dixie chicks

[themuttmom]

I am so ashamed the chicks are from the United States. Never again will i buy a cd or attend a concert they are at.

[tennmaw]

I just wonder if the ditzy chicks mothers are more proud of their daughters for their trashy holier than thou attitude or the magazine cover. It shows just how low their morals really are. Maybe they should take a lesson from their uneducated redneck fans and get a little class.

[itsknotsew]

The parents of the two that are sisters (Emily and Marti are their names, I think) are neighbors of mine in CO. I've been wondering the same thing myself!! :rolleyes:

[meowpossum]

Originally posted by tennmaw
I just wonder if the ditzy chicks mothers are more proud of their daughters for their trashy holier than thou attitude or the magazine cover. It shows just how low their morals really are. Maybe they should take a lesson from their uneducated redneck fans and get a little class.

Hey, now. . .

I'm not too keen on being called an "uneducated redneck" just because I like country music.

Also, freedom of speech and freedom of thought are two of the reasons that I love America. I don't necessarily agree with the Dixie Chicks, but I'm proud that I live in a country where they have as much right to express their political opinions as anyone else, and I think it's kind of tacky the way that some people can't handle a sincere difference of opinion any other way than by launching a personal attack.

[BENTWISTED]

I DONT AGREE WITH THE CHICKS STATEMENT AND THEY SHOULD ALSO STOP TO REALIZE THAT YES THEY HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, BECAUSE THEY LIVE IN THE USA NOT SOME OPPRESSIVE COUNTRY AND PEOPLE HAVE FOUGHT AND DIED SO THEY CAN FEEL FREE TO SLAM THEIR OWN COUNTRY

[jackoutofthebox]

I think the Dixie Chicks are more American than those fools who go around publically destroying their CDs( the message they send is, "Lets teach our children to hate" the message recieived is "We are complete idiots"). I firmly believe we need to get more Americans to finish school.

[Indy]

IRONIC, isn't it? In this country - they can say things like that without being punished for it...maybe they should realize how lucky they ARE. :worry:

[Micky]

Originally posted by tennmaw
I just wonder if the ditzy chicks mothers are more proud of their daughters for their trashy holier than thou attitude or the magazine cover. It shows just how low their morals really are. Maybe they should take a lesson from their uneducated redneck fans and get a little class.

Well, I take a great deal offense to that.
For one, I may be a redneck but I'm highly educated and have class.
You have the right to offend but no one else does, is that how it works?

[ladcraig]

I have to say that watching the Diane Sawyer interview with the Dixie Chicks went a long way to restoring the Chix in my good favor. Natalie has always had a big mouth, all of her fans know that. However, to me anyway, I felt that she was sincere in her apology to President Bush.

[blondie]

I didn't even blink when Natalie started with the tears last night during the interview with Diane Sawyer. She doesn't know how lucky she is.....and there's no use crying over spilled million$.

It's not a question of free speech....it's common sense and thinking before you speak - not just about politics, but about any subject. When you are in the public eye, your speech and your actions WILL be scrutinized/criticized - and some people may not agree with you no matter how popular you think you are - big surprise!

After the interview, a poll was done by a local radio station in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, to see if the listeners wanted to hear the Dixie Chicks on the air again.

The results? A resounding 83% NO

[Ravzie]

I, too, is a edumacated redneck from LA: Lower Alabama, that is - Pensacola, FL. I done been to college. Twice, lemme add here, 4 years plus 3 years makes..... uh, 7 years. Just coz I like that there music don't mean I is dumb.

The Chicks were never my top favorites anyway. I prefer guitar based music like Brooks & Dunn as opposed to banjo and fiddle. I don't have any CDs to throw away nor have any intentions of buying. I think she's an airhead with a big mouth.

:grin3:

[pksoz]

I am a fan. I am also going to their concert in June. No, I don't condone what she said, but isn't that what America is all about? We don't get stoned or tortured for expressing our opinions. Yes, she should have thought before voicing such harsh words. I also agree with what she said last night, she is very sorry, but should she ask for forgiveness for having an opinion? We have the right to free speech. Taking your children to destroy their CDs isn't teaching them to be any better people. I WILL go to their concert, and give them a standing ovation at the end, because they are great musicians, not because I agree with her opinion. :twocents: :type:

[Micky]

Originally posted by Ravzie
I, too, is a edumacated redneck from LA: Lower Alabama, that is - Pensacola, FL. I done been to college. Twice, lemme add here, 4 years plus 3 years makes..... uh, 7 years. Just coz I like that there music don't mean I is dumb. :grin3:


:laugh:

[brianhall32]

I saw the interview and it only confirmed to me what I already believe -- that the chicks, and especially natalie is spoiled and is sorry that she got caught. The chicks are what is legally termed "limited public figures" That means that because of their celibrity status, what they do and say in public and private carries huge amounts of weight in the public eye. That's why there's such a big stink about this whole situation. They brought this on themselves and they can hide behind the first amendment all they want, but in real world terms, they've got to suck it up and admit wrongdoing where wrongdoing has occurred.

I'm a broadcast journalism student and I understand that ABC couldn't tell the whole story. Diane Sawyer reported that their album is #3 on the Country chart. Well that's because Billboard doesn't ask buyers what kind of music they prefer. Whether they were country music fans or not, the numbers are going to be the same. They didn't report how much they had dropped off the pop charts, which was quite a bit more.

She also reported that nearly all of the Chicks' concerts had been sold out. That's because the tickets went on sale a month or two before this whole thing even started, and ticket sellers don't offer refunds. So we only heard half the story. But that's typical in journalism. You have to pick and choose what gets said so you sound balanced and unbiased while telling the truth. Personally, I feel that way too many people think the first amendment gives them the right to be jerks and get away with it legally.

Even if the lead singer hadn't said anything, the magazine cover alone was enough for me to decide that they weren't listening to anymore. It's just another example of how paltry and ignoble behavior is rewarded in this country.

[suelee000]

But I sure do like those Dixie Chicks. Keep it up girls, someone should be telling the truth around here.

[Ruthcb]

Why did she have to say it in England. What response would she have gotten if she said it in Texas or in a city with a military base?
I think she said it there because so many in England were against the war. Maybe she thought the US press wouldn't pick it up.

[elainmir]

I said it last night and will say it again...I felt Natalie Maines was not sincere in her apology just upset at the backlash it caused her and the other Chicks...however like she said people die fighting for our right to free speech and when she uses hers people go ape.....its ok to have an opinion and to express it but when you are high profile/ celebrity then expect what you say to be scrutinized heavily! I do not agree with the CHICKS but do agree that we should be able to express our views whatever they may be without someone deciding they dont like our opinion and using violince/terror against us....whether or not we are celebrity...I think we were right to bust up Saddams regime and while I didnt vote for Bush I think he's done a remarkable job. Now Iraqi people are on a new path .....thanks to Mr. Bush..

[kimberlypp]

Maybe her words were in poor taste and she should not have said them. However, I don't think that we can go around condeming some one because we don't agree with what they say. What makes this a great county is that everyone is allowed to think for themselves and to voice their own opinions and not be stoned for it, like in other countries. Trash their records if you don't like their music, but don't trash them because they have an opinion that you don't agree with. If I kept my distance from everyone with whom I don't agree with I would end up all alone. Debate is what makes our country great. I am glad that everyone has differences, what a boring place if everyone was the same.


That's just my opinion Kim

[jwoodfin]

Well said, Brianhall32. You appear to have a future in journalism, now if only journalism had a future.
I recently returned from a cross country flight (Hawaii, it was work related and someone had to go), during which I sat next to a gentleman who was in a real pickle over the Dixie Chicks. He is the owner of several major Country music Radio Stations in Texas, and had on March 8, purchased 10000 concert tickets. They are still holding over 9500 and can not give the others away. This has resulted in a real financial hardship for his company and could end up costing many innocent people their jobs. So the Dixie chicks have done more than exercised their right to free speech, they have also instigated an exercise of the free market, the results of which are a lot broader than any of them could have imagined.


“It is better to say nothing and let them think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt”-------- Mark Twain

[tignor]

I've missed this (been under a rock). What exactly did they say?

I'm not a fan of the Dixie Chicks so I haven't been paying attention but have known they've said some things. Perhaps you all can "enlighten" me....

[Hhhyyyddd]

i don't care about the dixie chicks either way.
i'm not a country music fan (well, i like the Dark country like Johnny Cash and Hank Sr.) but i wouldn't refer to country music fans as a group in a derogatory way. i'm not politically correct and i don't strive to be but i'm amused by the way no one says "location challenged" or "geographically impaired", no they say REDNECK. The last group of people it is acceptable to poke any kind of fun at without raising a furor is po white folks.
i have bad news for all you. because of a few different jobs in new york i have met many many people whose records, movies, books you probably enjoy very much and you wouldn't want these people in your living room,literally. some of my favorite artists are a total loss as human beings. one of my favorite bands to listen to is a pack of guys i-just-cannot-stand. tried to hate their music, found i still liked it.
their work is what it is, same as it was before they raised an uproar. i am never surprised when celebrities do and say stupid thing and don't really care. yes, in the extreme case of a child-raping pervert like roman polanski, i'd rather not see his work,but that's the only example i can think of when someone's obnoxiousness has determined my listening/viewing habits.
again, bad news. most celebrities are obnoxious people. in fact, i think MOST people are obnoxious. i'm obnoxious for certain, but i hope you won't boycott my posts.

[msalice]

Just thought I'd share this with everyone:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Bruce Springsteen has offered his support for the Dixie Chicks, who were criticized because of a comment Natalie Maines made about President Bush. "The Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal, and an un-American one to boot," Springsteen says in a statement posted on his .

Web site. "They're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech.'

[brianhall32]

Natalie Maines, the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks said during a concert in London, "By the way, we're ashamed that President Bush is from the state of Texas."

The Dixie Chicks are from Texas too.

[Rapunzel676]

I agree with you, Hhhyyyddd. I think most celebrities are probably people I wouldn't want to have dinner with, but I can still enjoy their work. For instance, I love Bob Dylan's music, but I've heard he's pretty unpleasant personally.

[tignor]

Well, alot of people don't like President Bush, or are opposed to the war. We all aren't going to like him, right? I think he's ok, but I think most people don't realize is that most celebrities (I would say, 99%) are staunch Democrats. What did Steve Martin say as host of the Oscars? Celebrities can be Democrats.... and trailed off, as he was talking about differences in celebrities.

Would you not listen to Elton John just because he is gay? Or Michael Jackson because he is freaky (opinion, ok?)? Why boycott someone specific because of their views and opinions? Ok, I could see not wanting to go to a concert because you don't want to hear a speech (they don't like Tim Robbins to be a presenter at the Oscar's anymore because he brings his personal Political views out, and they may cut someone's acceptance speech short at an awards ceremony if it turns political) but boycotting their music? C'mon.....

[ebjoram]

I do not listen to country music. I am not a redneck ( some posters seem to think that people who listen to such music are deserving of that moniker---how stupid is that). I do not support the "reasons" given for the war in Iraq. I most assuredly do not support Bush or his administration. I did not see the interview with the Dixie Chicks so I was sorry to read that she apologized to Bush for her remarks. I feel that he is the one who should be apologizing. I find it interesting that so many always say that those in the military fought and died for our freedom and our freedom of speech. While I have no quarrel with those who choose to serve in the armed forces, I, personally, did not get my freedom or freedom of speech from the military. I received those things from a much higher authority than the military. Lest someone make another absurd assumption, I was born in this country but that does not make me a goose-stepping follower or believe that line of USA--love it or leave it. This country has done PLENTY that it should be ashamed of. The USA is certainly no moral barometer of how other people or countries should go about their business. And people have the right to say what they wish. Anytime and anywhere they wish. Free speech cannot be censored or OBVIOUSLY that would not constitute free speech. To disagree with something that has been said by another is just another component of that. I have no problem with any of that. Maybe that is how you feel when you come from a people that were enslaved and bought and sold like animals. Ya think?

[ebjoram]

I am with you about Roman Polanski and I have also stopped supporting Woody Allen as well. Yes, I am aware that she was adopted and all that but I always felt that a parent/child trust was broken in that instance. Not one of us is without blame but their are some things that cannot go unpunished. Fooling with kids is something I am not willing to overlook.

[Hhhyyyddd]

Thanks for reminding me about Woody Allen! Great films, won't watch them. It is not okay to have sex with your teenage Asian stepdaughter. I make exceptions to the "judge the work,not the artist" for those two directors because I'm not paying to support their pedophile lifestyle.
The much vilified, always controversial Howard Stern is a friend of Mia Farrow and has stated over and over that Woody IS a pig-when Stern thinks you're a pig, it's pretty likely that....

[jaybat]

Everybody go back and read the post by brianhall32. Then read it again. That's the tip of the iceberg.

While lies by omission are popular, it goes a lot further than the examples he gave (which may have just been a matter of logistics).

Government, the media, well, everybody does it - you need to learn to question the facts you see - look at the side that isn;t represented in the statistics shown.

I'm a moderate supporter of Bush but to use him as a common-name example, have a poll that asks

I completely support President Bush
I mostly support President Bush
I support President Bush

And that's it - gonna pretty much come out the way they wanted it to come out, you have to look at what WASN'T asked.

For advertising it's even worse - in addition to asking if you love, like or would recommend a product they tested on you they also tell you you may get your face on television (the media does that too, like a "survey" at a supermarket where they say "we're looking for people to express their disapproval of (whatever) and if we like your response you may get on TV - lots of people will suddenly take a stance in favor of the "reporter's" stance.

As for the Dixie Chicks, I wonder if they would have been so "brave" as to for example play a concert in Russia 20 years ago and say "we're ashamed that our grandmother is from Russia"? (not saying that as a fact, just saying if it was so) - or just saying "communism sucks"?

Short of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, everybody has a freedom of speach. But you also have to accept the consequences. Express your opinions with tact, and you'll generally be accepted. Say something like "your momma wears army boots" and you won't.

I have to agree with the poster who mentioned "IQ of a turnip" (tho it's insulting to turnips). Right now the only thing on the "minds" of the Dixie Chicks is recovering lost profits.

[mjordan29]

Originally posted by meowpossum
Hey, now. . .

... I think it's kind of tacky the way that some people can't handle a sincere difference of opinion any other way than by launching a personal attack...

So saying that you're ashamed George Bush is from Texas is NOT a personal attack? It's not exactly well-worded political dialogue.

Because of their industry, celebrities are judged by how they look and perform. But if they open their mouths and use their celebrity as a platform to voice their political views then they will be judged on that too.

I agree that they have freedom to say what they want but I also have the freedom to boycott their music and speak out against them when they say things I disagree with.

[vossart2000]

I listen to entertainerts for entertainment, not political commentary. If I want to hear that I can turn on the news channel.

If an entertainer makes a choice to cross the line from entertainer to political commentator they have to think of the what may happen before they open their mouth.

Use your free speach all you want, but be ready for others not to agree with you.

I do think the death threats against them are way out of line.

[suelee000]

Originally posted by Ruthcb
Why did she have to say it in England. What response would she have gotten if she said it in Texas or in a city with a military base?
I think she said it there because so many in England were against the war. Maybe she thought the US press wouldn't pick it up.

An American should be able criticize her government and its political leaders anywhere in the world without fear of retaliation or death threats from those at home. If she can't, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are just pieces of paper to be ignored.

Oops I forgot, the Bush Administration has already shredded the Bill of Rights in the name of National Security.

[Ohtiger]

SueLee, you're a voice of reason. Nice to know there's some out there!!!

[slgibbs1]

Originally posted by BENTWISTED
I DONT AGREE WITH THE CHICKS STATEMENT AND THEY SHOULD ALSO STOP TO REALIZE THAT YES THEY HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, BECAUSE THEY LIVE IN THE USA NOT SOME OPPRESSIVE COUNTRY AND PEOPLE HAVE FOUGHT AND DIED SO THEY CAN FEEL FREE TO SLAM THEIR OWN COUNTRY



Since when is slamming King George W the whole country? You don't have to like Bush to love this country. Actually, it saddens me what he is doing to this country. It's become like the McCarthy era!!:mad:

[tennmaw]

Some folks have misunderstood the redneck part of my post. It is not me that has that opinion but the chicks think that about their fans. I just happen to be proud to be a country music listening,nascar watching ex trucker from Tennessee.Guess that makes me a redneck. Some other folks seem to think that free speech is only for the anti Bush crowd and when we object to that we are supposed to not react. I get just a little tired of some people saying that if you have morals you are not as intelligent as the people who think "anything goes" is ok. You want to yell fire in a crowded theatre? Go ahead but be prepared to get run over!

[Rapunzel676]

I have plenty of morals. :(

[bsaint]

Originally posted by Ruthcb
Why did she have to say it in England. What response would she have gotten if she said it in Texas or in a city with a military base?
I think she said it there because so many in England were against the war. Maybe she thought the US press wouldn't pick it up.

SHE WOULD HAVE FELL FLAT LIKE HER RECORDS SALES. IF YOU ARE GOING TO PUBLICLY SLAM SOMEONE DO IT IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

[jackoutofthebox]

A favorite bumper sticker of mine:

The moral majority is neither!

[droller02]

Just a bunch of publicity-seeking, money-grubbin', too-big-for-their-britches, wanna-be-hollywood-politicos, slut-chicks. What goes around comes around. They'll get theirs. 3 years from now nobody will know who they are or why anyone ever paid attention to them.

[KINGSWEEPER]

I WAS READING THAT THE DIXIE CHUMPS :nay:
WILL NOT GO ON STAGE IF THEY ARE BOOED:sob:
I THINK WE SHOULD BOO THEM OUT OF
THE
U S A


I HAVE SMASHED MY DIXIE CHUMPS CD'S:dance:

DO NOT SEE THEM IN A CITY NEAR YOU:toss:

[cesare1920]

once again........ it is a free country, that is what we fight for, you dont have to sgree with the dixies,( i dont, but thats besides the point) they have every right to have an opinion, AND VOICE IT, even if its not the popular one.

[labgirl]

hey, I don't particularly like the Dixie chicks, but am I the only one who is worried about the element of McCarthyism that is creeping into the political debate at present:confused:

[MarilynBr]

I think their picture on the cover of Entertainment Weekly is in poor taste.

I work part-time as the substitute postmaster at a monastery and seminary. Pity the poor guys trying to hold true to their vows of celebacy with getting a nudie picture on a magazine cover there. I sorted out four of those magazines today. Either those magazines are going to make the rounds in that place, or they will go direct to the garbage. I don't know which.

I didn't lose respect for them for making a comment in England. I think that was kind of overblown. But I like my musicians to keep their clothes on. That's what really lowers my opinion and respect for them.

[Rapunzel676]

Funny how you don't see male musicians taking their clothes off nearly as much as females. I guess gender bias still exists within the music industry, even now.

[groovyguru]

I respect their right to their opinion, and mine to not support them by not buying their music. The nude magazine cover is something I can support (except all the words covering them), but I won't buy that either.

[tncorgi]

I leave you with a quote that is more relevant today than it was when it was first spoken. It comes from Mr. Frank Zappa at the PMRC [Parents’ Music Resource Center] hearings in 1985. Zappa, along with Dee Snider and John Denver, felt that by labeling music, restricting it to only a select few markets, and enforcing a form of governmental censorship, it not only violated artistic integrity, but stepped on First Amendment rights.

“It is my understanding that, in law, First Amendment issues are decided with a preference for the least restrictive alternative. In this context the [government] demands are the equivalent of treating dandruff by decapitation”

—Frank Zappa

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/apr2003/musi-a23.shtml

[bongeezer]

Maybe we should just quit this topic now...I feel like we are beating a dead horse. Where does that expression come from? I mean why would anyone beat a dead anything?...OOPS back to the subject at hand..Lets just get off the Dixie Chicks..There's another expression I don't get it's not like we are physically on top of them? Not that I wouldn't mind that...OOPS went of track again..What I'm trying to say is..don't like them don't listen to them..Like them go ahead and listen...don't care one way or another buy something american made. We each have our opinions on this subject and in the end the only ones getting rich off this is the Dixie Chicks...If we got paid for bitchin' about stuff I would be a rich man...So lets get back to the important stuff like who one a talkin' bologna keychain, Twix bar or M&M's.

I know we are supposed to love our fellow man..but lets face it there are some real A@@****'s out there, and there will always be some out there because we are human. Let's just go with that and remember what Ghandi said "Alway's check your drive-thru order, Because that's where they screw you." OK, maybe it wasn't Ghandi but I think it's a good life lesson anyway's...Well I really rambled off track...sorry about that..Peace everybody!

[Mare]

bongeezer,

Dude, I am SO won over by a great sense of humor. Have you considered having groupies? :cool3:

Mare "out getting permission from Alice" Rivera :grin5:

[play2win]

:rofl3: :rofl3:

[Lucette]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/881100661

[Rapunzel676]

Thanks for the link, Lucette!

[salemnana]

I am not a great big fan of the Dixie Chicks, but my goodness, who has not opened their mouth and said something without thinking. I think it is a shame that one unthinking remark can demonize the whole group. We all live in such a politically correct time, that pretty soon, no one will ever say anything at which someone could possibly take offense. Sigh..........
.

[swells98]

Thanks for the link Lucette!

[slgibbs1]

Thanks Lucette. I signed:grin5:

[tncorgi]

i have tickets to go see the gals next week down in knoxville. been fans of them for 15 years, as i lived in dallas back them & saw them at the local dallas clubs.

thanks for the heads up about this. hope it makes a difference to somone to see all the support for them..

....GOOD ARTICLE
http://greenvilleonline.com/news/2003/04/27/200304275411.htm

Naturally, we were all well aware that Greenville will be the first stop in the United States for the Dixie Chicks since they came back from London.

And country music was born in the Southern Appalachians. It speaks to a lot of hearts, and the Chicks are truly artists.

One of the best characteristics you find in these parts is an independent streak a mile wide.

People have a mighty fierce respect for the right to say your piece, even if it makes them mad as fire to hear it.

And they don't take well to herds and mobs. Maybe radio chains whipped Dallas and Shreveport into hornets' nests. People here like to think for themselves.

So, no, Diane. We don't have a tractor in the middle of our lion's den. Maybe we won't go get one.

FOR MATURE AUDIENCE...
http://www.cmt.com/news/display/1471497.jhtml

[Lisargold]

thanks, i signed too!

[emc123]

I am glad that the Dixie chicks got to say what they think, I am also glad they have that freedom. But as Americans if we do not like what someone says or does we also have the right to boycott, or destroy their records(Those were mostly publicity Stunts) or just black ball their music or movies etc etc. It is the nice thing about being us, We can agree and disagree and we can respond, in a nonviolent manner towards the individual, we can even have forums like this, where you debate the subject. We should be proud of this, and if we disagree and want to show that, then boycott them, if we agree and want to show support, but their records. Isn't it cool to live here?

[nitrodpup]

That's all that needed to be said.

[jaybat]

I finally saw their nekkid picture cover.

I admit I'm getting old, but those are three very unappealing females.

[canucksinva]

and I had basically said that I couldn't understand why people were flipping out and not buying their records etc. Well I thought about it while I was away and My post had bothered me simply because I know what is like to boycott things. I had once tried to boycott everything made in China ( but that its almost impossible try checking out where everything is made. Especially your kids toys). I can understand why people would want to do that . Although I think boycotting a country that uses all the money for the military and not the people as well as occupying Tibet and forcing them to live under their rules and religion as well as countless other murderous acts, is different tham boycotting a
a country group for something they said is more than slightly different. It is still something people believe in strongly. I just hope that one day America will focus on what is happening over there as well.

[Rapunzel676]

Excellent point, Canuck. China has one of the worst records of human rights abuses in the world, but it's virtually impossible to boycott products made there since so many of our corporations have moved their factories to China and elsewhere overseas to avoid paying the higher wages they would have to in the U.S. It's unfortunate for the American worker and for the people who work in Asian sweatshops, many of whom are children.

I got a little off topic there but I think Canuck's point is a very important one to consider in light of recent events.

[MrDave]

National boycotts are hard to pull off. I heard in Germany they were encouraging their citizens not to boycott US companies because of the number of people they employed in Germany. I would suspect the same is true here.

[tncorgi]

By Asheville Citizen-Times
May 2, 2003 11:17 p.m.


http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/editorial/34115


If fans' reaction Thursday night is any indication, the Dixie Chicks have done a fine job of weathering the controversy over a comment one of them made in England about being ashamed that President Bush is from Texas. No major protest materialized at the Greenville, S.C., debut of the group's "Top of the World Tour." And when Natalie Maines, who made the comment, told the crowd, "We welcome freedom of speech," and invited them to boo if that's what they came for, the group was greeted instead by deafening applause and screams of approval.

It would be easy to dismiss the brouhaha over Maines' comment as little more than a lot of sound and fury over something of no consequence. But the reaction of some radio stations to their brief entrance into the political arena should raise concerns for anyone who cares about free speech and diversity in entertainment.

Maines' comment, made to a London audience, resulted in radio stations nationwide boycotting the music of the Grammy-award-winning trio. Some continued to shun the group even though Maines apologized. Cumulus Media, which owns 262 stations, stopped all 41 of its country stations from playing the Dixie Chicks. Clear Channel, the nation's dominant radio broadcasting company, says it never directed its country stations to stop playing their music, but many did, nonetheless.

Ultimately, who really cares what three country singers think about President Bush?

Alienating friends, customers and even family members has always been a potential consequence of speaking out on political issues. Like all other Americans, the Dixie Chicks have the right to express their support for or opposition to the actions of the government elected to represent them. Other Americans then have the right to form opinions about the group and decide whether they want to patronize them.

The problem really has little to do with the Dixie Chicks themselves. But their treatment by Cumulus Media gives ample fodder to those who oppose further federal deregulation, which would allow control of the limited number of broadcast frequencies to be concentrated in fewer and fewer hands.

Clear Channel, which owns six stations in Asheville, owns more radio stations than any other company. It is so far ahead of any other radio broadcast company that Cumulus Media, which holds the second-place slot, barely owns more than one-fifth as many stations. The company's phenomenal growth began when Congress removed many of the ownership limits intended to prevent one broadcasting company from dominating the airwaves. At the time, Clear Channel owned 43 stations. It now owns and operates more than 1,200 radio stations and claims 100 million listeners.

The deregulation that reduced ownership limits followed deregulation in 1987 that repealed the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to cover controversial issues in their communities and to offer opposing views.

In discontinuing the Fairness Doctrine, the FCC said: "We believe that the interest of the public in viewpoint diversity is fully served by the multiplicity of voices in the marketplace today...." But that was before the deregulation in ownership allowed the multiplicity of radio voices to become so concentrated.

There are only a limited number of frequencies, and those frequencies are assigned by the FCC, an arm of the federal government. With few barriers to monopolistic ownership and no requirement that opposing viewpoints be presented, despite the fact that the airwaves are owned by all the people, it's easy to see how dissenting voices on them could be muted and perhaps even squelched. Music has long been a venerable format for political protest. And while it's actually somewhat ironic that it would be the Dixie Chicks, not known for protest music, who faced banishment from some radio stations, what happened to them is an object lesson.

Aside from pulling the plug on dissenting voices, the result of the consolidation that's taken place over the past few years is a loss of local programming on commercial stations that seriously undermines the value of the airwaves to the public that owns them. A particularly shocking example comes from Minot, N.D., where in January 2002, a train derailed spilling 210,000 gallons of ammonia, spreading a toxic cloud over the town.

Authorities tried to contact six local commercial radio stations, all owned by Clear Channel, in an effort to alert residents to stay indoors. Nobody answered the phone at any of the stations, for an hour and a half. Meanwhile, more than 300 people ended up needing medical treatment.

More deregulation is likely to occur in June after the FCC completes a review of the rules governing ownership of newspapers and television and radio stations. FCC Chairman Michael Powell argues that broadband technology and the Internet, satellite communications and other telecommunications advances that give people multiple ways to obtain information means it's time to "escape the regulated monopoly mentality that has been the center of policy on technology."

There's no disputing the point that technology has greatly expanded ways to obtain information.

Some regulatory changes are in order. But there are a limited number of broadcast frequencies and they are a public resource.

Because it owns them, the public has a right to expect that in return for being granted the right to use those frequencies to make money, radio and television broadcasters will operate in a way that is in the public interest. If further deregulation is to be successful, that must occur.

Actions like those by Cumulus Media demonstrate what could happen if broadcast frequencies become concentrated in the hands of a few owners with an agenda.

Regardless of the fact that there are many other sources of information available in today's high-tech world, a resource owned by all the people should not become the propaganda tool of a few of the people.


NEW STORIES ABOUT THE CONCERT IN GREENVILLE~~

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/05/02/earlyshow/leisure/music/main551990.shtml

http://www.cmt.com/news/display/1471668.jhtml

http://greenvilleonline.com/entertainment/2003/05/01/200305015655.htm

I AM LOOKING TO SEENING THE DIXIE CHICKS DOWN IN KNOXVILLE ON WED. SHOULD BE A FUN TIME....

[not_again]

I once read ten ways to identify a republican. One was that a republican will call the media liberal for their own agenda, meanwhile the republicans control 95% of the media. Go figure

I love capitalism that's why I'm here -

:smile4: :laugh: :D

[slgibbs1]

Wow!! Fabulous article. I never really thought about the consequences of the media being in the hands of so few. I have been disgusted with the media's coverage of things- but I never put two and two together. I often wondered during the election why more wasn't made of George W's arrest for drunk driving, his attempts to cover it up, his admitted use of cocaine on a regular basis, etc. Now, it makes sense why this was a non-story while Clinton's use of marijuana was such a big broo-ha-ha.
I just thought the media was incompetent. Now, I wonder if this totally one sided "If you don't love Bush, you hate America"
stuff is coming from a deliberate group decision. And people are such sheep. They believe everything they hear- or DON'T hear- on Tv, radio, etc.

[MrDave]

Interesting post. Thanks!

[Mary Beth]

Thanks for that post, tncorgi! So many people just don't realize what's happening as the media becomes concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. They just believe what they hear/see/read on the media. They shouldn't.

Even my conservative brother (I think he's adopted :wink4: ) can't say the Bill O'Reilly/Fox "slogan" about how they're unbiased and keep a straight face.

Don't trust just one source. Seek out different sources. Check out what they say. Being informed is work, but worth it.

Mary Beth

[BENTWISTED]

I AM NOT A COUNTRY MUSIC FAN. THE CHICKS HAD TO REALIZE THERE WOULD BE REPURCUSSIONS TO WHAT THEY SAID. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO DONT GO TO CERTAIN PIZZA JOINTS AND ETC. BECAUSE THE OWNER HAS PUBLICIZED HIS OPINION ON ABORTION, OR OTHER ISSUES. IF YOU ARE IN THE PUBLIC EYE AND CHOOSE TO SPEEK OUT ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES EXPECT AT LEAST SOME PEOPLE NOT TO AGREE WITH YOU AND TAKE THEIR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE

[Gomez]

Aww, jeez, who cares?

Boycotting the Chicks makes no sense: let's go bomb Iraq to give them democracy, but anyone here who protests against the war will be crushed.

[canucksinva]

unfortunately there is no such thing as an unbiased newspaper. This happens in Canada too. We have a very right wing newspaper called the National Post and a left wing one called Globe and Mail . If I want to REALLY learn about a situation I try to find as many sources as possible and then come to my own conclusion.

[tncorgi]

I hope some station with sense gives these guys a job~~only one more day until I see the gals down in Knoxville!!


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Country-music station KKCS has suspended two disc jockeys for playing songs by the Dixie Chicks in violation of a ban imposed after one group member criticized President Bush.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/05/06/chicks.DTL

Station manager Jerry Grant said he banned the music after lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience on March 10: "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."

The comment was made as war was looming with Iraq, and Maines later apologized. But her remark brought the group a flood of criticism and media attention.

"We pulled their music two months ago, and it's been a difficult decision because how can you ignore the hottest group in country music," Grant said.

He said there has been discussion about whether to reinstate the music, but DJs Dave Moore and Jeff Singer became impatient.

"They made it very clear that they support wholeheartedly the president of the United States. They support wholeheartedly the troops, the military. But they also support the right of free speech," Grant said.

The station has received a couple of hundred calls and 75 percent favored playing the music.

Grant said Moore and Singer will be out for a couple of days.

"I gave them an alternative: stop it now and they'll be on suspension, or they can continue playing them and when they come out of the studio they won't have a job."

The station plans to play the group's music eventually.

"Most stations are starting to play them again anyhow a song here, a song there. I just have a problem with the way this was done. We would have put them in anyhow. But we'd like to do it on our terms," he said.

[iwannawin]

The one of the country radio stations up here banned the music for a couple of weeks, then the other station did a poll asking the listeners what they wanted. When they found out that listeners overwhelmingly voted for playing the Dixie Chicks, the other station started playing it again the next day. At least in Portland, Clear Channel supported a ban while the listeners did not.

The radio station in Colorado Springs clearly doesn't care about what their listeners think.

[tncorgi]

Fans refuse to be egged on at demonstration hatched by radio host

By DOUG MASON, mason@knews.com
May 8, 2003
http://knoxnews.com/kns/music/article/0,1406,KNS_349_1945827,00.html

A different kind of fan showed up at the Dixie Chicks concert Wednesday night at the Thompson-Boling Arena.

Fueled by a local talk-radio show host, a group of anti-Chicks, pro-George W. Bush protesters fanned some life into the flickering flames of protest against the popular band.

From approximately 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., when the concert was scheduled to begin, a group of about 30 protesters taunted arriving Chicks fans. "Every one of you should be ashamed going into this show," they told the concertgoers. "Smile if you hate America," a man shouted to a group of fans that seemed to be grinning at the protesters.

Most concertgoers smiled or simply ignored the protest, which was held by the entrance ramp at the east end of the arena.

"We like their music. We don't like their political stand," said Sandy Scott, 20. She was attending the concert with fellow students from Carson-Newman College.

The six students said they tried to sell their tickets to a scalper, but he only offered $5 apiece. "We paid 50 bucks apiece so we're using them," said Brandon Courtney, 21.

The protest was organized by talk-radio host Tony Basilio of WKVL, 850 AM. Basilio broadcast his show live from 3 to 7 p.m. at the protest site. He said he insisted on a peaceful protest and wasn't in agreement with all the insults being hurled.

Basilio said approximately 100 people total took part in the protest. The most gathered at one time was about 50 at around 6 p.m., he said.

Knoxville is the fifth stop on the Dixie Chicks' North American concert tour. The band has been under attack since lead singer Natalie Maines said during a London concert that she was "ashamed" that Bush is from the band members' home state of Texas.

The number of protesters at the previous four Dixie Chicks concerts has been light. Less than 20 were reported at the opening concert May 1 in Greenville, S.C. However, several thousand did attend a nearby concert by the Marshall Tucker Band that was billed as an alternative to the Dixie Chicks concert.

At the May 2 concert in Orlando, Fla., the local newspaper reported spotting only one protester.

More than 18,000 tickets were sold to the Knoxville concert. The Thompson-Boling Arena says only about 20 ticket holders asked for refunds.

However, it was a bad night for the scalpers. Jonas Minhinnet said he'll go home with a pocketful of Chicks tickets. Minutes before the concert was set to begin, he sold a pair of $65 tickets for $30 each.

The last time the Dixie Chicks were in town, he said tickets were priced at $40. He sold out his stash at $75 to $125 each.

Minhinnet estimated there were about 20 professional scalpers outside the arena and perhaps 100 individuals trying to sell their tickets.

A 20-ish guy with a crew cut and a "USMC" T-shirt was among the ticket dumpers. He wouldn't give his name and declined to be interviewed. But he may have spoken for some fans disappointed in the Chicks' stance when he said:

"I'd be going in there if they hadn't ran their mouths."



:mad2: :mad3: :argue:

[tncorgi]

Dixie Chicks wow crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena
By WAYNE BLEDSOE,

http://knoxnews.com/kns/music/article/0,1406,KNS_349_1946257,00.html
May 8, 2003

Considering the CD-smashing, radio bans, dip in sales and negative media coverage, it would stand to reason that the Dixie Chicks concert Wednesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena would be empty.

Instead, the group, whose antiwar/anti-President Bush comment landed them in the political hot seat, packed more than 18,000 fans into the hall, and the Texas trio put on a show with more pure country music than Knoxville has seen in some time.

The band's most recent album, "Home," emphasized the group's bluegrass roots, and the group's current tour does the same. With Natalie Maines on lead vocals, the women sang tight bluegrass harmonies with Martie Maguire on fiddle and her sister, Emily Robison, handling banjo or dobro. The trio was augmented by a seven-piece band as well as a small string section.

After a brief set by singer Joan Osbourne, highlighted by her hit "What If God Was One of Us?" the Chicks appeared on the in-the-round stage after Elvis Costello's song "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding" played over the speakers.

The Chicks rose up through the stage performing their somewhat controversial hit "Goodbye Earl," a song about an abused wife who kills her husband.

It was clear early on that the Chicks were not deterred by their detractors. "Did I hear booing?" asked Maines after the third song. "Because when I hear booing it reminds me of freedom of speech."

She followed by inviting those who wanted to boo to do so, but if the crowd felt like drowning out the booing with cheers to feel free. Both could be heard.

In truth, the Chicks seem to be capitalizing on their notoriety with a gusto similar to that of their critics. Among the band's pricey merchandise was a "Free Natalie" T-shirt - costing a mere $30. And, when the group performed the song "Truth No. 2," images of civil-rights marches, anti-Vietnam War protests, suffrage and gay rights rallies were mingled with shots of anti-Dixie Chick rallies.

What brought the fans out was music, not politics. Performing favorites including "Long Time Gone," "Wide Open Spaces," "Ready to Run" and the group's particularly pretty rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide," the group wowed the crowd.

The show's staging was fun, with the Chicks traipsing from platform to lighted platform with subtle gimmicks.

Some of the biggest cheers of the night went for the hot bluegrass instrumentals and the song "Travelin' Soldier,"the hit pulled from many country radio playlists.



:cheer:

[MrDave]

Originally posted by iwannawin

The radio station in Colorado Springs clearly doesn't care about what their listeners think.

The epicenter of the Military and the Christian Right. I'm not too surprised.

[jensilk26]

I think the Chicks, or should I say just Natalie Maines, needs to be repremanded. I wish more people would discard their concert tickets and make her feel the depth of her statement.

:mad3:

[nitrodpup]

http://pfii.tripod.com/chickscover.jpg

[IMGhttp://www.myimager.com/uploads/chickscover_677317296_921515.jpg?874162[/IMG]

[MrDave]

Oh geeze.

[Hhhyyyddd]

um, same thing Mr. Dave just said.

and the lee greenwood quote? now THERE's irony, in its truest sense.

[Rapunzel676]

What Mr. Dave and Hhhyyyddd said.

[Ohtiger]

I'd rather be around the Dixie Chicks, even if I thought what they said was BS, and I didn't agree with a word of it (not that I do or don't), than some Jim Jones koolaid drinkers who would follow George Bush or Senator McCarthy or anybody else including Hitler without questioning what's right or wrong.

[MrDave]

Love you quote OhTiger

[tncorgi]

The trio's tour starting Thursday will test the maxim that there's no such thing as bad publicity.
By Kris Axtman | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0501/p03s01-ussc.html

HOUSTON - Amid smashed CDs, ripped-up concert tickets, and radio boycotts, the Dixie Chicks launch a much-anticipated tour tonight that will test a question as old as the Beatles: Does political controversy help or hinder celebrity careers?

When the Chicks open their US tour in Greenville, S.C., there won't be any shortage of Stetsons in the audience, or for that matter, empty seats - despite the Bush-bashing melodrama the group has been embroiled in for weeks.

The band's 51-city tour has been largely sold out for months. Yet some would-be concertgoers have been attracted to the Chicks because of their opposition to war and scorn for fellow Texan George W. Bush.

"Until tonight I was not much interested in any country-western group," wrote one to a Dallas online chat. "But right after [the trio's interview], I went to Amazon and bought their CD and checked out Ticketmaster for tickets to their July concert. None available. So to the people who purchased tickets and ... plan not to attend - I'm a buyer!!!"

Such comments could indicate that a new fan base is emerging for the group that's already one of the most successful country bands ever.

Yet the Chicks may not want to count their next million yet. The controversy that's swirled since March 10, when lead singer Natalie Maines told an audience she was "ashamed" that President Bush was from her home state, has alienated many of the snakeskin-boot crowd that's long been their main fanbase.

Their CD sales have already been as changeable as a slide guitar: Weekly sales of their latest album, "Home," fell from a post-Grammy high of 202,000 to a low of 33,000 in early April - some of which may have been the normal decline of a CD nine months old.

Still, a month after Ms. Maines's tart comments - for which she later apologized - "Home" vaulted back to No. 1 on the country charts. It's currently No. 3.

The Chicks may be proof of an old industry postulate - that America's social bark is worse than its financial bite. Even with the sprouting of anticelebrity websites, caustic comments by radio talk-show hosts, and well-publicized boycotts, efforts to pinch antiwar celebrities in the pocketbook have often fallen short.

After shouting "Shame on you, Mr. Bush" at the Academy Awards, "Bowling for Columbine" director Michael Moore reported that more Amazon.com customers pre-ordered copies of his documentary than of the Best Picture winner, "Chicago." Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon - Hollywood's most strident antiwar couple - work steadily. Mr. Robbins will receive the "Alumnus of the Year" award at the University of California at Los Angeles on May 17.

"Controversy can be good for a career," says David Browne, a music critic for Entertainment Weekly. "Many entertainers have survived worse scandals. The public does tend to forgive and forget."

Take the Beatles. Nine months before the release of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1967, John Lennon declared: "We're more popular than Jesus Christ." The statement spurred some Americans to smash Beatles albums and pull the group's music off the airwaves. True, fundamentalist Christians were never the center of the Beatles' fan base. But while some may still begrudge the Beatles' irreverence, no one doubts their musical legacy.

Jane Fonda, too, did a stint in the public doghouse. She was by far the most outspoken celebrity opponent of the Vietnam War, and some considered her a traitor for her visit to North Vietnam in 1972. But she continued to work successfully in Hollywood - even winning an Oscar for her movie, "Coming Home."

Still, many entertainers known for liberalism have kept silent on the war, buttressing Mr. Robbins's notion that "a chill wind is blowing." In a speech at the National Press Club, he contended: "A message is being sent through the White House and its allies in talk radio and Clear Channel and Cooperstown: 'If you oppose this administration, there ... will be ramifications.'"

In a recent speech, National Public Radio anchor Bob Edwards drew a distinction between individuals exercising their right to boycott a performer and a conglomerate pressuring its affiliates to do so. He spoke of the Red scares of the 1940s and '50s, when careers were ruined in the heat of political accusations. "Should [a radio conglomerate] have the right to ban the Chicks from [hundreds of] stations? I think what individuals do is fine - burn the CDs if you want. What industry does is another matter," he said.

But not everyone is convinced of a return to McCarthyism. "I can't imagine that any producer or studio executive ... is going to say, 'No, let's not hire Tim or Susan because of their political views,' " says Howard Suber, chair of UCLA's film and television producers program.

But Robert Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, sees it differently. While it isn't necessarily bad for a musician or actor to come under fire, he says, it certainly isn't good. "I think there's been a lot of walking on eggshells after what happened to the Dixie Chicks."

Whatever the case, the Texas trio has spent the week before their US tour opener trying to explain themselves. Last week, they appeared on ABC's "Primetime Thursday" and this week grace the cover of "Entertainment Weekly" - wearing nothing but epithets.

While they may have lost support from their traditional fan base, industry insiders say the Dixie Chicks will continue to remain a force in country music. And if they do rebound, they may find a place alongside other, more liberal country artists - such as Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett, who've often gotten frosty welcomes in Nashville. This US tour may be the Dixie Chicks' test.

"Lyle Lovett deserves to be played on the radio," Maines told Entertainment Weekly. "But his personality and politics ... might not fit in. That could be where we wind up. And I'm OK with that."

[irishknight]

to say whatever they want, but they need to watch what they say in another country, that makes us all look bad. more so during a time of conflict. look at Jane Fonda, and her actions during Vietnam, She will always be remembered for that.
I wonder how people from Texas feel about them?

[nitrodpup]

I'd rather be around the Dixie Chicks, even if I thought what they said was BS, and I didn't agree with a word of it (not that I do or don't), than some Jim Jones koolaid drinkers who would follow George Bush or Senator McCarthy or anybody else including Hitler without questioning what's right or wrong.

Sounds like there are still alot of Democrats who hate the fact the war went so well. It's amazing how more Americans die every 60 seconds in car crashes every single day in this country than died in the entire Iraqi conflict, yet all we keep hearing from are the people who never said one peep when Clinton dropped a few missles over there in 1998. Sounds like alot of Tom Dashel supporters in this forum. I suppose the "blue dress" incident was alright to??

[Rapunzel676]

I'm not a Democrat. Or a Republican, for that matter. :laugh2:

[nitrodpup]

Sorry to include you, I guess you were for Ross Perot in 92 & 96 then.

[Rapunzel676]

I wasn't old enough to vote in 1992. I'm for third parties in general, but I didn't vote for Perot in 1996 and I didn't vote in the 2000 presidential election at all since my state wouldn't allow me to vote for the candidate of my choice.

My point was that it's not just Democrats who are upset about certain issues right now.

[nitrodpup]

Point well taken.

[nitrodpup]

http://mrnapo46.tripod.com/Pics/maines.jpg

http://mrnapo46.tripod.com/Pics/maines.jpg

[nitrodpup]

http://mrnapo46.tripod.com/Pics/dixie.jpg

http://mrnapo46.tripod.com/Pics/dixie.jpg

[tncorgi]

it's amazing what it can do. bet they will even make a photo of duyba flying a multi million dollar jet~~


Democrats target president over 'Top Gun' carrier landing
Knight Ridder Newspapers

http://www.charleston.net/stories/050803/wor_08topgun.shtml

WASHINGTON--President Bush is finding out that when you look and act like a fighter pilot, some people take aim at you.

In this case, it's rival Democrats directing political fire at Bush for his "Top Gun"-style arrival on an aircraft carrier off the coast of California last week.

Some Democrats said Wednesday that Bush's May 1 landing on the Abraham Lincoln, where he gave a nationally televised address declaring the end of major combat in Iraq, came with a significant price tag: $800,000 to $1 million.

The Navy and the White House denied there was any additional cost.

If nothing else, the Democrats' attacks underscore the symbolic power that Bush's carrier landing, and military victory in Iraq, could have in the 2004 presidential campaign. Many Democrats fume that Bush exploited his role as commander in chief to promote himself politically, for even critics acknowledge that his "tailhook" landing gave him priceless political imagery.

"I do not begrudge his salute to America's warriors aboard the carrier Lincoln, for they have performed bravely," Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., said this week. "But I do question the motives of a desk-bound president who assumes the garb of a warrior for the purposes of a speech."

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., has asked the General Accounting Office, the auditing arm of Congress, to determine the cost of Bush's trip. He said the president's re-election campaign should reimburse it. Democratic staffers on the House Appropriations Committee estimate that the price of keeping the Lincoln at sea for an extra day to accommodate Bush's overnight visit was nearly $1 million, but White House and Navy officials disputed that, saying the ship reached port on schedule.

"I think the president pretended he's a 'Top Gun' jetfighter. He used the Navy and the Air Force for his own private purposes in a way that I think exploits them and misused taxpayers' dollars," Waxman said. "The military of this country is not a toy for him to use for his own amusement or a prop for his campaign re-election."

Navy Rear Adm. Stephen Pietropaoli said Bush's visit did not delay the carrier's arrival time at San Diego on Friday.

"You plan these things so the family can be there and so the Navy can make the arrangements for tug and port services," said Pietropaoli, a Navy spokesman. He also said a nuclear-powered carrier like the Lincoln costs the same amount to operate -- about $1 million a day -- whether it's at sea or in port.

[FaithHopeJoy]

Being a Navy family we are all proud and honored that the President came aboard the Lincoln the thank the men and women in uniform. As Commander in chief and a former military pilot himself he had every right to do what he did. The sailors aboard the Lincoln we thrilled to be able to meet him and have him on their ship!

[irishknight]

to the We're really proud of you wall! Yaack!

[tncorgi]

I too was happy to learn of the returning soldiers. But I resent them being exploited for someone's political champaign. If any photos are used for the future, Bush & his cronies should provide compensation to those family members who lost loved ones in the conflict.

US and British forces 136 dead

Iraqi forces 2,320 (US estimates).

Iraqi civilians 1,250 (Iraqi estimates).
Be sure to read about Bush & his "military" experience...

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/126/oped/Playing_Top_Gun_for_the_cameras+.shtml

[slgibbs1]

You know, all this flap over the Dixies Chicks is amazing. The right wing, especially Rush Limbaugh, attacked Clinton for 8 straight years and no one said it was unpatriotic. A few people speak out again Bush and they are anti-American. We have had two parties in this country for 200+ years. There is always going to be disagreement on what is the best way to run the country. To label the opposition as "Traitors" is against everything this country is suppose to stand for.

[andreamaurer]

The difference is that in wartime, a country should be pulling together as one to support their troops that are fighting in another country.

Yes, we all know that Bush went awol when he served. Big whoop - at least he served unlike some other previous Presidents that dodged the draft completely.

And as for the Democrats criticizing the visit on the ship, that's called 'sour grapes.' That's what each political party does to the other - politics. They only reason they care is because, as it states in the article..."If nothing else, the Democrats' attacks underscore the symbolic power that Bush's carrier landing, and military victory in Iraq, could have in the 2004 presidential campaign. " All else aside - Pres Bush looked awfully good in that uniform!! ;)

[Katie Scarlet]

I think this conversation has become so off topic that it's time to put it to bed.


Thanks for participating... now let's move on... shall we?


Katie :)