Friday, December 12, 2008

"I Never Slept With That Woman"!

Perhaps it all started with that famous quote , but lately it seems as though everybody is using that line. The definition of a "sociopath" is basically someone with no care for human life. Symptoms include : Lack of concern regarding society's rules and expectations. Repeated violations of the rights of others. Unlawful behavior. Lack of regard for the truth.

A sociopath, also known as a psychopath, is someone who has no conscience. He or she shows a reckless disregard for the rights and feelings of others, and tends to live a parasitic lifestyle. The classic work on psychopaths is "The Mask of Sanity," by Hervey Cleckley.Dr. Robert Hare, a recognized authority on psychopaths (and a fellow Canadian) has written a book for the lay person called "Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us," as well as a book on psychopaths in the workplace, "Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go To Work." "Without Conscience" is an excellent introduction to the topic that give some warning signs.

I quoted Dr. Hare in my book when I examined the personality traits of some of the most well known CEO's of North America. Well, it looks like they are indeed still walking amongst us. And it also appears that America is very forgiving of it's liars and crooks, and thus we are in the mess we are in.

The CEO's of bailed out AIG think nothing of taking between $92,000 and 4 million dollars in performance bonuses after they were told to use the bail out money to help people who were losing their homes through foreclosures. It started with Enron, World Com, Wall Street, the CEO's of the Big Three Car giants flying in on their corporate jets, and now it's spilled into politics. How much more is America willing to take. I guess they are counting the days to Obama, but now it's even spilling into his yard.

The Governor of Illinois this week, with a name nobody can pronounce says he did nothing, even though they have tape recordings to prove he was trying to sell Obama's seat. Jessie Jackson Jnr. says he knows nothing, even though the FBI says he is "candidate #5". Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel refused to take questions. Even though in one wiretap, the Governor refers to a transition team adviser with whom they were talking. If you have nothing to hide, just tell the truth.

Just telling the truth seems to be not an option. Yes, it started in the White House with those famous lines "I did not sleep with that woman" , but it really started in a moment of history we will never forget- the Nuremberg trials when Adolf Eichman was asked if he was responsible for the death of 6 milllion Jews, said "Nicht Shuldik"- NOT GUILTY!

No comments: