The Dixie Chicks

In March of 2003, during the American build-up to war in Iraq, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks criticized President George Bush. During a concert in London, Maines, a Texan, declared that she was "ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Her remarks caused a furor back in the states. Several Clear Channel radio stations organized boycotts of the group, refused to play their music, and encouraged listeners to throw away their Dixie Chicks discs. What do you think of this incident? Should Americans criticize their president during wartime? Did the group have a right to speak out against a policy they considered unjust? Some critics of the group claimed Maines' actions were particularly vile because they occured on foreign soil. Do you agree? Do you consider Maines' comments unpatriotic? What is your definition of patriotism?