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GLOBAL DIALOG PROJECT

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LINKS: Human Behavior Truth: Spotting Lies and Liars

Escaping the Culture of Fear

Psychology of Voting

Human Behavior: Is It With Us Or Against Us?

Human Differences (and Similarities!) Sites on the Web

Detecting destructive human behavior patterns

Characteristics of Fascism
Characteristics of Fascism

POLITICAL LINKS
Electoral College
Voting Machines

Politics and Human Behavior: Things To Know and Consider

    Psychology of Voting              Truth: Spotting Lies and Liars     
    Escaping the Culture of Fear         Strategies for Coping with Fear

Introduction

The purpose of this site is to provide you with some education and techniques to help you understand the deep issues of human nature that pervade politics and the decisions we make about it. The drive to power, the desire to appear right, and the manipulation of voters all play a fundamental role in any government. This means that we, the voters, need our own tools and protections against these in order to make wise decisiions for our society.

This will be an ongoing project, as the need for defenses against our own politicians is increasing! You can help by posting your own suggested links, thoughts, techniques or suggestions in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

The Psychology of Voting

Why People Don't Vote - by David Pollard

A Study: George Bush doesn't represent the economic interests of working-class people. So why are so many blue-collar voters pro-Bush? - Alternet

Spotting a Liar


Here is information on ways to assess the truthfulness of politicians, as well as any other member of society. There are human behavior patterns in speech, body language and actions that can provide clues to a person's integrity and intention in their words and actions.


Escaping the Culture of Fear

Humans evolved with scary things - things that could eat us, sting us, poison us, destroy us - so we have evolved with fear as a basic emotion that is MEANT to assist us. However, the institutionalization of the "War on Terror" as a supposedly ongoing and possibly never-ending source of fear has changed everything. In terms of evolution, fear was a short-lived emotion that generated necessary adrenaline, to fight or get the hell out of there. Constant fear is not something our systems were constructed to handle, and the result is a steady diet of anxiety, worry, panic, and stress on our bodies that we do not handle well.

In a way this is a blessing. It is time for us to understand, face, and handle our fears in a mature way. "Fight or flight" are not are only options - innovative thinking, stress reduction, and acting, rather than reacting, are paths to better health for our nation and for us as individuals. Below is both documentation of our current situation with respect to fear as a basic human emotion, and in the other column, useful ways to address and dispel fear while choosing wise and courageous and ethical decisions.

Let us not allow fear to drive us; We are in the driver's seat!

Living in a World of Fear is No Fun

Real Threat of Terrorism Isn't Terror - Nope, it's our response to it.

Psychology of Fear and War - How we are being manipulated by political use of fear

Consensual Paranoia & The War Against Terrorism How we perceive the War on Terror could cause the most damage

Americans Unprepared for Psychological Terror More Psychological Counterterrorism Needed, Say Experts - U.S. policy makers are ignoring the terrorists most potent weapon: fear.

The collateral psychological damage of war - for civilians as well as troops

Understanding Fear - and getting out of it Set of articles from Psychology Today that address symptoms and cures for fear

Fear is the Mindkiller: Let It Go!

Do We Fear the Right Things? It's time to put things in perspective

PTSD help: An award-winning healing video helps to replace flashbacks with peace.

The Psychology of Terrorism and the Real Solution

Strategies for Coping

Strategies for Coping: There are simple strategies to get back on track: Rest, exercise, eat a healthy diet, prioritize what is important. Here are a few more suggestions specific to recovery:

1. Get back to everyday routines: Find a balance between reflection and introspection versus routines and activities.

2. Remember what worked before: There is no need for new strategies; do things you normally enjoy.

3. Reassess priorities: Dedicate attention to what is most important.

4. What lessons have you learned? Engage in constructive discussion by talking, writing and speaking about it.

6. Balance: Keep up with current events yet pay attention to yourself.

7. Find positives in the negatives: For every negative aspect there is a potential positive corollary. For example, after September 11 came a sense of caring. By helping others you will reinforce your own self-esteem.

- BY Ray Monsour Scurfield, D.S.W, L.C.S.W