Stockholm Syndrome

Fate doesn't always make the right men kings
--The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

There are none more abusive to others
than they that lie most openly about it to themselves
--Seneca

I don't want to think about that old war anymore
It's driving me up the wall with bad insanity
I need a new war
--High on War, Henry Rollins
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The U.S. seems to be operating as a collective victim of the Stockholm Syndrome, in thrall to President George Bush and his under-functioning government.

The odd transference has been effected by the government in collusion with the press, whereby the country perceived the events of 9-11 as a collective hostage-taking of the nation. The resultant fearful immobility and sense of helplessness that the hostages (US) feel is now rendered unto the government as protector/Hostage Taker [HT].

The Syndrome Stockholm syndrome, named after a hostage-taking situation following a bank robbery in that city in 1973, is defined by a "psychological response . . . in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger (or at least risk) in which they have been placed (Wikipedia.)" It is also called trauma-bonding or bonding-to-the perpetrator.

Because of the hostage's sympathy for and identity with the HT, they have an "inability to engage in behaviors that may assist in their release or detachment." They develop a dependence on and a loyalty to the perpetrator[s] of their captivity. Due to the extreme danger and unpredictability of their situation, the hostages also often fear the actions of government response teams more than they do the HT.

This was the case with the unfortunate detainee Jose Padilla who began to distrust and fear his court-appointed attorney, instead thinking that George W. Bush was his friend. Delusion of the highest order. Do you think your government has your better interests at heart?

January 20th is coming, but captives do not reconstitute so quickly. Change is not effected by a simple change in mise-en-scène.

Who will deprogram us? We've been mainlining the Kool-Aid for a while now.