People give power (their vote) to people if they think a person can help them. Hillary needs to show, not tell, voters how she can help them in the debates. Here’s one way she can show her empathy, intelligence and thoughtfulness onstage, demonstrating in a concrete, credible way how she can help the greatest number of people in this country in a surprising, kick-ass way...
“So how should she do this miraculous feat, AndiePandie?” you ask.
“Here’s what Hillary should say,” I answer.
My grandma used to say, “If you got your health, you’ve got everything. If you don’t, you got nothing.” (Never mind if Hillary’s grandma didn’t say this. It’s an old Lyndon Johnson trick.)
In my personal life’s experience, I’d double-down on mental health. Name me one person, family or business that hasn’t suffered severely from a loved one’s mental health issues, especially when you consider untreated or poorly treated drug and alcohol abuse. Mental health issues have destroyed more lives and communities from within than terrorists’ bullets and airplanes. In fact, a case could be made that terrorism and mass shootings have their roots in mental illness turned outward.
Mental health issues cut across races, creeds, genders, educational attainment, the powerless and the powerful. Donald, your beloved brother’s shortened life left a big hole in his family and friend’s hearts due to alcoholism. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sadly, we didn’t have effective treatment in this country back then...or now. The US is several steps behind the humane and effective treatment the Scandinavian countries have recently pioneered. New medications and treatments have greatly improved outcomes for drug and alcohol addictions and because of that, given lives back to so many, in addition to the lives of the people who love them.
Regardless of the outcome of this election, can we stand together, Republican and Democrat, to fund effective mental health treatment programs and bring lives, families and communities back from the cycle of psych wards, jails, prisons, and morgues? I stand with American families to see that people get the help they need.
