There is an in between: as so many have commented regarding the Dixie Chicks (now over 300 comments), we don't necessarily agree with what Natalie Maines had to say about the president and the war, but she had every right to say it.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences, but criticism should focus on the CONTENT of what she said, rather than on the fact that she said it. Defenders of the war should concentrate on making the case FOR the war rather than wasting time on boycotting those who disagree - it's the message not the messenger.
For example, this personal attack from Toby Keith seems vindictive and misguided:
- "Are there any angry Americans in Alabama tonight?" Keith asked the crowd.
"Thank you for your patriotism and support of my song. I'm angry about a lot of things."
With U.S. troops fighting and dying in Iraq, Keith was ready to unload.
"These antiwar protesters on the corner - " Keith said to boos and flag-waving from the crowd, "our soldiers are dying over there so they'll have the right to stand on the corner. This war has been inevitable, and it looks anti-American to the troops when they see these protests. We need to support them.
"I'm also angry about a singer in a band called the Dixie Chicks," Keith said, again drawing a loud chorus of boos from a crowd VBC officials estimated at 7,025.
Keith wasn't going to let this one pass. Natalie Maines, lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, recently criticized President Bush's decision to go to war and said she was ashamed to be from the same state - Texas - as Bush. Maines also criticized Keith when he wrote "The Angry American," actually "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue."
"She felt a need to tell the L.A. Times my song was ignorant and you were ignorant if you listened to it," Keith said. "She was also recently on a European tour where there was an antiwar flavor and said some things about President Bush and the war.
Article comments
1 - Bob
This mess with all the singers and self absorbed "stars" comes own to one simple act. I am a proud Marine Corps Veteran. I served my country in peacetime and war. I will NOT support the Dixie Chicks, Michael Moore or any other like minded performer. I threw away my Chicks CD's and tickets to their upcoming show. I replaced them with Toby Keith's. I will not go to the movies of or buy products associated with Hollywood types like Mr. Moore, Mr. Sheen or others of like mind. Simple freedom of choice. I choose to stick with the ones who support our country.
2 - Jim Carruthers
When I worked in the record biz, we had a saying about rap CD's getting shoplifted from retailers: "A sale's a sale".
It looks like we can now apply this to country fans and slack-jawed yokels across 'murrica.
Since returns are one of the biggest real business problems with the majors, it really helps that the end-users destroy the product.
3 - Tom Johnson
My problem with Natalie is that she waited to get to Europe to make her statement, and did so in such a way that it looks like it was obviously done to get a reaction and gain support (ie, sales). If she'd stood up and said that in the US, then fine - I'll still think she's an idiot, but at least it's not an obvious ploy to kiss up like it was to the sympathetic European audience. It was what they wanted to hear and she knew it.
These are entertainers, people, first and foremost. I take almost any hot political statement from entertainers with a very large grain of salt. Everyone should. They're no more intelligent or in-the-know than anyone else.
4 - Keith Comstock
I think that the dixie chicks should pack their bags with all the money that they've made from Americans and head to Iraq, never to return. And maybe they could pick up that big, fat, windbag, Michael Moore on the way. America could only be the better for it!!
5 - Audrey Boyd
I went through Desert Storm with my ex-husband and seen first hand all of the sacrifices, mentally and physically, that the men and women went through. All in the name of freedom, something that some people take for granted. I bet some people would have a better appreciation of freedom if they were called up to serve our country in times of war. My prayers and thoughts go out to those serving and those here at home.
6 - Tracy Strnad
President Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleeza Rice, Donald Rumsfield and Colin Powell all have made MAJOR accomplishments in their lives. I would rather listen to what they have to say about the security of our nation and what they plan to do in this war with Iraq than I would the Dixie Chicks. While I have never really liked their music I respected their drive for success but now their coward remarks about the President have made me believe that they are a bunch of self-absorbed brats who have benefited financially by this country. Grow up chicks. You should consider free concerts for awhile.
7 - uglyamerican
The Dixie Chicks make lame music for lame people, but they still have the right to say what they want. All of you have the right to disagree with them, and their view points, and not buy their products. All of you phony patriots with your thrift shop flags attached to your foreign cars, you need to read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our country is the greatest in the world because we have the freedom of choice, the freedom of dissent. Veterans and their families who myopically whine about protesters need to stop being so self-absorbed and righteous. People are protesting the war, not your little Johnny. I personally think those folks are wrong, but I also think they have every right to peacefully express their opinions.
8 - Lindsay
To hate a war is not to hate an American Soldier. My father is an American Soldier as are most of the people I've been surrounded by my whole life. If they can understand that there's a difference, why can't you? I listen to Toby Keith AND the Dixie Chicks, because it's my right... just like it's their right to say whatever they want. My father fought so that we could have that right.
9 - Tanua Clark
I am an American soldier. And I have never been so disgusted at the disrespect people have for not only our country, but the represenatives of our country. I may not agree with President Bush on all accounts, and I may not agree on the entire purpose of this war. But he is my commander in chief, and what he says goes. I will support him to the end, because that is what makes me an American. Believing and having faith in freedom. I wish that instead of really caring what everyone else thinks about this war, and dwelling on what he said or she said, and making digging remarks, and voicing our opinion about how wrong people are, mabye we should stand up for our men and women out there defending our country, (whether you believe it or not). And stop bickering about what a country music singer said. They are not GOD, and just because they said something, it dosen't make it so. These people that are out there, bitching about how Bush is running this country all wrong, well try living a day in his shoes. Try being in a soldiers shoes. You go behind those lines, and fight for your freedom, watch the men you have become so close to, killed. See all of the death, and the ugliness of war. Then you can bitch about it. Until then, shut up! We are becoming mindless idiots, with all of the debates, can't we form our opinions peacefully, and just concentrate on showing our support for our troops and bringing them home?
10 - Susan
If you've been watching Natalie Maines then you would see that she utilized her freedom of speech against her record label when she didn't like her contract anymore (contract signed as a legal adult). She utilized her freedom of speech on Toby Keith = Ignorant. She utilized her freedom of speech on the President = Ashamed. I think we have just been getting to know Natalie Maines as a person. It has all said volumes about her.
11 - Terri Mills
My hope is that people would be more understanding of how war effects everyone, even at home in America. People are hurt and angry and scared, it's only natural to strike out. People are venting their anger at something we cannot control personally. I hope that America does everything possible to support our troops, and reach out and support one another, we sure don't need to be warring against each other. My wish is that the protesters would speak out loud about all the children here in America we kill everyday by abortion. God Bless our troops. Terri
12 - Pat Crandall
A Jihad - Why, God is God! And, while I love America, I am a citizen of the world. When will we ever learn? My fear is that like all other superior nations in history, our arrogant belief that we are wiser, and righteous will lead us down the path of self-destruction. May God, Allah, Jehovah, G-d, etc. etc. etc. - help us all!
13 - Norma
Thank Lindsay,
The pearls of wisdom you have written need to send to everyone of these idol worshiping country music fans,but in all honestly people have strange liking to see there heroes fall from grace, no one owns the "Dixie Chicks" so stop bitching about what they said, My God it not like the walk on water or can make the blind see. I like music but sometimes fans get too crazy and ignorant over these overrated musicans. My suggest instead of destroying your Dixie chick cd take it back to store and after your refund go to your local military base, negative feelings towards this group to help the miltiary wives, husbands,and kids with all the assitance they need during these stressing times for them.
14 - Amanda
I agree with Natalie Maines entirely. I think that Bush is a disgrace to Americans, and that this war is not ours to fight. We cannot be the "big brother" of the world, sticking our noses in other countries business. And about the "weapons of mass destruction"? This is a story made up by our nation to make Iraq look even worse, and to scare Americans into fighting "for their country". However, since the troops are already over there, I feel as though I have lost, and nothing else can be done about it now. So, I am forced to suck it up and cheer on our troops, and pray to God for a swift victory so that they can come home soon.
15 - Johnny
>>and you say we shouldn't worry about bin laden
have you forgotten
Bush took that rhetoric to new territory in a news conference Wednesday, saying of the al-Qaida leader: ''I truly am not that concerned about him.
Golly shucks Darryl, maybe you should ask Bush if he's forgotten about bin laden? Hell and that quote was months ago.
16 - InMarin
Hypocrite: dissembler: fraud
It seems that debating a Libertarian is an exercise in futility. My dictionary says that a libertarian “upholds the principles of absolute and unrestricted liberty esp. of thought and action”. (I don’t even know what that the flog that really means; sounds like a recipe for anarchy.)
I’m under the impression that Mr. Barger will only tolerate thought when he agrees with it. His favorite subject is music: his blog devotes much space to music reviews. He seems to change his point of view depending on what artist he is reviewing. A good example is his review of “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gay. It can be found here:
http://www.morethings.com/log/2003_02_09_culpepper_archive.html#89159287
Contrast this review with his current Clint Black review and you see what I mean.
On Clint Black:
“As to the lyrics, they're pretty good. Beyond the fact that I will tend to agree with the political point, they are well above average in their execution. For starters, they are on message.”
On Marvin Gay:
“Truly, it's generally asking too much to make any kind of specific political arguments in a song. Music is about emotional expression, not logical argumentation. If you want to make a serious political statement, write a book or a newspaper column or something.”
(So it’s OK for Mr. Black to sing about politics, but Marvin Gay is admonished to write a book. Why?)
On Clint Black:
“Indeed, there's no sense even attempting to explain to Master Brian that the article is a MUSIC REVIEW.”
On Marvin Gay:
“Marvin Gaye was no war protester, or civil rights activist. He gave not a rat's ass about politics. I don't recall him marching in Selma. This is not a criticism; there are other things in life than social protest.”
(Why does Mr. Barge have the right to criticize Marvin Gay personally in a MUSIC REVIEW but ‘Master Brian’ does not?)
Clint Black is no warrior or soldier. He gives not a rat’s ass about politics. I don’t recall him fighting in an armed conflict or joining the Armed Services. This is not a criticism; there are other things in life than the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines.
Besides, Clint Black's bio should say "Born in 1962 in LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY." Can't he admit he's a Yankee?
17 - Jackie
Haven't all of us said something at one time or another that is based on frustration of your beliefs? We are not sheep, everyone has their own thoughts and basis for thoughts. If you're not for the war in Iraq that doesn't mean you're for the terrorists. I support the war in Afghanistan, that is a righteous cause which was entered into in righteous time. What most people seem to be questioning is the timing and the reasoning for this war in Iraq - not the fact that Saddamm is a ruthless monster. But why have we gone 12 years living with this ruthless monster in power and now, all of a sudden he is the main terrorist in the world threatening our country? That is what people are questioning, the idea of PREEMPTION and what that bodes for the present and the future. Does this give us the right to make statements that really are not fully substantiated and preemptorily act upon them? This is like beating up the school bully because he stole your lunch two months ago and your lunch is missing today, so he deserves it.
I hope to God that the President and his administration know more facts that possibly shouldn't be known by the citizens at this time, but I doubt it.
All that said, I think Ms. Maines picked the wrong time and venue to vent her frustration at the war. The war was engaged, we do have a duty to support the government at this time and not to do anything to offer encouragement to the enemy, only who hasn't had the experience of making a remark which is not diplomatic
because it was stated in the heat of the moment? I've done it a million times and have always been sorry I haven't stated my position in a better way. I think she's sorry now about her actions.
I do agree with Amanda above - have we forgotten about BidLaden? I hope the war in Afghanistan is not shorted on because of a new focus.
All thinking people have the duty - not just the right - but the DUTY to question their leaders, party be damned.
THAT is patriotism. If not for that we go the way of the tyrant and the dictator.
18 - Tony Parsons
We should thank the stars that America is the most powerful nation in the world. I still find it incredible that 9/11 did not provoke all-out war. Not a "war on terrorism." A real war.
When the news of 9/11 broke on the West Bank, those freedom-loving Palestinians were dancing in the street. America watched all of that - and didn't push the button.
The US is the most militarily powerful nation that ever strode the face of the earth. The campaign in Afghanistan may have been less than perfect and you may disagree with the war on Iraq, but Bush is trying to prevent a repeat of what happend in September of 2001.
Do you really think the USA is the root of all evil? Tell it to the loved ones of the men and women who leaped to their death from the burning towers.
Tell it to the nursing mothers whose husbands died on one of the hijacked planes, or were ripped apart in a collapsing skyscraper. And tell it to the hundreds of young widows whose husbands worked for the New York Fire Department.
To our shame, George Bush gets a worse press than Saddam Hussein. Once we were told that Saddam gassed the Kurds, tortured his own people and set up rape-camps in Kuwait. Now we are told he likes Quality Street. Save me the orange center, Oh Mighty One!
About a year ago, the world witnessed a unique kind of broadcasting -- the mass murder of thousands, live on television. As a lesson in the pitiless cruelty of the human race, September 11 was up there with Pol Pot's Mountain of Skulls in Cambodia, or the skeletal bodies stacked like garbage in the Nazi concentration camps.
An unspeakable act so cruel, so calculated and so utterly merciless that surely the world could agree on one thing - nobody deserves this fate. Surely there could be consensus: The victims were truly innocent, the perpetrators truly evil.
Remember the gut-wrenching tapes of weeping men phoning their wives to say, "I love you," before they were burned alive.
Remember those people leaping to their deaths from the top of burning skyscrapers.
Remember the hundreds of firemen buried alive.
Remember the smiling face of that beautiful little girl who was on one of the planes with her mom.
Remember, remember
And realize that America has never retaliated for 9/11 in anything like the way it could have.
So a few al-Qaeda tourists got locked without a trial in Camp X-ray? Pass the Kleenex...
So some Afghan wedding receptions were shot up after they merrily fired their semi-automatics in a sky full of American planes? A shame, but maybe next time they should stick to confetti.
AMERICA could have retaliated in a way the likes of which the world has never seen. They could have blown several countries right off the map. That it didn't is a sign of strength. American voices are already being raised against attacking Iraq - that's what a democracy is for. How many in the Islamic world will have a minute's silence for the slaughtered innocents of 9/11? How many Islamic leaders will have the guts to say that the mass murder of 9/11 was an abomination?
Never forget.
Never forget.
19 - Eric Olsen
Powerful and brilliant and to the point Tony, thanks.
20 - NashvilleMan
It is nice that there are so many fans of "Hey Mr. President" released by The Warren Brothers.
Unfortunately, their record label, in collusion with DreamWorks Nashville, ripped off a DreamWorks artist that was planning on releasing the song.
The act in question had already recorded a fantastic version of the song, and was going to release it as a single, but BnA Records decided (with the approval of DreamWorks), to screw that act in order to get their version out on the market immediately.
Shows you that "ethical practices" have no place in the Nashville Music Industry.....
21 - NashvilleMan
It is nice that there are so many fans of "Hey Mr. President" released by The Warren Brothers.
Unfortunately, their record label, in collusion with DreamWorks Nashville, ripped off a DreamWorks artist that was planning on releasing the song.
The act in question had already recorded a fantastic version of the song, and was going to release it as a single, but BnA Records decided (with the approval of DreamWorks), to screw that act in order to get their version out on the market immediately.
Shows you that "ethical practices" have no place in the Nashville Music Industry.....
22 - Sophia Babai
The Maines/Saddam picture was ridiculous. It isn't anti-American to think America shouldn't target an ENTIRE COUNTRY which never did ANYTHING to us (Osama bin Ladin was from Afghanistan)