Reaction a shock to Dixie Chicks

(Mansfield, OH) News Journal ^ | May 22, 2003 | John Benson

[fightinJAG]

It is somewhat ironic that the Dixie Chicks, one of country music's biggest acts over the past five years with nearly 25 million albums sold, decided to call their latest disc "Home," a place they were not welcome earlier this spring.

[Reaganesque]

Reaction a shock to Dixie Chicks

Maybe initially. But now this has become a publicity stunt for them. They are keeping this before the public. They are continually generating interviews, editorials, articles about it. They are trying to capitalize on their notoriety and with some success. Don't be surprised if she does it again to remind us later on when the Dixie Chicks put out another album.

[Noumenon]

TK rocks - and he exposes these lying liberal cowards for the scum that they are. All these know-nothing loudmouths are soiling their litle britches because it isn't just TK who's calling them to account - it's ordinary folks like you and me. They're just quivering with rage and fear because:

1. We won't just shut up and take it.
and worse -
2. We refuse to applaud them for for their stupid hateful remarks.

[MichiganMan]

Open letter. CCed to John Benson


Maines exercised her Freedom of Speech by saying mean things about President Bush. A bunch of Americans exercised their Freedom of Speech by saying mean things about Maines. Obviously you think the latter should not have occurred.

Its regrettable that you obviously appear to think that the people protesting her don't have the same rights as she. Perhaps Americans should just shut up when the rich beautiful people speak? Does the 1st amendment guarantee you the right not to have people criticize your statements? Or perhaps only when they speak against conservatives?

As for boycotts, does the 1st amendment take from us our choice of whether we give money to people we disagree with? Ms. Maines is entitled to my money? Or perhaps only people that criticize conservatives are entitled to financial immunity from their own actions? Did you also shed tears for Dr. Laura as her attempted television show endured a similar firestorm for her expressed views?

No? Interesting.

[randog]

For people like Dixie Chicks, Pearl Jam, Bill O'Riely, and all politicians, We The People have the right to buy their music, watch their tv shows and movies, and vote for them.

Good point. Would the author believe that we "don't understand the concept of free speech" when we vote against a political candidate because of what he or she said? That's the exact definition of voting!

I'm really at a loss as to what the author wants. If I go to a restaurant and am offended by something the waiter says, do I still have to patronize that restaurant because not doing so would be stomping on the waiter's freedom of speech? Am I a "bad American" if I stop giving my money to that restaurant because I didn't like what one of the employees said? Perhaps the author would like a law that forces me to return to the restaurant after the waiter offended me? Is this the author's "concept of free speech"?

[cabbieguy]

F.U.N.M.

[Becki]

Email to benson:

Good morning!

I have read the above article, and one thing really stands out to me. That is the comment that you don't think Americans understand the concept of free speech. I believe you are wrong, and it is you who do not understand.

Free speech does not mean that you can say whatever you like without public consequences. I does mean the government cannot prosecute you for what you say. When the public responded, they were practicing their free speech.

If I were to stand on a street corner in Atlanta and say that the KKK had it right, would there be public consequences? You bet!! And well deserved consequences. Would the government prosecute me because of it? No. And that is the essence of free speech.

Ms. Maines can say whatever she likes. But, if she does, she better be ready to shoulder the consequences the public will dish out. And please tell her to stop her whining. It is most unbecoming.

Thank you.

Becki

[toothseaquer]

What's with the phoney mohawk look? She needs to bring attention to herself me thinks. I hope that all of those things are the opposite of that, but the one thing that bothered me the most was if any of the troops thought we didn't support them, because we do." I hate this comment. HOw can one support the troops if you bad mouth their commander-in-chief whom they love and admire. What a stupid chick!! I am happy to see the negative backlash created by her stupid remarks.

[sweetliberty]

Perhaps their president, Martin Sheen, will grant them a pardon.

US actor (Sheen) 'pardons' Irish war protesters

[arasina]

Note to Dixie Chicks: Your right to free speech is intact. You were allowed to say what you "think" without being dragged off to prison or something. Those who disagree with you have their right to free speech as well. (Do you think our First Amendment doesn't apply to them?) Go ahead. Keep saying and singing what you think and believe. The Constitution protects you. Just don't be surprised when a lot of people quit buying your CDs or attending your concerts.

[freedumb2003]

>>Or perhaps only when they speak against conservatives? <<

Whenever the left starts crying "free speech" I have an irrefutable 2-word argument about their definition of free speech being liberal speech that leaves them silent (it is 100% effective).

Doctor Laura.

[Budge]

You have FReep-mail - pass it on!

[Thom Pain]

"This writer is either really dense or too stupid to be anywhere near a word program."

ALL of the above!

[woofie]

I am ashamed of Mass. as it is the home of the president who got us into Viet Nam

[jwalsh07]

Way to go Becki! Good screed but alas, it probably falls on deaf ears and blind eyes.

[RWG]

Why does protest for a war automatically make you against the troops?

If everything could be compressed into symbols then we could suppose a dixie chick talking to a symbol of the military. She would say something to the effect that she supported him but not what he was doing. The military symbol would answer her by saying that he needed to go to war as a last result because everything that could have been done was done but the danger remains. How could anyone separate the soldier from the war? What percentage of the military had been in the military-reservists and all other categories included-a long time before the war was even considered a necessary option? By becoming a soldier before there is a specific war to fight, the soldier is stating who he is and what he stands for and most importantly what he will do.

Can you separate a rapist from his crime? Can you separate a saint from his good deeds? What a person does or does not do on his own and with his free will defines what a person is or is not.

The support for the troops but not the war cannot be applied to the iraq war but it can be the vietnam war. The distinction here is that of an all volunteer army and a conscripted one.

[KellyAdmirer]

Had David Crosby of the political '70s folk-rock act Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young made the same statement about then President Nixon, that he was ashamed the president came from his home state of California, as the Vietnam War raged with body bags by the dozens coming home day after day, the media and public would have chalked up the incident as hippie talk and nothing more.

And Jane Fonda posing in a North Vietnamese antiaircraft gun would have been forgotten the next day....

I see that the Dixie Chicks, who are being "so warmly received everywhere," had their album fall on the Billboard charts this past week from 31 to 46. Tours are supposed to help album sales, not hurt them.

I reckon Ms. Maines' exercise of her free speech has cost the group at least several million dollars in the short term, and maybe much more long term. But, then, this is about principles, not cash, right? So what are they complaining about? LOL

[since1868]

Does anyone have a picture of Maines wearning that shirt F.U.T.K in full?

[Budge]

And Jane Fonda posing in a North Vietnamese antiaircraft gun would have been forgotten the next day....

Unfortunately, Jane Fonda is unaware that FReepers have very long memories.

[MeekOneGOP]

When contemplating Maines' opinionated statement and her subsequent apology, the problem that arises surrounds free speech. If artists aren't going to speak out and raise awareness of issues, that they feel -- right or wrong -- are close to their heart, then who will?

Apology ????? I think SORRY FOR THE BACKLASH is more the case. $$$$$$

Dixie Chicks launch full-frontal attack -
"not...standing their ground...pushing it even farther"

[MeekOneGOP]

Courtesy of Registered.