If they had quickly apologized all would have been forgiven. As has been mentioned before here, the Chicks are not the only country artists who disagree with the president but instead of saying sorry, Nat had to compound the insult.
She did back down originally, then when she thought public opinion was on their side she attacked again. American celebrities are living proof that talent in entertainment has no relation to intellect.
They did apologize...then they took it back.
They didn't even have to do that. They could have just kept on recording and touring (even including the occasional leftie spout-off) and ignored their critics and the ongoing effect on their careers would have been far less than it was. Instead they chose to become "First Amendment Martyrs" and an "Anti-Bush band" and not everyone wants to spend their money on that. Still it is no big deal either way, and the Ditzes continue to make plenty of dough. They're whining just because like complaining and playing the martyr. Ho hum!