Evidently, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks made the following statement during a concert in Britian last night:
" Just so you know, we re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."
read more here (//%22http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2851451.stm%22)
Anyone here have any thoughts on this?
never2poopd2popI hadn t heard of this until you made your post. While I might not agree with what people say, this is America and like she said " and one of the privileges of being an American is you are free to voice your own point of view" .
But ya gotta remember there were people from Arkansas that said the same thing about Clinton and I am sure it was said of most every president in the past.
My feelings about anyone who is serving as President of the United States are as follows:
" I may not have voted for you, I might not agree with you, but you are my President and as a citizen of these proud United States I would give my life for you"
never2poopd2popI would not have said it. I agree with Shirley T.
never2poopd2popWhile I agree that we have freedom of speech, I also believe that the privilege needs to used appropriately. I believe that fans pay $45 - $65 dollars to hear their music - not their political opinions. An entertainment venue is not the appropriate place for that type of anti-American comment (especially when in a foreign country). They are free to express their political opinions, but they should do so in a the appropriate venue ( a political rally or convention, talk show appearance, etc.)
Just because I am a fan and like their music does not mean that I share their political opinions.
I love the Chicks and laid down about $150 (before this happened) for 3 tickets to their upcoming concert in Buffalo NY. I am disappointed in their lack of judgement[:(], but I probably would have bought the tickets anyway.
I agree with ShirleyT that even if you did not vote for W or agree with him, he is our President and we need to stand behind him and our brave young men and women!
never2poopd2popI agree in that we are a country where we are free to speak, however, there has to a sense of responsibility of people s part of the bargain. The Dixie Chicks are highly visible and popular around the world, so therefore they are representatives of this country. I think anything they say publicly to malign our leadership, especially the President in this particular time of our country s turmoil, is in poor taste and makes our country look weak in others eyes.
I pay for them to sing...not to talk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think ol Natalie Maines needs to learn to keep her personal opinions around her own campfire!
never2poopd2pop
BOYCOTT
I didn t know until I read your post.
Just because she is famous doesn t give her the right to say what she said. She should have to donate everything she owns to people who need. After this a one-way ticket to Iraq will do just fine.
never2poopd2popMahaffey Family, you will apreciate this: We live just outside of Fayetteville, NC for the less than educated that is right next to Fort Bragg, NC Home of the 82nd Airborne, and the Special Forces. HOOOHA! Anyway the local country station is boycotting " The Chicks" in place of their songs they are playing patriotic music such as Daryl Worley, or Toby Keith.
We have the right to express our opinons. But there is a thing called discretion and responsiblilty. Both of which come up short on regular occasions.
Aaron[;)]
never2poopd2pop
QuoteMahaffey Family, you will apreciate this: We live just outside of Fayetteville, NC for the less than educated that is right next to Fort Bragg, NC Home of the 82nd Airborne, and the Special Forces. HOOOHA! Anyway the local country station is boycotting " The Chicks" in place of their songs they are playing patriotic music such as Daryl Worley, or Toby Keith.
We have the right to express our opinons. But there is a thing called discretion and responsiblilty. Both of which come up short on regular occasions.
Thank You very much for this information. I do appreciate it
never2poopd2popI read about it & also some clarification on it. First off - it is their right to say whatever they want. We don t have to agree with it or like it but the First Amendment rocks! Secondly, a clarification of their comments that I read mentioned some dissatisfaction with his unwillingness to listen to others, both at home & in the rest of the world. Basically I read that to say she wasn t too happy about his " my way or the highway" attitude, which I kind of have to agree with. I don t think we have all the answers, but I m frankly tired of anyone disagreeing being labled " unpatriotic" . To be honest - disagreeing & voicing that disagreement can be the most patriotic actions. Where would we be if patriotism kept the Revolutionary War fighters from acting?
Boy I wish it was camping season!!!!![:)]
Sharon
never2poopd2popI would reply that I can honestly say I ve never purchased a Dixie Chicks album and never will! Freedom of speech is one thing, political lessons from people who are more highly paid than our children s teachers and our ministers, but far less qualified does not inspire me!
When we, as a nation or world, value education more than entertainment or athleticism (sp) then we can say we ve succeeded. What a shame that starting teachers pay is almost at a poverty level, but any butt-head with the gift of song, comedy, or able to make baskets can shoot their mouths off while making millions!
Ahh, the power of free speech!
(Stepping off the soapbox now!)
never2poopd2popWahoonc,
Our local stations (LA and Inland Valley) are the only country stations in the 2nd largest market in the US. Both are " BOYCOTTING" due to listener response.
never2poopd2popTo paraphrase what Voltaire said, or maybe it was Ohms, or was it Watts, whatever, While I may disapprove of what the chick said, and I certainly do, I will defend for the next two or three minutes her right to say it.
Oops, times up!
What makes these celebrities think folks are so enthralled by what they think? Is the fact that they have gained some degree of popularity supposed to ad weight to their opinions. Kinda like Martin Sheen (and God forgive me for mentioning his name) assuming that because he plays a president on TV he has the right to spout his liberal views and the rant and rave about things before the cameras of the liberal media who are so thrilled to put it all on the national news.
Oh, to heck with it. Lets go camping! [:D]
never2poopd2popWhat makes celebrities think their words are important? Could it be the thousands of rabid jouralistic types writing down ever word they say and sticking microphones and cameras in their face and asking them their opinions? You can bet your butt if she had said she s loves the president nothing would have been reported. That s not " news/controversy" and that wouldn t sell advertising.
IMHO I ll bet the Dixie Chicks sales go up over this.
It s been said many times there s no such thing as bad publicity.
PS: I spent a year in Vietnam and spent the next 6 years bad mouthing the president and any other offical that had anything to do with that war. But did I get on the news noooooooooooo.
never2poopd2popI don t care about the Dixie Chicks opinion anyway. I have my own opinion about the whole thing and won t be swayed by somebody who sells records.
I would rather spend my time disliking Jane Fonda. I am doing that now!
never2poopd2popAs another Texan, I didn t vote for GWB. I don t think he was/is the right man for the job. Just like is daddy. Am I ashamed he is from TX? No.
Should she have said what she said, when and where she said it? No. True, we have the right to our own views/opinons, but that doesn t mean we should voice them in public.
As far as The Dixie Chicks...Never liked them. I am SICK of Natalie s voice. If they disappear, it won t be a big lose IMO. But they won t. Remember when everyone was burning their Beatles albums after John s comment?
QuoteIMHO I ll bet the Dixie Chicks sales go up over this.
Exactly. Maybe not immediately, but after the flames die down.
never2poopd2popBy the way she did apologize for what it is worth.
Statement from Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks
March 14, 2003
" As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."
Below is the link to their " official website where you can read a couple of news stories about it. The heat must really be on for them to post this info on their website. Can you say damage control? [;)]
http://dixiechicks.launch.yahoo.com[link=][/link]
popupcop
QuoteStatement from Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks
March 14, 2003
" As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."
Day late and a dollar short. One should think before they speak. Especially " celebs" in public.
never2poopd2popShe does have the right to speak. We do have the right not to listen. I agree that folks in high places need to stay away from spouting personal opinions.
never2poopd2popWhen a Dixie Chicks video came on the other night and my daughter s were all excited, I told them, " If you ever want a Dixie Chicks CD, save your money and buy it yourself. I refuse to support them in any way."
Pretty much expresses my view on it.
never2poopd2popThey aren t a group I m familiar. They are entertainers and have the advantage (disadvantage??) of having their personal opinions heard by many more people than the average Joe (like Mike said).
I have to agree with other comments about thinking before opening their mouths. Having to issue a statement after the original speaks for itself.
never2poopd2popThe higher they are, the more careful they gotta be .......
Me, Mr. Joe Blow can say anything. Me, Mr. President of blah blah company, or, Me. Mr Famous Rock Star (yeah right [8D]) have to be more careful.
That is expected of them ....... Don t ask me why, it just is.
birolFreedom of speech. Agree or don t agree, it s still freedom of speech.
TrlrboyI agree, they have the right to say whatever they want to say, I have the right to say whatever I want to say.
I will defend your right to speak your mind at all costs, whether I agree with it what you say or not.
I still say, people should watch what they say .....
birolDo you think she would have made that statement if they were giving their concert in Texas or Washington, DC. I think not! I don t care whether you agree with the President or not, we live in this country and we need to support him and the soldiers that will be going to war. Let s just hope that they come home safely!
birolBig difference in having the courage to say it when they know that they might get a strong reaction, and saying it to an audience who might be sympathetic.
I don t want to offend people who defend freedom of speech or the ones who say the president & the soldiers should be supported.
I have a motto, If I know I won t have the courage to repeat something I said, I simply don t say it. It is a cowardly act to say something and hoping to get away with it. That s not how I was raised. Now this lad apologized, God know why, does he/she mean it or is it only ebcause their marketers told them to do so we will never know.
In my experience, when a public/known figure says something, it is more open to criticism. Could that be because we bring them to those positions, with our support, money etc, and expect them to behave as role models ? Whose role models though ? There are people who like them from every camp in the world.
I think I stated myself very clearly here. If I were an american, I would let it go now that he/she apologized, but I would probably not forget it. I still don t like Rose Ann (That fat artist) , any person who spits (tore it ? I forgot) on her countries flag doesn t deserve anything ......
By the way, You can be sued for mistreating the Turkish flag, no wrapping it around your nude body and dancing with it [:D][:D][:D]
never2poopd2popNatlaie Maines is the Texan I m ashamed of....
birolNatlaie Maines, Rose Ann, Jane Fonda....
Are all the same in my book!
See, I never forget.
never2poopd2popI basically agree that what was said wasn t appropriate. I however as an American veteran, I respect that she had the right to say it. If you believe in something strong enough you should be able to voice your opinion at whatever legal option that is available (rally, radio, TV or concert) to you. This is what makes America Great. The right to voice your opinion. I disagree with what she said, and I back President Bush a hundred percent.
If I were younger and slimmer, I d be back in the service to help protect this country, and its constitution!
birolDidn t her mother ever teach her that if you don t have anything nice to say then don t say anything at all? She mentions being a mother herself. How would she like it if her child spoke this way about someone?
Opinions are like a$$holes, and we all have them. The smarter ones choose to keep negitive opinions to themselves.
Never been a fan of the Dixie Twits, never will.
CathyAnn a Native Texan.
never2poopd2popI think it is unfortunate that before she opened her mouth she did not stop to think how many people would hear her comment and base an opinion on the current political crisis on what she said. As a singer she is without compare....as a politician, she s a great singer!
As an American living in Canada it is hard for my friends to grasp the fact that while I may not always agree with the president, and in fact may not have voted for him in a time of crisis I will support our country to the end.
kathybrjShe should not have made the comment. She did apologize, though. I am not a fan of theirs and I will never be, especially now that the group has become controversial by lack of good judgment in public.
birolIt s one of those things that just seems so curious to me..... a person who exercises one of the basic freedoms of this country, the freedom of speech, is ostracized by others who are in favor of that basic freedom, and yet they consider her less patriotic because she exercised her freedom. Are they more patriotic than she is because they are now smashing her tapes and cd s and banning her songs? Somehow, this perception of patriotism is becoming more and more frightening.
T
never2poopd2popI just wonder what her military service record is like........
Cheers
birolI don t think that it s mandatory for female country singers to serve in the military and I don t recall that she had any detrimental comments regarding the men and women who do their duty to country, just that she wasn t exactly fond (my words) of President Bush for the way he is handling things. This thread asked for our feelings, or comments on her statements. I have to agree with her, that in MHO President GW Bush (I hope you noticed that I am according him the respect that is due him by referring to him by his title) is a dufus. That being said, it doesn t matter any more what I think or don t think, or what the Dixie Chicks say or don t say. Our men and women are there to do their job and they will get my support.
T
never2poopd2popI agree that we all have the freedom of speech and the freedom to do pretty much what we want.
Natalie used her Freedom of speech to say something that was considered (by the majority) derogatory against the Country that has given her that right.
I will use my Freedoms of Speech to state that I am not happy with her opinions. That is a right that I have. I also have the right to discontinue support of a group that allows their members to say comments such as what she said.
I will also use my Freedoms to BOYCOTT others that are making comments that are unsupportive of our Goverment or our Actions. This is a right that has been given to me by the others that have fought and died to ensure my Freedoms are secure.
If others disagree with me, that is your RIGHT and your FREEDOM to do so, but not in a derogatory manner. That borders on the line of INSULTS. I feel that as a US Citizen, I should be above the level of INSULTING our Goverment or Actions.
I don t always agree with what is being done, but I support the process. The alternative is plain. Dictatorship is something that we may not enjoy. The removal of the FREEDOM of SPEECH is what the majority of Countries are suffering thru. We have a Goverment that allows us to Protest peacefully any issues that we don t like. It is written into our Goverment Doctorine that we have that right. No other Country in the World has that FREEDOM.
For those that feel that the Dixie Chicks exercised their FREEDOM of SPEECH, you are correct. Did they do it at the right time and in a manner that is considered acceptable? NO.
I for one have enjoyed the music that they have created for a long time. I will no longer support any future endeavors that they publish. I have lost much respect for them and that is in my FREEDOM to do.
Thank you for listening...
LoadedCameraWelcome Back LoadedCamera!
birol" Our policy is simple: We are not going to betray our friends, reward the enemies of freedom, or permit fear and retreat to become American policies. ... None of the four wars in my lifetime came about because we were too strong. It is weakness that invites adventurous adversaries to make mistaken judgments."
Ronald Reagan
Part of the weakness that has invited the adventurous adversaries to our shores is the deep schism in our country- the non-support of our government and ideals. Our adversaries take advantage of this and use it against us.
A united front makes us strong. The comments by entertainers aren t as concerning as are those of our own leaders, back biting each other for all the world to see at this time in our history. The rhetoric happening now is unprecedented in a time of war.
Freedom of speech is essential for a free society. Both sides are exercising that. As we exercise that freedom, we need to be thankful that we are fighting for it and continue to do so, by keeping our adversaries at bay.
NCSunshineThank you!!!! It s good to be back!! We missed all of the chatter!!
birolDo you think she would have had the guts to make a comment like that while in the US? Heck no, she s a coward and had to say it when away in another country!!!
CathyAnn
birolCathy you beat me to it, I was going to say the same thing about them being cowards for running their mouths in another country. What losers, I have lost all interest in them.
Cathy, my wife s name is Kathy Ann... weeeeeeeeeeeeee
birol[:D] LOL James!! I personally believe anyone with my name has to be an extremely great person! And I see y all are also from Texas! Please tell your wife I said hello, from one CathyAnn to another.
Yep, cowards alright. I never liked the Dixie Twits and never ever will.
Have a good one!
CathyAnn