Un-American

I've never been a big fan of the Dixie Chicks, I don't like country music. However, they have been called un-American by so-called "patriots" for their vocal opposition to Bush and the war in Iraq. People destroyed their CD's and radio stations refused to play their music.

American fascism comes alive again. The Chicks were more patriots than the patriots that banned and censored them because of their remarks. Freedom of expression is an elemental right in our constitution and their remarks against Bush are the backbone of democracy. Democracy demands that the voice of the people be heard, whether it be for or against the actions of the current administration. The government must hear the voice of the people to be more in tune with the people, not the people being in tune with the government. That is simply what the band did, voiced their opinions in what should be an open and democratic society, only to be struck down by fascist "patriots." And simply because someone may disagree with what they say doesn't give anyone the right to censor their opinions, a clear violation of the First Amendment.

Censorship is evil. it leads to ignorance and blind followership. The government's actions would be unchecked if we the people could not moniter and argue about the governments actions. We the People are the final check in the system of checks and balances and if our information has changed to block out what the government does not want to hear, we have a fascist government. One cannot censor anyone elses expressed opinion for this reason. We need information to make educated decisions about our nation and our lives and through censorship, this cannot be done. This is the reason behind our Freedom of Speech.

The Chicks action, back in 2003 when they spoke out against Bush was a very patriotic statement, whether you are for Bush or against him. They defend our freedom of speech. So now that they are returning, I applaud them.

In other news, two more days before g-r-a-d-u-a-t-i-o-n. I had a rehearsal today. Scared the crap out of me. Two more days.

"You've gotta love life to have life and you gotta have life to love life. It's what I like to call a vicious circle" - The Stage Manager, Our Town by Thorton Wilder

J Kuhl Signing Off