The Dixie Twits

First, I'd like to say that I'm not a country music fan. With the exception of a limited few of the artists, I really can't stand the genre. So I have no consumer dog in this quarrel.

Second, I'd like to say that the reluctance or refusal of a radio station to play any of their music is not running afoul of the first amendment which reads: Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. When and if Congress does that, that becomes censorship which is clearly unConstitutional.

The right of any person to say whatever they want does not by law or implication obligate 1. anyone to listen to that person, or 2. anyone to agree with that person. Nor does it require the recipient of the free speech to idly stand by without having the ability or option of practicing their right to protest whatever the speaker said in the first place. Make sense?

If a radio station, or TV station, or website refuses to allow content on their medium based upon any views or philosophies they or their market deems to be unacceptable, they have that right. The media has purchased the license to broadcast or publish the material they want.

I had an email debate with someone about this recently, and he asked if I thought this was being narrow-minded. It is not narrow-minded. What is narrow-minded is being forced to accept and tolerate any view without the opportunity to provide a counter position. When Hollywood stars, music celebrities or even special interest groups make political statements, it appears that the politically-correct thing to do is embrace those statements as something wonderful and uniquely American. Unfortunately, these attitudes are squelching free speech little by little, making it available only to a select few.

If you like the Dixie Chicks and want to continue to buy their music, go fot it. If you have decided that perhaps their opinion causes you to want to boycott them with your wallet, go for it.

All debates are swiftly becoming too one-sided. The global warming debate is a fine example of that. So is the Dixie Twits issue.