Posted on 05/21/2002 11:32:05 AM PDT by Teacup
Albright accused President Bush's foreign policy team of suffering from "untreated bipolar disorder," saying the Bush administration is projecting contradictory messages on a broad range of global conflicts, including the Middle East and Afghanistan.
AP Photo
BARF ALERT!
In response to scathing criticism by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the Bush administration said Monday it speaks clearly on U.S. foreign policy — and otherwise declined to take Albright on.
"I don't think I am going to get into a back-and-forth," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.
On Sunday, in a commencement speech at Tufts University, Albright criticized President Bush and his foreign policy advisers. She said they "seem allergic" to treaties designed to strengthen the rule of law and shift signals daily on where they stand in the Middle East.
Boucher, who was Albright's spokesman as he now is Secretary of State Colin Powell's, said "I think people give speeches, and we obviously listen to them and pay close attention to what they say."
Declining to characterize what senior Bush administration officials thought of Albright's criticism, Boucher said, "This administration has explained its policies very clearly, and anybody who wants to know those policies can just check with us."
He's a flack and he's doing his job, not formulating policy. If he's good at it I say let him be. We are not petty like Clinton - firing the travel office staff and all.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.
Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. Without treatment, marital break-ups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide may result from the chronic, episodic mood swings. The most significant treatment issue is non-compliance with treatment. Most individuals with bipolar disorder do not perceive their manic episodes as needing treatment, and they resist entering treatment. In fact, most people report feeling very good during the beginning of a manic episode, and don't want it to stop. This is a serious judgement problem. As the manic episode progresses, concentration becomes difficult, thinking becomes more grandiose, and problems develop. Unfortunately, the risk taking behavior usually results in significant painful consequences such as loss of a job or a relationship, running up excessive debts, or getting into legal difficulties. Many individuals with bipolar disorder abuse drugs or alcohol during manic episodes, and some of these develop secondary substance abuse problems.
Slam it on her big fat head.
She's a real winner all right.
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