Throw more shoes ..

It is becoming increasingly common, in recent times, to throw shoes at politicians. It was shocking to see when this first happend to George Bush and then to see this be widely adopted across India. But, what is even more shocking to me is that in most cases the culprits have been rounded off by the police, questioned for a little while, and let off without any cases pending against them.

My first reaction was that probably no politician wants to press charges because they are now having elections.

But, these incidents are increasing. I wonder if our constitution, which happens to be the longest written constitution, already addresses this issue? Or, do we need to have any laws that deal with it?

Obviously, if the shoe hurts the target then the accused can be tried for assault. But, in most cases, shoes have been thrown but have not hit the targeted person. Even if it did hit, how much damage could it have caused? Shoes are afterall made of rubber or leather, and unless Shoaib Akthar is throwing it, it can't hurt anyone physically.

Still, it is a great insult towards the person being targeted. And, is definitely considered bad in our culture to throw such articles at any respected person.

But, legally speaking, who decides weather or not somebody is to be respected? In a democratic country, aren't the citizens free to choose whom to respect and whom not to? Are they not free to disagree with any person -- no matter how much others respect him -- and express their thoughts freely in public?

Well so, if we allow people to clap and throw flowers/garlands at anyone they like; shouldn't we allow them to throw shoes at people they hate?