Boss calls anti-Chick campaign "un-American" on his website:
- The Dixie Chicks have taken a big hit lately for exercising their basic right to express themselves. To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American.
The pressure coming from the government and big business to enforce conformity of thought concerning the war and politics goes against everything that this country is about - namely freedom. Right now, we are supposedly fighting to create freedom in Iraq, at the same time that some are trying to intimidate and punish people for using that same freedom here at home.
I don't know what happens next, but I do want to add my voice to those who think that the Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal, and an un-American one to boot. I send them my support.
Bruce Springsteen
As has been reiterated at great length among the Dixie Chicks posts here, citizens have the right to protest the Chicks' stance just as much as the Chicks have the right to express their views: fair is fair in both directions. I am very concerned, though, that Clear Channel has taken action against the Chicks in order to curry favor with the administration-friendly FCC, before which are hearings that could have great impact upon its corporate future. Coincidence?
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Steve Rhodes
The Dixie Chicks will given an interview Thursday on PrimeTime Live on ABC (I think - I get their newsmagazines mixed up).
There is going to be a FCC hearing at City Hall in San Francisco on Saturday from 10 to 4. I'm planning on going.
2 - Al Barger
Now Eric, you are imagining that Clear Channel is dropping the Dixie Chicks from their stations to curry favor with the FCC? That really seems to be stretching it. Is there any evidence whatsoever?
Also, screw Springsteen. It is un-American for him to be calling people un-American just because they have used their free speech rights to criticize the damned stupid Dixie Chicks. So there.
3 - Old Fart!!!
"It is un-American for him to be calling people un-American just because they have used their free speech rights to criticize the damned stupid Dixie Chicks. So there."
So contradictory, more like.
Let me get this clear- it's 'un-American' for Bruce Springsteen to use his right to free speech but all right for others to use theirs because *you* have decided that the Dixie Chicks are 'damned stupid' for exercising *their* right to free speech? You appear to be against, then for, then against freedom of speech- all within the space of single sentence! Either that or you only care about freedom of speech when it's used to express views which you agree with. Either way, this is not a position in *support* of freedom of speech since you either support it 100% or not. (Doesn't mean you have to support what is actually *said* of course.)
If one looks on the US as the keeper of the flame as far as freedom of expression is concerned, then it is self-evident that being against freedom of speech in certain areas in patently un-American - simple as that. Whether or not you think Bruce Springsteen or the Dixie Chicks are expressing 'un-American' views, the fact is that they express them in the great American tradition of freedom of speech, and to support censorship of them is to go against this great American tradition, and is therefore itself un-American.
I don't think I can put this any simpler, and I'm not even an American! God help you if you need an outsider to remind you of one of your country's greatest traditions...
4 - Dugger
Well now, Old Fart, neither the Dixie Chicks nor Bruce have been criticized for "exercising their freedom of speech." Both have been criticized for saying stupid and dishonorable things. What do you suppose the ol' Boss meant by "supposedly" when referring to our motives in Iraq in his diatribe? It is the "Boss" impugning the patriotism of the DC critics not the other way around. He evidently thinks we are "unamerican" (his word choice) because we refuse to buy their CDs. This coming from the multi-millionaire man of the people. If he enjoys fake C @ W stars trashing the CINC during wartime so much, why doesn't he let loose one of his millions and buy a ton of the damn Cds himself? Hell, if he's got time to trash the motives of patriotic working stiffs, he's got time to buy cds.
.
5 - Point Blank
I applaud what Bruce Springsteen had to say. He's completely right. The Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal for a statement that has been blown out of proportion and that was said during a moment when emotions took over.
I'm not saying that anyone doesn't have the right to boycott the Chicks or make a statement against them. Though the boycott shouldn't be a ludicrous arrangement of people smashing cds in parking lots which brings to mind the book "Farenheit 451".
When speaking out against the Chicks a person should use some civility.
How is a death threat or saying, "I think they should strap her(Maines) to a bomb and send her to Iraq" better than the statement made by Mrs. Maines?
One more thing: Rock on Bruce! The man has the best lyrics and music, great views, and is down to earth.
"You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence." - Charles A. Beard, US historian
"You're walkin' in the sights, girl of point blank
and it's one false move and baby the lights go out"- Bruce Springsteen, Point Blank
6 - Debra
I find that Springsteen is one big hypocrite...some nerve he has talking about rights and freedoms...the pot calling the kettle black so to speak...seems I remember he put a stop to the Senoir Bush when he was running for re-election from using his song Born in the USA because guess what??? he didn't agree with his views, the nobal and much respected Clinton was his man...so maybe he better just shut up and return to his glass house...you think :o)....wish he was brave enough to have an email address on his web site, or at least and address to write him so I could give the hypocrite a piece of my mind!!..Debra A. Texas
7 - glenda
As you said we have FREEDOM, but then again responsibility comes with it. Comments made outside of our own country is in the poorest taste around. I have the same freedom to not purchase or go see or listen to the Dixie Chicks as much as they have of slamming our COUNTRY overseas.
8 - Alan
I'm from the UK.
In my opinion it is one of the strengths of a democracy that allows citizens to say what they like, pro or con a specific issue, without fear of attack.
However I believe the line is crossed when the detractors actually expend energy to make a personal attack, financially, emotionally, or as some have proposed, physically, against the initial party, the Dixie Chicks.
You can disagree with their views, you can stop buying their music but it's a sad day when both become connected.
Take it to the extreme..would you like someone to attempt ruination of your personal life just because they disagree with your opinion?
I think we would rather feel secure and safe in our country no matter what opinion we have.
Alan
9 - Angie
I don't think people should threaten the Dixie Chicks with their life or the life of anyone connected to them. But, a personal opinion is one thing, slandering the President of your country in a foreign land is another and since these people want to be so "private" the only way we can show them we do not agree with their "opinion" is to stop buying their propaganda, since they wont allow us to right to them personally.
On Bruce, he couldn't sing in the 70's, 80's and he still can't. I honestly don't see the big attraction to him. He hates America, although he wouldn't be a multimillionare without her. So, he can take his Born in the U.S.A. song and move to a better nation, maybe a third world country. We all know you are "free" to say and do what you think there without reprocussion.
No one is saying these people do not have a right to their opinion. They are just as hateful to us who have differing opinions. They call us common, unenlightened, just because we aren't "stars". I'll have you know I am more enlightened than they, I have more time to do the research.
Anyway, I have no use for people who make comments like that about our President on foreign soil. We didn't do that to Clinton when he was playing with Monica, young enough to be his daughter, Lewinsky. Now, there was something to be ashamed of. Angie
10 - Angie
Okay, I didn't get it all out. If everyone thinks that they have it soooooo bad here in America, why do they stay?
Honestly, if I hated a country as much as some of the people speaking out against it do, I would leave. It makes no since. Yes, you have the right to freedom of speech, and I respect that. But, come on, is it really this bad. No one has come and taken your children away, the way Saddam Hussein and his regime have to many people in Iraq. And, no one, at least in their right mind, or in the government will.
When a conservative voices their opinion more times than not they are called right wing extremist. Why is this not good for everyone. You have your opinion, I have mine. And, it seems to me that old-fart is criticizing me for having mine.
Bruce and the Chicks have a right to question why we are going to war. They have the right to disagree with the reasons. They have the right to voice their disagreement. But, no one should ever slander their President on foreign soil or compare him to someone who commits terrible brutalities on his own people. Saddam Hussein threatens peoples family if they don't do what he wants them to do. Our President has never nor will he ever do this.
I hope you can see our side to the issue as well and quit dogging us for using our "right to free speech".
Angie (again)from Texas and proud of it!!
11 - greg
Debra,
Your memory is faulty. Born in the USA came out in 1984; it was Reagan who wanted to use the song, not Bush. Springsteen did not want the song associated with politics, and for good reason; an examination of the lyrics shows it to be critical of the US government's policies in Vietnam, not supportive.
Once again, Springsteen is criticizing the government's decisons, so I fail to see how he is a hypocrite. Personally, I agree with his comments. The Dixie Chicks said what they felt, and people openly ridiculed them for it. From CD burnings to incendiary letters, the overwhelming impression one walks away with is that as long as you support the government, you're fine. But if you happen to think what George is doing is wrong, then all bets are off, and people can threaten, harangue and harass you. In my opinion, that is wrong, and such behavior is NOT the expression of one's 'freedom of speech.'
And Angie, what makes you think Springsteen hates America? Because he doesn't espouse the same views as you? Because he dares to say that he doesn't agree with the actions our government is taking? So, what you're really saying is that if you don't support the government, leave, because it's obvious you hate our country. And that makes you different from Saddam Hussein how? Oh, sure he doesn't kick naysayers out of his country, he kills them. Same effect, though.
As far as the 'slander' of President Bush, your 'research' is obviously lacking. What they said - "I'm embarrassed to be from the same state as our president" - does not qualify as slander, since it is neither a false statement, nor would it damage Bush's reputation in the eyes of a reasonable person.
12 - Al Barger
The specific offending word was "ashamed." Ms. Maines was "ashamed" that the president is from her home state.
She's standing their wagging her finger essentially, because -like Dana Carvey's Churchlady- she's just a little bit superior.
Now, granted people have carried on way much about it, but that was annoying to me. Cuss her dumb ass out for a minute, then MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIVES PEOPLE.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
13 - christina
The only unamerican thing that happened with the dixie chicks is you. Bashing them for bashing someone. Quite a hypocrite huh.... Well i dont believe in the war and i believe the truth is undercover many other countries are having ethnic cleansing but we dont help them. And maybe we should have listend to what Iraq citizens wanted. Certainly not democracey they believe america has become heathens and maybe its true... Its easy to speak that you believe in a war when you go home and sleep in your cozy bed and watch your forty channels. You arent a citizen you arent in the front line. You dont sacrafice our life. SO if youa re in favor of this war... why dont you go over seas and fight for it. That would show those women (dixie chicks) who (gasp a women spoke their minds) actually had an opinion!!
14 - Chris Ingle
Hey Bruce,
You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Instead of raising money to support that idiot Kerry who can't make up his mind about which side of the fence he's on this week, you ought to be in the middle of the fight and entertaining troops who are fighting to preserve your way of life and to ensure more dumb-asses don't fly an airplane into your building or stadium where you may be performing. If you don't like that idea, why don't you raise money for the victims and loved ones of those poor innocent people who went to work on Sep 11th and had their lives cut short by people with no regard for human life. If not that, then how about raising money to support the people of Florida who are suffering from Hurricane damage and are preparing for yet another one coming thru.
Put your so-called talent to GOOD use instead of wasting your time protesting against a president who had the balls to stand up for what's right...instead of sitting behind his desk while Monica gave him a blow-job...while our embassies were being bombed and our ships collided into.
Wake up dude!
MAJ Chris W. Ingle
U. S. Army
15 - Rodney Welch
Maj. Dumbass, Bruce Springsteen HAS raised "money for the victims and loved ones of those poor innocent people who went to work on Sep 11th" -- sacks of it. In fact he was one of the very first to do so. Get a fucking clue.
16 - Duane
I'm no expert when it comes to the Constitution, but my copy of the First Amendment says,
"Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech...."
There is, therefore, no "right to free speech." It is just a statement about the self-imposed limits of Congress to meddle with your affairs. It sounds
like some people here at BC -- and the Boss -- think the 1st Amendment says, "Say anything you want, and expect no consequences." If I'm mistaken
about this, I hope someone better versed in these matters will provide some illumination.
I don't have a 100% guarantee that I can cuss out my supervisor and suffer no consequence. I can't complain, "What about my right to free speech?" if I get a transfer or demotion. Similarly, if the Dixie Chicks want to take advantage of their celebrity status to impugn the current administration, they do so at the risk of disenchanting their fanbase, who will, in turn, respond as their conscience dictates. This leads right up to the corporate level. Corporations are under no obligation to grant the right to free speech. They're in it for the money. It's as simple as that.
Personally, I think it's all very silly. Musicians should make their career based on their music, and keep their public mouths shut on other matters. Just my opinion. I don't buy or reject the work of a musician based on political beliefs, appearance, eating habits, religion, their astrological sign, or anything else not directly relevant to their product. I never ask a car mechanic what he thinks about our Iraq policy. I don't care.
17 - Rodney Welch
Duane, if you can express political opinions, I don't see why Springsteen can't.
18 - Duane
I don't either. Express away, Boss.
19 - Rodney Welch
You just told him to keep his mouth shut. Make up your mind.
20 - Duane
Rodney, easy there, big fella. I would never say that someone can't express their opinion, only that I would prefer it if Springsteen and all other musicians and entertainers would not take advantage of their celebrity status to promulgate their views of political issues. If you don't think that mega-celebrity status confers a disproportionate amount of credibility, I would ask whether or not you would take as seriously comments from Pauly Shore or Paula Abdul. I doubt it. That's because, although they are, as far as we know, equally informed, they are not idolized by millions in the same way that the Boss is. Let's remember that he's idolized for his music, not his political acumen.
This is a minor point, really. We've been over this before with Sinead and Vedder and Lauryn Hill, for example. It's the same ole thing. What I was really interested in is people's perception that there is such a thing as a right to free speech. I don't see that there is. What do you think?
21 - Rodney Welch
Duane, First point: You said "Musicians should make their career based on their music, and keep their public mouths shut on other matters" -- despite the fact that, by expressing an opinion, you clearly don't think you should have to keep your mouth shut. Second point: You are overlooking the fact that Springsteen's music has been at least somewhat politically-oriented for many years now; what you call his "mega-celebrity" really kicked into overdrive with Born in the U.S.A., and the stadium shows that followed, both of which reflected a working-class, left-leaning point of view. His politics, for better or worse, are ingrained in his work -- and I can tell you, that IS why many people go see him. Celebrity or not, he has much right as anyone to keep doing what he's been doing for years -- expressing himself, just as you are. Pauly or Paula seem to have kept their political opinions to themselves, but they can speak up too.
22 - Duane
Rodney:
First point:
"... you clearly don't think you should have to keep your mouth shut."
Again, I'm not saying anyone has to do anything. I just wish they would restrain themselves and play their music. I know it's wishful thinking.
And I do keep my mouth shut on matters political when I'm invited to make a presentation related to my profession, which occurs on a fairly regular basis. If I were to use my time at the podium to espouse political or social views, I would become a laughing stock, regardless of whether or not the audience members agreed with me. Nobody says I can't do that, but I refrain nonetheless. I would never take advantage of an audience and identify myself with this or that political position. Bruce, needless to say, has a far larger audience, and he takes advantage of his fame.
Second point:
Well, it's one thing to sing for the working class hero, and quite another to presume to critique, with the nation's ear, the US government. See, Bruce has no more insight or inside information than the guy who works across the hall from me. He probably has less. But Bruce has no humility, and presumes to talk to a national audience about "the right to free speech," etc. And, because of his superstar status, he is granted credibility, and he has a ready-made audience. But, sure, I see what you're saying.
Third point:
"Pauly or Paula seem to have kept their political opinions to themselves...."
How do you know that? They just don't have the mega-celeb status that Bruce has. Nobody will take them seriously because, well, they're just entertainers. That's the point I was trying to make in my previous post. People will listen to Bruce because he is a superstar. There's something wrong about that, although maybe I haven't put it into words quite accurately enough.
"... but they can speak up too."
Sure they can. But it would be inappropriate for Paula to pipe up during one of her judging commentaries on American Idol. By the same token, I think it would be inappropriate for her to state her political opinions in a national interview where the interview was motivated by her cast membership on that show. If she wants to discuss politics with her friends and colleagues -- out of the spotlight -- then she should.
23 - Rodney Welch
Duane, Your rules seem useless. Why should he keep his mouth shut, is what I want to know -- maybe that is something you should consider. You don't like someone taking advantage of his fame to voice his opinion; I, on the other hand, don't see why what he's doing is any more offensive that you or me saying it on a website. Sure, he has a megaphone I don't have, but if he wants to use it that way, all power to him. He also drives a nicer car and lives in a bigger house -- wealth gives you these things, and he has won his wealth fair and square. There are risks involved to some degree, but I say take them -- that's more admirable to me than just sitting there looking inoffensive and brainless just to please everyone. Get out there and be an individual; offend a few folks, lose some fans if you have to, be your own man. Hell, I went to a Springsteen show once with my 10-year-old daughter and got offended enough at his language to write him a letter -- mainly because I went in thinking it was a PG show and his on-stage patter was more Def Comedy Jam stuff. Like I said, you run risks as an entertainer; he may have lost a few fans on that night. Me, I was just miffed enough to dash off a few words and let it go at that.
But like I said, it's about risk. It's not about doing the Paula Abdul thing, of trying to be sweet and pleasant and bland enough to stay in the good graces of you and guy across the hall.
24 - Eric Olsen
the disconnect I have with Springsteen on this is it feels like a very different thing to me to make general political commentary, which he has almost all along, and certainly on Born in the USA, and very specific commentary AND public action regarding specific candidates. If he feels so inclined, I would rather he - and any other artist - take action as a citizen, including campaigning, but not bring his art into the mix, ie giving concerts for the express purpose of supporting or opposing a given candidate, political party, etc.
25 - Mark Saleski
but how is this so different than somebody like Toby Keith making statements in concert about supporting our troops, god bless the usa and all of that?
or specific songs like "The Angry American"?