Comments on: Shut Up and Sing

By: John

John — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:31:33 +0000

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

-Tallentyre

By: DLPoff

DLPoff — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 20:18:30 +0000

Meryl, I was and remain outraged by the treatment meted out to the Dixie Chicks. No matter which side of the Iraq War you agree with, you have a right to your opinion. You also have the right to disagree with another’s opinion. You DO NOT have the right to threaten, intimidate, belittle or otherwise denigrate another for their opinion simply because you disagree with it.

Sadly, in our country these days, you either tow the “party line” or suffer the consequences. Fortunately, I’ve never been very good at towing lines!

By: Doris

Doris — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:33:24 +0000

I didn’t take the time to reply last week, but I do have a problem with what happened to the Dixie Chicks. They do not deserve hate mail and death threats. Their personal opionion counts as much as the next person. Just because we don’t think we should be in Iraq doesn’t mean we don’t support the troops. What happened to the Dixie Chicks was wrong.

By: skibum

skibum — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 18:09:18 +0000

I see that because my earlier post did not meet your “politically correct” standards (meaning agreeing with you completely) that it was deleted. Shame on you and all like you.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 17:56:50 +0000

I am not sure if I read the same interview that is referenced, but I did read the Playboy interview with the band. Actually, I have to tell you that I read some of it twice because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! I will admit that I do not agree with the band’s position on the war, but I am appalled at the reaction these women received. The Dixie Chicks were the biggest-selling female music group in history. It saddens me to know that because they are standing up for what they believe in, millions of Americans have chosen to reciprocate by disassociating with them. This past Saturday was veteran’s day. I would like to personally thank our troops who are fighting and our veterans who have fought for freedom around the world. Because of their dedication, the freedom of speech is here for EVERY United States citizen, including the Dixie Chicks. Thank you Dixie Chicks for exercising your freedom.

By: Debra Cortner

Debra Cortner — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 17:27:57 +0000

I wholeheartedly agree with you that the Dixie Chicks had a right to express thier opinions. Even had I not agreed with them, I would have still defended that right. The censorship and backlash that occurred should have set off alarm bells with all of us. Just because someone’s opinion happens to be in the majority now doesen’t mean that it will be that way forever. Do the people who felt that it was OK to censor the Chicks think it will be OK for them to be censored when they’re not in the majority?

By: rich

rich — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:17:32 +0000

lots of great comments on both sides viewing the debate of right or wrong for a country and life as a American,What would Jesus do! John 8:12 -
John 8:34

By: Linda S. Williams

Linda S. Williams — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:34:29 +0000

Meryl,

I’m sorry that I didn’t immediately respond to your Dixie Chicks article. It was so “spot on” that I assumed (how silly of me) that everyone would understand and agree. I was horrified at our nation’s initial response to the Dixie Chicks statement. I understood that there would be those would agreed and those who disagreed with what was said BUT I never expected the response to be so personal and hateful. I don’t believe the reaction was because they were in a foreign country (a country that was supporting our President’s position I might add) but because they didn’t agree with what was said. We have lost our ability to debate. I blame this administration for this cultural shift. Time and time again, I would turn on to watch the news and I was taken back by the Administration’s insistence that “this wasn’t the time to question” or “How unpatriotic someone was for questioning the war” and my all time favorite “it showed a disrespect for our troops.” Can you believe that? Unlike our forefathers who brought forth this great nation through rigorous yet contentious debate, this administration shuns debate and labels us “unpatriotic” is we dare question them about anything. I long for the day when open debate is seen as a way to express ideas and generate constructive dialogue. I hope when the new Congress begins next year we will see why our forefathers believed the government needed a “checks and balance system” instead of a rubber stamp. I’m thankful that the Dixie Chicks didn’t allow the vocal minority to suppress their voice. Freedom of Speech is a right that we should all cherish and encourage!

By: Janet

Janet — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:02:58 +0000

I am not sure I know their songs but I understand that this backlash is not new. There was a concerted effort against John Lennon from that administration. I believe that the Dixie Chicks were honest and knew they were taking a chance, but they felt that it was, and is worth it. I find it troubling that political servants would focus on lashing back and punishing rather than representing their constituents. Although I wasn’t familiar with their songs before, I plan to hear them out on their new cd.

By: Tamera

Tamera — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:45:48 +0000

Not only do I think the reaction against them was way over the top, I think they had every right to say it. In fact, they were only putting words to what MANY already felt but didn’t want to say. Also, I have purchased their latest CD, and, in my opinion, it is the best thing they have ever done.