A college student by the name of Nathaniel Heatwole, age 20, told authorities he placed box cutters and other banned items aboard two airliners to test security. Heatwole told federal agents he went through normal security procedures at airports in Baltimore and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Once aboard, he said he hid the banned items in compartments in the planes" rear lavatories. Heatwole was charged with taking a dangerous weapon aboard an aircraft (Klug). .
Nathanial Heatwole expressed himself through very intense and serious political participation seeking to influence government and policy. His actions were extremely unconventional. Bringing bags aboard an aircraft containing box-cutters, modeling clay made to look like plastic explosives, matches and bleach hidden in sunscreen bottles is an uncommon political behavior. His aim was to challenge government agents concerning their protection of our country's citizens (Klug). Defying such institutions, and being able to successfully do so, shows the public that airport safety is obviously not up to the level it should be. .
Even though government officials assure "us" that airport safety has been, and will continue to be, improved since 9-11, it is clearly not being pursued as intensely as they want us to believe. Heatwole tested security with the hopes to improve public safety for the air-traveling public. Proving that he could get passed current security with an alleged pacifist mindset, not looking to engage in any violence once aboard, would make it evident that more concentration in airport security is necessary. Therefore, in the long run, airports should become safer ensuring that an individual with criminal intent would not be able to get aboard. .
Heatwole's actions were without a doubt extreme. Unconventional means of political participation have the tendency to threaten government or society. The public may support punishment for Heatwole due to the fact that they are worried about their own safety.
