Now, imagine what would have happened to him if he had tried to steal someone else's car
Like, maybe, Antonin Scalia's.
He'd be a convict now.
Maybe on his second or third "tour of duty", and a real professional by now.
Turning one's life around has two components: having the will to do it, and being given the opportunity at a time when it really counts.
The young man deserves credit for having the will. Mr. Rather deserves credit for dealing with the offense with an open hand instead of a clenched fist.
Mercy without justice creates habitual victims; justice without mercy creates career criminals.
Regards--
Mary Anne