I have a friend who has a small tackle and bait shop in a very small town. He struggles to make a profit. Recently he forgot to renew the license needed to sell minnows. Shortly thereafter an agent visited and asked to see his license. Of course he didn't have one and was fined $125.00. Obviously the agent knew he had failed to renew the license and pay the fee. Rather than a notice or a call he got a visit and a fine. Yes he made a mistake in failing to renew the license, but a letter, a warning, etc. would have had the same effect. He would have renewed the license. Now he is not sure he wants to mess with selling minnows. This is the same guy who sells hunting license, fishing license, etc. which greatly helps the state. I think he makes a quarter with every license he sells, and he has to have a dedicated phone line just to sell them. Looks like Wal-Mart may be getting those quarters in the future.

It would certainly have been better all around if he had just received a warning.

"I love living. I have some problems with my life, but living is the best thing they've come up with so far." � Neil Simon,