‘If I Wanted The Government In My Womb, I’d F*** A Senator’: The T-Shirt That Cost a Woman Her Connecting Flight
- Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:00pm by
Mytheos Holt
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As if airline travel wasn’t already humiliating, tendentious and excessively micromanaged thanks to the TSA, now airlines are presuming to berate paying passengers for wearing controversial shirts. That‘s what happened to an anonymous woman who missed her connecting flight after a flight attendant asked the pilot of the plane she’d been on to reprimand the woman for wearing the following T-Shirt (Warning! Strong Language):
Mother Jones reports on this apparent attack of oversensitivity:
The woman boarded her first flight just fine, wearing a T-shirt that read, “If I wanted the government in my womb, I’d fuck a senator.” (The shirt was made in response to a signthat an Oklahoma lawmaker made earlier this year to protest a proposed law granting rights to fertilized eggs.) But as the woman was about to deboard to switch to her next flight, a flight attendant approached her and told her that she needed to talk to the captain because her T-shirt was “offensive.”
From here, the story gets almost darkly humorous. RH Reality Check reports:
When I was leaving the plane the captain stepped off with me and told me I should not have been allowed to board the plane in DC and needed to change before boarding my next flight. This conversation led to me missing my connecting flight. I assumed that because I was held up by the captain, they would have called ahead to let the connecting flight know I was in route. Well, upon my hastened arrival at the gate of the connecting flight, it was discovered that they did indeed call ahead but not to hold the flight, only to tell them I needed to change my shirt. I was given a seat on the next flight and told to change shirts.
Due to the fact that my luggage was checked, changing shirts without spending money wasn’t an option. I consulted a friend with a law background who told me covering with my shawl would suffice. Upon boarding the now rescheduled flight with shawl covering my shirt, my ticket dinged invalid. I was pulled to the side while the gentleman entered some codes into the computer and then told, “it was all good.” I did finally arrive home to pick up my daughter an hour and a half later than scheduled.
Got that? The airline was so offended by the fact that a passenger had dared to come on-board in a controversial T-shirt that they made her miss her flight. Draconian stuff.
What‘s even more silly is that the decision didn’t even have anything to do with the politics of the shirt. It was only the fact that it included the F-word on it. From Mother Jones’ story:
American Airlines media relations representative Tim Smith told Mother Jones via email that it was the language on the shirt, not the message, that prompted the response. “Let me strongly emphasize that the only reason she was asked to cover up her T-shirt was the appearance of the ‘F-word’ on the T-shirt,” he wrote. He pointed to a line in the airline’s “Conditions of Carriage“ that notes that the airline can refuse to transport a passenger or can remove them from a flight at any point if they ”Are clothed in a manner that would cause discomfort or offense to other passengers.”
“[O]ur crew has the final say on any type of garment that could make others uncomfortable,” wrote Smith. “Among such issues, we routinely do not allow any garment of any type to display that word.”
Okay, fair enough, so it was motivated by a desire to care for the comfort of other passengers, right? They wanted to make sure no one was offended, so they told the woman to change her shirt. Granted, perhaps they took too much time in the process, but it’s reasonable enough.
…Well, not exactly. RH Reports adds this very relevant post-script to the story:
So let’s review some facts. O. went through security and was stopped for additional screening, but not deemed a “security risk,” and no one at TSA made the slightest mention of her t-shirt. She boarded her first flight, and none of the airline personnel at the gate mentioned her t-shirt. She quietly took her seat, wrapped her shawl around herself, and went to sleep.
When her plane landed the flight attendant confronted her and said she had to speak to the captain. At no point did anyone say quietly, hey… could you keep that covered with your shawl? Could you turn it inside out? We have a policy….
Instead, after the plane landed the flight attendant brought her up front where the captain berated her publicly and made her miss her connecting flight. It turns out when she asked if anyone had complained the answer was: NO, Only the flight attendant!
...And don't even ask what happens if you call them stewardesses
Memo to American Airlines: Air Travel is difficult enough without you micromanaging it. Next time, tell someone wearing a t-shirt like that to turn it inside out. Don’t vindictively sabotage their entire travel plan. Especially not over a complaint from a flight attendant.
But then, American Airlines has hired Flight Attendants like this. Their judgment might not be the best:
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Comments (200)
Gracchi
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:20pmMore genius?
Report Post »You all get fired up over a T shirt, but you put up with the govt fondling your children and grandma, but that’s ok. I think you are a bunch of fools.
Clearly if spelling was required to get on AA, many of you would miss your flights.
Yep, genius abounds!
Midwest-Gal
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:12pmI,am glad that someone in position to do something about this women’s lack of manors, did something about it. She never should of been allowed on the first flight with that shirt.
Report Post »Gracchi
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:22pmGet a dictionary.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:23pmliberalism is rotting the moral fiber of our society
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 12:36am[liberalism is rotting the moral fiber of our society]
Report Post »Then why wont you let the liberal species die out?
trappedinwv
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 12:58amYour right JZS, so tell me again why these same people voted FOR government run Healthcare?
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 2:56amOK: If I wanted the Government taking my Blood, I would date an IRS Vampire; If I wanted the Government giving Colonoscopies, I would hang with Gay Congressmen; If I wanted to see a Satire of SE Cup, I would be an Obama Supporter… etc.
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 8:13amI believe something like this has no place in any polite society, sad, but we aren’t very polite anymore. We have more of a desire for causing a stir and making others angry than we do for being friendly and kind. Mom always said ticking people off didn’t change minds, but got a lot of noses broken.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 4:26pm@JENNY…
Report Post »The Polite word for **** is SWIVE! Is that Better?
Arizona Dude
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 4:23pmI also lack manors. I live in a trailer park and cannot afford a manor.
Report Post »merik59
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:07pmGuess she should have left the Tshirt at home or at least in Washington DC where it belonged. I mean if you’re brave enough to be offensive to the Federal level then by all means let the Federal level see what you mean. What good does it do anywhere else?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:02pmThese people are filthy. They want your children to have even less class than they have and they are in the minus on that. They want anything no clean, not good, not Godly and anything anti-Christ. So they have made a conscious deal to be what they are, but to force others to think they are more than they are and even better than those who are trying to keep a civilized society for their children. These people are smelling from the sulfer fumes of hell.
Report Post »Leevamark2
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:01pmWow. How do you become someone who, a.) thinks that T-shirt is so great, you actually pay money for it… and b.) is so proud of it, you need to wear it to a crowded airport when you travel??
Report Post »Obviously she has no concept of common decency, Traveling by plane is not a RIGHT. They absolutely can refuse you service. You don’t like it? Rent a car. I bet she‘d be flippin’ out if her daughter read “Abortion is murder!” on some woman’s T-shirt.
MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:14amWell said.
Report Post »Obamujahadeen
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:59pmWhen I was a child in the early 60′s we flew a lot as a family luckily as some of the real first ”everyday” non business fliers, and we were excited for weeks to go, and got all dressed up in suits, everyone on the plane was clean where today that attire would be overdressed for a funeral for these people like this one protest or otherwise!!
It was a great experience, almost like Disneyworld for the 1st time in an big airport for a kid, at least THEN.
It’s freaking disgraceful someone would even go out on their work release apparently with a t shirt on like that. And believe you me, my tongue is not a tame one and I’m no prude. I can torch em with the best, but I always say “you can be a bum or jag or what not all you want, but what good for or anyone to look the part too?”
It’s sickening to me how fast this society is collapsing.
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:21pmYou may already know this but a good portion of the world still “dresses up” for air-travel.
Even the Pentagon has a minimum dress code for traveling while on official business (minimum of a collared shirt & slacks, or service uniform, or other professional / business casual).
Report Post »Obamujahadeen
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:54pmBut I think we would agree this is the first time we know of someone walking through the airport to board an airliner with this emblazoned on their shirt. That’s my real point, in fact I can’t believe the pic of that word is here on THIS blog, I got booted off here using tamer language than that.
Seriously.
Report Post »SolitudeBliss
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:54pmFreedom of Speech does not mean Freedom From Offensive Speech. You cannot limit Free Speech. It is either Free or It is Not.
Report Post »Leevamark2
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:13pmYou are absolutely correct. At the same time, this truth doesn‘t mean that a private business has to be forced to serve you while you’re practicing your right to free speech.
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:18pmI am with you on this SolitudeBliss.
Even though I think her intent is to promote abortion, free speech, even if it goes against my beliefs, should be just that. There is a line somewhere, but we have not fully determined where.
I can remember a t-shirt I bought in FL while on vacation shortly after high school. Let’s just say it had language that was probably as vulgar as the S.E. photo and was seen by more people than will ever see the S.E. photo.
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:35pmI do need to clarify however. American Airlines is a private business and therefore can do what they wish as far as dress code. So I get to commend both parties in this.
Report Post »inblack
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 11:08amThanks OLEFROMMN, good points.
Free speech does not mean that you have a right to be as offensive as you want without consequences.
Free speech does not bind private individuals only the Federal Government (and later through court rulings state governments).
While I believe that what does not pick my pocket nor break my bones can generally be ignored, if I run a business, you can bet that there is a code of dress and conduct that includes speech and I will use my freedom to toss out any ill mannered fool that thinks that their right of free speech includes a right to offend my employees and customers on private property.
BTW, try this at work and explain to the EEOC how your free speech about a protected class (unequal treatment under the law) is more important that their “right” to not be offended.
Report Post »RebelPatriot
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 4:04amYour right to free speech stops where my rights to be protected against obscenity begin.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:52pmWhat does that skank Barbara Streisand think about this. How many did she flush down the toilet
Report Post »ricckky
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:46pmliberals in general are usually very un hygienic and have BO..I wonder why that is—I guess when you have a dirty mind you have a dirty body!!!! What pathetic excuse for a woman!!!
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:59pmPot smell. Dope oozing out of their poors from reacting with body chemicals. They think with their azzes for the most part, so maybe that is why they want their heads covered up and their bottoms set free from clothing.
Report Post »MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:20amShe’s probably related to Sandra Fluck. Maybe her shirt should have said “Fluck” a Senator. But then, she’d probably get sued.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:44pmGotta love the radical femDoms………
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:38pmW/out the tramps, the world’s oldest profession would go out of business & then the degenerates would take their sexual tensions out in some more nefarious way …
Report Post »Leevamark2
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 10:03pmSooo…to be clear, your argument is: “Let the degenerates among us dictate decency”?
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 11:09pmYeeaahh, that’s what I meant … Boy, oh, boy, you’re perceptive …
Report Post »inblack
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 11:14am@RON_WA
Wait, are you kidding? These tramps are destroying the oldest profession.
Why rent the cow when you can get milk for free from these sluts.
Maybe she needed a different tee.
Report Post »“If I wanted people to respect me, I wouldn’t act like a cheap whore”.
MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:21am@ InBlack, funny, but boring by the Femi-Nazi standards.
Report Post »45Sentinel
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:36pmKids fly on planes and are in airports. I‘d don’t feel that my kid needs to be see or here the F bomb. It is offensive. Unfortunately this is a result of people being afraid of physical altercations. So these loons keep amping up the volume until someone snaps.
The fact that an elected official made a similar sign in a chamber of government is even more despicable.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:36pmWOW!!! Didn‘t anyone tell her that they aren’t interested in females? OOPS! I wasn’t talking about the Pelosi types.
Report Post »VoteRightDammit
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:27pmUnions.
So now we have (ESPECIALLY at American Airlines) Stewardesses (oops – offensive word!) who have worked in the job for 30 years (a job designed for 20-year-old girls, to last 3 or 5 years tops). They are now so fed up with passengers, union rules, etc. they are the very definition of bitter.
And so this kind of thing happens.
Without the union, these women would be 25 years out of stewing and happily camped out in a life far better suited to their point in life.
Thanks, unions.
Report Post »1000GoodBooks
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:25pmI find it hard to believe that only one person, a flight attendant, complained. Whatever happened to civility and common decency? The shirt is offensive. I don’t want to read it; I certainly don’t want my kids to read it. Other patrons have paid the full price for their tickets; they should be able to travel without in-your-face messages of any ilk.
Report Post »taxpro4u03
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:18pmDon‘t they ’teach‘ civics anymore in the commie ’publik’ schools?? —> There is no such thing as, “constitutional rights”. The Constitution grants no rights. Our Rights do not come from the Constitution; rather, the Constitution recognizes our Rights are God given and inherent. Crafting a Constitution does not change the fact that people cannot create rights or give rights they do not possess to others. Further, the Constitution does not, and cannot be lawfully amended to, limit the sovereign people of the United States of America. We are, talking of course the Republic‘s Constitution of 1791 and NOT the ’facsimile’ Organic Act of 1871/74 CORPORATE constitution the ‘insiders’ actually use… both co-exist – the former is simply where Uncle Abe left it on April 24, 1863 — a state of SUSPENSION. RESEARCH, people!!!
Report Post »Watermain
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:16pmHow about saving that shirt for a gay/lesbian event in San Francisco?
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:15pmActually, I love the saying but wearing it in general public is inappropriate; it would be better suited for a NOW rally, a bar, or other adult oriented events …
As far as the airline is concerned – read the small print on your contract for conveyance (ticket) – they have the right to refuse service …
Report Post »RIGHTHOOK
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 10:23amYes they do and so do the bars or any other business establishment for that matter. More importantly the woman was 90 minutes delayed in picking up her daughter! Yup this classless POS who thrives on drawing attention to herself in a lowbrow fashion but the throws up her arms in amazement b/c the captain essentially said ‘clean up your act or don’t fly on our planes’ is propagating and herself a pathetic example. Society is demented and crude in great percentages and she punctuates that assessment.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:15pmThe Obama administration may hit the airlines with a lawsuit..
Report Post »MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:26amRight after he calls her to offer his sympathy to her for how “horribly” they treated her.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:11pmWhy are liberal women so trashy and classless? Why are they so fascinated with murdering the unborn?
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:22pmDid you expect class from a murderer?
Report Post »War_Vet
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:25pmwell .. Its just a theory but I suppose wh*res gotta be something .. and since they never have and never will be conservative, there really only is one option for them ..
Report Post »Todd P
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:31pmI’ve never understood them – only tried to avoid them.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:38pmIt should have said, I want the government(the people) to pay for everything that comes out of my womb, spreading my legs without thought is my right.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:52pmA T-shirt? Where’s the hoodie?
Report Post »MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:30amI dunno. Been trying to figure out that one for years. The best I can figure is that some people mistakenly think that it makes them look smart and cool, you know, kind of like a kid saying that first forbidden cuss word, or puffing their first cigarette? Then for most of us, after doing it, we wonder what all the fuss was about. By the way, nice avitar!
Report Post »nostromo
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:10pmPeople didnt complain because they were afraid. Say something to someone nowadays and you might get beat on.
Report Post »MistyBlueAngel
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:33amBesides, most reasonable people would have to assume that someone crazy enough to wear something like that is probably hoping for a confrontation. I would have. I would not, however, have given her the satisfaction of giving her any attention.
Report Post »FreedomWitness
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:09pmMental case! Ask her about her relationship with her dad, it will tell you everything you need to know.
Report Post »Dream33
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:08pmIt never ceases to amaze me that people think the f word is ok.It just tells me…you cant think.The f bomb is used by people with a iq of less then 30.
Report Post »taxpro4u03
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:21pmI disagree. The most expressive word in the English language involves the f-bomb. Words have POWER, when used in the PROPER venue. That being sed, the politically correct recent retort by the O man …”…cowpie…” :-)
Report Post »Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:02pmI don’t want my grandkids seeing this garbage. Time to clean up the language. Starting with Tiger Woods.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:08pmHow Ironic it’s AMERICAN airlines that did this, maybe they could change the C to a K. Of course, they will be watching, always watching.
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 9:07pmHow about, “I’d bang a senator!”
Report Post »