Dixie Chick Natalie Maines told her audience "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."
On stage in London on Monday [03-10-03], Dixie Chick Natalie Maines told her audience "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."…
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— go to most recent comments26 - vivid
1. I think it is ironic that the three people at the healm of the country are Dick, Bush, and Colon. Therefore everything that happens to the US under their leadership is no better than the products of these bodily organs.
2. I would say the same thing as Natalie, in London, in China, in the middle of the US capitol and on stage in a backwater bar in the middle of any uneducated Texas redneckville.
3. President Bush wasn't elected by the people of the united states, he had his family play the electoral college system to his favor and even then only won by the skin of his teeth. Therefore he deserves no respect, and no consideration.
4. My ancestors signed the constitution and provided lodging to George Washington himself, and this is no longer the country they worked and died for. Bush and the Anti-terrorism act have completely bastardized any genuine freedom we had left.
5. Under the leadership of W, we have gone through the worst economic slump in total GDP (that means gross domestic product for the ignorant rednecks) since the great depression, a terrorist attack that destroyed a national landmark, and a center for global peace, killed 3000+ people on our soil, and all evidence pionts to the administration allowing it to happen, and now we are loosing sons and daughters, 50 so far as of the 4th day of the war, to fight for oil, when we produce more oil than any other nation in the world.
6. Investigations into misconduct by the administration regarding forged documents submitted to the UN are currently underway. The CIA is pointing the finger at the Bush administration and the Administrations dirty finger is pointing back at them.
7. Anyone with the ability to view the world as the large scale organization that it really is can see that Bush's "I'm Gonna do everything the way Clinton wouldn't" policies, refering to foregin affairs, would know that by not communicating and colaborating with the leaders of foreign government, we are biting the hands that feed us.
8. Durring the first Gulf war, the reason we pulled out was because Sadam was on a plane ready to leave, which would have left us to run Iraq, and that wasnt' the point then.
9. Bush Sr never planned on not being re-elected and this is just a continuation of what he would have done had that happened, thus the dirty deeds to get JR elected.
And finally
10. We are the worlds largest economy, we use over 50% of the worlds resources, and we are approximately 4% of their population. Without a positive leader, who is respected by the leaders of the rest of the world, our entire way of life can not support itself, and will be destroyed.
Now, do you still think Natalie Mains is stupid for saying she is ashamed of the president?
27 - chris
Geroge Bush is OUT THERE trying to make sure we don't get 9-11 ed again. Clinton on the other hand was spending his time getting blow jobs in the oval office. Wake up people.......
28 - Ray
Dear vivid, if you took a few minutes and informed yourself using expert sources and not Bush administration propaganda-blabber, you'd relize that it is highly unlikely that Iraq has anything to do with 9-11. A dictator like Saddam who is a control freak to the point of paranoia does not take the risk of working with a terrorist like Bin Laden, who is ultimately beyond Saddam's control. Bush would like you to believe that he's preventing more 9-11's. In my opinion it's a very low thing to do, utilizing the fear of the American people to further one's aims.
Another thing I noticed in these posts here: What is the big significance of Natalie having made her statements in another country? Where's the difference? Opinions are opinions, no matter where they are expressed. Most people in Britain have nothing against Americans so you can't accuse her of taking the "easy way". What a load of bullshit.
I get sick of the way the word "patriotism" is being abused over and over again. Bush is NOT America. He's an individual who's attained the office of President through dubious means. So to criticize him is NOT un-patriotic. Anyway, if patriotism is more important than common human decency these days, we might want to think it over.
Unfortunately, most Americans have been brought up to avoid any serious debate and objective criticism when it comes to their own nation.
29 - Ray
-- Sorry, did not mean vivid but chris of course. --
Also forgot to add that the U.S.A. has enjoyed the longest period of peace under one president when Clinton was in office, plus the best economic situation and occupancy rate for a long time. Focusing on his little sex scandal is a pretty childish way of detracting from his achievements. His foreign policy made him the most popular and respected US president with the rest of the world since Kennedy. He did not ignore the legal framework of the United Nations and he did not stage a one-man war show, ultimately risking the life of not only his military but of anyone in any Western country.
30 - destiny
WOW,how long ago was this comment made?? Isn't this what our country is about? Freedom to speak the things we believe,hats off to Natalie for speaking her opinon,thumbs down in the manner in which she did it,but come on,we have men dying at this very moment and we are still stuck on one womans comment that made her even more famous?? Cry a river buld a bridge and get over it!! I for one have no side to choose but this,Bring our men home!!As a wife of a US Marine,can you please put put energy and prayers into a much better cause? God Bless,and Semper Fi
31 - destiny
WOW,how long ago was this comment made?? Isn't this what our country is about? Freedom to speak the things we believe,hats off to Natalie for speaking her opinon,thumbs down in the manner in which she did it,but come on,we have men dying at this very moment and we are still stuck on one womans comment that made her even more famous?? Cry a river buld a bridge and get over it!! I for one have no side to choose but this,Bring our men home!!As a wife of a US Marine,can you please put put energy and prayers into a much better cause? God Bless,and Semper Fi
32 - Angelo
Take a moment, my children and listen to some wise words.
"I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it."
Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire
"The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism."
Wole Soyinka
Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and political activist (1934-)
Don't hate on people just because what they say differs from what you believe. Or you just don't agree with how they say it. Without criticism, the ability to open your mouth and let your thoughts on something known, than how would we ever know what was good or bad or what we believed in? Should we sit on our hands and 'go with the flow' of what everyone else is doing and saying?
I'm not saying that this Dixie Chick... chick is right or wrong. I don't listen to that sort of music, I don't particularly care, but whatever she has to say let her thoughts be known. By giving her hell for a statement of what is on her mind you are as unpatriotic as you could possibly be, for attempting to muffle the first amendment right we hold so dear. Doesn't America prize itself from being the land of the free and the home of the brave? What sort of home is this to live in if you're not free to move about it?
Angelo
33 - David
This is to comment about the fact that we stand behind Bush and not Clinton. Clinton had a way of sticking his own foot in his mouth. Not to mention, the only thing Clinton did while he was in office for 8 yrs was to force me to teach my daughter about infedelity at a very young age.
Bush on the other hand vowed to fight and track down terrorists and the people that supported them. Now that he is backing up his words, people have a problem with it. It seems that most of the people that have a problem with this war were the ones that said, "Lets just drop a bomb on them!" on September 11th. Bush and his administration have taken the time and patience to track dow terrorists and their supporters. Now that he is taking a stand on them, people think he is a "warmonger". Not to mention, Saddam has been a persistant problem for the world for at least the last 12 years. Our last two presidents have had the opportunity to take him out and chose not to. Maybe people aught to get the facts before shooting off their mouths. I am neither Democrat or Republican, but I do understand what our government is doing and I fully support it. Us as Americans should stand behind our country as protesting will not do any good now.
Lets all stand behind our country and troops! This does not mean you have to stand behind Bush, it means that you should support the direction that the country is going. Not to mention, you should support the people that are over there fighting so that you have the right to say what you want. I stand behind what Charlie Daniels has written:
http://www.charliedaniels.com/soapbox/03/242.html
And some of his other comments on the war and protesters. This one in particular is a great one aimed at Hollywood.
34 - Jane
Some well thought out replies, impressive. I'm a Dixie Chicks fan before, and remain so. Love their newest CD, don't care about their political gawfa. But I notice my favorite local country station has stopped playing "Travelin'Soldier" every hour, how sad. Shame on Kansas City's 94.1 FM.
35 - Terry
David,
Don't blame Clinton for having to teach your daughter about infidelity...blame your republican friends for putting his private life on TV in an effort to embarass him because they couldn't find any reason to indict him for whitewater. I also find your observation concerning the linkage between Iraq and 9/11 a little lacking in fact. What is it that you know about this that the rest of us don't? Maybe you ought to get to the facts before you start shooting off your mouth. Why don't you start setting the example for your daughter by being informed before attacking others that obviously spend a little more time on the facts than you do.
36 - David
Terry,
Are you saying that Saddam is not a terrorist? Maybe you are the one who should get the fact straight. I didn't say that Saddam was linked to 9/11, what I did say is that Bush had vowed to eliminate terrorists and all who harbor them. Saddam has been a terrorist for many years; in fact the last two presidents should have done something about him when they had the chance. And yes, my liberal friend, I do blame George Bush Sr. as well as Clinton.
Personally, I do not like the fact of a war. But I will stand behind my Government and the troops over there trying to liberate Iraq. I am not going to debate this any further with you.
As far as the Dixie Chicks, I think that being in the public eye as they are, they should watch what they say. I myself will continue to listen to the Dixie Chicks, as they are very talented. And yes Natalie did have the right to say what she said. I just think that people in the spotlight should use some sort of filter on their mouths if they do not want what the people might dish out.
God Bless all Americans and may God take care of our troops fighting for our freedoms as well as the freedoms of the Iraqi people.
37 - Terry
David,
I do not disagree that Saddam is a terrorist. I am also of the same opinion that he should not be in a position of power. However, I feel that there are many leaders of different countries that could be considered terrorists. Where I disagree with Mr. Bush is that the US does not have the right to unilaterally take action against any of these terrorists UNLESS they attack us first. Please explain to me where Iraq has attacked the US (aside from the no-fly zones, which they have always not recognized). The difference between your and my views are in the details and the sequence of events. I believe that even though we are far more powerful both militarily and economically than other countries, it does not give us the right to act against those countries, unless of course we are attacked first. I viewed your comments about 9/11 and Iraq and a fuzzy way to link the two. Furthermore, just because you and I can disagree in a fairly easy going dialog, doesn't mean that those that are more passionate about their beliefs to the point that they will march in a protest should be viewed as being unpatriotic. If everyone were to agree it would be a very bland and dangerous America and our rights as we know them would slowly vanish. Furthermore, those that belittle and attack the folks who disagree with their views are themselves unpatriotic in that they are advocating exactly this kind of environment. Have a great day...Terry
38 - Ash Plissken
I respected Clinton and his administration for their accomplishments. Whatever he may have done in his "off-time", he also effectively did the job we were paying him to do.
I also respect the Bush administration for going ahead with this war, although not for the face that they have so ineptly put upon it. Bush projects the image of an unsettlingly ignorant man, and does not inspire confidence with his theocratic leanings.
It's absolutely right that we are free to question and to criticize, and blessed be all who do so with their country's (or the world's) best interests at heart. But when their criticism happens to be painfully uninformed, I will go ahead and point this out to them, and yell at them for it. Have whatever opinion you want, but if you're wrong, I'm still going to tell you so. I'm damn well not going to shield you from the consequences of your opinion.
Remember, just because you are afforded the freedom to do stupid or ignorant things, doesn't make it a good idea to do so.
39 - Doug
"It's ok to lampoon bush for his idiotic and bigoted "you're either with us or against us" stance, and *gasp* run all you right wingers..run "they [Hussein's regime] don't believe in god. Not as we do." While that may be true, that's no reason to start a war. Ever heard of crusades? Or holy Jihads?"
Well, as the Baath regime of Sadam is quite secular and Hussein is an atheist then I think it's not much of a strech to say he doesn't believe in God. Saddam may very well not be linked with Al-Qaeda. But to say he won't is very simplistic, remember he does activily support with other radical Islamist organizations like Ansar-al-Islam and Hamas.
Finally folks remember that the same freedom of speech which lets the Chicks say they hate the President guarantees others can say bad things about them too.
PS- As Jihad translates to Holy Struggle, then the phrase Holy Jihad is redundant.
40 - Angelo
We better not be crusading.
Back in the days on knights and all somewhere along the line people thought it would be funny if they went over and conqured the Muslims. They got their behinds handed to them.
These folks are very strong willed and that's commendable. I mean if someone were to attack your captial city and then be like, "Oh we're doing this to releave you of your dicatator" yada yada, you'd be pissed the **** off too... I think people here are less hyped for war because they just don't have such an immediate reason to go into it. There's nothing that they see in it but people loseing their brothers to go to a place they've only seen in the paper...
But saying that you don't agree with it isn't bad, it doesn't mean that you're less patriotic or American, it's just that you think there would be another way to do go about this without bullets... and if there is one you're outraged we didn't take it. I'm one of those people, I wish we could have figured this out without having to gun down and be gunned down.
During 9-11 I didn't want us to drop bombs on anyone, I didn't want a bunch of people shot or maimed or for their cities to fall... All I really wanted was peace and for it to stop. And for one to say this is a war of peace or religion... it's a lie.
No war campain that has been fought for peace has ended that way. Napolean, Hitler, Alexander the Great all went out for some endevour they thought was nobel enough, and right now we think we're helping the world by strapping on fatigues instead of suits and hopping into tanks instead of SUVs but I just feel like it's wrong... Like we're doing something that's not our business, and mostly like we did it the wrong way. With support from more countries this might feel more comfortable, like it's what people want, but to be waltzing around in Bhagdad while North Korea has a nuclear missle pointed at America's crotch and left temple... well... it just seems like something that's pointless.
So while America is a giant superpower, whatever whatever, I'll just go with Jimi Hendrix, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." I think our opperative here should be peace, and by waging war I don't think we'll ever have it.
(This is not directly connected to the Dixie Chicks, I do appologize)
41 - Brenda from Texas
I have always liked the Dixie Chicks'. I think
that they are a very talented group. I have purchased
many of their CDs, but have purchased my last one.
They are a true embarrassment! I will never
purchase another CD of theirs, watch another
performance of theirs on my TV or listen to
another song of theirs on the radio. UNAMERICAN
behavior is not acceptable and that's exactly what
they have displayed.They are in the same boat,
in my book, as all of the other UNAMERICAN
performers that call themselves proud Americans.
Frankly, I am very ashamed that THEY are from Texas!
42 - Angelo
'UNAMERICAN'
Define that? Someone who speaks their mind? Someone that has an opinion? Someone who expresses him or herself? Someone who is fallible?
Sounds pretty American to me.
I might be mistaken but one of the biggest things that makes a person American is their unadultered freedom of expression and speech. To repress that or to critize the act of having the right to speak and by saying that one person is more American than the other is basically sheer foolishness. No one can be more American than anyone else, you live in America and you're legalized you're an American. What makes us different as people unites us as a nation.
So to say someone is 'unamerican' (whatever that 'word' means) for merely for using their natural birthright to speak their minds right, wrong, and indifferent, is sheer ignorance to what being American truly is.
43 - Ray
Thank you Angelo, and others who formulate clear and rational thoughts and do not make me think they're leftovers from the Middle Ages. I'm sorry to have to use drastic words, but the sort of "patriotism" that denies people their freedom, especially a freedom as granted by the 1st Amendment, will lead to the sort of society that is not much better than a dictatorship.
In case some of you haven't noticed, the US does not enjoy a lot of respect in the rest of the world at the moment. And for a good reason: Nothing is more dangerous than a powerful country run (and partly inhabited) by people who think their way is the only right one and who do not find it neccessary to respect the wishes of others in the world community. What a shame, America used to be a promising concept once.
44 - billy-a
How does Bill Clinton get in to this discussion? It's not only him qw don't like...it's Hillary too.
45 - Tammy
I think this letter posted by this soldier sums it up.
An open letter to the Dixie Chicks (from A Navy Lt.)
Received this from a friend and thought I would share it.
Name: LT. Layne McDowell
Date: 03/15/0
Time: 01:54:49 PM
Comment
An open letter to the Dixie Chicks:
Earlier this week, while performing in London, you stated that you were ashamed that our President is from your home state. I wonder if you realized how many Americans would be listening. This American was listening. This Texan is ashamed that you come from my state. I serve my country as an officer in the United States Navy. Specifically, I fly F-14 Tomcats off carriers around the world, executing the missions that preserve the very freedom you claim to exercise. I have proudly fought for my country in the skies over Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan without regret. Though I may disagree wholeheartedly with your comments, I will defend to the death your right to say them, in America. But for you to travel to a foreign land and publicly criticize our Commander in Chief is cowardice behavior. Would you have so willingly made those comments while performing for a patriotic, flag-waving crowd of Texans in Lubbock. I would imagine not. How dare you pocket profits off songs about soldiers, their deaths and patriotism while criticizing their Commander in Chief abroad, even while they prepare to give their lives to ensure your own freedom of speech. Please ask yourself, what have you done to deserve that sacrifice? Do not try to justify your comments by claiming that you made them only because you care about innocent lives. Never once in our history have we committed troops to war for the purpose of taking innocent lives. We do it to protect innocent lives, even yours.
If the world leaders of the late 1930s had the vision and courage of our present Commander in Chief, perhaps the evil men who caused the death of millions in WWII would have never had the opportunity to harm a soul. The potential loss of millions of lives in the future at the hands of today's evil men necessitate action. In a separate correspondence, I am returning to you each and every Dixie Chicks CD and cassette that I have ever purchased. Never again will I allow my funds to support your behavior. All you have done is to add your name to a growing list of American "Celebrities" who have failed to realize that they have obtained their successes on the backs of the American blue-collar workers such as our servicemen and women. To Natalie Maines: This Texan and this American will continue to risk his life to guarantee your freedoms. What will you do to deserve it?
Pete Rowland
Systems Administrator
Assistant Operations Manager
904.256.0104
46 - DavieG
Tammy,
Thank you for that wonderful letter. I think it describes perfectly why most of us feel that we should boycot the Dixie Chicks. It doesn't have to do with the fact that she said this about our Commander and Cheif, it has to do with how she said it and where she said it. The question is:
Would she have said this in a a concert to full of Texans in Lubbock? Thank you for sharing this with us. It really gets to the point of how most people feel.
47 - Bobnik
I am a Bush fan, and I do not oppose the war, but I completely respect the Dixie Chix freedom to say what they will...but, what she said showed her true colors. Its now clear that her comments were meant only to bolster sales of there records in Europe. As soon as she relized that her comments made it back to America, where she had the potential to lose millions of dollares - it was retracted. What a hipocrit. Had she stuck with the first comments I, probably like a lot of Americans, wouldnt have lost ALL respect for her. Its impossible to take any comment she makes from here on out seriously.
48 - Don
I do not support the unelected, lying, draft doger, who deserted our armed forces and engaged in insider trading. (I think that puts him ahead of Clinton). I do not support the direction that this country is going, as that direction is determined by an unelected, draft dodging, lying, deserter and corporate criminal. I support what this country stands for (in the absence of the "leadership" of an unelected, draft doging, lying, deserter and corporate criminal). I am a veteran and a patriot. Conservatives do not own the flag. Republicans don't have the right to define "patriotism".
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
Theodore Roosevelt, 1918 (During WWI)
Go Natalie (I always thought that she was hot, but now I see that she's smart, too!)
49 - TerryW
Let me comment on the "concept" of free speech and Maines comments about Bush, and Navy Lt. McDowell's comments.I find it difficult to believe that Lt. McDowell, and some of the folks in this forum, feel a person has a right to free speech and opinions, but only in America. Does this mean that Lt. McDowell is implying that even though he'll give his life to guarantee our freedom of speech and way of life, and in this instance liberate the Iraqi people as well that we Americans shouldn't practice free speech in this newly liberated country or any other country where free speech is allowed? How freaking convoluted is that? It's the concept of freedoms, not the individual act of freedom or where it takes place. Remember, our constitution gives all of us the right to say what we want without fear of retribution from our government, just like it gives those that are offended by those opinions the right to protes themselves either economically as in Maines case or verbally as in my case. In my humble opinion, anyone who tries to shame another into not voicing their opinion, no matter how screwed up it may be, is the one who hasn't latched on to the American idea.
TAW
50 - TerryW
One more thing....the true coward is the one who tries to intimidate and put conditions on a persons right to free speech instead of standing up and defending their position. Kind of small minded if you ask me.
TAW
51 - Meghan
I take great offense to the comments made by natalie. Our current president is sending brave and honorable men and women to defend the right to freedom for ignorant people like her. He is protecting our country from potential ruination and he should be applauded for it. The only people this country has to be ashamed of are those terrorist groups and the countries that harbor them. I fully support the actions of the commander in chief of our country and applaud the men and women fighting for him and your freedom. My boyfriend, cousin and many good friends are overseas and I am proud to say I know them and know that they are fighting for all of you even if you dont agree with the reason why. You have been given a lifestyle and freely take advantage of that. The president is trying to uphold that for all of you and you spit in his face. if you ask me you should be ashamed. God bless our troops, our president, and our freedom!
52 - Robert
Yeah, what's-her-name has the right to say whatever she wants. And music fans have the right to buy (or NOT buy) whatever CDs they want. Why is the left wing crowd so quick to sqawk about freedom of speech, but unwilling to accept music fans' freedom also?
I still can't understand this love affair some people have with Bill Clinton... "His foreign policy made him the most popular and respected US president with the rest of the world since Kennedy." as a previous poster said. Man...talk about a serious case of denial. Some people are just so eaten up with it, there's no reasoning with them. Bill Clinton's legacy will not be Monica or a skyrocketing stockmarket. Bill Clinton's legacy is 3000 dead on 9/11. First we had WTC #1. Then Khobar Towers. Then the Africa Embassy bombings. Then the USS Cole bombing. What did Clinton do...aside from firing off afew missles and pounding a few caves? Nothing. Not one damn thing. If Clinton goes into Afghanistan after the Embassy bombings, the Towers are stiil standing today. Even Vladimir Putin said that he asked Clinton why he didn't do something about bin Laden. Clinton's response: "Well, the Talliban have him, and they won't give him up, so there's nothing we can do about it." Putin was astounded. Clinton's approach to bin Laden was just to hope he could get through his presidency without a really big attack happening.
Then we could get into the foolish Clinton-Carter nuclear deal with NKorea...another debacle.
53 - Amy
I just wanted to say 2 things:
1) Angelo is a very smart person
2) In reference to the communication between Terry and David, in regards to who is to blame for you (David) having to "teach my daughter about infedelity at a very young age." - you are both wrong. David, you are the only one to blame for having to teach your daughter about Clinton's infidelity. There are appropriate ways to talk to children about things (assuming you would actually want to talk to her about Clinton's infidelity for some reason) without giving away information you would rather they not have. Don't take the easy road and blame someone else - education starts at home.
I also apologize for not connecting my comments to the Dixie Chicks, but like they say....six degrees of separation..
54 - DavieG
I agree with most of the comments about "whatever her name is". People have the rights to say whatever they want too That is why we have the freedom of speech. This even includes a Dixie Chick in another country providing that country allows it.
What some of you fail to agree with is that some of us are choosing to use our freedom of choice. Some of us choose to not buy or listen to any more of their music based on the decisions that they made in using their freedom of speech. This is our rights as citizens of the Good old USA. Just as "What's her name" has the freedom of speech and her freedom to use whatever tactics that she chooses to for her economic development. If you choose to listen to them or buy their music, then you activate your freedom to choose.
If me activating my freedom of choice affects her economic situation, then maybe she should have thought about what she said before I activated my right to choose based on what she said. Just as I choose everyday not to tell my boss how much I dislike them. Then he/she would have the right to determine whether I have a job working for them or not. I choose not to pay the Dixie Chicks for their music anymore, nor do I choose to waste my time listening to their music. This is my right not to spend my hard earned money on someone I no longer choose to support.
Those of you telling us that she has the right to the freedom of speach, are right. Those of you who are telling us that we do not have the freedom to boycott the Dixie Chick music are are very "freaking convoluted" yourself.
Yes, she does have the freedom of speech.
Yes, we have the freedom of choice.
Choose what you want.
55 - DavieG
I guess we will all see at their first concert on May 1st, I believe it is in South Carolina. We will see how the Dixie Chicks have fared with this. I honestly believe that there will be a bunch of people booing instead of listening to them.
Good Luck to the Dixie Chicks, they will need it.
56 - Al Barger
Well, some of us WON'T see because we won't be bothered to watch.
However, I would hope that there is no booing. Showing up at a concert to boo and heckle is LAME. At that point, even I'd be telling people to get a life.
The best strategy is to ignore them, which co-incidentally was my strategy even before Maines stuck her hoof in mouth. Politics aside, why would anyone listen to the Dixie Chicks when they're still printing Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton CDs? The only thing lamer than their politics is their music.
57 - Don
There are brave men and women serving in the persion gulf. I have friends there. I am a veteran, and there are people that I trained serving there.
I'd rather they be here where they would actually be protecting us. The CIA says that this war will increase the probability of terrorist attacks. This war does not make us safer. This war is killing innocent children.
I hate Bush. I despise him. He is destroying our future. We used to be respected. We used to have allies. We used to have some influence among the Arab states. None of these things are true, and you think it's a good thing?
don
58 - scheek
Natalie Maines will never be able to gain the support back that she lost....Never! Someone will always be at her concerts to remind her of her disloyalty to her country! Welcome to the world of "Hanoi Jane"!
59 - Al Barger
Whoa there, Scheek! Hold on a second cowboy. Now Ms. Maines was running her mouth in a foolish manner, and deserved to catch some grief. Granted.
However, she was behaving in an obnoxious perhaps, but certainly NOT treasonous manner. Her relatively minor sin in no way runs equal to the purposeful treachery of Jane Fonda.
60 - InMarin
Wow - this is so overblown! Her comments amount to a thimble in a vast ocean of rhetoric. Why is this such a big deal?
If you can't stand dissent, get out of the US!
61 - Al Barger
So then InMarin, what you're saying is "America, love it or leave it"?
62 - InMarin
So then Al, what you're saying is that you don't understand sarcasm?
63 - InMarin
Oxblog has been documenting the orchestrated, organized, constant abuse and intimidation tactics of the pro-war crowd:
I AM SHOCKED, APPALLED, AND DISGUSTED BY THIS. I received the following email from a friend at Yale:
Doesn’t this sort of extremist behavior seem a little more worthy of mention than the comments by the Dixie Chicks or DeGenova at Columbia...neither of whom didn’t beat or threaten anyone?
64 - Al Barger
InMarin, please be serious. You dig up one apocryphal story of a pro-military person getting stupid and engaging in criminal behavior that no one supports. This reflects not on anyone else's position. Supporting the aggressive defense of our country does not mean condoning stupid self-indulgent criminal behavior. Indeed, that is just what we're in Iraq to stop.
The Dixie Chicks thing really has been overplayed at this point, though- it was a minor stupidity, not pre-meditated treachery. People are seriously needing to give that a rest. Let the girls do a little USO tour in penance, and be done.
De Genova does fall into this category of pre-meditated treachery, though. To me, his call for people to make themselves heros by killing American soldiers by the millions seems pretty goddam egregious.
Seems like he might indeed be legally actionable, though I probably wouldn't go that far. He's pushing it, though. He needn't expect to be spoken of or treated like a good neighbor. I might have to tolerate him, but his name is mud with me. If terrorists want to come in and kill some infidels, they can HAVE his house as far as I'm concerned.
Yes, this is more important than an unsuccessful B&E.
65 - Don
All you patriotic ditto heads just keep on talking about how you're not buying Dixie Chicks CD's and how bad it is that her band mates have to suffer with Natalie. Well, just keep pushing a boycott. It's one sure way to INCREASE sales. This is from Michael Moore's website:
I'm sure you've all heard by now that, because their lead singer mentioned how she was ashamed that Bush was from her home state of Texas, their record sales have "plummeted" and country stations are boycotting their music. The truth is that their sales are NOT down. This week, after all the attacks, their album is still at #1 on the Billboard country charts and, according to Entertainment Weekly, on the pop charts during all the brouhaha, they ROSE from #6 to #4. In the New York Times, Frank Rich reports that he tried to find a ticket to ANY of the Dixie Chicks' upcoming concerts but he couldn't because they were all sold out.
Yep, they are suffering terrribly while you drink your beer, scratch your ass, and bad mouth people who actually understand freedom.
Don
66 - Don
Since I served 7 years as an infantry soldier, I must be a hero, too, right? I mean, if every one of our soldiers in Iraq is a hero, did they become one because they were deployed there, or because they are soldiers?
Anyway, since I've decided that I'm a hero (I also spent 5 years fighting forest fires), my opinion is terrribly important (just like that Navy Lieutenant's). Here it is:
Natalie is right. Bush is an idiot. (did you get that - an IDIOT). We have a great military of honorable soldiers who were sent to fight in an illegal, immoral, and unconstitutional war. You can all slap me if I'm wrong, but I'll bet you that we find no WMD's. Won't you look like silly bastards then?
don
67 - DavieG
Don,
Let me start by saying. I want thank you for putting your life on the line and serving our country, I really appreciate that and respect you for it. You are right. If you think Bush is an idiot, you are right. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I happen to think that Clinton is an idiot. I also do not think very highly of Bush's father. I think "W" is twice the leader his father was. But again, that is my opinion. I think the problem with Natalie is not that she said what she said, but that she said it on another country's soil.
The true question is: "Would she have said her comments in front of a croud in Austin, Dallas and ect.?" I do not believe so, but I could be wrong. Her comment would be like me stating that I am ashamed that you served in our armed forces. I am not by the way! I respect anyone who has served our county and placed their life on the line. Anyone who has served, war or not (It doesn't matter if they served in a war or not), has placed their life on the line for all of us. And I thank you!
What it sounds like to me is that Natalie said what she said to make herself look good to the people in that country. It is flat out wrong to build your success on putting others down. She could have said something else that would not have been quite as offensive. She could have said that she doesn't agree with our president either. But to state that you are ashamed to have another human from your home state is, in my opinion, wrong.
I really appreciate your comments and I am proud of you, you are a true hero. Thank you again for serving our country and keeping the freedoms we all enjoy and that most of us take for granted.
Thank you!
68 - Don
Thank you, Davie, for your comments. I was being facetious - I'm no more a hero than all the other people I served with.
I admit that Clinton was an idiot when it came to sex. It would take a wacko to say otherwise. But leadership from Bush II? He alienated virtually the entire world. The few countries that did support us, did so against the wishes of their citizens. Bush I got Arab countries to ally themselves with western countries against another arab country. This is probably not the forum for this debate, so I'll include something on point.
"Home" is still #1 on the country charts.
don
69 - Diana
The beauty of living here and believing in patriotism is that people can say what they feel and have every right to do so. So to put others down or even hate another person for their beliefs would be unpatriotic, even if you're putting them down for what you think is unpatriotic behaviour. Simply respect a persons right to believe what they feel is right and agree to disagree.
70 - David Garhart
The only two cents I have left to say for this is, even if you do not believe in what is or has been done:
Pray for our troops!
Pray for the people in Iraq!
Pray for our leaders to get the guidence that they might be looking for!
Be safe, Be Free!
71 - David Garhart
Oops! That is Pray! Sorry, now I feel stupid!
72 - Jackie
I am tired of reading about Bush vs Clinton, Republican vs Democrats. I am one of the silent majority that never speak out....until now. I agree that everyone can speak their minds like the Chicks. I agree that those who don't like what they hear from them may also choose to not purchase any of their cd's or concert tickets or listen to their music. And if the Chicks loose their fame and fortune then those are the reprocusions she should have known before speaking. I support the ones who were willing to go out on a limb, against world criticism, and liberate Iraq. And above all, I support the men and women of the USA who made that happen. As much as I was scared and did not want to go to war, it was the right thing to do as human beings.
73 - Edgar
The Dixie chicks (chick) comments concerning President Bush's actions are out of place in the music world. Statements like that are simply called TREASON in this country and in the past individuals have been shot for less.
74 - Al Barger
Yo, Edgar, get a grip on yourself. Saying you are ashamed of the president does not even vaguely constitute treason. Yeah, her comments were stupid, and she deserved a good cussin', but Jebus Criminy, calm yoself down. She's not Hanoi Jane here, or anything close.
75 - lee
Do not forget that Clinton earned the remarks directed towards his behavior while in office. It is rather difficult to not be criticised when you are recieving oral sex from an intern in the oval office. You reap what you sow.