Will Dixie Chick Natalie Maines win or lose out after criticising US President George W Bush over the Iraq affair?
Texas based Country hot shots The Dixie Chicks are facing a boycott
from country fans after singer Natalie Maines told an audience at a London
show: "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is
from Texas."…
Article comments
126 - BRICKLAYER
Let me speak now in a language we can all understand: The Dixie Chixxx deserve our collective scorn as a society for nothing more than their abominable cover of an already flaccid Fleetwood Mac song-oh, and probably for some other musical affronts, but I'm not a fan, so I really can't speak much about their bland, generic songsmithing.
Now, about being a Patriot, and supporting our troops: What, pray tell, do most of you red, white and blue yahoos really do to "support the troops"?
Fly a flag, or sport a bumper sticker on your car? Whew! You're the next Sam Adams!
Pray for the troops? That's fantastic, but I think the Iraqi's pray too, and I don't think God (or Allah) discriminates or takes sides, and if he does, I bet he/she/it comes down with little Haji, who had his testiceles blown off by a 19 year old redneck from Alabama, not Private Podunk who took a wrong turn in the Humvee, and is now a HERO.
127 - Natalie
I don't like the Chicks' Mac cover, either. Bought Home anyway, after the brouhaha started to swirl, to support Ms. Maines and the gals.
The boycotters, as stupid as I believe they are in this instance, have every right to speak through their wallets. That's the American way.
But where is it written that no one can speak ill of a president? Not everyone born in the US is thrilled about the compulsory citizenship. Not everyone born here feels loyalty -- a loyalty I do not grok at all -- for this construct not of our making and in which we landed not by choice. And in the minds of many, perhaps many more than some of you may suspect, the person some of you call president is one we can't, don't, and won't accept or support or follow. And we don't have to. That, too, is the American way.
128 - Jose
Natalie, You are right when you say it is the American way to not support the president if you don't want too, but I am a second generation American from Cuba and I think you are wrong. My father, a refugee, taught me to respect the man in the white house. I didn't have to agree with him but I had to respect him. This is a great country and I know this more than some. But respect is something that we are losing as a society. You are wrong...we must respect him. He is the US President. Hate him if you wish, but honestly, show some respect.
129 - Natalie
Why? I'm not an American at all, by my reckoning. (I am in the process of repatriating -- or as I call it, fleeing your country.) Your president isn't my president. I have no obligation to be loyal to the US government. Additionally, I don't respect Mr. Bush's policies, I don't respect his "presidency" or the fiasco that put him into a position he, IMO, has not earned or won. I don't respect his staff and administration. And frankly, I am ashamed to have been born on the same land mass.
With all due respect to you, I should show a person I believe to be a terrorist (and I seriously do believe that) respect? And because you tell me to do so?
No disrespect intended to you, Jose, but you are the one who is wrong. You believe you must respect him. That much is valid. But if you command me to do so, you are wrong.
You are certainly free to think me wrong and to say so, however. :)
130 - Jose
Natalie...
We have many freedoms in this country and I believe that you are
FREE TO LEAVE IT since you are so unhappy.
I'll help you with the cost of your ticket.
Actually, I think I can give you the time of the next boat to Cuba. Maybe you like that better, no?
131 - Penny
Bricklayer:
You asked what we have done to support our troops? I gave everything I could...my son.
132 - Natalie
Jose, I am working to raise the money to take my family to a more welcoming place.
So... you came here and now insist that everyone agree with you or get out? Guess you've really become an American. Congratulations. I guess.
133 - Amanda
I'm HAPPY WITH THE CHICKS I LOVE EM AND I THINK THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS! So does everyone else....
134 - Andrew Ian Dodge
"Speaking their minds" assumes that they actually have the capacity for thought. I have yet to see any of the DC saying anything that is not directly out of the anti-war/far left playbook.
They have every right to say what they wish but it is pretty pathetic when they whinge about the fact some people might not agree with them.
135 - Amanda Achord
Hey ya'll just wanted to apologize for all the comments I have made on here.. I'm just going to say this though I think everyone is entitled to their own opinions.. I mean look at R. Kelly he made a child porno and people still like him and no one is banning his music.. but when Natalie says one thing about the president she gets bashed for it.. and their music gets banned.. I mean come on people.. I think the thing R. Kelly did is a lot worse.. banned him! But truly I am sorry for all the bad language and all.. I really don’t act like that anymore.. I was just having a bad year..
Amanda
136 - Al Barger
Miss Amanda- it's okay. Sometimes we all get a little overheated.
Miss Maines cheesed me off with her original comments. I figured she had a quick cussin' coming to her, and then I was over it. Maybe even that was overreacting.
Some people, however, just didn't have any sense when to let it go. It was bad place and timing, but it wasn't THAT big a deal. It sure weren't worth some of the stuff with people calling them traitors and such.
It's all fine now, though. We've all got it off our chests.
Glad to have you hanging out at Blogcritics. Come back real soon, ya hear?
137 - cliff
bill clinton is a joke to the history of washington d.c. tell me one GREAT thing the man has done he and his administration knew the power of Osama what did he do to prevent anything from happening ...nothing, those bastards were in our country training how to fly while slick willy was getting his jollies off in the oral office. Please stop crying about bush at least he got off his ass and took care of saddam and all the other tyrants over there. As far as dixie cxs never really cared for there twang anyway want to read a good book pick up treason by ann coulter you may learn somthing if your not afraid to read it.
138 - Ilan
I live in Israel and got to this site by mistake, but after reading and realizing how stupid you Americans are, I couldn't help myself from replay.
Here in Israel, you should know that everybody see you as suckers, because you're fighting and dieing for us. Bush was talking about dangerous weapon that is a threat to America's security-didn't find any(though Sadam could attack my country whenever he liked). Are you fighting for world peace? Then why didn't you go to all the African countries where there are much worse Sadams?
You know, I really don't understand you. Dieying for oil? Don't get me wrong, I'm satisfied of that orangement, I'm Israely, now the Iraqi threat is gone, but what the fuck do you care about me? after all, Sadam wasn't threatnig you, but me, the same way that india and pacistan are threatning each other, but there is no oil over in india, so don't tell me about "world peace". leave it to your beauty queens, and keep diying for me, please, because you don't seem to care dienig.
139 - Eric Olsen
Ilan, regardless of where you're from, you're an idiot - and I'm not talking about the English as a second language issues.
140 - Jennifer
The last time I checked, our Constitution gave is the right to free speech, so why is it that a girl speaks her mind and then is stripped of her career for it? It's not about what she said or didn't say, it's about her right to say it and not have her livelihood (career) being threatened over it. I thought our rights were supposed to be protected? How would you feel if you got fired from your job just because you told someone you didn't like your boss? Put yourself in someone elses shoes for crying out loud!
141 - Ditsy Chix dont Die, they live on
Heh, Jennifer, it has never been about "freedom of speech" with the "Ditsy Chicks". It is the consequence of that speech(as well as most of this aftermath blab). She went against the grain of her fan base. You reap what you sow, in this case her seeds of disagreement, on the then political scene, has harvested a fresh crop of "we arent paying for your political views in our music" corn based fans.
She and her band would of been fine if she would of just sat there and sang.. but nope. Had to open up that yapper! Hah, I actually think its funny.
Oh, and about your boss. Well, hope you are never in a situation of an "at will" employer(as are a lot of people). I would have a giggle when your terminated for your views of your boss.
Anyways, running around and telling people that you dont like your boss can reap the same rewards. I wouldnt advise making statements like that(that could effect your "livelihood"), even if you were in a "Union" job. But hey its your life and your freedom of speech. But remember.. once it is out there and said.. no taking it back as are the consequences that follow.
142 - kaye
go away Dixie Chicks. Natalie Maines is a joke.
Can't stand the Dixie Chicks. Would do anything possible to put them out of business.
143 - christopher n pepper
I personally agree with why we went to war. Think about it if your neighbor attacked you you would want the local law enforcement to take action so that it did not happen again! I'm not saying we should still be over there, but I am saying we don't need to come home until we are sure we are safe her at home where America is still the home of the FREE. If it wasn't for the way we ar free to do what WE want to the DIXIE CHICKS would not have become what they used to be!!!!!! We have personnaly BANNED their critical ASSES in OUR house, and I am sad it come to that because we USED to have every CD they had out. I understand everbody is intitled to their own opinion but YOU must think about what YOU say so that it don't BITE YOU CHICKS IN THE ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
144 - LLB
Natalie Maines'comments on foreign soil should have been considered treason. She should have had the guts to say it on her home soil and then we could have watched to see how fast that Dixie "Chicken" could run!! If anyone is stupid enough to pay to see her perform, that is just it...they paid to see her PERFORM, not opine about her political views. So, she has the right to voice her opinion..this is the land of the free; however, who gives a rat's behind what she thinks. She is a ditzy blond-haired, big-mouth who steals money from poor unsuspecting tone deaf morons. By the way, Natalie, a Dixie Chick CD does not deserve a place amongst CD's by the likes of Toby or Reba...those spots are reserved for artists for whom we actually have respect.
145 - andy
Screw the dixie sluts! There should be a law against fat loudmouth idiots using the word Dixie in a band name. What a disgrace to Dixie, nobody here would claim those no talent bums! I say send em over to Iraq with some targets on their chests then maybe we will be rid of such a waste of space band.
146 - Andi
I think she is so stupid! They said they wanted devoted fans? Well we want devoted Americans! If she doesnt like what is going on in this country than she should just move! All any citizen can do is vote! I'm sure that she isn't the only one who isn't happy with how things are going, but you don't see alot of people talkin crap bout this country! People are saying, maybe she just let it slip...WELL SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE!! There are alot more people who like Bush than there are that don't...that was proven when HE WON THE ELECTION!!! So she should just shut-up!!!!
147 - Andi
NO ONE IS ASKIN HER TO BACK DOWN!!!! WE JUST WANT HER TO SHUT-UP!!
148 - Clavos
Originally posted in another thread, but fits here, too.
What makes ANY performer think that the rest of the world gives a rat's ass about what they think? We pay them to sing, act, dance, play an instrument, etc. not give us their opinions. Therefore, when a performer chooses to tell me what they think (and here in the USA they do have a Constitutional right to do so), if I don't agree with him or her (Clooney, are you listening?), I CHOOSE to not pay for their performance. It's as American as apple pie. It's why I quit watching Hanoi Jane movies 40 years ago. In short, it's my right to decide who gets my money, and has nothing to do with their talent OR lack thereof. I think both Clooney and Fonda are great actors, but I'll be damned if either will get my money.
149 - Catscorner990
By far this the best that the Dixie Chicks have produced. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the same way Natalie did but didn't have the balls to say it. Go for it Chicks your the best in my book and your newest cd was a number#1 smash hit the whole cd. Here's To You!!!!!
150 - crystal
first of all all of these idiots cannot spell to save their asses and natalie maines is the greatest thig since sliced bread she is all american through and through nobody likes bush but who would stand up in public and say it ? no one huh i rest my case dixie chicks should not be penalized for their rights!
151 - Dixie Sl.... Hater
These dumbos want to use their "stardom" image to yep her mouths about politics, well little hicks create a political party and get voted, and stop useing your sing Mic as your political blabber receptical, act like a hick sing your tune AND SHUT YOUR hole about politics... especially that fat little trol
152 - Liberal Hater
Im an ex marine.... they should put that that little fat ass in front of a Bradley tigh her up and drive through Iraq and when theres a road bomb .... kaboom problem solved she should be ashamed brothers and sisters get killed there while she opens her throat..
153 - Drunken Editor
I love the Dixie Chick's music. I went to their concert in Phoenix, for which I paid over $100 for a ticket. So few of us in life are blessed with such incredible talent and success. Given their incredible good fortune, I feel it would have been a wise strategy to not push their luck. I still supported the Dixie Chicks after the first incident regarding a comment about the president - we all say things that we probably shouldn't from time to time. Now, the Dixie Chicks have pushed their luck. They have insulted the people that gave them their success and fortune. I will never EVER listen to, nor support, these ungrateful and wreckless ladies again.Thanks for listening,
sincerely,
famousde or
World's Most Raw Honest anti-Forum
154 - Earlebyrd
Oh my gosh...are we still on this? People. Get over the comment. Move on. It was said in 2003- 3 years ago. Man-o-man. The last president lied to your faces this one is went to War for personal reasons. Move on. Blog about something that is relavent to life. Go Chicks, can't wait to see you in a few weeks!!!!
155 - em
I think that the Dixie chicks are awesome and if people stop listening to thier music because they voiced their opinion, then they weren't fans anyway. So rock on chicks!!!
156 - Hannah
hey im not as mature as you people.. im only a teenager. but why are we dissing the chicks? i mean..... why arent they aloud to have an opinion? and lots of other political bands are against Bush too... (Green Day are the best eva!) and so i think that we should back off!
157 - Niki
Thanks to the Dixie Chicks for another awesome CD! I had been waiting patiently. The comment made in London had absolutely no affect on me or my love for the Chicks music. I am proof that you do NOT have to hate Bush to LOVE the Dixie Chicks! I think the comment came at a time when Americans were looking for someone to be mad at and it ended up being Natalie. Natalie should NOT keep her mouth shut, or be killed or run for a public office, or whatever all the other crazy people keep saying. She can say whatever she wants - just like any of us can! She's not perfect, just like Bush! It truly amazes me that someone would think she should die for her opinion. This is exactly what is wrong with this country - people can get so upset and outraged and want to kill a musician for having a different opinion than their own, and yet sit and do nothing about real things that matter. If you really want to hate people then start rounding up all of the child molesters, get mad at them and threaten to kill them and put them "out back with the hogs" as some brilliant person wrote above, and stop wasting your time being mad and wanting to kill someone who simply said what she thinks. I know plenty of people who are embarrassed that Bush is from this Country! I happen to like Bush and think that he's doing a great job - but I still believe that Natalie can say whatever she wants and I will always love their music! I am a TRUE Dixie Chicks fan and I fell in love with the Chick's music when I finally gave it a chance after thinking they were just another girl group - I was wrong! So much talent in a REAL country music group! It wouldn't be the same without the banjo and fiddle! I listened to the first CD in 1998 and by the time I got to song 4 "There's Your Trouble" I was hooked! I now buy every CD as soon as it comes out and have enjoyed the music so much. From sending my sister-in-law off to get her PHD with a letter reminding her of "Wide Open Spaces", to my little four year old daughter singing "Cowboy Take Me Away" in the back seat of my car - the Chick's have definately been a part of my life, and their polital views are not going to change that. I can't wait to make it to a concert. TRUE Country Music Fan and proud Dixie Chick Fan from Springfield, MO - Niki
158 - Tom Jarvis
I enjoy listening to the Dixie chicks, I also think they are pretty women, but however that remark they made abroad about our president made them ugly. I would like to see you girls recant your statement so you can get back on track with the other Americans.
159 - a
I am shocked and disturbed by how much hatred all of you are expressing! The Dixie Chicks only expressed their opinion, and these blogs are discusting...people are saying terrible things about them.. so should people say terrible things about you for your terrible opinions? To wish that apon anyone is absolutely sick! And if you love Bush enough to want to kill or harm others..then that is even more disturbing! How about all of you writing these blogs learn how to respect and love one another. The Dixie Chicks are amazing and so talented. And nothing they say or you say will ever change that.
160 - K
It's funny how, now, looking back on these words, you could see how blind and freely condemning people have been. In fear of being branded a 'traitor' countless so-called right-minded individuals have made rash and thoughtless statements...
From early 2003, you can see people with comments like "Let's see how the Dixie Chick feels when then war ends (in about 5 days)"... ironic isn't it? five days? How about five hundreds? How about a thousand? How about another thousand; when the war consume another country and another so-called evil regime?!
Funny, ain't it?