While I respect the various views on this event, I have to say I sharply disagree with some of them. I believe this man received a just punishment. Just because Judge Perry, who is entrusted with making just decisions, implemented this and though I see he can be on the heavy-handed side, I don't see him as vindictive or "unfair" (I despise the word "fair).
This man did the equivalent of coming into your home, sitting at your dinner table and flipping the bird while you and your family gave thanks (in your own way, prayers, to each other, etc). The court room is supposed to be a place of respect, a place where people show respect and he absolutely did not. His stunt wasn't funny nor was it amusing and I agree that 28 is far too old for such a stunt. Perhaps he will think more of the respect the courts demand. He doesn't have to agree with those demands, but if he chooses not to while in court, he should expect to reap the consequences.
I don't see this at all as a measure of silencing freedoms we once had. If we allow one form of disrespect and/or tom foolery, where do we draw the line? It then becomes a slippery slope. Someone flips the bird, someone throws a shoe (in no general direction, hitting no one, for my arguments' sake), yells what to some may be offensive, etc etc and an attorney for each of these individuals argues it's no less or more offensive than bird guy and since (had this happened) bird guy got off scott-free, so should their client.
Bottom line, don't agree with our courts? Fine. Don't go and disrupt.