When bad things happen to good people. (Not the book, a philosophical observation)

[WheatenLover]

This is the thing. When you're threatened with bodily harm you might do something you would never have considered normally. The cult leader is guilty primarily and followers secondarily at most.

I have been in a situation in which bodily harm (death) was threatened to others if I did not comply. I complied. Basically, all I had to do was whatever he said. I had been kidnapped and managed to trick the guy into my only way to escape. I suggested that we didn't need to go to a mall to buy me a new wardrobe when I had perfectly good clothes at home. He took me there and waited downstairs. I called the police from my bedroom, and got my roommate to hustle upstairs because I said I was going to borrow a blouse. This roommate was definitely not into lending clothing, and I'm glad I knew that. It was her rule #1 when she moved in. Gosh she was such a PITA.

I was not physically harmed in any way during this incident.

 

[funsearcher!]

When I was a kid, I thought that having a guardian angel(and faith in God) meant that no bad would happen to me. When bad happened to me, I learned that I was not alone and I would survive. Good people are not immune to disaster and the rain falls on eveyrone.

 

[WheatenLover]

They are responsible for any illegal activity committed with no time off for a washed brain.

But how do you reconcile that, should it be proven they had been brainwashed, tortured, and drugged?

It seems to me it would fit the legal definition of insanity -- to be unable to tell right from wrong or to be unable to act within the requirements of law. This definition varies by state. But it seems to me the insanity would be temporary if it were able to be reversed. "Insanity" is a legal term of art.

 

[chic]

I have been in a situation in which bodily harm (death) was threatened to others if I did not comply. I complied. Basically, all I had to do was whatever he said. I had been kidnapped and managed to trick the guy into my only way to escape. I suggested that we didn't need to go to a mall to buy me a new wardrobe when I had perfectly good clothes at home. He took me there and waited downstairs. I called the police from my bedroom, and got my roommate to hustle upstairs because I said I was going to borrow a blouse. This roommate was definitely not into lending clothing, and I'm glad I knew that. It was her rule #1 when she moved in. Gosh she was such a PITA.

I was not physically harmed in any way during this incident.

That's composure. I'm so happy you were not harmed. In moments like this it's hard not to react with panic and fear. Very well done on your part.

 

[chic]

Yeah, but what are they responsible for? Getting in the situation in the first place? I cannot imagine myself in a situation in which I am brainwashed, tortured, and given drugs which keep me from behaving like I ordinarily do. But after all that, what then?

OTOH, I am certain that I am not cult material. If I were, I'm not certain that I wouldn't succumb, perhaps for reasons beyond my control.

I wouldn't succumb either but for selfish reasons. Cults want you to share everything and if anyone touches my stuff - they die. No cults for me. But I realize some people require validation and the feeling of belonging so strongly it's harder for them to resist. I think the cult leaders are ultimately responsible for the actions of their members because it was their plan to manipulate them all along.

 

[WheatenLover]

That's composure. I'm so happy you were not harmed. In moments like this it's hard not to react with panic and fear. Very well done on your part.

Thank you!

I have the warrior gene.

I was terrified he would shoot people at the places we went. But I knew I must get free of him. The police said the "fishing camp" he was preparing to take us to was the place I would have been raped and killed. I had a police guard for a week at work until my friend and I moved to a town on the other side of Atlanta - many miles away.

 

[chic]

They are responsible for any illegal activity committed with no time off for a washed brain.

They are responsible for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and falling for a con man or woman's pitch. Anything afterwards is negotiable. Even prosecutors realize this.