"The Wizard of Troz"

[Dr. Richard Grossman]

Hi everybody,

Some here may enjoy/appreciate this letter to the editor of my local newspaper, the Brookline TAB:

"If we only had a ..."

http://brookline.wickedlocal.com/news/20161117/brookline-tab-letters

Richard

[sunblue]

Dr. Grossman:

Love the analogy!  And so accurate at that!  I highly doubt that we'll see any "floating away" happen unless it is a mandatory trip courtesy of an impeachment.  For all those who refused to look behind the curtain to see the real Wizard, there's another phrase that comes to mind:  "Be very careful what you wish for.  It may not at all be what you envisioned."  Feeling fear? Yes. But also such a sense of sadness and betrayal.  Time will tell if the Great Wizard will indeed be able to deliver on the promises of he bellowed at everyone during the campaign.  At this point, I can only hope that the next 4 years will reveal some semblance of "courage, brains and heart". For me, one thing this entire election process really reminded me of was the choice each of us has in associating with those whose fundamental values are in alignment with ours---respect for all, civility and acceptance of all differences.  Wish I could tap my red heels 3 times to return to my home, my America.  Great job on the letter.  #Kudos.

[Dr. Richard Grossman]

I highly doubt that we'll see any "floating away" happen unless it is a mandatory trip courtesy of an impeachment.  For all those who refused to look behind the curtain to see the real Wizard, there's another phrase that comes to mind:  "Be very careful what you wish for.  It may not at all be what you envisioned." 

Thanks, sunblue, for your reply!

Sadly or happily, depending on what side of the political spectrum you are on, IMO, the likelihood of Donald Trump being impeached sometime over the next 4 years is relatively high.   Heraclitus wrote, “Character is fate.”   President-elect Trump has demonstrated his “character” repetitively during and after the election.  The subtext of almost everything he does and says centers on inflating his self-esteem.  He is like a small child perpetually trying to blow up a balloon with a hole in it.  Truth, principles, and ethics play a miniscule role in such people’s behavior.  That is why he can say one thing in order to win the election and disavow it once he’s in power.  Given this “character,” the odds of Trump getting into ethical or legal trouble over the next 4 years (particularly given his need to control his businesses) are very high.  I suspect that once this brief post-election honeymoon period ends, Republicans are going to see that he doesn’t represent their interests, but rather, Donald Trump’s--and it remains to be seen how much overlap there is.

As you know, much of my career as a psychologist has been devoted to helping people leave relationships with people like Donald Trump.  Given his “character,” it seems likely that during the next four years, the country, including both Republicans and Democrats, will ultimately face the same predicament and challenge that my patients did.  And, yes, if the country decides to sever it's relationship with the president-elect, I can guarantee that Donald Trump will not float peacefully away!

Richard

[sunblue]

Well said Doctor G!  I think those of us who have been exposed to Narcissists in our families or professional lives understand very well the real danger they pose.  Unfortunately, many people mistake the boasting of Narcissists as confidence or strength.  We know differently.  I wholeheartedly agree with you, however, that the true character of these individuals never change.  In fact, and in the case of the presidency, with the assignment of the highest power in the land, an N's true character will only serve to emerge more.  They simply can't or won't change their spots.  Let us hope that saner minds will prevail of those surrounding this president so that the damage can be minimized. 

What is even more frightening, from my perspective, is that the proverbial Pandora's box has now been opened so that any wealthy N can now bully his/her way to the highest office in the land, causing damage and cultivating a long-lasting environment of true hatred, violence, racism and sexism in their wake.

If there is any silver lining, this entire scenario will provide the opportunity for more serious conversations about Narcissism and its detrimental effects.

Thanks again for your insights and please know that I, like so many others here, are grateful and thankful for this board and all the assistance you provide. 

Sunblue

[Dr. Richard Grossman]

Thanks, Sunblue.  I so appreciate your thoughts and your insight.

If there is any silver lining, this entire scenario will provide the opportunity for more serious conversations about Narcissism and its detrimental effects.

Amen!

So glad you’re here,

Richard