November 21, 2002

silhouette3.JPG From the desk of Jane Galt:

JFK In the Dock

Meanwhile, conservatives are jumping on the fact that JFK was taking. . . well, rather more painkillers and mood-altering drugs than you would normally want in the guy with the authority to launch a nuclear war. I think they're probably getting a little overexcited, although it did produce this editorial on the politics of secrecy. After all, Winston Churchill was a controlled drunk who apparently suffered from pretty major depression, and yet England's still there. On the one hand, I don't think we want to exact lower standards from the president than we would from, say, our doctor. On the other hand I think we expect inhuman levels of perfection from our doctors, and our presidents. Where are we going to find all these demi-gods, sound of mind and body, reasoned of judgement, strong of character, kind of will, who never, ever make the least little mistake?

Posted by Jane Galt at November 21, 2002 8:50 AM | TrackBack | Technorati inbound links"); ?>
Comments

And once we find them, how are we going to coerce them into taking jobs with so much responsibility. Typically, Presidents of the US appear to age several decades during a single term. Someone who is supremely competent will probably do something else...

Bolie IV

Posted by: Bolie Williams IV on November 21, 2002 1:26 PM

My favourite Churchill drinking story is this:

during the war, he was sitting in his study, drinking brandy, reading war papers and smoking a cigar. A servant came in, and said "Sir, your dressing gown is on fire". Churchill replied "then put it out", and sat there as the servant took care of things...

Posted by: The Philosophical Cowboy on November 21, 2002 6:08 PM

I think it could make a difference in ability, so I would like to know these things as to be an informed voter. Many things show outwardly, like Reagan's worsened mental condition and energy after the assassination attempt. But he was still overwhelmingly reelected. So voters will not necessarily reject candidates who have physical ailments and limitations. But I believe we should have that knowledge to make our decisions as informed as possible.

Posted by: Bob D on November 21, 2002 6:17 PM

Actually, what I have and always will admire Churchill for is his amazing prescience. My favorite Churchill story is this: after his ministers informed him that Japan had attacked the United States, he whipped out a bottle of scotch and said, "Celebrate, gentlemen! The war is over!"

Posted by: Alex Knapp on November 21, 2002 10:40 PM

Another Churchill story:
When he met with King Ibn Sa'ud of Saudi Arabia he was told the King did not permit smoking or drinking in the royal presence. Churchill said,"...my rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them."

A quote: "I've taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."

Posted by: scott h. on November 22, 2002 10:54 AM

Abraham Lincoln was also prone to severe depression. It didn't seem to affect his ability to lead.

Posted by: markm on November 22, 2002 11:08 PM

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