TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
TIA Passenger Had Box Cutter In Hollowed-Out Book
Photo provided by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
A security officer at Tampa International Airport found a box cutter hidden in a hollowed-out book on Sunday.
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Published: February 20, 2008
TAMPA - A 21-year-old Clearwater man was arrested at Tampa International Airport this weekend after security personnel found a box cutter in a hollowed-out book, authorities said.
Benjamin Baines Jr.
If convicted, Baines faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for a federal charge of attempting to board an airplane with a concealed dangerous weapon. He is currently serving a 30 day
sentence after pleading guilty Monday to a state misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
About 7:30 a.m. Sunday, airport security ran Benjamin Baines Jr.'s backpack through an X-ray machine and saw the image of a box cutter, according to a report from the Transportation Security Administration.
When searching the backpack, a security officer found a book titled "Fear Itself." The book was hollowed out, and the box cutter was inside.
After Baines was read his rights, he said his cousin had cut away the pages to make the hollow section in the book. Later, reports state, he said he had hollowed it out himself to hide money and marijuana from his roommates.
Baines told officers he was moving to Las Vegas and forgot the cutter was in the book.
Officers found books in the backpack titled "Muhammad in the Bible," "The Prophet's Prayer" and "The Noble Qur'an." He also had a copy of the Quran and the Bible.
Several sheets of paper in the backpack included rap lyrics that referred to police, narcotics, weapons and killing. Baines told officers he is a rapper who writes his own lyrics and that rap music writers need to "play the part," the report states.
Officers performed a background check and found no record of crimes or active warrants.
He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and booked into Orient Road Jail. At his first appearance in court Monday, Baines pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, according to an employee with the Hillsborough County clerk of court. He remained in Orient Road Jail today.
The U.S. Attorney's Office also filed a federal charge of attempting to board an aircraft with a concealed dangerous weapon. The federal charge against Baines was filed Sunday but was not announced until today, said Steve Cole, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa.
Cole said Baines will be arrested by U.S. marshals upon his release from jail on the state charge.
Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.
Reader Comments
Posted by ( northfla ) on February 20, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Am I missing something here. He plead guilty and got thirty days but he hasn't been charged.
How much time would he have gotten if he had been charged?
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Posted by ( kayman88 ) on February 20, 2008 at 12:55 p.m.
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Posted by ( rfez ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Charged by state for thirty days. But not federal charges yet, Homeland security.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
So, let's see..... You're at an airport, ready to board a flight with: a carved out book, a box cutter, a number of books including the Qu'ran and one about Muhammed...... Seems like just a strange coincidence, huh Benjamin?
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Posted by ( northfla ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Well if that's the case, I hope you get more than thirty days for the possibility of taking down an airliner!
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Posted by ( Zipnby ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
30 days??? Should be 30 years!!!
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Home boy trying to be a terrorist.
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Posted by ( apmatssim ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Typical Thug.
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Posted by ( GF ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
thatguyfl82 & Ziggy, "he said he had hollowed it out himself to hide money and marijuana from his roommates." One of your buds? Pardon the pun.
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Posted by ( luvco ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:21 p.m.
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Posted by ( lindey1 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ok so the young man can read, which not many people today do, he had a box cutter not a bomb, why is it that when you mix muhamed with anything it derives terrorism, the guy forget he had a box cutter, I doubt very much this young man intended to do harm to anyone, a simple mistake.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
lindey1 - remember that little event that happened on 9/11/2001? Yeah the murderers were Muslims with box-cutters. If you are joking then ha-ha.
If not then you're a naive half-wit.
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Posted by ( cromano123 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The box cutter was used to cut the pages out to hide the weed and whatever. He could be studying to be a muslim like many African Americans. Chances are, he GUILTY. Guilty of being a moron.
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Posted by ( Jasmine501 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
In this day and age, lindey1, you can't make a "simple mistake" like that one. Laws are laws for a reason and only an idiot would make a "simple mistake" like carrying a boxcutter in a hollowed out book.
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Posted by ( cherrylynn18 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why does everyone blame "muslims"? It was Muslin EXTREEMISTS that attacked. There are Christian extreemists out there too you know. This guy was an idiot for bringing a box cutter in the airport, no doubt. Reading a Quran AND/OR a Bible does not make him a terrorist. He was probably too high to remember he left the box cutter in the book.
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Posted by ( picogator ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
lindey1 - "a simple mistake"?!? Under WHAT rock have you been living for the past 6 1/2 years?
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Posted by ( Hankisright ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
lindey1 you would be singing a different tune if you were sitting next to him on a flight.
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Posted by ( GF ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
GONASA, Ditto here.
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Posted by ( avent37 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
lindey1, you are as much of idiot as the box cutter dude!!! 30 days should be min of 10yrs, everybody knows the rules they have been blasted every where. The problem with this country they don't use people as examples of what will happen, thye just slap on the hand and say don't do this again....there is NO EXCUSE for this incident !!!!!
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cherrylynn18 - First you spelled extremists wrong - twice. secondly while it is true that not all Muslims are terrorists, most terrorists ARE muslim.
I can't believe in this day and age, with a incident that mirrors in some ways what happened on 9/11 that you could say something so stupid.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why is it that so many women are here defnding Muslim terrorists? All they want to do is wrap you up in a Burkah and slap the crap out of you.
Of course if you want to set women's rights back 500 years and get treated like cattle...that's your business.
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Posted by ( DarthSilverstein ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is a simple case of profiling. If he were a white college man with a box cutter hidden in a bible, he would have been let go. If you're "brown" you go "down".
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Posted by ( angrywhiteman ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Muslims are at war with us. Some uninformed people say Muslims are the same as us (Christians, Hindu, atheists, etc). Do a little research and really understand the religion and you will be quite surprised how UN-peaceful this peaceful religion is. Bottom line: #1 sin in the religion is not to be a believer, which is punishable with death. Anyone the does not believe is an infidel.....not all will kill in the name of Islam, but those that don't will do there part with silence.
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Posted by ( cherrylynn18 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
GONASA- Thank you for correcting my spelling. I am a bad speller. Please tell me where what I put was "stupid"? I, like you, am trying to make a point that people need to stop blaming Muslims for the terror. I agree 100% that, yes, most of the acts are from Muslim extremists. But when people put out there that "it's the Muslims fault" it looks bad on the Muslim community and causes strife for those people in the Muslim community who preach about nothing except Peace.
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Posted by ( OPTIMUSPRIME ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
THIS IS PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME YOU CAN SAY, THANK GOD HE WAS BLACK....IF THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A MIDDLE EASTERN GUY W/ A TURBAN ON- HE WOULD HAVE HAD 6 WARNING SHOTS IN HIS BACK...
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cherrylynn18 - It's true, there are a lot of Christian extreeeemists. That's why I don't hang out at abortion clinics anymore, even though it's a great way to meet loose women.....
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Posted by ( cherrylynn18 ) on February 20, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm not loose. The only man I have ever been with is my husband. I had an abortion because he wasn't ready to be a parent.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:16 p.m.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
DarthSilverstein - You're not serious, are you? How is this a case of racial profiling?
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Posted by ( 1madvet ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
He looks like Obama's brother.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
GONASA - It is amazing how we can completely disagree one day and then completely agree the next. You are completely right on this subject. Folks, I don't care if it is profiling, If that is what it takes to be safe from these Muslim radical, then I am all for it! Gonasa- this is a great example of a radical religion which a lot of us are NOT a part of!!!
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Posted by ( patty42 ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I some dumb kid would hollow out a book for what ever reason, why carry around the box cutter in the book and not money and other things. That cutter was there for a purpose. A slap on the wrist is not enough. Wake UP
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with most of the posters here. WHen we start letting things like this slide, we're only setting ourselves up for another 9/11. Who knows, maybe this guy was just hiding dope. But how do we know that he's not involved with terrorism and maybe this was just a test to see if he could get the box cutter through?
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Posted by ( Just_a_Guy ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:36 p.m.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cshultz110 - I think, (I don't know you so I can't say for sure) that you agree with me BECAUSE of your faith.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Just_a_Guy - I know it was brought up (as a joke), but please don't bring your religious beliefs about abortion into this forum - it's about a guy bringing a box cutter on to a plane......
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Posted by ( rwiebler ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
we should be racial profiling!!!
I'm sick of seeing 85 year old ladies being screened at the fxxing airports. THIS PC SHXT IS GETTING REAL OLD!!!!
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
GONASA - Actually in this case, I agree with you because it makes sense and am not interested in dying yet! :) I may believe in heaven and GOD but it doesn't mean I am in a big hurry to get there anytime soon. lol I think it is prudent to protect ALL Americans and if that is the best way to do it, I am all for it.
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Posted by ( Shadow59 ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
He can't write rap songs without a criminal record. He was just looking for some street cred. About 30 years in prison should do it.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on February 20, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
rwiebler - I couldn't agree with you more. I am 35 and am completely sick of the PC stuff myself. As a teacher it sickens me to see what people get away with today because of fear and Political Correctness.
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Posted by ( szamp ) on February 20, 2008 at 3 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The guy's profile is exactly what I imagine of someone who could repeat 9/11. As far as being a racist for not agreeing with muslims. I didn't know Islam was a race. In this case, conversion to Islam is impossible. People can't change races.
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Posted by ( DarthManhandle ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
He is a member of the Nation of Islam and he is friends of Barack Obama.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.
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Posted by ( deerslayer ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:21 p.m.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh this guys a real genius. Should be locked up if for nothing else stupidity..
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Posted by ( szamp ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I also have box cutters but I don't keep them hidden inside a book right next to the Quran when I'm about to get on a plane. What are you implying? Should black men be allowed to take box cutters inside books on planes?
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
LATINKINGS - He is not being persecuted because of having a box cutter or a book. It is because he tried to smuggle one IN a book onto an AIRPLANE!!! De-ta-de The fact that he held a koran probably didn't help much either. He is a moron.
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Posted by ( deerslayer ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
PEOPLE REMEMBER THAT THEY USED BOX CUTTERS TOO HIJACK THE 9/11 PLANES. JESUS CHRIST, HE'S JUST PLAIN STUPID,THAT SHOULD BE GROUNDS FOR IMPRISONMENT BY ITSELF.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
LATINKINGS - What set you claimin' holmes? Box cutters in the house, like you said - no big deal. But in a hollowed out book on an airplane? He reads alright - Muslim brain-washing material. I am sure that the people that had their throats slit with box cutters on the planes that slammed into the World Trade Center would disagree with you moron.
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Posted by ( sherri77 ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
And they say you can't be arrested for being stupid. This guy proved them wrong.
Got to run, I can't remember where I left my box cutter and I'm flying tomorrow. Oops
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sherri, check the hollowed out part of your TV Guide
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I prefer to keep my box cutter in my hollowed-out copy of "Terrorism for Dummies"......
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open. And it's not because of the guy in the article. It's because of the people posting that just don't get the significance of somebody trying to get on an airplane with a box cutter! Do you really not understand why that is a big deal? And the fact he had it hidden in a book? And not to mention the other books he had with him? Are you really that ignorant? Surely not!
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Posted by ( chillyb ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
omg. some of these comments are just so...."typical". "that little event-9/11" yah right. are these the same ppl responsible for enabling the past 8 yr's of tyranny, law-breaking, and countless # of untold criminal acts? but yet, ya get all up in arms over a little friggin box cutter? get your priorities straight for the sake of our Nation. PLEEEEASE WAKE THE EFF UP AND TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S GOING ON IN "REAL" WORLD.
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
chillyb, are you saying that "a little friggin box cutter" is nothing to worry about? I'm flabbergasted.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on February 20, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
hey chilly, say what you mean!
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Posted by ( chillyb ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
i would LOVE to...but don't have that kind of time at the moment. and i didn't mean to minimize the box cutter. what i should of said, is something to the effect of. quite a few consumer items bought in a store can be used as a "weapon". ie: i've seen someone stabbed in the eye with a pen. yes, he shouldn't have had on him, and was caught.
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Posted by ( VoiceOfReason71 ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Story Angle 1 - This is a dumb pothead that wanted to see how far he could get through airport security.
Story Angle 2 - This is a typical Islamofascist, and yes I do know that the term is redundant.
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Posted by ( bcchiang ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"thatguyfl82 & Ziggy, "he said he had hollowed it out himself to hide money and marijuana from his roommates." One of your buds? Pardon the pun."
Probably one of your old buds from back in the day GF!
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes, there are many consumer items that could be used as a weapon. My young cousin had finernail clippers taken at an airport and we got a kick out of it. BUT, fingernail clippers were not used on 9/11! And she didn't try to hide them in a book like this guy! That's a big difference. You have to sit back and look at the whole picture here.
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Posted by ( DarthSilverstein ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:12 p.m.
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Posted by ( sayitaintso ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
at least the creeners at TIA caught this one.... remember a few weeks ago CNN and TIA officials snuck a fake bomb through and they didn't even search the guy properly....... guess TIA was paying attention this time.
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Posted by ( tonyv426 ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:19 p.m.
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Posted by ( chillyb ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
how do u know he "tried to hide them" ???
isn't it possible, if not PROBABLE, that he FORGOT about it?
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Posted by ( jviars ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Everyone is always in a hurry to put them away for life. There are innocent people out there who make mistakes. Someone said he broke the law so he should get thirty years.... Speeding is a law that people break on purpose. Im just saying people make mistakes. Not saying he shouldn't be punished but homeland security should look into it further and figure it out.
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Posted by ( TnC ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey, how about a nice hand for the security agent at TIA....Considering that TIA has a bad history of failing security measures.
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Posted by ( tonyv426 ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Isnt it possible, if not PROBABLE...that your going to the airport, so you double check to make sure you dont have anything crazy? I mean, if he knew he used that book to hide his weed...thats definately not something you want to bring into the airport either...so dont you check that book? C'mon....
Now i'm not an out doorsman or a contractor...but it would be more PROBABLE that he "forgot" the boxcutter was in his bookbag, because thats the same bag he brings to work everyday...or brings camping. Thats PROBABLE and a decent excuse. But having it inside a carved out book? hahahah YEAAAAA RIGHT!
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
chillyb, I do think there's a possiblity that he just forgot about them. But looking at the whole picture: the way it was hidden and the other books he had, I just don't know. I do know that I don't want the government saying, "He PROBABLY did forget, just let it go." That's setting ourselves up for another 9/11.
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Posted by ( jviars ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
You use a boxcutter to cut open and roll blunts. Big deal it was in his weed case. i don't get high but some people do and they usually arent very violent when they are high.
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Posted by ( Quagmire ) on February 20, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
chillyb, code pink called, they said they received your membership application.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on February 20, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
jviars - It is a "big deal" when you TRY TO BOARD A COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE WITH IT........
What in the Hell is wrong with you??
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Posted by ( rvrvwmom ) on February 20, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
So the truth is that we don't know what the guy was thinking...He could have had the worst intentions, or he could have simply forgotten that he hid the boxcutter in the hollowed out book (though I doubt it). Probably, it was something in the middle - either an attention-getting stunt or simmple stupidity. But it all comes down to the fact that we don't know. In this day and age, and considering the similarities to past events, it should be taken extremely seriously. It needs to be investigated to the fullest. It may turn out to be nothing, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 20, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Exactly, rvrvwmom. Better to be safe than sorry.
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Posted by ( Landsturm ) on February 20, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This guy looks more like Jamie Fox than a terrorist, Just uses the "Good Book" to hide his weed, and the blade to cut it up with - NAW...NO WAY HE COULD BE A TERRORIST...JUST A BUNCH A WHITE FOLK TRY'IN TO KEEP THE BROWN MAN DOWN...I'M SURE HE JES FORGOT HE HAD BROUGHT A BOOK THAT SMELLS LIKE POT TO THE AIRPORT WITH A KNIFE IN IT...NOT HIS FAULT...NOW WHAT 'BOUT THOSE NICE YOUNG MEN FROM THE USF.....I'M SURE THEY WAS JUST KIDDING....
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Posted by ( Reality ) on February 20, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I've got a box cutter in my toolbox in the garage. In a million years I wouldn't think of keeping it in a hollowed out book. And I certainly wouldn't ever be so stupid/dumb to bring a box cutter in an oh so unclever hiding place to the airport. This guy is a turkey.
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Posted by ( 5thGenTampaBay ) on February 20, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
yes, but would you hide your toolbox inside a hollowed out turkey? THAT is the question!
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Posted by ( 5thGenTampaBay ) on February 20, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
man! that aint no *box* cutter... thats my *weed* cutter!
uh, can i go?
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Posted by ( bm1976 ) on February 20, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
They need to fry him along with Mr. Ahmed Mohamed & his buddy!
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on February 20, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe he left the blade there so the weed could protect itself
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Posted by ( lstgrps ) on February 20, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cherrylynn18 -- I know of know christian extremists who have hijacked any planes lately.
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Posted by ( GF ) on February 20, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
bcchiang , Way too young.
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Posted by ( marymcq ) on February 20, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
To northfla, he got 30 days for carrying a concealed weapon, he still has to go to trial for attempting to board a plane with a concealed weapon, that can get him 10 yrs, but something tells me he won't, even though he had books on Muhammed, and the Koran, what else was he going to do with a concealed box cutter on a plane, I don't buy the, "Oh, I forgot it was there" BS. This could have turned out real bad, question is, who's next?
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Posted by ( marymcq ) on February 21, 2008 at midnight ( Suggest removal )
To the people who think that this guy made a mistake, you are deluding yourself, makeing a mistake is like leaving nail clippers in your bag, why, oh why, would someone need to bring a hollowed book aboard with a box cutter in it, why wasn't it with his luggage? Unfortunately we have to have 0 tolerance to this kind of behavior, too many lives are at stake, and if that means hurting someone's feelings or haveing them arrested, then so be it, at least everyone on that plane was safe regardless. We must not forget 9/11, as far as him being black, if you look at one of the hi jackers, I'm not sure of his name, he was black, color doesn't matter thought, black, white, brown, purple, yellow, YOU CAN NOT BOARD A PLANE WITH ANY KIND OF WEAPON.
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Posted by ( marymcq ) on February 21, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To Latinkings, do you take those box cutters on air planes? I didn't think so, if you do, why? No one needs a box cutter on a plane, nor does anyone need to hide one in a hollowed out book, why not just put it with the rest of his things, he meant to do this, I'm sorry if he is black, he did what he did.
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Posted by ( woods01 ) on February 21, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If this were a white male he'd of gotten the maxium penalty allowed by law. We're in 2008 people, affirmative action works everywhere. It keeps whites out of jobs, and blacks out of trouble.
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Posted by ( jaden ) on February 21, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
THIS IS FOR APMATSSIM DO YOU REFER TO EVERY AFRICAN AMERICAN AS A THUG BECAUSE YOU REFERED TO THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS AS THUGS AS WELL AS THIS GUY DAMM WHAT ARE YOU?
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Posted by ( angrywhiteman ) on February 21, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Muslims are at war with us. Some uninformed people say Muslims are the same as us (Christians, Hindu, atheists, etc). Do a little research; Islam is a religion of HATE.. Bottom line: #1 sin in the religion is not to be a believer, which is punishable with death. Anyone the does not believe is an infidel.....not all will kill in the name of Islam, but those that don't will do there part with silence. This guy is a nut case or terrorist. Really makes me angry to hear some defend people who want us dead!!!! AWM
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on February 21, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
angrywhiteman, you stated that Muslims are at war with us. That would kind of indicate that we were at war with them. Could you please explain where you read that, heard that, or who told you that. I'm sure President Bush and the Congress and Senate would be interested in that news update. It might even make the morning news. Where did you get that information? Please share it with us. How did you get this information before even the government was able to uncover it?
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Posted by ( bruce8675309 ) on February 21, 2008 at 3:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"angrywhiteman, you stated that Muslims are at war with us. That would kind of indicate that we were at war with them. Could you please explain where you read that, heard that, or who told you that. I'm sure President Bush and the Congress and Senate would be interested in that news update. It might even make the morning news. Where did you get that information? Please share it with us. How did you get this information before even the government was able to uncover it?"
It's all laid out in the koran - read the book, interpreting it literally as "they" do.
Just because we are (yet) at war with koranic islam doesn't mean that koranic islam isn't already at war with us...
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Posted by ( bruce8675309 ) on February 21, 2008 at 3:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Correction: Just because we are NOT (yet) at war with koranic islam doesn't mean that koranic islam isn't already at war with us...
(Apparently the "preview comment" posts the comment unconditionally...)
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on February 21, 2008 at 5:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was of the impression that by population there are more muslims in the world than christians. Most of Asia, the middle east, and most African countries all practice the religeon of Islam. Saudi Arabia as well as Turkey are primarily Muslum countries and they are our allies in Iraq. Muslum isn't a nationality or country, it's a religeon. Are you saying that the US should go to war with or is at war with a religeon? If so do we single out Muslims in a particular country or all of them or maybe whole continents and do we include our allies who are also Muslim? Many Muslims live in this country. Are you aware that they serve in our military? You seem all excited about hating someone and going to war with them but I don't think you know who to vent your hatred at.
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Posted by ( CLD ) on February 21, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
J A C K A S S!!
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Posted by ( byrdfangur ) on February 21, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am so sick of the word racial profiling. If the shoe fits!!! It was "muslim terrorists" who attacked us on 9/11, so hey lets look at everyone, lets look at the all races and ethnic backgrounds, because everyone knows that there are so many terrorists that are oriental, and Mexican. I think catholic priests have even been know to set off road side bombs, but don't you look at a middle eastern man or his lawyer will file a suit against you. If an eye witness sees a caucasian rob a bank do you think they are going to put out an apb on everyone? No!!! You have to narrow your leads. It's not profiling, it is just detective skills 101.
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Posted by ( CLD ) on February 21, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Let's elect another terrorist is "2008". NO TO OSAMA.....I mean OBAMA.
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Posted by ( Wolfman63 ) on February 21, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
How do you forget you a taken a smuggling book with you. This was done on purpose, throw a non hollowed book at him.
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Posted by ( subaqueous ) on February 21, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Kudos to security. Not a lot of facts, but this guy is either a poser thug (which we have too many of now) or an actual thug (which we have too many of now). Feds - do your stuff.
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Posted by ( dredrerayray ) on February 21, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yeah, I usually put my box cutter in a toolbox.
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Posted by ( Luna ) on February 21, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Does anyone else find it interesting that he had much more reading material than could be used on a flight to Las Vegas? I know you don't read things cover to cover but I doubt that material was even intended for use. It's almost like he was trying to see what would happen if he carried those items in combination. If you had malicious intent I doubt further you'd take any Muslim materials at all.
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Posted by ( 1madvet ) on February 21, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To sum this all up, he was a decoy. Five other terrorist got on the plane during all of the excitment.
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Posted by ( FreakyLynx ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's more than just about one idiot testing security, it sets a precedent. And that creates a slide into lax security if you just give a slap on the wrist to this moron. I also don't doubt that if he's prosecuted he'll claim he's being persecuted because of his reading material - it all sounds like a test of our security and then our laws.
Maybe he didn't have bad intentions but that's moot. The fact remains that he tried to bring a boxcutter (quite a few users don't seem to see the significance of that choice) onto a plane. He also brought quite a bit of Muslim reading material. Sounds to me like a stunt to test what would happen, so my thoughts are - put him away for the maximum sentence. Make him an example. And not because he accidentally almost brought on a plane, because he went out of his way to sneak a weapon on a plane - that's what we know. If it was his weed box, where's the weed? Where's the money? How do you leave the boxcutter but neither of the other two? When you're boarding a plane?
If he is that stupid then we all benefit from putting him away, if he knew what he was doing - same outcome, put him away for the sake of the rest of us.
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Posted by ( username ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
who paid for the airplane ticket?
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Posted by ( FyreFox ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You know, all the people who are saying that this was a simple mistake and he was being profiled and that it REALLY wasn't a big deal that conveniently "forgot" he had a box cutter in a hallowed out book that he JUST packed would have probably been the FIRST in line to SUE the airlines and security companies for MILLIONS if that man had boarded the flight and caused harm. And even if he didn't and it was found out later that this was on the plane, they would still get sued for what COULD have happened. Either way the airlines and feds will not win. Thankfully they are going with the "rather be safe than sorry" state of mind instead of the "f*ck it" state of mind.
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Posted by ( ron ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There is no slap on this wrist here. He plead out on a State misdemeanor charge. When he gets out he will arrested by the US Marshall, on Federal Charges. This is far from a wrist slap and far from being over.
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Posted by ( CaptBlasto ) on February 21, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Take note: The only thing we have to Fear is "Fear Itself" the title of the hollowed out book,very interesting.This in itself is self-explanatory in the Sick minds of the power based terrorist(I.E. the book contained tools for production of fear) is a joke on words (Winston Churchills). In my opinion IF this was Not a test for future attempts,it would/could have EASILY been a Single persons attempt to commit Jihad if not apprehended as he was . Good thing we don't know what the results were. In my opinion Life in prison is to good for him. Death by Pigpen would be appropriate.Show them the same love they show infidels.May he and all like him burn/suffer in Hell's fire forever.
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Posted by ( BobbyG ) on February 21, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Follow the lead, who are his friends, where does he hang out, check his email, see who he corresponds with. Check his phone records, check the library, be on this guy like white on rice. If the FBI isn't doing this stuff, then we have learned nothing since 9/11.
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Posted by ( jeepwonder ) on February 21, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sherry, Christians get arrested in some countries. For doing things like smuggling Bibles, attending unauthorized churches... when that's what Muslims get arrested for, those peaceful non violent kinds of acts, then compare the two! Until then, what terrorists do identifies them as a group. Unless Muslims take these people to task they will be tarred with the same brush. If I were a muslim, and truly believed it was a religion of peace, I'd be shouting the loudest.
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Posted by ( eternalrsx ) on February 21, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't even need to comment on this... but I will. I'm someone who think too many people are labled terrorists these days but this guy is a potential terrorist and should be treated like one. So he hallowed out a book to stash weed and money, then why take this book with him on a plane, and why place a boxcutter in it unless your plans are to attempt to hijack a plane and cause someone harm. Carrying muslim books or not anyone trying to get on a plane with a knife of any sort hidden in a book, well it screams terrorist. It's not like a pocket knife you forgot in your pocket. This was a concealed weapon and the attempt to conceal was conspicuous, glad this one got caught with all the security problems lately.
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Posted by ( joeyg ) on February 21, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What a POS this thug is.
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Posted by ( ahabdearab ) on February 21, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
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Posted by ( pinkus ) on February 21, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Perfect for some street cred. A little time in the grey bar hotel, with all its conveniences, and he'll come out angrier, Muslimer (Islamer?), and bow-legged. I hope Rap is still marketable in ten years.
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Posted by ( ahabdearab ) on February 21, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
FreakyLynx, I agree with you. He wants to intentionally get caught with his religious reading material and the box cutter so CAIR can file a lawsuit (like all good Muslims do when they are trying to erode our safety net). They will get a ruling by some liberal Judge that says only Muslims can carry box cutters with them on airplanes and if TSA questions them or attempts to take the box cutters away at the security check point they will be accused of profiling and discriminating against him.
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Posted by ( cpatt58 ) on February 21, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Baines told officers he was moving to Las Vegas and forgot the cutter was in the book."
What kind of pinhead is Baines? What an idiot. Kudoes to the folks at TIA!!
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Posted by ( MeghanAM ) on February 21, 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
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Posted by ( Landsturm ) on February 21, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.
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Posted by ( chucky_1 ) on February 21, 2008 at 8:03 p.m.
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Posted by ( Landsturm ) on February 21, 2008 at 8:54 p.m.
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Posted by ( olovac ) on February 21, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Air Marshal has my full endorsement to dispatch this "gentleman" so that he may meet those Virgins with no further delay
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Posted by ( tampachick ) on February 21, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe he can be Obama's Vice President!
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Posted by ( scottybcoder ) on February 21, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What we need here is a new law.
If your so stupid you don't seem human, the humans get to stone you.
Come to think of it, that would fit real well with teachings of the Koran.
By the way, if you don't want to answer a call to prayer being sounded out over a loud speaker in your neighborhood five times a day, you better get a copy of the Koran and read it.
Trust me. Most of what you've heard about it is pure undadulterated BS.
The Muslims don't want you to know what it says, and nobody else cares to read it.
The real trouble is that when a non-Muslim has read it and cares to tell you what it says, your not going to believe them. Because it's unbelievable.
You've got to study it for yourself.
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Posted by ( hagerty ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
if one hopes to make a good and fair judgement about the islamic population ; especially you females.... fly to spain and ferry over to morroco and begin walking south or east out of tangiers...
i spent many years over there as a young man with an open mind....i am alive because of an old german bayonette i kept in my clothing. we westerners are not protected by any laws...we are nothing to them, if we are not believers.
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Posted by ( aneye4beauty ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:05 a.m.
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Posted by ( aneye4beauty ) on February 22, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Incidentally, cheers to the security at TIA. Give that guy a raise!
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Posted by ( anymouse ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
that hole was for my weed bee ach!
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Posted by ( MrTampa ) on February 22, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
aneye4beauty - you have an eye for the TRUTH. You said it perfectly... this guy was up to no good, it could not be any more obvious. Lock his as* up and throw the book at him to the nth degree.
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Posted by ( SnowWorshipper ) on February 22, 2008 at 11:09 a.m.
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Posted by ( pokry5 ) on February 22, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think the real problem is that people try to sympathize for every person that gets caught doing something like this. Whether it be to make themselves look good for caring or being positive, I'm not sure. You don't realize there are enough people in the world that when one does something retarded like, I don't know, bring a box cutter to the airport, he/she should be an example. MAYBE then we wouldn't have the troubles we do today. Just my opinion.
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Posted by (