I am concerned that there is a growing problem in my profession, and I'm hoping that you will share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this page. Here's the problem: I have noticed that some of my colleagues openly despise a certain segment of the population.

Don't get me wrong - psychology may be the friendliest profession in the world. Where else will someone take such pains to truly understand you and whatever problem you are facing? We pride ourselves on our appreciation of diversity, our tolerance, and our love of humanity... unless you happen to be politically conservative.

The field of psychology seems to house a special animosity toward conservatives. Since joining the stable of Psychology Today bloggers, I have been astounded at the open hostility that is displayed on these pages. For example...

• One blogger titled a post: "Republicans on health care: vicious, or just plain stupid?" Those are the only options? Reasonable people cannot disagree?
• Also on the topic of healthcare reform, a different blogger described critics as "idiotic spittle-spewing town hall demonstrators ranting about communism." How open-minded.
• Another blogger openly mocks enthusiastic Sarah Palin supporters. If there is a similar entry mocking Obama supporters, I can't find it.
• Another blogger dismisses legitimate concerns of conservatives as paranoia. This is a transparent attempt to kill debate through ad-hominem attack.
• Yet another has endorsed a fatally-flawed study suggesting that conservatives are dogmatic, narrow-minded, and less intelligent than liberals. The study itself is nothing more than name-calling on steroids.

I could go on. All of that is in keeping with psychology's tradition of vilifying people on the right. My profession has published several scientific-looking "studies" illustrating the mental and personal deficiencies of conservatives. To my knowledge, there are no similar studies aimed at liberals. Nor should there be.