Over the years in these pages I defended the TSA and their security measures taken in the wake of September 11th. I felt most of standards and procedures were reasonable based on the moronic twisted rules (No profiling for one) the TSA is forced to work under.

That was until I saw this video:


( Read more... )

According to David Nickle's Blog, Judge Adair saw fit to spare Peter Watts any jail time. Mr. Watts himself wrote in his blog, "I. Am. Coming home." This lack of jail time is conditional on Mr. Watts paying $1700 and change in fines and costs.

I would love to offer more details, but the person who was going to attend in my place had to cancel at ( Read more... )

Kennedy Space Center, FL - Peter Watt's was found guilty of assaulting US Customs and Border Protection officer Andrew Beaudry. He will be sentenced on April 26. There are a few loose ends that need tying up so let's get started.

The Port Huron paper was the only news organization that actually showed up in person to listen watch and report the ( Read more... )

The jury is back. They found Peter Watts Guilty. More details as they come.
Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.
- Saint Augustine

Cordell, GA - The jury went home for the night without reaching a decision. Tomorrow they will start again.

Times Herald: UPDATED: No verdict in Watts case

I might be home in a couple hours or so.

On the road again...
- Willie Nelson

Macon, GA - An acquaintance I made at the trial is kindly keeping me updated. The jury asked to see the video tape again. This was allowed.

Then they asked to take the video to the jury room where they could review it and still frame it. The judge refused that request explaining that it would be conducting an investigation. This is proper because ( Read more... )

Chattanooga, TN - Just heard form the someone in the court room. The jury has the case. There is more to write about the case, but I have to drive.

Times Herald Reporter Liz Shepard did an outstanding job of nailing the facts while staying neutral in story covering the first day of the trial. I recommend following her coverage to the end. Here are ( Read more... )

Port Huron, MI - The majority of today went toward jury selection. Another hour went toward instructing that jury in what their duties are, the rules about discussing the trial with anyone, reading about it or listening to news reports. The judge detailed the elements of the law Peter Watts is charged with breaking. He told the jurors that Watts ( Read more... )

Port Huron, MI - A jury is now seated. Out of the 34 that answered the jury summons, there are now 13 jurors seated, 12 jurors and one alternate. Three failed to answer that summons and will be answering to the court. The voir dire process took up the morning ending a little after 12:30. While it was tedious, it is also comforting to see that each ( Read more... )

Port Huron, MI - The fates allowed me to witness Peter Watts' trial. Once the proceedings are over I will sit and start writing. My goal is to give an unvarnished account of the trial. After which I may or may not post my own thoughts and feelings on the matter.

It will be interesting to see if Cory Doctorow shows up. He helped make Dr. Watts' ( Read more... )