Choking The Chicks

2 Pages 408 Words

Choking The Chicks


“Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas”
It was these fifteen words spoken by Dixie Chicks’ singer Natalie Maines that rekindled the controversy of our Constitution’s first amendment. Although these words were probably never meant to leave the concert hall, “there is no containing a controversial comment once it hits the internet and talk radio.” (http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/952348.asp?0sl=-12&cp1=1#BODY ) Maines’ comment was quickly followed by an onslaught of criticism and the removal of the top band’s songs from radio play lists. One of the freedoms I value as an American is that of free speech. With this my mind raises the following question: Are we no longer allowed to voice our opinions of how we truly feel about our government? This is not to say that Natalie’s comments were appropriate in that setting, but none-the-less many would say that her opinion should be respected.
What is happening to America, if we cannot exercise our civil liberties and speak out when we disagree with our government? In my view, not the media’s, I believe this is what is happening. Many have stood out and said they will not support the Dixie Chicks anymore. That is not stifling their freedoms. That is a freedom, a freedom that many do not seem to understand. If I choose not to buy their music, watch concerts, or agree with them, I am somehow made out to be taking away their rights. On that note, Should radio stations be able to blacklist artists that liberally speak views that counter public opinion?
The Constitution of the United States clearly declares that “Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech…” It does not impose any obligations on radio stations as they are not government entities. It is not constitutionally guaranteed for artists to have their music played on the radio. We are also granted the freedom of expres...