Bizarre event - When to intervene?

[Guardian]

At the same time, this is none of my business.

Why don't you think it was your business...you were there?

But when does something like that becomes your business then?

When you're not there and can't do anything about it is the only time it's not your business... imho.

 

[Brewer]

I have just two questions; "What would you do if you don't have job and can't get it and you don't have that knowledge you have now? Would you steal?

Years ago, I witnessed a homeless guy stealing a sandwich from a popular local health food restaurant chain. I did not do anything. Maybe I am biased, but I reasoned that he probably needed it more than the restaurant chain. It's not OK to steal, but the guy looked hungry. Then again, maybe the guy I stopped is hungry as well and sells the things he steals to eat. And maybe it's just his lifestyle.

I basically reacted with my guts, which is not the best way to deal with things.

Hi Mrs T

Judging by the guy's reaction to your actions, the shaming language and so forth I'd say he was a predator and not someone down on their luck. When I worked as a security guard and National Parks officer I'd get the racist accusations thrown at me too when I came across these situations.

I think you did well, by all means do it again, if it's safe to do so of course, choose carefully.


Mod's note: edit=quote tag

 

[Guardian]

Judging by the guy's reaction to your actions, the shaming language and so forth I'd say he was a predator and not someone down on their luck.

Agreed...if his reaction to getting caught had been embarrassment, desperation, etc. I'd have bought him a meal.

 

[dannybananny]

I agree that you have done right thing Mrs. Tigersoap and he likely does this often because you caught him twice but you can't never know through what this person has gone through or if he is like that from his youth, that is genetic predisposition. We live in a world based on stealing, so like above so below, but of course we shouldn't allow that, but also I think this guy wasn't a big deal because that who talk to much don't act very often with deeds. When he started accusing you it was clearly a sign that he doesn't want to get caught and won't do nothing serious(he has experience in that, it can be seen by his tactics), but you can never be sure because there are people who would nowadays stab you for 5 dollars or for something you told them.

Hi Mrs T

Judging by the guy's reaction to your actions, the shaming language and so forth I'd say he was a predator and not someone down on their luck. When I worked as a security guard and National Parks officer I'd get the racist accusations thrown at me too when I came across these situations.

I think you did well, by all means do it again, if it's safe to do so of course, choose carefully.

It's i think "natural" for person to accuse you for everything when they want to get away and escape prison but there are also a lot of people that would do that if they are in need for money(but also that ones that a living from small theft like it seems was in Tigersoap case), rare are those with soul that would say their true position because of ego, pride, not knowing, or they don't like pity and probably because of knowing that there are very rare chances they would encounter someone like that in this paradise of our world. In survival by crime there's no moral and embarrassment and it's funny how you say he accuse you and because that they are predators, in most cases if he was polite or did acknowledge his doing he would end up in jail. Those minorities that accuse like for example blacks and others are from poor suburbs where drug and unemployment is high and crime is the easiest way to live from in most cases, drugs that their government is dealing them and mostly responsible for their situation so if you have never been in that situation you really don't know how it is to live like that. In the end we are all predators more or less in STS world, if not for human beings then for animals because we feed from other beings.

 

[Mrs.Tigersoap]

I would have likely reacted the same way. Just because someone must steal to survive doesn't mean we have to stand by silently while they victimize people.

Yes, I agree. I don't know if it's reason or my predator's mind making me second-guessing my actions...

Why don't you think it was your business...you were there?

I did think it was my business (since I intervened). I acted and when I was thinking it over at home, I was wondering about this shopping bag theft: with hindsight, I was wondering: isn't it the woman's responsibility not to forget her shopping bag, also? Maybe she never came back to the place to claim it because she does not remember where she lost it (or did not count on my defending it tooth and nail ;). Maybe I put my daughter at risk (who knows what that man could have done?) for a 5 euro scarf (god knows what was in that bag)? All that does not change anything to the fact that what he did was wrong, of course. I was just pondering afterwards, you know?

Judging by the guy's reaction to your actions, the shaming language and so forth I'd say he was a predator and not someone down on their luck. When I worked as a security guard and National Parks officer I'd get the racist accusations thrown at me too when I came across these situations.

Good point. As one can plainly see, I'm not used to that kind of interaction and I have a lot to learn. Thank you for sharing your experience, Brewer.

 

[wanderer33]

The fact that the events were a synchronicity may have some meaning other than the details of the events. I've become very suspicious of these types of occurrences. The best advice above has been to avoid the place. I'd agree, though as far as intervention goes, never get to the stage where you are afraid to stand up for what you think is right. Good luck and best wishes to you and yours.

 

[Ca.]

When i read this post by Mrs.Tigersoap, i was preoccupied, and was unable to acknowledge the courage displayed. Few would have dared, and just sat, watched, and stared, and said nothing.

There is not much that can be added, as so many brought forth the very thoughts that came to mind which make this forum so great.

So i have found this quote that vibrates, what has been post. Thank you all for the lesson.

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 - 1902),