Though the intention of a senior citizen stoning cars that jump red lights is good, his action is unlawful. The public should pay more attention to rights and wrongs, and avoid sending out wrong messages, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpt:

A 74-year-old man has attracted great attention for throwing stones at cars that jumped red lights in Lanzhou recently.

The senior citizen's intentions might be good because he was trying to teach traffic violators a lesson and draw public attention to the issue, but his action was undoubtedly unlawful.

Public opinion in China does not necessarily depend on right and wrong. That's why even some people who indulge in illegal practices and acts win public sympathy - a few have become public heroes - because they play the "we-are-weak" card to win the support of the majority.

On the other extreme are instances of people condemning an individual who has a negative public image even if he does something lawful.

Public opinions are always influenced by emotions, which may lead to tyranny of the majority. The old man's action has won the support of the majority on the Internet, and some have even joined his ranks. But it is not the right thing to do.

What would happen if drivers mete out the same treatment to people who cross the streets even when pedestrian lights are red?

We must respect the law, and use the framework of law to solve social affairs.

(China Daily July 16, 2009)