Criminal Food for Thought

What is a criminal? Why do people steal? Have you ever read Les Miserables? If not, you should, and then you should read it again. After that, read A Christmas Carol. Those two novels say so much more about poverty, humanity and inhumanity.

That brings me to today's post. What is a criminal? What makes people steal? Is it a defect of character? Is it desperation? I think it depends. I have to tell you, if you look at Les Miserables, there really is no doubt who was the criminal, and who suffered from a character defect.

I think it's sad that we're so quick to judge. Most of the people I know who meet the technical definition of a criminal certainly have no character defects, but are most definitely desperate. I think that many times, that is what makes a so-called criminal. Like Jean Valjean, one steals to feed one's family. It's really that simple.

I'm not going to take the time now to talk about the people I consider to be the real criminals. I'll talk about the character defects if white-collar greed and criminality another time.

For now, I submit this video and article for your consideration: https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/cops-surprising-reaction-to-mom-daughter-123747691597.html

As you view it, I ask you to think about one more thing: Is there a difference between crime as committed by a white person, and crime as committed by a black person, even when the circumstance is exactly the same, i.e., it's all about feeding one's children. Is there a difference to the media? Is there a difference to law enforcement? Is there a difference to you?