PLATFORM : Political Therapy

Let’s extend our system of checks and balances in Washington to include the mental health of the people to whom we give power. Unlike some voters in Virginia, I am not disturbed that Oliver North sought therapy years ago. I am disturbed that he left treatment too early.

I have spent too many hours watching congressional hearings on C-SPAN, wishing that the politicians who had just given a bravura performance before the camera would head straight for their therapist’s office to explore why they said what they said. I also wonder what it would be like being the psychologist, challenging them on unconscious motives for their political actions.

My wildest hope about health-care reform is that Congress will embrace trickle-down psychonomics, in which all people with power, especially politicians, clergy and CEOs, will be required to enter psychotherapy--a bit like mandating gun training for those who are armed and dangerous.