December 17, 2012

In all the talk about mental illness,

we seem to be assuming that better access to mental health care can solve all these problems. NOT TRUE! There are many kinds of mental illnesses that we do not know how to treat, or our treatments are in a very early stage.

I will use depression as an example, as I have suffered with this for years. As I was growing up and into mid-adulthood, it wasn't even discussed. In the 1980's (I think) , we started getting the first really effective drugs and i and many others found a name and a diagnosis for what plagued us.

Fast forward to 2012 . There are a lot more drugs out there, most of which have side effects, and we know more about what causes some depression. But if you go to a psychiatrist for treatment, usually they will keep trying drugs until they find one that works. Even then, after a few years, it may stop working, and no one knows why. So, try something else. In addition, there are people who are not helped by drugs and/or therapy. Even electroshock treatment is not effective.

So, what happens to people who can't be helped, because of finances, no family support, and the lack of mental hospitals. Sometimes they just kill themselves, sometimes they live on the streets or under bridges. We do not take care of them. We are failing them as a society.There are people - including some children -who need to be in a humane mental hospital for their own protection and for the protection of others.

I am not trying to make any assertion about Adam Lanza: I am only saying that it is wrong to assume that there was effective treatMent available for him.

December 5, 2012

We've had a lot of threads about men and women lately. This one is NOT about rape.

It's about violence against women. Many of us know the author, Goldie Taylor, as a guest on various MSNBC shows. She writes about her own harrowing experience at the hands of her abuser.,as well as other women she has known who were abused or killed. Among the shocking statistics she includes is that the number one cause of death of pregnant women is homicide.

Many people wrote, as one poster said, without much emphaty for victims. Perhaps reading Goldie's story will help all understand better what it means to be a woman in a culture which can be very violent. (yes, I am a woman.)

http://tv.msnbc.com/2012/12/03/i-ran-out-half-naked-and-bleeding-i-tell-my-story-because-kasi-cannot-tell-hers/

November 11, 2012

I tried to find an up to date accounting of ALL the money spent on the 2 presidential campaigns.

Any one have a good link. NYT had a good summary, but it's way out of date. Thanks!

October 28, 2012

Heading home to VA on Ohio turnpike.

Just passed 7 utility trucks heading E to help with Sandy destruction. Those folks won't get much sleep for the next week. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

October 19, 2012

Prez O is defining Romnesia! nt

September 27, 2012

Well, I just made American Future Fund unhappy.

Got a robocall on my landline. I don't think they will like my answers. 2nd robocall this week.

September 24, 2012

Just got a robopoll.

It was on my land line. Not a push poll, but was specific as to Virginia congressional district.
Asked about gender, race, age, D, R, or I. Then asked about President Obama vs Rmoney, Kaine vs Allen, and Murphy vs Moran. In each case undecided was an option, but in the presidential there was no option of Goode (constitutional party) or Stein (green), both of whom are on the ballot.

Called themselves independent research. Anyone know who that is?

Hope I helped Prez continue rise in VA numbers!

July 12, 2012

I've been standingin line for 2.5 hours to get a ticket to see Prez Obama.

I'm here with a zillion other people most waiting very patiently.

Can you imagine the VIPs (or anyone else) doing this to hear Rmoney?

June 15, 2012

Complete video of Prez Obama's Cleveland speech

Ithought this was a very good speech, and so did the audience.

http://www.shallownation.com/2012/06/14/president-obama-cleveland-ohio-campaign-speech-video-june-14-2012-cuyahoga-community-college/

May 21, 2012

Walker Recall Challenge x-post

I don't live in WI, but today I wrote a check for $200 to Tom Barrett and another for $100 to the Recall Scott Walker campaign.

Who will join me with whatever you can donate today? Juns 6th is coming up fast, and apparently Walker is spending is 2 to 1 for Barrett.

Solidarity!!

http://www.barrettforwisconsin.com/splash

http://www.unitedwisconsin.com/recall-walker-reclaim-wisconsin

http://www.wisdems.org/splash2

http://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/tombarrett-thankyou?refcode=0520tbe1

I hope these are right: other people have posted links. I got these by googling and they seemed right.