It is a very common subject to write about. There are pages of discussions of which are all over the World Wide Web. But throughout my life, I have not been invited to a single public discussion about the topic. Never been a question asked by my teacher or instructor or professor in my school or university. One may seem to know why, my guess is that at some point in everyone’s life all did steal money in his/her own way. I stole money from my Dad’s wallet when I was young. A hypocrite may say “I am a good person because I never stole money.” Go away. I did it when I was in elementary and high school – coins during elementary and the paper pesos during high school. My father just said to me to “stop it”, with a grin in his face.
Not too many people like to answer the question. I get the impression that money is the Almighty. It is something not to talk about on a personal basis because it is sacred, secret, behold and be kept to adore. That money is out there to be taken to be owned no matter how.
Stealing it if given the chance to do is the easiest way to acquire them and will exist until the end of time. People do what they have to do to survive the easiest way possible.
“Thou shalt not steal” is the 8th Commandment of God. I am not God but could it be better off with “Thou shalt not be tempted.” Because money is just what it is? It’s the thing that one can change with into what one need and wants. Simply put, it is the easiest one to pick up instead of other stuff. You are tempted to pick it up because of what it gives.
We all know how money looks like at where we live to spend it. How it originates is an interesting history to know but has nothing to do on the topic why people steal money. Forget the definition.
During my youthful years growing up in the Philippines, I heard men bragging about pickpocketing on the streets of Manila. That they can take out a wallet from any pocket in the middle of the crowd without somebody, including the victim, noticing it. What a pro? I have not seen any of it but a proof of them having a pocketful of pesos is their spending habits from buying nice clothes, jewelries and nice furniture at their houses to gambling, bar hopping, dating different girls and womanizing. Talking of a good life and that is it. And stealing is their job.
The past ten (10) years, my car was broken into three (3) times by breaking the window and stole money left in it. It was all reported to the police and all they can do was to make a record of it. In all of the three brake-ins, except one where my son’s laptop was stolen, all they took was the money. My wallet with the credit cards, laptop and other gadgets worth something were left untouched. The cops said it is the works of the crack heads to pay for drugs.
Stealing money is not solely for the poor and needy. Rich people steal money, too, worst than the poor ones. Madoff is an example. There are names of them that go on and on. Which means that stealing money is not just for survival of the lazy and needy but for the needs of something else?
People are creatures of habits. Greed is a bad habit but it can’t be a reason why people steal money because the novelties of it can wear off in no time. One can only spend so much for everything he needs and wants. Seeking power with so much money is obvious. But one can only be powerful to a certain level and for a short time. Seeking attention and recognition with so much money creates suspicion on one who has that kind of money. And yet, if Madoff is still alive will keep stealing money.
Some good Samaritans were found stealing money. Fund-raisers were found and suspected to steal some of the money they raised. One thing about it, not one can admit to stealing small amount of money. Too few do if ever, and usually those that amounts in the millions.
Stealing is against the law Of God and the land but people steal money simply because it is the easiest way to get it. What money gives is another topic.
More to come.
Ray Sabatin
