Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
United States of Psychopaths
You’ve probably heard me express my disdain for all thosee “Dubya is dumb” type of jokes going around since 2000. Such attacks, to me, only fuel the perception that the horrific state of things is the result of having a few idiots running the show. However, I take no offense when those in power—of any party or corporate affliation—are characterized as psychopaths.
Kurt Vonnegut sez: “What has allowed so many psychopathic personalities to rise so high in corporations, and now in government, is that they are so decisive. Unlike normal people, they are never filled with doubts, for the simple reason that they cannot care what happens next. Simply can’t.”
Dr. Robert Hare sez: “Psychopaths are social predators who charm, manipulate, and ruthlessly plow their way through life ... Completely lacking in conscience and feelings for others, they selfishly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret.”
Arthur Miller sez: “Few of us can easily surrender our belief that society must somehow make sense. The thought that the state has lost its mind and is punishing so many innocent people is intolerable. And so the evidence has to be internally denied.”
(Thanks, Michael)
Derrick Jensen sez: “I’ve long used the simile that sharing our finite planet with the dominant culture is like being locked in a room with a psychopath. There’s no way out, and although the psychopath may choose other targets first, eventually it will be our turn. Eventually we’ll have to fight. There’s no way around it. And the sooner we fight back—the sooner we kill this psychopath—the more life will remain.”
(More from Derrick tomorrow)
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Personal news: Longtime regulars here (a.k.a. The Expendables) are probably familiar with my mother’s health woes over the past year. Well, keep the positive vibes (and whammies) coming, my friends, because she’s not out of the woods yet and will be resuming treatments today.
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P.S. June is International Expendable Writing Month. Happy Summer Solstice…
Copyright © 2005-2007 Mickey Z.
