[Well, no guesses about where he's been getting his information. Still, he's not incorrect, and Lin nods shortly.]

I won't deny the ability can be abused. There's enough triad activity in Republic City to attest to that, to say nothing of Tarrlok's little stint in power.

But bending is as much a spiritual connection to our surroundings as it is a physical ability. Developing one while neglecting the other leads to imbalance. Taking away someone's bending severs both. It's as much an immense mental blow as it is physical. A part of you is gone--cut out forever. It's something reserved for those who do abuse their power--war criminals. Bloodbenders.

[She's quiet for a moment. Distant. Gathering her thoughts.] You need to know the gravity of that act before I explain about Amon.