Are these things EVER hypothetical?

[man_of_means]

"Okay, okay, here's the deal. Let's say that there's this 'friend' who is really mad right now. One of HIS friends got threatened by some asshole with things that were very, very unpleasant. Now this 'friend' is deciding whether he should be out for blood. He really wants to hurt the guy, but it may have a ripple effect."

"The thing is, I really want to break the prick's spine...Uh, I mean this 'friend' really wants to break the prick's spine."

"So to all of you, is said spine-breaking advised, or not? Anybody? Too far? Not far enough?"