What's mine is mine

Recently, there has been a rash of vehicle break ins and thefts. I've never fully understood why people steal. Sometimes, I have issues buying used items, let alone stealing second hand stuff.

People work hard for what they own. Someone swooping in and taking something of mine would send me into a state of confusion.

I don't have anything worth stealing.

Some years ago, when I was living in North Battleford, my apartment was broken into and the thief made away with $10 in quarters and a VCR. Personally, I think climbing the balcony and prying the patio door open was more trouble than it was worth. I hope the VCR ate all your tapes. Jerk.

Most children have a basic sense of "mine" and "not mine" by the age of two and can begin to learn respect for other people's possessions. I guess that concept isn't the easiest thing to grasp.

What frame of mind do you have to be in to think it would okay to take someone else's possessions?

For the thrill of it?

Is it really that exciting to take something that's not yours? I could think of better adrenaline pumping activities. Sky diving looks fun.

Because you can?

It's a lot easier to take something belonging to someone else than to go out and work for it. I bet you feel the world owes you as well.

A sense of deprivation?

You're unconsciously telling the world that your needs are not being met. Perhaps you need a hug.

I can't decide if thieves think they're smart enough to not get caught or if they think everyone else is just really stupid.

Maybe it's a little of both.

Whatever the reason for stealing, society does not condone the act. It's disrespectful and arrogant.

Learning to respect others is a part of growing up. Thieves need to ask themselves - "Can I have it?" "Is it mine?" If the answer to those two questions is yes, then you are entitled to it. If it belongs to anyone else, you have to ask them.

What I have is mine. No one has a right to come in and deprive me of what I own. If I want to give you something, I will give you something.

Otherwise, it's mine. I licked it.