A psychiatrist says Randy “Duke” Cunningham's fall from Vietnam War hero to corrupt politician grew out of “an outsized ego and a mantle of invulnerability” that allowed him to rationalize his behavior.
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That analysis is included in a report written for the former congressman's defense team for his sentencing next Friday. It is disputed by other medical experts and another former Navy pilot. Faerstein also said Cunningham suffers from a major depressive disorder, is suicidal and is “terrified” about his pending imprisonment.
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“He recognizes now that Wade and others in Washington were part of a culture of corruption and that good motives may lead to bad decisions when that corruption infuses the relationships of the people involved in the process,” he said.
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The report is as interesting for what it leaves out as for what it includes, said a San Diego forensic psychiatrist who read it yesterday.
“He doesn't use the word remorse,” said Dr. Glen Lipson. “This isn't a report where there's a lot of responsibility taken.”
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/cunningham/20060224-9999-7m24psych.html