In the traditions of native cultures, the community physician made no attempt to separate illnesses of the body from the state of the soul or spirit. In fact, most diseases were considered manifestations of a psychic and spiritual imbalance that could be successfully treated with primary attention to deeper emotional, psychological and spiritual realities. I humbly submit that the candidacy of Howard Dean represents a similar approach in dealing with the sickness and dysfunction of current American society and government.
If a measure of the health and viability of a culture is the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens, our society is gravely ill and in need of heroic measures. In appealing to the most honest and community-minded self interest of each of us, Dean is bringing more and more of us into a willingness to examine what is damaged and in dire need of treatment in us, as a people and as a nation. He invites us to see our illnesses clearly and to take steps to heal ourselves. Any physician knows that without self-knowledge and willingness to assist in self-healing, disease cannot be addressed or overcome. The heart and spirit cannot be healed without the approval of the heart and spirit -- but into this awareness must come clear vision. Dr. Dean provides leadership in this.
The continual fear engendered by the policies of the Bush administration is a barrier to the clear understanding of our illness that begins the path to health. Those who ask us to look closely at our own diseases -- in order to begin healing -- are always opposed by those who profit from disease; in the case of our national illness, these are those in power who wish for us to remain fearful, uninformed and trapped in our sickness. In supporting Dr. Dean we support our own abilities for clear vision, breadth of spirit and hope, and a path toward rejuvination. Those who support him know this; the Dean campaign itself embodies a healing opportunity and brings us to the faith that this opportunity is real.
In short, GO DEAN!