Man accused of battery after paper wouldn't print letter

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-let20.html

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. -- An insistent letter-writer from Stanley has been criminally charged after confronting a newspaper owner who wouldn't publish his letter. snip

Hoffstatter is accused of poking the owner about 10 times in the chest with his fingers.

McLoone told police that a few weeks ago he received a letter to the editor from Hoffstatter, who complained about medical treatment his daughter had received from a local health care provider, but was reluctant to publish it after consulting with other newspaper editors. AP

[fasttense]

1. Criminal charges??

For poking a guy 10 times in the chest with his finger? Does the newspaper owner have the bruises to prove it?

Come on, if this guy weren't rich would charges have even been considered?

[Toots]

2. Battery is just that

No bruises necessary. No one has the right to inflict fear or pain upon another in such a manner. Or do you believe it is okay to intimidate in such a fashion?

[fasttense]

3. Of course I don't think a person should be allowed to intimidate someone.

but it seems so minor when there are repukes getting away with stealing, influence peddling, manipulation of facts and on and on....

It just seems every time a repuke cries I'm hurt, everyone comes to their defense but when a Dem points out a minor things like rigging votes the authorities back off.