[clairity]

> "...in our culture right now..."

no, this has happened throughout time and everywhere, and will, far into the future. it's not just right now, or unique to the web. being perceived a threat (like writing mean things) typically elicits a negative response. it's literally how escalation happens.

that shouldn't be surprising. but what's unacceptable is the unethical, criminal, and grossly disproportionate response.

[A4ET8a8uTh0]

I am in agreement with you as a general principle. In this particular case though, one of the ideas that executive came up with were straight of a spy fiction 'Body of lies'. I guess what I am saying is we should not dismiss cultural impact.