[HT to TPM's Daily Muck]
Last Friday, corrupt former Congressman Duke Cunningham's legal team released their client'ss psychiatric report. The Dukestir was interviewed for six and a half hours in early February for the report, along with analysis of his medical records and talks with the House psychiatrist. In the report, among other analyses of Duke's psyche, Duke admits to a "culture of corruption in Washington."
It sounds like some oft-repeated phrase I've heard somewhere before...
More after the jump, including the full context of the quote.
I'm going to leave aside the psychobable interpretations for the Dukestir's corruption. For instance, it's listed that the Dukestir's Vietnam service led him to develop aggressive behavior and to ignore warning signs of danger. Also listed are Duke's history of back pain and goiter. Sorry, but a goiter doesn't cause hand-over-fist corruption.
According to the report, Cunningham's mental health has deteriorated (along with a 60-lbs. loss in weight) since reports appeared on his ill-gotten gains. He began experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety in mid-2005. Reports of the Dukestir's questionable home sale was first printed on June 12, 2005. Not everyone can react like a deranged Tom DeLay with a huge shit-eating grin when they're indicted.
No, the report points to behavior much more dark. Cunningham's depressive symptoms included suicidal ideation and were so severe that his doctors recommended hospitalization for the Congressman. Duke, of course, refused and agreed to signing a contract not to commit suicide. He met with a support group and was prescribed medications for depression, anxiety and insomnia.
We also learn how Randy Cunningham became to be called 'Duke.' During Vietnam, Cunningham changed his call name from Yank and Maverick to Duke, after his hero John Wayne.
Finally, here's how the report describes Duke's views on his corrupt acts:
Over the years, he developed a personal relationship with Wade and some of the bright lines separating government and business and friendship became blurred. He recognizes now that Wade and others in Washington were part of a culture of corruption and that good motives may lead to bad decisions when that corruption infuses the relationships of the people involved in the process.
Elsewhere in corruption...
It's been confirmed that funds from Tom Noe's Coingate were donated to Bush's 2004 Presidential election.
And - Nick Lampson has more cash-on-hand than Tom DeLay.