I just wanted to post a little something today and congratulate the Dixie Chicks for their big win last night at the Grammys. Of course we all know it is not just a simple 'group wins big at the Grammys' story; should be, but it is not. With the ridiculous 'controversy' that has surrounded their careers over the past few years, I find it a true testament to their fortitude that they are not only surviving, but doing so in the public eye while continuing to make great, award winning music.

I will have to admit, I am not a huge country music fan. Actually, I am quite the opposite. I do like a few of the Chicks songs, but wouldn't call myself a 'fan' by any stretch of the imagination. No, my rooting interests here are mostly political. Now I should really clarify that remark. When I say political, I don't mean 'political' in the smallness sense (see previous post) that passes for current politics. I don't mean that I am rooting for them based on their shared dislike of our current President and the potential points they can score from their elevated platform. No, I mean political in the true sense of the word. I am rooting for them because I am rooting for the First Amendment. I am rooting for them (as I would root for anyone) because they are strong enough, determined enough, and patriotic enough to stand up for what is right even though it would be easier to 'Shut up and Sing'.

The fact that the Dixie Chicks are singers who have opinions to me means no more than the fact that Sean Penn is an actor with opinions, or Bono is a singer with opinions, or Michael Moore is a documentarian with opinions. NOR does it mean any more to me than the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger is an actor with opinions, or Toby Keith is a singer with opinions, or Ronald Reagan was an actor with opinions. Are these people uniquely qualified in someway from their professions that their opinions should carry more weight than yours or mine? Of course the answer is no. On the other hand though, should the fact that they choose professions which keep them in the spotlight more than you or me preclude them as American citizens from their First Amendment right to express said opinions? Again, the obvious answer is no.

Regardless of who is expressing their opinions and regardless of what political side of the spectrum those opinions line up with, we all as responsible American citizens need to ensure there remains an open, safe and legal forum for expressing them. We need to remember why we love this country. We need to remember what this country stands for. And most of all, we need to remember why so many of us have fought for and died for this country and we need to continue to honor that sacrifice. At the same time, it doesn't hurt either to celebrate a little every now and then when a victory for our freedoms occurs (even a small symbolic victory such as the Dixie Chicks winning an award). So, congratulations again to the Chicks! Thank you for you small assistance in the 'fight'.

Thank you for reading...