnage of European Christian clashes, pre-Columbian , Latin America, the two world wars, colonial incursions, communist conflicts and wars in the Middle East. Why war is the focus of this essay . .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the writer, wars began with the establishment of fixed agrarian settlements. Briefly, the following variables for war : 1. Conflict between agriculturalists and pastoralists 2. The view that in the chaotic world, leaders make rational decisions to protect their interests and domestic politics but often fail to deal with their miscalculations. 3. Modern civilization is more violent , makes killing is easier, more organized, more legitimate and more efficient 4. Wars vary widely depending upon differing ecologies, class, ethnicity, domestic politics, ideologies, emotions with leaders competencies and desires. 5. Greed status-honor- glory and enjoyment of domination. That's a lot of variables for war .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do the above 5 variables provide insight and explain the war against Native Americans ? Native Americans occupied the continental United States, including Alaska prior to the migration of Europeans . The Native Americans established, created their own culture , mores and society and lived off the land and the waters. Then , Europeans and colonists invaded these shores. These people sadistically exploited, murdered and took possession of all the land as if entitled. They apparently didn't ask for permission or barter for the use and occupancy of land and taking resources like the killing of game and fish. The colonists were given permission for this invasion by King George , the leaders of the 13 colonies and religious leaders. Advanced weaponry, supplies , assistance from the Native Americans and technical skills facilitated their take over .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Furthermore, a few patriotic songs about God and war include but are not limited to: 1. Over There, Star-Spangled Banner, Oh Say Can You See, God bless America, America; 2. For kids include F Is for Flag, America The Beautiful, Lil' Navy Sailor .For adults include The Great Patriot's, Don't Tread on Me, The Last of the Mohicans ,Patriot Games 3. Patriotic movies with John Wayne include The Searchers, The Green Berets, Wagon Train Rio Grande. The Alamo, The Comancheros, Cheyenne Autumn, etc. Patriotism ,war heroes, and killing the”enemy” are deeply rooted and play a significant element in our identity and our culture.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the government developed, factors such as Jefferson supporting the push westward , the exploration by Lewis and Clark; the Louisiana purchase, and with religious Manifest Destiny ideology , the occupiers pushed westward for economic opportunities.despite the inordinate risks, hazards and dangers facing them. With cognitive dissonance, they focused on glory, acquisition, adventure , the benefits of success , and downplayed Christian morality ,the hardship and other difficulties of reality . They affiliated and became members of various groups as in wagon trains, in part , because these groups validated their own beliefs and aspirations. In essence, dependence becomes a major source of attraction for group enterprise. Also, their personal aspirations were met and congruent with the aspirations of the group. With group consensus., they engaged in riskier behaviors than they would have if left to their own accord . And their individual goals were met by group goals. As a consequence, political, religious, military superiority and ideology began to occupy all the land. In the process, Native Americans were either converted, killed or put on reservations. Treaties were broken and with the financial and military power, possession of land and waterways along with the status of the young republic was becoming fulfilled.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The advantage and benefits of obtaining land which means dominance and control over the natives was evident with a favorable outcome because of superior military and industrial advantages. The consequences for their acts of murder ,domination , economics and exploration outweigh their human losses .Power, possession and status was extraordinary. The probability of being successful in war was high , based on the military power and resources along with the prospect of being rewarded . Military generals were heroes and there was admiration for Gen. Custer because he killed many. Generals were rewarded and even became presidents along with Indian fighters like Kit Carson for their ability to kill. After all, they were killing savages, heathens and non-believers .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The motivation for participating in the war of 1812 and World War II are different, as we were attacked first. So an eye for an eye and revenge are permissible. World War II was necessary for economic, military, political and moral reasons. What about the Spanish-American War, Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan ? Dwight Eisenhower had it right. Ike described the influence of the Military Industrial Complex. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With war, there is a coordination of political, economic, military, and moral rightness. The enemy is described in unflattering terms as savages, gooks, slanted eyes etc . The winners in war seem to benefit with more wealth , increases in military rank and political opportunities. George Bush after invading Iraq was easily reelected for a second term.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was no rationality for going to war with Iraq. We armed Saddam and he assisted in beating up on Iran. But, he committed the cardinal sin of interfering with oil supply and rocketing Israel. The consequences for our actions in Iraq have been creating more enemies, terrorists and empowering Iran. Since World War II, our motivation for entering war has been the Military Industrial Complex with neurotic pursuit of power, possession and prestige . Follow the money. Ask who's going to benefit; who's expendable but do not consider nor address consequences. Our participation in World War II, aside from being attacked by Japan and Germany, was necessary.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In essence, the question of why war is as follows: 1. Man has ego needs and with excessive neurotic tendencies seeks'' Dominance”. To control one's human environment .To influence or direct the behavior of others by suggestion, seduction, persuasion or command. To dissuade, restrain or prohibit.” Aggression “ To overcome opposition forcefully. To fight . To avenge . To attack, injure or kill another. To oppose forcefully or punish another. 2. To acquire. To hoard .To have control over all. To “Possess “3. “Achievement .” To accomplish something difficult. To master, To manipulate, organize , physical objects, human beings or ideas . To overcome obstacles and attain a high standard 4. For “Status,” reputation, stature , standing 5. “Abasement . “ To submit passively to external force. To accept injury, blame, criticism, punishment. To surrender. To become resigned to fate. To admit inferiority, error, wrongdoing or defeat. To confess and atone. To blame, belittle,. To mutilate the self. To seek and enjoy pain ,punishment, illness and misfortune.6. Man has weaknesses , is irrational, along with malignant egoism, egotism or narcissism. 7.. Morality diminishes with an imbalance of the ego needs 8.. With the Collective Unconscious, man's memory and behavioral history repeats 9. Within the above, and included are the institutions of politics, economics ,with the military industrial complex 10. Leaders and advisors make war decisions about others going into battle 11. Man , being a social animal, makes wars inevitable.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">References</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cartwright, Dorwin and Zander, Alvin. Group Dynamics.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Murray, Henry . Explorations in Personality.</span></p><br /></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4281966214724886075.post-39342144862136474152023-09-28T20:34:00.000-07:002023-09-28T20:34:45.643-07:00Jesus, Albert and Donald<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc60bfed-7fff-5b1e-1d1d-dfcbcc954791"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on September 15 and continued through nightfall to September 17. Rosh Hashanah , the birthday of the universe, the day God created Adam and Eve, celebrates the Jewish year 5784. The most holy day of the Jewish year , Yom Kippur, begins on Sunday, September 24 and ends Monday, September 25 . This holy day is about fasting and prayer and to physically and morally cleanse oneself of sins so that God can forgive. Also, in this year, we have upcoming trials of a former president; debt crisis; natural disasters; political divide; and an increase in hate crimes against Jews and other minorities Morality pertaining to Jesus Christ and Albert Camus is today’s focus .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A psychological viewpoint related to morality behavior found in Exodus is as follows . The 10 Commandments provided a moral standard of behavior relating to how man should treat fellow man. Starting with the 10th commandment, "Thou shall not covet your neighbor's house; Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife...... nor anything that is your neighbor's." Covet is related to envy, jealousy, possessiveness, green with envy, to want something very much especially something that belongs to someone else. It's an emotion , a positive valence desire ,impulse , positive or negative action associated with anxiety and an underlying ego needs such as loneliness, affiliation, sex , dominance, status, wealth, exploitation, submission, exhibition, or deference In other words, it's psychological , related to character that can be a conscious or unconscious and a deficit. that one attempts to fulfill. Humans have many ego needs that require fulfillment. And with capitalism and advertising taking advantage of man's ego needs, humans wind up with the accumulation of objects, things, people etc.. One has to keep up with the Joneses, one has to win the championship ,one has to have that special partner, articles of clothing, boats, residences and the list goes on. Capitalism would fail miserably without the desire to possess and this desire does not have to be rational or beneficial. To call a significant human emotion fantasy , or imagination that occurs in dreams a sin is a threat to capitalism and to man's pursuit of "happiness." In fact, Albert Einstein stated, "imagination is more important than knowledge." </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thou shall not kill is another commandment based on emotions and actions toward fellow man. Our republic has the most powerful military in the world and spends an enormous amount of our budget although we are unable to properly audit it. Our police force has the most updated armory and within their arsenal includes state of the art military issued killing weapons. Our police kill many and are even given permission by the Supreme Court to continue to engage in that behavior. In fact, the former president said he could kill in New York City and not be arrested. If killing is a sin, then our Republic exhibits evil behavior, but has not yet been charged with a war crime. Our republic was founded by, and the “father of our country is whom ? We experience many themes of killing found in novels , video games , movies, TV shows and witness frequent killings of helpless victims with the news .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor and Thou shall not steal are other commandments. In fact, frequent disturbances of social conduct may reflect psychological problems especially during early middle childhood such as lying and stealing . Sometimes , lying is related to fear of failure in meeting parental or social expectations. Adults have permission to lie based on the freedom of speech amendment. And Trump's lying behavior is related to his inadequacy ,disregard for the truth and pathology .On the other hand, this genius may not be aware and knowledgeable of all his lies. If lying is a sin, Trump is the devil and associated with pure evil . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Stealing too may vary in the motivation it expresses. It may simply indicate a rather thoughtless giving in to an impulse of the moment or something more serious. However, it may indicate a serious psychological disturbance .Stealing may be a symbolic substitute for perceived lack of love and attention and/or as a means of expressing hostility towards parents for violating their standards . By getting caught ,stealing may serve as an unconscious way to punish oneself.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Coveting, killing, lying and stealing are frequent behaviors in our society and are called sinful by some . Irrespective , they are clearly amoral, hurtful and deadly when applied to other human beings. These aggressive behaviors require consequences like indictments, and incarceration. Notably, there are 27 states in our republic that have the death penalty. Revenge, retribution, an eye for an eye still prevails in this republic . </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Albert Camus, the brilliant author, existential philosopher described absurdism , revolt ,murder, suicide , morality and other topics . He might have told Donald something like the following : it's obvious that you reject all forms of religious , moral , democratic, and scientific principles. Your inauthentic existence with emphasis on egotistical lies , with oppression, injustice , the malady of absurdity regarding a rebellion against democracy for the submission of others will only lead to a justification of your desire for domination which is your committed crime. This rebellion will lead to more slavery. And your use of propaganda to manipulate others works because of their despair and existential anxiety .Your push for rebellion, like others before you, could lead to corruption and a totalitarian dictatorship .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In essence, Donald, your rebellion is not about freedom but really about the nonexistence of any kind of morality within your terrestrial kingdom with your narcissistic principles of power and desire could result in the apocalypse of the republic. Your universe is insane with your false promises which is actually your desire for immortality and/or is your protest against your death. Yours, is not a rebellion , but a hatred of the creator and you will die simply because you prefer injustice to mutilated justice.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus Christ might have said to Donald, it’s clear that you reject my moral teachings : Blessed are the poor, love thy neighbor, the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments, Wealth is not a sign of virtue "And I say again unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God," and righteousness has nothing to do with those without need. In spite of your hypocritical lie that you're a believer , you are amoral, treat others abominably, disregard laws, mores, humanistic values and a threat to your Republic, I say to you "Father, forgive him for he knows not what he does." </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychologically, Donald's malignant narcissistic and masochistic character tendencies within his sociopathic personality disturbances require consequences for his actions. He exhibits insane criminal behavior , He is not competent to stand trial , unable to testify at any of his trials and not able to fully assist his attorneys in understanding and fully participating in his defense. Further, he is not a candidate to be able to benefit from psychotherapy because of the severity of his mental illness. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In closing, morality is defined as the distinction between right and wrong, or good and bad behavior as related to that society. Donald, so far, has earned a failing letter grade for moral behavior. When I was in school, we received a letter grade for citizenship which is related to moral behavior. Our laws are well represented by the moral standards found in the 10 Commandments. With that being said, our Republic's morality will be exhibited during Donald's trials. Will the jurors in those trials find his amoral behaviors guilty or not guilty? Their verdict will provide additional data as to the importance, existence and degree of morality in our Republic.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reference</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camus, Albert. The Rebel.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525517219226870305noreply@blogger.com0