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 Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less