So Sayeth An Expert:

In an article in a recent issue of Scientific American Mind¹ there is an article about hypnosis. One paragraph caught my eye. Actually all of the paragraphs caught my eye. However, there is one paragraph that provides a segue into this commentary.

"Other experts, such as the late University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist Martin Orne, have argued that only hypnotized participants experience 'trance logic' — the ability to maintain two mutually inconsistent ideas at the same time. For example, an hypnotist might suggest to a subject that he is deaf and then ask him, 'Can you hear me now?' He may respond 'No,' thereby manifesting trance logic."

Consider that for a moment. One is convinced of his/her deafness and answers a spoken question (which a deaf person wouldn't be able to hear). The act of answering is intended to affirm not hearing the question (because of the deafness).

Trance logic.

That, my friends is the essence of being a Republican today. Trance logic is Republican Ecstasy.

Trance logic explains why my imaginary friend can't understand why I defected. I lost my capacity for maintaining two mutually inconsistent ideas at the same time. He hasn't lost his.

Come to think of it, trance logic explains one helluva lot about the GOP.

¹ Scientific American Mind, Dec 2008/ Jan 2009, page 80.