Nauseating: "I made a mistake"

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I'm so sick and tired of hearing this excuse for sociopathic behavior.

There's a delinquent here in AZ being held in a secure med ward for intentionally not wearing his face mask when in public. He has antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Basically, he is a walking, talking biological weapon. He decided his doctors' orders didn't apply to him, so now he is in enforced quarantine. How was this a "mistake"?

This is just one anecdote of many that I could relate. Why do people insist that their criminal behavior is (or was) nothing more than a "mistake"? I can think of one particularly high-profile instance of which I heard recently--an armed carjacking was downplayed as a "mistake". WTF?

Am I just splitting hairs here? Personally I think this trend towards euphemizing inexcusable behavior as a "mistake" is just another example of the continuing downslide of our society into lawlessness.

[Rikao4]

So, shoot him and say oops..I made a mistake. Sadly it might even work.
Rika

[Dan in Pasadena]

Once caught, what do you expect them to say? You're right of course that consciously doing some of these things hardly qualifies as a "mistake" but i don't know what they could say? Expecting them to fall on their sword and admit their criminal bent isn't likely to happen. I guess I would say, try not to let it get to you so much. Realisitcally, is there anything else you CAN do -other than teach your own well, and hopes it catches on?

[The Gaijin]

People do not change. "Typhoid Mary" kept finding work as a cook.. She could have easily become a seamstress or a house cleaner. Sociopathic behavior indeed.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

What irks me the most is that it's not just the offenders themselves who claim they "made a mistake". The media, their supporters (authorized and otherwise), their families, and their friends all perpetuate the myth that these scum somehow had the best intentions but erred in execution.

[GO DAWG GO]

In my law classes in college, "Tort" law was understood as a reasonable person wronging someone criminally or in a civil act if I remember correctly it had to be negligence. I do see a trend in the media that explains negligence as a "mistake".
This man was well aware of his contagious condition and its ability to potentially affect thousands and should be incarcerated in a hospital ward or a government biological facility until he is free of TB. Then do some community service or jail time.

Driving under the influence is more of a mistake than a sober man carelessly exposing people to TB. People with HIV knowingly have unprotected sexual contact with people who are unaware of the condition by no means is a mistake. These acts should be considered felonies.

[Hugh R]

DUI is not a "mistake" in any sense of the word.

Senator Richard Blumenthal of CT said for years that he served in Viet Nam. When outed on this he said he had "mis-spoken", apparently many times. You migh have mis-spoken when you said "I came back from Viet Nam in April, 1971", when you actually came back in March, 1971; not that you were there when you weren't.

Apparently the liberals in Connecticut are OK with this sort of lying.

[Rusty Heap]

Sorry, but as a friend of mine tried to get his son committed to a state mental hospital and they wouldn't take him, basically it comes down to that "it's not illegal to be insane"

I mean, what "is" normal anymore?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Why do people insist that their criminal behavior is (or was) nothing more than a "mistake"? I can think of one particularly high-profile instance of which I heard recently--an armed carjacking was downplayed as a "mistake". WTF?

I'll bet in retrospect it does look like a mistake - a mistake to think they wouldn't get caught.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I'll bet in retrospect it does look like a mistake - a mistake to think they wouldn't get caught.

Like many a young man, I used the, "I made a mistake" smoke signal to my Dad when caught.

Like most Dad's of his generation, the funny ones, he would look at me and say, "...you know, I appreciate that. For a second there I thought it was MY fault...now get in the truck. Your Mother is going to be pissed."

[ckelly78z]

I thought most people DENY, DENY, DENY, until they are caught, and then pull out the "I made a mistake" card. Look at Lance Armstrong, those tears of admission that the media ate up like candy were actually tears of the realization that he couldn't continue to DENY, and might actually have to return the hardware and prize monies.

[biosurfer1]

The really scary generation is the one growing up right now. My wife has several second graders who will deny, deny deny until they get caught...then they keep denying no matter what. She has caught one particular boy taking chips out of anothers lunch bag and he claimed the other kid said he could have them. She brings the other boy in and he says no, he told him he could not have them, 1st boy sticks to his story. She brings in another kid who said the 1st boy told him he was going to take the chips, 1st boy denies....and on and on.

Really sad part is of course the parents always, always believe the kids no matter what.

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

The really scary generation is the one growing up right now. My wife has several second graders who will deny, deny deny until they get caught...then they keep denying no matter what. She has caught one particular boy taking chips out of anothers lunch bag and he claimed the other kid said he could have them. She brings the other boy in and he says no, he told him he could not have them, 1st boy sticks to his story. She brings in another kid who said the 1st boy told him he was going to take the chips, 1st boy denies....and on and on.

Really sad part is of course the parents always, always believe the kids no matter what.

I would be terrified to be a teacher today. The kid is always right...

[Baz]

There are those in society who are liars.

Further - there are slackers.....who when caught slacking.....lie.

I was just thinking about this today that one of the problems is there should be SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS for such lying slackers....and many times there aren't.

Character and integrity are two of the most important traits for a person. It doesn't cost a cent to have these two important traits. Yet as a society we do not (IMHO) place as much emphasis on them as we should.

A lost value system......very sad.

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

I'm so sick and tired of hearing this excuse for sociopathic behavior.

..............Why do people insist that their criminal behavior is (or was) nothing more than a "mistake"?

You do know what a sociopath is, right?

If someone is a sociopath, you should regard everything they say and the way they live their life as a complete lie because they are only living for himself/herself. Everyone else is nothing more than those who are there for the sociopath's pleasure or abuse.

Never be surprised at anything they do or say. Don't even bother being sick and tired of anything they do or say. They are very sick people. Oftentimes dangerous.
__________________________
Profile of the Sociopath - Profile of the Sociopath

This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

More: Profile of the Sociopath

[svandamme]

Typhoid Mary..

[Chocaholic]

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman". -Bill Clinton


Why wouldn't the public feel they can be excused for abhorrent behavior if they say it was a mistake?

[ckelly78z]

"The stain on her dress was a mistake", I meant to shoot it in.......oh nevermind !

[Rusty Heap]

Slick Willie Clinton was an attorney


who else would argue and grill his accusers of "what is the definition of "is" is?


God loves us because he invented Google:

Clintons charges arose from an investigation by Independent Counsel Ken Starr. Originally dealing with the failed land deal years earlier known as Whitewater, Starr, with the approval of United States Attorney General Janet Reno, conducted a wide ranging investigation of alleged abuses including the firing of White House travel agents, the alleged misuse of FBI files, and Bill Clinton's conduct during the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former Arkansas government employee, Paula Jones. In the course of the investigation, Linda Tripp provided Starr with taped phone conversations in which:

Monica Lewinsky, a former White House Intern, discussed having oral sex with Clinton. At the deposition, the judge ordered a precise legal definition of the term "sexual relations"[2] that Clinton claims to have construed to mean only vaginal intercourse. A much-quoted statement from Clinton's grand jury testimony showed him questioning the precise use of the word "is." Contending that his statement that "there's nothing going on between us" had been truthful because he had no ongoing relationship with Lewinsky at the time he was questioned, Clinton said, "It depends upon what the meaning of the word 'is' is. If the—if he—if 'is' means is and never has been, that is not—that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement".




You GOTTA wonder what is going through Chelsea's mind everytime she's sucking on her husbands pen, for it be mighty than his sword.

[Chocaholic]

You GOTTA wonder what is going through Chelsea's mind everytime she's sucking on her husbands pen, for it be mighty than his sword.

^^^^^Now, that right there....that's funny, I don't care who you are^^^^^