That's just not true. There has neither been a reaction of this kind for other "bugs up hacker's asses" nor has there been an issue this controversial for a very long time. I can't think of any... perhaps the Morris' worm or Kevin Mitnick.
No there hasn't been a story like this -- ever. That's what makes it an interesting story.
Expect more like this. Eventually we'll get around to some issue that you can't feel so self-righteous about pursuing. Then the shoe will be on the other foot.
