I  would like to say that this question – rhetorical or not – at the end of tejanarusa comment was but one of a few times I have read it. Unfortunately it is not. Closer to one of a hundred times I have read or heard this question.

Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
Grandiosity
Pathological Lying
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
Callousness and Lack of Empathy
Irresponsibility and Unreliability
Authoritarian

Yes…these are the personality traits of a sociopath or psychopath.  I am not saying the all or even most people have these personality traits. But what we are seeing is more and more people who exhibit more that one of them. And we are seeing them in politicians and the media and public servants and bankers and CEOs and even the clergy. Add to that list arrogance and greed and self centeredness and sanctimony.

Personality traits and behavior that was not tolerated by most people what I was growing up. Not in young people or children and certainly not in adults.  Not only are these behaviors tolerated, but in some circles and groups admired. As some sign strength or resolve.

And the really bad part is that pour economic and political system rewards people with these kinds of behaviors.  But it is not enough to say we need to change the system, we need to make it clear that people with these kinds of behaviors and personality traits are simply no longer tolerated. Not in the politicians. Not in the CEOs. Not in the bankers or police. Not in our children or the supermarket bag boy or the doctors or the teachers or anyone.

That common decency and thoughtfulness is expected and to confront these negative behaviors when ever anyone shows them.  We cannot change these people but we can give them a really good motivation to change themselves.