Yeah, but did you listen to my point or my story? It wouldn't of been right for them to ruin my life over a mistake like this. If you've ever been in a situation like this, I'm sure you'd understand.
It is absolutely right for them to ruin your life for doing something like that. Its called deterrence so that other people who have more than 2 brain cells think twice before doing stupid shit.
I can learn in a way other than my life being ruined. I already learned, and I know it was stupid, but if you actually think instead of being a jackass, it was way blown out of proportion. Nobody was around to get hurt, and the car was already totally beaten to shit because they had this thing set up for a donation that you pay $3 and you get to take a swing at the car with a sledge hammer. Now, what exactly was wrong? The fire company would've had to put it out, which is where I went wrong, and it was also against the law. I'm not trying to justify myself, I'm just saying the punishment isn't worth it. Is that really right for them to ruin my life? I have more than 2 brain cells, it was just a stupid mistake made at that moment. Don't act like you're perfect.
When people were trying to deal with that fire, somebody could be injured or killed. My neighbour was a fire fighter who died (due to smoke inhalation or something) while putting out a grass fire. Or, another building could burn down while the fire department is busy.
My teacher's house burnt down, destroying everything he owned (including pets) and nearly killing his family, because some people nearby set fire to some garbage for the fun of it.
By the way, the point of those (true) stories is that people don't think of the consequences of their actions.
Perhaps if you were given that kind of penalty, it would prevent others from doing the same thing. It would serve as a deterrant to others.
But mostly, by telling you what could happen, they scare you enough that you'll never do it again. Although the best case is if you think before doing it, but close enough..