I may be wrong - maybe they're not SOCIOPATHS, maybe they're PSYCHOPATHS

[polichick]

"Even those professionals that identify a difference note that the traits of the psychopath and sociopath are largely similar. Both psychopaths and sociopaths have a complete disregard for the feelings and rights of others. This often surfaces by age 15 and may be accompanied by cruelty to animals. These traits are distinct and repetitive, creating a pattern of misbehavior that goes beyond normal adolescent mischief.

Both the psychopath and sociopath fail to feel remorse or guilt. They appear to lack a conscience and are completely self-serving. They routinely disregard rules, social mores and laws, unmindful of putting themselves or others at risk.

Of the more distinguishing traits, some argue the sociopath to be less organized in his or her demeanor, nervous and easily agitated – someone likely living on the fringes of society, without solid or consistent economic support. A sociopath is more likely to spontaneously act out in inappropriate ways without thinking through the consequences.

Conversely, some argue that the psychopath tends to be extremely organized, secretive and manipulative. The outer personality is often charismatic and charming, hiding the real person beneath. Though psychopaths do not feel for others, they can mimic behaviors that make them appear normal. Upon meeting, one would have more of a tendency to trust a psychopath than a sociopath."

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-psychopath-and-a-sociopath.htm



Though I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, it seems to me this description fits many political and religious figures in the news during the past few years (you can fill in the names). I can see how the power that comes with high-level political and religious positions would draw this kind of person, but I'm not sure what has allowed so many to succeed in recent years. I have heard that Democracy cannot last without constant vigilance ~ perhaps the American penchant for entertainment and distraction have allowed this to happen.

What do you think? Are these people psychopaths? If so, why are so many Americans fooled, even after all the country has been through?

[Lancer]

1. I'm thinking along those lines.

I believe Sarah Palin is a sociopath. Listening to her RNC speech was enough to point my thinking in that direction. On another site I posted a long list of sociopathic traits enumerated in the DSM-IV, highlighting the ones I think we can all safely say apply to her. Given only what we can SEE and what we KNOW to be true of Palin, she is textbook. (I may shorten that post and put it up here somewhere. It's pretty chilling.)

[polichick]

2. I'm thinking psychopath now, after reading the distinctions...

It really is chilling!

[polichick]

3. Don't tell me it's "politically incorrect" to call them psychopaths! :)

[applegrove]

4. If not psychopaths then some in the GOP use the tools of psychopaths

every day.