The Maelstrom of Violence

[Bob Butler 54]

(09-25-2017, 08:52 AM)pbrower2a Wrote: Beyond any question -- he has probably encountered far more horrible or even dangerous people than I have. Welfare does create a culture of hustles even in disability. Such is not good for supporting optimism about human nature, an optimism that one needs for coping with realities of American life. But it is probably too late for me to make a life that will satisfy me even economically unless it involves marrying a rich widow. It is hard to start over at my age. Had I known about Asperger's at an early age I would be one who overcame instead of a victim.

Arguably, welfare steers one towards different coping mechanisms. Same effect.

(09-25-2017, 08:52 AM)pbrower2a Wrote: My parents told me that whatever I do, avoid the mental health system. One might be branded as 'crazy' or face the horrors of confinement after some convenient diagnosis... paranoid schizophrenia, perhaps?... suitable for permanent institutionalization.  

I can easily understand decades old advice to avoid the mental health system. It was ugly a while back. My fairly recent brush with it, though, was pretty harmless.