Retracting my forgiveness for the Chicks

A few months ago I flirted with the idea of forgiving the Dixie Chicks.

However, I'm going the way of Natalie Maines, who took back her apology for her remarks about President Bush. I'm retracting any hint of an idea that what she said was okay.

Here's why:

"A lot of artists cashed in on being against what we said or what we stood for because that was promoting their career, which was a horrible thing to do," says Robison.

"A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."

"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."

Earth to the Chicks: waving the American flag is NOT a promotion of one's career.

May the United Kingdom welcome them with open arms.

Good grief.

H/T: Owen.