Ha! Well, you'll never be accused of being a shrinking violet :)

I'd say that not all psychics are frauds. I'm not saying they have "powers", but they can provide insight and give hope to some people who would not otherwise seek assistance in times of need.

At least, that's what I tell myself whenever my mom talks about her color psychic (or is it her numbers psychic? I get them confused).

But I feel more that those people, even if they do have great insight into people, are taking advantage and taking people's money. I'd rather they see a shrink who has legitimate training, and I'd rather the public be better educated in general science knowledge so that these people *can't* take advantage of them in rough times.

To elaborate, I suppose one could argue that PayDay Loans is providing a service to people who couldn't otherwise get credit, so while I agree in a superficial sense, I have to disagree from a personal ethics perspective.

I was making a case for those people who can't/won't see a shrink. I'd rather that people get the assistance they truly need as well, but there are financial and cultural barriers to proper mental health care. Some folks just need a bit of talk therapy, and without insurance that can be cost prohibitive. Samaritans hotlines are far better, but they only deal with the extreme cases. Is $20 for a tarot reading really taking advantage of people's money if it gives them half an hour of a sympathetic ear?

Better science education is definitely something we need, but some of those who fall prey to psychics weren't educated in this country.

I'd rather that people who can't/don't have a bank account weren't getting scammed by the pay day loan places, but if they feel they have no other way to get their money, at least they aren't totally screwed. It does suck, and it is unethical to take advantage of the poor/ill-informed. However, until there is a legitimate and non-predatory way for people to meet their needs, they'll still rely on these dubious services.

Is this anyone I would know who you said this in the presence of?

Well, Patita, your argument does make sense from a standpoint of being realistic as well as utilitarian. I make no apology for the fact that I'm just plain intolerant of certain things. And no, sorry Jesse, this wasn't anyone you know.

All psychics are frauds.

People take comfort in what they hear from a psychic. fine. but that doesn't mean that the psychic is not a fraud.

Also, ALL PSYCHICS ARE FRAUDS.

I'm not so certain that there is any actual "science" behind real shrinks... they seem to make up a whole lot 'o crap as they go along too.

You make a good point Leigh. Psychology certainly isn't hard science, but I've never had a shrink tell me he was talking to my dead grandmother...