The guy is playing around with a laser pointer. That's hardly something that should trigger corporal punishment.
Also you gave the federal law punishment, in Florida it's up to 5 years and/or a fine up to $5000. A competent defense attorney will probably be able to get him less than a year of prison and a fine (maybe no jail time and just a fine).
really?
explain for everyone why you are alright with the possibility of blinded pilot crashing his aircraft in an urban area. does human life mean so little to you that you consider this a childish prank?
his action was a blatant disregard for the lives of others and should be dealt with in a fashion that he never be able to forget.
So beat a man savagely because of the possibility he could've caused an aircraft crash? Are you going to beat your child if they spill water on the floor because someone could have slipped on it and gotten hurt?
What was the helicopter doing over a residential area anyways? If it wasn't being used in a search and rescue or providing assistance for an active police operation then it shouldn't have been in the air. Using a helicopter to "patrol" is nothing more than wasting taxpayer money in the name of government surveillance.
Personally I think the pilot committed entrapment because he saw the guy messing around with the pointer and moved closer, which probably drew the guy's attention and he pointed the laser in that direction much like someone would do with a flashlight. Then pilot claims it was shined in his eyes so that they could charge this guy with a third degree felony.
corporal punishment works well.
properly argued, the person could be charged with attempted murder and terrorism. a blinded pilot could quite easily become disoriented and lose control ending in a crash happening in a urban setting.
you are of course entitled to your view, just as i am to mine. as for it being cruel and unusual, i think being blinded at night while piloting a helicopter justifies a very, very, physical punishment. the guy is obviously unable to follow simple directions safety directions nor is he able to obey federal and state laws regarding point lasers at aircraft.
the law calls for up to 5 years in prison and up to a $250k fine.
hes a loser who cant pay a substantive fine. why should the government pay his room and board in prison - do you want him to spend five years in prison knowing it costs fl about $22k per year
how much of that 100k would you, personally, be willing to pay to keep him from being whipped