Nice to see a wave of contrary reactions to the original post, but I have to agree with him. And it's not because I think I can change an asshole. I probably can't. And perhaps sometimes I just add more to the flame.
But in cases like this I follow the maxim: "Qui tacet consentire videtur."
If you are silent and let this person behave badly then all others will see that this behaviour is in the realms of acceptableness to you and the group. For me, it is no different than allowing a bully to threaten a small kid in a school. We might have to tolerate this to have the most efficient workplace, but I prefer to optimize for justice.
(I admit, in places where I steadfastly attempt to stick to this against the wills of the group, I am a jerk.)
But in cases like this I follow the maxim: "Qui tacet consentire videtur."
If you are silent and let this person behave badly then all others will see that this behaviour is in the realms of acceptableness to you and the group. For me, it is no different than allowing a bully to threaten a small kid in a school. We might have to tolerate this to have the most efficient workplace, but I prefer to optimize for justice.
(I admit, in places where I steadfastly attempt to stick to this against the wills of the group, I am a jerk.)