Zero tolerence is intolerable

I read in today's paper (yes, they still exist) a story detailing how the Justice department has moved away from fighting race-based crimes and focused more on religious rights. When a large percentage of new-hires come from Falwell's Bible college of law, then it is of little wonder.

Then I come across this video (sorry, AOL's crappy site doesn't allow for embedding their videos without their player).


Her story goes that she spilled the water on the floor. They say the deliberately poured it out.

She says that she was worried about her child. They say she was belligerent. They say she wanted to flash her secret service badge at them.

I say that she poured the water on the floor. I would have too.

Notice this:

• She is being shadowed (probably conversing with) security well before she gets to the screening (if this event occurred after going through e-ray, all the more on her side)
• The one screener grabs her by the arm
• She is a single mother going through a security checkpoint
• She pours out the water and moves to exit (which makes me think she has not yet gone through e-ray) at which point she is blocked
• I wish she would have flashed her badge. The wholesale liquid ban is ridiculous and a waste of time

One more story along this vein. A fifth grader was asked to cut off the guns of his GI Joe's. Apparently it was a danger and against "zero tolerance."



Zero tolerance is a waste of time and effort as well. If a school does not show judicious judgment, but rather demonstrates an "all-or-nothing" absolutism, how can it (the school, the federal gov't, etc.) expect an informed and rational citizenry?

Pisses me off.