First hour: Seth Farber, Ph.D. is a dissident psychologist and social critic. His book The Spiritual Gift of Madness blasts the psychiatric-industrial complex for pumping disturbed people full of toxic, useless pharmaceuticals, instead of helping them figure out why they're disturbed and how to deal with it. Dr. Farber points out that there are lots of good reasons for being disturbed, given what is happening in the world today. He argues that one of the healthiest responses to current conditions is to develop a messianic complex - the belief that God has appointed you to solve the world's problems - and then to get out there and solve them! So throw away your meds, because the world needs more messiahs!
Those of us who habitually criticize Jewish power in America and its hijacking of US foreign policy often forget the many positive aspects of Jewish tradition. Dr. Farber has taken one of them - the fervent anticipation of a messiah or messiahs who will do great good in the world (not just for the Jews, but for everyone) - and used it creatively in his critique of the mental health industry.
Dr. Farber is also the author of Radicals, Rabbis, and Peacemakers, which highlights the role that many prominent anti-Zionist Jews are playing in pro-Palestinian activism.
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