As progressives, we often view ourselves as virtuous, embracing and siding with the victims in society.

All of that is probably true, but Peter Michaelson, a therapist and frequent contributor to BuzzFlash.com, has penned a book that makes us realize that we often have unresolved inner conflicts that keep us from reaching our goals of a peaceful, inclusive society and world.

If you feel defensive about such a perspective, think about it.

Aren't many of the political problems that we have today with the tyrannical right wing war party due to the reality that liberals have mixed feelings about utilizing power aggressively? That is to say, when offered the opportunity, progressives often feel that the assertion of power -- even in the defense of good (for instance in investigating and impeaching Bush and Cheney) -- is bad or an abuse of power, when it's really a just exercise of power.

Ain't that ironic?

Also (and how many times have we seen this played out) we are vulnerable to spurious accusations that make us feel guilty in a knee-jerk fashion. The right wing doesn't feel guilt -- and some guilt is healthy -- but liberals often feel an excessive amount of guilt to the point of being unable to defend ourselves when justified. We just clam up (think John Kerry) and seem unsure of our convictions. The right wing attack machine knows how to fully take advantage of this vulnerability on our part.

Michaelson thoroughly discusses our "inner-critic," the inner voice that keeps us from fully realizing the strength of our convictions.

Michaelson's writing is that of someone familiar with contemporary psychological self-exploration techniques.

In this case, he argues, the first step one must take to reinvigorating democracy is to to strengthen one's sense of self by clearing out the cobwebs of the psyche.

If we are going to seize back our nation from the bullies and thugs, we need to look inward first, Michaelson argues.

Empowerment comes from within and moves outward.