First of all. You are configuring the argument to make a point by picking out certain crimes or violations.
This is about unpaid debts to local municipalities putting you in jail. Not about certain crimes, even though he used certain crimes as examples.
We don’t have enough information to know if it is for the crimes that scardey cat deems worthy of jail time.
And if it is the case, that it is what scaredycat deems worthy, then put people with money in jail as well.
No fine to get you out of jail. How do you think that would fly? Would it regulate risk? Would it be fair? Would you be ok with going to jail for a week because of a speeding ticket? Or would you think it cruel and unusual? If you feel it is not fair, then why would you want to impose it on somebody because they did not have money.
Surely, local municipalities can figure out something, rather than jailing people for small offenses, if they don’t have the money.
Also, you discount the part about raising penalties to make up for shortfalls. Did crimes or violations suddenly become worse?
Making life harder for the bottom section of the country during tough economic times is not a trend we want to persist. Though, it undoubtedly will and we should be conscious of it, not encourage it.
