Mental Illness:
Any of various disorders characterized by impairment of an individual's thoughts,emotions, or social functioning
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary
Introduction: Keep Your Cool If You Can
More than a few reading this article will undoubtedly be offended by its premise. In no way do I intend to make light of the serious issue of mental illness. My post of next Monday February 20th will elaborate on my own background on the broader topic of mental illness, but for today I will start with that which will offend some while others will understand the gist of my argument. I might as well add to the outrage some have felt over my previous posts in my President Trump Acclimation Series.
Keep in mind that my intent is to present my side of a story with the hope of starting an intelligent discussion. Some might call it stirring the pot or some such term, but I think of my aim here as merely Tossing It Out--presenting ideas for you to consider. It's something I've done since the outset of my blogging, except in recent months my subject matter has had a tendency to rile more than a few readers and followers. And I don't always expect that what I write here will make everyone feel good or agree with.
An Illness Takes Root
By no means am I the first to suggest that liberalism and leftist thinking are mental disorders. The idea has been around for many years, but the extremism displayed by the anti-Trump crowd seems to have taken the notion to levels of absurdity.
Now, be assured that I am not assigning the "mental illness" label to those who merely don't like President Trump or disagree with him. That's as normal as those who didn't like President Obama or any other politician, person, idea, or whatever. What I'm talking about is the ceaseless ranting, sometimes to almost foaming at the mouth proportions, about the President, his administration, his supporters, and anything else related to Trump or his family.
Prior to June of 2015 there were probably few people who thought much about Donald Trump. Most of us knew the name, some of us might have seen him on television, but for the majority of us Donald Trump had little to no affect on our thinking.
At first Donald Trump was dismissed as a joke, a passing fad perhaps. But then a strange thing began to happen. Trump's words began to be taken more seriously by those who understood what he was talking about. His rallies drew crowds, He began to amass a large number of followers.
The media seemed perplexed, but recognized the value of a ratings generating story. The political world began to feel annoyed and then intimidated. With every seeming misstep taken by Trump that pundits predicted would cause him to collapse, the novice candidate would only grow more popular and gain more credible standing in the presidential race.
Trump's presence in the race was maddening to the mainstream media and absolutely frustrating to most of the Republican party. In the meantime, Democrats smugly cast derision upon the Donald and prepared for the coronation of Queen Hillary. Those on the left who weren't rioting or protesting Donald Trump, campaigned with full expectation of another win for the Democrats.
When the outcome of the November election didn't turn out as planned, Democrats and other liberals were confused and shaken. At first reduced to stunned disbelief and weeping, soon many began to express rage as they tried to figure out what had happened. Thankfully, most who had been against Trump in the election are essentially still against him, but have dropped the issue to move on with their lives. Oh, sure, they'll express their displeasure when pressed, but for the most part they have moved on with their lives and dropped the issue. A steadfast number, however, cling to their outrage and are unwilling to shut up about the whole thing, repeating the same tired complaints and arguments about President Trump and anyone who supports his administration. They take their negativity to a level of irrationality.
Who's to Blame and When Will It End?
Media in all its forms planted the seeds of insanity regarding the anti-Trump movement while television media takes it to a level of utter absurdity. If one accepts the cliched definition of insanity being the repetition of certain actions then watch television to confirm it.
Unable to watch CNN and MSNBC for any extended periods of time I tend to watch Fox News more than any other network. At times, I have suspected the casting agents at Fox of placing wild eyed wackos who spew nonsense and convey dubious logic as representatives of liberalism. They are often like unrealistic caricatures of mentally disturbed agents of the left. Then I switch over to the competing networks and there are the same types of spokespersons along with fake news panels and show hosts who repeat the same nonsense ad nauseam that we've been hearing since Donald Trump began running and continuing after his unexpected win.
And what about the demonstrators protesting Trump. Or the rioters going bonkers with disruption, destruction, and as much chaos as they can create. Is there any element of sanity to any of this behavior? They carry "Love Trumps Hate" signs and decry violence while interfering with the normal people who just want to catch planes, get to work, or whatever it is that normal people are trying to do when their activities are screwed over by people who are angry because their side lost and now they no longer know how to behave in any sensible manner.
I find it immensely ironic when certain representatives in Congress and other arms of government suggest that President Trump may be suffering from mental problems. Excuse me--look at who are the ones delivering these messages: Al Franken, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and so on. These are like the poster faces of emotionally unstable individuals so who are they to be casting aspersions. Please! You people are driving me nuts when I see and listen to you.
A Contagion Infecting Many
A lot has settled since the immediate aftermath of the election and yet there are a persistent minority who won't let any of their post-election grief and anger subside. There are still those folks on Facebook and Twitter who have a compulsion to continue with their loony tune posts and more often than not there are vitriol and insults directed toward others on those social mediums, often family and friends--or should I say ex-friends. I ignore these things for the most part, but I wonder what these whiners are trying to accomplish to make the world a better place. Their posts become repetitive empty railings to the other inmates in their imaginary asylum of life while they alienate the rest of us.
I'm sure there are also a number of bloggers doing much the same thing, but since I've mostly only been visiting the blogs of those who have commented on my posts I'm missing those anti-Trump rantings. There is one blogger, who I will no longer name or link to, who is bearded and conveys this arrogant attitude as though he were the supreme expert on all things including morality, who I occasionally check on only because his posts seem to be in response to mine. It's sad because I've known this blogger for quite some time and have always made some attempt to be congenial with him even though he often retorted with his better and smarter than thou responses to my comments. At least I tried to be nice. The few comments he receives are mostly from a small stable of like thinkers who somehow seem gratified that this blogger's words have provided some validation to their own irrational thinking.
Like thinkers seem to congregate and when those like thinkers are extreme left, anti-Christian, anti-Trumpsters there seems to not only be no room for any opinion from the other side, but they will also be rudely castigated for their opinion, ignored, or even have their comments deleted. So much for free exchange of ideas.
So What About You, Mr. Loony Bird?
Some of you might be thinking, "Well, you've keep posting your pro-Trump garbage! Doesn't that make you mentally ill too?"
Okay, fair enough. The difference, as I've pointed out from the beginning of my series, is that I'm taking the arguments and insults against Trump and his supporters and attempting to rationally explain each one, disprove the fallacies, and correct what I see as outright lies. I've also been trying to analyze what I see as serious issues from my point of view arguing my case regarding each issue.
I have tried throughout to be respectful of opposing views and attempted to avoid calling names or casting a net of generalized insults. And if you're thinking of my earlier comment about certain politicians who I think look unstable then I'll just say I'm dishing a bit of slop back to them and I didn't intend to insult any of you directly.
Then there is one final thing I want to point out. There have been some excellent discussions on the posts in my series. Some of you have gotten upset and some of those readers may no longer be reading Tossing It Out, but in each of those cases I think that I have responded in a responsible manner--maybe a little ticked in a couple of cases--but I've always tried to smooth things over when I've felt there has been a misunderstanding of some sort. If I've failed then let me know and I'll be willing to engage as respectfully as I know how.
In closing let me say that I have the best commenters anywhere. Even the ones who have gotten upset with me. You are always welcomed at my site and your comments will always be read and acknowledged when I can. That is, unless they become vile and profanity laden. Then they are deleted. Fortunately, this hasn't happened yet if I remember correctly. But like I said, I have the best commenters of any blog. Of course, I'm a bit prejudiced about those who leave comments on my site. Why wouldn't I think you're the best? Thank you all.
A bit more on this topic next Monday. Be here this Wednesday for my next Battle of the Bands which will be featuring two versions of a song that relates to today's post.
Have you been having a difficult time watching any of the television shows that are overly fixated on the outcome of the election? What annoys you the most on television? Do you have any idea about my song pick for my next Battle of the Bands match?
I am NOT into politics home or away. I think we all have a mental problem somewhere in our lives. Mine so I'm told is going to see Danny Boy in concert. But to each their own. Great interesting read Lee.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the coming week.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, as I am fond of saying, "it's all a matter of perspective." You are a fan--an avid fan--and I see nothing wrong with that. Now if you start stalking then that's a problem. Enjoy the artist you respect I say. At least you aren't denigrating another artist or their fans.
DeleteLee
I don't usually comment on your political posts, Lee, but your title sucked me in. ☺ As I've said before, I think you're brave to lay it all out there, consequences be damned. How great that most of the discussions have remained civil! There are two sides to every opinion, every argument. In my opinion, Hillary blew it - big time! She got too cocky and this is what over-confidence does. You don't work hard enough and you lose. I've seen it many times in sports as well. Bernie Sanders would likely have been a better candidate; more trust-worthy, at least. There are extreme opinions on both the left and the right here. I'm no fan of Trump's and was one of those who were alarmed by the results. Most of the Trump supporters I know act like he's infallible and can do no wrong. What about those Canadian and even U.S. citizens (one works for NASA) who were unjustifiably detained by U.S. border guards in the name of Trump's travel ban? Just one example. Our liberal Prime Minister is coming for a visit this week. Will be interesting to see how that goes. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I'm always looking for that title that will suck in visitors and if they comment then all the better. I think rather than feeling that Trump is infallible, his supporters are digging in their heels to push back against all of the irrational criticism. Trudeau is here now, but I haven't watched the joint news conference or heard anything about the visit yet. It will be interesting.
DeleteThank you for commenting nicely.
Lee
I'm always nice! ;)
DeleteDebbie D, I've never known you to be otherwise. That's only one of the many reasons that I like you.
DeleteLee
☺
DeleteYeah, I do find it rather amusing, in a stupid way, how some Trump haters say he's oh so bad, blah blah blah, (which he may or may not be), but then they are out there causing violence, disrupting lives and doing more harm than he's done. And they think they are in the right to do so and get validated by so many upitty ups. Yet if it were the reverse and Hilary won and Trump supporters went nuts, it would be ohhhh so bad. Nothing wrong with protest, but being a neanderthal like so many say he is, is stupid.
ReplyDeletePat, there seems to be a "do what I want to do and not as I say" attitude among many on the left. They make no sense. And I guarantee you that if Hillary had won you would hear grumbling but nothing to the extent that we are seeing now and conservatives rarely make much of a show of protesting let alone violent disruptive displays.
DeleteLee
I don't know what the endless tirades will accomplish. It's not going to change the fact he's president.
ReplyDeleteI only watch Fox news. They're the only ones not liberally slanted with an agenda.
Alex, negativity fuels more negativity. Nothing good is going to come from the tirades. Sometimes Fox News is more fair and balanced than I'd like to hear, but at least they deliver both sides of issues without continuous bombardment from one side only.
DeleteLee
So... You're not saying he is mentally unstable. Even though he's been demonstrating irrational behavior. The opposing side is mentally unstable.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, we're afraid. Deathly afraid. The man is doing things that are dangerous. He's challenging the integrity of the judiciary. He's signing EOs that have been demonstrated (during past administrations) to cause more deaths. He's lying about everything. Seriously. His lies are well documented. Not on Fox News, of course.
We see frightening parallels to the Nazis. Fascism. He wants to destabilize the courts. "Draining the swamp"? When he's populating his administration with cronies who bought their way in. Who know nothing about the departments they're running. And he's going after journalists. This is everything that a certain evil dictator did in Germany to seize power.
This is why we're fighting. We don't want to be the next coming of a Nazi rule. And if that's insane, I guess I am. Silly of me to wish for a world in which we aren't the evil empire.
Bravo, Liz!
DeleteLiz, what I would have to ask is where do you get your news information and are you processing that information through your own logical deduction. What I'm hearing in your comment is similar to some of the irrational rhetoric I hear spewed on television and in other media sources. As far as the courts go, I think they have been destabilized, politicized, and radicalized for years. Some of the decisions coming from them are nuts. When people start bringing up the Nazi comparisons I think they do themselves a disservice--it's a worn-out tactic that has been used by liberals and others for many years.
DeleteLee
Yes, Godwin's Law (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law), which is why comparisons should be made carefully. It is a worn out tactic, and one I wouldn't use if the parallels weren't so chilling.
Deletehttp://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2016/11/his_election_that_november_came_as_a_surprise.html
Liz, you're not alone in using the comparison, but you like others are seeing this from your own perspective which cannot be proven or shown as absolute in respect to any future outcome. You might see parallels where I don't necessarily see them in the same way. I think we can draw parallels in just about any situation if we look hard enough and argue convincingly enough.
DeleteSlate is described as a progressive liberal source. One side of the argument only that should be counterbalanced by another side in order to make a convincing case. I didn't take the time to read the article as I'm getting ready to go out, but based on where the information is coming from I would likely not be strongly convinced by its argument.
Lee
The media in his country, left and right, has whipped people up into a frenzy, regardless of who the president is. Just as the Right considered Obama's issuance of executive orders a clear and present danger to all the Constitution stands for, we now have the Left doing the same thing with Trump. Just as the Left called the Right crazy and deranged when Obama and Clinton were in office, so the Right calls the Left crazy and deranged when Bush and now Trump were/are in office. The Right called it Bush Derangement Syndrome, the Left calls it racism and fascism.
ReplyDeleteBoth sides worry that the president and the courts are going to make law that will abrogate the Constitution, when in fact few people actually know or understand what that document actually says. Therefore, things that look okay to conservatives are unconstitutional to liberals and vice versa.
Notice I said the president and the courts... I left out one important and critical part of the equation: CONGRESS. And that's where the problem starts. The 535 shitheads (sorry, that's the best description of that lot) who take up space in the Capitol Building long ago quit actually doing anything. They vote on bills and major pieces of legislation that they never read, simply relying on their party's leadership to tell them how to vote.
Remember Nancy Pelosi saying "We have to pass the Affordable Care Act before we can find out what's in it"? That was tantamount to saying "we're going to rubber-stamp this huge piece of legislation and let someone else figure out what it says." You have members of Congress that *still* have no idea what the bill says. I'm convinced many of them never bothered to read the law because they can't. And the press and the media, most of whom lean far to the left, are covering for them.
I've been hanging around this big blue marble for almost 61 years. I've seen Presidents come and go, from Eisenhower to Trump. I've seen Supreme Court justices come and go. Congress? Some of those boobs (as my grandmother would say) have been hanging around like a fart in an elevator for thirty, forty years. They think it's their job to sit there while the President and the courts do their job for them.
All I can think is that they need us to be at each other's throats so they can continue this Theater of the Absurd, pretending that they're important while acting as though they have nothing to do but run for office. And we, like damn fools, keep sending them back to Washington, expecting things to change. We have no one to blame but ourselves for the mess we're in.
"We have met the enemy, and he is us!"
We now return you to our regularly scheduled program...
Lovely assessment, John! Thanks for shining some light on the Congress issue!
DeleteJohn, I'd like to see Term Limits on Congress. It's crazy how some of these old geezers stay in power for decades. You're right it all starts there and no matter who the president is, things aren't gonna happen without Congress passing the bill(s). Pelosi is such a joke. It amazes me that she said what she did about passing the Affordable Care Act. Who in their right mind would do that? Ahhh, congress? That's who! The average Joe/Joette take the time to read legal documents to figure out if he/she is getting screwed or if it's a good thing. You're right with your quote, "We have met the enemy, and he is us!" Every time an election happens the same boobs get voted into office and nothing ever changes. I hope Trump can fix some of these problems but congress has to work with him. So, what that means is, we need to be proactive with congressmen telling them to stand in representation of WE THE PEOPLE instead of themselves and if not next election they are gone!
DeleteYes!! .... John!!! It amazes me to watch both sides accusing the other of what they so clearly do too. There's a psychological term ~ Projection:a theory in psychology in which humans defend themselves against their own unconscious impulses or qualities (both positive and negative) by denying their existence in themselves while attributing them to others. :)
DeleteJohn & company, that covers a lot and I agree--the biggest problem that has mired down our government is Congress. This is the cesspool that needs to be drained.
DeleteLee
Bravo, John!
DeleteWaiting to see how the Trump-Trudeau meeting goes, when young silver spoon Prime Minister meets old silver spoon businessman-cum-president.
ReplyDeleteDG, we'll have to see what the aftermath of the meeting brings, but the press conference was very civil and diplomatic. I was pleased about that.
DeleteLee
it turned out much better than I expected. That's encouraging!
DeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteI get where you're coming from on liberalism being a mental disorder of sorts. It's true not all every person who stands far to the left are loony birds. They might not agree with me but are respectful towards me. MSM keep hatred stoked despite the words that fall from their lips.
Have you been having a difficult time watching any of the television shows that are overly fixated on the outcome of the election? I really don't watching the news. It's a mood buster and when liberal anchormen (that means women, too)spout their agenda then I just shake my head thinking a lot of folks are going to buy into it because they don't know how to think for themselves. It's really sad.
What annoys you the most on television? I'm all for having freedom of speech but when a celebrity uses his/her status to pitch his/her views, instead of giving us entertainment then aren't doing the job hired to do. Why can't an actor humbly accept an award without incident? Why can't a singer perform without making a statement? That goes for reports and anchorpeople - report the news and stop coloring the news with your opinions!
Do you have any idea about my song pick for my next Battle of the Bands match? I have no clue what you'll use in this upcoming BoTB but I'll be over to check it out. :)
Thanks, as always for speaking your mind!
Cathy, there are so many shows that seem to include a tinge of leftist thinking if not outright promoting that agenda. Having fun with current events is fine, but vicious attacks don't help make anything better. I do try to get what news info I can, but I'm sick of the endless opinionating and editorializing. I'd rather come to my own conclusions based on information delivered by an unbiased messenger (or at least one who tries to avoid the bias). I no longer watch award shows or any forums where lefties will be blabbing about things that don't appeal to me. Same with entertainment: If I go to a concert or something like that I just want to be entertained.
DeleteMy song choice is a pretty obvious one in context of today's post. It's one that I know you'll remember.
Lee
My main pet peeve/irritant is all of these celebs in the various fields of entertainment showing either their true colors or lack of spine when it comes to Trump.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean by "lack of spine" is that some celebs come out to criticize because not to criticize endangers their career.
For example, I used to have great respect for Duane "The Rock" Johnson. But when he came out to criticize the CEO of the company he has an endorsement contract with because the CEO had the audacity to compliment the President on something business related, that was crossing the line.
It seems that the only people in Hollyweird that don't worry about career suicide are those who have been in the industry for 30+ years and are already known for being Republicans.
GB, The general climate of freely speaking one's mind from a conservative perspective within the entertainment world is disturbing to me. I've become very turned off by many artists who I'd formerly liked because of their outspoken attitudes toward things in which I believe. Now I've begun to think of them as the enemy and not merely opposing views.
DeleteLee
I'm just holding space for myself and watching all this play out, Lee. The next four years I'm staying out of the crosshairs and not getting in the middle. The way I see it, it's the reverse of what we had when the Tea Party was protesting and disrupting Town Hall Meetings during Obama's first term, only now it's the anti-trump extremes. Meanwhile, there are the rest of us that stay informed, balance our lives, form our opinions and carry on. One person and/or policies don't make/break America. It's one step forward and one step back, and sometimes we just keep treading water.
ReplyDeleteObama's leadership style is more what I look for in a leader in the highest office in our country and I hold respect for the office no matter whether I like who's in it or not. We have a great system of checks and balances. :)
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/
Mary Lou, I remember some Tea Party protests, but nothing disruptive to the extent as we've seen since this past election. I don't see things dissipating either. We're never going to progress far in this country if we can't work together better on issues, but then again we might be so far apart on views that we can never come near being together again.
DeleteLee
Lee, the media, depending on their left/right slant, spins the worst cases. I remember the intimidating militias and armed protests during Obama's terms. Fox shows the violent protests now and dismisses the millions of good people who are quietly protesting this president just like the Tea Party. Things didn't dissipate over Obama's eight years either. A lot of ugly conspiracy theories floating around about him during that time that never materialized. This time around you don't have to search for conspiracy theories. There's good reason for concern about him. He's not a uniter.
DeleteMary Lou, but I can't help but wonder how it would all be if the media were behind the president and putting a more positive spin on the affairs of the administration. I think media sets much of the tone for the mindset of the nation and the world because it's the best way for us to peek into what's going on behind the curtain. Yes, conspiracy theories abounded during the Obama administration because I don't think we were always give a true picture. Most of the media was pretty solidly behind Obama as well as Hillary--that's why I think they are so upset about Trump's win. A large segment of the population want something that is more realistic to their lives and beliefs whereas the news and entertainment industry (very much intertwined) are leftist liberals who are out of touch with Main Street America. I do believe that President Trump truly want to be a uniting force in the country, but they are fighting the loudest voices that we hear most--media and political/celebrity culture who put the spin on what they would like the rest of us to think. If you look closely and reason carefully I think you might see that this is true. Trump is far closer to the regular working family American than Hillary is.
DeleteLee
Though madness runs in all segments of society, it seems that the foamingly vocal group from one faction lately is getting the coverage. If you give enough coverage to a pimple it will seem like a huge mountain. Echo-chambers are not really accurate means of assessing your numbers... or your sanity.
ReplyDeleteDonna, the imbalance in reporting definitely focus more on the left. Giving them the predominate platform does indeed feed the frenzy.
DeleteLee
I'm thinking that there are a lot of people out there who never matured intellectually enough to be able to accept that others might disagree with them. I believe that people like this are being egged on by celebrities who like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton learned that any stupidity you can put out and the press will show your face over is good PR. And it's a shame because it leaves a lot of people with heartfelt reasons for their opinions following the Hollywood Lackofintellegencia and idiofying their credibility as a result. I hope two newly coined words in one sentence doesn't put me over the limit!
ReplyDeleteCW, society seems to becoming less mature as we progress through the ages and as you say, the media and the spokespersons they promote have a lot to do with the poor behavior. I think Martin Luther King, Jr, would be embarrassed and ashamed of many of those who have followed after him. Show biz celebs should be entertaining us to divert us from the madness instead of becoming embroiled in it and adding their fans to the mix. I agree that there is something missing in Hollywood and it's brains and decorum. Sometimes we need to just escape from the real world.
DeleteLee
I see going to extremes, including being rabid in one's beliefs is unbalanced.
ReplyDeletePop Tart, exaggerated behavior is one of the indicators of a mental problem. Just watching some of these anti-Trumpers screeching and moaning can be a bit disconcerting.
DeleteLee
My sister-in-law would love this, but her daughter-in-law would hate it. (Don't you love it when there are extremes both ways in your family?) The media just keeps whipping up the frenzy, making it worse. Right now, I'm glad I'm deep into editing for DLP books so I don't have to see the crazy across the Internet as much.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, those friend and family extremes are the main inspiration for my post. I see a few of these on Facebook whom I don't think I could associate with in the future without getting an apology first for some of the things they've directed towards me (and others). I'd love to see the media step it down a bit and put a more helpful to the climate of the nation spin on things. The real climate change problem comes from the media.
DeleteLee
I can honestly say this election and the media coverage of it has driven me to Netflix! I’d almost believe that “news” has become nothing more than fiction intended to slant opinion, except that fiction usually makes a lot more sense than what is deemed newsworthy today. It does, however, make sense that the self-destructed media has no other audience but disrespectful, self-centered, sour-grape fools. I do still watch Fox News, but not as much as I once did. Other than that I take my chances and step out on the porch to check the weather. No, I don’t think they’re crazy, I think they’re having a ‘movement’. I hope it involves overseas travel.
ReplyDeleteNo telling what kind of battle you’ve planned, Lee ;-) For some reason, “Drops of Jupiter” comes to mind…or maybe Napoleon XIV?
Diedre, Napoleon XIV did cross my mind, but I don't know of that many cover versions of his song. But you're thinking in the right direction.
DeleteI think you've hit upon something in your comment regarding the news media.
Lee
I think people who are rabid in their beliefs to the point where they can see no fault whether it be a politician, a religion or any belief is something to be wary of. The people who creat harm to others via words or actions is one I have little respect for. There are people who are fervent in their beliefs about Trump to the point where they protest....good for them because Trump is the biggest narcissist I can think of and that is a mental illness. He is a bully and it has been demonstrated by his many actions in the past ( he tried to bully this older lady out of her home by doing so many underhanded tactics it was repulsive...she won the court case and kept her home. He had to build his, now defunct, casino around her home). I am not one for entertainers to take the stage when they win an award to make some political speech. This was big in the 1970's ( Vanessa Redgrave anyone??) but I am glad that, given the right place, they do talk and that many others do. So I guess this means I disagree and vice versa...hahahaaa. I have to laugh because I love your convictions as I love mine and I think that is a wonderful thing as I always say. As for your music choice, I'm trying to remember that rock song bout the crazy man inside ones head. Ok that makes no sense and ...ughhh...never mind
ReplyDeleteBirgit, if passion for ones beliefs is devoid of any clear logic and mostly reliant on feelings then that discredits that belief in my opinion. Listen to liberal leftists making their cases and you hear a belief system mostly founded on feelings. That's what I hear at least. But it's a wonderful thing to disagree and feel good or at least respectful towards one another--those are feelings I wholeheartedly support.
DeleteYour song suggestion kind of makes sense--I kind of can recall a song like you're describing, but that's not my pick.
Lee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteIn reference to that unnamed Bearded Pseudo-Intellectual with the massive ego whom you alluded to, within the last few hours I sent an Email to one of our BOTBers in which I said:
He has also called Saint Paul a "conservative asshole". Yup. The man that Jesus Christ personally hand-selected to explain the Gospel to the unsaved, the apostle who wrote the large majority of the New Testament, that person was a "conservative asshole".
Not only does that tell you something about the condition of Leon Cobarde's spiritual life, but it tells you what an arrogant know-it-all the guy is. Yeah, he knows more than Saint Paul does about Truth, and he is morally superior to Paul due to his liberal worldview.
To a somewhat lesser degree, I find this similar trait in many liberals. They substitute feelings for logic, which is why it's so difficult to have a reasonable, rational discussion with them, and impossible to reach them.
If they FEEL that they care more about other people than you do, they believe that gives them the moral high ground.
But Who is the ultimate authority on morality? It's God, who defined it for us, His created beings. And who, under normal conditions, maintains a worldview more in accord with God's 'New Testament', conservatives or liberals?
Frustrating, frustrating, frustrating!!!
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
STMcC, it's really somewhat disturbing and even frightening to realize that there is not one person who believes this way, but likely many. If my worldview ever strays from what God wants then I hope I am chastised and corrected immediately.
DeleteIt is indeed frustrating, but this world becomes more frustrating every day. I guess that's why we have been advised to be in the world but not of it. It is a dastardly wicked place that is due for a thorough cleansing.
Lee
It's not about his politics (or lack thereof). It's about "grabbing them by the pussy!"
ReplyDeletePat, not sure of the intent of your comment, whether humor or other, but it is what it is I suppose.
DeleteLee
The intent was to show that the protests and negativity are more about the man's character than anything else. People are angry that other people would actually vote for somebody that would not only say things like that, but would actually do them.
DeletePeople on the right aren't understanding that, just like people on the left (even Hillary) didn't understand the disillusionment that many had with business as usual in Washington DC. Hope that explains it.
Pat, thank you for the clarification. Makes much more sense now.
DeleteLee
From far away, I watch the theatre of the absurd, as someone commented. Right here in my backyard, the theatre of the absurd continues. It's all leaving me exhausted. From time to time I think of getting off social media entirely - I really do believe that the presentation of alternative facts is very real and very insidious ..
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to imagine what your BOTB could be ..
Susan S., I wish the state of affairs were as fun and entertaining as theatre of the absurd--and at times it is entertaining when I don't invest myself too much in it all. But more seriously, what is happening in the world is scary because it's all real, crazy, and with potentially very dark and frightening outcome. The alternative facts are the lesser part of the bigger story as the force-feeding and insistence of opined points of view with an intolerance for allowing another side to be heard is the biggest threat to our peace of mind and stability in our society. It all does make me want to retreat at times, but then I think the opposition wins.
DeleteLee
I'm watching fewer and fewer news shows, Lee, but do try to watch "from the horse's mouth" briefings, speeches,and news conferences so I can hear for myself what the president and his reps are saying and doing.
ReplyDeleteAs for the ranters and ravers, I'm shutting them out. So many are (or at least were) my friends, and yet they don't hesitate to spew the ugliest nonsense and name calling with no regard for the feelings of those who have a different outlook. What they don't understand is that they're stressing themselves with all that rage and hateful behavior. In the long run, their own bodies will suffer some serious damage if they don't lighten up and calm down.
I do have some friends who are Democrats who don't have a need to go bonkers over current events. We sometimes touch on a topic briefly but don't dwell on politics so much. They are, like me, older, and perhaps we're a little wiser about the cyclical nature of politics, the weather, and life.
Patricia, the craziness seems not to be nearing any end and maybe getting worse. These are sad times in my opinion. The older wiser perspective will be gone in decades or less and I fear for what the more irrational generations will be bringing with them. But I guess our generation had its own share of craziness, but somehow it didn't seem as unfocused and illogical as things are today.
DeleteLee
I'm fed up with all of it and I want everyone to just STFU about it, on both sides. And to be fair, there are a lot of mentally ill ultra conservatives who think it's OK now to harass people of colour, the LGBT community and those of other religions. So it goes both ways. I will never condone violence and vandalism no matter what side is doing it. Or blocking traffic.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, I'm getting tired of the bickering as well and my attempt to inject some rational thinking into the discussion is what little I can do to give things a much needed positive spin. Whatever the case may be I think the most important things is to recognize the perspective of all sides and focus onto the issues with as much logic and reason as possible. This is mostly not happening on the left, but as you say there are also problems on the right--less of them from what I'm seeing.
DeleteLee
Lee, I do feel using the term 'mental illness' lightly, is out of line. But it is your blog, and I respect your right to use it in your own space.
ReplyDeleteI'm not American, and thus have no Republican or Democrat affiliations, nor do I have a vote.
But 45's actions baffle me: I can't understand a President who forgets to wear an earpiece to hear a visiting Presidents' Japanese comments translated into English. Why is he nodding as if he understands? He does not understand Japanese, or he wouldn't use an interpreter the rest of the time.
I also don't see how a President can be so lax with security concerns: how can he carry out presidential duties, discussing missiles etc in full view of common people (Mar-a-lago) who're describing it on Facebook? There are preliminary investigations into this already afoot. The same charges of negligence that were leveled against the other presidential candidate are valid against 45. I saw the Facebook posts by people who were there, describing it, and verified them: am not speaking from media coverage at all, whether Fox or CNN.
His national security aide resigns over contact with Russians ( I saw this on Fox), he tweets about his daughter's business (I saw it on twitter), and does not make any statement about flooding/ dam breaches in his own country (I have friends who were evacuated, so there Is danger, people will lose their homes).
From a distance, and with due respect, he sounds like the President of Zimbabwe, not the United States. But again, you voted for him, and I respect your right to defend him.
Nicely written, D Biswas....
DeleteDamyanti, in no way do I feel that I'm taking the term "mental illness" lightly as I think Trump Derangement Syndrome or however one wants to term this mental affliction is a serious issue in our country and throughout the world. There is no reasonable factual basis for this reactionary thinking, but it's based on people not getting what they wanted and expected and swallowing too much media swill.
DeleteI trust virtually nothing I read in social media or for that matter mainstream media. There are a lot of lies, spin, and propaganda brainwashing the minds of those who wallow in it all. I'm not sure where else you get your info, but as I've been encouraging all along, we all should be taking in info with a healthy element of doubt and filter it with as much reason as we might have.
Sadly, from what I've been seeing from people throughout the world and hearing from media spinners and lying politicians with agendas, reason is being squashed and irrational thinking prevails.
The world becomes ever weirder and more wicked, but this is also to be expected in my view.
I wish everyone would focus on their families, their lives, their writing, or whatever else they were focusing on prior to the U.S. election. Bitch Queen Hillary got toppled from her golden throne and socialist anti-Christ leadership in the U.S. has been put on hold temporarily and hopefully for good. My prayer is that this country becomes unified and we stand in solid alliance with Israel even if it means going against the rest of the world.
Lee
You say that post political things to foster discussions, but in your last reply to this comment by B. Diswas, you go way beyond that.
Delete"Bitch Queen Hillary got toppled from her golden throne and socialist anti-Christ leadership in the U.S. has been put on hold temporarily and hopefully for good."
That is one of most vitriolic statements I've heard in a long time. You've just outed yourself for what you really are. You are an angry old white man. That can't stand either the liberal agenda, or anybody that can. You truly are not the man I thought you were, and I'm done with you.
Oh well, you can't please everybody all of the time.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteFocusing on families, lives and writing is definitely what we all are doing, because all of these seem to be in peril right now.
I merely pointed out a real tweet by 45: He has tweeted about how his daughter has been treated by Nordstrom:
"My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!"
This is the link: https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/829356871848951809
In any other country and in the US, a President discussing his daughter's business interests is unethical, and a clear conflict of interest. I did not conjure up the tweet, 45 did. He is not a private citizen or a businessman who can defend commercial interests of his family in public, that is misuse of his position.
I can give you evidence and links of all the other things I've said, but clearly, someone who uses words like 'Bitch Queen' may not have an interest in those.
Is that the sort of vocabulary you teach as a parent, and use as a blogger?
Part 1 of 2
DeleteDamyanti, too much of a deal is being made of every little thing Donald Trump says. Defend his daughter? I don't have a problem with that. I'd defend my daughters as well.
From the stance that many are taking toward the Trump family it would seem they would like to ruin them and all of their business interests. Outrageous! Donald Trump had a cushy life which he did not have to give up for what I believe was a sincere interest in making the U.S. a better place--"making it great again'--and yet many would like to see his entire family and their business interests totally ruined. Excuse me, but after this president gig is up don't you think his sons and daughters and their children want to continue their livelihoods?
Considering past presidents and other politicians we see that they have all profited with books and speaking gigs and other endeavors from which they benefited. Many of us are sick of the professional political class who reap benefits for themselves and their own special interests so why not let a wealthy business family step up to public service and try something different.
Daily--hourly even--we get a total bombardment from all sides about how bad Trump is or his family is or his appointments or supporters. There are segments of the left who are trying to interfere with the peace and welfare of all of his children and even grandchildren. Is this the sacrifice that must be made to enter public service? I'm seeing an extreme that few other political figures have gotten. Certainly not Obama.
It seems to me that DJT, his family, and his administration appointments have been taking many steps to strive for an ethical presence. There will be missteps along the way, but does everything have to be push back against what they are trying to do and bringing them down at any cost?
{Cont}
Part 2 of 2
DeleteI've only been dealing with being called annoying names in social media by those who are extended family and supposed friends--names like "stupid Gringo", "angry old white guy", "Taliban Christian", and on and on. Really? Because I voted for someone they didn't like and that candidate won? Apparently I wasn't the only one who felt that Donald Trump was the change this country needed.
Talk about vitriol and vituperation. What has been occurring with this election from the voices on the left is far worse that they ever encountered from their opposition. Riots? Public disruptions? Shutting down free speech?
I'm not sure if you're getting the full story, but craziness is ensuing on the left and it's disturbing to the point of being scary.
Okay so I used a legitimate though not particularly flattering term like "Bitch Queen" for a person who I see someone who has done some pretty bad stuff and was apparently a lousy candidate who helped steal the Democrat candidacy of the far more popular Bernie Sanders. The term that I used hidden away in my comment section was pretty mild compared to those in my camp being called "assholes" openly in blog posts and elsewhere. That along with a liberal usage of the word for sexual intercourse that begins with an F. It's become a common reference aimed at Christians and conservatives. "Bitch" is basically a descriptive noun that is not labeled as an obscenity by definition. And the "Queen" part comes from the frequent reference that there were expectation of a Hillary Clinton "coronation" not only at the Dem convention (poor Bernie), but for the presidency of the United States.
I don't have a big problem using the word "bitch" as a blogger (in my comment section) when other bloggers or whoever angry at Trump's election freely throw around far worse words whenever they like. It hasn't even been that unusual to see protest signs with the F-word or hear the word yelled as the TV networks focus in on certain public gatherings. By contrast I seem like a pretty mild-mannered nice guy.
But I am getting fed up and even angry to the extent that I get angry. For a change I'd like to see and hear people giving this administration a chance to get things done. Maybe if we heard more positive spins from media things would be a little bit better.
Do I expect it? No, because I think this is the way our world is going. Not a pretty place by any means. I just want to stand up for what I believe just like everyone else does, except I'm trying to be as rational and as reasonable as I can be. It's not easy.
I appreciate you trying to continue a conversation. Something new is afoot and most people don't like change.
Lee
Without being overly insulting, I am seeing a bit of mental illness in some of your readers comments here. I am tired of hearing people use the excuse "but people are SO scared" to justify this anti-Trump savagery.
ReplyDeleteI was frightened for our nation constantly by the Obama, but never did more than simply complain about his decisions. Letting Iran develop nukes and work on ICBMs ought to scare EVERY SINGLE RATIONAL HUMAN. But nobody utters a peep about it. The prospect of him swinging the supreme court even further left terrified me. (Thank heavens that the Senate put him off because of the impending election.) His fueling the fires of racial tension with constant Justice Dept. investigations of police departments every time some felon was shot scared me. His ability to fool so many of the low information voters scared me. I was very frightened of Obama's signing on to UN gun treaties and Agenda 21. I was scared that I would soon be charged a "carbon tax" because I am alive, and because in doing so I contribute to "global warming." I really thought our nation was gone, lost... ready to join Rome on the scrap heap of history.
This is our last train out to stop political elites and one world government.
And other in other nations are seeing the same thing that you and I see.
Brexit. The probable victories of Marine Le Pen in France (and maybe a Frexit) and Gert Wilders in Netherlands, as well as a possible Trumpian candidate in Brazil all point to the fact that this underlying rationality has been percolating and that maybe enough people have finally seen enough of globalism.
Finally: people taking you to task for calling Hillary the "Bitch Queen" is the pot calling the kettle black. The left - everywhere - calls Trump AND his supporters the worst names imaginable and they do so in all seriousness. Equating Trump's election to Pearl Harbor or 9/11, calling him the "Mango Mussolini" or the "Orange Fuhrer" or simply calling him Hitlerian - which he is NOT - is WAY WAY worse that calling Hillary the Bitch Queen. Besides that... she WAS! Read any one of several biographies written by her former secret service guards and you will confirm that by page 3. She was a mean-spirited bitch to all those around her... all the "little people."
SBB6, thank you for this much needed respite of rational thinking. I'll put a check mark of agreement beside every point you've made here.
DeleteI think political sanity is on the up rise to improving things for at least a while longer or making one last gasp of breath before going under for one last time.
When the U.S. does finally collapse, it will not go because of any conquering army, but it will be totally destabilized and ruined from within and only then will the rest of the world roll in to loot the spoils and gloat over their globalist victory. Right now I think much of the world is rubbing their collective hands together in anticipation of seeing the USA fall and if the leftists have their way, this is exactly what will happen.
And, yeah, I thought I was being pretty polite and respectful with my "Bitch Queen" title. In comparison what the left calls Trump and his supporters, my title was like a affectionate compliment. Trump opposition has been ruthless in their attacks and they seem to think that's just another one of the many entitlements they are due. I don't think I am ever as mean-spirited as those on the "other side" of the discussion--when there even is any discussion.
Thanks for coming in with a defense.
Lee