Either "malpractice" or "criminal": Dr. Justin Frank on power, drugs and Trump's White House

[marmar]

Either "malpractice" or "criminal": Dr. Justin Frank on power, drugs and Trump's White House
"Trump basically gave the people in his White House permission to not obey the law"

By CHAUNCEY DEVEGA
Senior Writer
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2, 2024 5:45AM (EST)


(Salon) Donald Trump has repeatedly shown that he is a lawless person — but his malign influence extends far beyond himself.

Trump’s “dangerous charisma” attracts already corrupt and ethically compromised people into his orbit. He also exerts a malignant perfidious influence over people who are vulnerable to such energy and temptations, but for whatever reason have not yet fully surrendered to them. This is a defining feature of dangerous leaders.

....(snip)....

In an attempt to better understand the Trump White House pharmacy scandal, I recently spoke with Dr. Justin Frank. He is a former clinical professor of psychiatry at the George Washington University Medical Center and the author of "Trump on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President."

....(snip)....

It is now being reported, which is not at all surprising, that the White House pharmacy under Trump's regime was giving out prescription medication, including powerful narcotics, with few oversights or limits. It was basically candy and it was being doled out like Dr. Feel Good was running the pharmacy. You are a highly respected physician who has worked at some of the country's leading medical facilities, what was your initial reaction when you learned about the Trump White House pharmacy?

Trump basically gave the people in his White House permission to not obey the law, since the law doesn't matter to him. There was no regulation in Trump's White House as seen with the pharmacy — and more generally. Drugs were basically being given away to anyone who asked for them. Under Trump, the White House pharmacy was basically lawless and like something out of the Wild West. As for specifics, two of the drugs that are prominent in the reporting on that pharmacy are Ambien, which is a common sleeping pill, and Provigil, a psychological stimulant that makes the brain more alert. It doesn't work like amphetamines and was first used to treat narcolepsy. Provigil is also used by people to help them concentrate. ...................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2024/02/02/either-malpractice-or-criminal-dr-justin-frank-on-power-and/

[Lonestarblue]

1. Could someone explain how Trump has "dangerous charisma" or any charisma at all?

I have never been able to see any charisma. All I see is a hateful, ignorant, egotistical boor who has no appeal whatsoever. Of course, I’ve never met the man in person and thankfully never will, but he is nothing but a fake.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. K&R -- This ***REALLY*** needs to get more mainstream coverage.

Authoritarian types always seem to be on the War Against Drugs bandwagon, but in reality they're in collaboration with the white-collar pushers. If it's made in a factory in NJ by white-coated PhDs it's OK for the rulers to indulge, but if it's grown in a field in Latin America by semiliterate peasants it's got to be suppressed at all cost.

This scandal really shows the true colors of Def 91 and the people who surround him. Laws for thee, but none for me.

[brakester]

3. Well spoken!

The war on drugs was actually a war on the people.