If it happens before the publication, it wouldn’t be retaliation, but more like a commitment to retaliate. If there’s people making a fuss about the reporter’s current intention to publish, it’s a pretty clear signal what would happen if they follow through.
If it gets them to change their minds in time before the publication, that seems like the best outcome.
I think it “not being retaliation” makes it any more less edgy. If I credibly threaten to beat you up if you do something I have made an illegal threat even if I never punch someone. And I feel it goes along the same lines on the moral level. The relevant distinction would be emotive “I didn’t really mean to” speech vs credible communication of intent. If it is intentional and credible it is very comparable to actually carrying it out.
If it happens before the publication, it wouldn’t be retaliation, but more like a commitment to retaliate. If there’s people making a fuss about the reporter’s current intention to publish, it’s a pretty clear signal what would happen if they follow through.
If it gets them to change their minds in time before the publication, that seems like the best outcome.
I think it “not being retaliation” makes it any more less edgy. If I credibly threaten to beat you up if you do something I have made an illegal threat even if I never punch someone. And I feel it goes along the same lines on the moral level. The relevant distinction would be emotive “I didn’t really mean to” speech vs credible communication of intent. If it is intentional and credible it is very comparable to actually carrying it out.