Reply #22: I disagree

[The Traveler]

I don't know if Bush is an active addict or not. Based on my previous experience I suspect many in power ARE ... to alcohol and other drugs. (Yep. Alcohol is a drug. One of my personal favorites, actually. :evilgrin: ) Common (though not universal) characteristics of addicts are extreme selfishness driven by neurotic insecurity. Decisions are based on impaired judgment.

The extreme selfishness motivates them to sell out to corporations. The neurotic insecurity drives them to extend, consolidate and protect their power, but there is never enough power to comfort them. And they believe they do no real harm when they act from these motives of selfishness and insecurity because their judgment is seriously impaired. Indeed, the mechanisms of denial are so sophisticated, they often even believe their corruption furthers the public interest.

My personal issues probably have little impact on the world ... but if I were a Representative, a Senator or a President, that would not be the case.

** edited to add ** P.S. The point is all us chillen' of God have issues which affect our behaviors and judgment. In a democracy, people of power have an ethical responsibility to struggle against their issues, their predjudices, and their fears. Unfortunately, few elected officials really seem to do so. Addicts are less likely than most ...