Letter: Dixie Chicks have every right to speak truth

Sunday, June 25, 2006 | 7:51 a.m.

In reading Estelle Engel's June 19 letter to the editor regarding the Dixie Chicks, she stated that the Dixie Chicks "don't seem to get it," and the reason "everyone was angry with them" is that you can say anything you want about anyone, but not in a foreign country. Ms. Engel further stated that the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, Natalie Maines, has got to be a moron if she doesn't understand that concept.

First, not everyone was angry with the Dixie Chicks, and many like myself applauded the comments made by Maines and believed that Mr. Bush was most deserving of the criticism.

Second, where is it written that you cannot tell the truth about someone simply because you are in a foreign country like England, which also recognizes the right of free speech? Mr. Bush's gross incompetence, both then and now, is not a well-kept secret, and Maines' comments did little harm to the reputation of Mr. Bush as compared to Bush's "go it alone" and "bring it on" international diplomacy.

What Ms. Engel fails to appreciate or even recognize is Maines' inviolate constitutional right of free speech, which can be exercised in a foreign country like England that protects the right of free speech.

Also importantly, it is a testament to both Emily Robison and Martie Maguire that they also have the conviction of the heart to be associated with and in support of someone who would speak the truth notwithstanding the financial consequences in doing so.

When all is said and done, the Dixie Chicks were right and simply told the truth about someone who will go down in history as one of the worst U.S. presidents. Kudos to the Dixie Chicks and shame on President Bush.

Tom Harper, Henderson