It never fails to amaze me how many of those who preach diversity cannot tolerate opposing opinions. Just how does that work??

Personally, I'm not taking sides on this as I think I see this whole issue from a slightly different perspective than most. I am a recovering alcoholic almost 24 years sober, and believe me, I did my share of stealing (both in merchandise and family availability). As far as I know there is no such thing as an honest addict and the first lie is the one they tell themselves that what they choose to do is OK. The disease has been referred to as the, "I ain't got it." disease.

At my 20th class year reunion I told the then Chief of Police whom I went through high school with that the cops who let me off the hook repeatedly, while with the best of intentions, really had done me no favors. And for what it's worth, I had very little to do with my getting sober. I believe there are times in my life where God simply picked me up by the shirt collar, so to speak, and said, "Well, it's obvious you can't handle this."

I'm not attempting to sway anyone's opinion in any way here, as I know full well that I could neither hear nor see the truth until I was ready. Just offering up a bit of my own personal experience. Flush at will.....or not.