What freedom did anyone give up in this case? The freedom to glue a toy robot to a cement pedestal without having it subsequently blown up? I'm okay with giving up that particular freedom.
100 yards? Did they think it was an atomic bomb?
It should be my choice if I'm to pass a toy robot glued to the road. Besides, just wack the thing with a .50 cal, and see what it does. Either way, the obstruction doesn't last as long.
Do you remember the panic caused the the LED sign that I seem to recall looked like Pokey-Man? Same big deal. There are more people who like to play than blow others to bits. I grew up when Americans had the balls to take life day-by-day without pissing in their pants over pranks.
I'd prefer to give my fellows the benifit of the doubt and leave the cowering to others. I trust my fellow Americans. The younger set seems to PC chickens.