Talk:Amon/@comment-71.234.208.124-20120604010518/@comment-98.200.164.35-20120604085706

Yes, he actually HAS said that his goal is to get rid of beinding everywhere, and permanently. That is (one of ) his ultimate goal(s): "The era of bending is over." He didn't put any qualifier on that. He wants to get rid of benders AS benders forever. The creators have confirmed that, pretty much.

Moreover, when he says he "only" threatens those who "get in his way" that's just to KEEP them from getting in his way. He wants to instill fear in people that they could be next, but hope that he'll spare them if they stand aside. It's a classic tactic of totalitarian regimes and bullies worldwide: keep people thinking about their own immediate safety, and keep their eyes of the larger implications of your actions: keep them afraid and keep them out of your way. He knows he doesn't have enough power now to resist a mass united front of benders. In fact, he pretty much told Korra that.

He's not being lenient, he's just being smart.