County Music and Big Tents

Authored by Michael Pate on November 6th, 2003 at 11:19 AM

But in a country built on the notion of free speech, isn�t there room for a woman to express her political opinion without being cast from the shrinking Big Tent? Isn�t it supposed to be about the music anyway? - Eric Olsen

I am all for the marketplace of ideas. But like any marketplace, there is a cost of doing business. Natalie Maines made a choice before a European Crowd to express her opinion. We all get the chance to make choices, and we all get to live with their consequences.

I know people who decided to become Dixie Chicks fans because of their statements. Some of their current fans decided not to remain. Some entertainers manage to separate their political persona from their artistic one. Others propel their entertainment careers via their political actions.

If Natalie Maines was naive enough to think their would not be a cost for her remarks, and even more of one for her half-hearted apology, with her fan base then she has my sympathy. But she doesn’t have my support.

I have said for years one of the benefits of achieving status as a county music star, there is always a county fair to play if their star fades. I fully expect that option is now closed for the Dixie Chicks.