What Dr Lee says is true -- She's been effectively muzzled by the APA, the NYT, and many other major media organizations.
Being a fan of the Ezra Klein Show, I wrote an e-mail to Ezra Klein begging him to have Dr Lee as a guest in March 2021. Recall that this was a few weeks after the 1/6 calamity (that Dr Lee had warned anyone who would listen about years earlier) and in the middle of a pandemic that was claiming over 1000 lives a day (on a trajectory of over a million lives), another disaster that Dr Lee had warned us (or the US) about.
I had just finished reading Profile of a Nation and this is what I said in my first e-mail to Ezra Klein (employed by the NYT) " Dear Ezra, The reason I think Dr. Lee needs to be heard is that everything that has happened due to Donald Trump’s mental illness and incapacity has been predicted and explained in these two books. She also explains the continued “cult-like” devotion.
"Unfortunately, Dr. Lee has been effectively muzzled by The American Psychiatric Association, the Trump administration, and a large segment of mainstream and social media.
"I think it would be interesting for your listeners to hear what she has to say, because Donald Trump is still with us. He is still dangerous, 70 million Americans voted for him, and he still has the support of an overwhelming number of Republican politicians and corporate (dark) money. " 3/2021
He didn't respond, so I wrote another e-mail a few weeks later......
"Dear Ezra, This is my second e-mail to you about Dr Bandi Lee, based on this article in the NYT today (fired by Yale University about some truths she said about Alan Dershowitz)
"Dr Lee claims that many of her quotes were omitted from this article. She has over 90,000 followers on Twitter who would like to hear her side of why she was fired from Yale.
"My opinion is that she continues to be muzzled. Why? Because she speaks the truth that people (mostly Republicans) don’t want to hear or admit. Nothing new there I guess. But I wonder if there’s another reason? Curious minds want to hear her side of the story.
"Bill Moyers did an interview with her on his PodCast “Moyers on Democracy” https://overcast.fm/+ZSzsk8ywg on Jan 14. They don’t discuss her being fired from Yale Medical School.
"Please consider Dr Lee as a guest on your PodCast. Hopefully the NYT isn’t restricting who you can have on the PodCast as a guest."
A week later I received this response from Ezra Klein himself
"I've talked to Dr. Lee many times in the past. I'm not going to do a show with her now, but not because anyone is muzzling me (or anyone else), but because a show on Trump's psychology doesn't feel like the best use of time. That's true for lots of things, of course, but I'm mostly writing because I think it's worrying when people begin to see conspiracy in things like this, and I want to disabuse you of that."
Well, I have not been "diabused" of that, and neither have any of you, or Dr Lee. Look at the preponderance of evidence, Dr Lee and her colleagues have been muzzled. Really Ezra? No one muzzling you (or anyone else)? One has to wonder how true that is.
I think psychologists call this cognitive dissonance. The fact remains that Donald Trump is totally unfit for office. Hid political supporters are delusional cult members who are also unfit for office. Together, they are destroying our country, our democracy, our culture, our standing in the rest of the world, and much more.
Excellent, and I'm glad you declared you haven't been "disabused." Unfortunately, because I admire Klein, his response rings of psychologically defensive denial. I've written of the awful irony that Trump's dangerousness eventually happened to Dr. Lee herself, indirectly through Dershowitz. Regarding Klein's mention of "conspiracy," those rulings against her were indeed a travesty of justice. You've alluded to it being especially so, as Yale and Dr. Lee had a years-long agreement before Dershowitz's letter (as well as the support of her from so many at Yale). Well, you know the story. Now I think it also ironic that Klein's remarks are highlighted in Edsall's article. I gather that it's finally become the "best use of time" for him, after years from when Dr. Lee has accurately warned and predicted that things about Trump would worsen.
I would believe Ezra except for one thing: his reasoning is not reflective of the media. Not a day goes by that a journalist, political observer, politician, or celebrity *isn't* asked to explain Trump supporters. Hand-wringing and bewilderment infiltrate daily panel discussions. But they don't ask the one group who can truly explain. If Ezra doesn't want to have Dr. Lee on his show that's his prerogative, but save the pathetic excuses.
My question is, why is it that we do not speak to what I think is the most important aspect of what is happening, the "how" Donald is so successful. In my opinion we have been dancing around it, with the exception of Dr Lee as well as others who are continuing to speak up and have a platform. It is the impact of the threats both real and implied that in my opinion needs to be addressed in every story, all of the time, over and over.
One very current example is what happened in Colorado with Judge Wallace and her contortion of the law. According to Brian Tyler Cohen on MSNBC, he comments, "Judge Wallace said she had concerns for the 'safety for the parties, for the lawyers and frankly for myself and my staff, based on what we have seen in other cases'". This, in my opinion is HOW Donald wins, and it is urgent as Dr Lee has warned us many times. In my opinion, if this is not addressed, we cannot save democracy. That means a substantial gag order on Donald given that Donald is a clear and present danger to democracy, the lives, the health and well being of those in this country and quite frankly, the world. End of story. And yet I fear that the fear of Donald and the reaction of his followers is paralyzing us and we are making bad decisions. Our fear of Donald and his followers are holding us hostage, and the longer we wait because of our fear, the more likely Donald will prevail, the more violent his followers will be and the worse will be the outcome.
What if, for instance, instead of talking about Judge Cannon as a loyalist, which she certainly is, we talk about how if she does not do the bidding of Donald, the fascistic ,mob boss autocrat, her life and the lives of her family are at risk, even as a loyalist? Once she drank the cool-aid, she became trapped and cannot find her way out without great risk. The fear of standing up to Donald is clearly esoteric, life or death, due to his extreme personality disorder and now he can depend on his followers to carry out his threats. He is now more-so than ever, although he has always been, uniquely dangerous.
I have commented to friends and family from the beginning of this completely outrageous silencing of Dr Lee, that she and her colleagues may have been the only ones who could have made a difference in the outcome of our democracy, which is why she was and remains so dangerous to Donald and most of the, and at this time maybe all of the, republicans. This is why she needed to be silenced.
The outrage, equally, is the complicity of the APA and The NYT for allowing themselves either to be bullied, or for drinking the cool-aid as they remain on the wrong side of this issue. They have become complicit and I might add, so have many professionals in the psychological profession who support the board and the positions of the APA. Why has there not been an overthrow of the board? Yet in all fairness to those who remain on the sidelines, maybe even myself, it is hard to know what to do or how to do it, as we do not have a platform. None of us can do it alone. I tried in the beginning after Donald came down the escalator, to post online the nature of the malignant narcissist - and used the archetype of Dracula which I still find helpful. I have my MA in clinical psychology, and in full disclosure had a mother who had the same features and diagnosis as Donald. Where I live, not being licensed, I can be accused or practicing without a license, and with a license, I am at risk of violating the Goldwater Rule. My hands are also tied.
I am so grateful to Dr Lee and her efforts to educate people about what is happening in this country and around the world. As a nation and with all of our human foibles, it is hard to remain hopeful, and I find that I have to adapt; I am slowly finding myself accepting that we are very likely going to loose our democracy. Unfortunately, even if the democrats win in the next election, the likelihood that the republicans will accept the outcome seems remote and we need to be ready.
I've checked "like" and basically agree with all. There have been some attempts to get the record straight about Dr. Lee, like in "Rolling Stone" and "Mother Jones" (a simple search can find them). I realize they aren't as "mainstream" as the NYT. Of course, there remains the WMHC, too. There is research that gives evidence to a clear fact that Trump, his ilk and cult-like followers are in a non-majority, which is a thuggish segment of any population. The Republicans of course "win" by their voter suppression schemes and by default of non-voters. I keep hope that what I call the "genuine majority" will continue to turn out and overwhelmingly vote for candidates with integrity and for the common good (that is, non-Republican). I'll just add that another source that should get more attention is Dr. Robert Altemeyer's research findings about the authoritarian personality (free on theauthoritarians.org). It's about the *followers* and not just the authoritarian leaders. A consistent finding involves three basic things (readily recognizable to us!) about the Right-wing authoritarian personality: adherence to an authority (of course), aggression in the service of that adherence, and "conventionality" (in my interpretation, back to the '50s--1250s?).
Where's the liberal media when you need it! Interesting about the times handling of Hitler during his time. Nobody learns. Public safety and democracy require extraordinary measures at this point.
On vacation now, I just finished two well researched books by Washington Post journalists. My recollection of the Trump years, from reading newspapers or seeming some television is entirely different than what I now see. Individuals attempted to do rather courageous things inside the government to educate the man. Of course, many did not.
Buddhist thought is that sufferers create suffering for themselves and for others. Now I think of it as self harm. Trump hurts himself and others. If you don't see that you can be pulled in, particularly young people, those under that power of autocrats become affected. This is the idea that the mentally ill can affect those around them, particularly if they have power. This type of person who creates power structures around themselves, needs followers. If the newspaper is just now getting it, well, good for them, but that is no reflection on you, or anyone who is professionally astute and recognized it at the beginning.
I agree, adding my own reading of Buddhism's belief about suffering coming primarily from ignorance (symbolized by a poor pig!). Better late than never, I guess, for major news outlets to condemn Trump's dangerously contagious behavior. Even the recent escalation of his sick rhetoric has been as Dr. Lee predicted.
NYT did the same to Ukraine during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Their Moscow bureau chief was well aware of Stalin’s government’s policy of death to Ukraine known as the Holomodor, stealing ukraines resources for themselves leaving millions to starve to death.
Yes. I subscribe to The Atlantic where she is a writer. I started subscribing just after reading that Trump, yet again the liar, referred to it as "the boring but very nasty magazine" (which it isn't at all). The magazine, with Ms. Applebaum's writing in particular, is thoroughly following in the tradition of its founders, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. But Trump of course wouldn't know it.
Thank you Richard. Yes, I was pleased when Ms Applebaum left WAPO for The Atlantic. For Anne's most recent Ukraine analysis see, "Anne Applebaum on the War in Ukraine". YouTube 9/16/23.
Edsall seems to only quote white men. This brings up the thought of possible racism and sexism in your exclusion. The white men in positions of power took great umbrage at this Korean American expert daring to stand up with the truth. They never took people like Bandy Lee seriously. It's an uphill battle. And as the saying goes, if you have to wait until a white guy tells you, it is probably too late. Hopefully we're not too late this time. This Indian American psychiatrist, Distinguished Fellow of the APA, is with you, Bandy. Shoes have dropped in my life too. But we'll keep at it. This is a problem of abusive power more generally, not just Mr. Trump, as you well know and have seen. But we have to stop him to have any chance at evolving past abuse.
Thank you again! I read the column and have agreed that it finally shared proper--and very necessary--opinions of behavioral health professionals. However, my comment (which was published) to that Edsall piece stated that my only criticism of it was leaving out Dr. Lee's primary role in editing "Dangerous Case" and continuing her important work with the WMHC. I wrote what seems to be an endlessly required explanation of Dr. Lee's point about Trump's dangerousness (not diagnosing!), especially in proper protocol of forensic psychiatry. Now I also appreciate Dr. Lee giving an "inside story" about that guest essay. (P.S.: Given that I'm a paid subscriber to the NYT online, I shared Edsall's essay with others in the WMHC through the Gmail group.)
And the mainstream media is finally waking up to his dangerousness because of his recent fascist comments about jailing and even killing his opponents.
Dr. Lee, the omission of your voice from the Times' discussion of this national crisis continues to increase our peril. Please continue to speak out--those of us who appreciate your expertise are behind you all the way!
P.S. to my earlier comment. Also in my comment to Edsall's essay, I mentioned that what happened to Dr. Lee from the actions of the APA and Yale ironically proved her point about how dangerous Trump can be. I wrote, "look it up" for any details.
Dr. Lee, I remain a steadfast supporter of your dedicated effort for truth. The NYT always seems to have the stench of elitist WASP embedded in the board and the ownership. Rich (okay with Fascism, as it is good for business) types just can’t trust in a society of the sweating masses, They never have and they never will.
I’d love to be certain that before I leave this earth the American public will indeed be “woke” and swiftly moving to make our society egalitarian and free of the illusions of meritocracy, and worse capitalism. Unfortunately, I feel the odds are better for a return to Feudalism with a high tech patina.
So, know you are both loved and admired by many of us not subject to mass delusion and mania. One that is likely fueled by the PFA’s in the food packaging baked into their processed mac and cheese.
I have repeatedly pressed The Times to take accountability for its actions, incl this article.⬇️ One only need to think what would have happened had epidemiologists been silenced from talking about covid, to appreciate the damage of silencing mh experts. If this wasn't The Times' intent, they could have spoken out AT ANY TIME since. A paper powerful enough to shut down an entire profession could have been equally powerful at empowering it.
I'm struck by the anti-intellectual tone of the juvenile statement by the NYT Editorial Board on January 10, 2018. It goes on and on about how what's wrong with DJT is "obvious" to anyone who reads the news -- no advanced study or professional credentials needed!
The editorial asks why we need to hear from credentialed experts in a matter that directly pertains to their area of professional practice. Isn't it obvious? Because expertise matters! Because non-experts lack the requisite qualifications to speak with insight and authority on a deep subject like the complex inner workings of a pathological human psyche.
Predictably, non-experts often fail to see why experts are needed: non-experts don't know what they don't know, and their ignorance only bolsters their confidence in accordance with the Dunning-Kruger effect. Anti-intellectualism has been on the rise in the United States for decades, and this editorial is a sad manifestation of that trend. Do better, NYT.
What Dr Lee says is true -- She's been effectively muzzled by the APA, the NYT, and many other major media organizations.
Being a fan of the Ezra Klein Show, I wrote an e-mail to Ezra Klein begging him to have Dr Lee as a guest in March 2021. Recall that this was a few weeks after the 1/6 calamity (that Dr Lee had warned anyone who would listen about years earlier) and in the middle of a pandemic that was claiming over 1000 lives a day (on a trajectory of over a million lives), another disaster that Dr Lee had warned us (or the US) about.
I had just finished reading Profile of a Nation and this is what I said in my first e-mail to Ezra Klein (employed by the NYT) " Dear Ezra, The reason I think Dr. Lee needs to be heard is that everything that has happened due to Donald Trump’s mental illness and incapacity has been predicted and explained in these two books. She also explains the continued “cult-like” devotion.
"Unfortunately, Dr. Lee has been effectively muzzled by The American Psychiatric Association, the Trump administration, and a large segment of mainstream and social media.
"I think it would be interesting for your listeners to hear what she has to say, because Donald Trump is still with us. He is still dangerous, 70 million Americans voted for him, and he still has the support of an overwhelming number of Republican politicians and corporate (dark) money. " 3/2021
He didn't respond, so I wrote another e-mail a few weeks later......
"Dear Ezra, This is my second e-mail to you about Dr Bandi Lee, based on this article in the NYT today (fired by Yale University about some truths she said about Alan Dershowitz)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/26/nyregion/alan-dershowitz-yale.html?
"Dr Lee claims that many of her quotes were omitted from this article. She has over 90,000 followers on Twitter who would like to hear her side of why she was fired from Yale.
"My opinion is that she continues to be muzzled. Why? Because she speaks the truth that people (mostly Republicans) don’t want to hear or admit. Nothing new there I guess. But I wonder if there’s another reason? Curious minds want to hear her side of the story.
"Bill Moyers did an interview with her on his PodCast “Moyers on Democracy” https://overcast.fm/+ZSzsk8ywg on Jan 14. They don’t discuss her being fired from Yale Medical School.
"Please consider Dr Lee as a guest on your PodCast. Hopefully the NYT isn’t restricting who you can have on the PodCast as a guest."
A week later I received this response from Ezra Klein himself
"I've talked to Dr. Lee many times in the past. I'm not going to do a show with her now, but not because anyone is muzzling me (or anyone else), but because a show on Trump's psychology doesn't feel like the best use of time. That's true for lots of things, of course, but I'm mostly writing because I think it's worrying when people begin to see conspiracy in things like this, and I want to disabuse you of that."
Well, I have not been "diabused" of that, and neither have any of you, or Dr Lee. Look at the preponderance of evidence, Dr Lee and her colleagues have been muzzled. Really Ezra? No one muzzling you (or anyone else)? One has to wonder how true that is.
I think psychologists call this cognitive dissonance. The fact remains that Donald Trump is totally unfit for office. Hid political supporters are delusional cult members who are also unfit for office. Together, they are destroying our country, our democracy, our culture, our standing in the rest of the world, and much more.
Excellent, and I'm glad you declared you haven't been "disabused." Unfortunately, because I admire Klein, his response rings of psychologically defensive denial. I've written of the awful irony that Trump's dangerousness eventually happened to Dr. Lee herself, indirectly through Dershowitz. Regarding Klein's mention of "conspiracy," those rulings against her were indeed a travesty of justice. You've alluded to it being especially so, as Yale and Dr. Lee had a years-long agreement before Dershowitz's letter (as well as the support of her from so many at Yale). Well, you know the story. Now I think it also ironic that Klein's remarks are highlighted in Edsall's article. I gather that it's finally become the "best use of time" for him, after years from when Dr. Lee has accurately warned and predicted that things about Trump would worsen.
Thanks for your reply. Some irony is humorous and welcome. This is an example when the irony of it all is frustrating, depressing, and unjust.
I would believe Ezra except for one thing: his reasoning is not reflective of the media. Not a day goes by that a journalist, political observer, politician, or celebrity *isn't* asked to explain Trump supporters. Hand-wringing and bewilderment infiltrate daily panel discussions. But they don't ask the one group who can truly explain. If Ezra doesn't want to have Dr. Lee on his show that's his prerogative, but save the pathetic excuses.
Thanks, too. I'll add that someone once wrote (in another frustration) that Republicans are congenitally immune to irony.
https://open.substack.com/pub/elainesbelsonlcswc/p/its-more-complicated-than-you-think-aaf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2iucmn
PS: Dr. Lee isn't the only one who tried to warn the public. https://open.substack.com/pub/elainesbelsonlcswc/p/its-more-complicated-than-you-think?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2iucmn
Two truths:
1) I am encouraged to read Edsall's NYT article and
2)I am greatly disappointed that the work of courageous, persistent, scholarly and ethical Bandy Lee was not mentioned.
Every day my mantra is :
clear mind
joyful spirit
peaceful heart
sacred reciprocity.
Duality overrides polarity.
through
Courageous Conversations that explore and Advance Common Interests
Lapsing into tribalism is a poor remedy for anxiety. Use nouns and verbs and avoid labels.
My question is, why is it that we do not speak to what I think is the most important aspect of what is happening, the "how" Donald is so successful. In my opinion we have been dancing around it, with the exception of Dr Lee as well as others who are continuing to speak up and have a platform. It is the impact of the threats both real and implied that in my opinion needs to be addressed in every story, all of the time, over and over.
One very current example is what happened in Colorado with Judge Wallace and her contortion of the law. According to Brian Tyler Cohen on MSNBC, he comments, "Judge Wallace said she had concerns for the 'safety for the parties, for the lawyers and frankly for myself and my staff, based on what we have seen in other cases'". This, in my opinion is HOW Donald wins, and it is urgent as Dr Lee has warned us many times. In my opinion, if this is not addressed, we cannot save democracy. That means a substantial gag order on Donald given that Donald is a clear and present danger to democracy, the lives, the health and well being of those in this country and quite frankly, the world. End of story. And yet I fear that the fear of Donald and the reaction of his followers is paralyzing us and we are making bad decisions. Our fear of Donald and his followers are holding us hostage, and the longer we wait because of our fear, the more likely Donald will prevail, the more violent his followers will be and the worse will be the outcome.
What if, for instance, instead of talking about Judge Cannon as a loyalist, which she certainly is, we talk about how if she does not do the bidding of Donald, the fascistic ,mob boss autocrat, her life and the lives of her family are at risk, even as a loyalist? Once she drank the cool-aid, she became trapped and cannot find her way out without great risk. The fear of standing up to Donald is clearly esoteric, life or death, due to his extreme personality disorder and now he can depend on his followers to carry out his threats. He is now more-so than ever, although he has always been, uniquely dangerous.
I have commented to friends and family from the beginning of this completely outrageous silencing of Dr Lee, that she and her colleagues may have been the only ones who could have made a difference in the outcome of our democracy, which is why she was and remains so dangerous to Donald and most of the, and at this time maybe all of the, republicans. This is why she needed to be silenced.
The outrage, equally, is the complicity of the APA and The NYT for allowing themselves either to be bullied, or for drinking the cool-aid as they remain on the wrong side of this issue. They have become complicit and I might add, so have many professionals in the psychological profession who support the board and the positions of the APA. Why has there not been an overthrow of the board? Yet in all fairness to those who remain on the sidelines, maybe even myself, it is hard to know what to do or how to do it, as we do not have a platform. None of us can do it alone. I tried in the beginning after Donald came down the escalator, to post online the nature of the malignant narcissist - and used the archetype of Dracula which I still find helpful. I have my MA in clinical psychology, and in full disclosure had a mother who had the same features and diagnosis as Donald. Where I live, not being licensed, I can be accused or practicing without a license, and with a license, I am at risk of violating the Goldwater Rule. My hands are also tied.
I am so grateful to Dr Lee and her efforts to educate people about what is happening in this country and around the world. As a nation and with all of our human foibles, it is hard to remain hopeful, and I find that I have to adapt; I am slowly finding myself accepting that we are very likely going to loose our democracy. Unfortunately, even if the democrats win in the next election, the likelihood that the republicans will accept the outcome seems remote and we need to be ready.
I've checked "like" and basically agree with all. There have been some attempts to get the record straight about Dr. Lee, like in "Rolling Stone" and "Mother Jones" (a simple search can find them). I realize they aren't as "mainstream" as the NYT. Of course, there remains the WMHC, too. There is research that gives evidence to a clear fact that Trump, his ilk and cult-like followers are in a non-majority, which is a thuggish segment of any population. The Republicans of course "win" by their voter suppression schemes and by default of non-voters. I keep hope that what I call the "genuine majority" will continue to turn out and overwhelmingly vote for candidates with integrity and for the common good (that is, non-Republican). I'll just add that another source that should get more attention is Dr. Robert Altemeyer's research findings about the authoritarian personality (free on theauthoritarians.org). It's about the *followers* and not just the authoritarian leaders. A consistent finding involves three basic things (readily recognizable to us!) about the Right-wing authoritarian personality: adherence to an authority (of course), aggression in the service of that adherence, and "conventionality" (in my interpretation, back to the '50s--1250s?).
Where's the liberal media when you need it! Interesting about the times handling of Hitler during his time. Nobody learns. Public safety and democracy require extraordinary measures at this point.
On vacation now, I just finished two well researched books by Washington Post journalists. My recollection of the Trump years, from reading newspapers or seeming some television is entirely different than what I now see. Individuals attempted to do rather courageous things inside the government to educate the man. Of course, many did not.
Buddhist thought is that sufferers create suffering for themselves and for others. Now I think of it as self harm. Trump hurts himself and others. If you don't see that you can be pulled in, particularly young people, those under that power of autocrats become affected. This is the idea that the mentally ill can affect those around them, particularly if they have power. This type of person who creates power structures around themselves, needs followers. If the newspaper is just now getting it, well, good for them, but that is no reflection on you, or anyone who is professionally astute and recognized it at the beginning.
I agree, adding my own reading of Buddhism's belief about suffering coming primarily from ignorance (symbolized by a poor pig!). Better late than never, I guess, for major news outlets to condemn Trump's dangerously contagious behavior. Even the recent escalation of his sick rhetoric has been as Dr. Lee predicted.
" ... at the beginning", when he was a teenager in Queens when he was already pointedly acting out with mens rea, scienter & mens actus?
Early childhood, first seven years, needs daycare.
NYT did the same to Ukraine during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Their Moscow bureau chief was well aware of Stalin’s government’s policy of death to Ukraine known as the Holomodor, stealing ukraines resources for themselves leaving millions to starve to death.
See, anything by Anne Applebaum on the topic.
Yes. I subscribe to The Atlantic where she is a writer. I started subscribing just after reading that Trump, yet again the liar, referred to it as "the boring but very nasty magazine" (which it isn't at all). The magazine, with Ms. Applebaum's writing in particular, is thoroughly following in the tradition of its founders, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. But Trump of course wouldn't know it.
Thank you Richard. Yes, I was pleased when Ms Applebaum left WAPO for The Atlantic. For Anne's most recent Ukraine analysis see, "Anne Applebaum on the War in Ukraine". YouTube 9/16/23.
Edsall seems to only quote white men. This brings up the thought of possible racism and sexism in your exclusion. The white men in positions of power took great umbrage at this Korean American expert daring to stand up with the truth. They never took people like Bandy Lee seriously. It's an uphill battle. And as the saying goes, if you have to wait until a white guy tells you, it is probably too late. Hopefully we're not too late this time. This Indian American psychiatrist, Distinguished Fellow of the APA, is with you, Bandy. Shoes have dropped in my life too. But we'll keep at it. This is a problem of abusive power more generally, not just Mr. Trump, as you well know and have seen. But we have to stop him to have any chance at evolving past abuse.
MOSF 18.11: Abusive Power and Megalomania Perpetuate Racial, Cultural, Transhistorical, & Intergenerational Trauma (Part 2) https://eastwindezine.com/mosf-18-11-abusive-power-and-megalomania-perpetuate-racial-cultural-transhistorical-intergenerational-trauma-part-2/
Thank you again! I read the column and have agreed that it finally shared proper--and very necessary--opinions of behavioral health professionals. However, my comment (which was published) to that Edsall piece stated that my only criticism of it was leaving out Dr. Lee's primary role in editing "Dangerous Case" and continuing her important work with the WMHC. I wrote what seems to be an endlessly required explanation of Dr. Lee's point about Trump's dangerousness (not diagnosing!), especially in proper protocol of forensic psychiatry. Now I also appreciate Dr. Lee giving an "inside story" about that guest essay. (P.S.: Given that I'm a paid subscriber to the NYT online, I shared Edsall's essay with others in the WMHC through the Gmail group.)
And the mainstream media is finally waking up to his dangerousness because of his recent fascist comments about jailing and even killing his opponents.
Dr. Lee, the omission of your voice from the Times' discussion of this national crisis continues to increase our peril. Please continue to speak out--those of us who appreciate your expertise are behind you all the way!
P.S. to my earlier comment. Also in my comment to Edsall's essay, I mentioned that what happened to Dr. Lee from the actions of the APA and Yale ironically proved her point about how dangerous Trump can be. I wrote, "look it up" for any details.
Dr. Lee, I remain a steadfast supporter of your dedicated effort for truth. The NYT always seems to have the stench of elitist WASP embedded in the board and the ownership. Rich (okay with Fascism, as it is good for business) types just can’t trust in a society of the sweating masses, They never have and they never will.
I’d love to be certain that before I leave this earth the American public will indeed be “woke” and swiftly moving to make our society egalitarian and free of the illusions of meritocracy, and worse capitalism. Unfortunately, I feel the odds are better for a return to Feudalism with a high tech patina.
So, know you are both loved and admired by many of us not subject to mass delusion and mania. One that is likely fueled by the PFA’s in the food packaging baked into their processed mac and cheese.
It is what it is does not mean forever - me ✌️
Unfortunately I can't read the oped bc I refuse to financially support The Times until they formally apologize to the American people.
I have repeatedly pressed The Times to take accountability for its actions, incl this article.⬇️ One only need to think what would have happened had epidemiologists been silenced from talking about covid, to appreciate the damage of silencing mh experts. If this wasn't The Times' intent, they could have spoken out AT ANY TIME since. A paper powerful enough to shut down an entire profession could have been equally powerful at empowering it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/elainesbelsonlcswc/p/its-more-complicated-than-you-think-bf9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2iucmn
I'm struck by the anti-intellectual tone of the juvenile statement by the NYT Editorial Board on January 10, 2018. It goes on and on about how what's wrong with DJT is "obvious" to anyone who reads the news -- no advanced study or professional credentials needed!
The editorial asks why we need to hear from credentialed experts in a matter that directly pertains to their area of professional practice. Isn't it obvious? Because expertise matters! Because non-experts lack the requisite qualifications to speak with insight and authority on a deep subject like the complex inner workings of a pathological human psyche.
Predictably, non-experts often fail to see why experts are needed: non-experts don't know what they don't know, and their ignorance only bolsters their confidence in accordance with the Dunning-Kruger effect. Anti-intellectualism has been on the rise in the United States for decades, and this editorial is a sad manifestation of that trend. Do better, NYT.
Thank you for continuing to be brave and speak up, Dr. Lee. America needs you.