I read Riverhawk’s post as his headmaster caned boys while he was angry on more than a few occasions. The headmaster was nearly 19 stone, he’d be fully aware of the damage he could and did inflict, but more to the point being a regular, or near regular occurrence that would have been his intention. He obviously had little control over his emotions, he knew the fact, but it had little or no consequence on his conscience.
We all can become angry, but common sense dictates if you are in a position where your judgment is of importance acting when in this state of mind is totally irresponsible. Not only a headmaster but a teacher should exercise restraint even under duress.