There is no reason why any one of us
> should not stand up and say of one of the candidates "I believe so-and-so
is
> a fool (or a threat, or God's gift to humanity)." > ==By all means say so,
in your own behalf but without butteressing you > personal views with your
professional/academic stance or associations.

Whether we like it or not, when we do speak out in the public arena we are
invariably identified by our profession.  And our insights -- whether or not
we choose to adopt a "professional/academic stance" -- are likely to be
derived at least in part from our training and experience.

Going back to the original post, I would distinguish between two of the
questions suggested as topics for Clio's Psyche.

"What is the psychology of being the son of a famous father?"  seems
reasonable and interesting, and bipartisan, too.  I have the sense there
might possibly be a way to write an article like this and remain within
professional boundaries.

On the other hand,  "What are the origins and psychodynamics of Al Gore's
rigidity?" seems like an invitation to wild analysis.  It does suggest that
from afar one could have special knowledge, it is disrespectful, and it uses
psychoanalytic insight fo nontherapeutic ends.

But these questions are different, as I see it.  And so I find myself
wondering whether there might be some valid criteria to be discussed here,
rather than a blanket prohibition.

 But
> please, until you have a two-thirds majority of us behind you, don't even
> hint that you're somehow privy to a "special truth" based on psychology,
> medicine or psychoanalysis.

Perhaps if I post again you will come to know that this is very far from my
approach to life and work.  I am only concerned that those of us in the
mental health field not muzzle ourselves or fail to participate in valid,
creative, and constructive ways in the public arena.  If reasonable and
professional psychotherapists insist on keeping silent, then we can leave
the airwaves to Dr. Laura.

Jean Fitzpatrick
-------------------------------------------------------
Jean G. Fitzpatrick, N.C.Psy.A.
email:  [log in to unmask]
website:  http://www.pastoralcounseling.net
a columnist for Beliefnet, http://www.beliefnet.com