Professing themselves to be wise,
they became fools.
Romans 1:22
Many folks want to be armchair psychologists. While many others think they've got things all figured out. We live in a world of highly-opinionated individuals...
they became fools.
Romans 1:22
Many folks want to be armchair psychologists. While many others think they've got things all figured out. We live in a world of highly-opinionated individuals...
This is especially true, I believe, with the educated crowd such as college professors or those with degrees who love to be thought of as experts on various subjects
Such is the case with a college professor who visited with me recently. Prior to his visit we had been corresponding for a while. He teaches sociology and criminology at a university on the east, coast. When I started writing to him after receiving his initial letter, I thought I was actually writing to his students about topics such as prison life, criminal justice or the causes for youth-related violence. But I have discovered this was not the case. Instead he appears to be using what I've written for a book, even though I have not discussed with him at length my crimes or the details about the Son of Sam case.
Yet while it hurts to be used in this manner, it is not a surprise. Over the years I've been used by a number of people for their own gain. They saw me as a stepping- stone to fame, a fame which was almost always short-lived. And it appears to be the case yet again.
As expected, upon meeting him for the first time, the professor was very nice and cordial. He also did not tell me until we were well into our one-time visit, that prior to coming here he had already notified a certain media outlet that he was going to meet with me. And when he quietly and matter-of-factly revealed this, I felt as if I'd been ambushed. I sat there thinking to myself, "So this is what his visit is about."
It's happened before. It was not the first time I'd gotten a visit from someone with multiple motives. But by the grace of God, I kept my composure and my smile, although inwardly I was deeply concerned and troubled. I thought, "This guy is seeking the media spotlight for himself," and I was right.
Later, as expected, he did an on camera interview for a prime time news program, thus getting his much hoped for five minute splash. But, thankfully, David Berkowitz and the so called Son of Sam case is not big news anymore. Therefore, other than a few minor ripples in the media, the story quickly vanished, lost in New York City's other and more important news of the day.
Yet, I must admit, the professor said many nice things about me, my faith in God, and the deep remorse I have over what had happened in the past. I was thankful for this. But there were inaccuracies, too. It was obvious to me that he was clueless about the more complex aspects to my case. He reminded me of someone who really didn't do his homework, although he'd probably swear he did an outstanding job.
During his brief interview with a reporter, the professor was quoted as saying, that because I had feelings of intense loneliness, that by taking innocent lives through an act of murder, I thought my loneliness would go away and be replaced instead by a feeling of self-fulfillment. This shocked me. I have no idea where he got this from. I'm befuddled how anyone could think that, if someone is feeling lonely, that by hurting someone else his loneliness could be alleviated. This is illogical. It makes no sense.
But this was his professional opinion, and he's entitled to it. I, however, simply resent such a shallow and superficial explanation for those horrific crimes.
I believe that back in 1976-77 I was a mentally and demonically tormented young man. I was a devil worshipper, too. And I believe I'd become delusional as well. But killing because I was, in his estimation, feeling lonely and empty, no way!
Yes, people can be wise in their own eyes and proud of their professional accomplishments. But this doesn't mean their opinions are correct or they "got it right." This professor got it wrong. He flubbed it.
D.B.
Such is the case with a college professor who visited with me recently. Prior to his visit we had been corresponding for a while. He teaches sociology and criminology at a university on the east, coast. When I started writing to him after receiving his initial letter, I thought I was actually writing to his students about topics such as prison life, criminal justice or the causes for youth-related violence. But I have discovered this was not the case. Instead he appears to be using what I've written for a book, even though I have not discussed with him at length my crimes or the details about the Son of Sam case.
Yet while it hurts to be used in this manner, it is not a surprise. Over the years I've been used by a number of people for their own gain. They saw me as a stepping- stone to fame, a fame which was almost always short-lived. And it appears to be the case yet again.
As expected, upon meeting him for the first time, the professor was very nice and cordial. He also did not tell me until we were well into our one-time visit, that prior to coming here he had already notified a certain media outlet that he was going to meet with me. And when he quietly and matter-of-factly revealed this, I felt as if I'd been ambushed. I sat there thinking to myself, "So this is what his visit is about."
It's happened before. It was not the first time I'd gotten a visit from someone with multiple motives. But by the grace of God, I kept my composure and my smile, although inwardly I was deeply concerned and troubled. I thought, "This guy is seeking the media spotlight for himself," and I was right.
Later, as expected, he did an on camera interview for a prime time news program, thus getting his much hoped for five minute splash. But, thankfully, David Berkowitz and the so called Son of Sam case is not big news anymore. Therefore, other than a few minor ripples in the media, the story quickly vanished, lost in New York City's other and more important news of the day.
Yet, I must admit, the professor said many nice things about me, my faith in God, and the deep remorse I have over what had happened in the past. I was thankful for this. But there were inaccuracies, too. It was obvious to me that he was clueless about the more complex aspects to my case. He reminded me of someone who really didn't do his homework, although he'd probably swear he did an outstanding job.
During his brief interview with a reporter, the professor was quoted as saying, that because I had feelings of intense loneliness, that by taking innocent lives through an act of murder, I thought my loneliness would go away and be replaced instead by a feeling of self-fulfillment. This shocked me. I have no idea where he got this from. I'm befuddled how anyone could think that, if someone is feeling lonely, that by hurting someone else his loneliness could be alleviated. This is illogical. It makes no sense.
But this was his professional opinion, and he's entitled to it. I, however, simply resent such a shallow and superficial explanation for those horrific crimes.
I believe that back in 1976-77 I was a mentally and demonically tormented young man. I was a devil worshipper, too. And I believe I'd become delusional as well. But killing because I was, in his estimation, feeling lonely and empty, no way!
Yes, people can be wise in their own eyes and proud of their professional accomplishments. But this doesn't mean their opinions are correct or they "got it right." This professor got it wrong. He flubbed it.
D.B.
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