IN JAPAN they have a saying: Love The Criminal, Hate The Crime.
I hope I’m interpreting this right. They’re saying that Love and Hate are in this together. It’s a joint enterprise.
In effect they’re saying Hate is the crime, but it’s Love that’s the master criminal. Or mistress.
Hate is just the lowest rung of a long ladder. The patsy on the street or the internet.
To lovers of crime documentaries and fiction, there is a familiar ring to this.
Hate is the one that gets prosecuted, but it’s Love that’s operating remotely, pulling the strings.
This Love character sounds complex. If it was depicted in a crime drama, it would be eloquent, treat ladies with respect and like fine wines. Probably an antique collector and a lover of top brands.
So Hate makes an odd partner with its smelly trousers and narrow horizons. But they work well together, they’ve got complementary skills.
To paraphrase Kojak: Are you telling me these guys don’t know each other? Git outta here. If Hate eats chilli, Love gets heartburn.
It’s Hate that does the crime, but Love that gets it bounced back on the street by some bleeding-heart liberal judge.
What’s the point anyway? Have a drink, Sergeant. If we pick up Hate, there’ll be another low life loser taking its place and making up the numbers. But it’s Love that’s pulling the strings.
You know this, I know this, but there’s not a goddamn thing we can do about it.
We need to follow the money. Love is connected. This goes all the way to the top.
Love is into all kinds of things. Sex. Politics. Money. Religion.
As Ed McBain wrote, in the 87th Precinct there’s only three reasons for murder. Money or love. If not, you’re dealing with a crazy.
You ever heard of Red Nose Day? I bet you any money Love is running the numbers.
That’s got Love’s fingerprints all over it. A bunch of DoGoodFellas. White Saviours.
But some say that Hate is involved. Supremacists. Grrrr. You know the type.
As the chanteuse says, it’s a thin line between love and hate. You got that right, baby. Who loves ya?
