Man Who Exposed Flaws Gets Probation

The man who exposed serious security flaws in airport security was « sentenced to probation this week »:

‘A college student who says he hid box cutters on airplanes to expose weaknesses in security was sentenced Thursday to two years supervised probation and fined $500. Nathaniel Heatwole also must serve 100 hours of community service and reimburse his parents for up to $500 in legal expenses. Heatwole, 21, of Damascus, Md., told U.S. District Judge Paul Grimm that his intentions were constructive and he never meant to embarrass security officials or put anyone in any danger. But the judge said Heatwole’s actions “produced an opposite effect.” The best way to bring about change is “civilly, rationally, and openly,” Grimm told the student.’

Shame on that activist judge. They should give Heatwole a medal … and jail the people who failed to provide good security at the airports and aboard the ‘planes.