Freedom of speech wins over hate radio in USA

Following the example of Rush Limbaugh, numerous small time radio personalities have resorted to "hate radio" in an effort to build their ratings and to gain publicity. These "hate mongers" thought that the Dixie Chicks were an easy target, when the Texas trio's lead singer Natalie Maines said out loud what many Americans have silently thought: that she was ashamed that President Bush hails from Texas.

The radio hate jockeys finally found a subject that caused their phones to ring and that provided them some news attention. Reminiscent of Hitler's methods of burning books in the 1940's, they had "Chicks C.D. destruction" events. They vowed to bury the Chicks.

The "Chicks" took a lot of heat, even to the point that Natalie Maines' aged mother in a nursing home in Lubbock started getting death threats. The Chicks apologized, but continued to emphasize that "freedom of speech" was their first priority.

Many actors and celebrities began to fear that they could no longer speak their view points in America, afraid that they might see their careers destroyed by the "hate radio" boys and the obsessive compulsive right wing radicals who hoped to "stampede" major media and corporate leaders into canceling contracts with stars that opposed this administration.

Yesterday was a real test for freedom of speech in America. It was also a measure of the real power (or lack thereof) of "hate radio" in America. In Greenville, S.C., the Chicks kicked off their first tour since the London comment criticizing Bush.

A handful of "anti-Chicks" people showed up with signs and were surprised to see even more people with "pro-Chicks" signs, and signs calling for "freedom of speech", "we love the Chicks" and "peace". Natalie Maines faced the opposition directly, wearing a T-Shirt saying "Dare to be Free", and then welcomed anyone that didn't like them to exercise "freedom of speech" by allowing them to "boo". With that she won the audience. The sold out 16,000 seat Bi-Lo Center roared with cheers and support. The concert was a huge kick off success for the group.

The Chicks won a victory for Americans and people all over the world, who believe in freedom of expression last night. They showed how little power the "hate radio" boys have, and restored confidence that America does have one overwhelming unique quality. Our people will not be intimidated into silence. Our most basic right is the freedom of speech and the freedom to disagree. That is what makes our nation great!

Thanks Dixie Chicks.