George W. Bush, the Frightened Man

[WilliamPitt]

You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.

-Eric Hoffer

When I went to New York City this past summer to cover the GOP convention, I remember being awed by the degree of security surrounding Madison Square Garden. There were fences to control the fences, fifty cops on every corner, none of whom knew what the others were telling people to do, a half-dozen passes of needed to get twenty feet in any direction, and that was before you even got inside the door.

I saw the same thing when I went to DC to cover the Inauguration. The capitol was an armed camp, a sea of Bush supporters surrounded by tens of thousands of protesters. At one point, I stopped for 30 seconds next to a squad car to check my cell phone, and was immediately confronted by three cops asking me what I was doing. Amusingly, the security fences and cops decided not to give those protesters One Big Spot to congregate, and instead spread them out like butter across the entire route. The effect was to make the protests seem much larger than they were - and they were big - while forcing the Bush folk to elbow past them every six feet for the entire length of Pennsylvania Avenue.

All those fences. All those guns. All those cops. At first, it seemed like an arguably necessary precaution; these were, after all, the two cities to take the hit on 9/11. But the longer I stayed, the longer I looked around, and the closer I observed the behavior of Bush and his people, I came to a sad conclusion: This security was not about keeping us all safe from terrorists, but was about keeping Bush safe from his own people. The President of the United States is flatly terrified of the citizens he would supposedly lead to some supply-side promised land. He is scared to death of us.

More:

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/3/31/94949/7464

[sabra]

1. Do you think he was picked on when he was a kid?

[Tux]

3. Maybe

But was he sober enough to remember?

[BrklynLiberal]

9. He was the bully, even to his siblings. Cold distant parents.

No empathy. No conscience.
Classic psychopathic sociopathic personality.
Probably could have ended up as a Ted Bundy-type of serial killer if his life had taken a very minor turn at some point.

EDITED for clarity

[tinrobot]

24. Worse than Ted Bundy

Just look at the body count in Iraq for evidence.

[Lisa]

54. his mom encouraged him to bully his siblings ...

W's dad was away, and she didn't want to spend her beautiful mind on such mundane stuff as making sure her kids behaved.

So Georgie appointed himself "enforcer", going so far as to shoot his little brothers with his pellet gun, in the house (!) -- feeling that he was being the man of the family. Later on, he repeated this role, instilling discipline in his dad's campaign staff. And I'm sure that this is how he sees his role in America, and on the world stage.


Bullies can become very dangerous if they think that people approve of their actions.

[gordianot]

11. He was the bully and still is one an effect of Narcissism.

Often referred to as "boss cousin". These may be the same family members who came out against him in the 2004 election.

Nope, as a "Narcissistic Personality Disorder" he has much to hide. In many ways he is a reflection of his fellow megalomaniac and nemesis Saddam Hussein. Their parallels are boundless.

[RaleighNCDUer]

17. I knew that when I first heard of his making up insulting nicknames

for everyone around him. With the nicknames he in effect takes a one-up position with them and takes control away from them.

And it is not a subtle psychological ploy. With him, it is instictive bullying. It is how he sees the world.

[gordianot]

26. Correct the insulting nicknames are a definate symptom of Narcissism.

Another blatant symptom if true, which has not been refuted, is his mockery of Carla Faye Tucker before she was executed.

[Nothing Without Hope]

29. And along the same lines but on a much larger scale,

his big smile and cheery "I feel GOOD!!!" after signing the order to invade Iraq. There was not a moment's concern about all the dead and maimed that would result from his order. He has no conscience at all, no empathy. He is a MONSTER.

[Lisa]

55. and his habit of touching and fondling people ...

When he rubs bald guys on the head ... or hugs and kisses them (e.g. Joe Lieberman) -- he is NOT doing it because he's a touchy-feely kind of guy. It's his way of saying he's dominant, and can do whatever he likes to them.

He hates it when people touch him -- he froze right up when that graduating sailor at Annapolis (an African-American guy, too) hugged him impulsively.

I thought it was interesting to compare him with Clinton, after 9/11. Clinton was out on the sidewalk in NYC, embracing people and letting them cry all over him, not seeming to mind at all. Bush was going around scribbling autographs for the grieving families.

[FreedomAngel82]

35. From my watching of him

he seems to be a spoiled brat bully. He isn't the bullyish type but he's the type that bullys people if he doesn't get his way and gets other people to do the bullying. He's scared of confrentation with us normal folk and he knows he isn't well liked in this country. When all the people wake up from this b.s. that is known as the Bush administration it'd be very scary and Bush should be afraid.

[gordianot]

45. These behaviors were definitely encouraged by his parents.

Who inflated his self concept in order to encourage him to be assertive. End result is almost classic "narcissism", and history of substance abuse. Notice though there are not yet many thorough biographies. His autobiography, if it is ever written, will be most enlightening. What has been published so far is very revealing, even those books that are "pro Bush".

On edit see link: http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/analysis/2004/0215narcissism.htm

[ultraist]

61. "Boss cousin" I'll have to remember that one!

Boss as in mafia, right?

I agree, full blown Narcisstic Personality Disorder to the extreme degree of sociopathy.

[gordianot]

63. His younger cousins nicknamed him that years ago.

I read an article in 2000 been looking for it on the Internet. Since that time "boss cousin" has appeared to me as an apt description. This family does have some "mafia" like qualities, I suspect they are much more dangerous with an appearance of legitimacy.

[CoffeeCat]

33. I think it's obvious that * was abused as a child...

...and suspect his daddy's penchant for sexual deviancy.

I think we all know what happened to *.

What we have on our hands is an unhealed victim--which can be quite dangerous.

[BlueIris]

52. It's obvious to me, too, TwoSparkles.

In addition to being an incest victim, he displays behaviors classic to the oldest child of an alcoholic. And speaking of unhealed...I've seen a lot of behavior from Mr. Bush over the past four years, especially since 9/11, that smacks of "dry drunk" syndrome. An untreated, debatably sober alcoholic is NOT someone I've ever felt comfortable about having "in charge" of my nation, even if it's only in a perfunctory sense.

[Lerkfish]

46. naw, he was the guy who flamebranded other greek pledges

and belittled their outrage during college.
He's the bully...but like all bullies, take away one layer, and you see a frightened child.

no offense to frightened children everywhere.

[Snotcicles]

53. Wonder what reaction he would have

if someone snuck up behind him and poped a paper bag filled with air?

[RaleighNCDUer]

57. Oooh, I'd loove to see that!

But it would probably get the paperbag popper shot.

[Snotcicles]

58. Wonder how long it would take them

to wash the crap off the oval office walls?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Fear.

Stinking, flop-sweat-drenched fear. The prime motivation for any bully or thug.

They are afraid because they know they are doing wrong and the accounting time approaches.

[Ron Green]

12. Bush's problem is that he doesn't know how to use his fear.

We all have fear (it's our natural state in this life, IMO), but most of us find the smarts and courage to respond to our fear in appropriate ways: feel it, acknowledge it, face it, work through it and do the right thing. Bush and his ilk simply react to their fear by spreading it throughout the world.

[On the Road]

4. They are "The League of Frightened Men"

and like the Nero Wolfe book, their fears of persection will turn out to be unfounded.

[Bellamia]

5. Is this the same Bush........

who said something like you can run but you can't hide? Your opinion is a valid one; reminds me of what JFK said about "security" : If they're going to get me, they'll get me. Correct me if I'm wrong. What a terrible way to live, in fear, maybe even of your own shadow.
He is too stupid to admit to Mea Culpa.

[dave123williams]

6. Par for the course from a lifelong coward.

[THUNDER HANDS]

7. i was in the city too then

I remember when you bear-hugged me, and my girlfriend looked on like 'why can't you hug me like that?'

:D

Getting out of the city was a mess. We were in the Penn Hotel, across the street from Penn Station, and we had to walk five blocks all the way around the Garden, to get down into the Subway. It was maddening.

And you're right, the cops had no idea what they were telling eachother.

Bush is a scared little boy. His post-presidency is going to be a lot like Reagan's I think, except Reagan was trapped by his own failing mind - Bush will be trapped by fear of leaving his ranch in Texas.

[tavalon]

16. And by his failing mind

I was in Texas during this creature's governorship. He was no Einstein then, either, but he has lost a lot of his faculties. I think that those years of partying made swiss cheese out of his brain and it's coming home to roost.

I wonder if Pickles will stand by him the way Nancy did for Ronnie. Somehow, I just doubt it.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. Right on target again, Will. I've been telling people * is both a

moral and physical coward for years!! You can see it in his eyes.

[opihimoimoi]

10. Bush ain't no Alexander the GREAT, das fer sure. In them there days

Alexander fought along side with the troops....

This Bush goes and hides....

and now he hides from his OWN PEOPLE?? fuckin wimp he is...

[unhappycamper]

13. I seem to recall dc.indymedia.com had a bunch

of less than flattering inauguration photos.

They would illustrate your point very well. Unfortunately, I don't have time to dig for them.

[FreedomAngel82]

37. I tried the link

and it didn't work. :(

[unhappycamper]

42. try http://dc.indymedia.org/

I knew that. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Just Me]

14. If our country is a mirror reflection of this man,...

,...he is an incredibly divided and fearful human being.

[yvr girl]

15. I understand the need for security for a President - any President

And I'm sure this one must give the Secret Service ulcers. But it does amaze me how isolated the office holder becomes. It's worse with Bush than most. How many press conferences has he had? How many follow-up questions does he take? Is there anyone at his 'public' events that hasn't signed a loyalty oath?

When you get the opportunity to compare it to Canada's Prime Minister the difference becomes glaring. Several times a week, the PM is in the House of Commons for Question Period. Let me tell you, the Loyal Opposition does not pull its punches when it takes the government to task on any issue. The PM and his ministers need to defend their positions on almost a daily basis.

After Question Period, all MPs have to face the scrum. There is a throng of political reporters they have to make their way through to get back to their offices. The PM is not exempt.

It's tradition for the PM to do a year-end in-depth TV interview. He does several others a year as well.

Our access also comes in other ways. Kids can go Trick-or-Treating at 24 Sussex and get candy from the PM. That would never happen at the White House. The PM has also appeared on Monday Report. Can you imagine Bush participating in a bit on the Daily Show? Not likely.

[smoogatz]

31. Another good reason

to move to Canada.

[FreedomAngel82]

36. That's awesome

Imagine being a little kid living in DC and on Halloween you can go up to the President and ask for some candy. :) I've seen some of the England debate's on tv and was impressed with how they are. I enjoyed it. Very nice to see something like that. I've also seen how with Bush with his little rally's he doesn't greet everybody does he? Thinking of how Bush is I wonder if the second debate was full of pre-screened people and they had to sign oaths? I noticed how Bush mingled with people and all that.

[yvr girl]

50. Our election debates are so much better

There are 4 people debating, the leaders of all the parties that have seats in the House.

They tend to be good debaters, because they get lots of practice in the Commons.

It isn't moderated with kid gloves.

Oh, and they have one in French and one in English. Bush can barely manage English. lol

[Lisa]

56. remember how shocked Bush was when the Canadian reporters rushed up

At one of Chretien's early visits to the White House, there was a scrum around the PM -- Bush later said he thought it was "rude" how the the press shouted out questions like that. (This happens every day on Parliament Hill.)

Also, our PM has to stand up in the House of Commons and answer tough questions, even from lowly backbenchers -- and people frequently jeer and heckle his answers. (We expect the PM to come up with snappy retorts, too.)

p.s. I loved the footage of Paul Martin standing in front of the gate with a treat basket, last Halloween! He had on a rumpled sweater and jeans, and looked just like someone's grandpa.

[earth mom]

18. This has been obvious to me for a long time now. nt

[SpaceCatMeetsMars]

19. How about what he said at the Clinton Library, looking at the river

"A submarine could take this place out."

Even if he was joking, it's a very strange joke to even think of!

He looks and acts very paranoid.

[mirandaod]

20. He's afraid because

he knows how thoroughly he's screwing people. He's afraid because he would and does inflict damage on those who cross him. He thinks others would get him, if they could. He's projecting his own nightmarish reality onto everyone else.

[ariellyn]

21. America is at the mercy of a man with wide ranging

psychological problems--from extreme cowardice, to an Oedipal complex to megalomania. The Cons sure picked the right guy to do their dirty work.

On edit: I forgot sociopathic tendencies.

[kliljedahl]

22. Well written

Succinct and to the point.


http://www.kliljedahl.net

[Stephanie]

23. the Coward from Crawford

the little prick -

Yeah, this was very apparent during the RNC. It was US they were afraid of, not al Queda.

[opihimoimoi]

25. Balls are absent from the turd....

[spindoctor]

27. So bubbleboy fears security?

I'm not sure what Bush does to frighten me.

The one thing that scares me about this man is that he is in control of this country. And yes, if the rolls were reversed he should be afraid...very afraid.

[burn the bush]

28. I want to know how much of homeland security money is used to protect

shrub? It is suppose to be used to protect us, all of us. I wonder how much is used to protect him, just him. As he travels across the country touting his bushit privatization plan, he is requiring heavy security. Now every president has had security, but the shrub is abusing it. How much is he costing us to protect him?

And, it's mot even necessary. While most of us would love to knock the fuck right out of him, few of us would try. Most of us don't want him dead either, we want him removed from office under the worst humiliation that any head of country has ever seen, then prosecuted and sent from the white house to the big house. So the protection is just to protect his image. They keep us, the people away from him so that we can't shout things or turn our backs on him. How much has this extraordinary security cost the american people? It has nothing to do with terrorism.

[liam_laddie]

40. cost of security?

Well, I've read that a 747 (AFOne) costs about $34,000 per hour to operate, and I suspect this is only raw cost of fuel, maintenance, flight crew...all the special personnel must be added..ECM techs, etc. Hell, it takes two C-130's to bring in the armored limos (always two) and the special vans for Secret Service and satcomm gear. Plus heliocopters when used. Running a monarchy can get downright expensive...

[info being]

30. The New York Stock Exchange looks the same

As I stood beneath that big ugly American Flag draped over the entrance of that building, under the survalience of dozens of thugs with automatic weapons, I wondered about the legitimacy of a system that must be so protected from the people on the street.

[ReadTomPaine]

32. Anyone see Bush pitch the ball on Oct 3rd, 2001?

He was absolutely petrified. Raw fright in his eyes going out to the mound. I’ll never forget the look on his face.

RTP

[FreedomAngel82]

38. Ah beautiful

Do you have a picture or video of that?

[htuttle]

39. I think this might be from that day

He throws like a girl, though.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...if you're a girl...

[WilliamPitt]

41. It's hard to throw wearing a heavy Kevlar body armor vest

[Goathead]

34. Good point. Here in D.C. I hear comments all the time

about "how you used to be able to pull right up to the Capitol" and "you used to be able to just walk right in 24 hours a day." Editorial pieces in the Post about how Whitehouse security officers are unapproachable even to just ask for directions, because they are wearing SWAT gear. The Whitehouse is no longer "the people's house", it has become a club for corporatist plutocrats who are hell bent on global domination.

[mimitabby]

43. good essay! thanks for sharing! n/t

[dhinojosa]

44. I love the last line in this post.....very true

The President of the United States is flatly terrified of the citizens he would supposedly lead to some supply-side promised land. He is scared to death of us.

[corker]

47. he knows he is a fraud

he is wondering when everyone else is going to find out...

[ChickMagic]

48. I remember when he finally

went back to the White House after 9-11. He left the helicopter hunkered down, looking left and right like he was terrified of a shooter or something.

[DinahMoeHum]

49. He ain't no "Braveheart" - Nicholas Von Hoffman

Link:
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:sJhoLeApJ7gJ:www.tkipp.net/html/editorials/columns/vonhoffman_040407.html+no%2Bbraveheart%2Brunning%2Bwhite%2Bhouse&hl=en

(snip)
Is part of the job of being President to risk your life? To expose yourself to danger? Mr. Bush answered no. Other Presidents have answered differently.

Since he cannot be compared to Abraham Lincoln in other respects, it would be unfair to compare George Bush’s want of courage to Abraham Lincoln’s. Lincoln was repeatedly warned of the nearness of danger, but he understood that a wartime leader must show his face in public.

Lincoln’s fate did not deter his successors from moving about among the people. James Garfield was assassinated in a Washington, D.C., railroad station in 1881, and William McKinley—who, like Garfield, had seen more than his share of action during the Civil War—was gunned down in 1901 in Buffalo, N.Y., at the Pan-American Exposition greeting citizens at an open reception. Presidents do that kind of thing, and it is dangerous.

John Kennedy, a World War II combat veteran who knew his Presidential history, nevertheless was riding in an open car when he was assassinated. He believed that Presidents ought not to hide; they should be seen up close, and they should mingle. The perils of doing so go with the territory.
(snip)

much more...



:scared:

[kittykitty]

51. Photos were posted here about a week ago - there was no one watching the

Inagural parade. Empty bleachers. He was being protected from no one. It looked like there were more "protectors" then there were watchers.

[Katidid]

59. Do you have a link

to that post showing the pictures?

[cornermouse]

60. Why does he think we want to be in his vicinity?

I, for one, don't care to be anywhere near the poisonous toad.

[ultraist]

62. Excellent essay!

You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you. Now we know, and the knowledge is deeply and profoundly disturbing.

Love that ending too. Nice way to close.

[immoderate]

64. No cultural events in the White House.

Teddy Roosevelt, most famously, used to assemble the leading disparate intellectuals of his day for White House dinners. Roosevelt took delight in the interplay of opinion.

Bush has few White House dinners, and those, it appears, are for his clients in business and heads of state that are indentured. Surely no one free to speak their mind.

Hard to imagine how Bush would interact with a room full of intellectuals such as TR or JFK or Clinton would relish.

--IMM