Bong hits for Jesus

A US Supreme Court case about the free-speech rights of high school students will be argued on Monday, has opened an unexpected fissure between the Bush administration and its usual allies on the religious right.

This story dates back the the 2002 Winter Olympics when the Olympic torch was carried through the streets of Juneau, Alaska, on its way to Salt Lake City, students were allowed to leave the school grounds to watch. With television cameras focused on the scene, Mr. Frederick and some friends unfurled a 14-foot-long banner with the inscription: “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.”

Mr. Frederick later testified that he designed the banner, using a slogan he had seen on a snowboard, “to be meaningless and funny, in order to get on television.” His principal Ms. Morse found no humor but plenty of meaning in the sign, recognizing “bong hits” as a slang reference to using marijuana. She demanded that he take the banner down. When he refused, she tore it down, ordered him to her office, and gave him a 10-day suspension.

And now it is before the Supreme Court wreaking havoc for Dubya.