I believe that everyone has a right to express themselves. She did nothing wrong except let her emotions get the best of her. I dont know whether the world knows this or not but even cleberaties have emotions and they can get out of hand. The simple fact is War is Wrong! She feels that way and so does the majority of other people on this planet. I would be ashamed also if the president of this great nation was from my home state, and he is doing nothing but allocating himself dictorateship to decide if we go to war or not. NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO WAR! If you do you are one sick individual. She should not be banned from radio stations. All of this shows me how close we really are to losing our freedom. The people in control decide what we want even if they know it isnt what we want. I feel the government of the United States of America needs to take a step back and realize that we are not the Roman Empire. Pride sometimes blows up in your face and leaves nasty scars

Right on Kelly! Yeah! Who do they think they are anyway? Going around saying what they think? Where do they think they are...America?

I am not sure where most of the actors, entertainers etc. get the notion that the whole country holds the same views they do or that they can influence the nation just because they are famous. GIRLs you are nothing but SINGERS. You stand up in front of a large crowd and you sing. How does this make you qualified to try to set international policies or even influence domestic policy. The entire courtry is NOT against President Bush. All of us were behind him right after Sept. 11. Have we forgotten so soon. At that time he said it would not be easy and it might take a long time. Didn't anyone listen to what he said! Anything worth having is worth fighting for. If our way of life is not worth fighting for then get out. If you don't like the whole situation go and sing for Osama Bin Ladin or Sadaam Hussain maybe those two can appreciate their special talents...

The dixie chicks maybe ashamed of Bush coming from Texas, but I'm ashamed of being classified in the same species as the moron.

I am not sure where most of the actors, entertainers etc. get the notion that... they can influence the nation just because they are famous.

Wow, you must not have TV in your country. Here in America entertainers are extremely influential, to the point where there's very little difference between them and newsmakers anyway. It's all "infotainment."

Freedom of speech is one thing but when celebs speak they tend to think they are speaking for the majority of their country. How dare they bash our President during this time when we should all stick together. Maybe people should check the polls before they speak... they would find that the majority of people are for the war and removing a dictator, who left unchecked would become an even bigger threat to the US and other countries. She doesn't speak for me.

I think the Dixie Chicks get to learn about the free market of ideas here in the United States the hard way. If your ideas are not popular, you will take a beating to the wallet. Just shut up and play and you can keep your money. Country music is decidedly right on the political spectrum and what she said, IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, has turned off those right thinking people. Maybe they need to ignore 'world opinion' and make their own based on, say, the fact that Saddam has armed his southern troops with chemical weapons...weapons he isn't supposed to have!

The Dixie Chicks typify the silliness of celebrities who believe their political views hold water and influence due to their talent. Maines had NO business attacking our President in a concert held in a foreign nation (albeit a close ally). Many Americans are asserting the fact that they do not cowtow to misguided celebrity babble and if they are angered they will respond in the best way....hit the "artist" in the wallet.

I agree that Natalie should not have said it, but I,m not gonna judge the Chicks music by one lousy comment. If she feels that way, then thats her own opinion in which she is entitled to. Lets stay focused on the real problem at hand, not someones opinion. The Dixie Chicks rule and I cant wait to see them in Cleveland. Keep on rockin' Chicks. Dont let "so called" fans get you down. The "real fans" will keep you going. GO CHICKS!!! GO CHICKS!!! GO CHICKS!!!

Bush is a warmonger. I think it's great that this "chick" spoke out against him. While all you fools are blindly supporting this right-wing puppet, he's dismantling environmental protections, screwing seniors w/ proposals that are gonna kill Medicare and Social Security, and NOT DOING ANYTHING to help our economy. And it's HIS economy....not Bill Clinton's....time for a new target you dumb right-wing fools.

I am pleased at how well the system worked. Natalie voiced her opinion and she asserted her right to do so as an American citizen. Good for her. Her fans also exercised their rights. They protested and boycotted her albums with such effectiveness that she realized her ignorance and disrespect was going to cost her some serious money. Good for them. This is one situation where the average American who has a son/daughter/mother/father/brother/sister serving in the military knows he/she has far more at stake than some prima donna celebrity who's biggest worry is what to wear to the Oscars or the Grammys. Americans resent such celebrities' anti-war opinions combined with their unique status generating influence far in excess of the number of people they represent or what they have to lose. Celebrities are just like every other American, they get one vote just like us. Anything else is cheating.

God Bless America
God Bless Our Troops

I love the Dixie Chicks - always have. However, as a military wife I am very disappointed is the comments they have made. Nobody likes war, least of all those who have to fight - and those of us who have to send our husbands (our children's fathers and in some cases our wives and children's mothers). Those serving in the military who have vowed to give their lives, if necessary, to protect the freedoms enjoyed by us all deserve nothing less than our full and complete support.

Whether or not you support the war (and whether our sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines do) our military and military familes bravely and selflessly make their sacrifices. Comments such as those made by Natalie Maines hurt those of us who are already burdened with the hardships that come with patriotic duty. We smile through our tears as we kiss our family members goodbye, knowing that kiss may be the last. We could use your support.

First, dispell the notion that all wars are wrong. Wars for liberty are never wrong, they are always right. The Iraqi families that have had a female relative tortured in one of Saddam's "rape rooms" and then received a video along with the dead body of their female relative know that this war is just. In 1932, the world appeased another brutal dictator and an estimated 20 million people died. In 2003, let's show the dictators of this world that they will be appeased no more. With Saddam removed, the hardliners in Iran will have to let the pro-democracy reforms of President Khatami move forward. In short order, one-half of the Middle East (Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey) could quickly become reprsentative democracies. For those of you that do not believe democracies can take hold in the MidEast, I would then accuse you of racism in that you must believe that "arabs" are too voilent a people to appreciate democracy. We should never forget that the first religious freedom law was instituted in Persia (Iran). As the son of a veteran and a war veteran myself, I can think of no greater cause to die for than to extend liberty to those that can truly appreciate it. Natalie Maines is just another uninformed, opinionated celebrity that shot off her mouth. The only difference here is that country music fans support this war and she forgot who her fans are (were). Natalie: It's not that your music made your famous, it's that people liking your music made you famous. Why doesn't Natalie read her apology to the President at every concert in Europe? Would go a long way to ending the boycotts and the protests at the Vichy Chicks first show in the US. Hoop!

Maines ought to sue her school district for failing to provide her with the education it takes to be a real American. If anyone ought to be ashamed, its Maines. She just let the cat out of the bag and showed off her ignorance for all the world to see. It may be American to have an opinion and voice it. It may be American to disagree. However, it is not American to embarrass your country and yourself and hurl insults at and about the President either at home or in foreign countries where you represent your conuntry. And no....I never did like their music anyway. So theres nothing to boycott.

It just goes to show how ignorant the anti-war folk are. Maines obviously doesn't understand the majority in this country and she obviously doesn't understand Iraq. If she knew the history of Iraq, Saddam, and the politics of the region she would have kept her mouth shut. Knowing a member of the United States Air Force Intelligence I can honestly say that not one of the anti-war protestors know what they are talking about, period, end of discussion. A message to Natalie, Grow up-- Bush is protecting your freedom, inaction only causes what happened on 9/11, would you like another 9/11?

I understand that Maines or Hollywood actor shouldn't be taken any more seriously than anyone else when it come to political opinions. But I feel the same way about all the right-wing AM radio commentators. What are their qualifications? Rush Limbaugh was a DJ. Big deal. Qualifications seem to matter little. What bothers the right about Hollywood disagreeing with them is just that. Hollywood disagrees with them.

Read the comments by Rebecca concerning our troops. I almost never respect the opinions in Hollywood, rarely respect the opinions of musical artists, only sometimes respect opinions of politicians, but I have NOTHING BUT respect for the troops that fight and face possible death in my stead. Comments and protests that are anti-Bush or anti-war at this point can only degrade the morale of a soldier faced with the possibility of war. I only pray that I never have to rely on any of you that seem to have no consideration for that respect you should have! Tell your husband THANK YOU Rebecca.

Ms Maines needs to take this as a serious lesson that she should think before she speaks. All celebrities need to understand they are role models for our nations children. Young girls dream of being just like her. Uneducated comments like the one she made about President Bush send a negative message to the kids who idolize here. Yes, all American's have the right to freedom of speech, but it would be best if people like her would stop and think about the kids who hang on their every word before they speak out in such a negative and hostile manner.

I have many friends all over the world (Norway, Sweden, UK, Canada, Estonia, Romania, etc) and many of them have expressed concerns with the war in Iraq in fact I would say all are opposed. For all of you who think all Americans should just get on board, whatever happened to the Freedom to think for ourselves and decided for ourselves instead of letting there be groupthink. As for you who think celebrities don't matter all they have are their pretty clothes and nice things, I suggest that you think about the many celebrities who can together after Sept 11 and gave benefit concerts etc. Just because you don't agree with a person doesn't mean their opinion is any less valuable and then trying to say their opinion is even less because of their occupation is silly. My suggestion to everyone is to read as much as you can, don't rely on one source for your information to form an opinion. Don't rely on our news channels who are out there to make a profit by sensationalizing the news. IF you want a really good read look for the book "Who Becomes a Terrorist and Why?"-a 1999 government study about profiling terrorist by Rex A. Hudson (government researcher).

AS for the Dixie Chicks. I respect them and I love there music. I was not offended by her statement because she has every right to express her opinion just as every other none war supporter. Just because I don't support a war doesn't mean I am anti-american or is Natalie. It means I don't think violence is an answer. Look at the Israel/Palestine conflict. Israel continues to use force and the violence continues to increase. I will leave those of you who are still reading my comment with a quote I saw once. . . ."The best way to defeat your enemy is to make them your friend"

Ryan:

Your response to my post was touching. I'll pass your thank-you on to my husband when I hear from him. I sincerely hope everyone, in support of the war or not, will keep our military in their prayers.

~Rebecca

Rebecca's comments ....."Those serving in the military who have vowed to give their lives, if necessary, to
protect the freedoms enjoyed by us all deserve nothing less than our full and complete support.

Whether or not you support the war (and whether our sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines do) our military and military families bravely and selflessly make their sacrifices. Comments such
as those made by Natalie Maines hurt those of us who are already burdened with the hardships that come with patriotic duty. We smile through our tears as we kiss our family members
goodbye, knowing that kiss may be the last. We could use your support."...

I am one of those Mother's, Sisters, and Daughters who has been there. I agree with Rebecca. I spent over 20 years in the Army, and music helped me survive those hardships Rebecca addressed.
It breaks my heart every time I think of (and hear) "Traveling Soldier," now I can't help but think of Jane Fonda when I hear it.
Soldiers are the ones who want peace most of all. We are the ones who fight the "big man's" war for him, and at the same time respect him for what he stands for, as well as the office he represents.

Thank God for those artists who truly know and show what it's really like, from the perspective of the military. The trials and tribulations of the soldier and their families during combat are just
as hard (if not harder) than the ones that the Dixie Chicks endured on the way to their fame and fortune.

Good luck to all our troops, and God Speed. Their families patiently await their safe return.

Thank god there are still people in the public eye willing to speak up about this president's insane obsession with going to war. Natalie is a model American in my book: brave, outspoken, and able to think for herself!

What have all our brave soldiers fought so hard for, even died for all these years? Freedom. Freedom to choose my own religion, my place of employment, freedom to do and SAY and EXPRESS what I am feeling. You can disagree with what Natalie said. But by radio stations banning the Dixie Chicks, you are denying a basic right as written in our Constitution. The issue is not whether you approve of this war or any other for that matter. If a person can't express his or her views on ANYTHING...whats to fight for.

As the saying goes, there's a time for everything, even war. However, the majority of the world (we are part of a bigger picture you know) is against this war of OURS. Most people ignore the fact that we were bed-fellows with Iraq when we were having trouble with Iran. Oh, how soon we forget.
We can support troops, however that doesn't necessarily mean that we have to support the war that they're going to fight. Allot of people are confusing SUPPORT with RESPECT. You can respect someone without having to support whatever cause they are behind. Everyone who is in the military signed up to be in it; the risks and dangers come along with the honors and the prestige. You can't have one without the other. But no one will tell me who I should support or honor; that is a decision that I will make of my own accords. As a police officer, I fight for everyone's liberties and freedom on a daily basis. But it was my choice to become an officer. Other than my fellow officers, no one is obligated to me; for the harsh truth is if I wern't there, there would only be someone else to take my place. I don't expect people to support my everything. I do expect to receive respect however.

WOW reminds me of a two faced girl in high school who always did what the CROWD was doing, what a lame excuse, frankly Im ashamed they are from TEXAS and that I ever supported them!
NOT MUCH OF A ROLE MODEL!

let me put it to all you ignorant ass liberals like this, We live in the greatest country in the world and not because of you panzy ass pussies who cant decide what freedom is, freedom isn't just shooting your mouth off about our great Country and President and endangering our great Soldiers with your idealistic nonsense, try making a contribution besides bullshit statement like that spoiled little debutant natalie maines, who has profited by the free market and proud standards of the United States and what we stand for , tell here to go live in a dictatorial country for a day and have some freedom of speech , she wouldn't last she is just ignorant to the sacrafices that real Americans have made to let her be a disgrace to our Freedom. Hey maybe ya'll panzies should go get jobs and make your contribution instead of walking around all day and protesting, maybe ya'll should learn how to apologize to all those people in Iraq who where tortured by the sadam regime. Get the facts losers and quit bellyaching.

Hey natalie maines , isn't it ashamed that all you can contribute to the Freedom of Iraq and the Support of your nation is some ignorant comments that make you look completely inintellegable. You are by definition a complete idiot and I am ashamed that your ignorant ass is from Texas. Hey and why don't your dixie chick self take your self to one of those third world dictatorial oppressed countries like Iraq and find out what it was like to be a political prisoner and your right oppressed like those people while sadam lived like a king and tortured anyone with a private thought and as far as women go i don't think you would have probably appreciated being over there where sadams perverted son's made sport of women at there whims, do you research next time idiot instead of just jumping on the band wagon.

Hey natalie maines , isn't it ashamed that all you can contribute to the Freedom of Iraq and the Support of your nation is some ignorant comments that make you look completely inintellegable. You are by definition a complete idiot and I am ashamed that your ignorant ass is from Texas. Hey and why don't your dixie chick self take your self to one of those third world dictatorial oppressed countries like Iraq and find out what it was like to be a political prisoner and your right oppressed like those people while sadam lived like a king and tortured anyone with a private thought and as far as women go i don't think you would have probably appreciated being over there where sadams perverted son's made sport of women at there whims, do you research next time idiot instead of just jumping on the band wagon.

Whats really sad about all this is the ignorance that gets shown in forums such as this? Maybe if we took a quarter of the billions and billions of dollars that we are putting into tearing down another country and used it to educate our own people, we woul have an understanding that democracy depends upon differing opinions and further that by not playing the chicks music on radio stations, they are no longer allowing free speech. Instead this is a corporation making a decision for the people. The people who do support the chicks and their music are not allowed to hear their music on the radio and by removing their music from their playlists, they are sending the (wrong) message that the American public no longer wishes to listen to their music because the lead singer exercised her freedom of expression. The album debuting at number one and being wildly successful should be enough testimony that the people wish to hear it. No one will argue whether or not the radio stations or the people have the right to not play or not listen to their music. But when free expression turns into an attempt to silence, when the chicks are told to "shut up" then are'nt we telling them they don't have the same rights in which we are willing to go to war to provide for the Iraqis?

Amen, Jack!!! Is this country not composed of freedom of speech? Is that not one of our rights? Can we not focus on some silly little comment that was made and possibly place our attention on more important things? I'm sure every one out there has said at one time or another, something they wish they hadn't said. Big deal, she disagrees with the president. So do a lot of other people who just haven't had the guts to say so on tv. Give her a break. She's human. Don't punish her music career due to one silly comment. She has the right to feel the way she does, and so does everyone else!!! Go Natalie!!

Someone's true colors huh? Actually I believe this showed America's true colors in the fact that people are so ignorant as to burn their CDs.
In the words of my favorite singer, Ani Difranco, "he may be your president, but he's not mine." The dixie chicks are now ranked highly in my mind!

The dixie chicks like everyone else in America is free to express their views - however, I feel they have embarrassed America by making statements about the President OUTSIDE of the USA.

Well I have read most of the postings on this page, and I can only say one thing... Go 1st amendment! But seriously, all of you who keep spouting off about 9/11, get over yourselves. This war is about American interests(OIL) and a vendetta against a tyrannical dictator. I support our troops 100%, but I DO NOT support the government that deployed them. I agree with the war, but I do not agree with the rhetoric. I have never liked the Bush family, (George and GW), and the cabinet he surrounded himself with in this war (with the exception of Condoleeza Rice) are incompetant morons. I believe Natalie and her band are entitled to whatever opinion they wish to voice, against any person they choose, at any time. People who were embarrased by the comments that Natalie made are more then welcome to boycott the PURCHASE of their music. But please be considerate of others who don't share your narrowed views. Because the last thing this country needs is everyone imitating our Neo Christian, Country Bumpkin, jackass of a President.

SEMPER FI

I am not a red-neck, nor do I drive a pickup or even listen to their music but I am an AMERICAN and do not feel her apology was meaningful. Freedom of speech is your right, but nobody ever said you would not be criticized for it.

I am not a red-neck, nor do I drive a pickup or even listen to their music but I am an AMERICAN and do not feel her apology was unmeaningful. Freedom of speech is your right, but nobody ever said you would not be criticized for it.

I am not a red-neck, nor do I drive a pickup or even listen to their music but I am an AMERICAN and do not feel her apology was unmeaningful. Freedom of speech is your right, but nobody ever said you would not be criticized for it.

I am not a red-neck, nor do I drive a pickup or even listen to their music but I am an AMERICAN and do not feel her apology was unmeaningful. Freedom of speech is your right, but nobody ever said you would not be criticized for it.

"The Dixie Chicks typify the silliness of celebrities who believe their political views hold water and influence due to their talent."
--Rich

If celebrity policital views don't hold water, then what's all the fuss about?

I agree wholeheartedly with hick chick.