Desperation causes desperate acts. Sometimes begging brings greater shame and attention than a quick theft. Charity brings out goodness and makes a difference and is it not about making a difference (I think I overused that one of my fave phrases yesterday interviewing an applicant for a position as a City Council aide.)? I think the phrase that applies to the coffee shop workers - "Chesed" - acts of loving kindness -- should be a model for all of us.

I think he should form a Bad Boys Club

If anyone saw the play or movie Les Miserable, there is a scene in which the main character steals candle sticks from a church. The priest, recognizing that the main character must have been so down on his luck that it forced him to steal from the church, refused to file a compliant with the local police when presented with the return of the candlesticks. Instead the priest stated he gave the man the candlesticks. It turned the man's life around with that one gesture. Who are we to say that an act of kindness couldn't change a man's perspective and perhaps his life. Remember, when you change a person's perspective for the better, you not only change his life, but the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. The ripple effect can last generations. So I say I'd rather err on the side of kindness than skepticism. Maybe the thief won't change his ways. But maybe it will. And if not, it will change the ways of others who witness such kindness.

Either way, we'll get him off!