[MatrixMetaphore]

This makes me sick. I've researched this a great deal and discovered that he can be charged with various other violations. This is an abuse of power. Ugh!

[Fierce Allegiance]

Welcome to FR.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I feel so much safer now.

[antiRepublicrat]

"We'll only use the PATRIOT Act against terrorists."

I didn't believe it then, and I certainly don't believe it now. This is what happens when you give a government more power.

[End Times Sentinel]

He's an idiot, not a terrorist.  This is not what the Act was intended for.

 

Owl_Eagle

[dsc]

"We take the alleged actions of Mr. Banach very seriously, and we will not condone lying to federal agents," U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie said."

This is a way to attack the 5th amendment through the back door.

It's very close to making "failure to confess" a crime.

[JohnnyZ]

This makes me sick. I've researched this a great deal and discovered that he can be charged with various other violations.

I agree, he should be charged with all those other violations too. I can't believe they're going easy on him!!!

[ladtx]

How do you use a laser to look at the stars?

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Trying to crash planes is terrorism.

Prosecuting him sounds appropriate to me.

[MEG33]

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nj/publicaffairs/NJ_Press/files/pdffiles/banachcomplaint0104.pdf

Here is the Criminal Complaint

[Pylot]

Well here is the first example of the prosecution of a citizen under a law created and allegedly reserved for terrorists.

Pure BS.

[Servant of the 9]

The man is guilty of "Felony Stupid" he ought to be charged with every single charge possible.

If he had dropped a 747 into New York City, the same people who think he is being picked on would want to lynch him.
The only reason it didn't happen was his incompetence, and that is a damned poor defense.

SO9

[MacDorcha]

Actualyl, pre-9/11 it was considered a criminal act to interfere with a pilot in any way.

Just FYI.

[neocon1984]

So, this fella was just having a good time, and deserves no punishment for his behavior?

He jeopardized the safety of the pilots and passengers. He also engaged in an act that terrorists use to triangulate the distance of a plane in order to shoot it down.

The difference between radical Libertarians and Democrats is that the latter have no principles. The former have STUPID principles.

[steveegg]

Banach's lawyer, Gina Mendola-Longarzo, said her client was using the laser to look at stars with his daughter when the plane was hit by the beam.

Do I file this lame excuse under "B" for Bravo Sierra, or "U" for Unbelievable Bravo Sierra?

[Psycho_Bunny]

This is an abuse of power. Ugh!

Is it?  How do you know?  What are all the facts of the case?  Can he prove he was with his daughter?  A telescope with a laser sight is a pretty serious piece of equipment--does he actually own one?  What star was he looking at that he was able to hit the eyes of the pilot of an approaching aircraft?  What are the circumstances of the lie the FBI states the suspect told?  Why did a Grand Jury indict the suspect?

Since your a n00b, you should know that most people here expect conclusions based on facts from posters.

[ezo4]

Once is an accident, three times? The guy either as intent or is a total moron with possible disastrous consequences. Throw the jerk in jail for awhile and fine the heck out of him.

[RexBeach]

Surely this schmuck can be charged with something else?

You know, reckless endangerment, contributory negligence...something other than the Patriot Act. Yes?

[freepatriot32]

Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.

Yeah the patriot act will only be used against terrorist to keep americans safer.Like how they prosucuted paypal.com for allowing net gambling payments and how they charged that new york gangbanger under the patriot act and nowthis guy. and this is under republicans just wait until the dims win the white house you havent even begun to see abuse of power yet.This is all just a warm up