Remember the controversy back in 2003 when Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks made the following statement?

Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.

It caused quite a furor, so much so that even the President was asked about it in an interview with Tom Brokaw. Here was his reasoned reply:

The Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind. They can say what they want to say … they shouldn’t have their feelings hurt just because some people don’t want to buy their records when they speak out … Freedom is a two-way street … I don’t really care what the Dixie Chicks said. I want to do what I think is right for the American people, and if some singers or Hollywood stars feel like speaking out, that’s fine. That’s the great thing about America. It stands in stark contrast to Iraq…

The group took a hit professionally for a period of time but as is the case in America, there are those who support all sides of any issue and with their support and self determination the group regained their popularity.

It seems to me that injecting politics into entertainment is rather foolish but many do it. Perhaps they find it a good marketing tool. Well, it appears the Dixie Chicks were not quite finished back in 2003 as they released another song with political undertones in 2006:

On March 16, 2006, Dixie Chicks released the single “Not Ready to Make Nice” in advance of their upcoming album. Written by all three Chicks alongside Dan Wilson, it directly addressed the political controversy that had surrounded the group for the past three years:

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and I don’t have time to go ’round and ’round and ’round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

and, in criticism of the death threats the women (particularly Maines) received,

It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better
Shut up and sing or my life will be over

It’s unthinkable that someone would threaten another’s life over a statement with which they disagree. Where exactly would we be without the freedom of speech?

Far more preferable would be a response such as this one from Marine Cpl. David Thibodeaux:

Some have said this is a smack down of the Dixie Chicks. I disagree. The Corporal will never achieve the fame, fortune and name recognition of this group. One video will not destroy years of a fan base, recording contracts and Grammy Awards.

No, I believe this Marine is speaking for himself and those like him who have sworn to defend the rights we all cherish. Just another well reasoned reply.