Exit Clinton, Exit Gore. Enter President Bush. 9-11.
So, now the Dixie Chicks have their say, without anyone putting duct tape on their mouths. But this time, the marketplace responds. They do not receive universal acclaim for their words. They never counted on having to take responsibility for their words and actions ... and took that to mean their right to free speech was violated.
They were wrong - they were completely shocked by the public response to their statements, and could NOT square that with what they had grown to expect ... what they believed they were entitled to: approval without question.
THAT, I believe, is the issue here. Words have meanings. If you catch flak, lose your job, lose your gig because of what you say, the very least you can do is take personal responsibility for it. And then go from there.