It is one thing to have an opinion. It is another to lead an anti-American crowd in cheering against one's own country in a time of crisis. To bring the state of Texas into it is unforgiveable. No one admires President Bush more than the people of his own state, where he served as an excellent governor and where we believe him to be a very fine human being. We have let Ms. Maines know how we feel about her, and we would like you to know as well. If we are ashamed, it is of Natalie Maines.
Nancy Sinclair
It seems certain Americans (Dixie Chicks) in the entertainment industry are taking the low and popular road by disrespecting the Elected Leader of our United States on foreign soil. "I am embarrassed that our President comes from Texas" - the quote attributed to the Chicks lead singer has angered many in our country. Her comment provides aid and comfort to a man who has killed countless Middle Easterners including the Kurds who reside within the Borders of Iraq... It amazes this American how the wrong has become right, how evil has become good, how the murderer is now portrayed as the poor victim. ...Please pass my warmest regards to the Dixie Chicks. Tell them that we applaud their freedom to say anything they wish to say. Let them know that millions of their former fans are expressing their feelings as well by demanding that radio stations bypass their songs and that their sponsors cut off their millions of dollars or lose the business of the Americans who buy their products.
Barry Martin, Virginia, US
Have you ever shot your mouth off and wished you could take back what you said? I have, and I'm a 56-year-old female from a very stable conservative lifestyle. I mention my age and gender because I believe I have a perspective to offer. We are all empassioned Americans about the impending war. We've listened with fervor to every possible take of should we or shouldn't we go into Iraq. We've debated, argued and soul searched over the agonizing possibilities. At first, I was taken aback with Natalie's remark. Her mistake was making it outside of our borders. However, it is nothing that hasn't been said across the board on our turf and outside our turf, just listen to the United nations right or wrong. She has apologized and I believe in good faith and dignity.
Cheri Landers
The following two statements have been published on the Dixie Chicks' official website.
Statement from Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, March 14, 2003
As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."
Statement from the Dixie Chicks with respect to statements being reported in the British media, March 12, 2003
We've been overseas for several weeks and have been reading and following the news accounts of our governments' position. The anti-American sentiment that has unfolded here is astounding. While we support our troops, there is nothing more frightening than the notion of going to war with Iraq and the prospect of all the innocent lives that will be lost." Maines further stated, "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the US and alienating the rest of the world. My comments were made in frustration and one of the privileges of being an American is you are free to voice your own point of view.
