George Bush T-Shirt Causes Controversy on Airline

Okay, so this isn't exactly breaking news as it is a story from just about a year ago, but I figured why not write about some t-shirt "news" anyhow... This is one of those moments in history where the entire "freedom of speech" thing seems to just go out the door.


"An Australian was barred from a London-Melbourne flight unless he removed a T-shirt depicting George Bush as the world's number one terrorist." - Mark Dunn (News.com.au)

I was surfing the internet under the heading "t-shirt news" just to see if there was anything interesting to discuss today here and wouldn't you know it, this article on t-shirts comes up. After reading through the article and sitting in utter shock, I now feel as though I have some things to say. Brace yourselves.



It is unbelievable to imagine that a man, who is not even in the United States of America would be hassled on an airline going no where near the United States of America simply for wearing a t-shirt that depicts George Bush as a terrorist. What happened to laws of Freedom of Speech and the ability to have an opinion? T-shirts are historically used as walking canvases to display a message. They've helped presidents win elections, why shouldn't they be allowed to express valid opinions on presidents? I don't see a difference, frankly.



Custom t-shirts are supposed to exist in order to express oneself. While I do appreciate the fact that George Bush wouldn't be too thrilled to be called a terrorist, he has still placed himself in a position where he's bound to be discussed by running for president. Is it really so wrong for someone to sit on an airline with a custom t-shirt on?

If we can't express ourselves through our clothing and especially with t-shirts, then what's the point of having an opinion at all? Freedom of Speech shouldn't have limitations when it is peaceful.

What do you think? Let me know your opinions. Leave me a comment below.

Cheers!