...one memorable scene from "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" shows the singers watching a news report on President Bush's reaction to their infamous on-stage comment. In the report, Bush says ''the Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind,'' adding, ''they shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out. You know, freedom is a two-way street.'' After watching this footage, Maines then repeats the president's comment and says, ''What a dumb f---.'' She then looks into the camera, as if addressing Bush himself, and reiterates, ''You're a dumb f---.''
Stinging riposte, that.
I wasn't surprised by Natalie Maines' initial remarks. She radiates a certain porcine self-absorption that does not testify to her having thought through big issues, probably because she might suffocate when she forgot to breathe. I noted at the time that the other members of the group -- Emily Robison and Martie Seidel -- were curiously quiet.
I was inclined to think that even if they didn't disagree with Maines' sentiments, at least they had the sense that this was going to be potentially a career-killer.
How wrong I was. After the bottom fell out of some of the US dates on their latest tour, the Chicks added some stops in Canada, prompting the CBC to do a 15-minute interview with them on the national newscast. Because, as we know, the mission of the CBC is to "tell Canadians' stories to each other." Or something like that.
The interviewer was Carole MacNeil, if I recall; and let me tell you, it was an estrogen-powered gigglefest reminiscent of your average slumber party (minus fixing each others' hair) with Robison and Seidel handily winning the Uh, Duh karaoke competition.
I take it all back, Natalie. You truly are the "brains" behind The Dixie Chicks. For whatever that's worth.
Via Mitchieville