UK’s “Most Effective Environmentalist” Barred From Entering US

[Truth2Tell]

http://aviationjustice.org/2011/09/30/john-stewart-barred-from-us/

Environmentalists from across the United States and Europe are surprised and outraged that John Stewart, voted the UK’s most effective environmentalist, was barred from entering the US. Stewart was invited to the US by a coalition of environmental organizations.

On September 29, Stewart, who does not have a criminal record and meets the requirements for the US Visa Waiver program, had his visa waiver rescinded mid-flight. He was questioned by the FBI, the Secret Service, and immigration for six hours at New York’s JFK Airport before being put back on a plane to London.

American environmental campaigners had planned a month-long speaking tour for Stewart, set to begin on October 1. Stewart had been instrumental in the campaign to stop a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport. He had chaired the diverse coalition of neighbors, environmental activists, fiscal conservatives, and local politicians which persuaded the Conservative government to scrap plans for a new runway. In 2008 the Independent on Sunday voted Stewart “the UK’s most effective green activist.”

Environmentalist Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, says that barring a community organizer from entering the U.S. is a dangerous statement. He continued, “We need more voices, not fewer, explaining the dangers of climate change and the rational responses we must make. And though it’s a backhanded testament to John Stewart’s effectiveness, this is sad news for all of us hoping to hear what he had to say.”

http://aviationjustice.org/2011/09/30/john-stewart-barred-from-us/">More...

Edit to add: What administration is this again?

[saras]

1. And, for better or worse, no rationale whatsoever was offered...

[provis99]

2. more Change We Can Believe In!

[TheWraith]

3. Self-promoting fluff from a website designed around the idea of getting rid of aviation?

People are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for stuff to bash Obama with.

[bahrbearian]

4. I quess free speech isn't that important..

[Duppers]

6. Indeed.

Anywhere!

[Major Nikon]

7. Could be something as simple as his passport expiring

But we don't know because one side of the story is all we get. :eyes:

[Duppers]

5. This is outrageous.

I wonder if the PTB will jam the video conferencing.

[The Northerner]

8. Does anyone know the "justification" for this?

I really can't fathom why this would happen.