Wyz_sub10

Dixie Chicks show draws one protester

Writer@Large

I actually respect this guy. I've always felt that if you're going to be a knee-jerk reactionary, you should at least stick to your guns afterwards. At least he has that.

--W@L

cheetah

I heard that Natalie gave everyone 15 seconds to boo her, but no one did. They all cheered during the 15 seconds. And, they didn't apologize or try to explain themselves, which I am pleased to hear.

B34RZ0R

This is so sad that only what we hear reported (or a good portion of it) is how much this or that person doesnt like someone because they critisized Bush.. I mean come on people! The last time I checked we still had SOME freedom of speech and I think that no matter who you are you have a right to voice your opinion. The only thing that saddens me is that Natalie (is that the lead singers name?) Did a turn about so fast because of the negative press.. Shit Im not a dixie chicks fan in the least but not wanting to see someone perform thier music because you dont like some of thier opinions.. I think a lot of poeple would have to just throw out thier CDs all together if they really knew what the artists out there felt on 'hot topics'. Well thats my 2 bits.
Be Well
*Bear*

KoopaFanatic

I saw this in a .sig yesterday evening...

ex-idaho

I read this morning that 2 DJ's were suspended and threatened with dismissal after palying Dixie Chicks music. If this were a rock or rap group this would not even be an issue but unfortuantely the Country Music Industry caters to a segment of the population that has become very McCarthy like.

The fact that a music group denounced policies supported by the US president should not be news. I believe that the Conservatives in this country are using this flap to show the power it can weild over the media in hopes of intimidating others. The fact that Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Savage and others have made this front page news only speaks to my theory.

eldar1011

Exactly.

The conservatives will tell you that boycotts are simply their way of exercising their own freedom of speech to protest the sentiments of the Dixie Chicks.

That is pure cynical bullshit.

The boycotts serve no purpose other than to silence any others who might speak out against the Administration. It's completely disingenous to say otherwise. I'm sure that even the boycott supporters will have to admit that they intend to send a message out. "Say something we don't like and there will be consequences".

That is a complete perversion of "free speech".

Deacon

Reminds me of when Carol Moseley Braun announced her candidacy for President and ONE supporter showed up.

HaysooChreesto!

No it's not. If someone offends me I don't have to buy what they're selling and if I intend that to be a message to the offending party then that it my legitimate expression of free speech.
Controversial free speech has consequences. If those consequences come from the government then that's wrong, but if it comes from private individuals who choose not to spend their money due to having their sensibilities offended, then it's perfectly okay. If some lone weirdo wants to stand in protest outside of a concert over something that is meaningless (which I believe it is) then it's his right to do so.

The Dixie Chicks made a potentially disastrous business decsion when they decided to say what they said. They are the ones who are responsible for their words.
Personally, I could care less what they or any popular music group has to say so it doesn't bother me. But to insist that others are immoral because they choose to boycott anything is wrong.

brighid

I didn�t catch all of the interview with the Dixie Chicks on Dateline (was it?) But from what I did see I regained some of the respect I lost for them when they �apologized.� They still hold those beliefs and aren�t proud of the President and don�t support the war, but after getting death threats and having DJ�s and local callers says things like, �Yeah, we know where they live. We should go over there and kill the bitches� � well stating a carefully worded apology without actually taking what you said back might really have seemed prudent to them.

What I found most disgraceful about the whole right-winged �boycott� of their products was the violence that was encouraged and allowed. Taking your children out to the local Walmart parking lot to attend a CD smashing event, and all the other shenanigans that took place where simply beyond civil disobedience. Disagree with whomever you like, but to do so in the violent ways perpetrated upon the Dixie Chicks (ala death threats) has pushed the fringes of �free speech.� You aren�t allowed to shout fire in a crowded movie theater and no decent person should stand for the hatred that was spewed by the country crowd. We should all feel free to use the rights we still have, but do not abuse others in the use of them.

Brighid