“Born Thieves” (October 3, 2012) was a very interesting piece that struck a chord. I have often thought that the American foreign policy is no more than theft on a grand scale. Free trade policies involve asking other countries to voluntarily give us an economic advantage. So, we do ask for gifts first, before we go abroad with bombs and guns to steal the natural resources of others.

And yes, there are Wall Street thieves and plagiarists, as well as people who break into the home of another. But it made me reflect. Am I a thief? I who work tirelessly for my community? And, sadly, yes. While I am not materialistic in any sense, I got together with my present husband when we were both married to other people. I am a thief, too. I can go on at great length to justify this, including how I later helped those I stole from. But it is of no use. I am a thief, too.

We all have our justifications. Look at the young men going abroad talking nonsense about spreading democracy, as they put their hand in another’s pocket, on behalf of those who sent them there. We all are looking for the opportunity to be just a bit better off, if not materially, then emotionally, or in some other way. And we all find ways to justify what we do and what we have done, while simultaneously being outraged by the behavior of others.

From the Residua website (www.residua.org), submitted on October 4, 2012.