Free Speech in the Capitol

I'm vacationing in Washington DC this week. Before going to the Senate gallery today to see the cloture vote on Pricella Owen, I was stopped by a Capitol police officer and asked to turn my Anti-Flag hoodie inside out.

For those of you who are not familiar with them, Anti-Flag is a political punk band from Pittsburg, Pa. They are not anti-American in any way. In fact they have been praised by several respected politicians, including Rep. Jim McDermott and future Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

It seemed to me that the officer did not even see the back of my hoodie, which is probably a bit more controversial. He was just angered by the words Anti-Flag on the front.

My hoodie was neither profane nor threatening to anybody. I'm not a crybaby...I didn't really mind taking my hoodie off. I do mind, however, the idea that free speech is not tolerated in our nation's capitol.

Anybody have any ideas on if/how I should act? I'm considering contacting ACLU. I'm not sure, however, if I should inform the DC ACLU or their branch in my home state of Florida. Any advice would be appreciated!

And you would need the arrest on VIDEOto have any chance of winning.

My advice: Call the local ACLU office and ask THEIR advice.