September 15, 2004

• I still say he's stupid, demented or not. The boy ain't right. His done slid of his cracker. His elevator doesn't go to the top floor. He's got bat's in the belfry. He's nucking futs. Whatever. I agree with the second doctor - it doesn't matter what he is if he get's elected, because his administration and the Republican Congress will prop his sorry ass up in the chair and laud his every drooling malapropism as a statement from Christ Almighty and whenever someone claims "The Emperor has no brain", they'll shout him down and frame the argument so the public looks the other way. Just like they do now. /rant
• I always thought he was a burnout
• I believe the proper scientific term, as coined by a Dr Jeff K, is "Asshat".
• bush's neologisms and word salads are textbook symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Wedge, what about the megalomania?
• I just assumed he wasn't a good public speaker.
• Bush speaks to his audience, one that wouldn't know a neologism from neoprene or a malapropism from malarkey. These are the same types of folks who consider anyone speaking a different language from theirs to be mentally inferior.
• I wasn't going to touch that, BlueHorse, but since you brought it up, let's run through the DSM-IV criteria quickly:

  Diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia A. Characteristic symptoms: Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated): [X] delusions {...of grandeur, and especially persecution.} [X] hallucinations {Auditory, yes. There is a voice talking in his head, i.e., God "talks" directly to/in him. Again, textbook.} [X] disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence) {Quite obvious.} [ ] grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior {Hmmm. I don't know. I don't think so.} [X] negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening, alogia, or avolition {Yes... plenty of inappropriate smirkings, and laughing/teasing that lady on death row begging for her life are two examples off the top of my head.} Note: Only one Criterion A symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other. B. Social/occupational dysfunction: For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset. {Hmmm. I don't know. He relatively "high-functioning", but he's also fucked a lot of shit up.} C. Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 months. {Yes.} D. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features have been ruled out... {Hmmm... not yet.} E. Substance/general medical condition exclusion: The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition. {Dunno. Could dry-drunkism explain any of this?}

  Conclusion? He's probably schizophrenic. Ask him about the timecube sometime.
• These are the same types of folks who consider anyone speaking a different language from theirs to be mentally inferior. - posted by stirfry at 07:04AM UTC on September 15 And this would not apply equally to the hordes of foaming bush haters? Kerry's remark regarding Bush's debate record, I think, shows quite a bit of acumen on Kerry's part. As much fun as it is to repeat the Bush is Dumb meme, it is very dangerous to underestimate him so. Personally, count me among the camp that thinks he intentionally nurtures his crappy speaking style. But back to the more immediate topic: Small country doctor has theory. Second opinion declines to make assessment and dumps on theory to boot. Article writer notes that Democrats would rather feel superior then win. Wake me up when some real news pops up.
• Bush is the fool with the gun and the posse
• OK, now that my ranting is done - it is entirely possible that Bush is not stupid. But he does have very bad ideas and worse execution. And I'm not real hot on most of his values, either.