Mr. Wolf:
That's cool man. We all have our ways. Civilized gentlemen will always be able to disagree on matters of opinion in a civilized way. Opinions are oft the result of very different experiences, and therefore, perspectives.
When I read the description of what was done to Mauck1's car, I must admit that I didn't consider that to be a "small" act of vandalism, although that too is relative. Believe me, I know. These types of things come up all too frequently, and invariably reactions range from "off with their heads", to "it's just a car, guys...what are you getting so upset about". I've read it all before.
I think it's fundamentally a matter of just EXACTLY how much VALUE (not necessarily dollars) that one places on their particular car, and the condition that it's in. How much did a person endure / sacrifice to acquire their car? How much to keep it? How much to keep it in a condition which is personally gratifying to them? What is the practical likelihood that damage can be repaired to a level the owner will be satisfied with? If destroyed, what's the practical likelihood that a replacement can be acquired that will bring the same satisfaction to its owner? Again, it's all about the value an owner places on their car and its condition. It's very personal, especially to those of us who are "car crazy".
I endured a lot and sacrificed a great deal to acquire my NSX. Due to life's circumstances, I have sacrificed a great deal more to keep it. I've endured even beyond that to keep it as near "perfect" as possible, as is satisfying to me personally. I place a great deal of value on my car, and its condition. Too much, some would say, but those are my values.
My other car, my favorite in life barring the NSX, was vandalized nearly annually for 2 decades. The car is essentially trashed now as a result, although I cared for it as I do my NSX. The body repairs have now rusted, and the re-painting now fallen off. My first NSX, which I worked and looked for for years, was torched and burned to the ground two weeks after I got it. If you value your cars as I do, and you experience as much misery due to vandalism as I have, you too may develop a different perspective about vandals. You too might come to view vandals as being among the other lowest of the scum of the earth, and also feel that they deserve no better fate.
No, I've never shot anyone for vandalizing my cars, and likely would not. That does NOT however mean that they wouldn't be deserving of it. We simply can't shoot everyone who deserves it, else we would not remain the civilized gentlemen that we are.
I think your solution to the problem was quite appropriate. After all, there are worse things than being shot.
Cheers
Richard
'93 Blk/Blk