by Mark Silva
Democrat Dennis Kucinich, girding for another debate of his party's presidential candidates tonight, is calling President Bush's mental health into question because of Bush's recent warning that people who don't want another World War III don't want nuclear arms in Iran.
"I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health," Kucinich said in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board today. "There's something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact."
Kucinich, n Philadelphia for the debate at Drexel University at 9 pm EDT, is having trouble getting his own words heard at these crowded forums. Bush made his own statement at a recent press conference, at which he said: "I've told people that if you're interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them (Iran) from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon."
Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, maintains there's nothing irresponsible about his own remarks.
"You cannot be a president of the United States who's wanton in his expression of violence," Kucinich told the newspaper. "There's a lot of people who need care. He might be one of them. If there isn't something wrong with him, then there's something wrong with us. This, to me, is a very serious question."
The Associated Press provided this report.





Comments
Gee, what an original way to get your name in the headlines: call someone else 'crazy'.
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 30, 2007 5:10 PM
This candor is why I voted for him in the 2004 Primary, and am considering whether I want to vote for him again in the upcoming primary. Kucinich is certainly qualified for president (not that "qualifications" mean much looking at the current regime), but he lacks any media marketing that Hillary has been receiving.
Posted by: Jim | October 30, 2007 5:12 PM
These are very legitimate concerns. If this President's fitness for duty is impaired, then there must be some type of redress.
Posted by: danny | October 30, 2007 5:22 PM
Having worked in community mental health in Uptown, Chicago for almost 12 years, I can say that the Resident's mental status and personality issues were of great concern to me and other clinicians I knew in the run-up to his Iraqi invasion. While one never wants to make a real clinical DX without first actually interviewing a client, much of what he actually said and actions that were reported were very disturbing and demonstrative of some serious personality disorder.
Just because Kucinich is no clinician is no reason not to worry about Bush's mental status. Anyone who gets his marching orders from God should be at least a little suspect -- especially if he has access to The Football.
Posted by: DaveK | October 30, 2007 5:26 PM
The only real question is what does the U.S. do when it realizes that it has a madman, make that two madmen, at the helm?
Posted by: San Miguel | October 30, 2007 5:36 PM
Dennis Kucinich calling someone's other than his own mental health into question? You have got to be kidding.
Posted by: Geraldine | October 30, 2007 5:36 PM
Why would Dennis question my mental health? how dare him!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anomalous/291658427/
Posted by: The Smirking Chimp | October 30, 2007 5:38 PM
Is this a tit for tat for the book saying Bill Clinton has a sexual addiction? If Kucinich is looking for mental problems, he's in the right place on Capitol Hill. Starting with a mirror.
Posted by: Harvey | October 30, 2007 5:39 PM
Dennis Kucinich deserves to have his voice heard more often. Thank you for posting this article; I hope to see more.
Posted by: mark rackow | October 30, 2007 5:42 PM
Kucinich is absolutely right. For years Bush has not admitted any mistakes, dodged responsibility, ignored facts he disagreed with, and associated questioning him as being anti-American. We've seen him cross from extreme arrogance to mild mono-mania and delusions. Who can forget his "Bring it on!" taunt to terrorists? It's easy to heckle your enemies when you're protected by the best military in the world. But when you do it when people are dying, it becomes irresponsible. Bush needs a good shrink and confront his responsibilities and failures.
Posted by: Jason Youngberg | October 30, 2007 5:45 PM
Dennis Kucinich is high on leftist koolaid outside Ron Paul there is no worse candidate for President.Kucinich is crazy. Just look for a car or SUV with Kucinich bumper stickers and the people have stickers questioning authority--or promoting some wild leftist idea. The cars are old and the drivers look like college kids maybe stoned.
The idea there is something that makes W crazy is pure new age psychobabble.
He fits the description of Ross Perots crazy old aunt in the attic.
Spare me such drivel this man Kucinich has no, zero, nadda, credibility.
Jim who voted for him must be weird as well.Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry WHite | October 30, 2007 5:53 PM
Dennis Kuchinich is very insightful and brave to express his thoughts. The election of this president has always made me question the mental health of the American electorate. These past 6 years have been an embarassment to the world, truly reflecting the poor judgement of our citizens. Keep speaking out Mr. Kucinich.
Posted by: june | October 30, 2007 5:56 PM
I can see Kucinich's point -it seems as if Bush's governing style is to try to persuade the body politic with terrifying imagery and fear-mongering. You have to question the sanity of a man who is so wanton with violence.
Posted by: Matt | October 30, 2007 6:08 PM
Don't worry, we will have another madperson at the helm beginning in January '09 when the next victim, er, president is sworn in. Fact is, you have to be a little crazy to think that one person can lead this country anyway.
Posted by: not to worry | October 30, 2007 6:09 PM
It doesn't matter. The Constitution doesn't require you to be mentally capable to be President. Just 35, US Citizen, and a few other minor details.
That tells me anyone can be President!
Posted by: Lou | October 30, 2007 6:14 PM
Dennis K calling Bush crazy. What's that old saw about the pot calling the kettle black!
Posted by: Den C | October 30, 2007 6:26 PM
Dennis is a menace
Posted by: william c meenan | October 30, 2007 6:29 PM
Kucinich is absolutely right, and Bush's mental state should be examined immediately. He should be removed from office based on insanity. The safety of the entire world depends on it.
I knew he was nuts ever since he said that 'saddam wouldn't let the inspectors in' after he had the inspectors kicked out in order to bomb Iraq. He doesn't even pay attention, or isn't able to comprehend what is going on and he is making decisions for all of us????
Posted by: nadia | October 30, 2007 6:33 PM
Good call, Dennis.
You just know his frat/cheerleader nickname must have been;
'Psycho Man'
Just look at the cold dead eyes next time he speaks.
Too bad Lou is right. The only requirement to be prez is winning a majority of the EC votes.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 6:45 PM
To Jerry White - obviously only those who look, act, and think just like you are to be tolerated. I work a corporate, management job, you'd think I was wierd...and you know what - in 10 years me and my "wierd" friends will be old enough to run for president. In the meanwhile I'll vote and be as active as I can to ensure that the voices of those who aren't just like you get heard. Questioning authority a bad idea?! Tell that to the founders of this country - they'd laugh you off the continent.
Posted by: A Corporate Wierdo | October 30, 2007 6:47 PM
Kucinich may have hit the nail on the head. Bush does seem to fit the profile of a man who suffers from delusions of grandeur. He is "full of himself" and considering the unorthodox methods (PBS's Cheney's Law) used by him and Cheney to override constitutional law and solidify their power, I think we have a couple of meglomaniacs who will stop at nothing to prove their "manhood" even if it means sending our young people to die for their lies. It seems they place themselves on the same plateau of medieval kings who once thought their "power" was given to them by the Divine. Maybe Bush believes he is the instrument that will lead to his WWIII and the "rapture". Maybe he believes that he is the "anointed one" who will bring about the end of the world. God Help us and bring 2009 quickly so we can be free of these dangerous, egomaniacs.
Posted by: the truth | October 30, 2007 6:49 PM
Why is this news? EVERYONE knows Bush is nuts. We've been predicting his path of horror for damn near seven years.
Posted by: Looken | October 30, 2007 7:08 PM
Yea Bush is crazy, crazy as a fox!
By the way, those calling for his removal, Cheney is next up to bat.
Posted by: Paul | October 30, 2007 7:12 PM
Yes, obviously he was and is crazy amongst other things. And the Veep is worse. And what does that say for the American electorate in general and the Republicans specifically. What does it say for the giant chicken Al Gore. What does it say for the supremely mendacious court. Yes indeed, what does it say about a lot of things. Think about it.
Posted by: tom | October 30, 2007 7:16 PM
NO DING, RNC BRUCE, JOHN D AND GEORGE BUSH, DICK CHENEY, CONDI RICE, ALBERTO GONZALES, THE PATRIOT ACT, THE PROTECT AMERICA ACT, FRED FIELDING, DAVID ADDINGTON, KARL ROVE, HARRIET MEIRS, MONICA GOODLING, SARA TAYLOR AND ALL THE OTHER REGENT UNIVERSITY 1ST YEAR LAW STUDENTS THAT WERE GIVEN APPOINTED JOBS IN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT MENTAL HEALTH IS IN QUESTION.
THE CONSTITUTION IS IN QUESTION, AND JOHN D. BRUCE RNC HAVE NEVER READ IT OR INTEND TO EVEN TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT.
WHEN A GALLON OF GAS IS 3.50 NEXT MONTH JUST BEFORE THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY AND THIS PRESIDENT AND ALL HIS MEN ARE PUT ON LEGAL IMPEACHMENT NOTICE, ONLY THEN WILL THEY FIND A BETTER RHETORICAL LOBBYIST JOB SELLING REAL CRACK OR ALL THAT BIG POPPY HAS GROWN IN AFGANISTAN THE LAST FIVE YEARS AT THE PEOPLES EXPENSE, OUR MILITARY EXPENSE, FAMILY,DAD,SON,DAUGHTER, MOTHER, NEIGHBORS EXPENSE.
BECAUSE DEAD SOLDIERS COULD CARE LESS ABOUT WHAT MENTAL HEALTH BUSH IS IN.
THEY CAN'T EVEN GET MENTAL HEALTH.
HE IS IN IMPEACHMENT MENTAL MODE AND HAS BEEN SINCE THE DAY HE LIED ON THE BIBLE THAT HE WOULD UPHOLD AND "DEFEND" repeat "DEFEND" THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
Posted by: Roger Morris | October 30, 2007 7:23 PM
Well thank you Dennis for finally voicing what everyone is thinking. Call in the guys with the straight jackets (plural for both Dictator and Vice Dictator)if you want your children to have any future...
Posted by: a keen grasp of the obvious | October 30, 2007 7:26 PM
Yea Bush is crazy, crazy as a fox!
By the way, those calling for his removal, Cheney is next up to bat.
Posted by: Paul | October 30, 2007 7:12 PM
Cheney needs to go too. They came in on the same ticket; let them go out the same way - the same ticket to "good riddance" Then, Pelosi can do her stuff. Wouldn't it be ironic for Nancy to become the first woman President , as well as the first woman Speaker of the House, rather than Hillary?
Posted by: the truth | October 30, 2007 7:39 PM
After reading the above comments, I'm simply stunned! I didn't realize that there were over 10 people on the face of the planet that cared about ANYTHING that Dennis Kunich says!!!
Posted by: Ken | October 30, 2007 7:40 PM
Kucinich is the poster child for mental health problems and mental retardation. He should do what he does best -- ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!
Posted by: DON | October 30, 2007 7:51 PM
Hey Silva,
It galls me that Kucinhich should have to answer a question about whether his remarks were responsible. The question is, itself, a glaring illustration of how the media has aided the Bush administration'a seven-year-long misinformation campaign.
The President of the United States predicts a nuclear apocalypse if his foreign policy is not upheld, and the press reports on its blandly as the story of the day.
Considering that North Korea and Pakistan -- two nations were anti-American sentiment is just as virulent as in Iran -- already possess nuclear weapons technology, the President's prophesy sounds like unmitigated propaganda. But the media doesn't hold him to account.
But when Kucinich dares to point out that the President's remarks are so rash we might wonder about his mental stability, it's Kucinich, not Bush, who must answer questions of responsibility.
The real lapse in responsibility here is with the note-takers in the Washington press corps.
Posted by: Truthsquad | October 30, 2007 7:53 PM
I question the mental health of Kucinich. Bush's analysis is dead on. What sane person wouldn't worry about a nuclear Iran? This is beyond stupid. Time will prove Bush correct on the dangers of a nuclear Iran. I am worried about the future of this country when a crackpot like Kucinich can garner this much support. Where has common sense gone? Liberals have lost the ability to reason.
Posted by: Ross | October 30, 2007 8:02 PM
Hey, Chicago Tribune, why don't you call for the removal of Bush like you did the governor? Bush lied us into war, has presided over massive fraud and deficits and made us hated around the world. But no word from the editorial board that supported this criminal liar. The Tribune, like the other fake media are complicit in criminal activity. Kucinich is right about Bush. He's a criminal sociopath aided and abetted by the Tribune and other fraudulent, compromised media outlets.
Posted by: xeric | October 30, 2007 8:08 PM
Did he check with Shirley McClane before he made that statement?
Posted by: Terry | October 30, 2007 8:10 PM
Leave it to Kucinich. If there's a way to make himself look really stupid, Kookcinitch will find it.
Posted by: Ignatius | October 30, 2007 8:19 PM
Gee, what an original way to get your name in the headlines: call someone else 'crazy'.
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 30, 2007 5:10 PM
I'm not tring to get my name in the headlines and I think he totally insane.
Posted by: An Inconvenient Truth | October 30, 2007 8:33 PM
I don't get it, the neo-con nut jobs have come out of the woodwork to attack DK, send dome proof to the status of his mental health that everyone seems to know so much about.
The more I read the same load from the Neo-Cons I start to believe that not only are they out of touch with reality, but that really want to overturn 200+ of American History and create a new form of tyrany and monarchy. A single party rule that they push for smacks of soviet-style communist rule.
I am sorry, really sorry. What happens next to America will be its own fault, no one elses. As shown by the Congress, it really doesn't matter which of the 2 mainstrem parties are in control, we are all doomed if we continue to shoot those of truth,and instead march in goose-step ready burn all those who don't agree with the so-called majority.
If the right would distance itself from the Red Herrings of Gay Marriage and Abortion, everyone would realize they have NOTHING else to lead with, just the same old story, again, again, and again. And if the left would actually stand against the neo-cons and lead we might be better off.
Posted by: The Doctor | October 30, 2007 8:57 PM
Check with the people of Cleveland. They will tell you who has to be checked for his mental health.
Posted by: Ray Gorak | October 30, 2007 8:59 PM
The really crazy person is in charge of Iran. Bush was merely stating the world situation in realistic terms. Kucinich needs to wake up and smell the coffee if he wants to lead America.
Posted by: Joe | October 30, 2007 9:21 PM
Let's give all presidential candidates psych tests. They do it for all policemen.
Posted by: alexander montgomery | October 30, 2007 9:46 PM
Hilarious! The biggest fruitcake in America calling our President's mental health out and the lunatic left (many on this page)agreeing with him. One thing is for sure, Demorats will never cease their outlandish behavior! But the media (including the Trib) will give them a pass, since they are in the pockets of the DNC. Quite pathetic.
Posted by: mike b | October 30, 2007 10:06 PM
He might be on to something....
Posted by: CDM | October 30, 2007 10:18 PM
Check with the people of Cleveland. They will tell you who has to be checked for his mental health.
Posted by: Ray Gorak | October 30, 2007 8:59 PM
I lived in Cleveland for a couple months recently and the people I met adored him. He's humble, down to earth and thinks of others. Guess that's worth ridiculing.
Posted by: DD | October 30, 2007 10:21 PM
Well I'm glad someone else is thinking this. I have thought this for may years now. the guy is a nutcase. He is playing wiht half a deck as far as I am concerned.
Lets get him out, impeach Cheney, get rid of Pelosi. They have all been smoking the same s%^t.
Posted by: Pete | October 30, 2007 10:26 PM
Dennis Kucinich for president. We need his wife for first lady. WOW
Posted by: rich brown | October 30, 2007 10:30 PM
Dennis Kucinich is crazy if he thinks he has a chance to win the election.
Posted by: Jason | October 30, 2007 10:32 PM
Perhaps W has mental health problems -- and there are plenty of good arguments listed in these postings.
The real problem is that W is morally very, very sick. He lied about WMD and the reason for war in Iraq; he lied about his service during the Vietnam War; he lied about the problems of death row inmates while governor of Texas. His rise to wealth was almost completely dishonest. Others can add to the list, but they add up to virtually complete moral turpitude.
The Republican leadership, before his nomination, knew of his moral depravity, incompetence, and, yes, his mental health precariousness. We have reaped the disastrous harvest sowed by a greedy, quite traitorous party.
Posted by: BW | October 30, 2007 10:47 PM
President Bush's mental health being questioned? That's a good one! There's nothing wrong with his mental state; he's just a moron.
Posted by: Jim | October 30, 2007 11:03 PM
I voted for DK in the last primary and will likely support him again.
All others are too ready to compromise on
1. global warming
2. SocSec
3. healthcare
He may not be politically viable, but at least he's principled.
Dave
Posted by: David Klumpp | October 30, 2007 11:04 PM
It is very evident to me that the current occupant's facial expressions and body language show him to be a man absolutely terrified. It's the bravado that gives him away as a man in over his head and he knows it. The macho response to that kind of fear is to 'tough it out' and that is not what we need, not now, not ever.
Posted by: David Jones | October 30, 2007 11:16 PM
Those ETs that Shirley MacLaine says visit Dennis K. must be advising him on foreign policy AND the president's mental health! If Dennis calls the POTUS crazy, he must be PROJECTING!
Posted by: daveinboca | October 30, 2007 11:39 PM
Dennis the Menace kucinich. Hmmm, isn't he the same guy that ran Cleveland into the ground 25 years ago? The looniest and weakest of all the Demoncratic candidates has the gall to call Bush nuts? The Kook Left continues to get unhinged. Only helps the GOP in 2008. Praise the Lord!!!
Posted by: John D | October 30, 2007 11:42 PM
Ronald Reagan had mental problems. GW's just in over his head.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | October 30, 2007 11:44 PM
If Kucinich is correct, that makes Cheney, the next pres. Now thats scary.
Posted by: rich w | October 31, 2007 5:31 AM
I had to pass psychological evaluations and physical testing for air traffic control. Why shouldn't our President have to do at least the same?
Posted by: Alynn | October 31, 2007 5:53 AM
Note that not a single one of the people calling Kucinich names actually gave an example. Typical of the right- just not being one of them is good enough. This is why the Democrats have won both hoses and will win the White House.
Posted by: LES | October 31, 2007 7:42 AM
Dennis the Menace kucinich. Hmmm, isn't he the same guy that ran Cleveland into the ground 25 years ago? The looniest and weakest of all the Demoncratic candidates has the gall to call Bush nuts? The Kook Left continues to get unhinged. Only helps the GOP in 2008. Praise the Lord!!!
Posted by: John D | October 30, 2007 11:42 PM
John D, first off Bush has nothing on you when it comes to insanity. More power yes. Secondly did you live in Cleveland when Dennis ran it??? No. So in other words this is just another one of your nut-ball rants defending a scumbag of a president and his corrupt crimminal regime. Traitor!!!
Posted by: Alberto G | October 31, 2007 7:43 AM
His comments are nothing short of sensationalism to grab attention, like a 6 month old puppy barking to go outside. The "Bush Bashers" come out and say that it's true, when all they are looking for is more hurtful words to bash. However, there is nothing EVER, printed about a democrat, that's negitive, sense these left folks have been brain washed into believing anything pushed by the democratic party, or by most supposed "newspapers" which are only supposed to print the truth, not left wing propaganda.
I'm sure this post will be ignored, laughed at, or just plain not even posted, which just contributes to the "evils" of the left side of the spectrum.
Posted by: Steve K | October 31, 2007 7:53 AM
This weblog, with so many supporting a man who claims to have seen a UFO, says more about the leftist writers than it does about Kucinich, whom no one with an iota of sense has ever taken seriously. Funny thing about the Left; they would support a circus clown if he had a D back of his name. Oh, wait, they are supporting eight of them in the Demo debates.
Posted by: Duke | October 31, 2007 8:17 AM
Kucinich in 2008! The LION of the LEFT!
The rest of these craven career politicians, all running after the money, are too scared for their jobs to state the obvious. BUSH IS CRAZY! STRAITJACKET CRAZY! What's worse is Bush is not really running the country, corporations are. All his corporate cronies are fleecing us while propagandist media distracts us with "reality" television and some has-been fainting on Dancing with the Stars.
KUCINICH 2008!
Posted by: rage | October 31, 2007 8:38 AM
Wow. I am so thankful I am not a Democrat. These are the people who support homosexual marriage and partial birth abortions and they question President Bush's mental health? Shame on Kucinich and the whole Democratic party.
Posted by: rabbitinred | October 31, 2007 8:55 AM
AMERICAN PSYCHO
No, I did not read the book, but what words more perfectly describe George Bush making one of the oddest speeches ever made at the UN? There he was - with his designer suit, costly watch, and constantly-manicured haircut - stone-faced and unrepentant for the violent destruction he caused, for his obvious lying, and for his rage against the thoughtful objections of others. Actually, unrepentant seems an inadequate description, unaware or uninterested being closer to the mark.
The matter and manner of Bush's speaking are always an ordeal for thinking people. He seems convinced that every audience deserves the same approach given the pathologically credulous at a revival tent meeting.
But he outdid himself this time. His description of anti-social behavior on a global scale as support for the world community must have provided a sophisticated audience interesting dinner topics. One can imagine the bons mots around the subject of the world's most incorrigible, obvious liar claiming he defends UN credibility. As with Dostoevsky's Father Karamazov, it was as though all his recent vicious and disturbing behavior had simply never happened.
Of course, he sees the UN as good for a big handout towards the financial and human cost of rebuilding the waste he made of Iraq. This may seem odd for one of those "we ain't a gonna pay no damn UN dues" types, but, remember, psychopaths are complete narcissists.
But a handout is not Bush's critical need. Facing an election, he is looking for ways to deflect growing criticism and doubt from American voters. Americans have been remarkably quiescent over the dirty wars in Afghanistan and Iraq because they cost so few American lives and provided a reassuring sense of the nation's vast capacity for revenge, even if they killed mostly innocent people and few or any of those associated with 9/11.
But night after night of car bombs and dead American soldiers on television have a way of changing perceptions. America's press, "embedded" with the Pentagon long before the term was invented for the Iraq war, often poorly reports around foreign policy, but it simply cannot resist blood-and-ambulances stuff with real American victims. With this continuing week after week, it is likely more Americans will see the Iraq war for what it was - nothing to do with justice or democracy or rights or even terror - but one more kill-a-commie-for-Christ campaign, only on a vast scale with high-technology killing and no commies. And, as with all previous such holy wars, it just happens to serve the interests of America's utterly selfish foreign policy.
The UN is widely misunderstood in America, a circumstance people of Bush's leaning have always diligently cultivated, and its involvement on any appreciable scale gives Bush something external and vaguely-disliked to manipulate in explaining all the violence and confusion yet to come as a people revolt against conquest, occupation, and misery.
International involvement gives room for maneuver, wiggle room, and can be twisted with words to serve many purposes, including the claim that it vindicates Bush's wisdom, all those do-nothing, effete foreigners finally coming to recognize the threat of terror - and, yes, he once again with unblinking dishonesty linked terror with Iraq during his UN performance, terror being, with the bitterest irony, Bush's best ally in garnering votes. Iraqis fighting back with limited means against the world's military and technological Frankenstein naturally has to be called something else, so it is called terror, just as violent resistance to endless occupation and abuse in Gaza and the West Bank is.
Psychopathy likely is one of those many glitches in the gene pool, an evolutionary trial-and-error that served a useful purpose before modern urban society, psychopathic warriors being valued for their ability at defending early human settlements and terrifying potential enemies. Probably most of our legends of monsters such as vampires or ghouls derive from human experience with all-too-real psychopathic personalities.
Psychopaths are valued to this day as torturers for secret police, assassins, and dirty-tricks operatives for intelligence services. Police and prison-guard services who are careful about their hiring screen out such people with tests (there are extremely reliable ones), since psychopaths are naturally drawn to work where others will be at their mercy.
As with many mental disorders, from depression to schizophrenia, there appears to be degrees of psychopathy. The father of the late Jeffrey Dahmer, a man who killed, consumed and memorialized portions of his victims in his Milwaukee apartment, wrote a courageous book after the discovery of his son's horrific deeds. He recognized in retrospect signs from his son's childhood that something unusual was developing. He also, very importantly, recognized that there were uncomfortable thoughts he had had as a young man which now might be understood as a milder inclination in the same direction.
Politics with the power of elected office and the glow of press attention surely is a draw for at least the more moderately afflicted. There is reason to believe that psychopathy helps explain the careers of some horrible and bizarre politicians. The example that leaps to mind is the late Senator McCarthy. Yes, he was a nasty drunk, but lots of drunks function in politics without becoming destroyers of others' lives. The great Winston Churchill, for example, couldn't get through a day without his brandy.
How do you get rid of a political psychopath like Bush? Well, I hope the Democratic party doesn't see its only option as simply running another one. The Democratic contenders include at least a couple characters who might well qualify as having the disorder.
The armed forces have always been natural repositories for these dark creatures, the work of killing and the skill of being able to do it with relish making good fits. We have a general who suddenly discovered at nearly sixty years of age that he is a Democrat. What that means in the context of the general's military experience, which includes probable war crimes and extremely hazardous judgments in Serbia, is not clear.
We have a Senator who always smilingly supports death, whether as part of American foreign policy, Israeli foreign policy, or in prisons.
Maybe that's just how it has to be in a vast bloated empire that pretends it represents principle. After all, you need to keep all those disagreeable foreigners in line. Statesmen and humanitarian leaders aren't very good material for the job.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | October 31, 2007 9:02 AM
Once you have a) created the instruments for mass oppression and mass destruction, b) placed them under the absolute statutory control of a single individual, and c)legalized a contest wherin criminal gangs compete for the right to hold the ultimate office; should it therefore surprise anyone that psychopaths will invariably outperform men of prudence and reason in the "anything goes, no holds barred" scrabble for power? What is astonishing here is that it took Kucinich this long to figure out that the Fuhrer is off his rocker. I thought that was obvious when Bush's pathological lying about "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq was exposed. The American people are getting precisely what they deserve. Now that they've elected this psychotic moron -- twice -- they can't figure out how to get rid of him. A war crimes trial would do for a start.
Posted by: Paul Roasberry | October 31, 2007 9:49 AM
I discovered four years ago that Dennis Kucinich is the leader we need in the White House...and I will vote for him again. He is not afraid to tell the truth. Bush and Cheney violated international law with a pre-emptive strike against Iraq and their current rhetoric sounds as if they are intending to break international law again with regard to Iran. They have trashed our constitution. When are we going to wake up? We must hold them responsible for their criminal acts and let the rest of the world know that we are just and honorable people and will not tolerate this kind of leadership. Action was taken to impeach Nixon and then Clinton, and now even the Democratic leaders who were elected to bring us needed changes act like they have never heard the word impeachment. How disappointing! I can think of no other time when impeachment was more appropriate than now, and I am a grandmother.
The majority of the people in the world want peace and security for themselves and their families. If we don't find a way to work together toward peace, we will destroy our planet. And for the sake of our future generations, we must no longer tolerate the poisoning of the earth with nuclear weapons and nuclear waste. There are better ways to live and it is imperative that we find them.
And let's get the facts straight about Kucinich and Cleveland. When Kucinich was a young Mayor of Cleveland, it was the banks that caused Cleveland to go bankrupt in retaliation of Kucinich's refusal to sell the city-owned electric plant to a private utility company. The stand that Kucinich took at that time wound up saving the people of Cleveland hundreds of millions of dollars. That action demonstrated his foresight and his ability to stand firm against powerful entities. Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate I trust to restore our country to its high integrity and to bring about the kind of world I want to leave for my grandchildren.
Posted by: Edie Feiste | October 31, 2007 10:00 AM
Hey DaveK;
"While one never wants to make a real clinical DX without first actually interviewing a client..." ---I'll make one anyway.---
Posted by: Bob Skilnik | October 31, 2007 10:15 AM
So the leprechaun thinks GW is crazy? This coming from someone who claims to have seen an alien spacecraft over Shirley McClain's house? Well, from his perspective probably 95% of the rest of us terrestial beings look crazy. Only he and Shirely are truely sane. Yep. some presidential candidate you democrats have there... and a potential MR Universe too, I reckon.
Posted by: K W Smith | October 31, 2007 10:50 AM
The Dear people USA! In these record I read about that that some congressman USA criticizes the President USA. But, this busy that this Dennis Kucinich, being senator, so has warmed insults the President of the country, naming his crazy. This inadmissible! Where goes the american democracy? This - an anarchy! Follow call to account this Dennis Kucinich... Oder
Posted by: oder | October 31, 2007 10:56 AM
The Dear people USA! In these record I read about that that some congressman USA criticizes the President USA. But, this busy that this Dennis Kucinich, being senator, so has warmed insults the President of the country, naming his crazy. This inadmissible! Where goes the american democracy? This - an anarchy! Follow call to account this Dennis Kucinich... Oder
Posted by: oder | October 31, 2007 11:08 AM
I don't think it sounds crazy at all. If Iran does create nuclear bombs, how many of you actually think they won't bring about WWIII? If you think otherwise, you are just naive.
Posted by: Marci Nichols | October 31, 2007 1:46 PM
"If Iran does create nuclear bombs, how many of you actually think they won't bring about WWIII?"
Umm, me me me!! Which members of this group have used nuclear weapons? France, Britain, Israel, Pakistan, India, China, North Korea, Russia and the United States?
Answer: United States.
The US and Soviet Union had thousands of warheads pointed at each other for nearly half a century. Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan could wipe each other off the map at any moment, yet neither does. Why?
Why should we assume Iran is suicidal when Pakistan apparently is not?
Oh, and President Ahmedinijad is neither the head of state not the head of the military, so HE won't be the one launching the missiles in the unlikely event of a first-strike by Iran.
Posted by: Jones | October 31, 2007 2:12 PM
Wow. Bush's unrepentant overt reference is remarkably like those of Reagan. Let's see. People questioned his mental state too. Now as for the negative consequences of such statements. For Reagan, it resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union. Madness?
Posted by: Knight | October 31, 2007 2:56 PM
Laa,Laa,Laa,Laa,Yes,it's true the man is definately off his rocker. Why,would he be given the second chance he was given by the majority of the voters of our Great Country? Not to mention the shame of it all,that he was installed as our Leader in the 1st place,[not elected,legally]. Guess we have no-one to blame but ourselves for that taking place. We still let it happen today. Why won't we revolt as they do in other countries around the world? We are like cattle,an driven around mindlessly. [Must Obey...!] Isn't it about time we woke up to what the current adminstration is doing to our country? World War 111,Oh Yea.
Posted by: raymond noland | November 1, 2007 4:54 AM