Snape's abuse (Re: Would an "O" for Harry vindicate Snape?)

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 131547

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Tonks" <tonks_op at y...> wrote:
>> 
> Snape is guilty of emotional abuse at times, yes. There are many 
> offices and other places of employment where the Snapes of the world 
> function.  I am not discounting the severe consequences to someone 
> who is emotionally vulnerable.  I am just saying that there are far 
> worse behaviors that occur everyday in our country and around the 
> world and we need to get rid of those first. There are many nasty 
> people in the world that are law abiding people.  I am not defending 
> them, but you can't fire them all just for being nasty.  Who would 
> run the country, after all?
> 
> I think we are getting a bit namby pamby if we can't tolerate 
> Snape.  

I am honestly baffled by this statement, Tonks.  You admit that Snape 
is guilty of abuse, but then say it would be namby pamby if we refuse 
to tolerate his abusive behavior.  Are you saying that people who 
battle abuse and insist that abusive behavior be halted are weaklings 
deserving of contempt?  Are you saying that emotional abuse should not 
be halted simply because it isn't physical abuse?  Are you saying that 
someone who is clearly guilty should not be punished just because 
there are people who do worse things that cannot be punished for 
reasons of law or politics or practicality or ability to apprehend 
them?

Lupinlore