h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dear Vi,

Just a note thanking you for your message to Taff on the thread. It was brave and kind. How did it feel to be my rottweiler(sp?) by the way?

Here's wishing you a bit of peace and calm,



Jabs

Hello Dear, Taff found out I was having a rough time and sent me a cheer up message, which was very kind of him, under the circumstances.
He said something about finding it difficult to express himself verbally. So I s'pose we misjudged the lad.

My refugee is quite hard work, (alcoholic) and bit lazy, but great fun, and a good heart. Poor fellow,- we have reason to suspect arson! Everybody I mention it to, immediately jumps to the thought of a local character, who is malicious, and has reason to get back at my friend.

See what I mean about soap-operas? The other business was equally unbelievable.

It's a pleasure to be your rottweiler, if ever you need one. I'm generally a bit kind, and have experienced others taking advantage, and thinking they can bully me, so I do empathize.

My son has just brought in a security camera, that he and his friend have made. The afore mentioned malicious character, has told several people, that he came into my house when I wasn't home. So it's good, that they rigged up the camera. The authorities are pretty hopeless with this bloke,- he has bi-polar, which seems to make it politically incorrect to arrest him. The mental-health people pass the buck, though I did get him put into hospital, by writing to the relevant gov minister. But they let him out before his medication had kicked in.

Anyway, enough of all this. I think of you often, you're much admired by hootooers, and I've told my sis about you, she ,too, thinks you sound rather wonderful.

Lotsa love and cuggles to you, Take care, Lu xxx

Dear Lou,

Many thanks for that lovely message. I hope things settle down now you've got your camera. I have worked with mentally ill people: they often need help badly, they suffer so much. Unfortunately, some make innocent people suffer as well/instead. It's not exactly political correctness, but the unlikelihood of a conviction, that stops the police arresting many of those that deserve it. The straight into hospital scenario makes the arrest a waste of time from the police's point of view. But it's not always the case. They can be arrested and convicted just because they look bad - e.g. Colin Stagg. [I started off being a psychiatric social worker/therapist -that's what led me into lecturing before I taught philosophy - and of course students & academics are ill or have breakdowns themselves through intellectual stress or other things]

Anyway, 'twas a brilliant message. Thanks again.



Jabs

Hello Again Sweetheart,
I really think this bloke may be psychopathic as well. Very charming when you first meet him, says he doesn't lie ,steal or take advantage, then when you get to know him, you find he's a con-man, (amongst other things). I could tell you a myriad of things about him,
all most extraordinary. I didn't used to believe in evil, but recently I've come to the conclusion that maybe there is such a thing. I don't want to believe it, but there are those that never seem to arrive at the understanding that we're all pretty similar, and therefore, should treat others, as though they were yourself.

I don't know why, but these types seem to be proliferating,- and it really worries me. This sort of attitude, is even coming out on T.V.-There seems to be this idea around that, you can be as awful as you please, as long as you have vindication as an excuse. (Have you seen "Dexter"?)

Anyway, carrying on too much as usual, but can't help thinking that civilization is on its last legs. Sorry for ending on such a cheery note. There are lots of good, kind, decent people, in the world as well, and you are an excellent example.

Much love and hugs to you Lu xxx

Are you O.K.?

Sorry, I really meant to answer, Lu, but I forgot and then I thought I had answered you. Yes, you're right. Psychopaths are recognised in the legislation as NOT having a mental illness, because they're not curable. And it does indeed, I'm sorry to say, look as if this man has classic psychopathic symptoms - as you outlined.

They - either genetically or through profoundly bad treatment as a child, or both, have something actually wrong with the forepart of the brain - (the cerebral cortex) - the social conscience part. In fact they don't recognise the feelings of others, or don't care (either). They have, in short, not much conscience, if at all. That's why they're so manipulative and uncaring and, in the end, hostile.

Another way of looking at it is that there is something wrong with them, but unlike the mentally ill, who suffer, they make others suffer instead. So others suffer from the bi-polar part of his pathology. The only way the authorities can deal with them is to control them. This is a horrible situation for you. Any developments? Have you asked the police for protection? The cameras should help. Police can't arrest him unless he stops taking his prescribed drugs or commits a crime - I think that's the position, but I've been out of the trade (psychiatric social worker before becoming a lecturer) for a long time. You might get some informal advice fron social services - ask to speak to someone working with the mentally ill, (in spite of...etc).


Sorry for my thoughtlessness, Lu

Regards,

Jabs