Ignorance is defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as “lack of knowledge … understanding, or awareness” and stupidity as “lacking intelligence or reason” and “unreasonable thinking and/or acting.”

Denial is a “refusal to admit or acknowledge the truth or reality of something such as a statement or a charge” and an “assertion that a true statement or allegation is false.” Psychologically, denial is considered a “defense mechanism in which a confrontation with a personal problem or reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality itself.”

Delusion is “something that is falsely believed or propagated.” Psychologically, it is a “persistent false mental belief regarding the self or persons outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary” and a “defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality.”

And sanity? Only God knows.

All of the above seem to fit Donald Trump in one way or another, all to his detriment and to that of the country.

In the first two cases, he could (but doesn’t) attempt to fix these things by being willing to admit that he does not know everything (impossible for him!) and study briefing papers submitted to him. Or at least, he could, with an open mind, listen to the “knowledgeable” advisers and cabinet members he has chosen to work with.

Psychologically, he cannot fix himself because he will not admit to the situation itself. He requires outside help, but because he does not admit that he has a problem, he will never look for the cure to his problem.

All five mental states are extremely dangerous for the safety and stability of the country.

Bill Harmon

Benton