Monday, Indianapolis, Indiana

It wasn’t the first time it’s happened, but yet again there was a shopping mob that went ballistic and trampled an innocent victim to death! At a Wal-Mart store on Long Island a drooling gang of lunatic shoppers - fearful that they would miss out on a sale of laptops - steamrolled a worker as they poured into the store. In the middle of their frenzy none hesitated to check on the condition of the felled victim. They all just plowed ahead.

While it may not be possible to bring criminal charges against these idiots, we can only hope that each is wracked with painful guilt for what they have done. And isn’t it time that the managers of these stores figure out how to manage these situations? Why are they still opening the store by all at once unlocking the doors to let the crowd literally run amok inside? They do this every year with the same results. What did they think would happen this time?

It is a distressing revelation that America’s values have become so distorted that consumer success appears to trump all other achievements. What is the essence of modern life? We work for money to spend on stuff…and work some more to buy more stuff. Needing the stuff or even being clear that we can afford the stuff is secondary to getting the stuff. Buying: this summarizes the essential meaning of life…for millions. Even with borrowed money or delayed credit, getting, having and getting some more is the urgent life necessity.

With this as a priority, it’s no wonder we would trample anyone that got in the way between us and the stuff. Sickness.

Sunday, West Lafayette, Indiana

One of the arguments against the candidacy of Barack Obama and the Democrats is the traditional worry that they are too soft and lenient when it comes to international threats - especially in the age of terrorism. So despite his dramatic win, there is anticipation while we await his posture facing enemies of America. So on top of the deep worries about the economic seizures we also have angst about our safety.

In such a situation many already nervous individuals become vulnerable to elevated levels of panic. How are you handling it all? Some ignore such matters, focusing on the concerns of their daily life. Others embrace a the uncertainty with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that in the end, we cannot individually control such events. But for those who are unable to shut it out of their mind or come to terms with the fragile nature of human life, these times are debilitating. Perhaps you or someone you know struggles with what mental health professionals call Panic Disorder.

See if you can you relate to these symptoms of Panic Disorder

Symptoms: A  discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within ten minutes:

 1.  Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate:
 – Your heart rate is so fast, rabbits approach you without fear.
 – You can only tolerate listening to music whose percussion is in  time with your heartbeat.

 2.  Sweating:
 –  After exercising at the gym, the staff must mop up your areas.
 – You must launder your clothing at least twice each day.

 3.  Trembling or Shaking:
 – In order to focus your eyes to read, you must lean against a  solid object.
 – Unbeknownst to those you meet, your vigorous handshake requires no energy on your part.

 4.  Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering:
 – You can only fall asleep without covers.
 – When listening to your breathing through the phone, others suspect that your dog is nearby.

 5.  Fears of choking:
 – You are terrified of eating chicken or fish.
 – Activities such as scratching your face or trying to apply lipstick triggers your gag response.

 6.  Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint:
 – Even while standing perfectly still. You weave from side to  side.
 – You pass out into unconsciousness at least seven times each week.

 7.  Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself):
 – You don’t always really know it’s you in the mirror.
 – You often have a strong desire to step aside away from yourself.

 8.  Fear of losing control or going crazy:
 – You only feel completely secure when you are physically  attached to a solid object or another person.
 – Even though you do not have panic disorder, this test is causing  you to develop the illness.

 9.  Fear of dying:
 – Your funeral arrangements have been made and prepaid since you  were 20 years old.
 – You spend every free moment of spare time sitting still in a chair  in your basement.

 10.  Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensation):
 – In order to lift something, you must look at your hand to insure that it is really grasping.
 – Every few minutes you make a little jump and cry "Wooo."