Hermione must be stopped, ...-Hermione's Crimes

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 149566

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "a_svirn" <a_svirn at ...> wrote:
>
> > Catherine:
> >    
> > You know, Rita wasn't just being a little mean. She was 
> publically slandering the people ... trespassing onto Hogwarts 
> ... Eavesdropping in to private conversations....
> 
> a_svirn:
> ... Some folks out there claim that Hermione's actions /do not/ 
> qualify as revenge or even blackmail. My point is that they are 
> both. ...edited..

bboyminn:

a_svirn, you seem to be taking the position that I've labeled as
'Moral Absolutest', and part of the point I've been trying to make is
that there is a difference between 'blackmail' (with a small 'b') and
'Blackmail' (with a capital 'B'). 

By the broadest and most general definitions of Blackmail (revenge,
vengence, etc...), Hermione is guilty, but I absolutely /can not/ see
the wizard world regarding her actions as CRIMINAL Blackmail (revenge,
vengence, etc...).

Is a Playground Bully quilty of blackmail and extortion? Yes,
absolutely, but unless their actions become blatantly criminal and
dangerous, rarely are they ever treated as criminals. In fact, rarely
are they ever dealt with at all.

To some extent, I think this is what muddies our discussions. Some
people define action by the broadest definition and the most extreme
application. Whereas others make a distinction between Applied
Definitions and Applied Reality. 

By definition, Hermione is guilty of Blackmail, but in reality, I
can't see any wizarding authorities treating her actions as criminal
Blackmail. In fact, I can't see even our real world muggle authorities
treating Hermione's action as criminal Blackmail. 

I think it is important to make a distinction between broad
definitions and applied reality when regarding these matters. I am
speaking to the subject, in my other posts, from the perspective of
applied reality; you, on the other hand, seem to be taking the
approach of applied definitions. 

To a group of blind men, to some an elephant is a wall, to others it
is a tree, and to others still it is a rope. Are they wrong or are
they right? Well, of course, the answer is - Yes and No.

I think it is important that we acknowledge the difference.

Steve.bboyminn