My Dixie Chicks Mindless Rant

[Axenos]

Opinions typically have a basis in fact or reason.



So you concede that your opinion is without fact. Good, those us of who support free speech everywhere in the world can dismiss it as superstition.

A basis in fact or reason-- responded to by mention of psychological profile and life story, which we neither have time for nor would I wish to type.

I realize you're attempting to be clever and witty, but unfortunately you failed, and actually appear pedantic.

However, I appreciate your interest.

Edit: As a side note, I just saw your response to Katana... I have never stated that my opinion was political in nature, but it seems to me that you would like it to be. And --surprise-- it's not.

 

[Katana]

The fact that I get a stiffy when they're around, speaking hypothetically of course.

But this is a red herring, opinions like personal tastes are very different from political opinions.

What Axenos is saying almost seems like an issue of taste (or tastefulness), if you will. He's making what amounts to a value judgment. People are free to disagree with him, but I don't think that it's the kind of argument that is advanced through evidence.

Then, again, that's just my opinion. Feel free to disagree.

 

[Tony]

A basis in fact or reason-- responded to by mention of psychological profile and life story, which we neither have time for nor would I wish to type.

So you base it on your values. How long have you been anti-free speech? Why does it matter what political boundaries someone is in when they criticize the president?

Edit: As a side note, I just saw your response to Katana... I have never stated that my opinion was political in nature

Not explicitly no, but the fact that you equate criticizing the president with criticizing the country reveals much about the basis of your position.

 

[bob_kark]

Sorry, bob, had a bit of work to do for a sec.

I wouldn't have cared a bit if it went around the world (as of course it was bound to) as long as it was said on American soil.

We can't stop the media, it's global today. It's just a matter of respect for your country or countrymen.

I once dated a British girl. She asked me if we moved to England and were attacked by the US who I would fight for. She used to ask bizarre questions like that all the time, but that's another story.

Anyway, I instantly answered England. Why? Because if we moved there, then that would be my home. And that is where my allegiance would lie... to my home. And you simply do not disrespect your home.

Not a great analogy, but close. So it goes to the laundry on the porch analogy. You hate your wife? Fine. But don't head to your neighbors front lawn and proclaim it to the world. Have the courage and respect to do it from your own lawn.

I fully understand your point about the importance of having allegiance to your country. However, I don't believe criticizing your government violates that allegiance. Unfortunately, I believe that your analogy about proclaiming your hatred for your wife falls flat as well since their statements still would have been broadcast around the world even if they had made their statements on US soil.

I know this is simply your opinion, however I'd like you to look at the validity of your statements. Whether or not it occurs on US soil, it is still a very public statement that would reach the entire world. As a result, would you agree that the matter of where they make this statement if rather trivial by comparison?

 

[Tony]

What Axenos is saying almost seems like an issue of taste (or tastefulness), if you will.

I can see how it can be a matter of taste, but it's silly that speech magically becomes taste-less when someone crosses a political boundary. If it's wrong to criticize the president in Britain, why is it ok to criticize the president in the USA?

 

[Katana]

I can see how it can be a matter of taste, but it's silly that speech magically becomes taste-less when someone crosses a political boundary. If it's wrong to criticize the president in Britain, than it's wrong to criticize the president in the USA.

Perhaps, but any less silly than asking for evidence to support that view?

 

[bob_kark]

So you base it on your values. How long have you been anti-free speech? Why does it matter what political boundaries someone is in when they criticize the president?

To be fair, you can think Fred Phelps' protests at funerals are despicable but still support free speech.

 

[Sally]

While I do agree with the freedom of speech arguments and that we have the right to speak our mind about our country outside of its boarders I do think location has a bit of relevance to this particular case.

Making the statement in front of a London crowd is going to garner a much different immediate reaction than if the Chicks made the comment in a Dallas, TX arena. There was a bit of cowardliness in my humble opinion in making the initial statement in a safe environment. At the same time I do think the subsequent actions of the Dixie Chicks have made up for the initial out of the country cowardliness of it.

 

[Tony]

Perhaps, but any less silly than asking for evidence to support that view?

No really, I'm trying to find out if something that is seemingly nonsensical actually makes sense before I reject it outright.

 

[Bill Thompson]

I am glad my post is getting some conversation.

I also appreciate reading alternative views. If I didn’t, I would not have come here.

I trust changing one’s opinion is allowed. As they say, a mind is like a parachute. It only works if it is open.

I think these women only said what they said so that Europeans would like them. And I have heard them change their story based on the climate they are in and how they see they can capitalize on the exposure.

So I no longer think people should not buy their CD’s just because of what they had said. Now I think people should not buy their CD’s because they are being dishonest and manipulative.

 

[Sally]

Bill welcome to the USA entertainment industry and here we do not call it dishonest and manipulative we call it marketing.

Edit:

I also believe the woman do stand behind there ideals while they are finding a way to market them to the American public. If they strictly wanted to capitalize on the exposure as you stated they would have been better off not making the statement at all. Or crawling back to the country community: apologizing and making a patriotic album. Both those cases I would submit would have led to more sales of their album than the route they decided to take.

 

[bob_kark]

I am glad my post is getting some conversation.

I also appreciate reading alternative views. If I didn’t, I would not have come here.

I trust changing one’s opinion is allowed. As they say, a mind is like a parachute. It only works if it is open.

I think these women only said what they said so that Europeans would like them. And I have heard them change their story based on the climate they are in and how they see they can capitalize on the exposure.

So I no longer think people should not buy their CD’s just because of what they had said. Now I think people should not buy their CD’s because they are being dishonest and manipulative.

You're welcome to your opinion. However, this is an accusation. Do you have any proof of your claim?

 

[Axenos]

So you base it on your values. How long have you been anti-free speech? Why does it matter what political boundaries someone is in when they criticize the president?

Please show me in any of my posts where I have been explicitly anti free speech. I have stated a couple of times already that free speech is indeed a right granted by the constitution. You are desperately trying to manipulate my viewpoint to advance your own but it will not work.

To answer the second point, reread my posts. Reading is fundamental.[/QUOTE]

Not explicitly no, but the fact that you equate criticizing the president with criticizing the country reveals much about the basis of your position.

What? Are you reading some other posts somewhere? Man, it's a matter of respect and honor for the country of your citizenship. Period.

I have to ask... Have you ever served in the military?

 

[Tony]

So I no longer think people should not buy their CD’s just because of what they had said. Now I think people should not buy their CD’s because they are being dishonest and manipulative.[/FONT]

You're forgetting the most important reason why people should not by their CD's: their music blows goat.

 

[bob_kark]

You're forgetting the most important reason why people should not by their CD's: their music blows goat.

When has that ever stopped anyone?

 

[Axenos]

As a result, would you agree that the matter of where they make this statement if rather trivial by comparison?

It's not trivial to me. It's (and I'm getting sick of typing this) about respect for your country of citizenship.

 

[Axenos]

To be fair, you can think Fred Phelps' protests at funerals are despicable but still support free speech.

Damn good observation and very much what I mean. Phelp's group has the right to do that. It's in poor judgement and taste, but it's still a protected right. I think that guy and his group are scumbag nutcases and if I ever get the chance I'll beat him into a fine mulch but that's another story.

 

[Axenos]

While I do agree with the freedom of speech arguments and that we have the right to speak our mind about our country outside of its boarders I do think location has a bit of relevance to this particular case.

Making the statement in front of a London crowd is going to garner a much different immediate reaction than if the Chicks made the comment in a Dallas, TX arena. There was a bit of cowardliness in my humble opinion in making the initial statement in a safe environment. At the same time I do think the subsequent actions of the Dixie Chicks have made up for the initial out of the country cowardliness of it.

Yet another good point Sally. I thought about that exact same thing while driving home, although I disagree about subsequent actions.

 

[bob_kark]

It's not trivial to me. It's (and I'm getting sick of typing this) about respect for your country of citizenship.

I realize that. My question is, what difference is the point of origin if they're being "disrespectful" in front of a world audience?

 

[Axenos]

You're forgetting the most important reason why people should not by their CD's: their music blows goat.

At last, Tony, we agree.