Ok, this is going to be controversial -- so I'm telling you in advance to skip it if you are now a Dixie Chicks hater.

Which part of "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas" did everyone hear, "I Natalie Maines, of the Dixie Chicks, hate America and wish I lived somewhere else" ???

WHAT IS GOING ON????

Here's what I think -- the last time I checked, this was a free country and we are privileged here to say that we don't like Bush. Guess what -- brace yourselves -- I ain't his biggest fan. Nope, I'm not. Good for Natalie stating her opinion -- because that's all it was -- was her opinion. She did not stand up there and say anti-American things. Who cares if she doesn't like Bush. Who really cares??

What's going on is that Americans don't know what to think about this war and Bush stuff. You see all the Hollywood types out protesting and the biggest mouthpiece is Martin Sheen -- has anyone called for a ban of "West Wing" heck no, and they won't.

So what's with the double standard?? Why can he and Sheryl Crow and Fred Durst speak out against the war and nothing happens to them and then people go nuts and demand their local stations not play the Chicks???? THIS IS CRAZY!!!

Not to offend any of you that hate the Chicks now, but really, explain it to me?? People (with nothing better to do, apparently) are calling up the radio stations and saying, "My daddy fought in 'Nam, I hate Natalie, stop playing their music." Did you guys not hear the part where she said she supported the troops, but she just didn't want to see them die until there was absolutely no other way?

Y'all -- I can't even tell you how strongly I feel about this. This is a Freedom of Speech issue. How dare us judge someone for stating their opinion -- y'all, this ain't some far corner of the world where you get beaten for saying your opinion.

For the record -- no one wants war. We all have questions, do my questions mean that I'm anti-American and I don't care about the troops?? No, they don't. I do care and I'm fiercly patriotic and I don't want to see us go to war. But, Welcome to America – let’s agree to disagree and not tear each other down in the process, it just isn’t worth it. And for all of you stations that are going along with this “banning” – you suck, you really do and I know good and well that’s this is just a ploy to get your name in the press. Poor little old WTDR in Talladega, Alabama was mentioned on cnn.com – you can’t buy that kind of exposure and trust me y’all – that’s exactly what they wanted.

Now, you’ve heard me rant, feel free to disagree – we’re still buds! Throw your comment up here.