Political Ascendancy within the White House: The Emergence of the Politicized Psychopath
In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged: psychopathology is no longer confined to individual behavior, but can spread like a virus among the populace. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the realm of politics, where the question 'What's the difference between a politico and a psychopath?' has been posed, and the answer remains unsettlingly the same: none.
A study found that Washington, D.C., the seat of power for the U.S., ranks highest on the list of regions populated by psychopaths. This alarming find is echoed in the behavior of many politicos, who are often selfish, callous, remorseless users of others, irresponsible, and pathological liars.
The modern corporate state, fast becoming a faceless, nameless, bureaucratic totalitarian government machine, erodes freedoms through countless laws, statutes, and prohibitions. It operates against the interests of its own people except for favoring certain groups. This trend is a stark departure from the principles of the Founders, who believed that our freedoms do not flow from the government, but are inherently ours, and the government's appointed purpose is to safeguard them.
However, there is hope. One of the best cures to bad leaders may be political democracy, which involves holding politicos accountable for their actions. Accountability can be achieved through various means, including investigative journalism, whistleblower complaints, lawsuits, protests, and mass political action.
Leaders cultivate a sense of identification with their followers to promote collective interests. Citizens should expose themselves to multiple media sources, independent and mainstream, and think for themselves. Education is crucial for citizens to understand what the government is doing and how to hold it accountable.
Presidents, according to a study, tend to have the psychopath's characteristic fearlessness and low anxiety levels, which might cause them to make reckless decisions. This underscores the importance of a system that holds people accountable to the broader conscience of society. The system that keeps conscienceless people in check may be one of the best ways to prevent the spread of psychopathy in politics.
In the face of this challenge, it is essential to remember the power that lies in the hands of the people. Resistance to such regimes depends on the strength of opinions in the minds of those who choose to fight back. The use of 'we' and 'America' has increased in inaugural addresses over the last century, a testament to the collective spirit that can unite us against the erosion of our freedoms.
The author of the article 'The Rise of the Political Psychopath' on Off-Guardian.org is Ronan Manly. His work serves as a call to action for all citizens to stay vigilant, stay informed, and demand accountability from their leaders. It is our duty to safeguard our freedoms and to ensure that our government serves the interests of the people, not just a select few.
