Criminals or dogs?

[Banefull]

I think you misinterpret what I was saying. I only proposed it as an extremely brief thought experiment, not to write some long drawn out story to empathize with. That said:

It is good, even admirable that you possess such strength of character. In the face of great adversity, there many who persevere. I have many examples of characters in my own life I can look up to but there are still those who fail. I also suspect we have different types of people in mind when the term "criminal" is used. I was taught to always hold out for reform of the guilty no matter how seemingly hopeless, to forgive even the greatest misdeeds. A single person willing to reform his life and make amends was worth any amount of patience. I didn't pick my side in this debate easily. But regardless:

Let us just say that our differences in thought on this matter stem from very deep convictions in worldview, belief, and outlook. Let us call this debate over. Enough on the topic has been said.