Or was it meant to be a reply to someone else's comment and would make more sense in that context?
I'm trying to shift thinking outside the emotionally charged perspective of the event.
I'm not the person that you're replying to but I'll give it a shot.
> I'm trying to shift thinking outside the emotionally charged perspective of the event.
The re-framing suggests there is no qualitative difference between an employee throwing a sandwich at a representative of a service provider hired by their employer and a protester throwing a sandwich at law enforcement. The differences seem obvious but I have to assume you believe there is none: if they are different, the question is not relevant. So why ask the question? Perhaps a more direct question could be why do you think the two scenarios are so comparable?
Yeah! Washington, DC is right on the border! I mean WTF is wrong with people! It's so important to make sure that the border between it, Maryland and Virginia is secure! Those Virginians are comin' to steal our jerbs, eat our sandwiches (or throw them at our fearless masters!). I mean it's not like Marylanders are really human, are they?
Are you saying that once someone successfully crosses the border illegally, they should be able to move freely within the entire territory with impunity?
Why shouldn't we take every opportunity to identify and capture them?
Not for me, but it would be a blow to my reputation and might cost a relationship with the vendor (depending on the dollar value to the vendor). And I'd be very embarrassed.