Feds Pay $80,000 Over Anti-Bush T-Shirts

On July fourth 3 years ago Nicole and Jeffery Rank attended President Bush’s speech at the West Virginia State Capitol. they were not fans of President Bush so the decided to wear homemade T-shirts had a picture of Bush and the international "no" symbol over his face. The back of Nicole’s shirt read "Love America, Hate Bush." The back of Jeffery Rank’s T-shirt read "Regime Change Starts at Home."

They were handcuffed, arrested and charged with trespassing for wearing anti-Bush T-shirts… Well obviously they were in TOTAL shock. They quickly (and rightly so) filed a lawsuit for their violation of their free speech. Yesterday they settled their suit for $80,000.

"This settlement is a real victory not only for our clients but for the First Amendment," said Andrew Schneider, executive director of the ACLU of West Virginia. "As a result of the Ranks’ courageous stand, public officials will think twice before they eject peaceful protesters from public events for exercising their right to dissent."

I think this posting is going to get me audited …that’s OK …I’ll filed a lawsuit . original reporting by NS4W.ORG