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Maverick's avatar

I like the idea of a day fine, but what I also find upsetting is the source of the money someone like Trump uses to pay fines. Not only is he getting away with a low fine in proportion to his income, but he's using money that he didn't earn himself, but that comes from his supporters incomes. To someone who has no conscience, that doesn't even register, but for anyone who does possess a conscience, it's upsetting. Very similar to those who use other people's money to earn their living, because they don't relish the thought of getting their own hands dirty.

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alis's avatar

During a homeless count, I was lucky to meet a young man who educated me about the horrors of our fine system and what can happen for non-payment. He was on his own at a young age with no family support system. He worked and had an apartment, UNTIL he was cited for some simple traffic violations. Unable to pay the fines and subsequent penalties, he lost his apartment and job. He was determined to fight his way back, but what an outrage!

It's pretty easy to confirm who is living paycheck to paycheck, and they should have community service alternatives. Like so many common sense ideas that come out of the Nordic countries, the "day fines" would be another great way to balance the scales of justice.

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