On a cold night, in Oklahoma City, a trembling man was brought before the judge charged with stealing a loaf of bread. His family, he said, was starving and he had to have the bread. No job, no hope, all it seemed was truly against him. So in desperation, he lifted the loaf of bread and stashed it underneath is jacket.

Now caught in his crime against society, he stood before the judge. “I have to punish you” declared the judge, “there can be no exceptions to the law. I fine you Ten dollars.” As the judge looked down at the man, he was reaching into the pocket of his pants beneath his robe. He looked down from the bench and tossed a crisp ten dollar bill in to the man’s hat.

“Here is the $10 to pay your fine, which I now remit,” he said,

“Furthermore,” he declared, “I am going to fine everyone in this courtroom .50 cents each for living in a city where a man has to steal bread in order to eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant.”

The hat was passed and the incredulous man, with a smile on his face, left the courtroom with a stake of $47.50.

Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.

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