How EC Comics Predicted Today’s Political Chaos

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In 1955, EC Comics introduced their first issue of “Psychoanalysis,” marking a new phase in their comic book production which they termed as the “New Direction.” This series, along with other titles, was EC Comics’ response to critics who perceived little or no worth in their comics. These criticisms were largely influenced by Dr. Frederic Wertham, a German psychiatrist, who testified at the 1954 senate subcommittee on juvenile delinquency. There, he successfully persuaded senators and parents that comic books were to blame for delinquency among youth, despite the fact that even non-delinquents read comics as well.

The hearings severely impacted several publishing companies, forcing them to choose between self-censorship or closure. Instead of opting for psychoanalysis, EC chose a new path with their innovative direction, and they thrived. Not through psychoanalysis, but with their groundbreaking new comic, MAD, which became one of the most successful comic magazines in history. Interestingly, both titles represented extreme ends of the same sanity spectrum – Psychoanalysis symbolized mental wellness and healing, while MAD embraced and even promoted utter insanity. And in the end, madness prevailed.

In a slightly different phrasing, allow me to express our shared attributes and my confidence in discussing psychological issues: Dr. Wertham and I share several points in common – an affinity for comics, alma mater at King’s College London, and having earned our doctorates. Moreover, we both resided in Europe before settling in New York City. Having delved into every issue of Psychoanalysis (a total of five), I believe that my qualifications are on par with those who discuss the mental health of individuals they’ve never encountered on television.

I’ve been pondering about this because some of my friends identify as liberal, but they don’t fit the stereotypical image of a liberal. They appear sane on the surface, not like the kind of liberals who are easy to spot: waving protest signs, dressing in bright colors, having colorful hair, or wearing masks over their faces. I mean the type who seem and sound ordinary, until specific topics are brought up.

When people hear about figures like President Trump, Elon Musk, or J.D. Vance – often associated with conservatives – they seem to be under a powerful hypnotic spell. Their reactions become bizarre and extreme, to the point that even cannibal tribes in New Guinea might find them alienating. This is puzzling, especially when considering someone I know who claims to be a conservative but responds in a manner more typical of a liberal towards certain influential figures or beliefs.

The challenge lies in dealing with individuals who present themselves as truthful and impartial, yet fail to uphold honesty when discussing sensitive topics. They seem oblivious to this behavior, despite its glaring nature. Each time I encounter statements such as “Trump is like Hitler,” “Musk didn’t become President,” or “Trump is a racist,” I can’t help but feel like I’m watching someone believe they’re safe at home while actually falling from a burning plane, with debris scattering all around. How can they disregard the reality outside themselves in favor of their inner beliefs?

In this particular group, there’s a recent unusual notion spreading: some believe President Trump aspires not only to be a king, but an emperor, reminiscent of Julius Caesar. This is suggested by certain MAGA supporters attempting to devise means for Trump’s fourth term. It seems their motivation stems from fear of the unknown and uncertainty about what might transpire if someone else assumes power. The situation appears strikingly similar to a movie scene where characters, having witnessed the seemingly immortal vampire being struck twenty times, exchange anxious glances and ask, “Were those the special bullets?

As a devoted moviegoer, I’d rephrase it like this: Aiming for another term for Trump isn’t about celebrating a legendary figure for his accomplishments or demonstrating loyalty to a victorious leader. It’s about ensuring that the threat (communism) has been completely vanquished before handing over control to someone else. We’ve learned from past experiences that not all Republicans can be fully trusted. Even our cherished former president, Ronald Reagan, didn’t achieve as much in his initial 30 days as Trump has.

I find myself acknowledging that the liberals are deeply ensnared in a misleading information haze, spun by our so-called media prophets who are not always truthful. In this murky realm, everything seems to be reversed – up becomes down, left becomes right, and what was once perceived as heaven can feel like hell, and vice versa. I believe the remedy for these individuals is not psychological analysis or presenting evidence, but rather dissipating this haze. This is precisely what President Trump appears to be doing at this moment.

By shutting down USAID, Trump has essentially drained the pond of water-breathing parasites that thrive in such environments. Although they suffer as their habitat becomes inhospitable, it’s becoming evident how polluted the water was. Previously, USAID funds contributed to a media fog, and now we’re witnessing its dissipation. For instance, Politico faced payroll issues, BBC announced potential service shutdowns, and some liberals are expressing ideas they hadn’t considered before.

Despite the constant flow of controversies that unsettle me, I firmly believe that President Trump and his exceptional team of top-tier advisors are handling matters effectively. I struggle to conceive a more rapid resolution to the issues at hand. Their actions are steadily gathering pace and will soon become unstoppable. America will regain its greatness, followed by an even greater era ahead.

Instead of relying on talk therapy to heal our national issues, which seems to be the only remedy our elected leaders have provided, what we truly require is a more direct, action-oriented approach – like a chainsaw. And that’s exactly what we’ve got.

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2025-03-26 22:30