Month: September 2024

I’m Puzzled

I’m puzzled and, frankly, alarmed!  Donald Trump appears to enjoy widespread support among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Would someone please explain how ethically scrupulous Mormons, of all people, can respect a morally bankrupt, misogynistic, xenophobic, convicted rapist/felon, and pathological liar; ol’ “grab ‘em by the pussy” Donald?

What am I missing?  Please enlighten me.

A Clear and Present Danger

For America’s Democracy, the potentially devastating impact of Donald J. Trump’s “Malignant Personality Disorder” (NPD) cannot be enough repeated or overstated. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) defines (NPD) as, “a persistent manner of grandiosity, a continuous desire for admiration, along with a lack of empathy. It starts in early adulthood and occurs in a range of situations, as signified by the existence of any 5 of the next 9 standards,

  • A grandiose logic of self-importance
  • A fixation with fantasies of infinite success, control, brilliance, beauty or idyllic love
  • A credence that he or she is extraordinary and exceptional and can only be understood by, or should connect with, other extraordinary or important people or institutions
  • A desire for unwarranted admiration
  • A sense of entitlement
  • Interpersonal oppressive behavior
  • No form of empathy
  • Resentment of others or a conviction that others are resentful of him or her”

Nine for nine folks!  A slam-dunk!

DSM5 does not define “Malignant Narcissism.” Campbell’s Psychiatric Dictionary describes it as combining characteristics of Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders with aggression and paranoia, making the patient not only delusional but potentially dangerous!

For America’s Democracy, Donald J. Trump must never again be within gunshot range of the Oval Office.

Self-evident Truths

Age 87, a few truths seem self-evident.  None is mine.  All are rooted in others’ wisdom. 

  1. Now, this instant, is the only “time” there is.
  2. I control my thoughts, muscles, and impulses.
  3. Worry and regret waste time and energy.
  4. Do what needs to be done.
  5. I act out of ignorance, fear, and anger, or wisdom, courage, and love.
  6. Happiness is our default.  Suffering is our choice.
  7. Don’t concoct suffering.
  8. I’m only here to help.
  9. Eliminate self-cherishing.