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.