Thread by @deangloster

I don't know who needs to hear this, but back in the day, when I was a lawyer, over 30 years, I represented 2 high-functioning narcissistic sociopaths.
So I know how the endgame is going to be played out:
Bail out now, enablers. Quit. Cut your best deal. 1/x

I was the guy the awful people came to after they'd screwed up so badly in front of federal judges with their first lawyers and wanted saving. It's seductive, thinking that you're making a difference, making it marginally less awful, managing to a result that's slightly okay. 2/x

Here's the thing: Narcissistic sociopaths can't change course. Not even when it's in their self-interest. They--literally--don't see that people other than them have legitimate self-interests that need to be satisfied in any agreed solution. It's like they're colorblind. 3/x

Narcissistic sociopaths don't have loyalty. They don't have empathy that extends beyond themselves and a narrowly-defined family. Even if you're taking care of them, keeping them out of jail (literally) they won't take care of you, even by paying their legal bills. Seriously. 4/x

Narcissistic sociopaths are unable to straighten up and fly right, even when it's in their self-interest. And they hang in there long after the rest of us would throw in the towel (from self interest or otherwise.) See, the rules don't apply to them. Never have. 5/x

That's why they do so well--for a while--narcissistic sociopaths, among the rest of us: We assume we're dealing with rational people who think like us--they couldn't possibly expect to get away with...
Sorry. They do. But you won't. They won't take care of you. No pardon. 7/x

So if you're in the WH, State Department, etc., and you've been pulled into this fiasco, you might be going to jail. Sorry. That's what happens when you facilitate crimes. I was lucky--I was an outside lawyer with a clear duty to act within the bounds of the law. 8/x

Each time, I was in front of a federal judge who had more power than my client, and I had a lot of other clients, which made it easier to resign. And easier to see and set limits. I had a clear duty, to zealously represent my clients _within the bounds of the law_. You don't. 9/x

So I'm sorry--but if you're working for the President, you're screwed. Depending on your involvement, it's quite possible you'll lose your job, your license, your career, or even your freedom. But the sooner you jump, the less damage. And: Your soul. Do the right thing. 10/x

The endgame here is going to be almost inconceivably worse than anyone who hasn't worked with narcissistic sociopaths expects. Now is the time to unstrap yourself from the "suicide bomber" President, as @TheRickWilson calls him. Good luck. Seriously. 11/x

You probably think of yourself as a competent, nice person, with specific political beliefs that didn't include fascism, authoritarianism, and letting Russians, Ukrainians, and other foreigners pick our leaders. Sorry. If you broke the law, you may be going down. 12/x

But life has multiple chapters. John Dean created a meaningful life after doing time because of Watergate. John Mitchell? Not so much.
Be a hero, not a victim. Those of us who write fiction know that heroes suffer. But meaningfully--they get to a better place. 13/x

Anyway, if you work for this president, do some research about narcissistic sociopaths, so you know how this ends, for him and for you. And my DMs are open. (Create a new account. Seriously, y'all--if you're in this WH, your life sucks enough.) Best--been there, Dean 13/13