[akrigline]

The way the judges worded this decision makes it a lot less of a slippery slope. This was only accepted because it was an "Immediate and essential need for nourishment." I expect that if more people started stealing, they'd be put through a court process to prove that they were in this condition.

What this doesn't do is fix the problem though, it just recognizes a symptom. Why are these people forced to resort to stealing?

[CajunAlexTrebec]

Italy is falling apart, financially speaking. The people of Italy are suffering as a result.

Nearly 50% of bank loans are non-performing (in default). The EBC is conducting a stealth bailout via Target2. Just look at the major Italian bank stocks. They are trading at deep, deep discounts. Maybe the market knows something the EBC and others don't want to admit?

[c0nducktr]

People are homeless and go hungry in all countries. This isn't something that only happens in Italy. It's a worldwide issue.

[CajunAlexTrebec]

Good point. On a related note, I personally cannot imagine a world where any theft is justified. Personal property rights are key in maintaining a functioning free market economy. This ruling by the court flies in the face of those rights.

[c0nducktr]

I understand your opinion. I don't feel that taking from the person running the store is really the right option, but I believe it is better than allowing the person going hungry to starve. It's very upsetting to me that in a time of such great global wealth, we still can't find a way to feed the poor.

I'm reminded of the quote by Eisenhower: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed."

[vidarh]

A society that can't survive even the occasional act of kindness to starving people is not worth saving.

[Camillo]

The guy was Hungarian.