We've all seen the comment wars going on. They start in the morning Kos poll front page posting. McCain is up a point yesterday, one more today...there is a tightening reported in an important state by a respected poll elsewhere....McCain is reported to be gaining traction with a line of attacks.....
And before you know it, it's game on. "We're blowing this, I can't believe it, what are people thinking, I can't take this anymore, I'm anxious, I'm scared, talk me down...." says one group.
And the responses are brutal. The little ONOZ guys appear, often multiple times. The epithet "Concern Troll!" is cast out. "Get to work!" "Phonebank, don't whine!"
Like a tennis match, the responses come flying back - "Don't be an echo chamber, an ostrich! Obama needs to ____ or we are gonna lose this thing!"
"Obama has made it this far without your sage wisdeom!"
And on - and on, and on.
Okay, I have OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder. I know something about reassurance seeking behavior. I understand that when anxiety rears it's ugly head, there is an impulse among some people to panic (step one), seek reassurance (step two) and very often, ACT (step three). I also know that this behavior is beyond annoying to some others.
SO - I don't post many diaries but I thought this might be interesting. Bring your concerns here! All ye who are panicking: post your direst fears in this diary. I will provide reassurance where possible, and commiserate when I can't offer more. Warning: if you are annoyed by Chicken Littles, do not read this diary! This is a "safe coop" zone!
I don't tend to panic about political things. Maybe it's because I'm not a Democrat (I'm a socialist) and have a different outlook. Maybe it's from living in Israel, where politics is a contact sport. But I have my own panic triggers and after years of therapy and many medications, I have a lot of experience with the emotion. So if you've felt ostracized by other diaries and criticized for being a chicken little, c'mon - tell me what you are thinking. And we shall get through this together!
Some calming music from one of my favorites, Dougie MacLean: