Dixie Chicks: the stupidity continues.

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
I think the point here is this: If you don't agree with the Dixie Chicks (or whomever) that's fine. This country is built on the concept of free speech & open criticism of our government. The problem is that the conservatives in this country seem to think it's OK to take things beyond a simple "we agree to disagree." They launch protests, they burn books/CD's/whatever in the streets, they threaten the people in question with physical violence and vandalize their homes. They take steps to harm the individuals financially. They say out one side of their mouths, "Free speech is fine and dandy" and out the other side, "... but there will be consequences."

All of this does nothing but serve to chill free speech. Pretty soon, people are afraid to speak out, or disagree with popular opinion. Where do you draw the line with this "retribution"? What if someone gets shot over a disagreement like this? Is that OK?

Bottom line: if you disagree with someone, fine. Have your little argument with them. Refuse to buy their CD. Whatever. Get on with your life. Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened...

because people on the other side of the political spectrum have never ever done any of the horrible things you just accused conservatives of doing

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
I think the point here is this: If you don't agree with the Dixie Chicks (or whomever) that's fine. This country is built on the concept of free speech & open criticism of our government. The problem is that the conservatives in this country seem to think it's OK to take things beyond a simple "we agree to disagree." They launch protests, they burn books/CD's/whatever in the streets, they threaten the people in question with physical violence and vandalize their homes. They take steps to harm the individuals financially. They say out one side of their mouths, "Free speech is fine and dandy" and out the other side, "... but there will be consequences."

All of this does nothing but serve to chill free speech. Pretty soon, people are afraid to speak out, or disagree with popular opinion. Where do you draw the line with this "retribution"? What if someone gets shot over a disagreement like this? Is that OK?

Bottom line: if you disagree with someone, fine. Have your little argument with them. Refuse to buy their CD. Whatever. Get on with your life. Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened...

That's right...you should be able to go to work every day, insult anyone you want to with anything you want to, because hey you are just speaking your mind and exercising free speech correct?

FREE SPEECH DOES NOT APPLY IN THE WORKPLACE. Period. Sure you can say whatever you want, do whatever you want, and they can fire you whenever they want. The great equalizer.

Why is it ok for Jesse Jackson to blackmail companies with his "protests" (where his family members get a nice piece of the business afterwards), but this isn't ok? Its the exact same thing, except on this side, nobody is profiting, the conseratives are standing by their morals solely.

 

[przero]

"Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened.."

That is liberalspeak for " not having to face the consequences of their actions"

 

[BDawg]

Originally posted by: przero
"Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened.."

That is liberalspeak for " not having to face the consequences of their actions"

Well, if the consequences of the Dixie Chicks' actions was fearing for their lives because of the death threats they received, then I'd say you're right.

If the consequences are selling more albums, then I think they should face the consequences.

 

[Red Dawn]

the conseratives are standing by their morals solely.

You mean "The Reactionary Lunatic Fringe Element of the Conservatives" as I doubt most Conservatives partake in such folly.

 

[Tiger]

Can't have musicians and actors (or I guess DJs in this case) going around speaking their mind now, can we?

Sure they can. They can get fired for it too.
There is no such thing as freedom of speech in the work place. If you do or say something your employer has prohibited in the work place he/she can fire you. Some of you opinionated kids better snap out of it and join the real world.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Tiger

Can't have musicians and actors (or I guess DJs in this case) going around speaking their mind now, can we?

Sure they can. They can get fired for it too.
There is no such thing as freedom of speech in the work place. If you do or say something your employer has prohibited in the work place he/she can fire you. Some of you opinionated kids better snap out of it and join the real world.

Lesson to learn is to not work for a Jingoistic Moron who prohibits one from having a political opinion and speaking of it out in the open.

 

[cpumaster]

Originally posted by: przero
"Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened.."

That is liberalspeak for " not having to face the consequences of their actions"

Then you wouldn't mind having Senator Santorum fired or at least cencured for his outrageous comment right?

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: cpumaster

Originally posted by: przero
"Remember, free speech is only truly free when people feel able to speak their mind without being threatened.."

That is liberalspeak for " not having to face the consequences of their actions"

Then you wouldn't mind having Senator Santorum fired or at least cencured for his outrageous comment right?

I'm boycotting all his Concerts and Albums!

 

[DZip]

These DJ's were suspended for not following the orders of there boss (don't play any Dixie Chicks music). They can have their opinions but unless they owned the radio station they can't use it for their personal views. The idea that these DJ's are being punished for their political stand is typical of how we spin everything. Never blame the one that violates the rule; blame the person that makes the rule.

 

[Red Dawn]

Never blame the one that violates the rule; blame the person that makes the rule.

Especially when the rule is Draconian and Moronic! The owner of the station was well within his rights to fire the DJ. In America everyone has a right to be a closed minded reactionary Buffoon.

 

[DealMonkey]

Yes, the truly ironic result of a conservative protest is generally the opposite of what they expected. By creating such a frenetic media buzz over some perceived moral slippage on the part of the entertainment industry, the neo-cons in this country only serve to draw more interest.

"Hmmmm, the right-wing Christian maniacs are steamrolling some CDs in front of their churches today, I better go buy one of them to see what the big deal is."

I'm sure Wal-Mart's banning of "Stuff" and "Maxim" magazine will have more or less the same effect. Subscriptions will surge. Dixie Chicks CDs will hit #1. Marilyn Manson will restart his career

 

[ConclamoLudus]

Conservatives should have chained themselves across the streets, blocked traffic, harassed passer-bys, thrown newpaper machines in the streets, gotten in the way of firetrucks and ambulances, shut-down financial districts, ripped-up 9-11 memorials, etc. instead of burning CD's and steam-rolling them.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: ConclamoLudus
Conservatives should have chained themselves across the streets, blocked traffic, harassed passer-bys, thrown newpaper machines in the streets, gotten in the way of firetrucks and ambulances, shut-down financial districts, ripped-up 9-11 memorials, etc. instead of burning CD's and steam-rolling them.

You mean extremist on the lunatic fringe of the Conservative movement don't you? Those are the only ones boycotting the DCs for the most part.

 

[SuperTool]

Notice how the Dixie Chicks are #2 on Billboard country, and #1 and #3 are two singers cashing in on the patriotism. One sings that tune "Have you forgotten how it felt when those towers fell" and the other sings "Courtesy of the red white and blue".

 

[ConclamoLudus]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: ConclamoLudus
Conservatives should have chained themselves across the streets, blocked traffic, harassed passer-bys, thrown newpaper machines in the streets, gotten in the way of firetrucks and ambulances, shut-down financial districts, ripped-up 9-11 memorials, etc. instead of burning CD's and steam-rolling them.

You mean extremist on the lunatic fringe of the Conservative movement don't you? Those are the only ones boycotting the DCs for the most part.

No I think they ALL should

I don't know which of those actions would be more counterproductive to express their anger. I wonder really what percentage of the conservatives, let-alone the population, are really out there actively boycotting the DC's. I think its freakin' ridiculous but well within their rights. But I would chalk up the death threats with the same anti-war morons who ripped up the 9-11 memorial. There were peaceful protestors that I thought were freakin' ridiculous but well within their rights. Some people are far too childish to be able to just explain their opinion, they've got to cram it up your @ss if you try to ignore them (which is also your right).

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: shinerburke

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
Yes, the flag waving uber-patriots can all feel smug now that they've crushed another example of vocal dissent. Can't have musicians and actors (or I guess DJs in this case) going around speaking their mind now, can we?

- dm

They can speak out all they want. It's their right and I would defend it to my death. My problem with most of these celebrity types that spoke out against the war is that they think they can do so withouth retribution by people that disagree with them. Speak out all you want, but when people don't like what you say and don't go to your movies, buy your albums, etc....don't cry about it. It's just as much their right to boycott you as it is your right to speak out.

Ditto ^

Great minds think alike Can't say that for the "hey you are a flag-waving fascist" crowd. They can only call names, and can't defend their inflammatory comments or arguments in a logical manner.

BS, If you'all really felt this way you would'nt mind when Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton etc called for boycotts of some Corps who don't hold thier views, namly promoting diversity in management and file suits/organising boycotts etc to achieve thier ends. You don't you support one type of retribution (not buying/listening) but I bet think a boycott called by rainbow as asinine, purly because of political bias. AKA your view on bush and the war. Hypocritical.

 

[shiner]

Originally posted by: Carbonyl

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: shinerburke

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
Yes, the flag waving uber-patriots can all feel smug now that they've crushed another example of vocal dissent. Can't have musicians and actors (or I guess DJs in this case) going around speaking their mind now, can we?

- dm

They can speak out all they want. It's their right and I would defend it to my death. My problem with most of these celebrity types that spoke out against the war is that they think they can do so withouth retribution by people that disagree with them. Speak out all you want, but when people don't like what you say and don't go to your movies, buy your albums, etc....don't cry about it. It's just as much their right to boycott you as it is your right to speak out.

Ditto ^

Great minds think alike Can't say that for the "hey you are a flag-waving fascist" crowd. They can only call names, and can't defend their inflammatory comments or arguments in a logical manner.

BS, If you'all really felt this way you would'nt mind when Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton etc called for boycotts of some Corps who don't hold thier views, namly promoting diversity in management and file suits/organising boycotts etc to achieve thier ends. You don't you support one type of retribution (not buying/listening) but I bet think a boycott called by rainbow as asinine, purly because of political bias. AKA your view on bush and the war. Hypocritical.

I really don't think you should be using Jesse Jackson as an example. It's been proven time and again that his boycotts are not much more than extortion. Funny how he or someone from his family always seems to benefit monetarily from one of his boycotts.