I've successfully stayed away from any talk of the Iraq War, but after watching the Grammys last night I've decided that it's the perfect time to weigh in on one part of the War issue.
Last night the Dixie Chicks won three of the coveted awards at the Grammys including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Their song, Not Ready to Make Nice expresses their feelings over the way they've been treated since one of the group members expressed her feelings about President Bush.
About three years ago, the group's lead singer, Natalie Maines ruffled quite a few feathers when she said she was ashamed that the President was from her home state of Texas. She received death threats and country music fans protested and threatened to turn off their radios if stations played Dixie Chicks music.
Huh?
I am not a fan of President Bush; I voted for the other guy (heck, I'm not even a country music fan). And perhaps some would say that my own feelings may have a lot to do with the way I view Maines' comments, but c'mon, death threats? We in America have to decide which side of the fence we want to be on. How can we embrace the concept of freedom of speech and then, the minute someone says something we don't agree with, threaten to kill them? Deciding not to listen to Dixie Chicks music is one thing, taking the time to write a letter with the exact time and location you plan to kill Maines is something quite different.
I oppose the war and I think President Bush was less than honest when he asked Congress to authorize going to war - because of that, thousands of Americans have died. But I don't wish harm to come to those who disagree with my opinion. Just as I have a right to oppose the war, they have the right to agree with it. What ever happened to good old-fashioned differences of opinion? It's what makes life exciting. When did it turn violent? It's almost as if any opposition to the war or the President is seen as well, un-American. But how can that be? This land is full of different cultures, races, ethnic groups, you name it. There are bound to be different views.
Ok, let's try putting it into perspective in this way. Anybody still talking about Michael Richards? Remember him -the comedian who played Krammer on Seinfeld who used the "N" word during a stand up routine as though it was just another adjective? There was outcry at first, but no death threats. Now, it's a distant memory, and he's still working as a stand up comic. Yet, almost three years later people just can't forget what Maines had to say. According to 60 Minutes, the song is only number #38 on the Billboard Charts because many still refuse to support the group. And she is still receiving death threats. Funny how differently the two situations are viewed, isn't it?
Whether you agree with her or not, this country was founded on allowing her the right to express her self, even if it means saying she isn't a fan of George Bush. She didn't break any laws or threaten the President's life, she simply said she just doesn't particularly like the guy; many have said much worse and I am sure many more will. If you want to boycott their music, go ahead, but I don't understand how people can't see that resorting to death threats is much worse than Natalie Maines wishing the President was from Nebraska.
