Dixie Chick's Natalie again....

[crazyforgoofy]

Criticizing the President is not only our right, it's our responsibility as American citizens. If we don't hold our politicians accountable for their behavior, who will? There is nothing unpatriotic or morally wrong about being ashamed of the decisions our government makes. In fact, I can't think of anything more in keeping with the spirit of our Founding Fathers than high expectations and a ruthless crititique of all our elected officials.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Why, oh why do celebrities think we care about their political views?

When I have a question about politics, I ask my brother. He has a BS in Political Science, a Masters in Political Management and then went to law school. I don't ask, nor care what the Dixie Chicks think.

 

[richiebaseball]

I think it's much ado about nothing. The Beatle's "We are more popular than Jesus" comment was only a hiccup in their career. I don't think most die hard fans really care that deeply about their favorite entertainers politics. If I really like a certain musician's music or an actor's films, I wouldn't enjoy them any less because of a political statement they made.

Beatles or Dixie Chicks. That's a tough one.

 

[eclectics]

Beatles or Dixie Chicks. That's a tough one.

So The Dixie Chicks deserve to get a smack on the wrist and The Beatles don't because The Beatle's music is better? You're going to have to explain that logic to me.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think that the reference to not liking the direction country music is taking now has more to do with the pop-influenced country.
.

I have no idea. It was on an interview and I don't particularly like current country (some of that stuff is just so not appropriate)---some of the new stuff is good though. The comment about direction was directly related to the redneck comment they also made, so I am not certain if they think country is getting too trashy or if country is getting too Kuntry. But they were heading towards the crossover route to get away from it.

 

[TCPluto]

The answer is in your first sentence - their record is coming out.

I used to enjoy listening to the Dixie Chicks but I just can't listen to it in the same way any longer. I could care less what her political views are and I really don't appreciate having them shoved in my face by any artist (liberal or conservative!) While I am saddened that people would actually threaten their lives (there is absolutely no excuse for that), I love the fact that many people bulldozed over their cd's People want to hear you sing Natalie - not give your views on world politics. If they did they would have you on CNN not CMT

Excellent post.

Unfortunately for the Dixie Chicks, their mouths have had a significant impact on their bottom line, record sales. I guess their opinion is not very popular among their former fans, which includes everyone I know...

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

But, hey, if you don't like the Chicks I can suggest you listen to songs by Pink (with the Indigo Girls), Neil Young, Seize The Day, John Mellencamp, System of a Down, Green Day, Willie Nelson.

My current favorite is by Neil Young because it has Mr. Bush's own voice interspersed:

...

If you think The Dixie Chicks are alone in "disrespecting" George W. Bush you just haven't been paying attention.

So did those artists insult their customers when they said it??

Actually I have no problem with their music or message. I do have a problem with them stereotyping their fans. I may not go to a concert, but I do listen to the music. Their comment about no rednecks in their audience and opinions on people who listen to other singer's music that they happen to not like...well let's not bite the hands that feed you.

Just like Tom Cruise "used" to be a hottie--then he got on this Scientology makes him omnipotent kick and comes across like a horses a$$ even though the words he uses *may* have some credence.

What the ladies of the Dixie chicks are saying *may* have some credence, how they say it and their attitude about it--places them on the level of Tom and makes them less attractive.

 

[wvrevy]

What's "sad" and "stupid" to me is the way the right wingers in this country have completely misinterpreted the 1st amendment. They think that intimidation and slander is just fine, since it's not the government actually doing it (this, despite the fact that they're intimidating people for daring to criticize the government ).

Their gestapo tactics (death threats and, yes, those "bulldozers" or "steamrollers" mentioned earlier) discourage anyone from exercising their free speech. But boy aren't they quick to hide behind it if you question them on it.

One of many reasons why Miss Maines is 100% correct.

 

[richiebaseball]

So The Dixie Chicks deserve to get a smack on the wrist and The Beatles don't because The Beatle's music is better? You're going to have to explain that logic to me.

Always glad to help.

The Beatle's "We are more popular than Jesus" comment was only a hiccup in their career.

See, I thought you were saying that since the Beatles were able to overcome this then the Dixie Chicks can too. Kind of implying that the Dixie Chicks were/are/can be as influential as the Beatles. But perhaps you weren't comparing the two and I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I apologize.

But hey, if Springsteen and Neil Young can do it with little or no backlash then I'm sure the Dixie Chicks can too. After all, they're all icons.

 

[Holly]

Dixie Chicks rock!

 

[Planogirl]

I support the Dixie Chicks' right to say whatever they wish WITHOUT death threats. The last time I checked those were illegal.

Someone commented earlier about Bush being from Texas. Natalie is too and so am I and I don't see that as particularly relevant.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Go Natalie! Go Chicks!

I think I just may have to buy two copies of their new album.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I support the Dixie Chicks' right to say whatever they wish WITHOUT death threats. The last time I checked those were illegal.
.

Agreed.


However, I don't support someone whom I like telling me I suck though if I like this artist or that artist. Not away to encourage me to spend money on their album.

 

[HayGan]

What's "sad" and "stupid" to me is the way the right wingers in this country have completely misinterpreted the 1st amendment. They think that intimidation and slander is just fine, since it's not the government actually doing it (this, despite the fact that they're intimidating people for daring to criticize the government ).

Their gestapo tactics (death threats and, yes, those "bulldozers" or "steamrollers" mentioned earlier) discourage anyone from exercising their free speech. But boy aren't they quick to hide behind it if you question them on it.

One of many reasons why Miss Maines is 100% correct.

So it is OK for Natalie Maines to exercise her free speech but it is not right for her fans to do the same

Am I the only one who sees the hypocracy here

If they don't want their politics to have an effect on their pocket book then they should keep their politics to themselves. Their fans are the ones who make or break their careers.

 

[gradtchr]

That newest quote does not surprise me at all, just another slam against Toby Keith. I am in the group that will not listen to them ever again after their comment about the president. It's not because they made the comment it's because they spoke for an entire state of people who do not all agree with her. It is because she did it overseas, I might actually have a different take on it if she had said it on American Soil but she didn't she took her attitude overseas to express it. I am tired of artists trying to shove their political viewpoints down my throat I am not listening to them for that. I am able to make my own opinion thank you very much.

Wearing a t-shirt with the letters well I don't want to get banned but it was two letters and then TK (toby keith) to an awards show is again not appropriate.

The death threats against them are also extremely innappropriate if you don't like what she said crack the cd's you might have owned and change the station when they come on. Neither one are hard to do. I have loved the ban the local stations had on them for a long time and they still warn when they are about to play a song so that their listeners can turn the radio off or change the station.

I think there latest statement will alienate even more of those who listened to them and pretty soon they might learn that it is best not to open their mouth.

 

[N.Bailey]

Dixie Chicks rock!

Actually, they don't rock. IMO, they'd get a better response if they did as Rock n Roll fans are a completely different crowd of people. I don't think the country base is as liberal or as forgiving.

As I said, I hate country music for the most part, so they're not getting anything from me because I think they suck (as do many other country singers).

I also don't care much for Dolly Pardon's music, but I do respect her when anyone tries to question her about politics. She simply says, I'm an entertainer, that's what I do, entertain! She'll go no further than that. I'd imagine she too has own personal opinions, but at least she realizes that her fans don't care what those opinions are.

The Dixie Chicks certainly do have the right to say anything they wish, as does every other American. They then have to deal with the consequences if there are any though.

Just for the record wvrevy, I don't think anyone here will condone the death threats they've had to deal with. As for bulldozing their cds, well, people have the right to bulldoze a cd that they paid for if they wish. That's the way it works. If you can't see that, maybe it's you who doesn't understand the concept of freedoms in this country.

We all face consequences for our actions. If you lie to your friends, or cheat on your spouse, or fill in the blank _______, you too will probably have to pay for those actions/words. It's simply the way the world revolves and the Dixie Chicks are certainly no exception to that. PO your base, deal with it.

 

[eclectics]

Always glad to help.



See, I thought you were saying that since the Beatles were able to overcome this then the Dixie Chicks can too. Kind of implying that the Dixie Chicks were/are/can be as influential as the Beatles. But perhaps you weren't comparing the two and I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I apologize.

But hey, if Springsteen and Neil Young can do it with little or no backlash then I'm sure the Dixie Chicks can too. After all, they're all icons.

Actually, I probably misinterpreted your implication also and I apologize too. My main point is that the majority of _______ fans will continue to buy whoevers music despite their political views. That goes for icons and garage bands. What Ms. Maines is basically saying is "If my political views affect you so much that you refuse to listen or buy my CD's, I don't give a hoot if you do or you don't. Fans like that I don't want or need". I think in the current atmosphere of the "profits at any cost" entertainment industry, that mind set is kind of refreshing in a way, although I'm sure her record label doesn't see it that way .

 

[Holly]

Actually, they don't rock. IMO, they'd get a better response if they did as Rock n Roll fans are a completely different crowd of people. I don't think the country base is as liberal or as forgiving.

As I said, I hate country music for the most part, so they're not getting anything from me because I think they suck (as do many other country singers).

I also don't care much for Dolly Pardon's music, but I do respect her when anyone tries to question her about politics. She simply says, I'm an entertainer, that's what I do, entertain! She'll go no further than that. I'd imagine she too has own personal opinions, but at least she realizes that her fans don't care what those opinions are.

The Dixie Chicks certainly do have the right to say anything they wish, as does every other American. They then have to deal with the consequences if there are any though.

Just for the record wvrevy, I don't think anyone here will condone the death threats they've had to deal with. As for bulldozing their cds, well, people have the right to bulldoze a cd that they paid for if they wish. That's the way it works. If you can't see that, maybe it's you who doesn't understand the concept of freedoms in this country.

We all face consequences for our actions. If you lie to your friends, or cheat on your spouse, or fill in the blank _______, you too will probably have to pay for those actions/words. It's simply the way the world revolves and the Dixie Chicks are certainly no exception to that. PO your base, deal with it.

I was waiting to see who would harp on that.

 

[wvrevy]

So it is OK for Natalie Maines to exercise her free speech but it is not right for her fans to do the same

Am I the only one who sees the hypocracy here

If they don't want their politics to have an effect on their pocket book then they should keep their politics to themselves. Their fans are the ones who make or break their careers.

Saying you don't agree with them is your right to free speech. Swearing you will never listen to their music again is your right to free speech.

Organizing boycotts and pulling stupid stunts where you burn their book (er...excuse me...wrong gestapo stunt...I mean "steamroll their CD" ) is nothing more than intimidation tactics designed to stop people from speaking out. I couldn't care less if you never buy another album of theirs. If that hurts their album sales....well, that happens sometimes when people speak their minds. But going to the extremes that rednecks (read: Toby Keith, for one) went to with the Chicks is sickening, and I'm sorry, you may have a "right" to do it, but you certainly have no right to wrap yourself in the flag while doing so.

 

[N.Bailey]

I was waiting to see who would harp on that.

Sorry, I LOVE rock music, so I couldn't resist.