[Zhang Fei]

[We have, in recent history, had a lot of “social unrest” over supposed white-on-black inter-racial incidents. His intent was not harmless. There’s not a lotta difference in a harmless or harmful moron when they’re on a stage this big. He’s playing with big matches inna dry forest.]

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If riots involving dead people had ensued, I expect he would be facing decades in prison. But we generally look at actual harm rather than mere intent. In a country with really draconian laws, like Singapore, the mere discharge of a firearm in the commission of a robbery can be grounds for seeking the death penalty. I don’t think we’re at the point where intent alone is sufficient to throw the book at someone, where that intent seems to revolve around self-promotion. He saw what happened to Kavanaugh’s and Clarence Thomas’s accusers - fame, adulation and lucrative speaking engagements, and thought he could do the same.

[CopperTop]

"..But we generally look at actual harm rather than mere intent.."

If only it were universally true! Seems I've heard something very similar-but-reversed somewhere before in somewhat recent history.. (Comey?) d;^)

While I don't completely disagree with you, this joker could have touched off some serious BS with this stunt and he knew it. I'm not quite sure how this isn't "yelling fire in a crowded theater".
We'll hafta see just what really comes of this. Not expecting much.