Fifty Cents A Head

Once upon a time
There were many poor people in the city.
The Rich hired protection.
While the Poor went hungry.
 
What if the mayor of New York 
Decided to impose a fifty cent penalty                                        
On those in a courtroom 
Where he was acting as the presiding judge?
 
Legend suggests this may have happened.
Fiorello La Gaurdia heard a case
Where the defendant, a mother with two starving children,        
Admitted to stealing bread.
 
The Mayor cited allowing the Poor to starve
As a crime.
Hence the fifty cent fine.
He personally gave the baker $10.00 as reimbursement.
 
This a parable.
Could it happen tomorrow?
I think, "Yes, maybe, just maybe, it could still happen".
To say "no" is to mourn our passing.