It appeared to me that the cadet was not fully facing the 1st dude that ‘bumped’ him. It also appeared that the cadet acted reflexively, pushing off the guard as he turned.
I think that I would have reacted exactly the same way given the circumstances.
I think that we need to ask ourselves who was or was not acting “reasonably” in this situation.
Had I seen any evidence of the Cadet acting “unbecomingâ€, I wouldn’t have posted anything. Even if he had flunked a Breathalyzer, I would have looked for aggressive behavior and, if found, would have let it pass, felt sad and hoped the price wouldn’t have been too great (as most of these guys and gals who enter the military academies would rather die than fail). I didn’t, however, nor is there any evidence of intoxication, and to think his career might be over because of Ms. LaBelle’s perceived slight, or her guards overzealous performance of their duties, or the unthinkable ”racism” makes me nauseous.
He was also still on the phone with it held to his ear.