The answer is they are both equally guilty. But in the case of inappropriate comments posted on social media, it appears only the bomb maker is guilty. Those who planted the bombs and then set it off escape scot free and indeed are feted as heroes and guardians of public propriety. And if we continue to do so, the problem will never be solved.
Today's Straits Times showed a list of similar past incidents dating back to 2005. Has the authorities actions against such incidents in the past worked to deter further incidents? Obviously not. What will be the authorities action in this (Amy Cheong) incident be? Yet more of the same...
One does not accidentally stumble upon such a post on someone's personal social media site. Some of her supposed friends instead of privately messaging her about the inappropriateness of her posting chose to do a screen shot of it and distribute or otherwise publicise it outside of her personal site. What could possibly be the intention or motivation of such individuals?
If Amy Cheong's posts have 'elements of offence involving incitement to hatred' as some lawyers say, then those individuals who help to publicise it are no less guilty of a similar offence. If the authorities truly want to stop such inappropriate posts from going viral and possibly getting out of hand in the future, these individuals need to be arrested, charged and prosecuted as well.
Jail, fine and termination of internet access for people who publicise such postings will do more to deter future similar incidences than any punishment meted out ONLY to the original poster. One can only hope that the authorities will take such action. But if recent disclosures of incompetent behaviour up and down the line of public servants from front line staff all the way up to cabinet ministers are anything to go by, this can be nothing more than a vain hope.
I hope I'm wrong, but I, without any intention of blowing my own horn, will unfortunately usually be proven right. Just wait and see.
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