“Gov. Bob Wise [D-WV] sent a letter to Abercrombie & Fitch on Monday demanding that the clothing retailer stop selling a T-shirt that spoofs the state with the slogan, ‘It’s All Relative in West Virginia.'”

Wise said the T-shirt depicts “an unfounded, negative stereotype” of the state.

“I write to you today to demand that you immediately remove this item from your stores and your print and online catalogues,” Wise wrote. “In addition, these shirts must be destroyed at once to avoid any possibility of resale and proof be given thereof.”

Abercrombie & Fitch spokesman Tom Lennox declined to say whether the New Albany, Ohio-based company would comply with the governor’s request. He said the T-shirt, which features the slogan on an outline of the state, has been selling well at $22.50.

This is comical on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin…

First, if you don’t like the shirt, Bob, don’t buy it, simple as that. But the slogan being peddled by Abercrombie plays on a stereotype you readily admit exists (rightly or wrongly) — so its satire is not altogether misguided (though perhaps a bit juvenile).

Second, while you have every right to express your disdain for this satire — and every right to defend West Virginia’s honor by pointing to the state’s relative lack of successful inbreeding — what you don’t have a right to do is use your public office to suppress such speech.

And third…climb down off your cousin and squeal like a pig for me, Bob. C’mon, just once…!

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