After I posted a link to this picture early last month, Brock replied with a comment that included an apology to apes.
Last week an on-line newspaper, Capital Hill Blue, used this same picture in an article discussing the President’s mental health. According to the article, the President’s physician, Col. Richard J. Tubb, has prescribed an anti-depressant drug “to control his erratic behavior, depression, and paranoia.” Quoting the article:
Tubb prescribed the anti-depressants after a clearly-upset Bush stormed off stage on July 8, refusing to answer reporters’ questions about his relationship with indicted Enron executive Kenneth J. Lay.
“Keep those motherfuckers away from me,” he screamed at an aide backstage. “If you can’t, I’ll find someone who can.”
Bush’s mental stability has become the topic of Washington whispers in recent months. Capitol Hill Blue first reported on June 4 about increasing concern among White House aides over the President’s wide mood swings and obscene outbursts.
The article goes on to describe a new book by Dr. Justin Frank (a psychologist at George Washington University) titled Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President. I won’t elaborate, but there is some disturbing material in the rest of the Capital Blue article and also in a review of Frank’s book.
The book review cautions against arm chair psychology and then goes on to describe Frank’s findings. It also provides a short list of his secondary sources—Bush’s public statements and behavior, also anecdotal evidence from journalists, biographers and (Bush’s) acquaintances.
When I heard about Frank’s book a few days ago, I had my own concerns about the validity of arm chair psychology. Profiling works on TV crime shows and in Patricia Cornwell novels, but (I ask from ignorance) does it work well in real life? I am somewhat reassured in that a couple of other academics have seconded Frank’s findings, but I believe I am correct in viewing this as a weak form of peer review.
I recall one or more comments in other threads about who’s really in charge, but there may be some very real concerns about Presidential succession.
I share your skepticism over arm-chair psychology, no matter how learned and well-published it seems to be (or who the target is). I also have a great deal of skepticism over anonymous rumors of this sort (whomever they target).