Today I Learned …

Before Fiorello LaGuardia became a popular mayor of New York City in 1933, he was a judge. One day he presided over the case of a poor man who had stolen a loaf of bread to feed his family.

LaGuardia stated that by law the man should be fined $10. Then he paid the fine himself, adding, “I’m going to fine everyone in this court 50 cents each for living in a town where a man has to steal bread in order to eat.” He had the bailiff collect the fines — and give them to the defendant.