One such item appeared in Harper's Magazine in 2007. In Ken Silverstein's "Congress: The most dangerous neighborhood in America" (http://harpers.org/archive/2007/09/hbc-90001300), he drew a snarky parallel between crime rates in the neighborhoods of Anacostia, and South Bronx and Congress. Without having precise data regarding the actual perpetrators of crimes and individual perpetrators, Silverstein unscientifically determined that the percentage of criminals per capita in each of the aforementioned neighborhoods was three percent and less than one percent respectively, while the crime rate in the Congressional population was mathematically calculated to be eight percent.
That I can write those words without exclamation points speaks tomes about (the fact that I'm either really jaded or) the pervasiveness of criminal activity perpetrated by people in positions of trust. We are annoyed, but not surprised that people who took oaths to uphold the laws of their states and of the nation do neither. Politicians lie all of the time and why should we expect the oath of office to be any different? Each election cycle we choose "between the lesser of two evils" when selecting a representative. We ponder which person might be more effective at serving our districts while at the same time we know very well that we really don't trust what the campaigns or advertising said. Since most of us don't have a personal relationship with the person we elect, it's a crap shoot. So, no one is surprised when the person who got into office reveals that she or he is without a conscience.
Authorities on the subject of antisocial behavior say sociopaths make up approximately one percent of the total population. The psychologist's reference, the DSM-IV, provides the following definition for Antisocial Personality Disorder:
"Individuals with an Antisocial Personality Disorder show a lack of
concern toward the expectations and rules of society and usually frequently
become involved in at least minor violations of the rules of society and the
rights of others... As
an adult, the person often commits acts that are against the law and/or fails to
live up to the requirements of a job, financial responsibility, or parenting
responsibilities. They tend to have
difficulty sustaining a long term marital relationship and frequently are
involved in alcohol and drug abuse." (http://www.accg.net/antisocial.htm)
I am not an authority on sociopaths, but I understand the problem is more prevalent in males. Sociopaths tend to be charming, likable, and of above-average intelligence. They also may be self-absorbed, unable to bond with people, and have "grandiose expressions of their own importance." I'm sure that there are probably varying degrees of severity of symptoms that have some correlation with childhood experiences.
Do any of these traits remind other people of any political figures? I can think of about ten right away. Some are nationally known, while others are just local power mongers. Public service can attract some very good and sincere people who want nothing more than to leave the world in a better condition. But, politics also attracts the antisocial personality. In fact, the political stage is perfect for charming, smart people who think a bit too highly of their worth. Perhaps this is why Congress had a disproportionate number of miscreants in 2006.
I dont know why, but this post brings to mind the saying "power corrupts; absolutel power corrupts absolutely". Our government (and really the people in our government) have gone so far down the road of corruption that I have very little faith in out government any mote.
ReplyDeleteMr. Roberts, I share some of your distress. Thinking people cannot have faith in our government because "faith" implies a belief that is not based on physical proof. There is way too much proof of greed, corruption and lawlessness to warrant the irrational idea that any normal human can hold a political career without failing some ethical challenges.
ReplyDeleteAs a political science major, daughter of a professor of public administration, I have always tried to believe in good government....consequently, I still cling to the belief that many people run for office with an idealistic belief that they can make positive change - that they can make a difference. So they're either idealistic and naive to the system. Once they arrive in Washington, it's like gangland initiation rites. I can just imagine the conversation...the newbie backed up into a corner, trembling, and these old, jaded politicians telling them that they will let them stay if they follow the gang rules - "don't ruit it for the rest of us!" The next meeting is with the key lobbyists - big oil, big finance, big medicine...."if you want anything for your district, we can help you...but you need to do some things for us." Then the money gets flashed and it's all over.
ReplyDeleteomy the typos! sorry...I think my message got thru though
ReplyDeleteAnother terrifying Congressional hazing incident!! (heh) Even if these newbies only acted in self-protection, it only takes a few bad apples to spoil public perception of the whole barrel
ReplyDelete“Is capitalism really about the ability of a handful of rich people to manipulate the lives of thousands of other people and walk off with the money?” Mr. Gingrich asked (Published in today's NYT on-line edition). Hmmmmmm, I believe that's exactly what most people think capitalism is about and operate that way and it's certainly what Mr. Gingrich's record screams. I wonder if his question is more like a Buddhist koan? (e.g., what's the difference between an orange?)or is he using the Socratic method to stimulate an intellectual dialogue? Nah.....he's one of those goons you speak of, and a former congressional criminal!
ReplyDeleteNewt says the funniest things out loud, doesn't he? He must have a very low opinion of the general population and our ability to remember what he was in the Clinton years. In answer to his question... Yes, Newt a handful of rich people do in fact manipulate the lives of the many and capitalize upon their activities. In this country capitalism. Please be sure to read today's blog, celebrater of absurdity.
ReplyDelete