I very much appreciated being on your show, and join you in your prayer.
We don't believe that people have to have every sociopathic characteristic to be a sociopath, but they do all seem to be self-centered and lack empathy. They care about their own gratification, such as in the eating of animal products and wearing their skins, and in their lack of empathy for those animals. So...I suppose we are in the minority, and the nation is full of sociopaths.
Here's some of the characteristics of sociopaths:
- Glibness and Superficial Charm
[FMH] Note the way they talk about food and fur animals.
- Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
[FMH] We see a lot of this with hunters and fish killers
- Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
[FMH Doesn't this apply to all people who exploit animals?
- Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
[FMH] Look at the way they distort the Bible to justify their cruelty to animals, and say things like "fish don't feel pain".
- Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
[FMH] Isn't this the way they look and approach vegans and animal rights people?
- Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
[FMH] If normal people are vegans, then the shoe fits.
- Incapacity for Love
[FMH] They sure seem to be when it comes to animals, except perhaps for a "pet".
- Need for Stimulation Living on the edge.
Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
[FMH] If they go to the water or to the woods, they have to kill someone, whom they refer to as only a fish or animal.
- Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
[FMH] This is what we've been talking about.
- Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
[FMH] They definitely are when it comes to animal issues and the people who care about animals.
- Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
[FMH] Most of it is hidden in the way they were brought up to be indifferent to the suffering of animals.
- Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
[FMH] The church has been doing a lot of this when it come to people who care about animals and who are vegan.
So...we are a nation of sociopaths.
In the Love of the Lord,
Frank and Mary