I was three years old when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, thus hastening our participation in World War II. Throughout the war, right up until the treaty was signed, the reigning terrors were that our loved ones would be killed while fighting for our country; the mainland might be hit; just a generalized fear of any country that could produce people as crazy as Kamikaze pilots.
The movies Reds and Dr. Zhivago were good examples of using sound effects to demonstrate changes in Russia and surrounding countries. Noise and speed and loud swelling music demonstrated how fast communism was thrust upon the world. In one of them, it shows a rather mild mannered socialist college student being transformed into Lenin. The wheels and noise and speed of the train Lenin rode across his country exemplifies the speed, noise and shock with which communism hit the world. It left in it's wake the American fear that there might be a communist hiding behind every bush. McCarthyism spread throughout America as well as our government, ruining lives and careers of many people, some of them innocent.
After the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, every small village in the world wanted to own them. Most still do. During the cold war, this was the fad of fears. It was the "in" thing hanging over our heads. Some more fearful people, who also had the dollars, built underground shelters to protect them when the end came.
But the cold war ended and saner heads prevailed. Wise people in wise countries began to dismantle nuclear arsenals. Fears began to subside a little.
Concurrent with nuclear fears were fears of what would happen to human body parts if we didn't use them enough. Some people became obsessed cyclists and walked as often as possible to make sure the species did not evolve without legs.
During the time of the military draft, people feared their fathers, sons, their mates would be called up to be sent to some Asian country to fight for some other government. But the worst of the fear became that when they got home their minds and hearts would be so scarred they would never totally recover.
All these wars in the Middle East keep bringing up the "petrol fear". What would happen if Americans got cut off from their petrol source? Ho hum! You mean we might have to cut back to one car per family? We might have to walk six blocks to see a friend? Our lives might even become less harried and complicated if we didn't have to rush back out to soccer games, etc.
Then there is the fear of losing our natural resources. We were urged to keep our waterways clean and to conserve everything. Then there came the fear of losing it all to global warming, which quite possibly has nothing to do with people. It may just be a natural cycle of the world.
And now we have the fear of terrorism. These crazies are worse than the Japanese pilots. They strike whomever, whenever, wherever they can find security is weak or lapsed.
There is last, but not least, the fear of losing it all to illegal aliens -- to drug cartels -- to gun infested gangs -- to crazy snipers.
When you have lived as long as I, you will have been cognizant that fears tend to run in trends. Some of them are quite real. Some represent borrowing trouble.
The best way not to become paralyzed by the fears is to learn as much as possible. Then you take reasonable steps to protect you and yours. In religious homes, we pray and ask for God's protection of us all. Then, we live our lives to the fullest. The best revenge on terrorists and fear mongers is to live our lives to the maximum and richest extent. Do not let them win.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Global Warming
If we were to ask the citizens of the United States a series of questions related to getting at their true feelings, I believe we would find that they do not disagree that we are experiencing global warming in this world. Some just might not fall into line about the reason for it.
Proponents of a "green" ecology tend to ignore historical facts when spinning their alarm stories. There have been several Ice Ages and subsequent meltdowns. I believe I'm not stretching the point too far by saying these meltdowns would be considered global warming.
We Americans have grown rather cynical over the generations because of misinformation that our scientists have provided us. Just think of the science pertaining to healthy bodies. We were to quit butter and red meats. Following that we had to cut out chicken fat. Butter then became better for us than the fake alternatives. We were to use canola or olive oil, preferably the latter. Some other oils are now being suggested. Today, white breads and pastas are no nos. Then we have the poor oppressed onion. God forbid we should eat a sweet one that looks just like a strong and bitter one. Eggs were out but now they're in. I could go on and on, but you have my drift. We are supposed to adjust ourselves continually because science is still basically in it's infancy. What they know for sure one day is hogwash the next. Maybe we should just quit eating altogether.
Now, where the current hogwash is, pertaining to global warming, is the recurring theme that it wouldn't be happening if it weren't for humans dirtying up the planet. Several ice ages and their meltdowns not only call this into question -- but turn it into a downright lie.
The first known ice age was about 2.3 billion years ago. Another biggie was 600 million years ago. Then 450 million and 300 million years ago. Each one lasted twenty to fifty million years. The one we are most familiar with began about two million years ago and lasted until about ten thousand years ago when it began a meltdown that continues to this day. The start of this last ice age coincides with the start of "skillful man", our predecessor.
But, you see, scientists and "greenspeakers" don't believe the common man can think for himself. So, they gloss over the lessons of history and expect us to align ourselves to their way of thinking and their baby science steps.
Is modern man contributing to the ozone holes and global warming? Possibly. But will agonizing over every little infraction of the rules stop global warming? Hardly. We weren't here crapping up the planet when they happened before, were we? And what stopped it then? Even scientists probably don't know that. Perhaps they should consult the creator of the universe. I'll bet He knows.
Now, do we humans need to be worried about other aspects of our environment? You bet we do. We need cleaner air just for easier breathing much less C.O.P.D. We need cleaner fuel. We need to increase the use of wind and solar power. We need to stop dumping sewage and trash into our waterways. We need to do every little thing we possibly can to conserve our fuel and our water resources. We need to recycle, use less and preserve as much as we can.
But don't lie to me again and tell me this global warming is all our fault. We weren't here when a number of the meltdowns happened in the past.
And, oh yes, does the EPA need an additional almost 20 per cent to sit around the office being hateful to those of us who call in with genuine concerns? I don't think so. Ask them what they have done about the smell of burning medical waste and flesh that several of us have reported in my neck of the woods. What they need is to get off their duffs and start doing the jobs they are already being paid to do.
Proponents of a "green" ecology tend to ignore historical facts when spinning their alarm stories. There have been several Ice Ages and subsequent meltdowns. I believe I'm not stretching the point too far by saying these meltdowns would be considered global warming.
We Americans have grown rather cynical over the generations because of misinformation that our scientists have provided us. Just think of the science pertaining to healthy bodies. We were to quit butter and red meats. Following that we had to cut out chicken fat. Butter then became better for us than the fake alternatives. We were to use canola or olive oil, preferably the latter. Some other oils are now being suggested. Today, white breads and pastas are no nos. Then we have the poor oppressed onion. God forbid we should eat a sweet one that looks just like a strong and bitter one. Eggs were out but now they're in. I could go on and on, but you have my drift. We are supposed to adjust ourselves continually because science is still basically in it's infancy. What they know for sure one day is hogwash the next. Maybe we should just quit eating altogether.
Now, where the current hogwash is, pertaining to global warming, is the recurring theme that it wouldn't be happening if it weren't for humans dirtying up the planet. Several ice ages and their meltdowns not only call this into question -- but turn it into a downright lie.
The first known ice age was about 2.3 billion years ago. Another biggie was 600 million years ago. Then 450 million and 300 million years ago. Each one lasted twenty to fifty million years. The one we are most familiar with began about two million years ago and lasted until about ten thousand years ago when it began a meltdown that continues to this day. The start of this last ice age coincides with the start of "skillful man", our predecessor.
But, you see, scientists and "greenspeakers" don't believe the common man can think for himself. So, they gloss over the lessons of history and expect us to align ourselves to their way of thinking and their baby science steps.
Is modern man contributing to the ozone holes and global warming? Possibly. But will agonizing over every little infraction of the rules stop global warming? Hardly. We weren't here crapping up the planet when they happened before, were we? And what stopped it then? Even scientists probably don't know that. Perhaps they should consult the creator of the universe. I'll bet He knows.
Now, do we humans need to be worried about other aspects of our environment? You bet we do. We need cleaner air just for easier breathing much less C.O.P.D. We need cleaner fuel. We need to increase the use of wind and solar power. We need to stop dumping sewage and trash into our waterways. We need to do every little thing we possibly can to conserve our fuel and our water resources. We need to recycle, use less and preserve as much as we can.
But don't lie to me again and tell me this global warming is all our fault. We weren't here when a number of the meltdowns happened in the past.
And, oh yes, does the EPA need an additional almost 20 per cent to sit around the office being hateful to those of us who call in with genuine concerns? I don't think so. Ask them what they have done about the smell of burning medical waste and flesh that several of us have reported in my neck of the woods. What they need is to get off their duffs and start doing the jobs they are already being paid to do.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
School Shootings
We've all heard the expression, "different strokes for different folks". This is based on Transactional Analysis, a somewhat popular form of therapy which lends itself well to groups. The statement is based, as well, on theories like those of Rudolph Dreikurs, M.D. who tells of reasons for misbehavior -- need for attention, power struggles, assumed disabilities and revenge.
Let's analyze School Shootings from a psychologist's point of view for a bit. An average child is going to get a lot of attention in the beginning. Parents usually receive them with a great deal of pride and love. But not all children with average needs are born into average or normal situations.
Some children simply are not wanted. Others, though loved, are neglected due to lack of funds, parents working multiple jobs, Moms who spend all their working hours on charities or even parents who spend so much time at church activities that the kids take a back seat. These kids don't get as much attention as they need. Like greasing the squeaky wheel, these parents tend to take a Band-Aid approach to child rearing. They pay attention when there is a problem, but quickly go back to s. o. p. when the status quo is reached. Children of parents like this learn to act up to get attention. They also have a lot of autonomy and power in their homes. A school classroom can threaten this autonomy, causing kids to engage the teacher or other students in power struggles. A teacher who becomes embroiled in such struggles has already lost. The trick is to avoid the confrontation. A power struggle cannot exist without two or more participants. One cannot have one alone.
An assumed disability can be a child thinking he's not good at math, so doesn't try. Or it can be a child who doesn't put forth effort to find friends because he/she has had no success in previous attempts. With the prevalence of bullying in school and in cyberspace, these kids often fall victims.
And then there is revenge mode. This is where kids get back at parents, teachers, fellow students and even strangers for all the bad things that have happened to them in their young lives. Of course, you can all see that this is where school shooters, adults who go "postal" and office attacks fall into place.
We had our share of bullies back in the fifties when I was in high school, but bullying opportunities were not really so easy to find back then. For one thing, parents were more supportive of classroom teachers. Now, not so much. Every other set of parents is in the classroom telling the teachers how to do their jobs and threatening trouble if teachers discipline their kids. The children catch onto this and show less respect -- and certainly no fear -- to and of the teacher.
Bullying is such a big deal anymore that hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about a new episode in class, on the playground or on the internet. Kids can either internalize the bullying, which causes depression even to the point of suicide, or they can externalize it and strike out at the bullies, the unloving teachers, the busy, distracted parents, the world.
But there is a further factor in the creation of a school shooter or "postal" employee. It is as follows. The average, run of the mill kids -- most of us -- are never going to be heard of outside of their hometowns. They are never going to get their names on the national news, especially the news programs that ignore good behavior and focus on the bad like crime and sudden deaths. Good behavior, even if deemed newsworthy, gets a very small percentage of the sound bites each day.
So, our kids who have received insufficient attention . . . who have learned to engage others in power struggles . . . who have learned they are not as worthy as a straight A student or a prom queen . . . who have reached a stage of utter revenge are now learning weekly that if they shoot up a school or a playground, their names will never be forgotten, perhaps even worldwide. Their names will be repeated often right after the shooting, then on the annual anniversary, at five years, etc., ad nauseam.
Now, keep in mind that the distracted parents, the frustrated teachers, the mean classmates, the prettier, smarter, more likeable children have left this revenge seeker emotionally flawed, if not downright psychotic. Plus, if they shoot up the school they will have the attention they've always craved -- instantaneously. And their names will never be forgotten.
If you were this kid, what would you do?
But how can we take preventive measures? Love and pay attention to our kids. See they get their basic emotional as well as physical needs met. See that they "respect" others. Take off the pressure to be the best at everything. Stop the constant competition. Quit being Tiger Moms. Make sure our schools hire loving and dedicated teachers who help kids fit in and who teach them to treat each other well. Find ways to give kids attention for positive behavior -- all kids, not just the gifted and athletic. Teach them to love and respect each other and their elders. Work with them at their level of learning and understanding. Give them positive feedback for each successive approximation to their learning goals. Be good role models ourselves. Oh, yes, if someone calls the local authorities to report a child as dangerous, get the kid some help. A casual stop by of a team of officers is not sufficient to stave off problems. Recent events show that clearly.
And stop publicizing the ones who commit bad and evil acts. Once we learn how to rear healthy, happy, constructive children, we won't have to worry about gun or knife or terror controls. We won't need them. The problem is not the weapons. The problem is the rearing, the educating and the plain old caring -- for everyone.
Let's analyze School Shootings from a psychologist's point of view for a bit. An average child is going to get a lot of attention in the beginning. Parents usually receive them with a great deal of pride and love. But not all children with average needs are born into average or normal situations.
Some children simply are not wanted. Others, though loved, are neglected due to lack of funds, parents working multiple jobs, Moms who spend all their working hours on charities or even parents who spend so much time at church activities that the kids take a back seat. These kids don't get as much attention as they need. Like greasing the squeaky wheel, these parents tend to take a Band-Aid approach to child rearing. They pay attention when there is a problem, but quickly go back to s. o. p. when the status quo is reached. Children of parents like this learn to act up to get attention. They also have a lot of autonomy and power in their homes. A school classroom can threaten this autonomy, causing kids to engage the teacher or other students in power struggles. A teacher who becomes embroiled in such struggles has already lost. The trick is to avoid the confrontation. A power struggle cannot exist without two or more participants. One cannot have one alone.
An assumed disability can be a child thinking he's not good at math, so doesn't try. Or it can be a child who doesn't put forth effort to find friends because he/she has had no success in previous attempts. With the prevalence of bullying in school and in cyberspace, these kids often fall victims.
And then there is revenge mode. This is where kids get back at parents, teachers, fellow students and even strangers for all the bad things that have happened to them in their young lives. Of course, you can all see that this is where school shooters, adults who go "postal" and office attacks fall into place.
We had our share of bullies back in the fifties when I was in high school, but bullying opportunities were not really so easy to find back then. For one thing, parents were more supportive of classroom teachers. Now, not so much. Every other set of parents is in the classroom telling the teachers how to do their jobs and threatening trouble if teachers discipline their kids. The children catch onto this and show less respect -- and certainly no fear -- to and of the teacher.
Bullying is such a big deal anymore that hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about a new episode in class, on the playground or on the internet. Kids can either internalize the bullying, which causes depression even to the point of suicide, or they can externalize it and strike out at the bullies, the unloving teachers, the busy, distracted parents, the world.
But there is a further factor in the creation of a school shooter or "postal" employee. It is as follows. The average, run of the mill kids -- most of us -- are never going to be heard of outside of their hometowns. They are never going to get their names on the national news, especially the news programs that ignore good behavior and focus on the bad like crime and sudden deaths. Good behavior, even if deemed newsworthy, gets a very small percentage of the sound bites each day.
So, our kids who have received insufficient attention . . . who have learned to engage others in power struggles . . . who have learned they are not as worthy as a straight A student or a prom queen . . . who have reached a stage of utter revenge are now learning weekly that if they shoot up a school or a playground, their names will never be forgotten, perhaps even worldwide. Their names will be repeated often right after the shooting, then on the annual anniversary, at five years, etc., ad nauseam.
Now, keep in mind that the distracted parents, the frustrated teachers, the mean classmates, the prettier, smarter, more likeable children have left this revenge seeker emotionally flawed, if not downright psychotic. Plus, if they shoot up the school they will have the attention they've always craved -- instantaneously. And their names will never be forgotten.
If you were this kid, what would you do?
But how can we take preventive measures? Love and pay attention to our kids. See they get their basic emotional as well as physical needs met. See that they "respect" others. Take off the pressure to be the best at everything. Stop the constant competition. Quit being Tiger Moms. Make sure our schools hire loving and dedicated teachers who help kids fit in and who teach them to treat each other well. Find ways to give kids attention for positive behavior -- all kids, not just the gifted and athletic. Teach them to love and respect each other and their elders. Work with them at their level of learning and understanding. Give them positive feedback for each successive approximation to their learning goals. Be good role models ourselves. Oh, yes, if someone calls the local authorities to report a child as dangerous, get the kid some help. A casual stop by of a team of officers is not sufficient to stave off problems. Recent events show that clearly.
And stop publicizing the ones who commit bad and evil acts. Once we learn how to rear healthy, happy, constructive children, we won't have to worry about gun or knife or terror controls. We won't need them. The problem is not the weapons. The problem is the rearing, the educating and the plain old caring -- for everyone.
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