I walk the line

It is never 'all-or-none' rule. Above all show compassion, they say. These statements would flash scenes of border patrol officers, with batons in the hands or rifle pointing at the invaders, women or children. Then, of recent, close to us, distance wise, of a voluntary police personnel giving an earful to a shade-seeker from the torrential rain at a mosque for apparently not dressed appropriately for the occasion (of seeking shade at a house of worship).

True, above all common sense should prevail and one of most revered human gift is compassion. True that World War 3 was averted in 1962 when a Russian officer decided to listen to his heart than to act on a faulty signal to start the sequence to activate the Russian nuclear head.

Also true that ill-intended individuals are using this soft spot to cheat, smuggle and rob people blind. True, people who act as watchdogs should not be masters themselves but be obedient servants to stand in the line of fire and go as much as to take the bullet of their lords.

It looks like only the higher echelon of the society is given the onus to bend the rule. Other mere mortals should just toe the line.