And now for some bull...

What would you do?

You’re standing in a crowded town square.

A few yards away from you, unrestrained, is a very large, and belligerent bull.

You have a red handkerchief at hand.

You know that if you wave the red handkerchief at the large & belligerent bull, it will go berserk & injure (or kill) possibly you, and any number of bystanders.

But why shouldn’t you wave that handkerchief? It’s a free country right? What's wrong with a little hanky waving anyway?

Further, the bull really wants you to wave that handkerchief, so that it has an excuse to go ballistic. And worse, it’s waving a red handkerchief at you.

Now, there’s nothing in your makeup that makes you offended by the sight of a red handkerchief. And there’s no reason, other than to annoy the bull for you to wave yours. But it’s the principle, right? You should be able to do it without adverse consequences.

The mayor thinks you shouldn’t wave the hanky, he’s worried about casualties & damage. But there is no law to stop you.

Certain fellow citizens believe it is morally reprehensible for you not to wave the hanky – it’s not your fault if the bull goes mad, anyone can wave a red handkerchief if they want to.

So what would you do?

Advisors tell you that should you wave the hanky, you can probably shoot the bull dead before it does too much damage. Or even just forget the hanky business & shoot the beast now.

Problem is, the town square is surrounded by paddocks with other belligerent bulls, who are watching.

What’s the right thing to do, do you think, wave the handkerchief and enrage the bull (which is asking for it), or walk on & keep the peace?

It's your handkerchief, your choice.