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One flu over the cuckoo's nest

By Clay Johnson

From “Potomac Fever,” a section of the White House website devoted to “The President and His Leadership Team.” The document is by Clay Johnson, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.

Potomac Fever is a significant health concern that may be impacting you or some of the people you love and respect. Following is some information to assist you in recognizing, preventing, and combating it.

General symptoms include: extreme disorientation, memory loss, and occasional delusions of grandeur.

The individual may have an inflated notion of self-worth and may use phrases such as:

“Let's get one of the cars and drivers here to take us to dinner.”

“Hello, I'm the Assistant Secretary of ——” (as opposed to “President Bush's Assistant Secretary of ——”).

“This issue is very important to my agenda.”

“I have the ugliest building in Washington.”

The individual may have more material and pictures on their “I love me” wall than paper in their policy files.

The individual may forget that they serve at the pleasure of the President.

Prevention/Treatment: Frequently listen to or read the President's vision for America. Also review the writings and remarks of past presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.

You've all known people afflicted with the illness. Please help us identify other symptoms and treatments for this debilitating disease.

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SEE ALSO: Civil service; Megalomania; 2001-; Personnel management

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