You, my friend, are a kindred spirit. I often ask myself why I still read the comments on many of the news segments. They are often so filled with hate and judgement and angry rhetoric and, well, absolutes. It is as if no one is capable of walking in another's shoes. I agree with everything you said. Our society as a whole is lacking in both balance and empathy. The owner was wrong and I think probably his cruelty like most was based on ignorance and selfishness. We all trudge through the tough times but we learn nothing from sitting in the negativity and dwelling on the anger. I believe in standing up to injustice but if we learn nothing in the process it is a waste so thank you for this post.