wow- Lance Armstrong is a sociopath

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it would probably have to be the guy who placed 7th or something. But still! Find that guy! Give him LA's money!

22nd place, actually. He's an incredible asshole (I'm one of the ones upthread who has ALWAYS thought so) but you can't really argue that the playing field wasn't level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Come on people. Lance should be given a medal. He freaking beat the system 7 times in a row. Never tested positive in competition. How can you not applaud that fact? He's a genius!

...thus says the sociopath!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:His take on it: win at all costs, you come after me I come after you. It's all in the game. Lance Armstrong = Stringer Bell. Plenty of folks in prison with attitudes like his.

No. Stringer Bell is HOT. Lance Armstrong looks like a weasel.

Also, 4 pages and NO ONE has said, at least he had the ball to admit to doping? NO ONE?

No matter what he did, you don't go after a man's balls. That's hitting below the belt..HA!

Er, ball, singular.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

just because you say sports are not important does not mean they are not important. are wars important? is big business important? is competition important?

professional sports are a big deal, a huge business. they are important culturally and financially. amateur sports are great for kids (usually).

you seem out of touch. As for the opiate for the masses, would you rather young men get the tribal instinct out of their system through watching Italy play Argentina, or would you rather Mussolini invade Ethiopia again?

Go back to your room, finish your Lord of the Flies reading assignment, figure out what tribe you belong to, stop taking steroids, press you vineyard vines shirt for the dance tonight and when you return to school on Monday try to make it a better place to learn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One positive... he sure looked good. If you could look past the "smarminess", he IS one good-looking fella; a la Ted Bundy only without that little thing called murder.

Something about his face reminds me of Charlie Brown.

[Anonymous]

If he is somehow able to compete again and wins a competition, no one will believe he was able to do it without drugs.

[Anonymous]

I wish he would just go away. If he had an ounce of class or integrity he would retreat and be silent. All the people he hurt, cast off, bullied, and destroyed. He doesn't deserve the attention he's getting for coming clean, much less any ounce of sympathy. He is a heartless man who won by cheating. Good bye and good riddance.

[Anonymous]

my 2 cents. i never liked him and i always knew he doped. thought he was a sociopath before and still think he is one. but he's right -- he was levelling the playing field. feel sorry for the guy who came in 20th place (or wherever) b/c he really won. and greg lemond was always right.

[Anonymous]

My ex-husband is NPD (diagnosed two times) and probably a sociopath. Lance Armstrong is a very unpleasant, arrogant cheater, but I don't think he is a sociopath.

Here's the Hare Checklist for Sociopathy, just fyi:

Dr. Hare's Checklist (Sociopathic Traits)

1. GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM -- the tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick, and verbally facile. Sociopathic charm is not in the least shy, self-conscious, or afraid to say anything. A sociopath never gets tongue-tied. They have freed themselves from the social conventions about taking turns in talking, for example.

2. GRANDIOSE SELF-WORTH -- a grossly inflated view of one's abilities and self-worth, self-assured, opinionated, cocky, a braggart. Sociopaths are arrogant people who believe they are superior human beings.

3. NEED FOR STIMULATION or PRONENESS TO BOREDOM -- an excessive need for novel, thrilling, and exciting stimulation; taking chances and doing things that are risky. Sociopaths often have low self-discipline in carrying tasks through to completion because they get bored easily. They fail to work at the same job for any length of time, for example, or to finish tasks that they consider dull or routine.

4. PATHOLOGICAL LYING -- can be moderate or high; in moderate form, they will be shrewd, crafty, cunning, sly, and clever; in extreme form, they will be deceptive, deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous, manipulative, and dishonest.

5. CONNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS- the use of deceit and deception to cheat, con, or defraud others for personal gain; distinguished from Item #4 in the degree to which exploitation and callous ruthlessness is present, as reflected in a lack of concern for the feelings and suffering of one's victims.

6. LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT -- a lack of feelings or concern for the losses, pain, and suffering of victims; a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate, coldhearted, and un empathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for one's victims.

7. SHALLOW AFFECT -- emotional poverty or a limited range or depth of feelings; interpersonal coldness in spite of signs of open gregariousness.

8. CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY -- a lack of feelings toward people in general; cold, contemptuous, inconsiderate, and tactless.

9. PARASITIC LIFESTYLE -- an intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline, and inability to begin or complete responsibilities.

10. POOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS -- expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper; acting hastily.

11. PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR -- a variety of brief, superficial relations, numerous affairs, and an indiscriminate selection of sexual partners; the maintenance of several relationships at the same time; a history of attempts to sexually coerce others into sexual activity or taking great pride at discussing sexual exploits or conquests.

12. EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS -- a variety of behaviors prior to age 13, including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-sniffing, alcohol use, and running away from home.

13. LACK OF REALISTIC, LONG-TERM GOALS -- an inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals; a nomadic existence, aimless, lacking direction in life.

14. IMPULSIVITY -- the occurrence of behaviors that are unpremeditated and lack reflection or planning; inability to resist temptation, frustrations, and urges; a lack of deliberation without considering the consequences; foolhardy, rash, unpredictable, erratic, and reckless.

15. IRRESPONSIBILITY -- repeated failure to fulfill or honor obligations and commitments; such as not paying bills, defaulting on loans, performing sloppy work, being absent or late to work, failing to honor contractual agreements.

16. FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS -- a failure to accept responsibility for one's actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to manipulate others through this denial.

17. MANY SHORT-TERM MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS -- a lack of commitment to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliable commitments in life, including marital.

18. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY -- behavior problems between the ages of 13-18; mostly behaviors that are crimes or clearly involve aspects of antagonism, exploitation, aggression, manipulation, or a callous, ruthless tough-mindedness.

19. REVOCATION OF CONDITION RELEASE -- a revocation of probation or other conditional release due to technical violations, such as carelessness, low deliberation, or failing to appear.

20. CRIMINAL VERSATILITY -- a diversity of types of criminal offenses, regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them; taking great pride at getting away with crimes.

[Anonymous]

This whole story, and the vitriol it has provoked, tells you a lot about America.

It was clear at the time he was winning that he was doping. Yet he was a huge hero to you all.

Now he is down, everyone lines up to kick him with everything they have. Sociopath, sh!t, etc.

Why this about-face? Because Americans love winners, and hate losers. You celebrate sociopaths when they are winning, but can't wait to kick a "loser" when he is down.

Shame on you all - for celebrating the cheater when he was winning, and for piling on once it has been decided he is a loser.

[Anonymous]

Anyone watching part 2 now? He made it sound like his first wife condoned his doping. Wow, the guy takes no blame.

http://ownspecial.oprah.com/lancearmstrong.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This whole story, and the vitriol it has provoked, tells you a lot about America.

It was clear at the time he was winning that he was doping. Yet he was a huge hero to you all.

Now he is down, everyone lines up to kick him with everything they have. Sociopath, sh!t, etc.

Why this about-face? Because Americans love winners, and hate losers. You celebrate sociopaths when they are winning, but can't wait to kick a "loser" when he is down.

Shame on you all - for celebrating the cheater when he was winning, and for piling on once it has been decided he is a loser.

i generally agree, but disagree with the anti-american tone. like this shit is unique to the US.
one thing i said to my husband is that i don't get why people are so upset he didn't apologize. we've known for THIRTEEN years he was a doper. there have been TONS of witnesses who've come out. and these fellow cyclists who are so pissed that he didn't apologize? c'mon, lance might have been a bully and the ringleader, but he didn't put a gun to your head. you did it and you let him win. you didn't even try to take it for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My ex-husband is NPD (diagnosed two times) and probably a sociopath. Lance Armstrong is a very unpleasant, arrogant cheater, but I don't think he is a sociopath.

Here's the Hare Checklist for Sociopathy, just fyi:

Dr. Hare's Checklist (Sociopathic Traits)

1. GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM -- the tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick, and verbally facile. Sociopathic charm is not in the least shy, self-conscious, or afraid to say anything. A sociopath never gets tongue-tied. They have freed themselves from the social conventions about taking turns in talking, for example.

2. GRANDIOSE SELF-WORTH -- a grossly inflated view of one's abilities and self-worth, self-assured, opinionated, cocky, a braggart. Sociopaths are arrogant people who believe they are superior human beings.

3. NEED FOR STIMULATION or PRONENESS TO BOREDOM -- an excessive need for novel, thrilling, and exciting stimulation; taking chances and doing things that are risky. Sociopaths often have low self-discipline in carrying tasks through to completion because they get bored easily. They fail to work at the same job for any length of time, for example, or to finish tasks that they consider dull or routine.

4. PATHOLOGICAL LYING -- can be moderate or high; in moderate form, they will be shrewd, crafty, cunning, sly, and clever; in extreme form, they will be deceptive, deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous, manipulative, and dishonest.

5. CONNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS- the use of deceit and deception to cheat, con, or defraud others for personal gain; distinguished from Item #4 in the degree to which exploitation and callous ruthlessness is present, as reflected in a lack of concern for the feelings and suffering of one's victims.

6. LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT -- a lack of feelings or concern for the losses, pain, and suffering of victims; a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate, coldhearted, and un empathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for one's victims.

7. SHALLOW AFFECT -- emotional poverty or a limited range or depth of feelings; interpersonal coldness in spite of signs of open gregariousness.

8. CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY -- a lack of feelings toward people in general; cold, contemptuous, inconsiderate, and tactless.

9. PARASITIC LIFESTYLE -- an intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline, and inability to begin or complete responsibilities.

10. POOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS -- expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper; acting hastily.

11. PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR -- a variety of brief, superficial relations, numerous affairs, and an indiscriminate selection of sexual partners; the maintenance of several relationships at the same time; a history of attempts to sexually coerce others into sexual activity or taking great pride at discussing sexual exploits or conquests.

12. EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS -- a variety of behaviors prior to age 13, including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-sniffing, alcohol use, and running away from home.

13. LACK OF REALISTIC, LONG-TERM GOALS -- an inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals; a nomadic existence, aimless, lacking direction in life.

14. IMPULSIVITY -- the occurrence of behaviors that are unpremeditated and lack reflection or planning; inability to resist temptation, frustrations, and urges; a lack of deliberation without considering the consequences; foolhardy, rash, unpredictable, erratic, and reckless.

15. IRRESPONSIBILITY -- repeated failure to fulfill or honor obligations and commitments; such as not paying bills, defaulting on loans, performing sloppy work, being absent or late to work, failing to honor contractual agreements.

16. FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS -- a failure to accept responsibility for one's actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to manipulate others through this denial.

17. MANY SHORT-TERM MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS -- a lack of commitment to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliable commitments in life, including marital.

18. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY -- behavior problems between the ages of 13-18; mostly behaviors that are crimes or clearly involve aspects of antagonism, exploitation, aggression, manipulation, or a callous, ruthless tough-mindedness.

19. REVOCATION OF CONDITION RELEASE -- a revocation of probation or other conditional release due to technical violations, such as carelessness, low deliberation, or failing to appear.

20. CRIMINAL VERSATILITY -- a diversity of types of criminal offenses, regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them; taking great pride at getting away with crimes.

Scientifically speaking this was a very intreating. There are probably many people in our society who are exhibit some or all of these traits. Which ones are more significant than others? How many of these characteristics must be demonstrable for a person to be diagnosed as a sociopath? Which traits among this list does he lack which help you to believe Mr. Armstrong is not a sociopath? What might be an indication that an individual has crossed the line from being a sociopath to being a psychopath??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're right, 11:06, sports are not very important in the scheme of things but I do consider it important not to attack and try to ruin innocent people like Betsy Andreu, Mike Anderson, and Emma O'Reilly who are only telling the truth. I don't think doping is good for cycling but, as a former admirer of Lance, what upsets me is his unethical behavior towards other people.

Do you really think that it is unimportant that Emma O'Reilly feared that his lawsuit against her would bankrupt her?

How exactly did Lance ruin these people? Are they now homeless bums in the streets of America?

you are really dumb. having a team (literally, a large team) of attorneys bombard you with litigation that you cannot afford to defend, all the while Lance is blackballing you in your chosen profession, can ruin someone.

No, it couldn't. It could embarrass/frustrate/scare/anger/etc you, but it can't "ruin" you. Stop being so damn dramatic. [/quote


These people were sued by a rich narcisist who tried to take away their source of livlihood. People commit suicide over stuff like this. It's not uncommon to be diagnosed with an illness, even a life threatening illness after prolonged periods of extreme stress. That is not dramatic. You must be wealthy or something because most people would not fare well losing their jobs and being sued when they can't afford a good lawyer.

[Anonymous]

Scientifically speaking this was a very intreating. There are probably many people in our society who are exhibit some or all of these traits. Which ones are more significant than others? How many of these characteristics must be demonstrable for a person to be diagnosed as a sociopath? Which traits among this list does he lack which help you to believe Mr. Armstrong is not a sociopath? What might be an indication that an individual has crossed the line from being a sociopath to being a psychopath??

OMG, just audit the Psych 101 course at Harvard on the Pike already. Jesus. Or read one of the several dozen books on this in the self-help section. Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test is supposed to be excellent.