News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Prosecutor as bully. Parent comment

Re:Prosecutor as bully by obstacle1 on Saturday January 12, 2013 @08:08PM (#5049551)
First off, the connection between forcing a political firing and committing an act of mass murder is unclear. Why did you pick McVeigh as the metaphor? Why not Osama, or Jared Loghner, or Russia?

Second, that you think calling the poster a "loser" is important is telling. What do you think that will accomplish? Has insulting people ever won them over to your position, in your experience? Or were you banking on everyone's agreement, effectively forcing an internet shaming?

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Prosecutor as bully by Daniel_Newby on Saturday January 12, 2013 @09:24PM (#5049724)
Dang. I meant to say that it was loser-style thinking.

Nobody has ever won against Washington, D.C. by scoring a symbolic personal victory against a few minions. Even if you are like McVeigh and willing to accept a certain degree of collateral damage, it has no effect. It turns out that blowing up a Federal building is the political equivalent of putting itching powder in Uncle Sam's shorts.

So if that is the case, sending an outspoken email is a pre-defeated strategy. It is the action of someone who lost before they started, a loser.

[ Parent | on HN ]