We reject the notion, implicit in much of today's debate, that higher tax rates on the wealthy are justified because of the finance industry's role in the crunch: retribution is a poor rationale for taxation.
And yet we rarely speak with any degree of clarity or sincerity — out of fear of retribution, a dread of vulnerability, a pessimism as to the chances of being understood or perhaps stubbornly ingrained good manners.
" Tell anyone, " said Maifoy, " and there will be retribution. You know Fenrir Greyback? He's a family friend. He'll be dropping in from time to time to make sure you're giving the problem your full attention."
And combined with that age-old attachment to the more primal forms of retribution, and all the grandiosity, self-centeredness and feelings of entitlement that come with it, this doesn't feel like a path to meaningful justice.
Retribution, swift vengeance, eternal malice were in his whole aspect, and spite of all that mortal man could do, the solid white buttress of his forehead smote the ship's starboard bow, till men and timbers reeled.
We protect all of our persons, service members from retribution or anything, anything like that. So, we have already addressed that in policy and other means.