First, before I start my blog, I wonder if I'd get more traffic if I start with the topic, rather than the series title "Dr. Jackie's Mental Health Moment." Seems I have more to say than straight MH (mental health), anyway. Plus, everything overlaps. Politics, economics, physical health, parenting, sociology--aren't these topics and more really about psychology, too? Let me know.

Thinking about the primaries and then the eventual general election, what could be more psychological than the posing, the playacting, and the egos and the marketing?  Also, where is commonsense when it comes to policies, or is black and white thinking necessary so there can be different parties and clear choices?

 In reality, almost everyone thinks contraception is a good health measure and valuable expenditure of the taxpayer. Whereas abortions are more controversial, almost everyone wants an early abortion for a raped 12 yr. old but not as a common birth control measure for a middle class mom at taxpayer's expense. Most people want oil and gas drilling but not in population centers and not ruining any more natural beauty than absolutely necessary. Cutting taxes from gasoline costs could get a lot of agreement. Cutting taxes for the middle class and raising them or keeping them the same for people who earn a cool million a year or more is a no-brainer. Earning a few hundred thou a year isn't "rich" anymore. Earning minimum wage is poor, though. Food stamps are for the poor, as is public assistance and help with health insurance. Sexual preference variation isn't to be punished or celebrated legally, but accepted. Immigrants who do nothing illegal here and have been around for years with their families can earn the right to stay. New immigrants have to come legally. English is the official language but other languages are tolerated and translation is available. Government is important and necessary but shouldn't be too large and shouldn't try to preempt private enterprise, just regulate against abuses.

I could go on and on. Call me Republican (Rockefeller style), Democrat, Moderate, Libertarian, or human. It wouldn't matter if commonsense is allowed to prevail. It's the psychology of commonsense or moderation.It doesn't make for good press, ads, or cults of personality. It's kind of dull. But it works, I bet.