Do you agree or disagree with the "Dixie Chicks."

No, Carol, they are not a throwback to the drug culture of the sixties. I do not expect any of them to be found dead with drugs present like Elvis or Jimi Hendrix. They may be a continuation of the "speak truth to power" culture of the sixties. There is a difference.
I tend to not be a big fan of their style of music, but I have to admit they are musically talented. I note that they had enough nerve to speak their piece when they were in a small minority, and that they are now fairly mainstream in their view of the Bush administration as lacking in competence and to a large extent, honesty.

Stephen Decatur once made a toast to America: "Our country, gentlemen, may she always be right, but our country, right or wrong." The critics of the Dixie Chicks tend to like that second part- our nation, right or wrong. The Chicks seem to prefer the first part- Our country, may she always be right.
So do I.

They can say whatever they like just so long as it is not "fire" in a crowded theater.
This is America where our freedom of speech, among other freedoms, is slowly being eroded away.

They spoke the truth when everyone else was following along like little ducks. They really suffered for it. For that, I'm very ashamed of our country.

Cat-House Sonnets

I love America....and I happen to like the Dixie Chicks (But only their music) as for their opinions...they are entitled to them and I thank America that I am not forced to share it :)

I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just because I don't like or agree with something someone says doesn't mean I'll stop buying their music or movies. If I didn't like everything that someone says, I wouldn't have any friends. It reminds me of the old saying that parents use on their children "if so-and-so jumped off the Brookyn Bridge, would you?" That kind of thing.

I don't really know what the Dixie Chicks views are. I'm only familiar with statements made by Natalie Maines, the lead singer...

I haven't even heard of the Dixie Chicks in years!

I like their music and haven't really heard their thoughts on politics. I did hear there was some controversy in the news about something with them but I didn't pay attention. I stay away from the television network news and must have missed it on the internet news links I get. :D

I like some of their music bu think they are hypocritical. First, although they have the right to speak their mind, to do so on a foreign stage is just wrong. Although we may not always agree with the current administration, we should always support our country abroad. I will not buy their music for that reason.

With that said, the chx have criticized those who don't buy their music for that reason, yet want us to suppor their freedom of speech. Their supporters are the same way. If she has a right to criticize our country on a foreign stage, I have a right not to buy their music because of it.

Add to that, their song about Earl that promotes killing a guy (although for wife abuse). How is that okay in our society? Especially when they try to play the non-violent platform when it comes to the war?

I think the hypocrisy of what they preach is what I dislike. I don't care for country music to begin with, but that aside, it gauls me that they have a platform for which they can call for violence when they want and peace when they want. I'll stick with Mother Teresa for my peace of the pie. (Yes, it was a pun.)

I'm not a fan of Country music, but I give them kudos for speaking their minds.

Their music is ok, I just don't understand why celebrities think their opinions matter more than the average person's.

Their politics I disagree with (as if they have much to say in that area that is in anyway resembling an intelligent thought rather than rhetoric) and I'm not a fan of country music. So I guess they can go away quietly and I still probably wouldn't notice.

Love them, love their music.

All I care to hear from them is their music, which in my opinion, is top notch!

I dont like them, they have only did one song that I cared for and it was a Stevie Nicks remake, but they did do a good job on it.
As far as politics, what makes them a consultant for the Iraq war? They are entertainers , I dont take entertainers serious, when it comes to politics, maybe, if they had a degree in politics, I would reconsider. Entertainers want to keep themselves in the public eye, regardless of how they do it. I was amazed that Ronald Reagan did as well as he did while in office, but I think since he was older when he took the office, he had what the Dixie Chicks do not and that is years and years of life experience, he had morals, a love of country and of God. He loved his wife and was a family man. Makes him a pretty darn good man in my book.

Thanks so much for brining up this topic. This topic is something to consider carefully. Here is an interesting quote on freedom of speech.

"Men feared witches and burnt women. It is the function of speech to free men from the bondage of irrational fears." — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis (1856–1941), Whitney v. California, 274 U. S. 357 (1927)

Thank heaven and the Bill of Rights to the Constitution they have the right to sing out--! Freedom of speech is not a matter of style. It is something we must revere in order to preserve our voice--in an age of irrational fears. Cheers! Carol S.

I like their music and happen to agree with their politics as well. They have never said anything that countless rock musicians haven't already said, they just happen to be country music artists. If they were rock stars no one would have blinked.

Good for them.

I don't agree with what they say, but I defend their right to say it.

The only thing about "freedom of speech" that bothers me is that most Americans don't have the ability to have their thoughts heard the way that celebrities do.

What the dixie chicks sing is NOT COUNTRY it is garbage just like everything else that comes out of their mouths. As far as I am concerned they are spoiled brats with way too much money and no brains.

That being said, Col., they still have the right to spew their garbage. I just wish my opinions had as large an audience.

Love the music style and thing they have a lot of talent. Even if I don't agree with what they say they can say what they want anywhere they are allowed to. Our country was founded by people speaking against the government of the time. And there is a lot to be said right now. this government is so corrupt i am afraid of what will happen if we stay on this course. And I consider myself a conservative republican. Funny thing, though,i went to a republican fund raiser early this year. (a free invite due to some work my hubby did- we would have gone to the dems fund raiser too if invited) these were the Republican leaders of our area and state. it was really interesting to hear some of the quiet conversations about what people REALLY think about their party...

Heidi ... it's no secret that most republicans are disappointed with our reps. I think we're all beginning to realize that politicians are all in it for themselves -- they promise whatever they think will get them elected and we the voters keep falling for it.

Carol-
Mother Teresa? No, I take a dim view of her life and accomplishments. Frankly, she liked to drag a few dying people off the street to let them die in dignity. But she never did anything to help living people make a better life for their children, in order to choke off the supply of dying beggars. She opposed that in fact, especially family planning, which is needed more in India than almost anywhere on the planet.
But it was never about building a better life for helpless people with her, it was always about God.

I love their music and they have a right to believe what they want to believe, but I do not think that they should be that vocal about it.

Who was it that said "That little fat one needs to learn to shut up"? It was a comedian and I can't for the life of me remember. Anyway, I pretty much concur with most of you about the hypocrisy involved and especially about badmouthing us overseas and promoting peace only in certain situations.

I like them and their music, but I really love the fact that some many people get so testy about the fact that she spoke her mind. It's so hypocritical to have people patting themselves on the back for "spreading freedom" and then getting their panties in a bunch if some actually uses their freedom. I hope they keep it up.

Carol, I'm going to have to remove this from How We Write. As stated on our group, I only accept articles having to do with processes of writing fiction.

"We will accept all articles detailing the processes you use to write and links to sites that are helpful for all aspects of writing."

No hard feelings. This is just a friendly reminder of what we accept. (It's hard to wade through trivia and such when we are looking for fiction writing methods and works of fiction, you know.. just keeping it clean.) :)

You know I liked the Dixie Chicks when they first came out, I loved and still love their home album, but they got themselves blackballed out of the music industry, if tey want to produce an album, they need to subcontract the work because no one will do business with them, they can't even really make it in the rock world.
Talented yes, but while they have a right to their opinions, there is a time and a place to do campaigning, and there is a time and a place to say things, I don't agree with how they went about voicing their opinions,
If they would stick to singing and leave their political opinions out of it, I think they would be much better off.
Mooch