Iraqi to President Bush: Shoe You

Today at a news conference in Iraq, President Bush (along with Nuri al Malaki, the Iraq President) sought to extoll the virtues of a safer, less violent Iraq.

An (apparently) embittered Iraqi reporter had other ideas. Not only did he heckle Bush with angry rantings of how he felt, he also issued to Bush the apparent worst insult a Middle Easterner can summon -- he threw his shoes at the President. In fact, the reporter was apparently a good shot, as Bush had to duck to miss at least one of the flying pieces of footwear. I do admire a man with good aim! Especially if the target is well worthy...

I do wonder about the shoes though. Smelly, or not? And, will more follow? How else will people, American and otherwise, choose to show the outgoing President their utter disdain? I doubt we've seen the last bizarre act meant to catch attention and embarrass the fellow!

IF Hillary Clinton accepts Secretary of State position

Jumping the gun, The BBC is reporting that Hillary Clinton has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be his administrations Secretary of State. I think this is mere speculation; but, if eventually true, is wonderful news.

Hooray, if so. A brilliant move on Obama's part, and a wonderful decision on Clinton's. I think they'll benefit each other, and Clinton's rapport (and that of her husband, Bill) will serve to help revamp and restore America's international reputation. An improvement in that area is sorely needed, and I believe Hillary is the woman for the job. So, if she does indeed end up accepting it, I think its a good pick.

Its too soon to say, but I think things are shaping up to make Obama's administration a good start toward bringing about needed and promised change.

someone, please! put her out of my misery!

Why the heck is Sarah Palin still getting media coverage, period?! GO AWAY! Oh, the agony! She's apparently been on NBC, CNN, etc. Post-election coverage is meant to glorify Winners, not losers. Is her presence supposed to mean something, like keeping her around somehow placates the Repub viewers still licking their wounds who somehow feel the need to see her as some form of grieving solace?!?! I ate it for 8 years waiting out her kind, and now, its time to GO. Slink back to Alaska, Caribou Barbie, please. I totally blame you for my migraines...

Following the Obama-Biden Transition - Great "Politico" Link

(Thanks to Raven Brooks for this great link!)

http://www.politico.com/politico44/

www.change.gov :: Obama-Biden document the road to change.

Wasting absolutely no time at all, Obama-Biden christened. website www.Change.Gov, to document their transfer to government power, poised for the overtaking of the White House in January 2009.

Refreshing! Typical to "W", by this point in his own election or re-election, he'd be taking at least the rest of the month (or even year) off, putting on the cowboy hat and heading to the Crawford, Texas ranch!

CHANGE, indeed!

WEBSITE: http://www.change.gov

PSYCH.SOUP Upcoming Topics Schedule

Now that the tooth-clenching task of seeing this country returned to "right" (meaning the election of OBAMA!) has actually happened, we here at PSYCHSOUP can start exploring other topics of great importance. Here are some upcoming:

- what faces Obama in the first 100 days of his Presidency;

- mental health, vets, and access to needed care;

- how, in an atmosphere of electing Obama did states like California pass "Prop 8" and Arkansas pass "Amendment 1", acts both designed to discriminate against gays/lesbians? Voters compartmentalized mentality;

- healing bipartisanship "riffs" to forge a brighter future -- how???

- Economy, Prices: What's in our future? Trying to overcome fear, encourage government regulation and oversight*

- and, finally, the joy of watching a big, gray, dead elephant being dragged out of Washington. And, on its way out, being passed by shiny, new Dems!!! (Ok, just kidding! Sorry...!)


SUGGESTIONS??? Please do Email me with Topic Suggestions! :)

OBAMA WINS!!!!! Victory! Sanity Regained.

Barack Obama WON the U.S. Race for the Presidency last evening. And, oh, how sweet it is. America spoke decisively, voting in a sharp margin country-wide, edging out opponent McCain.

I am thrilled, elated, shocked, and in awe that my fellow Americans stood up with me and finally took their country back. An end to the corruption and evil brought by Bush and his cronies! God, let that all now fade away. A new, brighter future take shape.

I am PROUD to be an American today!!! I have longed for eight years to see this day. It feels incredible.

Election Eve Nervousness

It is the eve of Presidential Election 2008, when America will finally learn who our new commander-in-chief is. And, if you've been reading this blog of mine, you know whose side I'm on. And, it aint "Moose and Squirrel's"!

I'm as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof, with jitters, wringing hands and the whole business! I was also so sad to hear about Obama's grandmother's passing today. :( so sad. But, we all must keep pressing on...

This country is such a mess! Let's hope enough people are "awake" enough to realize that CHANGE is the only way to save ourselves and make the future salvagable. Seriously.

Anybody as nervous as I am!?!?

Stealing something sacred

Music is mad sacred to me -- it rules my world. And, I'm not alone. Many people have music they not only like and love, but its a part of their heart and psyche -- and, you don't mess with that part of people. Seriously. Just ask any hardcore music lover.

So, it is with disgust that I recently read that for the. third time, the McCain campaign has used a song (this time by Bon Jovi) for one of its rallies, without permission (nor compensation) to the artist.

Ahem, isn't that called "theft"? Of intellectual property, I believe. Its why Napster gots its behind sued off. McCain's campaign has also used songs by Jackson Browne and Heart, ignoring complaints even from the artists themselves that the songs are being used illegally, and for the wrong purpose.

Why is this so disturbing? By not only taking songs and using them without permission and, using them out to context in a way/manner they weren't meant for, you are polluting their sacredness. They're songs meant to convey great meaning, a sentiment. Using them as background accompany for your political candidate is not ok! (By any political candidate, anywhere, ever!)

By hijacking the songs, you pollute and sully their original intention, their essense and meaning. Its just like going to an art museum, taking a painting off the wall, then going out to the parking lot and using it to dry up the oil slick under your old, beaten up monster truck.

Oy, what knuckleheads.

A Small Note On Early Voting

I am encouraging you (yes, You!) to go ahead and vote early, if you can possibly manage it. Why? Because on Election Day, from what I have personally gathered, there are going to be a lot of first-time voters, etc. Why not do your little part to make lines a little shorter on the big day by going and casting your vote early? If you are a die-hard political devotee and already have your mind made up, why not just go ahead? Just a gentle suggestion. :)

The Loose Cannon That Is Sarah Palin

The choice of Sarah Palin as John McCain's VP running mate looked even more bizarre this Sunday as I read my usual three morning newspapers. (I do love my newspapers, and I'm old and like to hear the sound of the rustling paper pages turning, and the whole business.)

In sum, it would seem from what I've been reading that Palin is really outer limits -- even more so than we have probably imagined. How? Oh, as in referring to the campaign during a recent speech as the "Palin-McCain" campaign. And, upon hearing that McCain camp had decided to pull out of Michigan, Palin issued her own independent statement questioning the decision, stating she felt they ought to "stay in there and fight it out".

So, it would seem that the "little miss" they chose as some sort of calculated distraction (or whatever she is - religious right vote attracter?) hasn't just inadvertently stolen the spotlight. She's openly admitted she'd like to steal the whole show and become president one day. (Yes, really.) Her head has become this huge inflated entity, just like McCain's ego. Yikes! And, both of them on the same ticket. God, help us.

With Obama-Biden looking stronger with each poll, things look promising. But, just the mere thought of McPalin winning is enough to give me a rash! So, I will keep working, praying for change.

The psychological implications of having four more years of nutty psychos running my country compels me to keep pushing forward, personally as well as politically. I hope that you are being driven to do the same.

O.J. Simpson's luck runs out -- and his victims families must be thrilled.

(Well, normally I don't blog on weekends because its against my "detachment code". But, oh, is this an exception!)

Late Friday evening, Simpson was convicted of about 13 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping for having held a lot of two or three collectibles dealers at gun point in a low-end casino in Las Vegas.

Seeing as how he "wrote" a book called "(If) I Did It", and has arrogantly thumbed his nose in the faces of his victims' families for years, how do you think the families are feeling right now? You don't have to think. You already know!

He's been on some sort of a "hall pass" from justice for the past 13 years. And, it certainly wasn't due to the forces of good! Oh, what will Yale Galanter do now? Maybe he'll get some effing self respect. And, maybe his murdering, sociopath of a client will finally STAY incarcerated where he belongs. Amen, literally.

A victory, not only for the families of Nicole Brown-Simpson and Ron Goldman, but for victims and their families awaiting justice everywhere. This shows that justice delayed isn't always justice denied. And, that if you give a fool enough rope to hang himself with, he'll eventually find a way to do it.

Some weekend silliness. :)

Hello all. Before I head out of town for the weekend, I thought that I would post this snippet. Its an odd article that I swiped off Reuters that is sure to make you snicker (or, scratch your head...)


"Spermicide Coke, stale chips research wins Ig Nobels"
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 11:1PM UTC

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A researcher who figured out that Coke explodes sperm and scientists who discovered that people will happily eat stale chips if they crunch loudly enough won alternative "Ig Nobel" prizes Thursday.

Other winners included physicists who found out that anything that can tangle, will tangle and a team of biologists who ascertained that dog fleas jump farther than cat fleas.

The Ig Nobels honor real research, but are meant as a funny alternative to next week's deadly serious Nobel prizes for medicine, chemistry, physics, economics, literature and peace.

Awarded by the editors of the Annals of Improbable Research, a scientific humor magazine, the prizes are based on published research, some intended to be humorous but often not. Usually the "honored" researchers go along with the joke.

Deborah Anderson of Boston University Medical Center and colleagues were awarded the chemistry prize for a 1985 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that found Coca-Cola kills sperm.

She said she was serious in testing the soft drink because women were using it in a douche as a contraceptive and, later, to try to protect themselves from the AIDS virus.

"It definitely wouldn't work as a contraceptive because sperm swims so fast," Anderson said. But Coke made with sugar quickly kills sperm, she said, probably because sperm soak it up. "The sperm just kind of explode," she said in a telephone interview.

It kills the AIDS virus too, she said.

The Ig Nobel committee made up a "nutrition prize" to go to Massimiliano Zampini of the University of Trento, Italy and Charles Spence of Britain's Oxford University, who tricked people into thinking they were eating fresh potato chips by playing them loud, crunching sounds when they bit one.

The biology prize goes to a French team that found dog fleas can jump higher than cat fleas, while the medicine prize was awarded to a team at Duke University in North Carolina who showed that high-priced placebos work better than cheap fake medicine.

Dorian Raymer of the Scripps Institution in San Diego and a colleague won the physics prize for demonstrating mathematically why hair or a ball of string will inevitably tangle itself in knots.

The peace prize was given to the Swiss Federal Ethics Committee on Non-Human Biotechnology for adopting the legal principle that plants have moral standing and dignity. There is a website explaining this: http://www.ekah.admin.ch/en/topics/dignity-of-creation/index.html.

A team at The University of Sao Paulo in Brazil won a special archaeology prize for showing how an armadillo can mess up an archaeological dig.

The economics prize went to researchers at the University of New Mexico who learned that a professional lap dancer earns bigger tips when she is most fertile, while David Sims of Cass Business School in London won the literature prize "for his lovingly written study 'You Bastard: A Narrative Exploration of the Experience of Indignation within Organizations'," the committee said.

Past winners include the creator of the plastic pink flamingo, a researcher who recorded a mallard duck sodomizing a dead drake and a doctor who cured hiccups by applying digital rectal massage.

(Reporting by Maggie Fox, editing by Anthony Boadle)

Biden, the statesman, shined -- Palin did a "gosh golly"

Tonights debate was a bit more spirited and interesting. In sum, Biden held up quite well, made his points concisely (or, as brief as he could for Biden), and his brilliance shone. He challenged Palin but not to excess. I felt he stuck more to making his own presense "sure" with the audience rather than focusing squarely on Palin. And, the winking!

Palin was quite scripted, even uttering a "gosh golly" at one point! She held up better than I thought she would, and now, I think she will quiet inner Republican party nerves going forward. She couldn't "invent" credentials obviously, but did refer to her governorship of Alaska as "executive experience". Ummm, not so sure about that, but I think she did as well as could be expected.

But, Biden took the win, and tonight may have helped some undecided voters reach a decision. Meanwhile, I think already-decideds are staying put!

Let's see what happens in blogs and press on Thursday eve and Friday morn.

Seduction, Beauty & Politics / The "Caribou Barbie" Haiku

SEDUCTION, BEAUTY, & POLITICS:

I'm all about poetry. But, I must say that in addition to this election lacking any sort of formidable debate or rhetoric thus far, it has also lacked beauty. Yes, I said beauty. I'm speaking about the psychology of what I term "Seduction Politics". Its my little pet concept, nothing to google.

I'm speaking about the art of highly educated, uber-entrenched candidates, seeking to engage in impressive "job interview"-like speeches morphed with charismatic, seductive charm in which they subtly woo an American electorate. An electorate they wish to serve and look after, sincerely. I'm thinking: ala JFK, RFK, Clinton, and even Carter. (My love of politics and history has convinced me that the concept does exist, but seems embodied in only a select few.)

But this year, I don't see much seduction! Instead, we've got what we've got. I do recognize and salute Obama, and I believe he's of the "seductive" variety. But, I wonder: where's his passion and righteous anger over the state of our country? His speech earlier this year at the Berlin Wall was electric! It was an incredible glimpse of his statesmanship that we aren't seeing enough of. That "rock star", saucy charisma needs to penetrate his veneer again, and much more before November.

So ends my seduction-inspired political rant. Now, to end todays post, I'm all about focusing my frustrations this day on "John McEvil" and "Caribou Barbie". Why? Among other reasons because they'd rather "game-play" and grandstand instead of "romance". They are users who want something for nothing. They don't want to love or serve America.

If there were ever a time America needed hope and inspirational rhetoric out of candidates, its now. Instead, we've got the below:

----------------------------
THE "CARIBOU BARBIE" HAIKU:

No, its not an ode to Palin. It couldve been one to Obama -- and, in the coming weeks, one will likely be written in honor of him. Sometimes, works are made to riddicule rather than honor. Hence, my wreck of a "Caribou Barbie" haiku.

In light of the fact that all McCain seems to want to do is rape, pillage, and patronize America, I let out a nauseated sigh. And, he's trying to engineer it all with his partner in crime, "Caribou Barbie" Palin!!!

So, in disgust and rebellion, I offer an embarrassingly awful haiku in response. (And, I dedicate the haiku to a cool someone named Paul.):::


"Caribou Barbie - she was once just for Alaska;

Then, McShame, he went insane!

Via osmosis, a policy expert be?

On tv, if she falls in debate, will they hear the thud all the way up in NYC????"



(*Eewww....Oh, that stunk....!)

No, I'm not fooled: I stick to my 'Palin' analy

Some of my fellow political peeps are saying that us Obama-Biden faithful are falling into a Republican "trap" if we make the mistake of underestimating Palin, thinking her stupid.

Well, I don't underestimate her in that her ability to be nasty (combined with the nastiness of the Repub machine behind her) has the ability to exert plenty of damage. So, I take her "seriously" on that. But, the ability to be politically powerful and intelligent/sane at the same time isn't a given.

I'll never accept that she's a political or personal brainiac -- I refuse to believe she's "playing dumb" to curry sympathy or project an image as strategy. With her neanderthal points of view on everything from women's rights to religion, there's no way she's smart on the "down low". Without her "Republican" affiliation and the manipulators behind her, she couldn't think or speak her way out of a wet paper bag on the world stage.

So, no, I don't take her seriously -- still. I do, however, take the cronies behind her seriously, though.

a random rant: McCain-Palin

I've quite a few thoughts on McCain-Palin this day:

McCAIN - At hospital today, I was subjected to his CNN-televised press conference. (On a gurney and IV'd, I couldn't escape!). He carried on and on, re: what he'd do, who he would fire to make amends for the current economic crisis. I noticed after each "sound bite", he literally took an active pause -- not only for reaction, but during which, the look on his face was so transparent: "Are they really believing what I'm saying???". Pardon me, but WTF?

No, I'm not surprised. But, as a keen observer of the politically nonverbal, I was refreshingly disgusted. The man himself clearly doesn't even believe his own lies and BS. Even as deluded as he is, he STILL doesn't. After this, I might be somewhat inclined to believe that subconcious guilt or regret over his "real" past agenda (re: economics/dereg) was in his mind somewhere. But, eh, NO. He's too much of a historical political Whore...

PALIN - The debate with Joe Biden is almost upon us. Why are people trying to anticipate her "performance"? The woman is VOID! In every way. And, her only "political" role, period, is as a distraction, a manipulation, and an insult to America's politically literate. (And, if you're "unwise" enough to be a party faithful Repub, she's a double insult. If you don't see it, you're blind.)

This will be a "nothing" event, just like last Fridays McCain-Obama debate. But, it can't even be or compare to that, really. You can't have a "debate" of Biden v Palin; they're unequally yoked, the gap is too wide to bridge. What you can "have" is a polite sparing on issues that could turn on Biden. Palin -- she'll come out of it no different. She can't look any more stupid, any more intelligent. She's nothing. And, neither is McCain.

Obama says McCain would gamble with retirement funds: Ummm, Yep.

So, Reuters is reporting today that Barack Obama has said that he feels John McCain would (if president) "gamble" with Social Security and other retirement funds by subjecting them to the stock market.

When I read this, I was reminded of several years ago when "W" went on his multi-state "reform Social Security" campaign. (Remember that, eh?!) Up until that time, riding a wave of utter popularity, he was sooooo sure Americans would embrace his S.S. reforms. (After all, it was a time when everything he did was golden, while at the same time, you could get investigated by the IRS if you were a Dem or something.)

Handing over a part of Social Security funds so that they could be handled by investment bankers, others, and ultimately the stock market, was the plan. Let's "Privitize Social Security", Bush advocated.

Well, Americans in droves, let him know that they thought the whole idea sucked major a#*! He even got booed in town hall meetings for it. The plan stunk, and it still does. Why? It takes unforseen risks with a vital part of American survival that virtually every American depends on (or will) in the future. It must remain unshakable, solvent. And, if Bush, et al, had been allowed to go forth with that plan, where would Social Security be right now? Likely not in a very good way.

Would McCain actually try and do the same thing? Given his penchant for getting involved with bankers and his past history (S&L crisis), it's likely. This is a man who has quietly encouraged deregulation of business and markets rather than the monitoring of them -- for a long time now.

So, despite the current market debacle, I think he'd be stupid enough to try, easily swayed by those with a vested interest. And, like a typical Republican, he wouldn't give a damn what Americans thought about it, either.

What is the "psychology" aspect of this? Well, for starters, its disturbing that Bush or McCain would try and risk Social Security. Many Americans depend on their existence from the funds, and many who work look forward to having an accumulation of those funds (in part) to aid their retirement. That's why it was created, so people could have that sense of stability -- Government-backed and sure.

The fact that Bush and others would disturb the inner peace of so many is dispicable to me. Under the guise of reform, they said its necessary. But, the fact that it just happens to be linked to Republican "friends" and Wall Street cronies makes the whole thing just reek! :(

U.S. Government "Bails Out" Wall Street, Others: Yet Another reason this stinks!

This week, we've seen several Wall Street firms plummet, then quickly rescued (among other entities). What do these bail outs of firms say to the average U.S. Citizen? In my opinion, they say "screw you".

Why? Despite the nation reeling in economic crisis, with millions losing their homes each month, it took MONTHS for Congress to even debate assistance to homeowners. Yet, the government agreed within DAYS to step in and help Wall Street companies.

That says it all: If there was ever a time when a government has shown more cruel, almost sociopathic indifference toward its own citizenry, it is NOW. (Note: With the exception of post-Katrina New Orleans.)

Disagree with me? Oh, but why? Let's argue about it. Post me.

apology

Hello all. I apologize for the absence of new posts -- I've been ill lately. I am also having related surgery next Tuesday. I promise to write as long as I'm able. Daily postings to return as soon as is possible. Meanwhile, your comments on existing posts would be lovely. ;)

Hurricane, Part II

Here's a great link from the American Psychological Association (APA), about how to emotionally prepare for hurricanes. Useful for future reference.

http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=182

Is Obama Mounting A "Comeback"?

Several days ago, I pondered out loud if (partially inspired by a rockin' Bill Clinton endorsement on September 12th) Barack Obama was about to start campaigning again with renewed energy and vigor. Well, it certainly looks like it.

Not only is this article from Reuters discussing activities of this type being seen in the Obama canpaign; but, on a personal note, I've gotten 4 emails in the last 2 days from the Obama campaign regarding local efforts on his behalf. I've never gotten that many grassroots emails from the Obama campaign before, period.

http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/ShortArticle/p.rdt/CPOL/npoliticsNews_uUSN1248432920080913

Hurricane Ike and PTSD

I'm watching CNN, viewing all of the coverage surrounding Hurricane Ike. I cannot help but feel great concern for many in the Gulf, a large number of whom have preexisting PTSD related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many are undoubtedly "re-living" (to some extent) prior trauma and being flooded with bad memories. (Some of the folks I'm thinking of are my own friends and family living in Texas.)

How accessible is counseling or community-based help (support groups) in shelters or in areas to which many have fled? Are efforts being made to help people mentally, not just physically?

Red Cross = yes. American Psychological Association (APA) or National Association of Social Workers (NASW)? No known organized efforts as of yet.

I'm waiting!!!! If you're a helping professional, please get out there and reach out, people! You are needed! Don't wait for them to come to you! Go to hotels and shelters and work it! :). Lending your sympathetic ear could make an extraordinary, healing difference to many.

Bill Clinton backs Obama on 9/11/2008: Could This Spark Barack?

Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton had lunch today in New York, with Clinton agreeing to campaign for Obama and support him in his bid for the presidency.

Could this be just what Obama needed in order to psychologically re-energize his campaign? (Given that it has been in a malaise since the Democratic National Convention in Denver, this would be a great time for Barack to reboot. How many people get an offer and support like this from BILL?!)

And, was this done on 9/11 to signify something greater? What do you think?

9/11 Observances: Civil, thus far.

According to this article from Reuters, concerted efforts at a "cease fire" between Obama and McCain have been planned in observance of September 11th. Will it hold? How well?

http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/FullArticle/p.rdt/CTOP/ntopNews_uUSN1114675720080911)

9/11 Anniversary: 2008 People-Watching

Today marks the anniversary of September 11th, 2001, the worst day in American history.

From a psychological point of view (as well as a political one), I anxiously wait to see how Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin will choose to mark the day. With respectful, mature remembrances overall that are rooted in care and sincerity? Or, just the mere obligatory appearances that emit an aura of detachment?

Given current petty diversions into "lipsticked pig" territory, I hope to God that some campaign idiot doesn't have the utter audacity to "piggyback" this anniversary. Attempts to manipulate the obvious wouldn't shock me. If so, though, it could serve to further many people's grief, trauma, and anger, for starters.

We shall see.

So begins PSYCH•SOUP:

Welcome to PSYCH SOUP, a weblog devoted to psychology and mental health, intermingled with Progressive politics.

Weekly issues will be posted for discussion and debate on topics ranging from elections, PTSD, and government policy in mental health (for starters). And, suggestions regarding potential topics are welcomed.