# Homeland security deports British twenty-somethings based on "joke" tweets **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 30, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223 "2012-01-30T20:35:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/301 "2012-02-03T15:43:44Z")
> [@Arnold\_Winkelried](#): > > sailor, that’s a horrible experience. My only theory is that your name was mixed up with someone else’s. Yes, that’s the most likely reason. In 2004, then Senator Ted Kennedy ended up on the no-fly list as was often delayed when traveling. > [@](#): > > Of course, I haven’t seen page 2 of the form they filled out when they refused entry. :rolleyes: It’s known in the trades as the “long form”. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/302 "2012-02-03T16:08:42Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Yes, that’s the most likely reason. In 2004, then Senator Ted Kennedy ended up on the no-fly list as was often delayed when traveling. Reason for stopping is one thing. Reason for doing it how they did it is another. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/303 "2012-02-03T16:10:27Z")
At least we have signs 😃 [![](http://files.broadsheet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Picture-216-223x300.jpg) ](http://files.broadsheet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Picture-216-223x300.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/304 "2012-02-03T18:03:37Z")
> [@Norse](#): > > Is that common behavior for the U.S. of A.? Heh, perhaps they’d listen if they could hear the rest of the world over their shouts of “AMERICA, FUCK YEAH!”? It’s a shame that happened to you, **sailor**. I’m glad you’re willing to share you story. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2012, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/305 "2012-02-04T05:29:23Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Yes, that’s the most likely reason. In 2004, then Senator Ted Kennedy ended up on the no-fly list as was often delayed when traveling. > It’s known in the trades as the “long form”. sooooo, the point of your post is that you have to be a veteran US Senator and household name not to get put through the ringer? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/306 "2012-02-06T03:46:34Z")
Based on John Mace’s assumptions we’ll assume sailor is an evil person bent on painting mustaches on pictures of President Obama. That doesn’t begin to justify the behavior of the TSA. Worst case: “sir, you’re on a list, sucks to be you, get thyself back on a plane and begone”. “can I get you a cup of coffee while you wait”? ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/307 "2012-02-06T06:23:00Z")
> [@Bozuit](#): > > The main reason I want to visit the US is some of the landscapes. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Sedona, the Everglades, probably some others too. The parts without Americans don’t look so bad. I totally understand that, and I think that would be super fun, but traveling is one of those things where you have really limited resources - time on this case. For me, if you want to visit a country for geology / geography, I would recommend New Zealand. I had a blast there. You can go to mountains, lakes, glaciers, island, fjords. caves, rain forests, and all kinds of beautiful countryside in just a few days, and the people are super nice. I don’t mean to be an America-basher, I really do love living here and I think we have a great history, but with a so many places to see, I don’t put it too high on my list - I rarely travel domestically - although I am going to Mardi Gras this year, and am really looking forward to enjoying a great piece of Americana. But again, if you want to come here, I think that that’s great - my expectation is that you’ll be welcomed with open arms and have a great time. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/308 "2012-02-09T22:17:26Z")
Just want to point out that it is not just the United States’ TSA without a sense of humor or understanding of how Twitter messages should be read: > **[Twitter Joke Trial: Judges Don't Get Social Media, Says Stephen Fry](https://mashable.com/archive/twitter-judges-british-fry-chambers)** > > Twitter Joke Trial: Judges Don't Get Social Media, Says Stephen Fry > [@](#): > > Chambers was arrested for a tweet he sent about Robin Hood Airport in England in January 2010. The airport suffered repeated service delays and disruptions due to cold weather, prompting Chambers to tweet: > > Crap! Robin Hood airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your shit together otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!! > > Chambers was later convicted for sending a “message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character” under the Communications Act 2003, causing him to lose his job, gain a criminal record and a mountain of fees and legal costs. Chambers lost several appeals and is awaiting his latest appeal, due this month. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/309 "2012-02-09T23:02:59Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > Just want to point out that it is not just the United States’ TSA without a sense of humor or understanding of how Twitter messages should be read: > > [Twitter Joke Trial: Judges Don't Get Social Media, Says Stephen Fry | Mashable](http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/twitter-judges-british-fry-chambers/) Yup. That’s equally ridiculous. It’s an embarrassment. ---
**Author:** ![PrettyVacant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/49beb7/32.png) [@PrettyVacant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PrettyVacant)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/310 "2012-02-10T00:02:00Z")
I have no idea what that has to do with this thread. The commonality is someting to do with the right kind of sense of humour? ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/311 "2012-02-10T00:29:27Z")
> [@PrettyVacant](#): > > I have no idea what that has to do with this thread. The commonality is someting to do with the right kind of sense of humour? In both instances a [poorly understood / misinterpreted / its just an expression stupid] Tweet by an otherwise innocent person was heard by the Authorities and got someone in trouble. In the original case, two Brits were sent home instead entering the land of Milk and McDonalds. In the one I just spotted, a Brit got nailed by the local judges and is trying to get out of trouble. He, unfortunately, now has a permanent record. In both cases, WAY too much legal action was committed based on 140 characters or less. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/312 "2012-02-10T00:32:20Z")
> [@PrettyVacant](#): > > I have no idea what that has to do with this thread. The commonality is someting to do with the right kind of sense of humour? Both were tweets. Both were jokes. Both resulted in major consequences from the respective authorities. Both are equally dumb. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/313 "2012-02-10T00:43:53Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > Just want to point out that it is not just the United States’ TSA without a sense of humor or understanding of how Twitter messages should be read: > > [Twitter Joke Trial: Judges Don't Get Social Media, Says Stephen Fry | Mashable](http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/twitter-judges-british-fry-chambers/) Oh tu quoque! It hurts so much. **Algher** seems to think that if another party does something equally pathetically stupid, it exonerates the first one. Well done **Algher** , our outrage is defeated right there. One I saw that I realised the TSA are not a bunch of idiotic petty martinets overstretching their authority in disturbing and abusive ways that are not regulated because non-citizens have no rights. Because, hey, the UK has some idiotic petty martinets too. Damn. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/314 "2012-02-10T01:06:41Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > Oh tu quoque! It hurts so much. > > **Algher** seems to think that if another party does something equally pathetically stupid, it exonerates the first one. Well done **Algher** , our outrage is defeated right there. > > One I saw that I realised the TSA are not a bunch of idiotic petty martinets overstretching their authority in disturbing and abusive ways that are not regulated because non-citizens have no rights. Because, hey, the UK has some idiotic petty martinets too. Damn. No - I was simply pointing out another equally stupid occurrence of a simple Tweet getting someone in trouble with the law. Did I say that TSA should be excused? Have I defended their actions in the slightest? Have I come down on the Brit tourists? Where the hell do you get a tu quoque out of my link? ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/315 "2012-02-10T01:17:36Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > No - I was simply pointing out another equally stupid occurrence of a simple Tweet getting someone in trouble with the law. > > Did I say that TSA should be excused? Have I defended their actions in the slightest? Have I come down on the Brit tourists? Where the hell do you get a tu quoque out of my link? You’re right, I projected too much from what you posted. Please accept my apologies. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/316 "2012-02-10T01:22:13Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > You’re right, I projected too much from what you posted. Please accept my apologies. No sweat - there are plenty of times when I deserve the stocks - this just wasn’t one of them! I need a drink. But I won’t tweet about it to be safe. ---
**Author:** ![PrettyVacant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/49beb7/32.png) [@PrettyVacant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PrettyVacant)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/317 "2012-02-10T07:37:42Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > Both were tweets. Both were jokes. Both resulted in major consequences from the respective authorities. Both are equally dumb. One was a conversation containing street slang which the average person would read in that light, the second was a viable threat and a criminal offence for which time was served. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/318 "2012-02-10T10:59:36Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > Both were tweets. Both were jokes. Both resulted in major consequences from the respective authorities. Both are equally dumb. They’re equally dumb in different ways. The Robin Hood Airport tweet had pretty straightforward phrasing, but the over-reaction was ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/319 "2012-02-10T11:04:53Z")
> [@PrettyVacant](#): > > One was a conversation containing street slang which the average person would read in that light, the second was a viable threat and a criminal offence for which time was served. Woosh? The Robin Hood Airport one is an embarrassment. Luckily there is quite a movement to get the guy’s conviction quashed and change the ridiculousness of the law. ---
**Author:** ![PrettyVacant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/49beb7/32.png) [@PrettyVacant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PrettyVacant)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223/320 "2012-02-10T14:23:22Z")
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