The Criminal Mind of George Bush By Missy Comley Beattie

OpEdNews

Original Content at http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_missy_co_070126_the_criminal_mind_of.htm


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January 26, 2007

The Criminal Mind of George Bush

By Missy Comley Beattie




"I think; therefore it is so." This, according to Samenow (Stanton Samenow, Ph.D), characterizes the mind of a criminal. "I think; therefore it is so" characterizes the mind of George W. Bush.

It is a cognitive error that compels the president to inflict his will even after the electorate has spoken in loud repudiation. He is resolute, a quality we could admire if his actions produced great gains for humanity. But they don't. Instead, Bush has unleashed chaos across this country and in the Middle East.

Samenow says: 'Criminals often function on the basis of assumptions. They see themselves as the hub of the wheel around which all else revolves. There is no need to seek facts or weigh alternatives if a person believes he or she already knows it all.'

That's an accurate assessment of George Bush. And so is this: Thinking something is what matters. The criminal does not see any need to justify this. He operates on the basis of his own premise without checking it out. Of course, if he were to do this while committing a crime, he would likely jeopardize himself. So, he is fully capable of ascertaining facts when it suits his purpose. The 'I think; therefore it is so' is part of his attempt to impose his will upon others, to exercise power, and control. It provides graphic evidence of his failure to put himself in the place of others and to empathize. The costs of this thinking error are often devastating to innocent people.


Additional, appropriate Samenow findings:


Most criminals have idealist visions. They long for large cash retirements and dream of going to heaven. Many, too, are religious, and look at themselves as better people because of it. However, these visions all exist on their own terms.


There's more: 'Despite having a decent self-concept, the criminal's self-image is very tenuous. His self-esteem is veritably frail. When he is not immediately gratified, he is likely to become irate.'


Authors Bio: Missy Beattie lives in New York City. She's written for National Public Radio and Nashville Life Magazine. An outspoken critic of the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq, she's a member of Gold Star Families for Peace. She completed a novel last year, but since the death of her nephew, Marine Lance Cpl. Chase J. Comley, in Iraq on August 6,'05, she has been writing political articles.