[Texgreen] Psychopath on the loose

[Roger Baker]

<http://fairuse.100webcustomers.com/fairenough/salon045.html>

The war is detached from strategic purposes, the history of Iraq and =20
the region, and political and social dynamics, and instead is grasped =20=

as a test of character. Ultimately, what's at stake is his willpower=85.

Repudiated in the midterm elections, Bush has elevated himself above =20
politics, and repeatedly says, "I am the commander in chief." With =20
the crash of Rove's game plan for using his presidency as an =20
instrument to leverage a permanent Republican majority, Bush is =20
abandoning the role of political leader. He can't disengage =20
militarily from Iraq because that would abolish his identity as a =20
military leader, his default identity and now his only one.
Unlike the political leader, the commander in chief doesn't require =20
persuasion; he rules through orders, deference and the obedience of =20
those beneath him=85.

He views those lacking his will with rising disdain. The more he =20
stands up against those who tell him to change, the more virtuous he =20
becomes. His ability to realize those qualities surpasses anyone =20
else's and passes the character test=85.

In his mind, so long as the war goes on and he maintains his will he =20
can win. Then only his successor can be a loser.=