It does not matter the party, if you walk in lockstep and refuse to see where it is wrong, you are a fool. There are not enough sticks to shake at either side for those who always support their side, slam the other side, and behave like hypocrites when the occasion arises.
Toby Keith was slammed because of his support for the troops and the war on terror. I don't think the Chicks need to cast stones at anyone over talent, as many think they totally lack it. And as for radios not playing their songs--radios tend to play what the fans want. If the Dixie Chicks want to spout off about the president, that is their right. But, it is the right of those who disagree to discontinue patronage. There are plenty of stations that play them, so it is not some kind of blackout going on.
Finally, you can try to compare your side to the wonderful patriots all you like, and if that is what you want to believe, then fine. However, neither side is white or black, and you should keep that in mind. |
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Unless my memory is failing me, the dispute being the Chicks and Toby was not at a political level but at an artistic level. But that is niether here nor there. What I didn't see is any stations refusing to play Toby, or Martina, or Sara or because of their beliefs, I only saw an organized backlash directed towards the Chicks.
If you go back in history to the 1770's those Americans that support King George were called Tories but today those who blindly follow King George are called "Christian Right Wing Conservatives" - they were wrong then and in my opinion, they are wrong today.
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I truly do not know where to start. It is possible that you do not know that to be a conservative in the entertainment industry is to be treated like a pariah. The Chicks lashed out at Toby Keith for his beliefs, so where is their tolerance? You have twisted information to fit your particular views. The hatred I have seen from the left is some of the most sickening stuff I have ever witnessed. One can only hope those who are ranting will grow up and get over their tantrums some day soon. |
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I find it interesting that there is no backlash towards the entertainers that support the President’s policies. Is it because the liberals of America are more compassionate than the Christian Right? Is it because the left leaning Americans have a better understanding of democracy than the “strict constitutionalists”?
When a country entertainer is arrested for killing a tame bear to prove his manhood, there is no outcry. When another right leaning, country star singer’s husband admits that they watched pornography together and engaged in photographing their sexual exploits (not to mention extra marital affairs), not even one conservative eyebrow was raised. What does it say when a country legion goes out of her was to crucify the Dixie Chicks on every award show she hosts to the delight of her good Christian audience (sort of reminds me of what went on in ancient Rome)?
What ever happened to America being open to people with differing opinions? Whatever happened to individual freedoms? Has the America of George Bush outlawed dissent? Do I understand that if you do not walk in lockstep with the Religious Right you are immoral? (but you can watch porno if you are a member of good standing in the GOP - Grope Our Pages).
It is time to get over this animosity towards the Chicks. Listen to their latest CD. It is excellent. Enjoy them for what they are – immensely talented performers who might have a different point of view than you but so what? I can still watch the Planet of the Apes and appreciate Charlton Heston as an actor (despite the fact that he is a fanatic of the NRA) or Arnold playing the Terminator.
How can the Dixie Chicks go from being acclaimed as being one of the most popular and talented groups in country music to no talent hacks by merely stating their political beliefs? Intolerance is a terrible thing and I fear our great nation is spiraling into the abyss of hatred and persecution led by those whose only goal is to make the rich get richer and making sure the middle class sinks closer and closer to the poverty line. Keep on listening to Rush (a convicted drug abuser) and O’Reilly (Mr. phone sex) and let them lead you to a new America that will more resemble the Puritan Colonies than what the founders intended this great nation to be. Wake up people and smell the roses or you will be smelling and living in the fertilizer for years to come.
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know the difference between government oppression, which they probably actually advocate, and personal choice of the consumer, from which they are suffering? How many other 'has been's' would like to be able to blame their failure on right wingers? All I know is, I have plenty of friends who don't like Pres Bush but none of them felt so pathetically insecure and inferior to the Europeans that they ran down a US president to break the ice on stage. Pathetic Europandering chicks SHOULD just shut up and sing (after they read the constitution so they know the difference between oppression and free men/women's right to choose!) |
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Look, the Dixie Chicks' first amendment rights were not violated. Private citizens have a right to boycott people or not play their records or whatever. This isn't about rights (except for death threats, which are illegal and a violation of their rights).
This is about *morality.* If you hate, boycott or scorn the Dixie Chicks because they don't like the President, then you are not violating their rights -- but you are being grossly immoral. In a free democratic society, disliking the elected President -- who is our employee, not our boss -- should be perfectly fine and acceptable. Many so-called "conservatives" have such a cult-like authoritarian devotion to Bush that they hate the Dixie Chicks merely for saying that they don't like him. Well, you have the right to hate them for dissing The Leader. And I have a right to say that you are being immoral and un-American by hating someone merely because they don't like The Leader. |
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(and this time I really mean it)
by not going to see the dcs, not buying any of their product, and not even knowing any of their names (but they do have FINE leg!) I am practicing (drumroll)
CENSORSHIP
This is censorship in perhaps its purest form - economic censorship.
afn&tt |
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Are you serious? They have actually made a movie? P.T. Barnum is rolling in his grave.
I suggested that this is in part a marketing ploy. I stand by that - it seems to be working. They have gotten years of publicity and attention (i.e. money) from it. It was three and a half years ago and they are STILL milking it. And to have their pictures on the cover of TIME proves they have really made it to the top of the many-headed food chain.
Death threats? Prove it. Until then as far as I'm concerned it's b.s. It's good b.s. but b.s. is, as they say, b.s.
In related matters - in 1971 john kerry testified in front of a Senate Subcommittee and during his testimony he accused his fellow Vietnam vets of war crimes. That testimony - all lies - was the foundation of his political career. Now he is being called to account by the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation (please go to their site) and there could be some payback. Revenge, as they say, is a dish best served cold.
The connection between the two - b.s. |
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Dave - I'm sorry the "Chicks" have received death threats, but the best way to put them down is not with death threats, but with not opening your wallet. I'm proud of this country, and it's freedoms. If you don't think this is the best country in the world, get yourself a passport, and do some traveling. You would see that there is no country that compares.
I have found that the people who are most "ashamed" of our country have never been to other countries. Check out the mess that is Western Europe, and you'd see.
The Chicks' movie? Not gonna see it, AND THAT IS MY AMERICAN RIGHT! |
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I would like to believe that all people did was not listen to their music. Unfortunately they were subject to threats of violence, death threats, and vandalism of their homes. Is that patriotism? Is that how we support our President?
We should all watch this movie and be ashamed of our country. |
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Not just the dixies.
And no, they are not "questioning patriotism". They are espousing dubious philosophies of pacifism.
Pacifism and appeasement are ineffective responses to murderous thugs.
When a gangster threatens, harasses and intimidates, which is more effective: Leave your house and windows unattended, your children unsupervised, or hire a security force to protect you and if necessary track down the gangsters and eliminate them, imprison them, and disrupt their operations?
Clearly the chicks have a right to believe what they will and say so. As do we all. |
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One Hot Minute's comment made my morning- well put, factual and mature. Bravo!
As for me- I was never a Chicks Fan and after their personal attack on the man in a international public forum in a time of war, I consider them to be self-serving, irresponsible and well deserving of all the censure they have incurred.
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Kimberly,
Actually, MKH is correct to characterize the Dixie Chicks as suffering from declining popularity.
The Dixie Chicks' album sales have hemorraged like no other group that I can think of.
While it is true that their 2006 album, "Taking the Long Way" debuted at #1 on the Billboard album sales chart, all that means is that it had a strong first week, supported by hardcore fans.
In fact, it sold an impressive 500,000 copies in its first week of sales.
But stunningly, that was about 1/3 of the album's total sales in the USA.
The album has sold 1.6 million copies in the USA, thus far.
But compared to their last 2 studio albums ("Wide Open Spaces," & "Home"), which sold a COMBINED 18 MILLION COPIES between them in the USA, they've lost an awful lot of fans.
The current Dixie Chicks concert tour has had to actually cancel dates, due to a lack of ticket sales.
And it's not like people are unaware they have a new album & tour.
The Dixie Chicks have gotten more free publicity for their album than any pop music act in recent memory.
The Dixie Chicks retain the freedom of speech to speak out against America and the President...but we have an equal right to speak out against the Dixie Chicks.
And I'm certain the Dixie Chicks' accountants have heard us loud and clear.
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Hi I'm Natalie Maines and I want everyone to stop what they're doing and go see my movie. It's all about me! And if you don't go see my movie, I'm going to make a movie about how people won't go see my first movie!
And I won't stop untill everyone is talking about ME...oh, and the other two chicks. Hee hee! |
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Cheneys comment was to someone who went around badmouthing him at every oppurtunity then came up to him all nice.
I am not sure if you realize it but politicians make their living off their name and image. When someone goes around saying Dick Cheney is a warmonger, a-hole, liar, etc its the same as burning down his shop across town.
Maybe he shouldn't have lost his temper but I can see why he did... |
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BPP - nothing personal and I'm glad you took it in good spirit. I actually stole that line from a column written by none other than Ann Landers many years ago. I always liked it and use it when in the mood to show off my superior intellect and rapier-like wit and usually after a snifter or two of hooch of some description. If I insulted you you have my apologies.
It seems to me that there is one aspect of this whole silly argument that no one has really spelled out yet, so let me be the first -
can you say "MARKETING PLOY" boys and girls? If it was it certainly seems to have worked. |
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A better question is why are they considered talented? Calling your fans "morons" or "rednecks" is stupid and demonstrates their entitlement mentality. Natalie Maines is a coward. It does not take alot to shoot your mouth off. It takes much more courage to accept the consequences. |
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"Just like the moron that wrote this article, country fans are morons too."
Hey Byron. I like Country Music, and I am not a moron. I also like Classical Music, and I am not a Liberal.
Byron, you sir are a less on. Lower than a moron. |
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There is something wrong with entertainers today. They seem to forget that their job is to entertain, not express. During the height of the Viet Nam War, Elvis Presley gave a small press conference on his new found popularity and his opening in Las Vegas. During the course of the interviews, a female reporter asked him his opinion on the war; it was mondo, chic trendy at the time for entertainers to bash the war.
Elvis, a veteran, stated the obvious. He replied; "honey, I'm just an entertainer. I don't get into that stuff." Nuf said. |
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The Dixie Chicks have committed treason. I would never, ever buy anything from them. I have already destroyed my only album from the "Brats." |
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Does oppressed mean overfed? Short one looks like she use nose to eat like ant-eater. Come see movie again on November 4 instead of have coup against whoever seized power. |
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In Kazakhstan, the two Chicks on the outside might be for marrying or prostitution, but the one in the middle might be for leading oxen through beanfield. My version of Star-Spangled Banner far better. See movie on November 3 instead of voting for premier. |
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These self-centered,childish creatures with the mentality of teenage girls...with all the problems and needs in this world they could better focus thier energy on helping those in need say in Africa or the slums of the US. Buts its all about "them". I do not agree with Bono in all things but at least he is trying to use his fame and fortune in a positive light. You don't hear him bashing the President, he just trys to garner help at all levels politics aside. If these "girls" gave a da*n about anything or anyone but themselves they might take note of what can be done with the correct attitude. |
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Truly, the first time I heard the Dixie Chicks sing (it must have been CMT) my comment was....Man, that short, fat gal gives hope to all of the girls out there who can't sing either. I have never considered them particularly talented, and I don't listen to celebs when they start talking politics since I figure I am probably better informed than most of them. Someone mentioned that the DCs keep digging a deeper hole, I would agree with that. Their manager needs to tell them to put down the shovel! Also, Prince of Peace, your insult to MKH was totally rude and unnecessary. If you dislike what she has to say, that is fine. But, it seems to me that you have a problem with a tough woman who has strong opinions with which you disagree. |
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I still can not beleive the ignorance and stupidity of people. Free speach and Freedom are there for all to take. The problem is that idiots like the Chicks (and most liberals) think that there should be no cost for either. You are free to speak your mind, but you are not free from the after effects. Their only error was biting the hand that feeds them. |
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Weren't they a singing group a long time ago? |
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The Dixie Chicks are yet more representatives of priveleged Americans who benefit the most from this country's prosperity and never consider what life could be like for them any other place in the world. They are like ants who assume they have brought the picnic; and in reality, have no idea how to generate or maintain a picnic. They just know how to voraciously feed and become sanctimonious if the watermelon is moved.
You can put most of Hollywood, NEA, trial lawyers, etc... in this category. Parasites, all. |
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The Dixie Chicks are like most Democrats. Selfish; not only no patriotism; but hate of country.
The me generation. Never paraise for our President or our troops.
Never display the American Flag; not even on American hoidays
I polled our Democrat neighbors and they don't even own an American flag.
suggestion: if the Democrats are for Burning of the American Flag; require the burner to wraP himself in the flag before pouring on the gasoline and light it.
If burning the flag is Free Speech anthen it is hate speech; and they shoudl be jailed for hate spech just like it is hate ssppech to call homsexyuals queers, or the burning of the cross on a lawn.
Democrats logic; It is a crime to burn a cross, but ok to burn the American Flag.
PpROBLEM WITH THE dIXIE cHICKS THEY CAN'T SING. aLOT OF BACKGROUND MUSIC; BUT THE POOR WHITE TRASH CAN'T CARRY A TUNE. |
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The Dixie Chicks are like most Democrats. Selfish; not only no patriotism; but hate of country.
The me generation. Never paraise for our President or our troops.
Never display the American Flag; not even on American hoidays
I polled our Democrat neighbors and they don't even own an American flag.
suggestion: if the Democrats are for Burning of the American Flag; require the burner to wraP himself in the flag before pouring on the gasoline and light it.
If burning the flag is Free Speech anthen it is hate speech; and they shoudl be jailed for hate spech just like it is hate ssppech to call homsexyuals queers, or the burning of the cross on a lawn.
Democrats logic; It is a crime to burn a cross, but ok to burn the American Flag.
PpROBLEM WITH THE dIXIE cHICKS THEY CAN'T SING. aLOT OF BACKGROUND MUSIC; BUT THE POOR WHITE TRASH CAN'T CARRY A TUNE. |
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are arguing over The Dixie Chicks, country's equivalent to Wilson Phillips. Got to make up for those lost cd sales. Hmmm. A movie! That's the ticket! Lame.
Hey, Byron, is it safe to assume you're a country fan? |
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Who would even remember who they are, if they didn't keep milking the oppressed-free-speech angle? The Chicks have run their course, musically, and this just gets them publicity. |
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I don't EVER recall the DCX saying that they are oppressed. I do recall a redneck backlash that ceases to stop. People say that freedom of speech goes both ways and it's ok that country fans decide not to buy their cds. I don't think they want country fans to buy their cds. Just like the moron that wrote this article, country fans are morons too. Words are words, no one should get angry when someone voices an opinion unless someone is being racist, bigoted, or anything horribly bad. Saying that they are ashamed that the president of the united states is from texas, is funny. It's funny and it's also true. Good day. |
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Hope you like being flagged. beer or no beer. I don't like racists. |
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Just as Natalie and the DCs have their rights to say mean things about the President (which I don't agree with), I have the right NOT TO BUY THEIR CDs.
Natalie and the sisters don't seem to understand that free speech goes both ways, and if they insult the Country Music audience - which they have, by the way - the audience will decide NOT TO BUY THEIR CDs.
Their negative free speech has it's consequences, and one is that in a free market, the consumer has the freedom of CHOICE. |
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Every time the girls open their mouths they dig the hole deeper and when they took on country icon Toby Keith, they put themselves at the very bottom. Even the Little Giant Ladder System couldn't help. Shut up, Dixie Chicks, and stop the shoveling ! |
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Hello,
I am a performer. People will pay money to hear me perform, and really not care about what my political beliefs are. The only thing these ladies are doing are stirring up controversy to promote cd sales. If they decide to be quiet and practice their art, that would take care of itself. They perform well and sing well, however, I choose where my entertainment dollar goes. Sing music, leave politics to policitians.
Chris |
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The Dixie Chicks have a right to say whatever they choose to. I have a right to say whatever I choose to also. However, if I insult my boss he can choose to fire me. If I insult a hobo on the street, people may think that I am mean and not buy my product. To say they are oppressed is ridiculous. Why should they have more rights than me? |
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you have a point but if you keep your hat on maybe no one will notice. |
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The DCs certainly have the right to speak up and shoot their mouths off and show lots of FINE leg and then have the msm press fawn over them while they (the dcs) tell stories about death threats and other such fables and act noble and brave and oppressed and I have a very liberal friend who announced recently that he is beginning to like the dcs so I asked him what was his favorite dc tune and what were the names of the members of the group and he drew a blank on both questions.
fyi - I think there are two sisters in the group and I have no idea what their names are and so I have no favorite dc tune but I have heard a few of their tunes and: (drumroll)
they are musical lightweights
they hire top notch Nashville musicians for their touring band and records but they themselves are
musical lightweights. |
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People like that never get it. They scream about their right to say what they think ,the blonde girl said she's not backing down the fans will just have to get used to it! Now they got me mad and can't understand why I choose to exercise my right to free choice. You ain't getting anymore of my money ,Get used to it |
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They've made an entire movie about how they've been victimized! |
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Repressed maybe... but oppressed... NOT!
Just because people don't want to listen to them doesn't mean they are oppressed... just unpopular.
I still just change the station when they come on the radio, and I wouldn't buy one of their albums if only to use as a dog toy. |
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Laura Ingraham should've copyrighted that phrase. |
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