“Steal five dollars and you're a common thief. Steal thousands and you're either the government or a hero.”

Source: Going Postal

Last update Sept. 29, 2023. History

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Do you have more details about the quote "Steal five dollars and you're a common thief. Steal thousands and you're either the government or a hero." by Terry Pratchett?
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Terry Pratchett 796
English author 1948–2015

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