How to catch the nitwit vote.

Maybe Barack Obama is too much the professor. He should be teaching philosophy or political science at a university. Not serving as president of the United States. I have long thought that philosophers would make great presidents. But Obama is proving me wrong. He doesn't have the meanness and cheating moxie that makes for an effective politician. He's far too nice. Too honest. Too professorial. Ordinary people find it difficult to relate to philosophers and professors and honest souls. They speak over the heads of most people. In order to be a success in politics, one must talk like a nitwit/Republican. And be a shyster. That's a sure-fire way to catch the nitwit vote. --Jim Broede

For being too competent & black.

Democrats, Obama and liberals have right on their side. But they don't know how to play politics mean and dirty. In essence, they don't know how to defend themselves. And sell their ideas to the electorate. They need to find new forms of expression. By talking in persuasive ways. To people that are generally quite stupid. Republicans are the masters of selling a bill of goods. They really have nothing to say. Except for a few platitudes. And a mish-mash of meaningless words. But they know how to bamboozle stupid people into thinking that Republicans will magically save America. When really, they'll destroy America by making the rich richer and the poor poorer. But the poor and middle classes have been told by Republicans that's the true American way. And that the patriotic thing to do is elect Republicans and consider impeaching Barack Obama. For being too competent and black. --Jim Broede

I'm willing to become a worrier.

I have friends and acquaintances who tend to worry far too much. So I've decided to come to their aid. I'll ask them to prepare a list of things they intend to worry about. Then we can review the list. And determine if it's really worth worrying about so many things. If the answer is 'yes,' then I will volunteer to become his/her designated worrier. As an act of friendship and love. The thing about me is that I can worry without really taking it too seriously. I've made worrying a pleasant and relaxing art form. Nobody gets hurt. And I don't even lose sleep. And I save my friends lots of anguish. --Jim Broede

I'm a good psychotherapist.

Maybe I've avoided depression because I practice psychotherapy. Virtually every day. I talk to myself. I analyze myself. In a sense, I treat myself daily. I try to understand what's going on inside me. And if I don't like it, I adjust. If I'm going negative, for instance, I steer onto a more positive channel. I discipline myself. I'm not saying this would work for others. But it works for me. Sure, I lose it sometimes. I become downbeat. Sad. Annoyed. Even angry. But I deal with the negativity quickly. And put it into perspective. And if there's a problem, I try to solve it. Only then will I be at ease. And it gives me satisfaction. Knowing that I can find solutions. Often, I can choose from multiple alternatives. I know that I'm supposed to be a depressed being. Because my father, my mother, my sister and my brother all grappled with depression. Like it's in the family genes. Maybe I was adopted. And mom and dad never told me. But more likely, I've found an effective way to deal with potential depression. By becoming a good psychotherapist. --Jim Broede

Makes for a good feeling. Now.

I'm amazed by the people who refuse to live today. Because they are waiting for tomorrow or next week or next year. Yes, waiting for the future. As if today isn't worth living. Because tomorrow will be so much better. Well, I don't buy into that. Haven't for a number of years. Because there's no guarantee that there will be a tomorrow. Oh, I'm healthy. And I'm an optimist. So I assume there'll be many tomorrows. But just in case, I'd rather play it safe. And make the most of today. Savoring it to the fullest. I'm doing that right now. Reflecting on life. As it stands today. Reminding myself that I am happy. And in love. Makes for a good feeling. At this very moment. --Jim Broede

One must want...with passion.

I've been cautioned by a friend to not talk about depression. Here in my blog. That people don't like to be reminded that maybe they are in depression. And then I come along and tell them they don't have to be in depression. That they have a choice. And they counter that they don't have a choice. That they are condemned to depression. Maybe because of a chemical or hormonal imbalance. Or just because... Yes, I'm of the mind that one can talk one's way out of depression. With psychotherapy. By probing one's depths. One can become one's own and best psychotherapist. By talking to one's self. By getting to know one's soul. One's self. Yes, that's the best therapy of all. Believing in one's self. I've talked to people on the verge of suicide. Because of depression. They don't want to live any more. They cannot stand the despair. The hopelessness. I talked to one the other night. He's hooked on drugs. And says that's the only thing that makes him happy. But he sounded more in despair than happy. There was no reasoning with him. I told him to call back. When he's sober. But he won't. His life has jettisoned out of control. Because he has lost his way. He doesn't know how to pursue happiness. I don't know if it can be taught. Maybe you either have it. Or you don't. I suspect that one must really want happiness. With a passion. Otherwise, it will remain elusive forever. --Jim Broede

Bullshit causes brain damage.

I want truth in labeling. And let's start with the Republican Party. The truthful label would be the Bullshit Party. Republicans are so full of bullshit, that if collected, it could fertilize every farm field in the USA and increase our agricultural production enough to feed the entire world. But that won't happen. Because the Republicans collect their own bullshit and apparently eat it. Because I see bullshit coming directly out of their mouths. The stench is awful. And the scene is gross. But the thing that bothers me more than anything are polls showing that a majority of Americans are buying the Republican bullshit. They think that the Democrats are responsible for economic and political mess inherited from eight years of the George Bush Administration. Because that's what the Republican bullshiters tell 'em. How can people be so dumb? Well, I think it's someting in the bullshit. A magic ingredient. Guess all it takes is a whiff of bullshit. And it causes irreparable damage to the brain. --Jim Broede