Why is Steven Slater being called a hero?

JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater, the guy who threw a few f-bombs over his plane's public address system and then opened an aircraft door and slid down the emergency chute (grabbing a beer on the way out), is being made out as some kind of folk hero. I tip my hat to most flight attendants -- they're constantly dealing with us grouchy and stubborn fliers whose flights have probaby been delayed and then are crammed into seats that are too small. But this story frightens me more than it amuses me. What would have happened if Mr. Slater had had an altercation with a passenger while the plane was still in the air? Would he have had the self-control to do his job -- which is to preserve our safety -- and not act out in such a rash fashion? We'll see where this story ends up, but if I ever get on a plane and Steven Slater welcomes me aboard, I'm immediately "deplaning". PS: The lady who stood up and started gathering her bags before the plane reached the gate - and then allegedly hit Mr. Slater in the head with her luggage - should be fined and banned from all future JetBlue flights.