CNN “American Morning” co-anchor John Roberts should have familiarized himself with Southwest Airlines “Contract of Carriage” before he assailed that airline for playing the role of fashion police.
Florida resident Joe Winiecki was told by airline employees to turn his lewd shirt inside out, change shirts or get off an October 7 flight according to The Associated Press. The “sexually suggestive” shirt read certified “Master Baiter.” But Roberts didn’t see it that way.
“A passenger wearing a T-shirt with a somewhat off-color joke on it about his fishing prowess was told that he couldn't board the flight while wearing it.” Roberts said on the October 9 “American Morning.” The CNN co-host used the story to promote a CNN online poll that asked if airlines should play the role of “fashion police.”
But the Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage, an agreement passengers submit to when they purchase a ticket from the airline, states:
“[The] Carrier may refuse to transport or remove from the aircraft at any point any passenger in the following categories as may be necessary for the comfort or safety of such passenger or other passengers: (1) Persons whose conduct is or has been known to be disorderly, abusive, offensive, threatening, intimidating, or violent, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene, or patently offensive …”
Roberts’ sidekick, co-host Kiran Chetry also threw a punch at Southwest. “We could do a deal like – you get us somewhere on time and we'll dress however you want. How about that? You don't lose our luggage and we'll cover up,” said Chetry.
However, Chetry probably won’t be able to wear any offensive clothing on her next Southwest flight. According to flightstats.com, a Web site that tracks on-time arrivals, Southwest Airlines had the best record of domestic carriers for the month of July (the most recent data available). “NBC Nightly News” also reported on August 20 Southwest had the best on-time performance rating of the summer.
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How much of a classless
October 9, 2007 - 18:27 ET by Chris NormanHow much of a classless dullard does one have to be to put this shirt on and say, "This is funny and clever. I think I'll share it with everyone."?
Chris
October 9, 2007 - 18:53 ET by BlondeIt would be very funny at a fishing tournament or on a boat....but on an airline? I'd wear it...but only to go fishing.
And if SWA has that disclaimer on its terms of use, oh well.
Buyer beware.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde, I'm waiting for a
October 9, 2007 - 18:59 ET by Chris NormanBlonde, I think it's a matter of the setting. I would tell jokes to my buddies in a dive bar that I wouldn't tell to, say, mixed company at a nice restaurant. However, I'm waiting for a presidential candidate to wear a tee shirt to the debates that reads, "Master Deb....".
Off top[ic. Hurricanes.
October 9, 2007 - 20:13 ET by danboSaw something over at icecap.us you might appreciate. On what would happen if a "strong hurricane" hit New York. The AGWers would be on the news 24/7.
I thought you might appreciate, their definition of a "strong" hurricane? "Category 2 or higher".
Years ago I was training for a marathon, and schedualed for a long run when a cat 1 hit. Solution. I ran outside in the storm.
Tropical Storms. Close patio umbrella. Cat one, bring in patio umbrella, plastic trash can, turn over lawn and patio furniture. Cat 2 bring in lawn furniture, and pot plants. Cat 3 think about boarding up and getting out if it gets worse or if it's unusually large or slow moving. Cat 4 boarded up and getting out. Cat 5. I'm gone.
Goes on to say New York has been hit by 4 strong hurricanes. Last in 1893. You and I have been through more strong hurricanes than NY.
"There is a clear attempt to establish truth not by scientific methods but by perpetual repetition."
- Richard S. Lindzen, Ph.D. Professor of Meteorology, MIT
Someone truly worried
October 10, 2007 - 12:03 ET by JoeBobSomeone truly worried about their stash would bring in the pot plants for even the tropical storms. Check with sarc for proper care and maintenance.
Without recognizing the ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man. - Confucious
OK. OK Leave my dive shirts
October 9, 2007 - 19:34 ET by danboOK. OK Leave my dive shirts alone. I wear them. Now if the airlines would rather me fly topless that's their issue. I'll oblige them.
"There is a clear attempt to establish truth not by scientific methods but by perpetual repetition."
- Richard S. Lindzen, Ph.D. Professor of Meteorology, MIT
Why is it the liberal
October 9, 2007 - 18:36 ET by c5thenWhy is it the liberal idiots all think that the Constitution pertains to individuals and private companies?
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
They must think "no shirt,
October 9, 2007 - 19:57 ET by HypocriteHaterThey must think "no shirt, no shoes, no service" is an infringement on their civil liberties.
Help, call the ACLU!! My constitutional right to walk into 7-11 topless and barefoot is being denied!
Probably didn't know what it meant, since Libs believe in free s
October 9, 2007 - 18:44 ET by PawpawNProbably didn't know what it meant, since Libs believe in free sex. They have never read the Constitution! Wonder what Libs would think if a boy came to pick up their daughter and had a shirt on that says "I'm feeling real lucky tonight"!! or "I've got a bone for you"!
What Fashion
October 9, 2007 - 18:46 ET by the mad poleHow about the people in pajamas, flip flops and pants showing butt cracks? Fashion..., America?
Actually, given the rigors
October 9, 2007 - 18:53 ET by Chris NormanActually, given the rigors of going through security, I've considered wearing just a hospital gown when traveling. However, in consideration (and mercy) to the other passengers, I decided not to do so. :)
I hear you Chris,
October 9, 2007 - 19:01 ET by BlondeWhen I travel now, I go for the minimum no fuss outfit. No tucked in shirt (no belt to remove), ballet slipper type flats, no underwire, remove almost everything from my purse.
I sent a subordinate to Houston last week in my stead....she got popped in security for having an expired driver's license!!!! They eventually let her through security...but barely. So there's another thing to think about when you fly.
What infuriates me is when they pull a little old lady or a young woman with kids out of line and put them through the security wringer. PC gone mad!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde,I bet you still
October 9, 2007 - 19:13 ET by Chris NormanBlonde,
I bet you still manage to make your "No tucked in shirt (no belt to remove), ballet slipper type flats, no underwire, remove almost everything from my purse" outfit look elegant and fashionable... :)
Chris, I've actually said
October 9, 2007 - 21:39 ET by motherbeltChris, I've actually said to friends that if they keep getting stricter about everything, some day we may be required to strip down at the airport, and be given a hospital gown to wear, with clothes returned at the destination LOL.
I swear, if thy could figure out a way to do it now without disrupting everything and everybody, they would.
Clothing on planes
October 9, 2007 - 18:52 ET by umpeteit used to be people would get formally dressed when flying....now, it's lower than casual....media loves to defend the undefensible...
I believe part of that was only a few folks could afford to fly.
October 9, 2007 - 19:09 ET by sarcasmoAnd despite his many faults, one of the few really-good things Jimmy Carter did was to deregulate the airlines, which led to more competition & the lower fares we see today. Southwest has a good reputation and good management, unlike most other airlines IMO.
I try to dress so that I will not be noticed by the airline or security when I want to order 2 bloody marys or something, so I'd never wear something like my Russmo contortionist cartoon shirt. Thank heaven for first class, I wish I could afford it more-often, but I'm cheap.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
Formally dressed for FLYING?
October 9, 2007 - 19:22 ET by m4ster chiefLook at some of the old B & W films...people used to wear suits and TIES when they would attend major AND minor league baseball games! Or to go fishing off a pier in New York City...
Hey, we still dressed up
October 9, 2007 - 19:28 ET by Chris NormanEdited. I reread your comment. I'm not old enough to remember that, thank goodness...
John Roberts Master Baiter
October 9, 2007 - 19:09 ET by Lame CherryLet Johnboy Roberts wear the t shirt on CNN as he doesn't like wearing the American Flag and it would fit him perfectly as he is into the Dom situation acting out on air against the right but acting like a sub prostrate before Hillary.
Frankly in any place in public, I don't want to be preached at by any religion, see half naked anyone, see anyone intimate nor deal with children. When I pay for an airline ticket, it is my right in kingdom to have the company I have purchased my right to protect me from dolts with t shirts concering Johnboy Roberts sex or Hillary 2008.......both of which I find repulsive.
So come on Johnboy, dress down and BOHICA or in your case it is more BOSHEKA.
CNN needs to find people who can find things that matter and not complain about airlines.......even Communist Kaye finds guns to wave around after a pretty smile.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Had I met Roberts...
October 9, 2007 - 19:15 ET by m4ster chief...in a restaurant after his show, and had I the opportunity to speak with him regarding his "fishing prowess" remark...I would have simply looked at him and said, "Are you really just plain stupid, or are you deliberately misconstruing the meaning of the words on the T-shirt?" Everybody knows what the words meant, and what the wearer wanted people to read into them; so Roberts is just being Roberts...like a howling dog is just a dog...no more, no less. Where's the surprise in that?
Roberts and the CNN Dresscode Test
October 9, 2007 - 20:19 ET by ThisnThatRoberts should test CNN's dress code, and live through a real-life standards event.
He can show up to work in a tank top, cutoffs, and flip-flops, wearing a baseball cap that says "FOX Rocks; CNN Sucks", and see if he can get on the air.
If he can't, then he should film the episode, show up to work the next day and complain loud and long. He can get his sidekick, Kiran, to say something in support of his cause, such as "We could do a deal like – you report the truth and we'll dress however you want. How about that? You don't carry Clinton's water, and we'll cover up". Something clever like that.
Heck, I'd even tune in for that show.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Hey, how about this?
October 9, 2007 - 20:31 ET by KrisMaybe the clueless moron with the tasteless t-shirt could have simply acted like a grown up and turned his shirt inside out during the flight. Maybe that was just too hard for the poor baby to understand.
Hey, Kiran has always been a libby and her taste and judgement when it comes to cultural matters has always sided with the anything goes crowd. I love it when libs get all fired up because of some comment or action that is deemed "offensive" to one of their favorite pet groups or political causes, yet when a Christian's sensibilities are trounced upon, they snicker and sneer and get all defensive. Act like a bunch of two year olds.
Got what he deserved
October 9, 2007 - 20:43 ET by ThisnThatThe guy in the t-shirt got what he deserved. If he doesn't like it, he can try another airline; or Amtrack; take the bus; drive a car; or simply stay home. Instead, the jerks from CNN continue to champion any cause whatsoever that servers to destroy any and all values and good behavior expected of the public when --- in public. Serves their Anarchist purpose.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
A bit of a long story, but
October 10, 2007 - 05:57 ET by USA4freedomA bit of a long story, but sort of fits here.
I was helping my Mom move and had to catch an airplane back
and ask my girlfriend to get me a ticket online. My Mom dropped me off at the
Ashville NC airport. A very small regional airport. So after I checked in I saw
the lady at the desk pointing at me. With in 3 min. about 6 cops were all
standing there watching me. We got in line for the airplane when this big old
cop with chewing tobacco walked up to me and handed me a large orange card. I
joked with him and said: is this my lucky day? He laughed rolled back and forth
on his heels and said Yep. They pulled me out of line and gave me the security
check of all time, every thing but the cavity search. My luggage was looked at
by a team of people. I thought they would take apart my cell phone. They held
me so long they had to hold the airplane. When they let me go I get on the
airplane its almost empty maybe about 10 people on it. I walking along looking for
my seat, my girlfriend puts me next to the bathroom. I thought “that’s her
trying to be funny”. A man in a suit sits right across from me, and stares at
me the entire flight. The stewardess comes over to me and tells me that she is
sorry that they do not serve food on this flight so I could not get the “Muslim
meal”. That was the moment I finally put it together.. my girlfriend.. She was
laughing her ass off at the airport when she came to pick me up..
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
Sorry people
October 10, 2007 - 06:47 ET by voodoodaddybut the words"Master Baiter" do not even come close to the meaning in the terms "Lewd, Obscene or Patently Offensive". I believe trying to say so is really a stretch. I do not believe there is any real bias here. When I read the words "Master Baiter" I see simply humor with the play on words and nothing more in my mind but apparently others see far more lewd, obscene and patently offensive thoughts. Therein lies the problem. There are far to many of us with no sense of humor any more.
IMHO, There are jokes you
October 10, 2007 - 07:27 ET by USA4freedomIMHO,
There are jokes
you tell in the locker room and there are jokes you tell in public, I think the
shirt is just a little over the top for an airline.
Maybe if you had
your 8 year old ask you about the shirt you might have a little different
feeling.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
USA, Aren't the liberals
October 10, 2007 - 07:33 ET by LeonUSA,
Aren't the liberals the ones that are supposed to be all sensitive, whiney, and demanding of PC behavior?
You guys are slowly stealing the whine role, that's for sure.
USa4freedom
October 10, 2007 - 07:42 ET by voodoodaddyNo, I do not think so and you just made my point. It is only over the top in your mind. You seem to see lewd, and obscene acts in your mind where I see humor and the play on words in mine. This appears to be why we have different views on this matter.
In addition, children know a heck of a lot more than people like to believe even at age 8. I have already raised two boys into Young Fine Men and I would have gladly explained it to them...had they had to ask.
T Shirts..
October 10, 2007 - 14:11 ET by USA4freedomSo with that same vane of thought, a man has a shirt with a
camel on it and it says: I want to hump your wife, that’s ok, right?
Or, a picture of a Raccoon and the shirt has printed: I want
to hang coons. That’s ok right?
Or, a picture of a Ritz with the caption: I hate crackers.
Still ok right?
How about a picture of a bomb on your shirt with the line: Allāhu Akbar, still ok
right?
How about a picture of Daniel Perl and the line: don’t
loose your head at work, still ok right?
Look I don’t think the shirt in question is that bad
but.. where do you draw the line? Are the examples above ok or should it get
worse.
I don’t think that asking someone to “not” put on a shirt
that would offend someone is too big a deal. So look if you are going to take
that airline you don’t put on the: I WANT TO F.. YOU LIKE AN ANAMIAL shirt.
Look all I’m saying is, you can wear things in bad taste, we
are still in America. But that does not give you permission to go any where or
do anything in a private company.
I ran a bar for 15 years, one time when I told a man he had
to leave, he asked me who the hell did I think I was? And..(this is a public place). I told him outside these four
walls I’m nobody, but inside these walls I am God Almighty. Now you will leave
or I will have someone help you..
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
WOW!
October 10, 2007 - 15:26 ET by voodoodaddyThose slogans are so far off I can't make the comparison to any of the T-Shirt slogans I have seen and I have seen a few. I can't even use one of them to have printed on a shirt to try and sell them.
In any event. I never said they did not have the right to make him take it off or even whether he should be wearing it on a plane. In fact, I would not wear it on a plane. I just stated that it is a stretch to consider the statement "Master Baiter" as "lewd, obscene or patently offensive". It may be simply "offensive" to some but it is not "lewd, obscene or patently offensive".
VDD, The fact
October 10, 2007 - 16:02 ET by JoeBobVDD,
The fact that you consider the slogan in question to be a good play on words (a pun) indicates that you recognize its alternative meaning; such is necessary for a good pun. Its recognized alternative meaning refers to the manipulation of sexual organs. Since "lewd", by definition, means "sexually unchaste or licentious", which describes the pun's alternative meaning quite accurately, one can only conclude that you are being deliberately obtuse. YOU may not find it offensive, but its recognized connotation is certainly "lewd", and was intended to be.
Without recognizing the ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man. - Confucious
t-shirt
October 10, 2007 - 08:23 ET by vettemonI think that Southwest is going too far. The shirt is about fishing and is harmless. But by the way people spell on so many of these forums I guess they just think that it was about sex. It's a play on words.
Precisely, it's a play on
October 10, 2007 - 11:46 ET by MikeBPrecisely, it's a play on words. And the word they are playing on is "masturbator". Everyone who is post-pubescent and, possibly many who are pre-pubescent, would know that is what the shirt had reference to. It may be funny in a fishing tournament or a whorehouse, but it was inappropriate in that setting.
Just because something can be said, or printed, doesn't mean it should be said or printed. Good on Southwest Airlines. I would hope they would act similarly if a female was wearing a tee-shirt with "Don't touch my Tuts" or "I'm perfectly adjusted. Don't touch my knobs" or other similar, inappropriate sayings.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
I Believe In Private Property Rights
October 10, 2007 - 12:43 ET by deerjerkydaveSouthwest airlines is a private business. They should be free to choose who rides on their airplanes and who doesn't. People do not have a right to force themselves onto other people's private property. If a friend came over to your home and started saying or doing things that you felt was inappropriate you should be free to kick them out of your house, or your car, or your boat, or your airplane, etc.
The elimination of private property rights is one of the primary goals of socialism.
I believe in both the marketplace of ideas and
October 11, 2007 - 09:15 ET by BlindSightprivate property.
I think that Southwest has a right to set and enforce dress standards for its passengers, but think it's perfectly fine for CNN also to run something like this occasionally as newsworthy - it serves to give passengers notice and might not only lower the likelihood of future problems but even increase Southwest's traffic.
It seems that the CNN report, as you describe it, implicitly recognizes that Southwest was within its rights. I think it's fair of them to raise the question of whether Southwest is being silly in trying to enforce its policy. The complaint about on time arrivals seemed a bit off, at least for Southwest, but as a general point of course that is a growing problem, isn't it?
"I do not know what is true. ... But in the midst of doubt ... I do not doubt that the faith is true and adorable which leads a soldier to throw away his life in obedience to a blindly accepted duty."
- Oliver Wendel Holmes, Jr.
But didn't you see the snide
October 11, 2007 - 12:34 ET by KrisBut didn't you see the snide tone these two on Cnn were using when talking about this? They act like, how dare anyone think that what anyone chooses to wear is offensive? You know why these two nitwits (Roberts and Chetry) choose to portray it this way? Because they just might like to wear stuff like this themselves. Our culture has become so polluted with filth that the things that used to be obviously improper are now vigorously defended as completely normal. Day in and day out we see women with their boobs falling out of their clothing and skirts that leave little to the imagination. The language on tv is dirty and lewd, so when these lib media folks see someone wearing clothing that appears to be slightly less revealing and less repulsive than most of what we witness on tv everyday, they think it's acceptable and okay. As a society, we've been brainwashed and the media is helping to push that agenda along. By the way, watching Chetry over the years, she has always given the impression that there isn't much that she would consider offensive.
I think the snide attitude
October 11, 2007 - 12:42 ET by balboaI think the snide attitude comes from the frustration of airplane travel, and that there are probably more important things to be concerned about.