This was pulled off of some conspiracy newsgroups: What do ya think? ----------------------

A CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF ANTI-GOVERNMENT PHOBIA Ivor E. Tower, M.D. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Volume 11, series 3, pages 4-5

ABSTRACT

This study conclusively demonstrates that unfounded fear of government is a recognizable mental illness, closely related to paranoid schizophrenia. Anti-Government Phobia (AGP) differs from most mental illnesses, however, in that it is highly infectious and has an acute onset. Symptoms include extreme suspiciousness, conspiracy-mongering, delusional thought patterns, staunch "us against them" mentality, withdrawal from reality, and often religious fanaticism. Having the patient committed to a qualified mental health institution is the best option for family and loved ones. For this reason, all psychologists and family physicians need to be provided with educational materials, to help them recognize the various symptoms and warning signs accompanying onset. Once the illness is correctly diagnosed, they next should notify the patient's immediate family members and discuss the various treament options with them. Since comparitively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research.

INCIDENCE AND ETIOLOGY

Anti-Government Phobia has a worldwide distribution, but has a particularly high incidence in the United States. Infection rates are estimated by mental health officials to be about 5% of the general population, and this rate is growing at an alarming rate. Rates are highest, but not limited to, those who are disaffected in some fashion, especially those who have a strong personal grudge against the federal government for one reason or another. Although certain varients of the illness have been around for many years, it is only in the last decade or so that the more virulent and infectious strains have appeared. This is most likely due to the rapid buildup of government, at all levels, during the 1980's. Closely paralling this trend was an explosion in the number of cases in which individuals were diagnosed as having unfounded fears concerning such.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS Anti-Government Phobia is marked by extreme suspiciousness toward government. Onset is acute. Symptoms start almost immediately after a run-in with some agency or institution of the government, or when the patient is introduced to anti-government propaganda, in one form or another, by a self-styled "patriot." Common ways in which this harmful, anti-government propaganda is spread include: books, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, audiotapes, videotapes, shortwave and conventional radio programs, computer bulletin boards, and various Internet sites. Upon exposure to "patriotic" propaganda, the patient mysteriously begins to imagine hidden links between unrelated current events, weaving these gross distortions of reality into a complex delusional web; a labyrinth of conspiracy theories with all imagined clues leading straight to the federal government. With further exposure, the patient becomes increasingly paranoid, and slowly withdrawals from reality. However, mental deterioration is usually so gradual that the patient is often unaware of it. The illness progresses until the patient eventually assumes a staunch "us against them" mentality. For instance, in the patient's warped mind-set, each new piece of gun-control legislation is rationalized to be one more step in an ultimate plot by the federal government to confiscate guns altogether. In severe cases, the patient assumes a survivalist mentality, stocking up on de-hydrated food, guns, ammunition, and other "essentials." As the illness continues to progress, the patient experiences increased delusional thinking. For instance, he may start believing that the Federal Reserve is not part of the federal government, but is instead controlled by wealthy Zionists. Other delusions may involve the United Nations, "black helicopters," concentration camps, or the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Delusions involving "takeovers" by foreign military troops, or federal government agents, are also common. Anti-Government Phobia is often associated with religious fanaticism. An excellent example of this is the infamous Branch Davidian case, in which many cult members preferred a fiery suicide over peaceful surrender to the forces of "Babylon." There have been other cases in which "patriots" have became involved with terrorist activity, fallaciously thinking they were doing the "will of God." More commonly, "patriots" have been involved in aggressive outbursts in courtrooms, and in other public places such as town-hall meetings. Overall, the worldview eventually adopted by "patriots" interprets modern-day events in terms of pieces of a large jig-saw puzzle. Oddly, they believe that it is their solemn duty to put these unrelated pieces together in order to discover the underlying "big picture." The warped interpretive framework used by many "patriots" in their missionary-like endeavor of saving the lost "sheeple" (derogatory term comparing on-patriots to lost sheep) is a hyper-literal interpretation of Biblical prophecies, particularly those contained in the book of Revelation.

SPREAD OF THE ILLNESS

In the eyes of the so-called "patriots," the relentless attempt to indoctrinate others with extremist beliefs is seen as a righteous and compulsory act to save their "self-destructing" nation. Wildly fantasizing that America can somehow turn back the clock to better times, which in reality never existed, "patriots" often quote constantly from the Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Ironically (and tragically), when "patriots" expose others to their anti-government propaganda, in the name of liberty, they are actually infecting them with an extremely contagious mental illness. A strong analogy can be drawn between "patriotic" indoctrination and patterns of religious conversion. In both cases, ultra-idealistic individuals believe that it is their solemn duty to make "conversions" to their particular faith. This is usually done on a person-to-person basis with a friend or acquaintance. To keep new converts from going astray or "backsliding," they are eagerly provided with a steady stream of propaganda. In each case, the devotee imagines that there is an evil, sinister force which must be opposed at all costs. In the case of various religions, the faithful are supposedly rewarded for sparring with the "devil." In the case of the "patriot," the so-called "New World Order" is viewed as the demonic bogeyman, with the reward for opposing it supposedly being an increased amount of "personal freedom". In both "patriotic" and religious circles,there is an entire counter-culture, centering around various anthems and holy books, constantly being promoted by prophets, preachers, and other paranoid propagandists of all creeds, colors, and strains.

PREVENTION

Needless to say, prevention is the first line of defense against any type of illness or disease. Unfortunately, most mental illnesses are genetic and can not prevented. However, it is fortunate indeed that Anti-Government Phobia is non-genetic, and thus, wholly preventable. On an individual basis, the most effective prevention policy is obviously not to allow oneself to become indoctrinated by a self-styled "patriot," preferably by staying as far as possible away from their divisive propaganda. As an added precaution, one should rely exclusively on well-known and reputable sources for news and other information. Family members and loved ones can help in this effort. However, it should be noted that prevention programs work best only when the entire community is involved. We all need to practice constant vigilance in order to spot diviseness and hate in our communities. In this regard, networking is the key to success. A successful community-based empowerment program would include the following elements: citizen networks, parent-teacher networks, police-citizen networks, pastor-parisoner networks, doctor-family member networks, state-local authority networks, federal-state authority networks.

TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS

Although the prognosis is fairly good if the illness is treated soon after symptoms first appear, studies have shown that a disturbingly low percentage of patients allow themselves to be treated. Thus, having the patient committed to a qualified mental health institution is the best option for family and loved ones. For this reason, all psychologists and family physicians need to be provided with educational materials, to help them recognize the various symptoms and warning signs (outlined above) which accompany onset. Once the illness is correctly diagnosed, they next should notify the patient's immediate family members and discuss the various treament options with them. This effort should be reinforced with extensive public ad campaigns promoting a 1-800 help line. Since comparitively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research. It can not be over-emphasized that prevention is the key to stopping the spread of Anti-Government Phobia. Once a person is infected, the illness is generally incurable. The only proven treatment is an extended, and often risky, "de-programming" session conducted by qualified professionals, such as the Cult Awareness Network (CAN). Left untreated, chronic symptoms invariably persist throughout the entire lifetime of the patient. Sadly, even the patients themselves realize this horrifying fact, and, surprisingly, seem apathetic to it. Oddly, they often confuse their symptoms with being "awake." For instance, they have been known to garble gibberish such as "once your awake, you can't go back to sleep." Further research is presently being conducted on the reasons why they rationalize their mental illness in this highly unusual manner.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer wishes to thank the following individuals and organizations for contributing their expertise to this report: Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Rick Ross of the Cult Awareness Network (CAN), the United States Justice Department (USJD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

-- Whatever! (blah@blah.com), May 28, 1999

Answers

The "experts" who contributed to this report are delusional, a danger to themselves and others and ought to be institutionalized.

-- Betty Alice (Barnl266@aol.com), May 28, 1999.

"Ivor E. Tower, M.D. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Volume 11, series 3, pages 4-5" ????? Come on!!!

This is completely bogus. It shouldn't even be necessary to say so, but it's a certainty that someone will take it seriously.

-- Ned (entaylor@cloudnet.com), May 28, 1999.

sounds like the product of a couple of psych grad students on a slow friday night with no dates and only enough money for a couple of sixers of cheap beer.

Arlin

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), May 28, 1999.

I agree Arlin. But then, so does the majority of "babble" that comes out of the mouths of most in that profession. Couldn't change a tire or fry a chicken without written instructions.

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), May 28, 1999.

...yeah,I remember my first beer.

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), May 28, 1999.

Best laugh I've had in a long time! Thanks whatever. ~[8^}--->

-- regular (zzz@z.z), May 28, 1999.

This is classic! Great post.

-- Brian (imager@home.com), May 28, 1999.

The True SubGenii, the Chosen Ones, the High Unpredictables, shall be rewarded in the great Rupture of 2000, X-DAY, when the Men from Planet X will come; and we shall be LIFTED UP, in Power and Glory, to the Escape Vessels of the Sex Goddesses, fleeing the cataclysms on Earth while being TRANSFORMED into OverMen and UberFemmes, SUPERIOR MUTANTS who will lead a NEW RACE (the MASTER RACE, because it comes in ALL COLORS) to the PROMISED LAND, the Pleasure Dimension of ETERNAL SLACK AND CYTORSPASMIC OOZQUIRT. Will you join the Conspiracy's mindless atheistic unknowing servitude to the "Elder Bankers of the Universe" and their MINIONS in some hideous One-World Government, or will you GET SLACK and FIGHT FOR FREEDOM as a zeal-crazed Priest-Warrior for ODIN and the TRUE ORIGINAL FERTILITY CULTS that will someday instigate an eye- wateringly orgasmic One-World RELIGION of endless, delerious pleasures?? EH?? EH??

What you decide may not matter. If you are a true SubGenius, if through your veins courses the blood of the Yeti, then IT -- JEHOVAH- 1 -- The Stark Fist of Removal -- will get you SOONER OR LATER no matter how GODLESS you try to be!!

Join the Church and DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY. What's really "abnormal" and "unnatural" is NORMALITY. The terrifying thing is that whereas the Normals cannot become like us, we can all too easily become like them. It is literally the next easiest thing in the world to become Normal... partly because it pays better, and partly because the SubGenius race is being further mongrelized with each generation by mating with Pinks and other "beasts of the field." DON'T MARRY A HUMAN!! Use the Normals, yes -- even be friends with some of them, in order to learn their weaknesses -- but do not cross- fertilize with them!

-- J.R."BOBDobbs ("BOB"@www.subgenious.com), May 28, 1999.

Now I'm confused - the first part made perfect sense and I was getting ready to becoming really committed to the cause, and then I too started thinking of undergrad years toasting future success with cheap (ie, cold but bad beer), then that BobDobbs character chimed in with his two cents worth and I'm confused all and paranoid and schizoid againagainagainagainagain.

-- confused@allover (who@what.whereami), May 28, 1999.

Confused- Bob is a spam program that makes random hits. If you read it you'll go blind. Now as for this schitzophrenic mumbo jumbo by John Q. Shrink, I must protest. I AM NOT PARANOID! I know for a fact the men in khaki are coming to get me tonight. I'll be under the bed with my rice & beans.

-- Gia (Laureltree7@hotmail.com), May 28, 1999.

absolutely awesome cried with laughter for 10 mins.

-- Graham hyslop (Bob@ghoward-oxley.demon.co.uk), May 28, 1999.

"Since comparitively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research."

Perfect!!!

-- . (.@...), May 28, 1999.

Bogus! What you mean bogus? A bill will soon have been submitted to fund the commission to study this increasingly grave problem... Just as soon as we elect a new Senator from a major urban state (to remain nameless).

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), May 28, 1999.

Ignoring the Ivor E. Tower bit which I thought might've been added on, I almost believed this article was for real until I read " The only proven treatment is an extended, and often risky, "de-programming" session conducted by qualified professionals, such as the Cult Awareness Network (CAN)", then I knew it had to be a joke. And yes Bob, the blood of the yeti does course through my veins.

-- humpty d (no.6@thevillage.com), May 28, 1999.

tho the above post is obviously a "joke"........

Cult Awarness Network homepage

http://www.magpie.co.uk/CAN/

cult awarness network chapter 7 url (CAN Ceases Operations in 1996)

http://www.magpie.co.uk/CAN/canc.htm

snip

"We've been backed into this corner," said Kisser, "simply because of the massive amount of litigation we have had to face in the approximately 50 cases brought by Scientologists against us since 1991. If you get sued 50 times over four years the odds are that you're going to suffer losses at some point. What has happened is wrong. The record is clear on this for anyone who takes the time to review what's been laid down in the courts."

end snip

this org DID exist.....and was "taken over" by Scientologists.....yes, the Scientologists actually "bought out" CAN and acquired the records thereof (anyone want to guess why?)

there's a grain of truth in most everything

-- nocultshere (errr@whattheheck.com), May 29, 1999.

did cpr write this???

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), May 29, 1999.

Yes, this is a joke. What makes it a *good* joke is that, minus some of the pseudo-institutional trappings, it scores quite a few direct hits.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), May 29, 1999.

J.R. "Bob" Dobbs, the Living Slack Master of Mystik Sales Training, the Bridge between Heaven and Earth and Hell, the wordless Bobhead, the Nake Dobbs, All-Knowing, All-Prevailing, All-Just, All-True, All-None, ALL- ONE, DOBBS is the ONE TRUE WAY by which we may finally achieve that elusive SLACK that has been denied us. Science and religion each prove totally different things, yet they both appear to be true. So, by divine logic, the answer must be "Bob." He IS his own self-fulfilling prophecy... his own best idea. During every instant of time he is simultaneously killed and reborn, perpetually rising from the ashes of his own self-consuming Flame of Truth which Light the Path through the Illuminated Darkness of his Isness.[1] A "60-million-year Cycle" will end in 1998; Dobbs sees the world enter- ing a New Aeon which, in a few years, will bring more wondrous and mirac- ulous change, and carnage, insanity, and destruction, than all of mankind's history and prehistory before it! "Bob" brings a new destiny for America - a time of cataclysmic economic change that will offer UNTOLD RICHES AND POWER to those "in the know" while billions of DESERVING CONSPIRACY DUPES FRY in Hell-on- Earth...Uncontrolled thinking, controlled by "Bob," will usher in a SPIRITUAL REBIRTH and a cas- cade of astounding mysteries, supernatural riches, and a restoration of lost psychic abilities that will totally transform the lives of those who DARE to seek them and pay for them. that's right - you're lucky to live in the End Times.

-- "BOB" ("BOB"@subgenious.com), May 29, 1999.

In both cases, ultra-idealistic individuals believe that it is their solemn duty to make "conversions" to their particular faith.

A recent Congressional cult...

http://www.cagle.com/Y2K/ bug16.asp

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 29, 1999.