Watch out for Trump Derangement Syndrome

There are many opportunities when families come together, so I want to address an issue that could affect your celebration and even your ability to be civil and talk to each other. The issue is Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Now before you take some position on what I am talking about, let me give you my take on it. You probably have Trump Derangement Syndrome if 1) you think everything about Trump is good and there is nothing bad; he has all positives and no negatives; you only recognize his successes and not his faults; on a pros and cons list everything is on the pros list, then you have Trump Derangement Syndrome, or 2) you think everything about Trump is bad and you think there is nothing good; he is all negatives and no positives; you only recognize his faults and not his successes; on a pros and cons list everything is on the cons list, then you have Trump Derangement Syndrome.

If either of these applies to you, then you need help. This should be listed on the Psych Medical list of illnesses. You are part of the problem that is causing polarization of our society. Real political debate can no longer take place.

I happen to be a Lutheran pastor (currently at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights), so let me give you a Lutheran perspective on all of this. Although most Christians would teach this, Lutherans better than anyone have expressed the truth about who people are with the phrase, "We are saint and sinner simultaneously." Do you know what that means? We are good and we are bad. We are wise and we are foolish. We can make a pro and con list about ourselves (unless we are hopelessly deluded.).

So don't be overtaken by Trump Derangement Syndrome. Put together a reasonable pro and con list about the president. Each side of the list should have several things. If you are not deranged, you will be able to think clearly. Then when election time comes around, do the same for the candidate opposing Trump. Then make a reasonable decision.

Don't be sick. With this approach, you should be able to have a thoughtful discussion/debate with others, including family members - unless that person suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Randy Thompson

Arlington Heights