Shoplifting at an All Time High

I've been reading articles that shoplifting has been especially bad this holiday season because of the poor shape of the economy. Although after dining in Pebble Beach a few nights ago, I can attest there are plenty of rich people alive and spending.

15 billion minus 7 billion = 8 billion.

However, regular Joes, such as Joe the Dog featured in this video, are obviously struggling. I read one sad story in the NY Times about a guy shoplifting some sleeping pills because he was a dollar short.

$1!

Now he's being prosecuted. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me.