So it looks like this Dixie Chick thing I wrote about has people talking. Here’s an interesting video Jan sent me about a documentary on this whole subject:
Protesting the Dixie Chicks
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Tag Archives: george bush
Grammy Vindication for the Dixie Chicks
It seems like such a short time ago when those of us who have been criticizing the Bush Administration were at best lonely, but at worse, branded as traitors in a time when our country needed everyone to blindly follow the President over the ledge. Last night at the Grammys I was reminded how much company we have these days.
It was March 10,2003 when Natalie Maines said: 
“Just so you know, we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” The resulting firestorm of criticism included the Chicks being branded traitors, for radio stations to ban their records, and for them to have a target branded to their collective forehead. Their CD sales plummeted. Concert appearances were postponed or canceled outright. And those that would choose to criticize a President, whether it was deserved or not, found out what could happen when zealots turn the tide against you.
What a difference a few years can make.
On May 23, 2006 the Dixie Chicks’ next CD Taking The Long Way
the House. The search for the weapons of mass destruction, had long been abandoned under the acknowledgment that they would likely never be fan, and probably never even existed.
Now everyone is a Bush critic. Complaining, protesting and criticizing is only dangerous if you get trampled in the crowd of people that are rushing to do the same.
But those of us who have been complaining since the Shrub stole an election in November 2000, and have not let up since, had to smile Sunday night when Don Henley pumped his fist and then announced that the Dixie Chicks had won the Record of the Year. Yes it’s only the Grammys, but it wouldn’t have happened 3 years ago. To see these 3 women have their moment in the sun so publicly served as sweet, sweet vindication. A huge, flying “Fuck you” to those that abandoned them and criticized them just a short while ago.
People have forgotten they ever voted for Bush much less criticize his opponents. They were against the administration the entire time. But we know better. One would hope that this entire situation would serve as some sort of lesson. But it won’t. The next time will be just like this time, but vindication probably won’t come so quickly. It will probably be like it was for those blacklisted in the fifties – with vindication coming after they had passed.
But for this time, for all of us that were steadfast, I have this to say:
We told you so.
Assorted: Nancy Grace, George Bush, and Philly smoking ban
A few things to discuss
Nancy dis-Grace
I can’t tell you how much I hate Nancy Grace – from her righteousness to her focus on pretty, white, blonde victims, she is just awful.
This week she’s gone too far in injecting herself into an open investigation, spurring the suicide of a main subject, and then denying that she had any impact. She believes that guilt caused the woman to kill herself. That may well be, but what proof does Grace have? Is it such a stretch to think that she was so distraught that after the grilling by Grace and the police, she couldn’t take it anymore?
She disgusts me.
This week in Dubya
Republicans aren’t backing him. Colin Powell has come out against him. The Bush Terror plan seems like a non-starter. It seems that in response to being shut down by the Supreme Court that instead of playing by the rules that the axis of evil – Bush, Karl Rove, and Dick Cheney want to change the rules. Kudos to Powell who said in response to proposed changes to the Geneva Convention: “The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article Three would add to those doubts.”
Philadelphia enters the 21st century
Finally Philadelphia has enacted a ban on workplace smoking that will extend to most bars and restaurants. While some bars will be exempt, it will make for a much more pleasant experience for those of us that don’t smoke. It will be interesting to see how this new law will be enforced.
What George Bush has given us
I figured this might be a fun excercise and a way to get people to comment. So here’s the question, in your own words tell me what George Bush and his administration has given this country. It can be positive, negative, funny – whatever you want.
Be creative. Think outside that proverbial box.
Come back and look every once in awhile – and then vote this November. Here are a few to get you started
Before George Bush was elected:
- 1,836 people were still alive and living in New Orleans
- FEMA was a functioning and effective entity
- The cost of healthcare was killing most families – and it still is
- Michael Brown was Judges and Stewards Commissioner for the International Arabian Horse Association
That’s enough from me. Join in.
Hurricane Katrina: One year later
I have to admit that I have allowed Katrina to slip my mind. I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t followed the situation the way I wanted to. I sit here in my suburban malaise thankful for what I have, but not having thought about the people from New Orleans the way I should have.
I’ve forgotten the dead bodies. The bungling of the response. The lies from our elected officials. The apparent disregard for those of us that are Continue reading
Staying close to home
As with everyone, I woke up yesterday to the shocking news of the airline terrorist plot out of the UK. Throughout the day we then began to hear from all the experts and the true depth of the plot. The scope of this plan is frightening and makes me think twice about taking a plane anytime soon, but not because I’m afraid – I accept the fact that there is some inherent danger, but because it was already inconvenient enough.
An article on CNN has comments from experts as to what needs to be done in the U.S.
Bomb experts and troubleshooters for airline security interviewed by The Associated Press said mobile phones, computers, wrist watches or anything else with a battery should be prohibited from flights.
Nothing with a battery? OK – I don’t have a watch that doesn’t use a battery. Would I leave my cell phone at home? Imagine the flight to Hawaii without your iPod. What do I do with my car keys? They use a battery. Finally is anyone going to check their laptop instead of carrying it on? I understand that safety is paramount, but at what point does it stop? Continue reading
Is it just me or…
Does this picture look like Condoleezza took a picture by a George Bush cut out?
