Direct action

[Deckard]

So the Iraqi journalist hailed as a hero in the Arab world for throwing his shoes at Bush has been jailed for three years.

Here in the UK just a few days ago, police arrested environmental campaigner Leila Deen after an incident in which green custard was thrown at our 'beloved' Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, prompting many Brits to proclaim it as the best thing that's happened all year.

Well...

While I know there's probably no condoning these incidents as such, I find it very hard to condemn them. Sure, if the Iraqi journalist had hurled a brick at Bush, or if Leila Deen had thrown acid on Mandy, we'd be in different territory. But when the intent and outcome is humiliation rather than bodily harm, I have to say, I find it hard to suppress a certain Hah-ha!

That might say as much about me as it does the democratic process, but anyway...

Just curious though - how far do you think direct action is justified - if ever - when democratic means don't seem to get you anywhere?