Patriotic Idealim: Looking for the rising generation in the wrong places: Dixie Chicks

George I think that you and I are on the same trek, The Dixie Chicks are the new protest singers. But they have been identified by the establishment, and the venues are closed to them. We would not be at war in Iraq if we were not being badly served by a media that is manipulated by the war machine.
Today the protests are coming from widely scattered individual voices. What the country needs is another Woodstock.

Most protest singers are going to be denied or have their access curtailed to the media. It goes with the territory. Such singers wind up having to rely on their concert tours and album sales to survive economically -- however, in the long run their careers tend to improve. I doubt Dylan is hurting economically. But it takes guts to be a country western singer knowing you are not going to get access to the country western stations.

Freedom of speech is hush and censor by media and older generation. It take real brave youngsters to speak up.

Since one's patriotism is instantly questioned if one so much as states a word criticizing the president or the Iraq War, it's not surprising that there are fewer protest singers.

wow!! Help improving the lot's career
cheeky guts & the singing country songs........
Thanks George

The recognized and gave voice to the fact that W is not the sharpest tool in the shed, back when in the eyes of many he could do no wrong. That act of truth-telling was very self sacrificing and they deserve our respect for that.

Let's hear it for the Chicks! I'm going to ad the documentary to my Netflix list.

courage is a strange thing and comes from all places go Chicks

Wow, I expected to be deluged with right-wingers attacking me for complimenting the Chicks. Guess there is hope.

Shut Up and Sing is the next DVD on my Nexflix que. Based on your post, I really cannot wait to see it. I'm not a huge country fan (I grew up on '80s alternative rock) but I agree with everything they're saying. I might just buy their CDs, as a way of showing them my support.

Great article! I try to watch The Daily Show, The Colbert Report everynight. I am always interested in a new form of political activism!

Don't forget Pink.

The song, "Dear Mister President" asks more important questions than are heard at any White House Press meetings.

Here is a link to a YouTube recording of Dear Mister President:

Dear Mister President

We had real freedom of speech in the "olden days" and the neocons didn't own everything.

A lot of I told you so in the Chicks.

Viva Las Dixie Chicks!!!

Add one of my current favorite songs to the list: Rufus Wainwright's "Going to a Town".

You can hear it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUIsQo4K70Y

A portion of the lyrics:

"I'm going to a town that has already been burnt down
I'm going to a place that has already been disgraced
I'm gonna see some folks who have already been let down
I'm so tired of America

I'm gonna make it up for all of The Sunday Times
I'm gonna make it up for all of the nursery rhymes
They never really seem to want to tell the truth
I'm so tired of you, America

Making my own way home, ain't gonna be alone
I've got a life to lead, America
I've got a life to lead

Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having loved?
Tell me, enough of thinking everything that you've done is good
I really need to know, after soaking the body of Jesus Christ in blood
I'm so tired of America

I really need to know
I may just never see you again, or might as well
You took advantage of a world that loved you well
I'm going to a town that has already been burnt down
I'm so tired of you, America"

Outstanding song.

Here it is in a clickable link, for lazy people like me (my first one!):

Going to a Town

http://www.johnflynn.net/lyrics/dover.htm

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of the documentary. I, too, plan to add it to my list on Netflix!

George,
"Wow, I expected to be deluged with right-wingers attacking me for complimenting the Chicks. Guess there is hope."

What if those kids of 60s & 70s that went off to southeast Asia, still believe that the freedom of speech is one of those rights that everyone around the world should have. And they believe you should be able to exercise your freedom of speech without abuse and surely not the level of abuse they recieved from those "activists" of your generation?

Or maybe they simply doubt you really are care what they might say.

On 60 minutes one of the chicks demoaned that "Too many think country and western music is redneck music" True to form I heard that excerpt butchered by CNN's Glen Beck, now the buthered clip said "country and western music is red neck music" What a low down scum sucking weasil that anus Beck is. He ridiculed the Chicks for biting the hand that feeds them. I sent an angry e mail to CNN, they don't care if their facts are right or should I say true.

I just read today that Cornel West has released a new album with several hip-hop and R&B artists (including Prince). The track list:

1. Bushanomics (Talib Kweli)
2. America (Black Thought, Rah Digga, Iriz, Lucky Witherspoon)
3. Still Here
4. Dear Mr. Man (Prince)
5. 911
6. N Word (Tavis Smiley & Michael Eric Dyson)
7. Welcome to Chi (Rhymefest, Neo Abassy & Malik Yusef)
8. Mr. President (KRS-1 & M-1)
9. Keepin It PI (Killer Mike, Doey, Roc & Lucky Witherspoon)
10. Chronometrophobia (Andre 3000)
11. Gonna Be Alright (Dave Hollister & Chuckii Booker)
12. Matter of (Lenny Williams)
13. Soul Sista (Daryl Moore)
14. The Man's Gonna Getcha (Gerald Levert)

There's a NPR bit on it here:
Cornel West, the Musician?

Lets not forget U2 in the fray. I realize they are not American born & bred, but they have numerous protest songs in thier repertoire.

I bought "Shut up & Sing" a few weeks ago. I've always loved the gals.

When the Dixie Chicks first protested they were defined as unamerican, They are so American and that is why they said what they did. freedom of speach is part of America that is good and should remain that way.

I was always told by the hippies of my generation that I was a conformist because I didn't spit in the faces of our soldiers coming home from Vietnam. Deserters where heros like Cassius Clay who beat the crap out of people but didn't support the war as it was too violent for him. Now, the Dixie Chicks are heros? Once again, patriotism is defined by the patriot. What have you or the Dixie Chicks done for our country? You have aided and given solice to our enemy by openly using a public forum to demean our president and leaders. Praise God you have the right to do so, but patriotism is not defined by you for me and thank God for that. If the Dixie Chicks came to Oklahoma they'd be greeted by angry mob. God bless American: God bless Oklahoma. God bless my right to disagree with you.

Ah the conservative slithers from the den at last, blinking in the light and hisssing...

What the Dixie Chicks have done is voice the truth, like any patroitic American is bound to do in a representitive society. The Dixie Chicks acted in the strongest, greatest and most American way possible: They spoke truth to power. The Dixie Chicks define what it truly is to be heroic in the land of liberty. Perhaps Carol in your small circle the girls might not do too well but there are plenty of loyal Americans in Oklahoma City or Tulsa or Miami that would welcome their song. One concept must eventually sink into the conservative mind: Support for the imperialist adventures of George Bush is anti-American, anti-security, anti-peace, illegal and against the vast majority of the will of the people. Even tho these people wrap themselves in the flag it does not mean they represent it.

Strong point made with your article, George, with the participation of many others. Besides the others mentioned in the thread, you might look to Bruce Cockburn, who has written brilliant protest songs since the 70s. His new album Life Short Call Now features several pointed looks at the Iraq War. Thanks for your work here!

" You have aided and given solice to our enemy by openly using a public forum to demean our president and leaders. Praise God you have the right to do so, but patriotism is not defined by you for me and thank God for that. If the Dixie Chicks came to Oklahoma they'd be greeted by angry mob."

Carol,
A mob of how many? You & a few of your pals? Sugar, if someone didn't use an open forum to criticize our leaders a couple hundred years ago, we would all have British accents now. You might have a point, if in fact we had decent leadership, but this country was based on derision, and GOD, yes, YOUR GOD, knows those jerks in office have nothing but their own wallets on their minds and in their hearts, I don't care how often they spout religion.

Add to this that they actually have talent, unlike so many of the empty black hats that fill the "country music" charts today. I think they'll have a better career in spite of being turned aside by the risk adverse, spineless music industry. There's no music there any more anyway.

Arrogance is such an attractive trait ...don't you think?

Obviously, your folks aren't from Oklahoma, so let me say this, I support your right to say whatever you want but I spit on your foul mouths and evil remarks that don't allow my words to disagree with you, while your politically correct opinions of yourselves is that freedom of speech is what the Dixie Chicks are about. Hypocrits! As for leaving something in Oklahoma, I suggest it's a good idea that you don't. Good evening.

That's a great line-up of Black artists Cornell West has compiled there, Janna. Have you listened to any of the selections?

Carol Talking ----- and not always right.
Maybe you should stop talking to yourself and listen to other people's ideas. You might discover the freedom we have enjoyed up to now is based on compromising the diverse opinions of the citizenry. Speaking and singing out in protest is what is patriotic, not blind allegiance to anyone who finegles his way to the job of commander in chief.

Here's the funny thing, the once hated Dixie Chicks, have rebound tremendously since the fall in the polls of King George I. When their fickle fans heard them disparage Bu$h, they dropped like flies. Honestly, I wouldn't want those fans back.

Have you noticed that lately in this movement of heart we are being lead by the women? Cindy Sheehan, Amy Goodman, Dixie Chicks, but John Mayer "Waiting for the World to Change" is a great song. Anyways why are men not leading with risk taking behaviors? Have they all been shot like the last round? Women are leading us from their hearts and we need to look for ways to join in.

You are so right, George. Check this out - reported on 8/10/07:

"AT&T Apologize for Pearl Jam Censorship

Communications giant AT&T has apologized to Pearl Jam and their fans after the group's performance at Illinois festival Lollapalooza was censored on Sunday.

The rockers were singing a cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall" and changed a few lines to criticize the U.S. President, saying, "George Bush, leave this world alone," and "George Bush find yourself another home."

However, for fans watching the live webcast of the Chicago concert, the band were muted during those lyrics.

Pearl Jam wrote on their Web site earlier this week; "If a company that is controlling a webcast is cutting out bits of our performance -- not based on laws, but on their own preferences and interpretations - fans have little choice but to watch the censored version."

Michael Coe, spokesman for AT&T, has admitted the censor made a mistake in silencing the anti-Bush lyrics and was making sure the webcast production company did not repeat the error in future. He added AT&T were planning to release an uncensored version of the song on their Web site."

Think we're not heading towards a dictatorship? Think again. All you Bush supporters out there - I suppose you'll revel in this, but just think how you'll feel when a Democratic president takes office and your voices are censored by the corporations supporting them. No matter how you feel about any subject, it's important that we, as Americans, have a right to express our opinions publicly. When we lose this right, it's a slippery slope downhill quickly.

Stacy H. wrote: "That's a great line-up of Black artists Cornell West has compiled there, Janna. Have you listened to any of the selections?"

Just the snippets that were played on the NPR piece linked above. I'd be interested in hearing more.

Per Sheryl: "Think we're not heading towards a dictatorship? Think again. All you Bush supporters out there - I suppose you'll revel in this, but just think how you'll feel when a Democratic president takes office and your voices are censored by the corporations supporting them. No matter how you feel about any subject, it's important that we, as Americans, have a right to express our opinions publicly. When we lose this right, it's a slippery slope downhill quickly."

Thank you for these words that I can now share with my few dead-ender friends.

We most never forget that the sickle of censorship clears all in its path, weeds of trash along with flowers of hope and truth. Beware this also grim reaper.

Thanks for writing this, George. It motivated me to finally watch the DVD (Shut Up and Sing) that donna and I bought a few weeks ago.

You are so right-on. Many criticize Stewart, Colbert, Maher, etc., for using the comedic slant. Nonetheless, they reveal more truths than the bulk of the American media-heads. Their off-the-cuff honesty and candor is SOOO appealing; especially in contrast to the blatant obfuscation of this administration's talkers.

And Nothing is More American than poking, prodding, reveiwing, discussing, questioning and challenging the thoughts and actions of OUR American government's leaders. It's a constitutional protection from fascism.

I'd add Pink to the list as well; her Dear Mr President:

Dear Mr. President,
Come take a walk with me.
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me.
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.

What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep?
What do you feel when you look in the mirror?
Are you proud?

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?
How do you walk with your head held high?
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why?

"If it were not for protest we would all be speaking with British accents."

In fact, this particular minor statement just isn't true. Many were already speaking with Good Ol' U.S. of A. accents and idioms before The Lobsterbacks set ashore in these here colonies at the beginning of The American Revolution.

You are right, George, that comedy has become a sort of protest that was mainly seen only in folk music and poetry during the Vietnam era. The protest music of today has also grown beyond the crunchy-folk-singer circuit to include all genres: country, rock, pop, hip-hop, punk - you name it.

If you're interested in hearing more of today's generation patriotically questioning the status quo, you may want to check out Michael Franti & Spearhead's CD "Yell Fire!" The different songs reflect messages of anger, fear, disgust, hope, love, tolerance and peace performed by incredibly talented musicians incorporating roots rock, reggae, singer-songwriter and world beat.

You can hear samples and learn more about the band here. More samples available at Amazon.

dixie chicks rock!! i love them for having the courage to speak their mind..

Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, Nancy Griffin, Eliza Gilkyson, Guy Forsyth, Carolyn Wonderland, Tom Russell, Emily Herring (my favorite new country anthem... "Has Country Music Gone to Hell")

Protest music is a live and kicking on what's left of Internet Radio and a few Americana music stations... i.e. just about any radio station not controlled by Clear Channel!

Glad to hear there are other places that I have not been looking for.

During the 2004 democratic convention, George Bu$h set up "free speech zones", in a cage, under a bridge 1 mile away from the convention. That is how much Bu$h likes protest.

The lying and ineffective Bush is still defended by the righteous duo Carol and Captain Seaweed.
And Carol claims to speak for all of Oklahoma which has elected one great Democrat in the five-person House delegation.

( Oklahoma has, arguably, the most stupid Senators of all fifty states -Coburn and Inhofe- but they are elected to represent people like Carol.)

John M - I ALREADY MENTIONED PINK, sheesh. :-)

Sorry Peter, too many comments to see them all, I guess. My humblest apologies.

John, I am glad that there are other folks who appreciate Pink.

I am being dramatically cranky; no need to apologize.

Pink : Hot and SMART !!!!!!

I was just reading this Article in the Economist talking about the political clout of country western singers and stations. It indicated that they were against the Dixie Chicks and pro-war until things started to get a wee-bit more confusing about the righteousness of the Iraq war and so when they can't find solid ground ... instead of going the way the of the Dixie Chicks they start singing more about God. Funny, how that works -- perhaps that will change if they ever figure out that G.O.P. does not stand for God's Own Party. Whatever happened to the time when truck drivers were considered modern day Cowboys and country sided with the economic interests of labor union members, etc.

Well, wonder what happens now that the Spin-Master is about to exit the Bush Administration? If that means Cheney becomes the Spin-Master, we may see an administration really, really spin out of control -- wonder what Clear Channel will do without Rove?