Equal but opposite forces of asshat do not cancel out like would be the case in physics... they multiply like bacteria and invite further asshattery from passing people. Human behaviour is far too complex and human psychology is far too prone to confirmation bias to allow this sort of thing to continue for much longer. We're going to have a vigilante killing pretty soon I think.
On Cooper vs Cooper in the court of public opinion, judge Penguin presiding. Was he threatening? On the balance of probablilty that's the wrong questioned to ask 'did she feel threatened?' is a better question. 'Is she a racist?' That's not a good question to ask either. "Did she behave in a racist way?' is a better one. That way you can forge a path towards something approaching nuance. Did she have the full weight of the law at her disposal, not really - that's why she was reprimanded for wasting everyone's time. Did she feel empowered by her ability to call in the police? Sure. Is that problematic? Yes, but not illegal. Is it indicative that she may be the hellspawn lovechild of Lillith and Irma Grese? I don't think so. Pluralistic societies function only when people accept and understand pluralism and their individual role and responsibility within it. It seems like neither of them did. She didn't understand her own racial bias and he didn't understand nobody wants vigilante and unregulated dog leash attendants with a propensity to issue vague easily misconstrued comments. My judgement, both of you fuck off back to your day jobs. Ms Cooper, please keep your dog on a leash and learn to differentiate between 'being threatened' and 'feeling threatened' - Mr Cooper, you have every right to walk in the park, you are not a member of the Parks and Recreation division. If that is a job you want, apply for it and acquire the proper qualifications to police wooded areas. Case dismissed, Ms Cooper to pay court costs to the tune of four sardines and a nice rock.
And a further memorandum to the public gallery. What was most unhelpful in this instances was the polarising and underinformed opinions of those who feel the need to replace the legal system with the kangeroo court of social media. I don't trust the police, I believe in police reform and I think the legal system needs a massive overhaul to make it more equitable and fair. I don't think it needs to be bypassed in favour of whatever idiot tweets first and gets their version out on Youtube.
If you do not like my judgement you may take your case to the supreme court of QJ where your case will likely be dismissed under the provision of lacking nuance and self awareness.
*BANG SQUEAKY GAVEL*
