The "Bi-Polar"-ization of American Politics

I have a dear friend who works in a Physician's Office. This dear friend, a brilliant and insightful mind (straight A student just about) swears up and down that a link can be made between pharmaceutical companies "pushing" certain drugs in order to bolster profits, but pushing drugs that do not have any legitimate medical need for these drugs.

Take the most recent issue of U.S. News & World Report for example. Wedged within its pages are full-page ads for drugs such as Celebrex (to alleviate arthritis pain), Nexium (to alleviate acid reflux disease), Lipitor (to reduce the risk of stroke), Lunesta (to treat sleep disorders) and Seroquel (to alleviate the supposed psycho-somatic disorder known as "bi-polar disorder").

Okay, now this has gone totally overboard! In a 65 page magazine, a total of FIVE advertisements for pharmaceuticals!

Who ever heard of taking an aspirin? (to alleviate the pain & inflammation of arthritis) Who ever heard of pepto bismal to relieve one's stomach? Who ever heard of warm milk before going to bed in order to sleep more soundly? Finally, regarding the "pseudo-disorder" of "bi-polar disorder" (formerly called "manic-depression") who ever heard of just taking a nice walk in the park to even out one's mood? It seems to work well for the squirrels and the ducks . . .

On a more serious note, while still noting the vested financial interests in the pharmaceutical companies either inventing new disorders (e.g. ADHD children who are anesthetized with ritalin), the recent 'cult of the psycho-therapeutic' has reached new heights of audacity. For example, in politics, it is now somewhat 'vogue' to dismiss one's opponents neither by rational dialogue, nor by intellectual acumen, but by simply labeling them as "delusional." One most horrifying example of such psycho-babble mud-slinging is the recent statement by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean calling President George W. Bush, our Nation's duly elected Commander 'delusional.'

This is more than irresponsible politics, folks. This is out right anti-Americanism.

At no time in our nation's history, short of the actual Civil War, have two political parties been so vehemently pitted against each other. Silence the opposition by any means necessary is the political mantra of the day. Both parties use scare tactics, exclusion, and now at the height of immoral political behavior, calling the President 'delusional.'

Truly we live in fractured times. The War in Iraq is a mess by any person's estimation. Osama bin Laden is still at large. The economy sputters along. And what do the politicians do about it? Well, short of any true wisdom, they seek to gain power by any means necessary. Pure, unbridled Machiavellianism is the order de jeur in the American political scene. Don't try to argue with an opponent. Instead, just label them 'delusional.'

Truly American politics need FRESH political voices!

If you are interested in a new, bi-partisan, highly intelligent form of politics rooted in the moral ideals that founded the American Republic (Ideals such as due process under law, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and protection of the unborn), then please send an e-mail to me.

God bless,
Rob J King, Republican Political Voice