Gore defends the Dixie Half-Wits:
The Dixie Chicks controversy continues with the trio getting some support from former Vice President Al Gore. Gore spoke to a college audience last week on the subject of fewer companies owning more media outlets, and what he sees as the increasing lack of tolerance for opposing views. According to the Tennessean, Gore used recent attacks on the Dixie Chicks that followed anti-war comments by Natalie Maines as an example. Gore told the audience, “They were made to feel un-American and risked economic retaliation because of what was said. Our democracy has taken a hit. Our best protection is free and open debate.” [Yahoo Launch]
So “free and open debate” is only permissible for those who support anti-American causes, but not for those who oppose them? Excuse me, Mr. Gore, but this isn’t Cuba.
Dollar: Faith Hill Supports Troops
Compare the bile of the Dixie Chicks to actions of Faith Hill and her husband Tim McGraw, who have held free concerts in support of American troops:
More than 10,000 men and women stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina showed up to see Faith Hill perform a free concert at Hedrick Stadium. Outside the stadium, thousands lined the street hoping to catch a glimpse of Hill. The superstar arrived in the state Wednesday (February 12) night accompanied by her husband, Tim McGraw. Upon her arrival, Hill met with base commanders and various military personnel before meeting with more than 100 enlisted who are being deployed to the Middle East. “That was an experience that I will never forget,” said Hill…The trip itself was a morale booster for the troops, but also for Hill. “This trip has made me proud–proud to be an American, and proud to see how music can serve a higher cause,” said Hill. “I have given what I can, my music, and I hope that it will allow these brave men and women to escape (if for only a few moments) the seriousness of their situation and to help them in some way to deal with whatever might lie ahead. I cannot thank the people at ABC, Fort Bragg, and Pope Air Force Base enough for making this a truly unforgettable experience and for allowing me the honor of performing for them.” Hill’s current album, Cry, has sold more than two million copies.[Yahoo Launch , 2/11/2003]
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will perform at a benefit concert for the USS Cole Fund on December 2 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. The concert was added to the last leg of the couple’s wildly successful Soul 2 Soul tour in an effort to support the families of the 17 American sailors who were killed in the bombing of the USS Cole in October. Of the concert, Rear Admiral Christopher W. Cole said, “The Navy is very grateful that two incredibly talented performers like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have volunteered their support to the families of the sailors from the U.S.S. Cole who sacrificed their lives for their country. It is wonderful to see our nation come together in this very challenging time.” [Yahoo Launch, 11/9/2002]
Message to readers: Exercise some free speech, by voting with your pockets books, and buy albums from Faith Hill and her husband Tim McGraw instead of the Chicks.