The ad hominem attack of mental illness accusations used to quell or impeach a political dissident. In extreme cases it leads to the medically unnecessary comital of the dissident to a mental institution and/or the forcing of the dissident to take pacifying or punitive medication.
It is a particularly effective method for totalitarian regimes as they can shield the public from viewing evidence supporting the claims of the dissident. It is also effective when the dissident has inherently eccentric behavior that can be magnified by the frustrations of dealing with the government's accusations.
With freedom of the press and the internet it is becoming an increasingly rare tactic.
The best defense is to communicate through an attorney, remain calm at all times, and amass as much evidence as possible before raising further dissent.
It is a particularly effective method for totalitarian regimes as they can shield the public from viewing evidence supporting the claims of the dissident. It is also effective when the dissident has inherently eccentric behavior that can be magnified by the frustrations of dealing with the government's accusations.
With freedom of the press and the internet it is becoming an increasingly rare tactic.
The best defense is to communicate through an attorney, remain calm at all times, and amass as much evidence as possible before raising further dissent.
Soviets, Maoist China, Nazi Germany, Ceausescu Romania, ...
Doctor Johnson is engaged in political psychiatry to keep a lid on the mayor's corruption. The mayor paid Johnson to say Mr. Smith is crazy so the press would stop giving him interviews.
Doctor Johnson is engaged in political psychiatry to keep a lid on the mayor's corruption. The mayor paid Johnson to say Mr. Smith is crazy so the press would stop giving him interviews.
by BrewmasterC September 11, 2009
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by thegreatJOE June 13, 2017
Get the political fatigue mug.One who has selective hearing, attitudes, opinions and biases toward a political party or candidate with disregard of actual facts.
It’s unfortunate that the political-selectivism of many in this country has led to blind allegiance based on emotion.
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Get the Political Party mug.not a politician, but one has the potential to become one later. one who displays the characteristics of a politician, i.e., lying, cheating, use of rhetoric to confuse one's agenda. But is not actually elected to a public office.
by gYoOfUuRcSkELF October 31, 2007
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