He should be applauded and all charges dropped. One of the hallmarks of a free society is a lack of surveillance. The fact that he didn't first turn to his superiors brings back my impressions of the Bush era. The Bush era was the first time I ever feared my own government and that impression continues today although not nearly as much.
Apparently the one that down-voted my comment can't articulate just why they disagree or disapprove. Was it too long a reply? Is it too full of sentiment? Is it too complex of an issue? Or could it be that a person with a bunch of karma points is trying to show me how to respond in such a way that I get more points? I think I'm done with this board as a forum for discussion. Down-vote away you karma bums.
It can indeed be frustrating to have a comment downvoted, but the HN guidelines specifically ask you to resist the temptation to post comments reacting in this way.