Increasingly, Americans are being arrested and/or losing their jobs for speaking out against George Bush.

Last month, Charleston City Council apologized to two protesters arrested for wearing anti-Bush T-shirts to the president’s July 4 rally. The pair were taken from the event in restraints after revealing T-shirts with Bush’s name crossed out on the front and the words “Love America, Hate Bush” on the back. Trespassing charges were ultimately dismissed. CNN, “Man fired for heckling Bush,” August 21, 2004; last visited August 23, 2004.

I found the story through Chepooka’s website, which I’m now reading just about daily. She quotes another article indicating that Kerry’s campaign stops are open to all comers; Bush’s may be attended only by those who sign loyalty oaths and “suspicious people,” such as those wearing Kerry pins, are turned away.

For those who think my articles are too long, Chepooka is worth a read.