Addiction in Society

Addiction--the thematic malady for our society--entails every type of psychological and societal problem.
Stanton Peele, Ph.D., J.D., has been researching and treating addiction since he wrote Love and Addiction (1975). He also wrote 7 Tools to Beat Addiction. See full bio

Comments on "Four Unpalatable Political-Psychological Truths -- Guaranteed to Offend Liberals and Conservatives Alike"

Bill O' vs. Murrow

Bill is actually permitting people to speak on his show now? That's amazing. I admit I never watched his interviews with Clinton or Obama because I figured it would just consist of what his previous interviews consisted of.

Obama: Well, Bill, you see, I disagree there...
Bill O': SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP What do you say to that?
Obama: Well, I'd have to reply that...
Bill O': SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! Typical liberal, won't even answer the questions! Next up on the No Spin Zone, be sure to buy my merchandise! Also, a morally destitute rapper has angered me and you should be angry too, because he's starting another war on Christmas! Be right back after this loofah... I mean... commercial break!

The rest are right on spot, though - especially #2.

There -- I offended a

There -- I offended a liberal -- one who repeats my final point about O'Reilly (that he is preoccupied with expressing his own positions), while the reader (a knight?) notes that he couldn't actually stand to watch O'Reilly engage Obama and Clinton (as he did so excellently) -- case proven!

'Fair and Balanced' Editorial?

The title of this editorial professes to divulge psychological-political truths that offend both liberals and conservatives. I would imagine that the target audience of Psychology Today and its blog is an intellectual one with a firm grip on psychology as a subject. As such, I would imagine that I am not the only one to see this title for what it is: a ploy to appear 'fair and balanced',to use the words of Mr. O'Reilly - to whom a cheap compliment is paid here in an attempt to further gain credibility as being even-handed and simply out for the truth. Your depiction of Gov. Palin as ignorant and as an extremist is insulting. I wonder whether you would attack other 'narrow minded' religious beliefs in this manner. Finally, to state that 'John McCain is not brave' is an affront to all Americans, especially those who have served and sacrificed for this country. There is no connection made to the football player that is referenced and the blanket statement made about Senator McCain's mettle is unsubstantiated.

True, the football statement

True, the football statement has no connection to McCain. He is not a bully and has taken numerous unpopular positions. This coming from a lifelong democrat. If anything, McCain's weakness is his anger and irritability. Unlike the other Republican clowns contesting for the spot, John McCain is a decent man. Even if I don't agree with him on how the country is best run, I don't think he is a bully or not brave. His military service is commendable, Republican or not, this is what it means to support the troops.

Right on, Kara!

It is absolutely disgusting that you hold a Ph.D. and dispense such narrow-minded and offensive filth. If you have listened to Sarah Palin speak, you've heard her say that while she holds particular Christian views, she doesn't impose those on other people or judge them for having different beliefs. You, however, oh enlightened one, are imposing your judgment on all Christians who have a faith different than yours.

Your disparaging comments about John McCain and military honor in general are extremely offensive to both military members and their families (as I fall in this group). If you disagree with McCain's policies or think Obama would be a better President, that's fine, but you should be ashamed for spewing such hateful remarks, reminiscent of the Vietnam days. Whether you agree with the military's plight or not, its members still risk (and sometimes lose) their lives in support of this country. And for that, they (John McCain included) deserve your respect, if nothing else.

As a student of psychology, I expect more from professionals in this field. And Americans should be able to expect more from our most educated, and presumably most intelligent, citizens.

Respect for McCain?

McCain volunteered to go to Vietnam and drop bombs on innocent people there. The people of Vietnam had never attacked the United States. This was an illegal, immoral war.

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