Willie Nelson: The Dixie Chicks “Got A Raw Deal”...

[CatWoman]

NEW YORK (AP) - Willie Nelson says the Dixie Chicks "got a raw deal" from a disapproving public following their criticism of President Bush.

"I think the fact that they were overseas and onstage had a little bit to do with it because you're speaking to other people about our business," the 73-year-old country crooner said in an interview in this week's Time magazine.

The trio caught harsh criticism after lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience in 2003 that the group was "ashamed" Bush was from their home state of Texas.

Nelson said he was surprised his remarks about Bush a year earlier during an overseas news conference didn't incite a similar controversy.

"I said 'He's not from Texas and he ain't a cowboy, so let's stop trashin' Texans and cowboys.' It got a little chuckle, but I didn't get run out of the country," Nelson told the magazine.

Nelson recently launched his own XM Radio channel and published "The Tao of Willie," in which he offers his philosophy on subjects ranging from marijuana to war.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060730/D8J6GCR80.html

[WillyT]

1. Hey Cat !!! - How Ya Doin ???

How's the weather down your way?

And have you heard from Terwilliger lately? How's he doin?

:bounce::loveya::bounce:

[CatWoman]

3. It rained last night

very hard, and we needed it!!

:hi:

[MADem]

2. Should be a bumper sticker for all cars with Texas plates!!!

'He's not from Texas and he ain't a cowboy, so let's stop trashin' Texans and cowboys!'

[StellaBlue]

4. We've been telling people this for like ten years now.

But no one will listen. Even on DU.

[MADem]

5. I hear you. I know many lovely Texans, and Monkey is not one of them

...because he's not a Texan.

Those of us from New England are grateful, though, that you have carried our shame for us all these years.

[TMA1]

6. hmm

Hmm I think it is sad that the Dixie Chicks get such a bad wrap. Maybe if their music was actually palatable, I would actually care. sorry, that was mean.

[Skittles]

8. not mean, just tignorant

I do not care for their music either but you should very much care when our right to free speech is trampled

[TMA1]

16. Just Kidding :)

I was kidding skittles, maybe I was being a bit too much of a smartass there though.lol :)

[tanyev]

9. Hmmm I think their music is outstanding.

Welcome to DU.

[B Calm]

10. Have you heard their song Travelling Soldier?

[mvd]

11. Their music is great

Their albums are all masterpieces. I went to their recent concert in Philly, and let me tell you, it was a soul-enriching experience. And the crowd went wild before they did "Not Ready To Make Nice."

[progressivebydesign]

13. Have you really listened to their new CD? It's different..

It's really a cool kind of an Americanan vibe... Kinda Steve Earle, John Mellencamp, etc. they have some of the Tom Petty band for their band on this. Keb Mo plays on one song, as does John Mayer. It's an addictive CD for non-country fans.. as well as country fans.

[2bfree]

14. There music is great!

There are a lot of people who agree with me too.

Welcome to DU!

[TlalocW]

7. Raw deal?

I would say that they actually benefited from it - record sales, sold-out concerts, etc. even though the mainstream media, Nashville, radio stations, and freep-heads did everything they could to bury them.

Whenever these boycotts from conservatives occur, I always remember an old Bloom County cartoon involving Otis Oracle, a character from the beginning that didn't stick around long. He was the branch head of Bloom Country's local Moral Majority, and he wanted to have a book burning so he and his followers went to a local music store to buy albums to burn.

In one strip, Otis had brought a record up to the counter and asked a mohawk-haired clerk about it. It went something like...

"Excuse me, son. This Blondie woman. Is she laden with moral turptitude?"
"Turptitude?"
"Yes, lascivousness and sinfulness."
"I don't know, man, but she sure is one wicked chick!"
"Super! We'll take 30 dozen!"

TlalocW

[mvd]

12. It was worse than a raw deal, but good for Willie

I just read a book called "Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music," and it left me with no doubt that the Dixie Chicks would have said the same thing anywhere. It was meant to be lighthearted, though they really did feel that way. And there were many people from Texas in the audience.

Hi, CatWoman! :hi:

[Hissyspit]

15. kick