As a psychotherapist, trained in psychodynamic theory, I was initially skeptical that Justin Frank could successfully write a convincing analysis of Bush when he hadn't met or treated him. But many of us - with psychodynamic knowledge or not - who have watched him numerous times on television and read about his personal and political history, have been all-too-aware of:
- Bush's dissociation, revealed in the disconnection and often overt contradiction between his words and actions;
- the incoherence, simplicity and polarizations evident in his thinking and communications;
- his inability to acknowledge and take responsibility for his mistakes;
- his tendency to project all evil outside himself;
- his paranoid and persecutory behavior, focused on an obsessive desire to "get the enemy" and glee in his and his administration's ability to flaunt its power and unmask and punish "evildoers";
- his blind aggression often masked by sarcasm and rationalization;
- his certainty that he is chosen by God and that his actions are blessed by God and beyond questioning;
- his tendency to seek solace in rigid beliefs even in the face of contrary evidence;
- his "outlaw" mentality that leads him to believe he is above the law;
- his determination to stifle dissent and inclination to view all those who disagree with him as unpatriotic enemies;
- his obvious contempt for the weak and vulnerable, including those who are victims of his policies, and those fighting and paying the price for his war.
Frank very effectively addresses all of the above and more - exploring the roots of Bush's psychodynamics in his childhood history, and clearly explaining the psychological theory that helps even readers not trained in developmental psychology understanding exactly how and why Bush developed his pathology, and how it manifests. Of particular interest also is how Frank characterizes much of the American public - and media - as enablers, responding as many children might who have a destructive alcoholic parent. Anxious and insecure in these highly troubled times, seeking to suppress fears that the Bush administration and media continually inflame, we may have too easily sought to protect ourselves from the truth so that we might believe we have a competent leader (father figure) who can protect us from the evils we fear will infringe upon our personal lives.
This is an important book, probably the most important book of many revealing political books published so far in 2004. Americans need to understand more fully exactly how serious Bush's pathology is, and how destructive his actions are and are likely to continue to be, with ramifications for many years to come.
Psychological understanding often leads to empathy, but an empathic understanding of G.W. Bush is no excuse for supporting him in his quest to continually wreak havoc in the U.S. and abroad. Frank concludes by emphasizing how it is essential that we vote Bush out of the White House. Although Bush supporters might believe that Frank skews his interpretations in order to pathologize Bush - Frank's psychological theory, analysis and interpretation are sound, accurate ... and extremely important.
This book is enlightening, frightening, disturbing, indeed chilling. Hopefully it will motivate readers not only to vote Democrat in November, but to become politically active to make sure that Bush will not be re-elected and not able to continue with policies which are so profoundly hurting our nation, international relations, and the planet.
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