Spoof or not....

[[BTF]EyEsTrAiN]

Found at: http://www.tetrahedron.org/articles/info_schedule_battle/Anti_Government_Phobia.html

 A CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF ANTI-GOVERNMENT PHOBIA

Ivor E. Tower, M.D.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Volume 11, series 3, pages 4-5

Abstract

This study conclusively demonstrates that unfounded fear of government is a recognizable mental illness, closely related to paranoid schizophrenia. Anti-Government Phobia (AGP) differs from most mental illnesses, however, in that it is highly infectious and has an acute onset. Symptoms include extreme suspiciousness, conspiracy-mongering, delusional thought patterns, staunch "us against them" mentality, withdrawal from reality, and often religious fanaticism. Having the patient committed to a qualified mental health institution is the best option for family and loved ones. For this reason, all psychiatrists and family physicians should be provided with educational materials which will help them recognize the various symptoms and warning signs accompanying onset. Since comparatively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research.

Incidence and Etiology

Anti-Government Phobia has a worldwide distribution, but has a particularly high incidence in the United States. Infection rates are estimated by mental health officials to be about 5% of the general population, and this rate is growing at an alarming rate. Rates are highest, but not limited to, those who are disaffected in some fashion, especially those who have a strong personal grudge against the federal government for one reason or another.

Although certain variants of the illness have been around for many years, it is only in the last decade or so that the more virulent and infectious strains have appeared. This is most likely due to the rapid buildup of government, at all levels, during the 1980's. Closely paralling this trend was an explosion in the number of cases in which individuals were diagnosed as having unfounded fears concerning such.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis Anti-Government Phobia is marked by extreme suspiciousness toward government. Onset is acute. Symptoms start almost immediately after a run-in with some agency or institution of the government, or when the patient is introduced to anti-government propaganda, in one form or another, by a self-styled "patriot." Common ways in which this harmful, anti-government propaganda is spread include: books, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, audiotapes, videotapes, short-wave and conventional radio programs, computer bulletin boards, and various Internet sites.

Upon exposure to "patriotic" propaganda, the patient mysteriously begins to imagine hidden links between unrelated current events, weaving these gross distortions of reality into a complex delusional web; a labyrinth of conspiracy theories with all imagined clues leading straight to the federal government. With further exposure, the patient becomes increasingly paranoid, and slowly withdrawals from reality. However, mental deterioration is usually so gradual that the patient is often unaware of it.

This mysterious malady progresses until the patient invariably assumes a staunch "us against them" mentality. For instance, in the patient's warped mind-set, each new piece of gun-control legislation is oddly rationalized to be merely one additional step in an ultimate plot by the federal government to confiscate guns altogether. In some unusually severe cases, the patient assumes a survivalist mentality, stockpiling guns, ammunition, de-hydrated food, and other "essentials," in preparation for "D-Day" or "Armageddon."

At this stage, the patient also inexplicity experiences increased delusional thinking. For instance, he may start fallaciously believing that the Federal Reserve is not in fact part of the federal government, but is instead controlled by wealthy Zionists. Other far-flung delusions may involve the United Nations, "black helicopters," concentration camps, or the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Delusions involving "takeovers" by foreign military troops, or jack-booted government storm troopers dressed in all black, are also commonly diagnosed.

Anti-Government Phobia is often associated with religious fanaticism. An excellent example of this is the infamous Branch Davidian case, in which most cult members preferred a fiery suicide over peaceful surrender to the forces of what they considered to be "Mystery Babylon." There have been other prominant cases in which "patriots" have became involved with terrorist activity, fallaciously believing that they were somehow doing the "will of God." More commonly, "patriots" have been involved in aggressive outbursts in courtrooms, and other public places such as town-hall meetings.

Overall, the worldview eventually adopted by "patriots" interprets modern-day news events as pieces of a giant jig-saw puzzle. Oddly, they believe that it is their solemn duty to put these unrelated pieces together in order to discover the underlying "picture." The warped interpretive framework used by many "patriots" in their missionary-like endeavor of saving the lost "sheep" (derogatory term comparing non-patriots to lost sheep) is a hyper-literal interpretation of Biblical prophecies, particularly those contained in the book of Revelation.

Spread of the Illness

In the eyes of the so-called "patriots," the relentless drive to indoctrinate others with extremist political beliefs is seen as a righteous and compulsory act to save their "self-destructing" nation. Wildly fantasizing that America can somehow turn back the clock to better times, which in reality never existed, many "patriots" feel obligated to quote constantly from the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the writings of the Founding Fathers. In an ironic twist of fate, when "patriots" expose others to their divisive anti-government propaganda, through their misguided efforts to restore "individual liberty," they are actually infecting them with an extremely contagious mental illness.

A strong analogy can be drawn between "patriotic" indoctrination and patterns of religious conversion. In both cases, ultra-idealistic individuals believe that it is their solemn duty to gain proselytes for their particular faith. This is usually done on a person-to-person basis with a friend or acquaintance. To keep new converts from going astray or "backsliding," they are eagerly provided with a steady stream of propaganda. In each case, the devotee imagines that there is an evil, sinister force which must be opposed at all costs. In the case of various religions, the faithful are supposedly rewarded in the afterlife for sparring with the "devil." In the case of the "patriot," the so-called "New World Order" is viewed as the demonic bogeyman, with the reward for opposing it supposedly being an increased amount of "personal freedom." In both "patriotic" and religious circles, there is an entire counter-culture, centering around various anthems and holy books, constantly being promoted by prophets, preachers, and paranoid propagandists of all creeds, colors, and strains.

Prevention

Needless to say, prevention is the first line of defense against any type of illness or disease. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses are genetic in nature and thus can not be prevented. Fortunately, Anti-Government Phobia is non-genetic and thus wholly preventable. From an individual standpoint, the most effective prevention policy is obviously not to allow oneself to become indoctrinated by a self-styled "patriot," preferably by staying as far as possible away from any potentially divisive propaganda. As an added precaution, one should rely exclusively on well-known and reputable sources for news and other information.

Family members and loved ones can help out in this effort. However, it should be noted that prevention programs work best only when the entire community is involved. We all need to practice constant vigilance in order to spot diviseness and hate in our communities. In this regard, networking is the ultimate key to success. A successful community-based empowerment program would include the following elements: citizen-citizen networks, police-citizen networks, parent-teacher networks, pastor-parisoner networks, doctor-patient networks, state-local law enforcement authority networks, and federal-state law enforcement authority networks.

Treatment and Prognosis

Although the prognosis is generally good if the illness is treated soon after symptoms first appear, studies have shown that a disturbingly low percentage of patients allow themselves to be treated. Thus, having the patient committed to a qualified mental health institution is the best option for family and loved ones. For this reason, all psychiatrists and family physicians should be provided with educational materials which will help them recognize the various symptoms and warning signs accompanying onset. Once the illness is properly diagnosed, they should next notify the patient's immediate family members and discuss the various treatment options with them. This effort should be reinforced with extensive public ad campaigns promoting a 1-800 help line. Since comparatively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research.

It can not be over-emphasized that prevention is the key to stopping the spread of Anti-Government Phobia. Once a person is infected, the illness is generally incurable. The only proven treatment is an extended, and often risky, "de-programming" session conducted by qualified professionals, such as the Cult Awareness Network (CAN). Left untreated, chronic symptoms invariably persist throughout the entire lifetime of the patient. Sadly, even the patients themselves realize this horrifying fact and surprisingly, seem apathetic to it. Oddly, they often confuse their symptoms with being "awake." For instance, they have been known to garble gibberish such as "once your awake, you can't go back to sleep." Further research is presently being conducted on the reasons why they rationalize their mental illness in this highly unusual manner.

Acknowledgements

The writer wishes to thank the following individuals and organizations for contributing their expertise to this report: Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Rick Ross of the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), the United States Justice Department (USJD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).


 
I bet my tinfoil hat is better than yours...

[the Crazed]

Hmmmm.... at first glance it totally seems like a spoof.  But then the author doesn't take a position on anything - nowhere does he actually argue for the government's stances on anything.  And it's not that funny.

Anyways, I just looked online and the Journal appears to be a real publication.  I did a search on the title and it came up all over.

In conclusion, it actually looks real!!  I definitely know someone who would fall under this category of phobia.  And I would also say it IS delusional.

The reason it seems like a spoof is that the name of the phobia is "Anti-Government Phobia".  Which seems to support the current government and the Patriot Act and justify persecuting those who are anti-"American".  On reading the article, however, it really doesn't seem like that is its purpose.  It seems like it is really focusing on  those who are actually delusional.  By delusional I assume they mean someone who decides to believe something without sufficient or objective proof.  In that sense we're all pretty delusional, but most of us can get away with it and still contribute to society   Perhaps they mean someone who decides to believe something that has objective proof against it. 

There's a conspiracy theory that man has never gone to the moon.  I watched a discovery channel program on it where they went over the theory's arguments point by point, disproving the arguments as they went.  It was very convincing that the conspiracy theory had no substance behind it, but the people who espoused it still believe it...  delusional?  Or what about the theory that the halocaust didn't happen?   Delusional!

Hmmm... well, here's the definition:

de

[Art]

Sounds like a Government conspiracy to me in that anyone who distrusts the Government can be deemed mentally ill. As we all know, the mentally ill don't have the same rights as those that are not. There are specific laws that prohibit mental patients. Just another Government tool for controlling the masses !

Hide me !

hehe

[the Crazed]

muahahahaha

[[BTF]EyEsTrAiN]

My problem with stuff like this is that it opens a pandora's box of things. Any research can be "manipulated" for lack of a better term, to mean something other than it is supposed to mean. What I find interesting is the fact they will begin manadatory psychatric evaluations for our children in schools as young as elementry school. I mean, the logic is usually argued one way, but the tendancy to use it in another is too great in my opinion. Take the implantable chips, the logic is sound enough, everyone having their own chip with personal "medical" information for quick access, they just "scan" you and viola, there it is. Or, get your kids chipped so you will always know where they are, hence making the likelyhood of someone kidnapping them less likely. But at our current state as a civilization, our technology has outpaced our morality, basically we have all this wonderful tech everywhere, that could do so much good, but we are too shortsighted and prone to go the darker route. But anything is like that, you could use a shovel to dig out your garden, or you could use that same shovel to kill someone with. In either case, its not the shovel's fault, but the person who wields it. Perhaps, if humanity can ever catch up morally and spiritually to the technology we hold, then we could do wonderful things with technology. Ah, but I am getting off the topic at hand.

Political dissent is an essential part of a democracy, its the gears that run it. The ablility to argue points on a public forum and be heard. When you add the element of saying someone is "crazy" for thier views, you start to strangle that very democracy. I believe all views, no matter how out there, should have some place. Using the above article, you can misinterpret it to mean that anyone that doesn't believe in the "norm" at the time, must be crazy. It comes down to personal belief, just because I believe one thing and you believe another does not make either of us right or wrong. If we begin to brand people crazy or whatever for their personal/political beliefs, the foundation this country was based on crumbles, and it opens the door to a society that is completely controlled through popular opinion (already is like that imo). If I disagree with the war, our president, and the like, does that make me crazy, and if so, who is the one to decide I am crazy for these views? Of course someone who is for the war, the president, and the like, will probably brand me as such. Popular opinion is as still as a rough ocean, I think the movie Men in Black put it best,

 " 1500 years ago, everybody "knew" that the earth was the center of the universe. 500 years ago, everybody "knew" that the earth was flat.  And 15 minutes ago, you "knew" that humans were alone on this planet.  Imagine what you'll "know" tomorrow.  "

Sorry for the rant. 

[Art]

Any delusional or otherwise mentally ill person should immediately be able to see right through this. Everyone else will ignore, or accept it and when they finally figure out what's going on, it'll be their turn as prey.

This is definately a step I'd take to increase Government control and dependency.

Run !, they're coming !!!

[pantaloons]

My problem with stuff like this is that it opens a pandora's box of things. Any research can be "manipulated" for lack of a better term, to mean something other than it is supposed to mean. What I find interesting is the fact they will begin manadatory psychatric evaluations for our children in schools as young as elementry school.

I watched an interesting episode yesterday of Penn & Teller's BULLSHIT! series, this one about second-hand smoke.

One guy interviewed had a nice quote,
"When fascism comes to this country it will be wearing a white coat and a stethoscope"


-p

[[BTF]Defiant!]

...

Great post.  The true problem we have are those that we all bring.. a lack of wisdom, social problems, politics, intolerance, moral issues..

The most creative people are usually different -- not to say that being different means you are great; but, stifling that toward the middle with drugs, schooling, pressures, diminishes all of us.

And absolutely democracy is based upon open, public debate.. not name calling and labeling.  Such as "Democrat" vs "Republican" -- what a waste of language.

Def

[the Crazed]

I'm gonna have to go out on a limb here I think.. hehe

[Art]

I would really like to share here, but self preservation forces me to bite my tounge. Maybe someday. 

[Krlll Mule]

Art, I know exactly what you mean.

[the Crazed]

hehehehe.... art come on!  tell us... we won't let them take you away

[the Crazed]

btw... I hope no one thinks I'm denying that conspiracy theories could be true, or there aren't a lot of government cover-ups, or that the government can't be a horrible, intolerant, prejudiced machine that has the power to destroy lives without mercy.  Who knows what is covered up!  I even have a friend who wants to go to another country and study extraterrestrials.  I don't think he's delusional. 

I was trying to keep my argument to people that are actually delusional.  And that's the problem, who can decide who's delusional.  There's a big grey area between people who think they're dolphins and people who think someone's tapped their phone.  The former is clearly delusional (imo) to the point of not being able to function.  The latter could be true and it would take a lot of poking around and asking questions to find out. 

I know enough to know I don't know much

Enlighten me with what you know!

[QuakeDuke]

Political dissent is an essential part of a democracy

Hear Hear!

it opens the door to a society that is completely controlled through popular opinion (already is like that imo)

It is the nature of the herd to gather with those who are "just like me" and reject all others. Those who understand that mentality are the ones who usually manipulate the herd for their own advantage. This is done by convincing the herd "popular" opinion (which is usually the opinion of the manipulators) has to be right - after all, 9 out of 10 dentists...etc.

If I disagree with the war, our president, and the like, does that make me crazy, and if so, who is the one to decide I am crazy for these views? Of course someone who is for the war, the president, and the like, will probably brand me as such.

Herein lies what irritates me about our so called "enlightened" "progressive" society.

What I mean is the ever growing tendency by those on opposite sides of a situation to scream to high heaven "I have the right to_____" but YOU don't.  It's ok for me to complain, protest, demonstrate against YOUR point of view but YOU don't have the right to YOUR opposite view or express it and  if you try to express it, why, I'll get the ACLU (or any one of  thousands of other orginizations) involved and we'll sue you, jail you, or otherwise shut you down 'cause you are a: bigot, racist, yada yada yada.
I and a lot of other joes put ourselves on the line so people could have the freedom to express their views but it was so EVERYONE could.

That being said, while I've always believed everyone has a right to their own opionion I DON"T BELIVE that right gives ANYONE the right to engage in  RADICAL EXTREMIST BEHAVIOR - be it in the name of God, gods, race, nation, who or whatever.

Disclaimer:
What follows are faith based statements and I in no wise wish to *intentionally* offend anyone. Please skip the following if you are offened by such statements. Or not. You have the right to your opinion.
End Disclaimer.

Begin Statements;
I've been criticized for saying it in public (from the pulpit)  before (not that it has slowed me down any    ) but I believe there are going to be a lot of clergy (remember I are one) and church people who stand up before God on judgement day  thinking they did everything "God" wanted them to only to find they were so far from God and what He wanted and expected from His servants they will be totally stunned when they hear from Him the words "Depart from me, ye who work iniquity, I NEVER knew you".  I believe history bears me out when I say some of the greatest atrocities man has ever (and still do)  perpertrate on man have been "in the name of God". Doesn't mean that  Godly people aren't real - just means, like today, most of what is emphasised is the negative radical behavior of ANY given group.
End Statements;
 

Sorry for the rant. 

Me too.  I shouldn't get so worked up over things that have always been, currently are, and will continue to be, but it's become such a self-centered society it truly itroubles me - if we don't look to the future generation's freedoms, how will we know when ours are gone?

QD