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From the Obama Ministry of Truth
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Alan Abelson, RIP
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Ben Stein's Diary
(Page 2 of 2)
These are super-powerful meds that calm and soothe, but are ultra-addictive to many people and make them crazy if they try to stop taking the pills. The FDA originally banned them as too dangerous.
Interestingly, I knew the lawyer at Clark Clifford’s firm who fought and fought and probably used LBJ’s clout to get them on the market. Appropriately, he died young. Now, we have millions of addicts of benzos. If your doctor tries to give them to you, think carefully. In general, once you start and stay on them for a few months, you simply cannot ever stop. To be sure, they have their uses, but they are very dangerous.
Psychoactive drugs are super scary generally. Long ago, in 1966, when I was a first-year student at Yale Law School, I went to the student health service to see a shrink because I was so anxious about my classes. My doctor there, a total imbecile, put me on Mellaril and Trilafon, mighty strong anti-psychotics that twisted my mind, wrecked my relationships, and even caused partial paralysis. Ultimately I had to drop out of school because of them. In my whole life, almost every bad incident of my acting strangely has been based on some doctor-prescribed psychoactive med. These are really, really dangerous things. Beware. They are prescribed by doctors who mean well but have no idea of the damage they do. For decades now, I have been wary of them and have felt better without them than with them. Oh, well. Never mind. The world is about Obama now, not medicines. Mr. Obama, I know you will never read this, but proceed with extreme caution and humility. Your job is simply impossible. I wish you well, but you have no idea of what’s in store for you. It is not a job. It is the impossible dream.
And get a lot of sleep. And stop smoking.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (13) | Leave a comment
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Kay Walters| 4.5.09 @ 11:36AM
Dear Ben
I must say I really admiraer you. I love to catch your comments on CBS and Fox, you are always in touch with the current situation,and honest about it. I don't need to tell you you are very bright. I have read all your books a learned agreat deal about finance that I have not been able to learn in other financial articiles. They always leave out the most important thing you should know,especially about annuties. You explained the subject so well I finally understood them. Thank you for that.
I am founder of Second Chance Foundation we raise funds for scholarships vfor single mothers to attend college and recieve nursing degrees.
We give out 25 scholarships a year,so it is important for me to understand finance. If you can or care to say a few words about single mothers. There is a great deal of them out there,and they do a wonderful job raising their children and keeping food on the table. I have some mothers that attend school,have five children,and part time jobs.
They seem to be unsung heros falling through the cracks of society.
Didnot mean to go on so. Maybe someday I will get to meet you if you ever get to Orlando.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Kay Walters Founder of Second Chance
kay walters| 4.5.09 @ 12:15PM
Dear Ben me again. I just wanted to say you are right on about psychotrofic medication. Iwas a Director of a large Mental Hospital in New York State, I worked there for 15 years. The drugs are very dangerous, and the side effects are unspeakable. These drugs should only be used as a last resort to prevent suicide or homicide in my opinon. But you would be surprized how helpful they are to some patients. Oh I forgot, we don't call them patients anymore we call them consummers,interesting isn't it?
Mental illnes is a horrable disease where your own mind is turned against you and there is know where to hide to relieve the torture except maybe drugs, and the kindness and understanding of friends and famlies.
Maybe someday we will come up with a better more gentler way to treat our sick famly and friends ,but for now love and kindness
,and alittle meds might help.
I can tell you are a really good human being,and care about your fellow man. I am glad you are sharing the world with us.
Sincerely
Kay Walters
Founder of Second Chance
Chairperson of the Board Lakeside Behavioral
Board of Directors Valencia Community College
Member of the Finance Committee ValenciaC.C.
Chair of Board Scholarship Committee V.C.C
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hgfhgf| 12.2.09 @ 2:06AM
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