The Dixie Chicks

The Dixie Chicks were on the Ellen show last week playing their predictable mix of "poor us" and "posterchildren for the First Amendment." While I love their music, I find the Dixie Chicks annoying.

First, they pander. They first pandered to the audience in Great Britain by making "The Comment." Then they pandered to their American audience by apologizing for "The Comment." Then they pandered to perceived anti-Bush sentiment by unapologizing for "The Comment." Then, they pander to their newer, smaller anti-Bush audience by making even more silly remarks.

Second, they think they're smart. You're talented musicians Chicks, but experts on geo-politics you're not. Remember when you dressed up like Hee-Haw and played on the streets of Dallas? You were good at that. Focus on where your gifts are. If you do want to remark on world policy and issues, say something smart - not The Comment.

Third, they think they're martyrs. The Comment was not brave. The Comment was not original. It was the obvious and easiest thing to say before they're audience. Conversely, I would argue that it would have taken real courage to actually stand up to the British audience not just pander to it. You took the easy way out Chicks, and it cost you.

My beef really lies with this final point: those like the Dixie Chicks, Ellen and other Establishment types who would want to deny the freedom of speech of others. Sure, they're championing the Chicks for their freedom of speech but wish to criticize others - like the country audience - for exercising its speech by not buying records or concert tickets. The latter's freedom is just as valid as the Chicks'. If you speak out, but prepared to suffer the consequences ... this is another classic Big Left double standard: we support free speech as long as it agrees with us.

I still love the Dixie Chicks' music; I may even buy the new album. While I think The Comment was easy and irresponsible, I support their "right" to say it (folks, freedom of speech and the IA involve the government quelching speech ... this never was a IA issue). I also support others' rights not to buy their stuff.