A Criminal Mind

By Jim Irvine

Many people find the brutality of criminals “surprising” or “shocking.” Their behavior makes complete sense to those who understand the criminal mind.

Most people understand that the lion choosing its prey looks for the young, the old, or the sick or injured when deciding which animal to “cut from the herd.” They never single out the biggest and strongest. This is normal behavior for the lion.

So it is with the criminal – they look for the old, the injured, the weak. They do not seek the fair fight, but rather an easy meal. Such is the workings of the criminal mind.

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The criminal is lazy and selfish. It is a coward. Though it is evil to the core, it blends in well with others in society. The criminal may walk, talk, dress, and mimic our actions, but it does not think or act like us.

Most have seen a person with a missing arm. Through prosthetics, we have come a long way, but there is still nothing that can be done to re-generate a missing limb. Likewise, some people are missing a conscience. Though less visible than the missing arm, it is every bit as real. It can not be repaired or regenerated. There is no “cure.” A person may look like you and I, but there is a vast difference in how we think. The criminal mind knows no guilt or remorse.

People tend to project their values onto others. Because we value life, we assume that others do as well. That is often a good thing, but when dealing with a criminal it can be a deadly mistake. Criminals see “niceness” as a sign of weakness. Like running from a dog – it can bring the attack home. A dog will instinctively chase that which runs away – a criminal will instinctively attack that which it sees as weak. Appealing to the heart of a good person can bring intended results, but to a heartless criminal you simply broadcast that you are easy prey. Contrary to the “wisdom” of pacifists, obeying the criminal’s demands will not make you safe, and may be the last mistake of your life.

Criminals live in a world where force rules and only the strong survive. The only way to gain respect of the criminal is through superior force. Because the criminal has picked someone he perceives as weak, you may need overwhelming or deadly force to convince a criminal to leave you alone.

There is such a thing as right and wrong. There is good and evil – and a real difference between them. Failure to recognize this can result in your own death or the death of those you care about. Don’t make that mistake. You must be prepared to fight and to defeat the criminal mind.

Partially inspired by the Styx song, A Criminal Mind.
(Edited)

I stand accused before you
I have no tears to cry
And you will never break me
Until the day I die

My criminal mind is all I
All I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I am

I've spent my life behind these steel bars
I've paid my debt in time
But being brought to justice
That was my only crime
I don't regret action
I'd do the same again
These prison walls secure me
And I'm numb to pain

Before you hand me over
Before you read my sentence
I'd like to say a few words
Here in my own defense
Some people struggle daily
They struggle with their conscience 'til the end
I have no guilt to haunt me
I feel no wrong intent

A criminal mind is all I
All I've ever known
Don't try to reform me
Cause I'm made of cold stone

My criminal mind is all I
All I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I am