I’d guess, in this case, imagining a wrongfully imprisoned grandma is thought to be more immoral than “just” a 50 year old. It also causes readers to imagine their own grandma in the same situation, instead of a stranger.

I really don’t think the Mooninites will see it coming, so war should be over in a week or two. I’m willing to back a nuclear bombardment of the Moon, if it will ensure that I can still watch football this weekend.