Disgusting.
I wonder if Mr. Gilbert can take the flight attendants to small claims court for the expenses incurred because of their actions.
What if he had declined to show the cop the book? Under a "Terry stop" detention, if they suspect one of having committed a crime, cops can do a frisk of one's clothing to look for weapons, but cannot pry into the books one is reading at the time. Under what authority would he have been then removed from the aircraft?
Heaven forbid he was reading a book such as the following (which I once did read on a flight) --
http://www.amazon.com/Overblown-Poli.../dp/1416541713