World leader
“Mental illnesses including anxiety disorders and depression are common and undertreated in many countries, both developed and developing, with the highest rate found in the United States.” — June 2 Associated Press report on the results of a 2001-2003 Harvard Medical School study conducted in Belgium, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Spain, the Ukraine and the United States.
Still in denial
“Well that's, you know, with respect, that's a highly offensive thing to say. If you're saying to me the United States of America doesn't respect the Geneva Conventions. Is that what you're saying to me?” — Defence minister Robert Hill responding to a reporter's question: “Are we putting Australian troops at risk by handing our POWs over to a foreign power [i.e., the US] that doesn't respect the Geneva Conventions?
Anxiety disorder
“President George W. Bush’s increasingly erratic behavior and wide mood swings has the halls of the West Wing buzzing lately as aides privately express growing concern over their leader’s state of mind.” — Washington Capital Hill Blue newsletter, June 4.
Fire and brimstone
“In meetings with top aides and administration officials, the president goes from quoting the Bible in one breath to obscene tantrums against the media, Democrats and others that he classifies as `enemies of the state'.” — Capital Hill Blue newsletter.
Vietnam Syndrome
“It reminds me of the Nixon days. Everybody is an enemy; everybody is out to get him. That’s the mood over there.” — Comment by Republican Party consultant to Capital Hill Blue newsletter.
From Green Left Weekly, June 9, 2004.
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