Man, fearing terrorists, fires at helicopter.

CNN ^ | July 20, 2002 | Associated Press

[TigersEye]

Okay, did a freeper do this? I have some in mind who might do this. Actually a heli in my neighborhood would unnerve me but I don't think I would shoot at it.

I'd like to shoot at helicopters...but I refrain. Funny, I'm a semi-retired construction worker too. Hmmm.

Seriously though, even though I would agree with everybody here that this sounds really really bad the local authories did fine the helicopter pilot for reckless flying so maybe the guy did have reason to get a little excited about it. Just not that excited.

Remember, FReepers, don't shoot 'til you see the whites of their eyes.

[stainlessbanner]

The same kind of idiot who would fly a commercial helicopter into a residential neighborhood to pick up a customer, then lie to authorities that he had a mechanical malfunction

Exactly! We had a case in FL where county officials were investigating a man for running a business out of his property. The officials flew their helicopter at a low altitude over his place and started taking pictures. He came out with a rifle in hand and pointed it at the aircraft.

They hauled him off to court, but he walked out b/c they flew too low - in illegal airspace for residential zoning. He had pictures and took the altitude from the scope on his rifle, I believe.

[SamBees]

This mans reaction is not unlike the stock market profssionals reaction to the news. They are all spooked and ready to respond.

This man does not need to be prosecuted. He should be sent to get some psychological help for his paranoia. Is he to blame when the media/government complex feeds America a steady diet of fear?

[PsyOp]

It wasn't even a black helicopter! What was this guy thinking? If I we're him, I'd use the "Post Alien Abduction Stress Syndrom" defense, and claim that I thought they were coming to give me another anal probe. He might get off on an insanity plea.

[Redbob]

"Remember what Justice Louis Brandeis said: The greatest danger to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding."

I think he was referring to folks like John Ashcroft...

[Twodees]

I think he was referring to folks like John Ashcroft...

Naw, Ashcroft doesn't mean well at all and he understands perfectly what he's doing. I've never agreed with that Brandeis quote because he's giving politicians an excuse for their crimes. The bastards are not well-meaning idiots, they're idiots bearing evil intent.