Two Americans went to see their president and to express their disagreement with his policies respectfully and peacefully. They were arrested at the direction of federal officials. The president was George W. Bush.
Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans.
So why were these Americans arrested and charged with trespassing? For wearing anti-Bush t-shirts to a July 4, 2004 appearance at the West Virginia Capitol.
If anybody can upload the photo of the couple wearing the t-shirt, I'd be much beholding to ya.
Nicole and Jeff Rank were removed from the event in handcuffs after revealing t-shirts with Bush's name crossed out on the front. Nicole Rank's shirt had the words "Love America, Hate Bush" on the back and Jeff Rank's had "Regime change starts at home" on the back.
The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the Secret Service, seeking an injunction at the time against the Bush administration for segregating protesters at his public appearances. The Secret Service agreed to stop the practice.
Segregating? Wtf! I can only imagine if President Obama and his staff had practiced segregation at rallies. There just might have been a shoot out with the AR 15 winning the battle.
Jeff Rank, a registered Republican, was a math and science tutor at the University of Charleston at the time and although Nicole Rank, a registered Democrat, initially was dismissed from her job with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, she was rehired after the charges were dropped.
The government eventually paid the couple $80,000 for their wrongful arrest.
Wrongful arrests seemed to be quite popular during the Bush years.
All signs point to presidential protester's winning fight.
Wisconsin city officials say they won't oppose motion to dismiss disorderly conduct citation against man who displayed anti-Bush placard. 05.28.04
Utah man's anti-Bush sticker prompts visit by Secret Service
Agent confirms that 19-year-old Derek Kjar was investigated, ruled out as threat to president. 09.04.04
Secret Service: GOP operative removed 3 from Bush event
Man's name isn't released; attorney for self-described Colorado progressives says he's getting 'run-around,' sends letter asking U.S. attorney general to launch investigation. 03.31.05
Kerry supporters sue over arrests at Bush rally
Two women claim federal agents conspired with Iowa law enforcement to deprive them of their free-speech, assembly rights. 05.01.05
Woman kicked off flight over anti-Bush T-shirt
Lorrie Heasley says she plans to file civil rights complaint against Southwest Airlines. 10.08.05
These 'teabaggers' are batshit crazy, that much we all agree in. While it infuriates me that folks wearing 'inflammatory' t-shirts during the Bush era were arrested, and while part of me wishes that the same tolerance-level was applied towards these anti-obama protesters, it's for the best that it's not.
We are better than that. We acknowledge that it is technically within his rights. Furthermore, I'm sure Obama is cognizant of the media narrative if this sack of shit was arrested.
It's a double standard yes. Innocent protesters can be arrested w/o any MSM input during Dubya, but now these backwards hicks are locked and loaded. However, expect the narrative to change when one of them goes off the deep end.