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In reply to the discussion: 89-year old Buzz Aldrin approached by a moon landing denier. This is BEAUTIFUL!! [View all]Collimator
(1,639 posts)Yeah, I kinda let out a little laugh when I saw the punch. However, I do agree with some of the other posters when they say that violence is not the answer.
Then I do a little rationalization math in my mind. Puncher is 89 years old. Punchee literally towers over puncher. Punchee not only insulted Puncher but actively deceived him. (Thanks to Poster who filled in the backstory information.)
Puncher didn't stab or shoot Punchee or cause any serious harm. Puncher did committ legal definition of assault--despite being an American Hero.
Perhaps the judge should have given the Puncher some form of legal punishment such as a day in jail where he could relate his tale to other inmates. Knowing who he is, even the most hardened inmates would have not messed with him. Instead, they might have applauded. Puncher could have been required to do at least one community service function. He could have been "made" to speak to a group of people--just like the Punchee lied about--and fielded legitimate questions about the scientific challenges of landing on the moon. He could have say, "Folks, this is the sort of stuff you need to say to moon-landing deniers instead of punching them."
Then everyone could applaud, even for mixed reasons. 'Cause not being perfect is different from being an asshole.