One thing that I have noticed on this matter is this: "What you do for a living affects your perspective on how serious a "crime" is". Are there different degrees? I think so. Is someone that breaks a rule an overall bad person? Not nessessarily in my mind. None of us are perfect. It does seem that our vocations affect our attitude.

Lets look at 4 "crimes" and rate their degree of severity.

1. Speeding
2. Making a copy of a little Software Program
3. Harvesting Roulettes
4. Shoplifting a pair of Jeans from JC Pennys

I personally would rate #4 the worst and #3 the least, with the other 2 a toss up. Obviosly, Larry is much more passionate about #2. With him being in the Software business this is understandable. My brother is an Iowa State Trooper. #1 would be very high on the list with him. He would say at least the other 3 don't have the capability of killing an innocent child. He see's the effect from speeding every week. A Casino Manager may look at Roulette harvesting in a darker light than most of us do. I am sure the JC Penny clerk feel that the shoplifting is by far the most serious.

I say let the person "cast the first stone" who has never had a traffic violation, taken a few minutes extra on a lunch break, made a phone call on company time, harvested a roulette (even if you just have one in your possession you could be guilty of receiving stolen property), taken a business deduction for items or travel that have some personal benefit, discriminated against anyone because of their color, age, or religon, and I could go on and on.

We all have our "pet agendas", but as Paul stated "Don't bother trying to put me on a guilt trip".