Rev. Jackson feels that the punishment is excessive because the tykes used no weapons, they are all black, and the school district's zero-tolerance policy was too strict. Rev. Jackson sees these three factors as exoneration for inciting a riot. Despite a reduced suspension and good behavior clause from the school board, Rev. Jackson remains in the battle, lack of standing and jurisdiction notwithstanding. Another day of back-breaking work for Jesse Rev. Jackson would be the first to whine injustice in the event black students were harmed at a football game but seeks a waiver that would signal that violence begets hissy fits and no punishment. Compassion does not excuse, it draws lines uniformly, across economic, racial and social boundaries.
Compassion imposes punishment, then helps the penitent recover.
Wolverines at school functions are unacceptable. Zero tolerance either means zero tolerance or the school board facing a decade of end runs by Jackson and any other meddlesome gadfly. Fail to draw the line and the line keeps moving until there are no rules. The timing and targets of compassion are critical for conservatives. Compassion for the guilty is a harsh sentence for victims.