“In 2005, the ACLU helped one Abdullah al-Kidd sue Mr. Ashcroft. “Abdullah” was born Lavoni T. Kidd in Kansas but converted to Islam in college. He was arrested in 2003 at Dulles Airport on his way to Saudi Arabia. He was detained for several weeks, after which his travel was restricted for a year. “Abdullah” was never called as a witness, nor was he charged with a crime.”

If the facts are as they’re being reported, the government apparently put the bite on the wrong guy, in this particular case.

He’s entitled to compensation.