Three Panel Terrorist

[zeroguy]

Okay, first read these two comic strips:

http://www.threepanelsoul.com/view.php?date=2007-04-24
http://www.threepanelsoul.com/view.php?date=2007-04-30

Seem unreasonable? Well, that actually did happen to the strip's author and all-around pretty cool guy, Matt Boyd. Allegedly his employers realized somewhat that someone overreacted, and offered to give him good references and still keep on good terms, etc etc (but still had to fire him). That sucks, but I do believe we're in the general realm of sanity at this point. But then... this happens:

http://www.fleen.com/archives/2007/05/0 ... ng-news-3/

And I cannot stop scratching my head.

[Rei]

That's a bit weird... I mean, the misunderstanding is detailed in the comic. And he's right, it WOULD take a bit if you're planning to use a .22 bolt action! And as frustrating as it would be to lose your job over such a conversation, it makes enough sense. But to end up with the police on your doorstep for making a comic of it on the grounds of making terrorist threats? O_o

[Eaquae Legit]

Geez.

[Dr. Mobius]

Heh, I was talking to a guy about guns the other day at work and to the best of my knowledge neither of us have been fired yet.

[jotabe]

Wait, weren't guns legal over there?
Now you guys got me all confused: guns are legal but you can't talk about them?
Isn't that like a wrongful dismissal? (a criminal offence over here)

Also, poor business practice: one of your workers doesn't feel safe, and instead of trying to work it out with that person, or have the guy explain himself in front of his coworkers, you fire him, while acknowledging that he didn't do anything.
Wouldn't be surprised that, if they keep taking decisions like that, soon went out of business.

[Sparrowhawk]

No, that's pretty much the way it is. Decisions like that seem to be more and more commonplace these days.

I, like Dr. M have had discussions like that in office-environments; I wasn't fired but I got "talked to" by superiors a few times, specifically talking about guns or even religion in the workplace; anytime anyone feels uncomfortable or offended, those kinds of complaints get you into trouble. People I know who still work there have been disciplined or even demoted because of things like that.

[Dr. Mobius]

This is America, you crazy Spaniard, logic and reason have no place here.

[Sparrowhawk]

Nobody expects the Corporate Inquisition!

[jotabe]

Well, at least the Inquisition is not spanish anymore...

One day, i will have to make an apology of the spanish inquisition (apology as in apologetics, not as in excuse).

Over here, the workplace topics that get more people offended are politics and soccer.
In any case, i can understand being "talked to" for talking about something that makes your coworkers feel offended or scared. After all, employers worry about having a good work environment, that increases productivity. But getting a serious warn, or being outright fired, is beyond ridiculous.

Just that... geeze... people should grow some kind of "phylosophical and emotional guts", instead of being offended by the slightest thing.
Or i would have to shut myself up at home, since in my lab, everybody is pretty much a militant atheist. They offend me everyday saying that god doesn't exist!

[Jayelle]

Nobody expects the Corporate Inquisition!

That. Was wildly clever.