A Case Study: Political Disorders

Background Info: In the blogosphere there are a lot of unique terms that get slung around pretty frequently. Let me introduce you to 2 of them.

First we have "Kael Syndrome" or "Pauline Kael Syndrome". Sadly, when looking for a link to give the exact quote, I learned that this movie critic has passed away. This syndrome has memorialized her name ....I don't think she would like it.

Goldberg cited comically horrific examples of the view from the leftist media bubble:

The late film critic Pauline Kael’s reaction to Richard Nixon’s landslide victory over George McGovern: "I don’t know how Richard Nixon could have won. I don’t know anybody who voted for him."

"What kind of bubble did she live in?" an astounded Goldberg wondered.

Based on this quote, people in the blogosphere refer to persons who insulate themselves to an impenetrable degree as having Kael Syndrome. There are so many people, who not only close their ears to any dissenting view, but only surround themselves completely with people who agree with them and on election day they will be astonished that their candidate did not win.

Next is Bush Derangement Syndrome or BDS. No one has exemplified this more than Al Gore and Howard Dean (or Madeline Albright for that matter). Click here to read an unbelievably funny column by C.Krauthammer, a psychiatrist and Washington Post columnist, who originally diagnosed this problem and defines it wonderfully. This was the first time I've seen this column and I was laughing my a$$ off! You must read the whole thing. Here's the definition of BDS:

Bush Derangement Syndrome: the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidency -- nay -- the very existence of George W. Bush.

Do I really need to expand upon this any further? You may see this one in action on any given day, on any given network newscast or any political speech given by Al Gore, Howard Dean, Al Franken, Barbara Streisand, Susan Estrich, or, of course, Al Sharpton, and many, many others.

I predict on Nov. 3rd, Kael Syndrome will be rampant on the East and West coasts. Expect mass confusion. BDS will probably be found everywhere on a level never seen before. Which is a scary thought. Again, the most severe and widespread cases will be found on the East and West coasts. I would not want to be around Barbara Streisand on Nov. 3rd. If the CDC has any foresight, Haldol and Thorazine will be stockpiled in these areas.

The Case Study: I read a very interesting post over at HunterByrd. He speaks of a reasonable, lifelong friend that happens to be a Democrat. The story is a perfect example of BDS. Go and read it. I'm not trying to make fun of this gentleman, I just feel sorry for him.

UPDATE: Go here to see a great round-up of very fine examples of BDS. You also get to vote for your favorite!

UPDATE II: OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! As recently as last night on MSNBC, another extreme case of BDS was played out for all to see. Go and Enjoy the video.