Byrd's Eye View

Emily,
Since served in the Military and defended your right to free speech I accept what you are saying but I must disagree with the term it is only words.....I have no problem with someone disagreeing with the president of the United States as long as you are in the United States and are talking with Americans who have a vested interest in the Office of the President..I disagree with the Dixie Chicks disrespecting the both the President and his office on foreign soil. Why did they not come to the US and give their opinion..Becasue they felt they could get away with it on a foreign soil..so what if they won grammy's I do not allow the liberal media and entertainers who have more award shows to pat themselves on their back than the law should allow to control what I think of people. Again I have been there and done that but regardless of what I feel about the United States of America I have enough respect of the Commander in Chief ( regardless if like the title or not it is his) to not air my dirty laundry to a foreign country who I feel might be sympathetic to my cause....

Hi Smack,

Interesting point of view, and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your opinion so eloquently.

If I may ask, are you saying that stating a dissenting opinion about the United States is something that may be acceptable within our borders, but in addressing a foreign nation, we should present a united front?

I like that sentiment of solidarity. It is a very honorable way of thinking.

As far as the damage done in stating their disdain about the President in a foreign country, imagine if they had been in front of Iraqis or North Koreans. OK, not likely, given their music and appearance, but bear with me... They, instead, spoke in front of an audience in England, our biggest ally in the war on terror and the war in Iraq. Tony Blair is considered by many to be President Bush's staunchest supporter in the league of world leaders.

I mention the Grammy win because typically, radio stations will play Grammy award-winning music more often than other selections. It is significant that some radio station are still refusing to play The Dixie Chicks' music.

This whole thing bugs me because the intent of this boycott is to damage or destroy their careers. It isn't a matter of choosing not to listen to someone with an opposing opinion, it's about silencing the group altogether.

Additional thoughts?

Thank you for considering my side of this issue and for participating in the discussion.

I don't think you sounded liberal or conservative. Freedom of speech is an American freedom, regardless of political views.

Just as the Dixie Chicks had the right to say what they did, I (and everyone else) have the right to not buy their CDs or go to their concerts. It's all part of our freedom of speech.

The Dixie Chicks are welcome to be mad about radio stations not playing their music, but they shouldn't be surprised. Actions have repercussions.

There are plenty of companies I won't buy from because of what causes they spend their money on or which candidates they support or how they treat their employees. It's one of the great things about a free-market economy. I can vote and speak with my wallet.

smack,

your point is always missed these days. Criticism is fine in America to Americans - in fact it is expected.

But when Al Gore goes to Saudi Arabia and says the US is guilty of attrocities and war crimes (he did two years ago), and John Kerry (last week) in Switzerland at a meeting of world leaders says that the United States has essentially become a "bully" it is WRONG.

When Jimmy Carter does it too. . . it is WRONG. It used to be understood and a given that politics ended at the boarder because we are all Americans all over the world.

All it does is embolden our enemies and gives them reassurance that their attacks on America and Americans are justified.

Another good point from Jason is that free speech is a two way street. Dixie Chicks can say what they want, and people can boycott. They didn't win the grammy's because of their music. They won the grammy's for the Hollywood elite to "stick it to" the President.

TJmacs,

(I call you that cause you went out of business;)

I happen to agree with thacker on this one. They are as much ambassadors to the world as John McEnroe was at Wimbledon. They are as much ambassadors to the world as Jane Fonda was in Vietnam.

There is one aspect of being an ambassador that they can never be compared to though - that would be to our soldiers overseas. the reson is that the Dixie chicks are celebrities - they expect to command an audience.

In saying what they have abroad, they have undermined not only the president, but the country and any future presidencies.

I would like to make the point that ANYTHING said to any media outlet across the world is local and global news. The Internet makes it possible for all utterances, no matter the audience, to be communicated to anyone, anywhere, any time.

"They (Hollywood people) all think what they say is more important than most people" just sounds plain bitter. Why shouldn't every person in America be afforded the right to speak? Does it irritates you, Thacker, because they have a microphone in front of them?

Emily, I have gotten to the point that I don't care anymore. It's called apathy. I think what I say is less important than what the Hollywood people say - and people would agree.

What I said was that it used to be the "rules". I only get upset when truth is distorted by people in position to provide information. I personally don't care what Hollywood says because I'm smart enough to make up my own mind. But the crotchless Britney is probably influencing our noble young American women - doesn't bother me and it's her right to do and say what she wants.

Right now I just sit and watch because I know what's going on - and I know how it is going to end. I don't know when, but all you need to do is study history to know that what people say isn't important to what ultimately will happen.

Global history repeats itself. Happy Valentine's Day, and be thankful we can celebrate it here in this Free and wonderful country - there are many countries (Saudi Arabia) where it is banned.

but it's all free speech that would be illegal in a country that wasn't free.

This is entertainment for me.

I don't believe what I say or do here has any impact on anything. I'm smart, well read, and I have opinions - but I am also smart enough to know that people don't care what my opinions are. Opinions are like tail holes - everybody has one.

Like I said too. . . I do care when the truth is distorted by anyone.

Times have changed like you said. It used to be when you heard someone say "death to America" you were shocked. Now you are shocked if you don't hear it in some places, and you defend it as "free speech".

I am an actor. I can argue any side of any debate and make you believe that I am passionate to the point of fisticuffs because I UNDERSTAND all sides.

I have never voted because I am apathetic to who wins. I haven't liked any of the candidates, and don't think that the political system is designed to promote the best leaders with my interests at heart.

I guess you have been paying attention and have been entertained. That's all I hoped for. I try to make people "feel" with words. It's fun.

Hi Machman,

I'm simply trying to get a good discussion going about a person's right to free speech. The Dixie Chicks controversy is a revived story of late, and it's an excellent opportunity to get people thinking and sharing ideas.

I'm glad that you took the opportunity to share your thoughts and hope you will continue to feel welcome to do so.

When our producers ask us to discuss a story on the news, I won't fake my way through it. Though you may not agree with my perspective, you and anyone else watching deserve better than a vacuous smile.

...and Thacker, I apologize if my comments to you were prickly. You are really good at presenting a challenging point of view.