America is psychologically damaged...

[kentuck]

As Rep Jim McDermott, a psychiatrist by trade, there are effects to living in fear day after day after day and having your fears manipulated. As a Viet Nam veteran, I do see some similarities to the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (sp?) that was diagnosed in many vets after they returned from the war. Personally speaking, I had sleep disorders for many years after Viet Nam. Because when one is under stress or there is fear of being attacked, your mind does not permit your body to completely relax and go to sleep. You half-sleep. Ready to move at a moment's notice. Over a period of time, this wears on your body and your psychological well-being.

In a familiar manner, I see America experiencing a similar conditioning. But, it was not brought about by 9/11 as some might suggest. It has been brought about by the manipulation of the fears after 9/11. You can read some of the posts here on DU and you can see that some people are at the point where something has to give. Either they return to a more "normal" state or they will suffer psychological damage, as will much of America.

[Cheswick2.0]

1. I agree

I don't manipulate easily, but I do feel damaged by watching it happen to everyone else. I feel like I am living in bizarro world, hearing about what a great guy bush is.

[QuietStorm]

2. manipulation of the fears after 9/11

Yes I agree with that.

[bpilgrim]

3. the media programming since 911 has been FEAR

and that is why i cancelled cable i do not want to expose myself to that but more importantly my children.

peace

[leftofthedial]

4. cognitive dissonance

Life is increasingly disconnected from reality.

We are through the looking glass.

That is our problem.