If terrorists wanted to blow stevestojan up all over the United States they can, and this story proves it. These things were left in various locations for two to three weeks before they were found. I'd say the system failed. This is NOT in any way shape or form an example of how the system is protecting us. It's not doing anything of the sort. I believe the system is more or less prepared to deal with the aftermath of such an attack, but not to prevent it.
Instead of throwing innocent Americans in jail when they had no intention of blowing up or scaring anybody, we should realize it was a misunderstanding and go about our business. Maybe introduce some practical legislation to prevent these types of marketing techniques, or require permits and public disclosure for them?
But no, let's hold a press conference and look good for the TV cameras and proclaim that we want to put these guys in jail for many many years. Now that's a mayor!