He’s one of our peers, this ham radio enthusiast from anaffluent neighborhood in Damascus, Md. Over a month ago, hebypassed airport security carrying a few of the illegal items andsubstances — box cutters, bleach, and matches — thatsit in airport glass cases since the Sept. 11 attacks.

An honor student and physics/political science major at GuilfordCollege in N.C., Nathaniel T. Heatwole identifies himself as one ofthe college’s many students that are dedicated to pacifismand civil disobedience. But Heatwole apparently has taken thecollege’s motto which states, “be the change you wishto see in the world,” to an extreme.

Heatwole turned himself in by e-mailing the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation. In his e-mail Heatwole gave detailed descriptions ofthe security breeches and called his actions, “an act ofcivil disobedience with the aim of improving public safety for theair-traveling public.”

Many of his classmates and friends applauded Heatwole, but forsome reason his ability to sneak past airport security with aself-compiled terrorist lunch kit doesn’t strike Ed Board asbeing terribly revolutionary, nor surprising.

For a couple of months after the attacks travelers were patient,understanding and silent as they passed the gauntlet of”upgraded” airport security tactics that were more forthe passengers’ peace of mind than for their safety.

Soon Americans became tired of the hassle and the long lines.Security agents became more efficient and willing to cut corners.Fighting a war against our enemies helps fears to subside, butwhat, if anything has really changed other than the fact that evenyour 80-year-old grandma is subject to full-body pat downs becausesecurity must convince the public of its thoroughness.

More drastic changes have to be made within airport securitybefore any real increased safety will be achieved. Whether thatmeans higher salaries and education for security specialists ortrained air marshals on every flight. Better service and safetywill come at a cost.

If Americans hadn’t been able to spot the obviously porousnature of our defense against terrorism before a kid with a boxcutter and a mission boarded a plane, we have greater problems thanterrorism; try starting with nationwide denial.