Sheriff Smashes Car Window to Rescue Overheated Dogs

[Orrex]

51. What makes you think that it's an assumption?

If I am subject to civil penalty as a result of breaking the window, then my finances will be crippled, and I will almost certainly lose my car. Absent a car, I will lose my job. This is not an assumption; it's a fact.

If I am subject to criminal penalty as a result of breaking the window, then I will lose my job. This is not an assumption; it's a fact.

If I lose my job, then I will be unable to maintain a car. Losing the car, it is unlikely that I will secure employment sufficient to obtain a new car. This is not an assumption; it's based on direct personal experience.

If I lose my job and my car, it is also likely that I will be unable to maintain our home. Being homeless with no car and no job, it is unlikely that I will be able to secure employment to remedy this situation. This likewise is not an assumption.

While we're at it, it would be interesting to see what the state thinks of my parental fitness while I'm languishing homeless, carless and jobless with criminal and/or civil penalties hanging over my head.

And you'd teach your kids your whole life could go down the toilet for doing one good act?

Don't be naive. I would teach them the value of proportionate response, which is a much more useful lesson. A minor good act does not outweigh months and years of hardship.

If you can guarantee that I would face no penalty for breaking that window, then I'd break it. Absent that guarantee, then I'll be happy to stand by to witness your display of heroic abandon.