Loyality questioned in Dixie Chicks doc

In their documentary, Shut Up and Sing, the Dixie Chicks tell the world how the country music establishment boycotted them. It started in 2003 when the lead singer Natalie Maines told an audience in London (the other London) that she was “ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”

At the time, President Bush was ready to launch the American invasion of Iraq. Americans, particularly country-music-loving Americans it seems, can be religiously loyal to their president. On the web site, Democracy Now!, one can read that fans of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Jay Z, Missy Elliot, Sheryl Crow, Barbara Streisand and others don't take exception to their public statements against the war.

The Dixie Chicks, on the other hand, continue to pay a high price for Maines' remark. Even though they received five Grammy awards this year, according to Democracy Now! you won't find their songs on American country stations.

Canadian country stations and fans have been kinder. Near the end of Shut Up we hear the band talk about building a new fan base, especially in Canada.

Commentators are quick to point out that this is a story about free speech. Even President Bush, when he appears in the documentary, sympathizes with the plight of the Chicks and their right to speak freely.

But the story is also about blind loyalty, or loyalty that's at least near-sighted. Loyalty to a leader who can do no wrong simply because he is the duly elected leader. Loyalty to a military establishment that is the pride of the country, and loyalty to courageous young people willing to put their lives on the line for causes defined by the president and his military advisors.

To be continued next week...

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