Comments so far on this story:

1. RD wrote on February 21, 2008 9:51 PM:
"Captian Queeg is at the helm of the City Attorney's office. He'll find that key that unlocks the locker of truth no matter what. But DAMN, those pesky and unloyal councilmembers have eaten all his strawberries. There's no doubt the City IS in a typhoon of legal turmoil brought on by person who was suppose to fix it. To find clear sailing, voters MUST choose to change course and look for new leadership."

2. La Playa Heritage wrote on February 21, 2008 10:00 PM:
"Mr. Roth handled himselves well. Thank you for the link to the transcript. We could not understand the audio on the video. The entrenched establishment in San Diego always tries to discredit activist and citizens to want to change the way San Diego does business. Even though we have worked on thousands of large development projects throughout San Diego County, we are called obstructionist and no-growthers. Even with advanced degrees in physics, medicine, and civil and environmental engineering, we are call silly, frivolous, and not credible. We all know Mr. Aguirre is a Type A personality, very smart, tries to bring about change, and acknowledges public problems that need solutions. That is why he has out votes. Mr. Aguirre is a man of action."

3. Billy Bob Henry wrote on February 21, 2008 10:50 PM:
"There is a good reason this section is called "The Peanut Gallery"......."

4. D wrote on February 22, 2008 12:48 AM:
"It will be interesting to read what Mikey , while riding in a spaceship behind the Halle-Bop comet, whispers to BillyBobHenry through his tin foil wrapped kolendar hat. BillyBoop should have some mad posts for us."

5. Larry wrote on February 22, 2008 9:13 AM:
"I doubt Aguirre gives you a second thought. At least Roth has a real job, even if it is at a failing paper. Wannabes like you just confirm the opinion that blog mediocrity has replaced true journalism. "Peanut Gallery", "Slop", at least the titles are accurate."

6. Sparky wrote on February 22, 2008 9:29 AM:
"What would Aguirre say when individuals who have no prior relationship or contact; do not necessarily agree on issues; come from different political positions agree he is a bit off and clearly in need of psychological assistance? Seth, I have read your book, pieces here and in other publication and seldom agree with your views. This morning as I sipped my coffee and read your article I found myself smiling and agreeing with you. Having had many one on one contacts with Aguirre I can attest first hand of his imbalance and lack of control when questioned, challenged or confronted with conflicting and contradicting facts. La Playa and perennial Billy Bob offer examples of the saying; "Birds of a feather flock together" There are free clinics for psychological services available to those who want the help."

7. The Roaming Gnome wrote on February 22, 2008 9:35 AM:
"Don Quixote is alive and well in the San Diego City Attorney's office fighting against perceived threats cleverly diguised as windmills. Attorney Linley summed it up - "I really find him paranoid and bipolar. He gets to the point where he loses the ability to think rationally." The San Diego political scene continues to conduct itself like a three ring circus with Don Quixote as its self appointed ringmaster."

8. Christopher Hall wrote on February 22, 2008 10:09 AM:
"La Playa Heritage said 'Mr. Roth handled himselves well.' -- Ha, Ha, Ha,!!! // Some of the best agents of change and community leaders throughout all history had a whole team of selves (elves) working with them to achieve the work needed to pursue public benefit. Who says your best minds reside in the bodies of other people? So what if Aguirre has multiple personalities or numerous bi-ways of looking at things and getting them done? It's cheaper for the city if he has a bunch of lawyers working within him, than having to hire extra bodies to carry around those minds. And kudos for him in recognizing that in others too, including Mr. Roth, Mayor Sanders and others. Ha, Ha, Ha! How are the Seths doing these days? Peanut Gallery seems to have many journalistic voices..."

9. Ridiculous wrote on February 22, 2008 10:36 AM:
"Seth, get a life beyond blogging your lame opinions. This whole silly effort to practice lay pschology is an insult to those who suffer the actual medical maladies of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and many other organiclly based brain disorders. And next time, please see if you can find a serious neuroscientist/pract physician/psychiatri (not psychologist) to address your contemptuous theories of mental instability. Everyone is one neural connection away from full-blown thinking disorders, including you."

10. Ridiculous wrote on February 22, 2008 10:37 AM:
"And while we're practicing lay psychology, can we ask Seth to explain why in his short 38-some-odd years of life he has lived in so many places? Wouldn't it be sort of a sign of instability to see someone moving constantly, say, from Honolulu, to Dubuque, to Davenport, to Baltimore, to New York, to Sacramento, to Detroit, to San Francisco, to San Diego...? If I were interviewing him for a job, I'd want to question this apparent rootlessness...doesn get along?...terminated from past jobs?... Any other reasons? See, you can make anything out of anything."

11. Ridiculous wrote on February 22, 2008 10:37 AM:
"And while we're practicing lay psychology, can we ask Seth to explain why in his short 38-some-odd years of life he has lived in so many places? Wouldn't it be sort of a sign of instability to see someone moving constantly, say, from Honolulu, to Dubuque, to Davenport, to Baltimore, to New York, to Sacramento, to Detroit, to San Francisco, to San Diego...? If I were interviewing him for a job, I'd want to question this apparent rootlessness...doesn get along?...terminated from past jobs?... Any other reasons? See, you can make anything out of anything."

12. Christopher Hall wrote on February 22, 2008 10:46 AM:
"I'd like to point out that it is inappropriate to discriminate against those who are perceived to suffer from mental differences: sure the established community calls them 'disorders' and many do suffer painfully, including those around them, but there is also a known sense of honor and respect many mentally differentiated persons have in accepting their way(s) of life, and that should not be belittled. This article ASSUMES that mental differentiation is always a bad, taboo thing, when in fact, many people who are not like others are filled with personal respect for themselves and would appreciate it if others would feel the same way. Here, Seth takes the knee-jerk position that mental disorder is shameful and not becoming of public personalities. I do not excuse Aguirre for his negative attacks against others for needing psychiatric help, but that does not waive the rights for others to act similarly."

13. Norman wrote on February 22, 2008 11:05 AM:
"Questioning sanity....how about instead of our Mayor at Liberty Station this coming Saturday asking for public input and campaign dollars, he stand out front of the valet parking that has been established at our airport? I think he and Bersin should be out in front of the terminal and ask the taxpayers of San Diego and their visitors opinions concerning blocking off 2 lanes so that the wealthy can have valet parking. Now, that's insanity! Seth, it's not about being with or against Aguirre. It's about being disgusted with our city's leaders actions, lack of knowledge and respect for the taxpayers that have to pay for their votes on the pension crisis!"

14. Ridiculous is right wrote on February 22, 2008 11:20 AM:
"My guess is that Seth took Psych classes first before he resorted to journalism...and misses the former career path choice now that he's seen where his 'efforts' aren't appreciated here, as well."

15. Diagnosis wrote on February 22, 2008 11:22 AM:
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder DSM IV Criteria: A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: (1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements) (2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love (3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) (4) requires excessive admiration (5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations (CONT.)"

16. TY wrote on February 22, 2008 11:22 AM:
"While you're playing shrink, Seth, you might want to ask Scott Peters why he chugs so many bottles of water during council meetings. According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Dry mouth is a common side effect of antidepressants.""

17. Diagnosis wrote on February 22, 2008 11:23 AM:
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder DSM IV Criteria (CONT.): (6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends (7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others (8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her (9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes. /// Wow. Sounds just like someone I know ... And it's NOT Alex Roth!"

18. Diagnosis is: wrote on February 22, 2008 11:43 AM:
"Yeah, it's Bush."

19. Diagnosis wrote on February 22, 2008 12:08 PM:
"Ha ha! That was funny. Bush has a personality disorder, but it's called -- in strictly technical terms -- "being an as*hole from Texas." In all seriousness, I think it's bizarre that everyone's attacking Seth for "diagnosing Aguirre," when in fact, the one who was playing psychologist -- the reason we're even talking about this -- was Aguirre. Seth is criticizing Aguirre's lay diagnosis, not providing his own. You guys need to read a little more closely. And Alex Roth DID handle himself very well. He was trying to stick to the issue, even agreed to take his questions offline to avoid embarrassing the CA -- which was a kindness given that this was a PRESS CONFERENCE. Why should Aguirre expect NOT to be asked questions about an investigation? He's a public official. He should expect questions, and if he can't answer them, he can just say, "Can't comment." (cont.)"

20. Diagnosis wrote on February 22, 2008 12:28 PM:
"(CONT) Instead, he bullies Roth and gets personal, telling him he's "crazy" for doing what any reporter would do. This is Aguirre's chief tactic: Bully, smear and belittle anyone who doesn't agree with him. To those who say, "Aguirre is a man of action!" I say: So was McCarthy!"

21. Neal wrote on February 22, 2008 2:09 PM:
"I just don't see the point in columns like this. How would this column start any kind of meaningful debate? It mocks one man's ability to psychoanalyze by psychoanalyzing.A is it not at least worth mentioning why folks like Lamont Ewell might have something less than flattering to say about Aguirre? If the column is going to be written, go for it, but it doesn't do Mr Peanut any favors to deny Aguirre his right to diagnose his political opponents yet hand those opponents the right to diagnose Aguirre."

22. Billy Bob Henry wrote on February 22, 2008 2:31 PM:
"19. Diagnosis wrote on February 22, 2008 11:08 AM: "Ha ha! That was funny. Bush has a personality disorder, but it's called -- in strictly technical terms -- "being an as*hole from Texas." ............Now that was FUNNY!!"

23. tseuG wrote on February 22, 2008 3:03 PM:
"Seth being attacked by the Aguirre sycophants was as predictable as the sun coming up in the morning. La Playa is as incoherent as usual; Hall, who is usually at least rational, is sounding desperate (crazy is good!); and Billy Boob is strangely brief. Ridiculous manages to be ridiculous and boring at the same time. Hey Billy Boob, what do you think about public employee pensions? Any thoughts on that topic you'd like to share? No pension envy today??"

24. Ridiculous wrote on February 22, 2008 3:42 PM:
"VOSD, can you please come up with a peanut contributor that is worth his salt? This stupid column gives me the hives, and I'm allergic to peanuts from now on."

25. TY wrote on February 22, 2008 3:51 PM:
"Hey, Diagnosis. My diagnosis for you is Extreme Illiteracy. By my count, Roth asks Aguirre the same question eight times. The first four times Aguirre says he can't discuss the state Bar investigation, which even Scott Peters agrees should be confidential. Asked and answered."

26. JR wrote on February 22, 2008 4:29 PM:
"The name of the former bodyguard is Tom Basinski."

27. JR wrote on February 22, 2008 5:26 PM:
"Okay, let's try this again. The bodyguard mentioned in the piece is named Tom Basinski. I know him, he's a straight shooter and has expressed similar opinions as you quoted to me."

28. Uncle Cyrus Overbay wrote on February 22, 2008 6:28 PM:
"Kudos to Seth. Anyone who has ever dealt with Aguirre knows he never lets another perspective besides his into a conversation. He has never admitted fault. Instead, he stubbornly wastes everybody's time by scapegoating and making excuses for his shoddy work, incompetence and unprofessionalism."

29. MtGoat wrote on February 22, 2008 7:15 PM:
"Doesn't the VOSD have an editor to filter out slime attacks written by hacks? This article should have been in the column known as SLOP. You know the reporters have lost credibility when they become primary focus of the story."

30. Disgusted wrote on February 22, 2008 11:29 PM:
"This guy Seth Hettena is not a journalist: he's a hit man. Too bad Aguirre is a public figure and can't sue his ass. I hope the voice is getting his handiwork gratis."

31. Maura Larkins wrote on February 25, 2008 3:18 PM:
"Alzheimers disease is different from emotional instability, so I don't give the Union Tribune credit for addressing the topic. It's interesting that people who are rigidly in support of the status quo, no matter how impaired their thinking processes might be, are seldom accused of having mental illness. The conventional wisdom views conformity as the opposite of instability. More often, it is a cover for instability. Also, an intransigent attitude toward change can be a result of a malfunctioning anterior cingulate cortex. Researchers have shown that some people's brains cause them to continue exhibiting a behavior even when they want to stop."

32. Neutral Point wrote on March 6, 2008 4:22 PM:
"I have personally interviewed Mr. Aguirre and agree that he may get a little edgy when the tough questions are asked, but is he wrong about his accusations against officials who have put San Diego into bankruptcy? Is there any progress being made in resolving that issue? It seems as if everyone is more concerned about the City Attorney's personality than fixing the mess that past politicians and leaders have put San Diego in. I'm curious to hear your take on that."

33. RD wrote on April 1, 2008 6:55 AM:
"Now that Alex Roth has announced he's leaving San Diego for greener pastures, I wonder if Michael Aguirre, AKA Captain Queeg will solve the riddle of his missing stawberries? Mr. Aguirre seems bent on rooting it out no matter what. But alas, a new nemisis, has risen, the City Attorney Association Prez, Andrew Jones, as an indivdual, endorsed the election of Jan Goldsmith for City Attorney. Bravo Mr. Jones! I applaud your use of the 1st Amendment to our constitution. Now let's see what our Captain does now?"

34. The Village Idiot wrote on April 5, 2008 7:05 PM:
"AGUIRRE may indeed truly be loose cannon. But his appeal for the COMMON MAN is that he is not perceived to ever go along with what the Common Man sees to be "Good Ol Boy" politics. SANDERS, SCOTT PETERS and other like them represent the SAME OL' BALONEY to the Common Man. To succeed in AGUIRRE's place will require someone who is perceived as HONEST, FRESH and in no way affiliated with the GOOD OL BOY Politicians, Developers and similar Ilk of the last 20 years (at least). And that goes for the "whole crew of them" - Mayor, Attorney, Councilmember."

35. The Village Idiot wrote on April 5, 2008 7:05 PM:
"AGUIRRE may indeed truly be loose cannon. But his appeal for the COMMON MAN is that he is not perceived to ever go along with what the Common Man sees to be "Good Ol Boy" politics. SANDERS, SCOTT PETERS and other like them represent the SAME OL' BALONEY to the Common Man. To succeed in AGUIRRE's place will require someone who is perceived as HONEST, FRESH and in no way affiliated with the GOOD OL BOY Politicians, Developers and similar Ilk of the last 20 years (at least). And that goes for the "whole crew of them" - Mayor, Attorney, Councilmember."

36. Jeff wrote on April 18, 2008 2:31 PM:
"Please get rid of AGUIRRE! His inability to work with his staff is killing us. How is it that he pays his ex-campaign treasurer $128 k for a one page expert witness summary of other people’s work and he is not in handcuffs?"