Flight Attendant: "Disturb the Peace" & Let's Move On

The sad parts about the JetBlue fight attendant's story are that the guy spent nearly a whole day in jail and that he faces up to 7 years in prison from a variety of charges. The guy went off at work. That's understandable, according to popular reaction. He's become a sort of cult hero with some people. Click the title above for The New York Times story. It's important to note that the plane had landed, the plane had come to a stop, no one was injured, no property or other damage was done, and that no one was ever in any real danger.

Here's what should have happened and what should happen going forward:

1. JetBlue should handle his employment status privately, as is expected of a private employer, even with a public incident.
2. He should have spent only a nominal amount of time in jail, just enough to get processed before being released on bail.
3. He should be charged, at most, with disturbing the peace. A fine or maybe short-term probation would be appropriate. No felony charges should be filed.

If this guy had taken similar action at an office building or factory, this probably would not have made even the local news. The fact that it was on an airplane changed everything. And that is OK, but only if something egregious happened. Felony charges & a prison sentence will change this guy's life dramatically - and for no good. It would be a waste of taxpayer time, money, & resources. If this guy spends even another day in prison or gets a major criminal record because of this incident, it will be a travesty of justice and a stubborn misuse of our prosecution and judicial systems.