I disagree. How many times should a man (or a kid) smile in a bullies face before something needs to be done? He stated that this abuse had been going on for awhile and his superior officers didn't seem to be interested in stopping it after he reported it.Sorry, but from your signature and the fact that your posting here I have to assume you are a martial artist.
Given that..god forbid you need to but chopping a guy who points a gun at you in Iraq is heralded!
Not being able to control a bully situation among civilian populas....wrong. No mater what you should be able to smile in his face knowing what could happen. Thats what we do.
Very wrong.
good luck and train hard.