Tim May wrote:

One lesson, or reminder, I take from the Bell matter is this:

Avoid doing stupid and petty things like using multiple Social Security numbers, evading taxes, and releasing stink bombs into government (or other) offices.

(These are things Bell has pled on, as I recall the transcripts, so there's little doubt about them. And had he pled not guilty and gone to trial, apparently the evidence would've convicted him on most of the charges. Perhaps this is why he pled.)

I am unclear on something. Did the government imprison without bail a citizen who evaded taxes and made a government office smell bad, or did the government allow a terrorist who was actively plotting to overthrow the government to plead guilty to inconsequential charges? If I get arrested for plotting to Nuke D.C., should I hire Bell's lawyer and try to get it reduced to jaywalking? Or should I avoid jaywalking to prevent getting arrested for plotting to Nuke D.C.? ???Monger