If you've been following the Dixie Chicks' saga - and based upon the traffic and comments, in the days just before the war, few were concerned with much else - you know that after Natalie Maines slammed President Bush in London, she apologized the next day.…
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— go to most recent comments26 - Veronica
And just because i put that, don't think that I (and many others in this area) wasn't disappointed in her for saying that. Yes, she does have freedom of speech on her side, but come on! She should have said what she said in her appology instead of saying that she was ashamed that Pres. Bush came from Texas.
27 - BritBoy
Actually, Mr.Thacker, you'll find i agree with you. Free speech should exist regardless of the opinion expressed, i.e Voltaire.
However, it does seem to many, particularly Euopeans, that the US breeds extreme conservatism disproportionate to the population of both the US and in relative terms compared to other countries.
The consequence of this is that, instead of extremist beliefs of both left and right cancelling each other out, the staunchly right-wing conservatism in fact vastly elclipses views held by the left; the result of which is that the general mainstream political spectrum becomes skewered toward the prevailing extreme. Which is what I see happening here.
Indeed, the evidence on this very page, for example as expressed by Eliot Bigman, Doug, Bill, and Brian Fleming. No doubt there's more but I really can't be bothered to find them all.
28 - Nick
First of all GET A DAMN LIFE! Who gives a rat's ass of ANOTHER celebrity opinion? I am a HUGE Chick's fan.. but her comments were off. Be against the war.. fine.. yadda yadda.. hate the man's policies.. but she attacked him personally. That is wrong. She doesn't know him personally so ZIP IT. Does ANYONE even have a clue that it is QUITE possible the president, his administration, and the military might.. just MIGHT have covert info regarding Iraq and that nutter Saddam? Ummm DUH my guess would be. My guess is all these celebrity prostesters aren't privy to this info. So I say NICK OFF. Take more advantage of your time SUPPORTING the troops over there fighting and getting killed. SUPPORT the Iraqis who celebrated in the streets and thanked the troops for liberating them. Worry about those over there in the HEAT of the action.. not some pussy whining and carrying signs around. If he DIDN'T do anything - there would be protests and people pissed and then something else bad would happen on American soil and it was W's fault for not knowing.. he DOES do something and people still piss and moan. Get IT? Got IT? Doubt IT.
29 - keno
they should drop there crappy cds with the protesters first and save the bombs for later hell that fat ass dixie chicken singer would make a big splat
30 - Michelle
In a world where anti-war protesters instigate violence and mayhem, pro-lifers blow up abortion clinics, and democratic citizens (little d) defend the right to run your own dictatorship, it's easy to see how right and wrong can be confused. The lines between the two are so blurred that we run each other over in the race to be right. Yes, it's okay to disagree with the president. It's equally okay to not. Just be sure that when you make a public statement, do it with conviction and purpose. Don't use celebrity as a platform to win the favor of the majority, and then renege when it doesn't work in your favor. The Chicks have lost my respect for that reason alone.
31 - Cassie
Of course there is such a thing as free speech. The only problem is that people have to learn the meaning of the word 'tact.'
32 - Alice
I used to be a big fan,until she opened her big fat mouth. Kiss your success good byes Dixie Sluts. I'll never buy another CD of yours again.
33 - Fabyenn
"It is ALWAYS wrong to criticize a president, unless that president is Bill Clinton, because he deserved it."
I am sorry, but I cannot get past this jewel. Priceless! a perfect example of what's wrong here, now, in this country. If you can't discuss, detail, analyze, criticize or question the actions and words of your own president, then how do you know that he is doing what's best? You just take his word for it? we all know how 'truthful' politicians are. I'd rather cut off my tongue than refrain from speaking my mind. May I remind you that the US are what they are because the pilgrims refused to follow the England King's orders and questioned his authority? I think I made my point. Even if that was fake, that was a great statement from 'Maines'.
34 - trinity
Sounds like Britboy has the best case of misplaced anger I've seen since the time my neighbor shot his dog because he got into an argument with his wife. Obviously, he's European, possibly British to judge by his handle. So, unless some American cut in front of him in a line once, I can't see where all the anger is coming from. If American foreign policy has impacted him one iota, it would be a surprise to me. Oh, and thanks for the line about being Israeli lovers. We tend to take care of our allies and it's nice to know the rest of the world notices. Some of my British friends think we do a good job protecting allies, too.
Despite what we "bad-ass arrogant" Americans hear on the news, and in vitriolic posts like these, a significant percentage of Europe still thinks the U.S.A. stands for freedom and human rights. It's just the mouthy ones venting their stored-up spleen over the fact that, as a nation, the United States decided to do something about terrorist attacks instead of taking it on the chin that are getting all the press right now. And that goes for some of us Americans right here at home.
35 - sulizano
I'm not quite sure if this was satire or actual reporting. Clarify?
36 - Dianna
Let me get this straight....since 1776...when we became a nation...and the most current Bill of Rights that is in force...and that hundreds of thousands have died to protect ouR Consitutional rights, you people have the nerve to blast the Dixie Chicks???...If anything, they are guilty of only apologizing about what they said....not because they said it....IT IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH..FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION...they have these rights just as the rest of you do...GET A GRIP PEOPLE!! WHETHER OR NOT WE LIKE WHAT SOMEONE HAS SAID...THEY DO HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH...DOESNT MATTER WHO SAYS IT!!!
37 - cheryl
She's entitled to her opinions the same as anyone else, and she is entitled to express them, just as anyone else. What upset ME is that she was 'punished' for speaking her mind. Freedom of speech means just that, that you are allowed to say what you want *WITHOUT FEAR OF HARM*. To have pulled the Dixie Chicks from radio playlists was harm, it was a form of censorship-punishment, and it was WRONG.
It's like what happened to Bill Maher for his comments re: 9/11. Whether you agree w/him or not, he had the right to say it. I think some of our citizens have forgotten what FREEDOM is. So you disagree, fine, but if you TAKE ACTION (such as removal from a radio playlist or firing from a tv show) against someone for speaking out, then what does that make YOU. That's the sort of thing Saddam would do to *his* people...!
You go, girl! I have new respect for you and applaud you for being brave enough to say what you think vs what's pc.
38 - Eric Olsen
Suzy dear, how are you? Did Dawn ever get hold of you? I gave her the message. Hope you are well - you have to come up to our housewarming party when it actually warms up.
This is satire (not what I wrote to you, the post)
39 - nary
First off, GREAT "quote" from Maines at the top. A-1, perfect! It's great seeing the knee-jerk reaction of all the knuckleheads that initially wrote in & those that continue to. If anybody wants to read a brilliant article on the war and the president, try Norman Mailler's speech here:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/16166
Something for Trinity to consider, as I don't know if he's talking about personal acquaintances when he mentions British friends or if he's just imagining how Brit soldiers might be feeling...
A few years ago I decided to bicycle around Europe for a few weeks. I had all my camping gear on the back, with a big flag from my country secured around it. No, I'm not american. I caught a pothole with my front tire & ended out having to fix a spoke in the middle of nowhere. There I am working on my bike & a farmer comes along and starts a conversation. This was in a liberal, peace-loving country and do you know what this farmer said to me? "Are you really from (my country) or are you an american trying not to get run over?"
Maybe he was just jealous that his country was busy being swarmed with Nazi's and others instead of being able to show up four years late for two world wars like the US and then trying to take the credit for winning them nearly single-handedly.
Don't assume that relations with anybody is going to improve under your current president. Even George Sr. was a thousand times better in the Oval Office than boy-George will ever be. It isn't all his fault, but a lot of it is & the next president will have to be a super diplomat and financial wiz to get you guys through the next few decades. Good Luck.
40 - jeff
Well, at least we know how she feels about the people from whom she makes her living...
41 - roach
george bush is a fuckin idiot hows that for respecting your presious prez
42 - Doris
Ms. High & Mighty Natalie Maines how dare you slam President Bush at a time like this when we are suppose to be showing the world that we are all together. Not running down our leader. Then give a fake apology and some flimsy excuses. Take your music over and sing to Saddam...maybe you can sell some records over there cause we don't want to hear them here in the U.S.A. Lost a lot of fans...maybe you will come down a few notches!
43 - Alice
Wake up and smell the roses, you people who yell Freedom of Speech need to realize that you are free to speak your mind here in this great country, because of the troops who defend your behinds. Our troops are risking their lives to give you freedom from terrorists......does 9-11 ring a bell? Freedom is not free.
44 - TexasofTigress
Just so you know I am ashamed that Natalie Maines
is from Texas. Dixie Chick you should not go to another country be anti-American against your President. No matter what you think you did
are now a member of the Europe anti American group
for life. No only that you did hurt many of the American Troops by what you said. And now you call
them hypocritical red necks. Shame on you Nat. So
why don't you move to Europe.
45 - Brian
Open your eyes Doris! Regardless of what some celebrity said, it is obvious that Americans are not 'all together.' Protests of thousands of people happen in major American cities every day that are broadcast all over the world! If so many people believe that war is wrong, maybe you should stop ignoring them and consider what they are trying to say: war is NOT the answer!
46 - Lola
Let it Rip, Natalie.
Everything she said is 100% correct. The only thing Natalie should have done is tell exactly why he is an embarrassment. President Bush does not care what the American people want and in the few short years, he has been in office he has ruined our nation’s economy just the way he did in Texas before he got the hell out. He is a bully, who is straining our relations with our allies. He is hell bent on bombing Iraq, with no evidence to support his claims. He does not respect the UN or any other nation; if they are not for him then his motto is to forget them and do it his self even without the support of the American people.
Ok, now I am a seventh generation Texan and I too am embarrassed when he claims he is a Texan. Let us not forget he is not a Texan by birth, he was born in Maine. To me and many other Texans that make him a want a be Texan, not the real thing. . Have you forgotten that he at first refused to live in the Texas governor’s mansion, stating it was to old and drafty, until public pressure forced him to live in the governor’s mansion, but even then he rarely spent anytime there, just as he rarely spends time at the White House. He is so busy adding on to that Crawford Ranch at the taxpayer’s expense. Also might I add, not only has President Bush failed as a president in my eyes, he was a terrible governor, and an even more horrible businessperson. Not one business or government entity that Mr. Bush has managed has ever been successful. He leaves every post ridden with debt and bankruptcy
I think radio stations are wrong for banning the Dixie Chicks. This is America where one has the freedom of speech or did you forget that. Oh I guess it alright to just disrepect the democratic leaders and not the Republicans. Sounds like the truth hurts and this administration reeks of dictatorship.
Go Natalie Go!
47 - Sareena
It's so sad that these poor victim's of Dubya's hate propaganda are so mislead. Anti-war does not equal Anti-American, Morons. I served my country as a soldier in the US Army inclusing a year in Bosnia...for you uber-patriots to imply that because I do not support the actions of our "President" that I am somehow against America is just ignorant. What have you done to truly show patriotism except fly a flag out of your ass and eat what you are spoon-fed by Fox news all while being hate-mongers to those you don't agree with?
48 - Cary
I think by now you know that you have wrecked all of your careers due to your comment. I know for a fact I won`t be listening to anything that you have to sing or say.
49 - Dan
These Dixiechicks suck anyway. I am glad they are off the airways. Natalie Maines is a Benedicta Arnold. Most intelligent people know better than to trash the USA or the President when we are at war! Or maybe she is just plain stupid. Don't they teach patriotism in Texas?
She just joined the ranks of the rest of the stupid anti-war, anti USA freaks. Hello! You all are just lucky your asses didn't get blown up by Arab terrorists yet. And as far as you Hollywood Stars, If you trash the USA and the Troops serving her I say America should boycott you! Hit em where it hurts, in their pocketbooks. Stay away from their movies and music! And for all you anti-war protesters, Move to F---in France, where all the weasels live.
CANADA AND MEXICO NEXT!
WITH FRIENDS LIKE YOU, WHY DO WE NEED ENEMIES.
Kick a Canadian Today!
50 - Tigressof Texas
They teach patriotism in Texas. Natalie Maines must of missed it. Also she does not have a clue
to what her she is saying she is from Austin one of the Biggest party towns and home of the Bush girls. I dare her to show her face around town. I bet she hung with them. But also this is the same person who has chicken feet tattoos on her feet. So maybe she has a brain the size of a chicken.
51 - John
Let's give George W. Bush a break. After all, if Osama bin Laden was named Waldo, George would have spotted him by now.
52 - Bob
or would he have? haha.
53 - Annette
Well, Dan, go ahead and kick a Canadian today, why doncha, eh?
With the disregard for the United Nations, the US President has broken an agreement your country made, as a member of the United Nations. Now, it seems they will soon be known as the Untied Nations. The UN works only as long as all its member nations adhere to its policies and judgements. What chance does it have now that two of its most powerful members have ignored its decisions?
I think the UN reacted here too slowly. However, if the US President wants the US to remain a member of the UN, he needs to reread the part where the US signed on as a member and accepted the obligations and duties of a member country.
Despite our worries for the men and women who make up the US military, Canada agreed when we joined the United Nations to abide by the majority decisions of the members of the United Nations. Would you have us break our word? What kind of country would we be if we couldn't be trusted to keep our word of honour? Should we react to pressure from a neighbour and break that word?
Every politician should be able to withstand scrutiny of the closest order. Every citizen should question whether their government is honest, moral, and upholding the public interest. If you cannot criticize your government, your politicians, you do not have much freedom in your country. People have a right to say what they are feeling and thinking. Without being made to pay a price. Just because the US is the biggest kid in the playground, doesn't give it the right to be the ruler of the playground. And I think where the US is concerned, that is what is worrying a lot of countries today. None of us want to be looking over our shoulder, afraid of being forced into compliance with the US because they want something done a certain way. That makes a bully out of your government. Acting with UN approval would have gone a long way towards dispelling those fears of finding our friend has become a bully.
What Natalie Maines said has nothing to do with her feelings for her country. I personally cannot abide our drunk-driving Premier, but I love my Province. I don't agree with much of what the Prime Minister says, but I love Canada. I can criticize both of them all I want, and still be patriotic. The two are not mutually exclusive. And yes, our Prime Minister is an idiot who thinks spending a billion and a half dollars on a gun registry that is toothless and riddled with mistakes is a good thing, when the health care system is going to hell in a hand basket. I will tell that to anybody who listens, Canadian or not. But I am still proud to be Canadian. I just am a proud Canadian without blinders on.
Do not ever make the mistake that Canadians don't care what is happening to your soldiers. We do. After all, we lost one or two in the last several wars, too, you know. And despite many of us being solidly against war in general, we want Saddam gone, and your military personnel to come home safe and sound. They deserve our prayers and support, and they get them. Just ask the folks whose planes were forced to land in Canada September 11, 2001 what kind of support the Canadian people show their southern neighbours.
I don't think I have heard anybody trashing the soldiers serving on the Iraqi front, somehow I think the lesson about honouring your soldiers was learned after Vietnam, wasn't it?
Annette in Canada
54 - mark
Well first of all, of course I disagree with what Maines said about our President.
Second, She DOES have a right to say what she wants.
Third, we all have the right to speak out against her if we disagree with her. Which many of us do. And we have a right to boycott her efforts. That's the mark of a truly free nation.
Fourth, President Bush never commented on what she said. Obviously, he's above it.
I have several European friends (living in Europe) who would definitely agree that people like BritBoy are irrelevant when they use the sort of colorful language he uses to try to argue a point. That's typical of most of the uneducated "victims" of the world. (yes, I know BritBoy, you are going to come back and say something like, "I graduated from Oxford" or some silly thing like that - to that I would say, I don't recall having seen you there).
By the way, BritBoy, you need a lesson in sentence structure and word usage. For having come from a country who gave birth to the English language, you are an extremely pour example of one who has a command of it.
And of course your stupidity makes you a great proponent for Miss Maine's cause. But do keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
An American
55 - mark
Well first of all, of course I disagree with what Maines said about our President.
Second, She DOES have a right to say what she wants.
Third, we all have the right to speak out against her if we disagree with her. Which many of us do. And we have a right to boycott her efforts. That's the mark of a truly free nation.
Fourth, President Bush never commented on what she said. Obviously, he's above it.
I have several European friends (living in Europe) who would definitely agree that people like BritBoy are irrelevant when they use the sort of colorful language he uses to try to argue a point. That's typical of most of the uneducated "victims" of the world. (yes, I know BritBoy, you are going to come back and say something like, "I graduated from Oxford" or some silly thing like that - to that I would say, I don't recall having seen you there).
By the way, BritBoy, you need a lesson in sentence structure and word usage. For having come from a country who gave birth to the English language, you are an extremely pour example of one who has a command of it.
And of course your stupidity makes you a great proponent for Miss Maine's cause. But do keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
An American
56 - Genenine
I comend you on your knowledge of your constitutional rights. 90% of the citizens in USA don't use what is their right. And then gripe when someone else uses it. I wish all of you people would have the gutts to stand up like Nat did and I wouldn't have said I'm sorry to anyone. I understand your position. Keep on trying to get thru to these people.If everyone would work together things could change. They will never change as long as we are still and self-centered. May God Bless our troops who are fighting for our FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
57 - fooio
this is really fun. reading all these responses is interesting and is itself a great exercise in the right of free speech. my humble opinion is that The US ought to get her helpful little hands out of the vast majority of foreign affairs she likes to meddle in. of course that would leave the "farmboys" in Langley, Virgina with too much time on their hands. and doing so would again raise the ire of liberals who would cry out for US intervention in righting the wrongs of despotic regimes which dot our globe (you never can please those folks). but in a very thoughtful analysis of the current situation with Iraq i've decided that the present course of action will not result in a more stable Iraq or good karma for the US. saddam hussein is not a benevolent leader of the people. if i could have an hour of conversation with him i could probably show that he was not breast fed long enough, has some serious inner conflict with his anima as well as a serotonin deficiency. he is not a well individual and in no respects should he be a leader of people but it is not the responsibility of the US to change that. it is the responsibility of the Iraqi people. remember that little incident in 1776? a less powerful group of people overthrew the governance of body they felt was unfair and repressive. if the Iraqi people feel the same way let them do the same thing (oh yeah, the French can help, but that's it). same goes for somalia, cuba, grenada, bosnia, etc., etc., etc. of course there will be those who whine and cry when the US stops giving financial aide to ailing economies. (the ailing economy they should be aiding is their own) and if we are really talking sepratism the US should stop sending humanitarian aid to suffering nations and start focusing her attention on the homless living within her own borders. as i see it there are two roads for the US: complete sepratism or good old fashioned colonialism. Yup, either leave them all alone or take them completely over. doing anything in between is just ineffective, inefficient and unkind. "But!", you cry (assuming you are a human beign with some compassion for other members of your species and cohabitants of your planet) this is a "global village" and the US is the strongest member of the community. it is her responsibility to aid and uplift those who are suffering. as the most powerful member of the United Nations she must insure that justice and human decency are upheld throughout the world. and there my friend, you have just asked the US to remove saddam hussein from power so he can no longer abuse fellow members of the human race who have the misfortune of living within his sphere of influence. i'm sure you will agree with me now, that we really cannot have our cake and eat it too. in order to restore basic human rights to people in the Iraq vicinity who are not members of the bath party we have two options: ask saddam very nicely to do the right thing or remove him from power, and unfortunately weapons inspections are not going to remove him from his position of power. removal is going to require military action in the form of war. so there you have it my "middle of the road", "global community", "bleeding heart liberal" friends (and i do feel there is room in our relationship for friendship despite our political differences) i have just clarified the issue and pointed out the proper position for you to take on it. now you can protest that george w. has not done enough to free Iraq and liberate her people and that this military campaign is long overdue not because of the threat of "weapons of mass destruction" or "terrorism" but simply because saddam hussein has been a very bad boy and needs to have a long time out. my opinion, and it is not mere opinion, is still either the love 'em (fully) or leave 'em (completely) philosophy. setting up puppet governments like the one in Iraq is just not good karma. all this drivel comes to you courtesy of a very patriotic american who believes we may be making some serious errors. oh yeah, and britboy who thinks that France, Germany, and China ought to invade the US. China has an enormous army, but getting them to US shores is another question and France and Germany just do not have the military power or reach to attempt anything of the sort. your best bets are for Canada and Mexico to form a coalitional force and attack the US on two fronts with support from the rest of the anti-American world. the only problem with that is that the US has been floating the Mexican gov't for the past 30 years and Canada is going through a fairly messy divorce of sorts.
much love to all,
one very humble fool
58 - Ron
I'm a Canadian, and anti-war, except in self-defence. Since the double whammy of the Iraq-Iran war (in which the U.S backed and armed Saddam Hussein) and the Persian Gulf War, Iraq has been a danger to nobody except those of its citizens who oppose Saddam Hussein's regime. Incidentally, in Iraq, as formerly in Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia, there is freedom of speech. Everybody everywhere has always been able to say exactly what they want at any time in the venue of their choosing -- if they're willing to pay the price. In Iraq, the price is your life; in America, the price can be your livelihood. My advice: Before you exercise your God-given freedom of speech, make sure you can afford your principles.
Our prime minister up here waffled around before finally saying we wouldn't send our people into Iraq without UN approval, which I think is correct. It's up to the UN, not any member state, to decide under its own rules of procedure when, how or if to enforce its own resolutions.
Then our prime minister said he respected America's right to do what it wants with regard to Iraq. I still haven't figured out where he's trying to stand on the Iraq issue.
America is doing exactly what it likes in Iraq -- just because it can. In my opinion, that makes America, the world's only superpower, the world's most heavily armed and dangerous rogue state -- ready, willing and able to take out any government at any time under Bush's 'pre-emptive strike' foreign policy. If Bush decides Canada is too communistic or socialistic and has natural resources he wants, he declares us a threat to America, exercises his 'pre-emptive strike' foreign policy and takes us out in less than a week. Simple, quick & easy.
As for Iraq, I don't think anybody knows what Washington's real agenda is over there, other than to remove Saddam Hussein, which is a good thing. But after watching 'shock and awe' take out downtown Baghdad, I have to wonder if the cure isn't worse than the disease. And if too many body bags start unloading at Dover Air Force Base, I wonder how long the 70% of Americans who support this war (according to the latest CNN poll) will continue to do so.
Americans should remember that although we aren't sending our guys into Iraq, we did send them into Afghanistan with yours after 9/11, though ours had to hitch a ride over on your planes because our military up here is so small and under-equipped, I'd be surprised if we could field a full division. The general thinking is that if Canada is attacked, America would protect us in its own interests. That's likely true.
Anyway, the attack on Iraq is a reality; it's happening, so we have to get used to it for awhile. I just hope not too many people on either side get killed in this useless, stupid war and that not too much real estate is destroyed. No objective that comes to mind seems worth it. It has to rank as one of the stupidest wars the U.S. has fought in modern times, with the exception of Viet Nam.
I don't know who today would fault the millions in America and abroad who protested that war ('Hey, hey, LBJ. How many kids you kill today?'), protested it until the U.S. had to declare victory, pull out and let Ho Chi Minh's people take over the place. Meanwhile, 55,000 good American studs lost their lives and thousands more were maimed for life. And for what????
I say let the old impotent politicians duke it out; let the young guys live in peace and enjoy breeding their babies, creating life and not death.
59 - kate
Many people need to be reminded that what you've read was a satire. I think posting it without a "pre-warning" to that effect was irresponsible. I'm just glad Natalie had an opinion. Too many people today don't have the courage to question, comment and analyze what is going on around them. The fact that she actually apologized shows that Natalie can see past her own nose. We've all said things out loud that we wished we hadn't, Bush included I'm sure. It doesn't matter really whether she's sorry she said it or thought it. What matters is that she tried to do what she thought was best in the end. It is humbling to apologize and those of you vilifying her should be ashamed of yourselves. You are doing exactly what you are condemning.
60 - Joan
I am not an American, and my country is not at war. Whether we like it or not, there is a war going on. Was there ever a question of preventing this war? Probably not. I cried when I watched the World Trade Center fall, I cried when I watched the first American troops leave their families. I feel great sorrow when my children happen to see the front page of the newspaper, and I pray that their innocence is intact. I pray that the troops in Iraq return to the families safely and soon, and I also pray for the children in Iraq, who make up over 40% of their population.
61 - Tony
Dan, I am truly embarrassed to say we are from the same America! Your tough guy attitude is what makes the rest of the world get the wrong idea of what America is all about! Vent your anger in therapy, not with threats to innocent people. Try to develop some compassion for others. America has got everything, and you've got it too good to realize how bad conditions are for others. Maybe you should learn more about life before you threaten others like you do. Quit spreading hate, the world has too much of that already. We are trying to save the Iraqi people, nothing else... We have to support those that need help. We aren't trying to take over anybody; man, when you have something constructive to say, then say it. Until then, think about it...
62 - Sane View
I am of Canadian descent, though I'm ashamed to say it now, and I'm proudly AMERICAN by birth. The majority of the posters here are whining, snivelling liberals who, in a properly run country, would be up against the wall with a last cigarette.
As for you, Dan, you talk tough, but you're as much a weenie as the rest of them. You talk about rights. Rights come from superior force, and we Americans have rights because we can whup the ass of anybody that tries to take them away. But the Constitution means NOTHING without our hardworking troops and our superior weaponry to defend it. And that's what they're doing, and what President Bush is doing. Let me remind you of one thing: what Natalie Maines did is not an exercise of rights, it's not freedom of speech. It is TREASON. Criticism of the President on the brink of a war is a traitorous act.
George W. Bush is the greatest President in the history of this great country because he has the manhood to USE the power that our government and country have. Listen, all you whiny liberals and peaceniks: there is a New World Order coming, in which American will stand tall and will take what it needs, when it needs it, without having to grovel before the altar of international opinion. You can be part of this new order, or you can be stepped on. I sincerely hope that after Iraq and Afghanistan, we turn to the countries that have betrayed us: Canada, France, Germany. (Hey, we've whupped them before!)
Remember the faces of the peaceniks, the liberals, the Democrats, and the so-called "centrist" Republicans. These are the faces of our new enemies, and we will deal with them!
Traitors can't hide!
63 - foolio
this just keeps getting stranger and stranger. "up against a wall with a last cigarette" for holding an opinion in the most advanced civilization, with a representative form of government, this planet has ever witnessed? you have got to be truly out of your mind.
george w. is not the greatest president ever and saying so is not treason. questioning the actions of our government is not only our right but our responsibility as Americans. the government and the military derive their great power from "we the people" and letting them run pell-mell across the globe without oversight or restraint is irresponsible on our part. delegating that responsibility to the UN is also irresponsible.
much love to all,
one very humble fool
64 - Canadian Girl
I think it's hilarious reading these comments. All you Americans freaking out about free speech and such. Although I don't agree with the timing of her statement, it's been blown way out of proportion. I can't believe the stupidity of some of these posts. Just goes to show that people believe everything they read or hear....even when clearly marked SATIRE, meaning it's NOT TRUE. I think the Dixie Chicks are not all that great, but holy crap, worry about your children, or the starving kids in your streets, or the fact that your country is at war(which I believe Canada should be supporting), do not worry about a statement made by a singer. There are soo many other things to spend your time on. Maybe that's one of the biggest problems today. Not caring about the important things.
65 - Mike
I agree with Natalie Maines. Let's let Saddam and his henchmen stay in power, so they can continue to terrorize, rape and murder the citizens of Iraq. Let's continue to stand by and turn our backs on these people. Even though we are blessed with the resources to make a difference in the world, lets do nothing. Would that make you proud of your president and proud to be an American?
Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. And just as Natalie has the right to say what she wants, I also have the right to buy what I want and radio stations have the right to play what they want. Don't publicly voice your opinion and then get mad when others voice theirs.
66 - Sane View
I am of Canadian descent, though I'm ashamed to say it now, and I'm proudly AMERICAN by birth. The majority of the posters here are whining, snivelling liberals who, in a properly run country, would be up against the wall with a last cigarette.
As for you, Dan, you talk tough, but you're as much a weenie as the rest of them. You talk about rights. Rights come from superior force, and we Americans have rights because we can whup the ass of anybody that tries to take them away. But the Constitution means NOTHING without our hardworking troops and our superior weaponry to defend it. And that's what they're doing, and what President Bush is doing. Let me remind you of one thing: what Natalie Maines did is not an exercise of rights, it's not freedom of speech. It is TREASON. Criticism of the President on the brink of a war is a traitorous act.
George W. Bush is the greatest President in the history of this great country because he has the manhood to USE the power that our government and country have. Listen, all you whiny liberals and peaceniks: there is a New World Order coming, in which American will stand tall and will take what it needs, when it needs it, without having to grovel before the altar of international opinion. You can be part of this new order, or you can be stepped on. I sincerely hope that after Iraq and Afghanistan, we turn to the countries that have betrayed us: Canada, France, Germany. (Hey, we've whupped them before!)
Remember the faces of the peaceniks, the liberals, the Democrats, and the so-called "centrist" Republicans. These are the faces of our new enemies, and we will deal with them!
Traitors can't hide!
67 - Sane View
blah blah blah! bliagh blauogh blew blong. hi i'm sane view in case you haven't read my post yet. blah blah! blah blah die traitors! blah blah blah death to thought blah. BLAH! blah blah die opposite view blah blah! blah blah blah opinions independet of media tainting are irrelevant blah blah. blah blah blah die democrats and commies! BLAH! once again this is sane view wishing you would read my post and take it seriously.
68 - LadyB
I, really don't listen to county music however, since I teach school I felt it was necessary to understand what types of music worked for the students that I taught. My point is that this is Americia and if itrs the President we are upset with or not thge US COnstitution allows for you to voice your point of view. Oh, I forget when you steal and election you want to be like the person you are trying to run out of office Sadam.
My point is there was no reason for Natalie, to to apologize for how she really feel. Its ashame that more people don't have the courage to do that. Bush does not have any reason to be in office and most of my community feels that way. We are in Iraq, trying to help their country what about ours. Why do I still visit Africian American communities and drugs are still very visible and people are still living in public houses and their weekly take is my yearly salary. So do I have aproblem being in another country and spending dollars that should be used to liberate the poor and afflected in the cities and give our people aids that they can use and stop making people write 100 hundred pages grants to get help or the little 50cents that might come with it. I have a problem when children come to school dirty and their parents are only thirteen years older than they are. So before we continue to try and justify why we are helping Iraq, or anyone when we are we as a nation going to look in our own front yards. The back yard is our run. Natalies and anyone the have issue with Mr. Bush, shoould be allowed to express how they feel and all of the high and might need to remember that Bush, did not get the popular vote he got the white vote and slid into office thats no secret.
69 - LadyB
I, really don't listen to county music however, since I teach school I felt it was necessary to understand what types of music worked for the students that I taught. My point is that this is Americia and if itrs the President we are upset with or not thge US COnstitution allows for you to voice your point of view. Oh, I forget when you steal and election you want to be like the person you are trying to run out of office Sadam.
My point is there was no reason for Natalie, to to apologize for how she really feel. Its ashame that more people don't have the courage to do that. Bush does not have any reason to be in office and most of my community feels that way. We are in Iraq, trying to help their country what about ours. Why do I still visit Africian American communities and drugs are still very visible and people are still living in public houses and their weekly take is my yearly salary. So do I have aproblem being in another country and spending dollars that should be used to liberate the poor and afflected in the cities and give our people aids that they can use and stop making people write 100 hundred pages grants to get help or the little 50cents that might come with it. I have a problem when children come to school dirty and their parents are only thirteen years older than they are. So before we continue to try and justify why we are helping Iraq, or anyone when we are we as a nation going to look in our own front yards. The back yard is our run. Natalies and anyone the have issue with Mr. Bush, shoould be allowed to express how they feel and all of the high and might need to remember that Bush, did not get the popular vote he got the white vote and slid into office thats no secret.
70 - foolio
ladyb, your assertation that george w. did not win the popular vote is without merit as we do not live in a democracy. we live in a republic. both are forms of representative government but a republic has the distinct advantage of diminishing the power of the majority in an effort to avoid "mob rule". as a member of a racial minority (i'm simply assuming your a member of a racial minority from your post) this is a safeguard of your rights.
the representatives you elect do not have an obligation to vote as you would vote were you in congress, she or he has the obligation of voting their conscience (unfortunately voting their pocketbooks is a bipartisan epidemic). you have the right and resposibility to vote for the representative you feel is honorable, just and wise.
please help your students learn this. a nation who's population is ignorant of their government is ripe for subjegation.
much love to all,
one very humble fool
71 - E
How did Clinton create jobs in his tenor? Ohhh, I forgot...Gore created the Internet. I get so sick and tired of hearing this hoop-lah about the economy. Greenspan allowed the bubble to grow at the rate it did and Clinton popped it prior to departure from Presidency. Clinton didn't create anything but scandals and cum stained dresses. He deployed more troops then ANY other President in history, yet accomplished nothing, never knew how to allow troops to finish what they started. Myabe you were watching to much ABC (Always Bill CLinton) or perhaps CNN (Clinton National Network).
So many liberals, so little time, you make me sick.
72 - NY girl
I can't believe that the Dixie Chicks had the nerve to say that at one of their concerts. They should have thought about what they were saying before opening their big mouths. I was a fan of the Dixie Chicks but now I refuse to buy their CD's or even go to one of their concerts. Maybe they forgot about what happened on 9/11 and how we lost so many innocent peoples lives. I think the war is for a good reason, even though innocent people once again will lose their lives because of the jerk in Iraq. Bush is just doing what needs to be done. The Dixie Chicks should think about all those troops over there that are doing their jobs and how they protect us. I think they should just end their career now because they had just lost alot of fans.
73 - foolio
finally someone on a message board who realizes that an economy doesn't go improve overnight or go bad in the same time period. clinton rode the crest of reganomics and poor george w. is stuck in the trough of liberally stimulated federal spending. so while i will not agree that he is a wise and judicious president i don't think blaming him for the current economic climate is fair at all.
74 - sue
is freedom of each equal to freedom of hate ?
75 - sue
sorry - that's feedom of speech = freedom to hate?