This and that

1). Do you ever wonder why anyone would “ask their doctor” about the prescription drugs advertised on TV? When the side effects are listed by the industry pushing the drugs, you’d think that no one would fall for their hype. There are many doctors who are unduly influenced by the drug industry’s salespeople who frequent their offices. I was amazed that at the office of one doctor, which I visited off and on, there would always be “pharmaceutical representatives” in the waiting room along with the patients. One good thing government did some years ago was require that possible side effects be listed in TV ads. I wonder how long that will last.

2). All I’ve seen of the recent superhero movies are the commercials on TV and the reviews on some of the news shows, but from only that it’s hard to believe that a maniac who goes around with his weapons destroying things, and is no doubt highly egocentric, should be revered as someone to be emulated. To me, a superhero is someone like the teacher in Parkland, Florida, who held the classroom door open so students could escape the danger and lost his life in the process. Consider the firefighters who so often risk their lives to save people from conflagrations. Add those who care enough about the problems of society and members thereof and do all they can to deal with and solve problems in an intelligent and humane way. But I guess that doesn’t draw people who are turned on by violence and mayhem that brings in big bucks for the producers of such trash. 

3). I would like to see some serious research done, publicized and acted upon that would shed some light on why there are so many disturbed young men who are responsible for so much horrible havoc. As a start, maybe the researchers should read Pierro Ferrucci’s book, “The Power of Kindness” which offers: “In the first year of life, we will either have basic trust, which will then accompany our every step, or the distrust which will burden our lives with fear and anger throughout our lives.” Also: “The sense of belonging — that is the feeling that we are a part of a whole greater than ourselves, with which we are physically, mentally and spiritually involved — is a necessary factor in our well-being. Furthermore, when we feel isolated, we will seek some affiliation at all costs, even with groups that are violent, dangerous, extremist. This is one of the many reasons many adolescents are attracted by gangs, cults and sects.”

4). With all of the attention given to abortion in the media lately, it makes one wonder why those who are so firmly against abortion are not promoting birth control. After all, the use of birth control would result in much less need for abortions. Or are they so hung up in their antediluvian religious beliefs that their minds are sclerotic? Don’t they realize that the world has changed considerably since the “good book” came out? In the distant past, there were a high number of infants and children who didn’t make it into even late childhood. Now, with the high percentage of infants who survive, we don’t need more babies born to parents who cannot or choose not to care for them adequately and add to the problems referred to in No. 3.

5). And then, scattered about, I found some particularly appropriate thoughts for 2018 from some very sagacious people.

“This nation cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.” — John F. Kennedy.

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln.

“Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power.” — George Bernard Shaw.

“Insane people are always sure they are fine. It’s only the sane people who are willing to admit they’re crazy.” — Nora Ephron.

“He that would govern others must first be master of himself.” — Phillip Massinger.

“The president can’t just pop off or lash out irrationally. We need an adult in the White House. I guarantee you.” — Michelle Obama.

“In the political arena, kindness is the giving up of domination and vendetta and recognizing the points of view of others, their needs and their history.” — Ferrucci.

Since 1984, Dorothy Dimitre has written more than 950 columns for various local newspapers. Her email address is gramsd@aceweb.com.