Dangerous Outlaw Willie Nelson Detained by Border Patrol
Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News
US Border Patrol spokesman Bill Brooks said Nelson's tour bus was stopped at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas, at about 9 a.m. on Friday. He said an officer smelled pot when a door was opened and a search turned up 6 ounces of marijuana.
Brooks said Nelson was among three people arrested.
Singer, songwriter, American poet, Willie Nelson, 05/08/08. (photo: Unknown)
Nelson and his crew were reportedly on their way to Austin following a gig in California. The arrest did not take place on the border, but at a checkpoint well inside the United States.
When news of the arrest leaked to Twitter, tweeters were shocked and Nelson shot up to the top of the trending list.
Comedian John Fugelsang pointed out that while Willie Nelson was arrested in Texas for 6 ounces of cannabis, God, who produces it naturally across globe, is still at large.
A popular retweet: "They arrested Willie Nelson for weed?!? That's like arresting Santa for breaking and entering."
Rock guitarist Slash tweeted: "All things considered, Willie Nelson should have a federal issue, no limit marijuana license. End of story."
However, others tweeted that they would be able to sleep better knowing that Nelson is off the streets.
It didn't take long for Sage Francis to start a new "hash" tag: #FreeWilly.
According to multiple media sources Nelson was released after posting bail in the amount of $2,500.
While I mixed in a little satire, the sad thing is that this is a true story. How many of you would have even looked for the pot? I think I would have told Willie to make sure the driver didn't get stoned, and to have a nice day. After I got his autograph of course.
Scott Galindez is the Political Director of Reader Supported News, and the co-founder of Truthout.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
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Nov. 27, 2010