2015: Flying a Petition to Congress

What would you do if you found out about a planned protest that is illegal and could set off a mass panic?

You are a reporter at a prominent newspaper in Florida. A local postal worker contacts you about his plan to fly a gyrocopter through restricted airspace and land it on the U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. He wants to draw attention to the need for new campaign finance laws by delivering letters to every member of Congress. He says the Secret Service has interviewed him twice and he wants you to tell his story and motivations.

You interview the man and take photos of his small homemade aircraft. He says he has no intention of hurting anyone or causing harm. You continue to stay in touch. Months later, he tells you his flight date is set.

What do you do?

• How can you be certain of the man’s claim that he doesn’t intend to harm anyone or anything?
• Who has the most to gain or lose based on your decision?
• If you don’t notify authorities, are you complicit in a potential crime?
• Why did the man contact you? What is your role in his plan? Do you feel comfortable with this role?
• Is it ever effective or acceptable for a person to break the law when advocating for a cause?

Have students use the Analyzing Evidence and Making Your Argument handouts to collect and organize additional information about the case, then form an argument supported by evidence. Give groups 30 minutes to prepare, or assign as homework. (Note: Students may wish to organize their sources and evidence using a spreadsheet, such as Google Sheets.)