Family Values 8
Here.
Kind of impressive when you see the list gathered together all in one place, isn’t it? And one of them probably even has his own little blue dress.
A tip to Phillybits.
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September 30, 2006 at 8:55 pm
The website you refer to says that conservatism is a mental illness but doesn’t say what to do about it, even when I follow the link.
I have suffered from mental illness myself, and am not afraid to admit it. I have been outspoken about the fact that I sought treatment (and continue to) and I have encouraged others to be brave in the face of any mental problems they may someday have. If my conservatism is also a mental illness, I’d like to know what treatments are available. These sources do not say.
October 1, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Treatment:
1. Admit your illness. You have, so that’s a good first step.
2. Actively seek various forms of treament. Be willing to try multiple avenues as not all medications will interact positively with you.
3. Talk to your doctor to find out what is right for you.
4. *Most Important* Do NOT put party ahead of principle. Return to the core roots of your party and stick by them. When your party does not maintain your core principles, speak out against your own party.
A party in power means nothing if they only seek to codify their position in the world, instead of seeking to promote and establish the core beliefs of not just their base, but of all Americans in a manner that provides for consensus on many issues, not just the issues that the party itself holds key.
October 2, 2006 at 6:04 pm
As a psychiatrist you make a fair blogger. Nothing was said about any party being a mental illness, it said conservatism is a mental illness. I can’t tell if your advice is to quit being a conservative or be a more adamant one.
I have experienced mental illness. I know what it’s like. If these people honestly think conservatism is a mental illness, then I’d like to see them stick up for their idea and explain whether they intend to pursue a cure. Personally, I think they’re bigoted idiots. If they are being insincere, they should shut up. If they honestly believe what they are saying, then the only mental condition they are afflicted with is mental midgetry.
October 2, 2006 at 7:32 pm
Phillybits, I have to say, you took the bait here.
Opie, I don’t vouch for that link’s diagnosis of conservatism as a mental illness. All I say is what I said in my initial post: the list of persons who proclaim themselves as defenders of family values, but who also have demonstrated a tendency to illicit, and in some cases, illegal, sex, is rather impressive.
It is the hypocrisy of those persons that matters. They and their kind are not worthy of allegiance or support.
There is a far cry between those who reach conservative political positions from their analysis of positions, based on their values, and those who reach ANY political position because it corresponds with or appeals to hate and prejudice.
I have to say, with much sadness, that some of what passes for “conservative” commentary seems to founded in hate and bigotry. I can’t say the same for liberal commentary, if for no other reason that it’s not PC to hate (evil grin).
I saw a post today on some site (not a blog) recounting a study that reports that folks who identify themselves as liberal tend to have more unusual dreams than those who identify themselves as conservative. Does this mean that liberals have more active imaginations, or that they are more perverted?
(I tried searching for it and quickly gave up–put “liberal dreams” in a search engine and feel my pain.)
I’ve spent a fair amount of time in therapy. I have nothing but respect for those who confront their problems.
And nothing but contempt for those who pretend that clearly evident problems do not exist.
October 2, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Gosh, now I wonder if it’s ME that’s taking the bait…
October 2, 2006 at 10:50 pm
And you know, it’s not even that being a conservative is an important part of my identity – it’s not. But the things I’ve seen in my life on this whole pretentious “liberals don’t hate” business are just more than a reasonable person can swallow.
I can’t tell you the number of times on construction sites I’ve had union workers tell me they vote straight Democrat because “they’re for the working man” and then minutes later express the most vile hatred for women, blacks, foreigners who “take our jobs,” etc. I wouldn’t repeat the names they call them, not on your website, Frank, or anywhere else.
I have an in-law who always tries to start something up at family gatherings about how he’s proudly a liberal because he’s pro-abortion and because he’s against the “big corporations.” One time on a family outing, we were at an amusement park and everyone agreed we wanted to ride the go-carts. I walked over and got in line. Suddenly realizing nobody had followed me, I turned and went back, a little puzzled. It was quietly explained to me by a third person in the family that Mr. Liberal did not want to stand in line until the black family I had fallen in behind had gone through the ticket gate.
Frank and I know each other well enough to know that we both delight in the good we find in people of all stripes. For every liberal slimeball like Dick Durbin, there’s at least one (or more) truly decent Barack Obamas or Paul Simons. For every hard-to-stomach conservative like Phyllis Schlafly, there’s one (or more) Peggy Noonan. But I’m way beyond thinking either side is without sin.
And that’s all I am ever going to say on this subject.
October 6, 2006 at 7:13 pm
Jerkdom knows no party.
October 7, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Or, more accurately, jerkdom knows all the parties.