The Dixie Chicks once again are the center of controversy. They are releasing the documentary movie “Shut Up and Sing” this weekend and two T.V. networks, N.B.C. and CW Television are refusing to air the ads for it.
Here is what the networks said:
NBC responded to a clearance report submitted by the Weinstein Company’s media agency saying that the network “cannot accept these spots as they are disparaging to President Bush.”
The CW Television Network responded that it does “not have appropriate programming in which to schedule this spot.”
One thing that should be noted here is that the source of these quotes is the Weinstein Company who is the distributor so, they are in the business of causing a stir.
This is the Weinstein take:
Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company stated, “It’s a sad commentary about the level of fear in our society that a movie about a group of courageous entertainers who were blacklisted for exercising their right of free speech is now itself being blacklisted by corporate America. The idea that anyone should be penalized for criticizing the president is sad and profoundly un-American.”
The Weinstein Company is exploring taking legal action.
Realizing that Harvey is a hype man, I have some problems with what he said. “Courageous” is ridiculous, four firefighters were killed yesterday in California fighting a fire that was arson. That is an example of courage, doing a job that puts you life on the line for the greater good.
Also, the Chicks have not been blacklisted. I think any entertainers who were during the McCarthy years that had their careers and lives ruined would take issue with that.
What is ironic is that the only ones who are in danger of having the right of free speech compromised are the networks in question. If they were forced by some legal action to run the ad, that would truly be taking freedom away from private enterprise.
Click on this Weinstein link to see the video in question.
The Cardinals won again last night to go up 3-1 in the series.
I missed the game for a rehearsal but will be on board tonight.
The weather in St. Louis is going to be bad again tonight, it’s a good thing the Colorado Rockies didn’t make it to the series.
In 1968, the Cards were up 3-1 against Detroit so it isn’t over by any means.
Speaking of rehearsal, we have been working up material as power trio with myself, Robert Arnold, and Hugh Walpole. We will be taking this unit to the stage for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 2nd at Nathan P. Murphy’s in Springfield, MO, opening for Smokin’ Joe Kubek. Stop by if you get a notion. There is a reason that they call him Smokin’ Joe if you have not seen him.
Stacey wrote,
Yay! More Dixie Chicks discussion! I’m not one bit surprised that the TV stations won’t show the ads. But if the documentary makes it here to the bible belt, I’ll be first in line to see it!
The whole ‘incident’ has been given waaaay more attention than it deserved, and I would say that a documentary about it is almost overkill. But don’t we all want someone to just hear OUR side of the story? I think that’s part of their point with the movie, but I’m pretty sure most people don’t care to hear it.
But I watched the trailer for the documentary, and I love the guy that says, “Free speech is fine, but you just don’t do it in public.” Good.Grief.
But you know I love the chicks, and you know dubya is not my favorite character. So that adds up to a great night of entertainment for me!
Link | October 28th, 2006 at 3:25 am
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
I think I’ll save my money and watch a Top Chef show or something. I think it’s all ridiculous at this point.
Jack, I hear yippieeees are in order for the Cardinals.
Link | October 28th, 2006 at 11:03 pm