Born on the 4th of July.

While we take time to celebrate all things Americana on this day, please allow me to send birthday wishes to one Matthew Bartlett, a TGIF waiter from Orlando, Florida.

Flipping the bird, yet it ain't "Thanksgiving"

Bartlett came to the nation's attention when he flashed a middle finger in the direction of prosecutor Jeff Ashton, during courtroom proceedings in the Casey Anthony trial.  His gesture wasn't seen by any of the jurors present, nor Ashton himself; but it didn't escape the numerous TV and photo cameras that were present.  A local TV station notified the court and Bartlett was summoned before Judge Belvin Perry after recess.

After a brief Q&A that included a humiliating verbal beatdown, Bartlett was found guilty of "contempt of court", and sentenced to 6 days in jail.  Judge Perry added that Bartlett's gesture could have jeopardized the whole trial had it been seen by members of the jury.  Along with the sentence, Bartlett was also slapped with a $400 fine, and an additional $223 in court costs (some might call it "gratuity").

Judge Perry don't take no mess!!

Bartlett said that he planned to appeal the decision.  Last I heard, a motion filed by Bartlett's attorney to stay the sentence was denied by Judge Perry, meaning that Bartlett spent Friday evening in jail and would be there through his 29th birthday.

If I had to summarize this in my own words, it would be like this; Matthew Bartlett flipped the courtroom, and the courtroom flipped him back.