So, the trial over Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon’s misappropriation of gift cards is over. She has been found guilty of misdemeanor crimes. Now, I’m sure many people are applauding the conviction or may be disappointed that she wasn’t found guilty of felony theft. Here’s my problem: Why would someone in her right mind risk losing everything for a bit over $600 in gift cards?

If Mayor Dixon deliberately took the gift cards meant for people in need to buy gaming equipment when she obviously has enough money to buy it herself and has done many other things that show that she thinks she is above the law, is a jail term really the answer? Julie Bykowicz and Annie Linskey of The Baltimore Sun say:

The gift card case has revived talk of Dixon’s perceived sense of entitlement. Her critics point to a pattern of behavior that suggests she thinks rules don’t apply to her.

Perhaps a jail term is the answer. Perhaps it would shock her into realizing she isn’t above the law. But what if it doesn’t fix anything? What if it makes it worse? I would like to hear from a psychologist who deals with people who seem to be exhibiting narcissistic behavior.