I find it fascinating that Ron Paul is running for the Republican primary, or that he considers himself a Republican at all. The Republican Party I know supports domestic spying, unilateralism, war in general, power for the sake of power, higher taxes (yes, I said it!), fear mongering, and an across-the-board, wholesale disrespect for the intelligence of the American people. Ron Paul is against all of that.*

Ron Paul has strong beliefs worthy of respect and he stands by them. So why the hell does he want to be the Republican candidate? He calls himself a Constitutionalist. If you look Ron Paul up on Wikipedia, you'll find his economic touchstones are all liberals. But he's also anti-abortion and pro-gun. Why would Ron Paul, who is clearly "his own man," want to be the candidate for the party that despises the very notion of such a thing?

I'd also like to know if anyone can direct me to a site that explains what Paul's plans are if the following policies of his are enacted:

- Elimination of the Dept. of Education

- Elimination of the Dept. of Energy

- Elimination of the IRS

Just post links on here, and thanks in advance for the help!

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*Know who else is against all that? Liberals.

With 13+ years in advertising and marketing, I can say with some certainty that "Marketing Manager" (aka "Marketing VP") is a empty job. I know it well. All you have to do, LW, is have this one little meeting, and your job is done, isn't it? Sure, you may have to oversee some of the work that's created by your staff, but if you're like most Marketing Managers, you don't have any idea what they're doing. You've never done their jobs nor have you ever had any training. You're flying blind and have no idea how to assess your worth as an employee, no way to tell if the work your staff produces is any good, and no idea how to gain the knowledge you need. Your job is pointless, just an impediment to getting things done. Most people in your position develop severe neurosis, become wildly critical of others, feel constantly threatened by people with training, and in general sabotage any chances of good work being produced by their staff. Everyone hates dealing with them. They are miserable and make everyone else miserable. So in that you're way ahead of most Marketing Managers. You aren't blaming anyone else or lashing out at anyone. You alone are miserable.

The solution is very simple. Change your job, either within your company or at a new one, but whatever you do, don't continue doing what you're doing. Your attitude is not the problem. Your job is the problem. Trust me, I know. Good luck to you.

LW,

The last sentence of your letter by far is the most telling: "I don't really know what I'm looking for, maybe just something beyond a quip about how my mom and dad really like me and that should be enough." All the rest is symptomatic. The real issue here is this: You need people. You need to connect. You need someone who'll listen to you, you need to be in the presence of others, you need to share your life in whatever way you can. You need these things as soon as possible. Here's what I would try:

1. Start by going to a therapist who can help you on that path. What is keeping you from forming the relationships you need?

2. Find groups of people who love adrenaline, too. Do things with them. Consider moving to a state like Colorado where there are lots of people like you.

3. Join a church. If you're an atheist, join a Unitarian Universalist church. (A huge portion of them don't believe in god at all.) Join one that seems very unradical, but one where the sermons make you feel. A good sermon should remind you of the goodness of the human spirit, and make you feel connected to others. You need both.

4. Take your friendships you currently have a little further. Be a bit more open. Tell them you're doing risky things and that you're not sure why. You don't have to go into detail. Just saying this will let them know you trust them, and that you could use someone to talk to. One of them is bound to step up.

5. Make your neighborhood feel local. Go to the same coffee place, the same bar, the same grocery store, the same restaurants every time you go out. Learn the names of the staff, and greet them every time you go in.

6. Volunteer. Would you make a good coach for pee-wee football? How about Habitat for Humanity? Tutoring disadvantaged kids? Help someone achieve their goals and it'll change your life at the same time.

I'm sure you can think of more, but bottom line is: you need people. We all need people. It'll be worth the risk. Just do it.

First: do what you need to do to feel the curse has been lifted. Then: this will be tough -- cut off contact with your MIL. Completely. Here's why:

Her need for power over you will not cease just because the curse is lifted; she will continue to look for ways to attack you, disgrace you, belittle you, destroy you. Her presence in your life will bring nothing but pain. For the sake of your family, your happiness, and your sanity, cut her off entirely, no matter what it takes.