Incurable, unfortunately

Dizzy reports that a 'comedian' is promoting a mass write-in to the Queen in connection with what he hopes will be national celebrations (balloons, fireworks, etc.) to mark the death, when it comes, of Lady Thatcher.

This strikes Iain Dale as sick. This blog agrees and sought expert clinical opinion.

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A doctor writes:

This is a classic case of the syndrome known as Raging Leftism: infantilism combined with transference of self-hatred. It is commonly traceable to a problematic relationship with Mother and can present as an obsession with females in high office such as Lady Thatcher or the Queen.

Symptoms. Raging Leftist Syndrome includes a tendency to violence which fortunately is usually confined to speech/shouting/written equivalent.

Examples. Gordon Brown, a fairly mild case, is what happens if sufferers gain political power. Joseph Stalin exhibited the condition in its most virulent form but that was before modern treatments were developed.

Treatment. Sufferers should never be elected to anything but must be ‘contained’. Behavioural outlets for the patient's anger are useful. Think of it as putting hammer-pegs and a tin drum in the play-pen. For post-adolescent patients (we avoid the use of the word 'adult' in such cases) we prescribe 'tin drum equivalents' such as a career in stand-up comedy, a Guardian column, appearance on the News Quiz (to be used sparingly) or some late-night TV spots on BBC/Channel 4. Extreme care is required: a limited audience is recommended but over-exposure can exacerbate symptoms. Never think of sufferers as adults (avoid intellectual discussions) although it is essential to pretend that one does in face-to-face encounters. Care must be taken lest the repressed tendency to violence convert from the purely verbal/written to the physical: shouting, arm-waving, placard-carrying, 'anti-globalisation' demonstrations, etc.

Results. Sadly, we have found that Raging Leftism is resistant to treatment in some cases. These unfortunates face a lifetime of annoying the immune population, and provoking general contempt. Most sufferers, though, grow out of it after one or two final outbursts during what we call the 'undergraduate' stage. Symptoms rapidly abate if the patient can move into the immune (‘adult’) community and get a proper job. It is vital that the patient abandons student politics promptly because prolonged association with fellow sufferers can make the condition permanent, as in the case you have referred to us on this occasion.

Conclusions. This case is irremediable.

Recommendations. Contain the patient using treatment as above, otherwise ignore.