Blowing the Airport-Security Whistle

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No one is disputing that a 20-year-old college student smuggled box cutters, bleach and matches onto commercial flights. What is in dispute is whether he deserves praise or a jail sentence.

The student said what he did was “an act of civil disobedience with the aim of improving public safety for the air-traveling public.” The federal prosecutor calls it a crime.

Civil disobedience has an honorable place in American history, when it comes to looking back on past battles over civil rights. But does it fit as a challenge to homeland security? What it means to break a law — and risk lives — in the name of public safety.

Guests:

Louis Clark, executive director, Government Accountability Project

Douglas R. Laird, former security chief, Northwest Airlines, now aviation industry consultant

Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), senior member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.