Pseudologia Fantastica—Mythomania
Our Orange Tartuffe spins more out of control with each passing day. I will use the recent California election as one example, questioned by a very credible reporter about his assertion that the election was rigged, he stumbled off the stage in a snit. He had no evidence of his assertion, I suppose he just assumed we would take his word as a substitute for the facts. The Iran war offers nearly a daily example of his willingness to lie or exaggerate or blame others for his failure to ‘make a deal’. What could explain these dangerous prevarications? Sarah Longwell, in a recent article describes his mythomanical symptoms. An individual with an uncontrollable, compulsive tendency to lie or exaggerate. Unlike an occasional lie, this affliction is habitual, often grandiose or dramatic fabricating—sometimes to the point where the person begins to believe their own falsehoods. I guess its possible that the Orange Wanker really thinks he is popular, ended 8 wars, put out the LA fires, tariffs are paid by other countries, inflation is his friend, the Iranian populace will rejoice at his war, NATO will not move on without the US, we don’t need Canada or Mexico, Putin is his friend….the potential list goes on and on.
Although our own Liar in Chief would have not empathy for anyone with a disability, I was interested in what creates that particular psychiatric illness and potential mitigation. The illness is considered a symptom of underlying “psychological issues or personality traits.” The list includes; ‘low self-esteem-fabricating stories to seek approval, gain sympathy, or compensate for deep seated insecurities.’ Narcissism is next, ‘lying to bolster self-image, manipulate others, and maintain a facade of superiority.’ Finally, childhood trauma, ‘a learned behavior used as a defense or protective measure to navigate vulnerable situations during childhood.’ There is detail on managing or treating, to cut to the chase, ‘overcoming this condition requires a strong desire for help and a licensed mental health professional.” I like the expression, ‘like teaching a pig to sing’ or the Chinese idiom, ‘like playing piano to a cow’—“the absurdity of attempting a futile task.” All that said, I am not qualified to distinguish between dementia and just a mean spirited, racist, self serving felon. Now that I have considered the possible cause I must admit, I only have empathy for the American public, our Allies, and the world who have been subjected to our current Regime.
A lot of the country, including many former MAGA supporters have taken to giving #47 a lot of Flak. This word was originally an abbreviation for Fliegerabwehrkanone, a German word meaning “aircraft defense canon”. In English this word has been repurposed to signify criticism or disapproval. Dictionary Scoop tells us that the shift from a military term to a colloquialism alters its essence, losing the gravity and historical context. I would suggest more flak is due for the efforts to recreate or eliminate the history of slavery in our country and the critical cultural and economic value of diversity.
Dictionaryscoop helped me keep my perspective this week with a series of wacky English words. I leave you with a couple that tell my story. I remain bummfuzzled by the nonsense I hear each day from #47. The world is spinning in Widdershins—counterclockwise. The State of our world is cattywampus-askew or in total disarray. The Orange wanna be king leaves me with a Wabbit sense—weary and exhausted. I refuse to believe there is Zilch we do to change the course of our country. Join me in protecting our democracy, our planet, and the future of our families.
Mike