I was just watching Oprah today (I know, I know…) and she had the Dixie Chicks on there talking about “the incident” and how that’s affected them, etc and so on.? Now, this isn’t a political blog and I never want it to be one.? I understand we are a nation divided and I can honestly respect people who have different political views from myself as long as they are not trying to push those beliefs on me (this goes for many issues, not just political ones). That said, this is a subject that I feel pretty strongly about and I wanted to mention it here, if not for anyone else than for posterity’s sake.

What happened?? I mean, maybe I’ve been ignorant for most of my life, but this isn’t the country I’ve always thought it was.? At least, not lately.? Ten years ago, I could NEVER have predicted the turn we’ve experienced.? I can’t comprehend how divided our country has become.? Was I just closing my eyes to the reality?? I always thought our country stood for something more.? The land of the free, home of the brave.? Free speech, and if even if you don’t agree with what someone is saying that you will defend their right to say it.? Open minds and open hearts.? What HAPPENED?? And why can’t we seem to fix this?

I never really liked the Dixie Chicks before, in the 90’s.? I’ve never been a huge country music fan (much to my husband’s disappointment), and they seemed ditzy and trashy to me.? Mostly, I just didn’t pay them much mind.? Then, “the incident” occured; they dared to speak against the president and the war during a small concert in London.? And all of the sudden they were branded as traitors.? Their music was yanked from radio stations.? They were sent DEATH THREATS.? Are you kidding me?? Seriously?? Who ARE these people??

Does anyone else not remember the 90’s?? When everyone’s favorite pastime was to bash Clinton in some way, shape or form?? Heck, I didn’t like it (being that I was a Democrat), but I didn’t think anyone shouldn’t be able to speak out against him because it was somehow un-patriotic.? It was their right, like it or no.? But NOW… now you can’t say boo about the president without it being some sort of treacherous action.? Suddenly, in the wake of 9/11, we can’t even think about questioning our government because that would be BAD.

What the HELL??

I don’t get it.? I’m sorry, but that’s not my America.? I’m hoping this is a phase.? That we’ll “outgrow” this nonsense.? That’s just what it is, nonsense.? And I hope that happens soon because there are SO many more important issues out there that we need to be worrying about.? Don’t you think?