There is a CIA report on a paranoid psychopath

Many Americans do not understand the CIA. The primary role of the CIA is to gather information, conduct analysis and evaluation, and, always, provide leaders with background information necessary to govern around the world. If you go to the CIA web site, you can find incredible, de-classified, reams of reports on everything from the economy of distant countries or cities, to the availability of water in desert regions, to maps of sea lanes.

In the middle of World War II, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS – that was renamed the CIA after the war), ordered respected psychologists from Harvard, the New School, and the N.Y. Psychoanalytic Institute to study and report on the psychological profile of Adolf Hitler. So-called the Langer Report, a copy was found in the dusty library of Cornell long after it was declassified in 1968.

In 1943, it was critical that the U.S. study Adolf Hitler’s personality to try to predict his behavior. In the eventual 229-page report, Hitler was described as a paranoid “utter wreck” who was “incapable of normal human relationships.” Part of the conclusion was, “It is forever impossible to hope for any mercy or humane treatment from him.” Prophetic words considering what we learned subsequently of the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities.

What is interesting, is that the fascist movement in Europe relied on these same traits to further their aims, aiding and abetting Hitler to achieve goals they wanted, especially wealth and power. The OSS report evaluated the enemy’s leader, stating that Hitler’s tactics (and behavior) were to never admit wrongdoing, never concede that anyone other than himself was good in any way, never accept blame for any of his actions only claim credit for any such actions, never allow the public acclaim or idolatry to cool off, and use big lies rather than small ones and repeat those frequently because more people will believe big lies more than small ones. The report further stated that such a person treads a path towards ideological immortality, eventually, when the tide turns, will seek the greatest vengeance on a world he despises if it doesn’t worship him. For Hitler, the carnage of the last two years of a failing war saw him authorize and demand extermination camps and atrocities in increasing numbers.

As you read the above, a brief history lesson, remember that history has a way of repeating. The very deeply troubled state of Hitler’s mind can be seen repeated in today’s world all too often. Look for traits and be wary, very wary of allowing appeasement for those who may not be capable of any normal traits or behavior and for the ongoing damage they are psychotically compelled to mete out, whilst their supporters still seek to manipulate for personal advantage.

 

Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, now lives in New Mexico.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Mountain rescue succeeds through hail, wind, lightning

Undermountain Road in Salisbury was closed the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 6, as rescue crews worked to save an injured hiker in the Taconic Mountains.

Photo by Alec Linden

SALISBURY — Despite abysmal conditions, first responders managed to rescue an injured hiker from Bear Mountain during a tornado-warned thunderstorm on Saturday, Sept. 6.

“It was hailing, we couldn’t see anything,” said Jacqui Rice, chief of service of the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service. “The trail was a river,” she added.

Keep ReadingShow less
Farm Fall Block Party returns to Rock Steady Farm
Rock Steady Farm during the 2024 Farm Fall Block Party. This year’s event returns Sept. 6.
Provided

On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 12 to 5 p.m., Rock Steady Farm in Millerton opens its fields once again for the third annual Farm Fall Block Party, a vibrant, heart-forward gathering of queer and BIPOC farmers, neighbors, families, artists, and allies from across the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Co-hosted with Catalyst Collaborative Farm, The Watershed Center, WILDSEED Community Farm & Healing Village, and Seasoned Delicious Foods, this year’s party promises its biggest celebration yet. Part harvest festival, part community reunion, the gathering is a reflection of the region’s rich agricultural and cultural ecosystem.

Keep ReadingShow less
The art of Marilyn Hock

Waterlily (8”x12”) made by Marilyn Hock

Provided

It takes a lot of courage to share your art for the first time and Marilyn Hock is taking that leap with her debut exhibition at Sharon Town Hall on Sept. 12. A realist painter with a deep love for wildlife, florals, and landscapes, Hock has spent the past few years immersed in watercolor, teaching herself, failing forward, and returning again and again to the page. This 18-piece collection is a testament to courage, practice and a genuine love for the craft.

“I always start with the eyes,” said Hock of her animal portraits. “That’s where the soul lives.” This attentiveness runs through her work, each piece rendered with care, clarity, and a respect for the subtle variations of color and light in the natural world.

Keep ReadingShow less