[snowsislander]

It was interesting how Bonnie and Clyde were made into folk heroes in the sixties by a hit song and a movie. Even then...what was Hollywood thinking?

It is interesting how such elevations happen. I was reading about how in Australia one "Ned Kelly" became a folk hero, although it is hard for me to see any redeeming qualities about him and his activities.

[ClearCase_guy]

It's Robin Hood. It's part of what makes socialism appealing to some people.

Do I have money? No, I am poor and downtrodden.
Does he have money? Yes, that SOB has a lot more money than I do!
Is that outlaw taking money from the Sheriff, the Bank, the Railroad? Yes! My hero! He's bringing down the Mighty! He's speaking truth to power!

Childish, but there have been outlaw heroes going waaaaaaay back. It's an archetype that rises with great regularity.

[Clemenza]

Ned Kelly was a sadistic thug, as were his mother and brother.