Posted by Dan Ewert : 4/01/2003 11:40:00 PM (Archive Link)
Speaking of music stars, the Dixie Chicks got props from none other than Al Gore himself. This falls under the category of “Don’t Do Me No Favors,” as Gore’s endorsement is unlikely to help the Chicks’ image with country music fans. Concerning lead singer Natalie Maines’s comment during a London concert that she’s ashamed Bush is from Texas, Gore had this to say:

“They were made to feel un-American and risked economic retaliation because of what was said. Our democracy has taken a hit. Our best protection is free and open debate.”

This is another example of how “can’t” and “shouldn’t” get mixed up in the liberal mind. Not a soul has said that Maines can’t say what she wants or can’t be ashamed of the president’s Texas roots. As far as anybody is concerned, she can yell it all over the country. However, she probably shouldn’t say it for economic reasons. The “economic retaliation” Al speaks of is nothing more than the Chicks’ fan base talking with their pocketbooks and telling Maines to stick it. It’s about as democratic as you can get when the individual common citizen is able voice their displeasure. If you’re going to say something controversial or something that people won’t like, don’t get all surprised and upset when there’s controversy and people don’t like it. Actions have consequences and if you aren’t prepared to accept those consequences, then don’t commit the act.