Dixie Chicks subject of threats [Archive]

MrDave

April 24th, 2003, 2:57pm

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=17951

The Dixie Chicks claim that they received personal threats following singer Natalie Maines' controversial comments about President George W. Bush earlier this year. Having returned from a European tour, the trio will make its first public comments on the incident, and on Maines' subsequent apology, in an interview with Diane Sawyer that will air on Primetime Thursday on ABC tonight.

During a London concert last month, Maines told an audience "we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas." She quickly issued an apology, but radio stations began to pull the Chicks' songs from rotation, and sales of the band's most recent album, Home began to slip.

"We're dealing with bigger issues than record sales," Emily Robison, whose property has been vandalized, said. "I'm concerned about my safety. I'm concerned about the safety of my family." Robison also admitted that, because of death threats, the Chicks will be forced to use metal detectors at its concerts this year; the band's tour kicks off next week in South Carolina.

Added her sister, Martie Maguire, who likened the most severe backlash to book burnings, "I think it's rational and totally acceptable for people to write a letter. We know that some of our fans were shocked and upset, and we are compassionate to that. My problem is when does it cross the line? When is trashing Emily's property OK? When is writing a threatening letter OK?"

Maines admitted that she regretted that her comment was disrespectful, but added, "Am I sorry that I asked questions and that I don't just follow? No."

As for issues of patriotism, the group was clear, with Robison mentioning that she and Maguire have family in the military. "We support the troops 100 percent," Maines said. "There is not a correlation between not wanting a war and not supporting the troops who are doing their job."

And despite the apology, Maines remained firm that the group isn't seeking forgiveness from anyone. "Accept the apology that was made," she said. "But don't forgive us for who we are."

ANDREW DANSBY

susieand

April 24th, 2003, 3:01pm

Ahh I love the Dixie Chicks music, hate their attitudes...what would ever posses them to say something like that has got me...I just can't see myself buying their album anytime soon!:nay:

ladcraig

April 24th, 2003, 3:09pm

I regret that they are receiving death threats. I do, however, think the Chicks are loving the free publicity. Anyone who is appearing nude on the latest cover of "Entertainment Weekly," obviously isn't trying to let the notoreity die down. Here's a link to the cover (crossing my fingers that this link works):

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/030423/168/3vp67.html

bluenude3

April 24th, 2003, 3:10pm

Since when are rock stars role models? Does everyone go out and drink themselves into a stupor like Hank Williams, are we all doing heroin like Sublime? I love the Dixie Chicks & will continue to buy their music. The only thing I am ashamed of is that they thought Bush was from texas... he wasn't born here & we don't claim him. New England can keep him as far as I'm concerned. He sucked as governer & he's sucking as president.. there's a big surprise.

Simone

amilasiu

April 24th, 2003, 3:17pm

everyone's is entitled to their beliefs!

the on-going book or CD burnings and death threats closely remind me of the hey-day of Nazis....
ah, the ever-blooming human narrow-mindedness....:duck:

quixychick

April 24th, 2003, 3:19pm

Bruce Springsteen has posted a statement at his website regarding his thoughts on the Dixie Chicks.

http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html

It still amazes me how many people do not know that "Born in the USA" is a song about the dark side of the Vietnam War...

"Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said "Son, don't you understand"

I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone"

canucksinva

April 24th, 2003, 3:23pm

I really can't figure out why people go nuts about someone else's opinion. It just amazes me that people would get that crazy.Just because someone has a different opinion and wishes to express it does that mean we have to ban their albums? NUTS! ( no not planter's) . Gheez! Just like when Oprah spoke out her beliefs about beef, They have a right to their opinion and a right to express it. Do you like the Dixie Chicks because of their values or because of their music? It always seems like freedom of speech is great but only when you agree with the majority. Otherwise you get attacked and ridiculed. Just my opinion.

BENTWISTED

April 24th, 2003, 3:26pm

I agree with the freedom of speech. I dont agree with what they said and I plan on exercising my freedoms by not buying their albums and changing the station if a song of theirs comes on. I am not ashamed of my country.

squirrely_g

April 24th, 2003, 3:32pm

Originally posted by amilasiu
everyone's is entitled to their beliefs!

the on-going book or CD burnings and death threats closely remind me of the hey-day of Nazis....
ah, the ever-blooming human narrow-mindedness....:duck:

I think we've got a long way to go before we're anywhere near the hey-days of the Nazis (Krystalnacht for example), but I do agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

I, too, love the ever blooming narrow mindedness of the - whoops gotta run! American Idol is on....

(just kidding! never seen the show!)

Micky

April 24th, 2003, 3:33pm

I just think it's all a publicity stunt
Amazing how not one single peep has come from them in a mass media way until their concert tour is scheduled to start next week and poof, they do an interview with Dianne Sawyer to be aired tonight.

ladcraig

April 24th, 2003, 3:35pm

This is just my humble opinion, but isn't everyone involved, The Chicks, the disgruntled fans, the radio stations who have stopped playing them, all expressing their freedom of speech? I don't have a problem with what Natalie said even though I am a Bush supporter. But I realize that if you make a statement that is not popular you are liable to get some flak for it. When Dr. Laura, of radio fame, made some comments against gay adoption, a lot of gay groups went after her. She was expressing her freedom of speech and so were the groups who boycotted the advertisers (i.e. Proctor and Gamble) of her short-lived t.v. show. I didn't hear any cries in her favor. Truly, I don't think the Chicks will suffer any long term disadvantage and I think they will use it to their advantage (i.e. the provocative nude cover on EW that I posted about earlier). Look at Jane Fonda, after her "Hanoi Jane" episode she went on to make millions on her exercise videos.

bomar97

April 24th, 2003, 3:45pm

Freedom of speech?? YES
Freedom to buy and listen to what we want?? YES
NO ONE has to buy Dixie Chicks records or go to their concert, and they should not whine about that.
Freedom to make threats?? NO
Freedom to take away other people's freedom (such as the war protesters who blocked traffic, cost taxpayers $$, put people's lives in danger by blocking emergency vehicles?? NO
Freedom to use one's notoriety to spread their opinion?? NO

You and I can express our beliefs, but we don't use concerts or tv to press it upon millions in an audience. If an actor/actress/singer is asked their opinion, fine.. but to go out and use the fact that they are famous to press upon others what is "right".. I'm not for that. If I go to a concert, I don't go to listen to someone's political stance.. I go for entertainment.. same thing with the oscars, grammy's, etc. If they air their viewpoints in a way as to use their status.. then they are not worthy of being in show business.

brianhall32

April 24th, 2003, 3:59pm

I saw the cover and it disgusted me. I lost respect for them for what they said, now I don't have any respect for them at all. They obviously don't care what anyone thinks. I'll never listen to them again. I think they are a bad influence. I hope ABC doesn't sugarcoat it tonight.

nitrodpup

April 24th, 2003, 4:03pm

If the chicks feel that way, ( notice only Natalie made the comment and unfortunately the two sisters got drug down with her) then let her speak. TV and Radio personalities are all complaining that it's their freedom of expression. That is fine as an American my freedom is to ignore them. If the chicks come on the radio or CMT, it gets instantly turned off. Our family will never support anything they do (not that we are chicks fans anyway). Although I do feel Natalie has taken an enormous amount of heat for one comment made overseas at the spur of the moment, she still will have to deal with that for the rest of her musical career.
As for the cover of the magazine, they may think it's cute, too me it looks like they are trying to just insight more controversey and publicity for the upcoming tour.

My next concern is the rumored new Pepsi can promotion for Memorial day with the pledge of allegiance on it except for the "Under God" words which Pepsi has omitted. Since when do companies feel it is up to them to change that?? If you don't like it, then don't read it as it's your freedom not to. But it is also my Freedom to read it and I for one know that the pleadge of allegiance for this United States of America states<b> " One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All"</B>
Looks like I will no longer be drinking Pepsi and that's a shame because I do like it. But if this can does in fact hit the store shelves next month they have forever lost mine as well as most of the people and relatives I know business. The only way to fight fire is with fire and when Coke sales suddenly increase and Pepsi tails off, they will have only themselves to blame.

MrDave

April 24th, 2003, 4:06pm

Originally posted by squirrely_g
I think we've got a long way to go before we're anywhere near the hey-days of the Nazis (Krystalnacht for example), but I do agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

I, too, love the ever blooming narrow mindedness of the - whoops gotta run! American Idol is on....

(just kidding! never seen the show!)

LOL -- that was great - thanks!

I think the cover is great and I love the debate their comments have sparked. Democracy in action!

elainmir

April 24th, 2003, 4:13pm

I am going to weigh in on this........I like the Chicks music....I do believe they as well as Martin Sheen, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon have the right to protest and speak out. That is their freedom as it is ours. However, I am not a celebrity and am not trying to use celebrity to impress my opinion on others. They are free to speak but must realize they may have to pay for their comments when the fans/public decide not to watch their tv show, movie or buy that album / go to that concert. Never is it ok to vandalize someones property or make threats to them because you do not agree with them. Even though I do not agree with Sarandon/Robbins I do admire them for still standing their ground on what THEY believe in....the ones who spouted off and found the backlash of the public to much , apologized and back pedaled whereas Sarandon/Robbins did not. I thought baseball's commissioner could have at least had the courtesy to call them before publicly cancelling the ceremony.....its not whether you agree or disagree on an issue, its how you conduct yourself while doing it......and I did not vote for Bush but I think he has done a remarkable job so far......:twocents:

itsknotsew

April 24th, 2003, 4:30pm

Whoa, Simone, I too am from TX and personally liked Bush as governor and do like him as Prez! He was a far better gov than Ann Richards! I feel as well that, given their celebrity status, the Chicks better brace themselves for whatever comes when using their position to express their views. That's an interesting thot re: their Prime Time interview just prior to the start of their tour!!

byaya3

April 24th, 2003, 4:57pm

I agree that no one has the right to vandalize or harm another
because of there beliefs.
My only problem is not what she said but where she said it ,
would she have made that comment in Texas at a concert I think
not or anyhwere else in the U.S. My ? to her would be do u really
feel that way or where u succumbing to International peer
pressure.
I too liked the Dixie Chicks and will practice my right to not buy there records because there job was to sing and Oprah's job is to report. I have excepted backlash when I voice my opinion and have gotten it so y shouldn't they.
I don't condone violence toward them that is just another form of
TERRORISM we don't need.

nitrodpup

April 24th, 2003, 5:00pm

ditto

jaybat

April 24th, 2003, 5:02pm

I don't see the Dixie Chicks as being important enough to get real, valid death threats. My guess is it's another example of no imagination in Hollywood - they just didn't have the brain cells among them to come up with an "I buried Paul" type idea so they're trying to profit off their speak-without-thinking episode.

tigerjen77

April 24th, 2003, 5:21pm

Maybe Im way off base here but I don't understand how a group that writes and records a song about killing ones abusive husband and burying him in a tarp is any better than making the decision to go to war.

<p>I only have thing to say to all these celebrities that think that freedom of speech is something THEY earned SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP. You only have your freedom of speech because of the men and women who lay down their lives to go and fight for it and the government who has decided to not let anyone take away our rights.

<p> As I step off my soapbox, let me just end with one thing. I love my country. I may not agree with every desicion that our government makes but I am NOT nearly as informed as they are and seeing as how America is the greatest country in all the world, the governement MUST be doing something right so who am I to argue.

moviemave

April 24th, 2003, 5:24pm

I like their music so I guess I will be the one buying it.

blondie

April 24th, 2003, 5:27pm

Publicity. Publicity. Publicity. That's all this interview is.

Nitro - don't worry about the Pepsi can thing. Pepsi has a disclaimer running on their website that it is just a rumor.

bongeezer

April 24th, 2003, 5:27pm

But in know way do I feel what the Dixie Chicks said was "Unamerican" no matter what country they were in.
One thing I found funny about the CD cruhsin' and burnin' down south was at that on the news I saw a truck at this event that had a U.S. and a confederate flag on it..Now I have family in the south and I know this will piss off some of you southerner's But you can't be more unamerican (In my opinion) than when you fly the confederate flag..The confederate's didn't just say they were disgusted with the President they took up arms against him.

So if we can live here now with no objections to that flag, why is anybody upset with the Dixie Chicks.

You may now proceed with your angry replies to this post.

moviemave

April 24th, 2003, 5:31pm

ladcraig

April 24th, 2003, 5:49pm

I am southern (born and raised in NC) and now live in SC. When we moved here there was the big debate over taking the Confederate battle flag off the top of the State capitol bldg. I think it was the right decision to make to take it down and completely understand why people were offended by it. I think the only flags that should fly there are the US flag and S.C. flag.

BTW, I think Natalie has made comments in the past that have offended people and the comment about Bush just really set them off. For one thing, she really made some negative comments about Toby Keith and his "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" song calling it ignorant, etc. in a L.A. newspaper interview. I think that was tacky to criticize another artist in print (although it is her right) and that it was also funny b/c a lot of folks thought the Chicks' song, "Goodbye, Earl" was ignorant. Anyway, let's just say that Toby's song didn't suffer for it and I really don't think the Chicks are going to suffer either. They couldn't buy this kind of free publicity.

And I am proud to live in a country where we can all mouth off! :smile3:

suelee000

April 24th, 2003, 7:44pm

Originally posted by bongeezer
But in know way do I feel what the Dixie Chicks said was "Unamerican" no matter what country they were in.
One thing I found funny about the CD cruhsin' and burnin' down south was at that on the news I saw a truck at this event that had a U.S. and a confederate flag on it..Now I have family in the south and I know this will piss off some of you southerner's But you can't be more unamerican (In my opinion) than when you fly the confederate flag..The confederate's didn't just say they were disgusted with the President they took up arms against him.

So if we can live here now with no objections to that flag, why is anybody upset with the Dixie Chicks.

You may now proceed with your angry replies to this post.

At last someone with a sense of history. The Confederate Battle Flag is the symbol of those who tried to destroy the United States of America. It should never be honored for it's "heritage".
Georgia added the symbol to its state flag in 1956 as a defiant reaction against the Civil Rights Movement. It is a symbol of racism not freedom.

On a related issue, I see an unfortunate tendency by some to tell anyone who is not in the military or a military dependant to shut up because they haven't sacrificed for their country. In America, it is not the size of your wallet, the size of your gun or which branch of the military that determines your civil rights, it's the Constitution of the United States of America.

PS For those who are interested, my brother was activated for Bush's re-election campaign.

quixychick

April 24th, 2003, 10:22pm

Originally posted by bongeezer
But in know way do I feel what the Dixie Chicks said was "Unamerican" no matter what country they were in.
One thing I found funny about the CD cruhsin' and burnin' down south was at that on the news I saw a truck at this event that had a U.S. and a confederate flag on it..Now I have family in the south and I know this will piss off some of you southerner's But you can't be more unamerican (In my opinion) than when you fly the confederate flag..The confederate's didn't just say they were disgusted with the President they took up arms against him.

So if we can live here now with no objections to that flag, why is anybody upset with the Dixie Chicks.

You may now proceed with your angry replies to this post.

Speaking as an LA woman (lower Alabama), I would like nothing more than to never, ever see another Dixie cross as long as I live. While it is not fair to pre-judge, it is hard not to think unkind thoughts when I see one on a bumpersticker or a car tag.

Although on the right guy, a CAT cap can look sorta hot...

Ahem.

The current governor of Georgia, Perdue, won on a platform of keeping the Dixie cross. I kid you not.

Yeah, the state of Georgia is going bankrupt, but for God's sake let's make sure some embarrasing symbol of Southern hubris stays on the flag... ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

elainmir

April 24th, 2003, 10:41pm

I have watched part of this interview...Natalie Maines strikes me as sorry for all of the backlash the Chicks have received over the statement she made...but she is right....soldiers have died to give us the right to free speech and she was exercising hers....and I heard alot of people saying things while calling into radio stations that were hateful---like strap Natalie to a bomb and drop her over Baghdad.....I just think that we can disagree with out hate and violence.... AND FINALLY LANDSLIDE was Stevie Nicks song......NOT THE DIXIE CHICKS>>>>>>>

bsaint

April 24th, 2003, 10:50pm

bsaint

April 24th, 2003, 10:53pm

Originally posted by elainmir
I have watched part of this interview...Natalie Maines strikes me as sorry for all of the backlash the Chicks have received over the statement she made...but she is right....soldiers have died to give us the right to free speech and she was exercising hers....and I heard alot of people saying things while calling into radio stations that were hateful---like strap Natalie to a bomb and drop her over Baghdad.....I just think that we can disagree with out hate and violence.... AND FINALLY LANDSLIDE was Stevie Nicks song......NOT THE DIXIE CHICKS>>>>>>>

MY problem with her statement is "say it here" if you say it at all. She wouldn't because she would have to pick her self up off the stage from all the s**t that flies from the crowd knocking her blonde butt down.

swissfred

April 24th, 2003, 11:09pm

BENTWISTED explained everything.

" I agree with the freedom of speech. I dont agree with what they said and I plan on exercising my freedoms by not buying their albums and changing the station if a song of theirs comes on. I am not ashamed of my country."

I, too, will exercise my freedoms.

Thanks, BENTWISTED

tncorgi

April 24th, 2003, 11:16pm

http://www.billboard.com/bb/charts/country.jsp

The death of dissent
Playing for keeps in the marketplace of ideas
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/20/Perspective/The_death_of_dissent.shtml

....Riven as we are for the moment about where our liberties end and where our obligations as citizens begin, it is worth remembering that the leaders of the revolution were considered traitors by Americans loyal to the king. If there's a lesson, perhaps it's that in the middle of the debate one can never be certain that the dissenting opinion won't later become the conventional wisdom.

trickygirlb

April 24th, 2003, 11:26pm

Oh the dramas of being rich and famous. Whatever; it's their right to say whatever they wanted, just like it was a bunch of audience members of a Willie Nelson concert to Booh former President Clinton when he introduced Mr. Nelson. Some don't agree with what the Dixie Chicks said, then they shouldn't listen to what they have to say. I do think death threats are a little much but I suppose they probably could have gotten death threats or wierd fan mail even if they hadn't have made that remark. One of the unfortunate sides of being in the public eye. I do think it is a little disrespectful to booh any former president we have had, but again it's our right to be able to say what we want, whether we agree with what others say or not, it's what makes America America.

MrDave

April 24th, 2003, 11:28pm

Originally posted by elainmir
I have watched part of this interview...Natalie Maines strikes me as sorry for all of the backlash the Chicks have received over the statement she made...but she is right....soldiers have died to give us the right to free speech and she was exercising hers....and I heard alot of people saying things while calling into radio stations that were hateful---like strap Natalie to a bomb and drop her over Baghdad.....I just think that we can disagree with out hate and violence.... AND FINALLY LANDSLIDE was Stevie Nicks song......NOT THE DIXIE CHICKS>>>>>>>

Right on. You hit it on the head.

And I noticed the reference to Landslide too. Good catch!

MrDave

April 24th, 2003, 11:29pm

Originally posted by bsaint
MY problem with her statement is "say it here" if you say it at all. She wouldn't because she would have to pick her self up off the stage from all the s**t that flies from the crowd knocking her blonde butt down.

It is very sad that they would have to fear for their physical safetly for speaking their minds. A democracy doesn't work unless there is public debate. Generally debate works better without public lynchings.

winstoncharles

April 24th, 2003, 11:51pm

I watched the big interview tonight and although I had found myself caught between the two sides previously, I was firmly moved by what the girls said tonight. It is completely un-American to attempt to silence someone else's voice because it does not speak as your own. The very regretable suggestions that these women should be tied to bombs and then dropped over Baghdad share more politics with Saddam Husein and his kind then any American President. Those who consider themselves true patriots should put first put aside their own political view on this narrow subject to express their support for the broad right to express ANY opinion. History will help us understand whether Hussein had WMD or if he had a hand in 9-11, but right now Americans knoiw the importance and must protect each and everyone's right to free speech.

The only people that are wrong in this debate are those that are trying to silence, ban or destroy these girls' protected speech. Those people that are telling their children to smash albulms publicly and threatening their radio stations are the ANTI-AMERICANS! These are the people that inprisoned Thomas Paine, burned books in Berlin and tried to put walls between people around the world. Whatever your politics, fight those that would silence another's viewpoint.

MrDave

April 25th, 2003, 12:02am

From the Boss:

"The Dixie Chicks have taken a big hit lately for exercising their basic right to express themselves. To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American".

Springsteen says the anti-Dixie Chicks wave goes against American's right to freedom. "The pressure coming from the government and big business to enforce conformity of thought concerning the war and politics goes against everything that this country is about - namely freedom. Right now, we are supposedly fighting to create freedom in Iraq, at the same time that some are trying to intimidate and punish people for using that same freedom here at home".

http://www.curlio.com/new_showarticle.php?id=3923

nycphoto

April 25th, 2003, 12:07am

I don't agree with your post. While it is never right to physically assault anyone including them, their audience also has the same right to free speech. Boycotting a group, booing in the audience and responding to your listener's request not to spin their records if your a DJ is the same free speech rights that you are saying that they are entitled to.

Under no circumstances should anyone threaten or do physical harm for someone's views but at the same time your expression of those views is subject to the same free speech rights of others who disagree with your point of view.

The reason that the critisism was so harsh was an equal reaction to her nasty criticism of the president...................If you can't take the heat................

Maineiac

April 25th, 2003, 12:17am

Frankly, I'm surprised anyone gives a hoot what they have to say. There is something to be said about having an IQ higher than a turnip...

iwannawin

April 25th, 2003, 1:16am

Go Dixie Chicks!

There are too many damn sheep in this country! We need more smart people like this who don't check their brains at the door because their President tells them to. The Dixie Chicks are much, much more patriotic than Toby Keith and Darryl Worley. It takes a lot more courage to speak out when the President is doing something wrong than to just go along with the crowd.

Scary Snarky toaD

April 25th, 2003, 4:55am

I like Bush.

I like the Chicks. I would still buy a CD of theirs that I liked.

But I got a sour taste in my mouth when she used the term "ashamed" when referring to Bush.

As great of true statesman as I thought Clinton to be, as brilliant an economic prez as we may ever see, I can honestly claim to be "ashamed" of his finger wagging lie to us -- that was a betrayal of all of us.

THAT I was ashamed of -- all of us were "ashamed" of that lie, and shared a part of that shame, because it was like that "fool me twice, shame on me" feeling. We knew the guy had a slippery zipper. But he was helping us make so much money, so we turned away -- and those are the things I feel are shameworthy. I get "ashamed" of myself or others who don't try to do a good job, but pretend they do --

If she had said "You know, I really don't think we should go to war and think Bush is wrong about us going," or even to come out and say, "And with Halliburton getting some big bucks here for the reconstruction of Iraq, I think Bush and Cheney are selling us out. And because I think they are selling us out, I am ashamed of them," or "because Bush just seems to want to drop bombs I am ashamed of him" it would have made more sense as a war-directed attack.

But what I caught from her statement was not her "dislike" of the war, and even of Bush's policies, perhaps, but "ashamed he's from Texas" seems a weird kind of a personal attack.

So that's where I think she "went wrong" was in using the term "ashamed" -- something that was an inference against the reputability of Bush, and as such seemed more like something a spoiled child would say (attacking personally, not attacking the theories). What it told me: "She perceives world events from a less than sophisticated standpoint."

And I can love songs that children sing. But I would be surprised to find myself seeking their opinions when picking presidents.

cesare1920

April 25th, 2003, 5:05am

1st of all, i dont like country, i dont like the dixie chicks, and i never payed to much attention to them until this "statement". my feelings are, i may not agree with what she said, but one of the good things about this country is that we have freedom. and yes that means freedom of speech. you can feel, say, think anything you please, even if the majority doesnt agree. isnt that what we (american soldiers) fight for? you cant have it both ways, freedom of speech or none at all.

Scary Snarky toaD

April 25th, 2003, 6:04am

True Amanda, but I don't see where "free speech" has anything to do with it. Of course she can say what she wants. And any way she wants to do it.

But I think it was the "way" she said it that seemed rude to people. People expect others to have an opinion about the war. But in this case I think most were reacting to what seemed like a "childlike" if not "childish" attitude directed in a PERSONAL attack against the president, rather than making compelling or astute (if heated) observations of a person with an opposing political position.

I don't think people who are unhappy with what was said are against free speech. I just think they were offended by hearing a president many of us feel we can be reasonably proud of being spoken of as someone with such low personal worth that he should cause any of us to be "ashamed" of him.

Or maybe I missed what the fuss was about. But that's how it's been looking from this lily pad.

Rapunzel676

April 25th, 2003, 3:35pm

Death threats are not cool.

nitrodpup

April 25th, 2003, 3:56pm

Free speech or not free speech..... the debate is getting old. Everyone has it in this country so why are both sides of every debate using this crutch??? It's my right to free speech... yada..yada..yada.. we all know that already. Natalies has a right to shoot her mouth off and say whatever she wants just like I can shoot mine off against her shamefull disrepect of our Commander in Chief. As long as this country is alive, there will always be 2 sides of the debate. You may win a few, I may win a few, but in the end we are all winners because we live in what is truly the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

P.S. When Natalie made the statement "Traveling Soldier" was #1 on the charts, now it's not even ranked on the charts as Daryl Worley and "Have You Forgotten" is firmly entrenched in the top spot. I'd say that in itself shows you how alot of people feel about her.

P.S.S. The real losers in this whole mess are the sisters who unfortunately are being brought down with her. Because of Natalies mouth which she freely used to express herself with, the two sisters who were quietly standing on the stage with her are paying a price that they don'y deserve.