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Are Palin and McCain
Mentally Competent?
A column by David Brooks brings into question the
psychological readiness of a woman like Sarah
Palin. More articles appear daily alluding to her
rigid mind set, aggressiveness and brass
compensation for a lack of experience and judgement
that are too similar to the ineptness of George
Bush. An indication of not just more of the same
past eight years but a far worse future for the U.
S. and the world to endure.
And what of the
psychological readiness of John McCain, a man who
admits that torture broke him? In my experience as
a therapist, victims often retain a degree of
lingering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is
called angry and volatile by fellow Senators, angry
by school pals and angry by a fellow prison camp
soldier. Has he received treatment for PTSD, how
much, by whom, for how long and was it effective?
Imprisoned, tortured and humiliated, John McCain
says such treatment broke him. Just like a broken
bone or torn skin, the healing process does not
mean that it did not happen. Scars and weakness
remain. How will such scars hurt the U.S.
presidency?
The day to day of the
Senate is nothing like the war zone of the oval
office when it comes to stress. Physically, he is
certainly too old and prone to illness to withstand
the horrific aging that the highest office in the
land imparts on our presidents and top leaders. The
severe work stress is inescapable. As the pressure
mounts, will Post Traumatic Stress Disorder kick in
and cloud his judgement? Most therapists have
witnessed that kick-in or flashback experience when
working with PTSD patients. PTSD patients struggle
with the insecurity of their mental state and worry
that they will fail emotionally at unpredictable
moments when triggered by sights, smells, sounds
and places that are deeply embedded in their
psyche.
Perhaps, these elected
officials are trying their very best to govern.
But, a prudent voter must examine results, not
empty promises or keep blind allegiance to any "ol'
Party." Go back and listen to what the Bush
political promises were. Are there less abortions,
less gay marriage, less poverty or better
education, a stronger economy or any security? All
no to that.
Little lies, infidelity,
confusion about countries, flip flopping on big
issues, not understanding the economy and bad
choices in inexperienced business partners may be
something that you can overlook in your
grandfather, but not in the leader of the free
world or their successor.
Mandatory mental health
screenings should be a requirement of all top
leaders in our government. Our decision makers have
no right to shield themselves from the paying
public concerning mental illness, emotionally
disturbed behavior, drug use or alcohol use because
these jobs are 24-7.
World War II, Korean War
and Vietnam vets did not get the help they needed
and they and their families suffered with the
effects of war. I have counseled people from all
these wars and their stories are similar. Explosive
anger is a sign of a lack of healing. Now, John
McCain selected the VP based on a one hour meeting
and a fifteen minute phone call! That is such poor
decision making, a true dysfunctional suspension of
the potential reality of the office of
vice-president.
Judgement is paramount to
keeping the citizens of America alive rather than
nuked, financially destroyed, victims of disease or
tainted food. It is a staggeringly big job, too big
for John McCain and ridiculous for Sarah Palin, a
pitifully inexperienced choice by a man who should
have known better.
The U.S. cannot use it's
presidential election like a high school popularity
contest. The people must choose a leader who is
honest and faithful, a deep thinker who is a
scholar of history and politics and someone who
works with and for the people in most need. John
McCain is far from that choice. He is mentally and
physically a huge risk with a 30% chance of dying
in office because of his age. A Palin
administration would be a disaster for the majority
and a coup for the religious right and all foreign
leaders who despise us.
The Republican party could
substitute a different line-up for their ticket and
provide Republicans and Independents a choice. But,
as it stands, Obama is the only wise vote in
town.
©2010, Molly
Barrow
* * *
Dr. Molly
Barrow holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is
the author of the new book, Matchlines:
A revolutionary New Way of looking at relationships
and making the right choices in
love. She is an
authority on relationship and psychological topics,
a member of the American Psychological Association
and a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Molly
has appeared as an expert on NBC, PBS, KTLA, and in
O Magazine, Psychology Today, Newsday, MSN.com,
Match.com, Women's Health and Women's World. Please
visit: www.askdrmolly.com
or Take the new relationship compatibility test,
Match Lines Systems for Successful Relationships
for Singles, Couples and Business at
www.DrMollyBarrow.com.
Molly has a radio program, Your Relationship
Answers at www.blogtalkradio.com/drmollybarrow
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