Word: meanness
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...just got this weird letter from Akiko in Tokyo. I mean it sounds great but she can hardly speak English. So please find out if she's got another guy on the hook and if so ... Have a ball...
Mother complains: "I don't know what's the matter-I just can't handle him. He won't do anything I tell him. He won't sit still for a minute, he smashes things, he's mean to his brothers and sisters, and when he wants something and I don't give it to him right away, he throws a temper tantrum." If Mother seeks medical help, the doctor is soon exasperated as the little monster upsets ashtrays, spins the examining stool, snaps the tongue depressors, and tries to grab the guppies...
...depression. Methylphenidate is classed as an antidepressant and mild stimulant. "It may seem paradoxical to be giving a stimulant to already overactive, restless children and expect them to calm down," says Martin, "but that is exactly what happens. It is fascinating and exciting to watch a child who awakes mean and irritable. Within 15 to 30 minutes after taking methylphenidate he becomes calm and cooperative and is able to sustain concentration for four hours...
What does this mean in terms of immediate action? It translates very simply: this is the time to draw the line. I propose, therefore, the following...
What, in turn, will this produce in the way of results and consequences? Since I am not trying to avoid difficult questions, I will admit that the results may not be entirely pleasant. Perhaps exclusion of CIA personnel might mean a gradual cutting off of federal funds for the EARC, or the rise of barriers to Harvard faculty desiring to enter government service, or a deficiency in the ability of "analysts" and others to correctly determine foreign policy. I hope I have accurately anticipated your worst fears, for to me, at least, none of these would be particularly distressing...