Cheney and Rummy seemed to be damaged by the interruption of the Nixon administration, where they felt the executive branch was a law unto itself, rule under divine right, can interfere in the affairs of other countries, order assassinations and protect our economic interests for any reason. They came out of that experience not with an understanding of its criminal and paranoid nature but with a plan to do a better job of protecting the King.

Back to the book…there is something to be learned in looking at Narcissistic personality disorder.

From Millon’s sub-types of the disorder:

Fanatic type – including paranoid features. A severely narcissistic wounded individual, usually with major paranoid tendencies who holds onto an illusion of omnipotence. These people are fighting the reality of their insignificance and lost value (Nixon’s resigning)and are trying to re-establish their self-esteem through grandiose fantasies (spreading democracy through Shock and Awe and saving America from nuclear destruction) and self-reinforcement (all the intelligence supports our position though we had to create our own at defense). When unable to gain recognition of support from others, they take on the role of a heroic or worshiped person with a grandiose mission. (Saving America from itself)

Okay we’re going to the edge here…Can Cheney be a sociopath?

Some characteristics:

Profile of the Sociopath

This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

* Glibness and Superficial Charm

* Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

* Grandiose Sense of Self

Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”

* Pathological Lying

Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

* Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt

A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

* Shallow Emotions

When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Okay…maybe this is far fetched to imagine someone so damaged could achieve such high positions of power…it is like imagining sexual predators becoming senators…couldn’t happen right? Or government leaders thinking they are above the law?

Just nuts.

This is the first time I’ve ever been on this site, but it won’t be the last.