Thanks, guys, for demonstrating your own varieties of TDS. (Refresher course follows...)

The origin of the term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' is traced to political columnist and conservative commentator Charles Krauthammer, a psychiatrist, who originally coined the phrase 'Bush Derangement Syndrome' in 2003 during the presidency of George W. Bush. That syndrome was defined by Krauthammer as "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidency – nay – the very existence of George W. Bush." The first use of the term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' may have been by Esther Goldberg in an August 2015 op-ed in The American Spectator; She applied the term to "Ruling Class Republicans" who are dismissive or contemptuous of Trump. Krauthammer, himself a harsh critic of Trump, later defined "Trump derangement syndrome" as a Trump-induced "general hysteria" among the chattering classes, producing an "inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and ... signs of psychic pathology" in the President's behavior.

TDS became a made-up condition, conceived as an insult label by the alt-right to attack anyone who criticizes or refuses to support Donald Trump. The idea being the left is so obsessed with Trump they have collectively lost their minds. Like many of their other little online crusades, this one has backfired. People dislike Trump for actual reasons which often go well beyond just politics or partisanship, and if anyone has Trump Derangement Syndrome it's those on the right that blindly support him. They have lost their sense of morality, religious convictions, principles, objectivity, all discernment, and even the ability to have a civil discussion or reason. So the term has now been co-opted by others to refer to Trump supporters who are blinded by their unrealistic devotion to Trump.

Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is actually a satirical psychological diagnosis used to explain the hysterical reaction and belligerent behavior of people, PRO or CON, generally directed towards anything related to President Donald Trump as pertaining to his presidency. It isn't intended to be a logical argument, rather a jab at another individual's excessive emotional reactions as well as aggressive physical displays. It is an ad hominem argument, not a strawman argument as suggested by definition...and, there are numerous variations on TDS, all of which have their own particular partisan/ideological twist.

I find your odd take on my postings both interesting and amusing - perhaps even disturbing.

In them, it was clearly stated that I took the time and effort to visit friends I have made on OPP in my travels across the country while visiting my adult children on or near both coasts. It made sense to take the time to meet them personally while in the area of their residence(s). I have no connections whatsoever to anyone connected to OPP's administration and certainly enjoy no privileges. If it seems I do have "so many" friends on this forum, it comes from being on it for about ten years and making attempts at friendship beyond the usual postings on this forum.

As a USMC Viet Nam combat Vet, references to my Brothers-In-Arms come from a deep sense of camaraderie with those who shared similar experiences in that tragic conflict. Fact is, several of us gathered this weekend for a BBQ to celebrate my birthday. We also will be gathering again Memorial Day in solemn tribute to those of us who didn't make it back, along with our other annual gathering for Veteran's Day in November. If you determine that as being sanctimonious, that is your prerogative. However, I consider that sharing a great sense of p***e in being one of those who answered their nation's call to serve when many didn't.

You have a nice day, NewBear.

The following is basically a re-post from several years ago. The atmosphere on OPP has only gotten worse.

I have been a contributor to OPP for years now, and continually question what power this forum has over me.

I have made numerous OPP friends over time, even having met close to two dozen of them personally in my travels across my state and the nation. Even more friends have been established through PMs and e-mails in open and friendly exchanges, along with publicly expressed exchanges on the forum. As I have stated in previous posts, those friends range from possibly the most zealous of conservative ideologues to varying levels of progressive individuals. Keep in mind, I am not necessarily putting those labels on them so much as they have been pigeon-holed, IMO, by the majority of OPP posters. And yet, as once again as stated in previous posts, all appear(ed) to be red-blooded and true blue, patriotic Americans. The only difference is/was in their political perspectives. I was raised and taught to believe that is something conceded to all citizens of this great nation...freedom of speech or expression.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of our most beloved and respected forefathers. Yet, in lifetimes and careers that criss-crossed one another, they often had the most vile and bitter of political disputes. Still, neither of them could remotely be considered any less than two of the most influential founders of both our country and its founding documents. Their latter years, with political disputes behind them, were spent in steady personal dialogue and communication which exposed their respect for one another and their love of country. Why is it that, today, those of us who differ in our approaches to honoring our country can't find a way similar to those two great men in reaching an accord with honor and respect for opposing opinions?

There are many Veterans on this forum and I respectfully honor all of them for their service and/or sacrifice. Yet, I have seen numbers of exchanges between Veterans, some of whom shed blood for our country, disparaging and disrespecting other Veterans simply because of opposing political or ideological stances on matters subject to discussion on the forum. One side or the other often lambasts the other for, according to them, lack of proper respect or love of country. At what point has one paid enough for an honest expression of their patriotism and love of country? I doubt that any service member, in a past firefight or foxhole, questioned the compatriots alongside them their political party or ideology. Why would any question the patriotism of a Veteran in a political discussion when each has served and often fought for the right to express an opinion? And, better yet, why would anyone question a Veteran as to their patriotism, especially when they have earned it with their allegiance and service to country while, as stated, oft-time...with their blood?

I find myself continually questioning why I stay on this forum. I guess it is because I am in constant search of the common thread that may, once again, bind us all: The eventual hope and belief that the best within our Forefathers will emerge once again and we will begin to re-affirm ourselves as the greatest nation to have ever graced this good earth. I don't think that this will come about by steadfast devotion to any political party or ideology, but by the belief in ourselves as a nation of Americans, one and all.

SEMPER FI

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"If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen". Ronald Reagan

"Patriotism is love of country. But you can't love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen. We don't always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good."