Talk About A Tough Dress Code

As Bush took the podium to make the case against tyranny, the Capitol Police were arresting representatives from the Axis of Evil.

The first, Cindy Sheehan, was sitting quietly in the gallery, in a seat reserved for her by Congressman Woolsey, wearing a t-shirt that read "2,245 Dead. How many more?" Although a statement of fact, it was viewed as a disruptive demonstration inside the Capitol. The charge was unlawful conduct, with a penalty of up to one year in gulag, er, prison. She was arrested, removed in handcuffs, and held for four hours and released on bail.

So there's a good question. How many more must die to support, er, protect us from tyranny, to defeat those who would repress dissenting points of view and stifle free speech?

The second, Beverly Young, the wife of 18-term Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Young of Florida, wore a shirt that read, "Support the Troops." While President Bush was at the podium saying "support the troops", Mrs. Young was asked to leave the gallery. She was not arrested or charged.

Aside from the easy sarcasm relating to the unequal treatment and first amendment issues, you gotta wonder what goes through the heads of the people who make these decisions. Is there just a really tough dress code, like at my kid's school? Does the supervisor for the Capitol Police have part interest in a t-shirt concession, and "no outside t-shirts, food, or drink" are allowed?

Whatever the reason, apparently Bush approves, since he's chosen not to comment on the actions nor make amends. Although maybe he'll campaign for Young next election.

As long as his wife shows up wearing a "We Love Young-Bush" t-shirt.