This is the worst argument, though, if your point is to argue that these people ought to be in prison. Many non-violent crimes that people go to jail for are ac

This is the worst argument, though, if your point is to argue that these people ought to be in prison. Many non-violent crimes that people go to jail for are activities which should never have been made into crimes in the first place. And if you extend this out, you start to wonder just how many non-violent crimes ought to be punishable with prison. The shoplifting example, for instance, might be something that should only be a civil penalty rather than criminal, as long as it isn't armed robbery. It's hard to know where to draw the line, but if you want these people to go to prison, then don't highlight crimes that the majority of Americans now think shouldn't be crimes.