Remember when you could act this stupid and just get a talking to?

Question

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1035257&format=text

An irritable passenger reportedly offended by security questions was arraigned today on charges he told Logan Airport officials he was an al-Qaeda terrorist here to “blow things up.”

Ermyas Asfaw, 27, of Washington, D.C., posted $1,500 cash bail after pleading innocent in East Boston District court to a single charge of false communication of an explosive device.

Massport officials tell the Herald Asfaw had a ticket on his bag from Dubai of the United Arab Emirates and security began asking him questions Saturday night.

Answer 1

I don't remember any point in my lifetime (35 years or so) where you could "make a joke" about blowing up a plane at an airport and not get arrested.

I never had a probelm with that policy, and post 9-11, there is just no defense for that behavior.

Answer 2

no I don't actually... I remember a threat in a public place always being seen as a threat.

But who knows... I may be younger than you are.

This story makes me feel so glad I no longer travel out of Logan, though.

Answer 3

I think a 1500 fine was too easy on him. I take these things very seriously. He is lucky he made it to court at all.

Answer 4

While you celebrate this, remember that they're doing all this to a jackass (I'll give you that) using your money.
You're paying for a security guard to keep you safe and he could have dismissed a harmless jackass or prosecuted him wasting valuable resources. He decided to go for it because it's not his money. He just wanted to punish the jackass for not taking him seriously.

I wouldn't feel safe with that guy in charge of security.

Answer 5

We live in a world where that joke isn't so funny anymore.

Answer 6

I feel much safer at the airport now.