# It is now illegal to wear an anti-Bush shirt in west Virginia **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 14, 2004, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103 "2004-07-14T17:13:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/1 "2004-07-14T17:13:21Z")
A couple from Texas was [arrested](http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=111986&SecID=2) on sunday for wearing anti-Bush shirts to a spech given by Shrub in WV. > [@](#): > > Police placed Nicole and Jeffery Rank of Corpus Christi in restraints after they entered the event with a ticket and then removed their clothes to reveal anti-Bush T-shirts, according to the acting director of the Capitol police in Charleston. > > He said the two were asked to go out to the designated protest area, but refused. So everything was fine when they entered the event with a legitimate ticket, but then it was decided that they were “trespassing” when they revealed their shirts. A major part of this, of course, is Bush’s illegal, unconstitutional practice of banning protesters fropm his visual presence at all public events. The ostensible excuses about “security” are laughable at best since all a would be villain would have to do is pose as a _pro_-Bush rube and he would go right in. I call fascism, man. We’re being taken over by brownshirts. We’re in 1930’s Germany, man. We’ve even got the camps. I am afraid for the future. God, I miss America. ---
**Author:** ![scule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@scule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scule)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/2 "2004-07-14T17:20:12Z")
That’s absolutely astounding. How in the hell are people not up in arms over this? I had no idea he was in the habit of banning protesters from his sight at public appearances. How can anyone defend that? Please don’t say something like “Clinton did it” or whatever. Who cares about the actions of others, we’re talking about what’s right in the abstract, not precedent. I find it sad that our neighbours, who have always served as the world’s bastion of freedom, are turning into a police state. That may be an exaggeration, but this is a step in that direction. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/3 "2004-07-14T17:21:13Z")
The local radio coverage of the event made mention of the fact that this was considered a “Presidential” event and not a “political” event - and that supposedly folks wearing Bush-supportive T-shirts were also asked to remove them or leave. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/4 "2004-07-14T17:25:02Z")
> [@scule](#): > > I had no idea he was in the habit of banning protesters from his sight at public appearances. Really? It’s not exactly new news. The SS has been establishing “Free Speech Zones” well away from Bush’s sight for quite a while now. ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/5 "2004-07-14T17:26:02Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > The local radio coverage of the event made mention of the fact that this was considered a “Presidential” event and not a “political” event - and that supposedly folks wearing Bush-supportive T-shirts were also asked to remove them or leave. So, since it’s a “Presidential” event (whatever that means), Constitutional rights to free speech don’t apply? Talk about bringing shame to the concept of “presidential,” and to the office of the President itself. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/6 "2004-07-14T17:33:16Z")
> [@Duke](#): > > So, since it’s a “Presidential” event (whatever that means), Constitutional rights to free speech don’t apply? Talk about bringing shame to the concept of “presidential,” and to the office of the President itself. Didn’t say any of that. Just providing perspective based on the local news coverage. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/7 "2004-07-14T17:34:59Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > The local radio coverage of the event made mention of the fact that this was considered a “Presidential” event and not a “political” event - and that supposedly folks wearing Bush-supportive T-shirts were also asked to remove them or leave. Freedom of expression is not subject to whimsical definitions of the purpose of an event. FTR, I don’t believe for a second that Bush supporters were asked to remove their shirts (and they certainly weren’t arrested) but even if they had been that would still be illegal. This was a public event on public property and freedom of speech is not curtailed simply because one is in the presence of GWB. **scule** , the secret Service has been routinely herding Bush protesters into so-called [“free speech zones”](http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0104-04.htm) (an Orwellian designation if ever there was one) as much as a half-mile away. And JFTR, Clinton didn’t do the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![MrTuffPaws](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MrTuffPaws](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrTuffPaws)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/8 "2004-07-14T17:36:25Z")
> [@](#): > > Constitutional rights to free speech don’t apply? The first amendment states that the government cannot pass a law inhibiting freedom of speech, so I guess if the government just decided to inhibit, without the law, it is technically okay 😉 > [@](#): > > The local radio coverage of the event made mention of the fact that this was considered a “Presidential” event and not a “political” event - and that supposedly folks wearing Bush-supportive T-shirts were also asked to remove them or leave. Anyone have anymore info on this? Are not Presidential events political? Anyway, I am more interested if there was some published dress codes that were violated by people on both sides of the spectrum. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/9 "2004-07-14T17:38:39Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > The local radio coverage of the event made mention of the fact that this was considered a “Presidential” event and not a “political” event - and that supposedly folks wearing Bush-supportive T-shirts were also asked to remove them or leave. That’s not what [this site](http://www.infoshop.org/inews/stories.php?story=04/07/11/5066169) says: > [@](#): > > The White House coordinated the president’s visit to the state Capitol. Organizers described it as a presidential visit, not a political rally. State and federal funds were used to pay for the presidential visit. > > \*\*Dozens of people who attended Sunday’s event wore pro-Bush T-shirts and Bush-Cheney campaign buttons, some of which were sold on the Capitol grounds outside the security screening stations. \*\* Also, as **Duke** rightly points out, since when does a “Presidential Visit” nullify freedom of expression? Here’s an excerpt from the [speech](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/07/20040704.html) that Bush gave on the State Capitol grounds in Charleston, WV, at the event where Nicole and Jeffrey Rank were arrested: > [@](#): > > On this 4th of July, we confirm our love of freedom, the freedom for people to speak their minds, the freedom for people to worship as they so choose. (Applause.) Free thought, free expression, that’s what we believe. Never let it be said that this administration lacks a sense of irony. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/10 "2004-07-14T17:42:23Z")
I should learn better than to be surprised by the Bush team. Note that protesters at the Republican convention in New York are being allowed to gather- in Queens. How long before the army starts goose-stepping and the Bush Youth Corps is formed? ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/11 "2004-07-14T17:44:14Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > That’s not what [this site](http://www.infoshop.org/inews/stories.php?story=04/07/11/5066169) says:Also, as **Duke** rightly points out, since when does a “Presidential Visit” nullify freedom of expression? > > Here’s an excerpt from the [speech](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/07/20040704.html) that Bush gave on the State Capitol grounds in Charleston, WV, at the event where Nicole and Jeffrey Rank were arrested: Never let it be said that this administration lacks a sense of irony. As previously indicated, I am only providing the perspective of the local news, along with the asserted justification they repeated. I did not say at any time I was in agreement with that stance, so I’m not the person to ask your outraged questions. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/12 "2004-07-14T17:50:42Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > As previously indicated, I am only providing the perspective of the local news, along with the asserted justification they repeated. I did not say at any time I was in agreement with that stance, so I’m not the person to ask your outraged questions. You misinterpret me. My “outraged question” was largely rhetorical. If directed at anyone, it was not at you but at the current administration. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/13 "2004-07-14T17:51:21Z")
Huey Long once said that when fascism comes to America, it’ll be called Americanism. Looks like the Kingfish was right on the money. Hail the Leader! ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/14 "2004-07-14T17:52:06Z")
I believe the Bush administration is relying on [This statute](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1752.html) as a legal basis for their actions. Not that their creation of “free speech zones” is any less cowardly, unAmerican, and sickening. But there may be legal precedent. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/15 "2004-07-14T17:53:14Z")
OK, so if (alright, WHEN) GWB is appointed to a second term…who’s with me in a march on the whitehouse replete with effegies & pitchforks & torches (oh my!)? I’m serious! We have to organize this while we still have the right to use the f-ing internet! ---
**Author:** ![E72521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dbc845/32.png) [@E72521](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E72521)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/16 "2004-07-14T17:55:56Z")
In 2000 I attended a Gore/Lieberman rally in Orlando. My recollection is that the Bush supporters and their signs were kept a few blocks away, out of view of the Vice President and the news. It was a by invitation only event, but held in a city park. As long as the same standard applies to both sides, which today I doubt, I see no real harm. I think it is fair to say that Bush has taken this to a whole new level IMO. Arresting citizens is the issue here and it sucks. Who’s going to protect them, the SCOTUS? On the other hand, shouldn’t a candidate be able to campaign without constant harassment? ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/17 "2004-07-14T17:58:21Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > You misinterpret me. > > My “outraged question” was largely rhetorical. If directed at anyone, it was not at you but at the current administration. Do I? You open your post in a fashion that implies that you’re trying to refute me (or the facts that I presented - perhaps the station was indeed wrong… though maybe it was referring to a different speech the same day, as I was thinking it was elsewhere in the state… perhaps my memory is conflating it with something else…) … and then begin your “largely rhetorical” question with “Also” - linking it to the statement that came before, which was at least partially directed at me, else you wouldn’t have bothered to quote my post. Perhaps I misintepreted you, but you’re easy to misinterpret, then? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/18 "2004-07-14T17:59:02Z")
> [@Duke](#): > > So, since it’s a “Presidential” event (whatever that means), Constitutional rights to free speech don’t apply? Talk about bringing shame to the concept of “presidential,” and to the office of the President itself. Of course free speech doesn’t apply in such a case! If it was a “Presidential” event, then it was also a “Commander-in-Chief” event, because the role of commander-in-chief is part of the presidential role. When the president is acting has commander-in-chief, no laws apply. DUH! Sarcasm! ---
**Author:** ![belladonna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/19 "2004-07-14T18:06:06Z")
> [@E72521](#): > > On the other hand, shouldn’t a candidate be able to campaign without constant harassment? Perhaps, but could any reasonable person believe that a political slogan on a T-shirt at a political event constitutes “harassment”? As to the distinction between Political and Presidential–I don’t get it. The presidency is about as political as it gets. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2004, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103/20 "2004-07-14T18:07:43Z")
For the love of all tasty poptarts, vote this nut out. Whoever said this is becoming Nazi Germany is right on the money. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-now-illegal-to-wear-an-anti-bush-shirt-in-west-virginia/255103.md?page=2)