Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

Keep in mind that I don’t really like much of the country music genre…

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I spoke harshly, or at least admonishingly, to the Dixie Chicks when their lead singer, Natalie Maines, spoke out from foreign soil against President Bush early in the Iraq war effort, specifically about her statement made in London that she was embarrassed he was from Texas just as she was.  Even I found it distasteful to do so for the first time from non-U.S. territory, although now I fully question my own reasons for doing so and accept that it is any human’s right to say what they will regardless of where they are or where they are from.

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know at the time I too was caught up in the post-9/11 fever that infected so many Americans, yet I also point out that I was more concerned with the continual and wrongful belief that freedom of speech came with freedom of consequences without being so critical of her right to say what she thought.

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

Ultimately, I chastised everyone for claiming a violation of rights when they were in fact dealing with a simple public backlash, yet I still feel partially responsible for the absolute betrayal of American beliefs and rights given the horrific lashing aimed at the group.

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

Only now do I fully realize the truth in the sentiment of their latest song, “Not Ready to Make Nice” as can be heard and seen at their official site.  I can not recommend it enough.

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

In light of the recent Islamic cartoons that spurred horrific and unforgivable action by Muslims around the globe, I shudder to think I ever was misunderstood to argue in support of those who violently challenged others for what they said, although I still believe in taking responsibility for the practice of our freedoms.  I strongly support the right of anyone to say anything, contrary to law here in the U.S. and despite the offense others may suffer.  No one is guaranteed a freedom from offense, but we are ensured a freedom of speech.  Sure, one might suffer contrary repercussions for saying that which contradicts the mentality of the majority, but no one has the right to declare themselves immune to the speech of others.

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

My political views have changed dramatically in the last few years, but that is not unusual for me: I have always been dynamic in my beliefs and the politics I support.  This is because my non-static views adapt to current times and situations.  I disliked Bill Clinton for his perjury.  Now, I find Bush’s actions even more offensive and deplorable, yet that does not dismiss my initial aversion to Clinton.  What it does is put it in perspective, and what a new perspective it is.

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I strongly recommend you go to the Dixie Chicks official site and listen to their new song.  It’s powerful, compelling, enlightening, and completely heartfelt.  I share their emotion and conviction.  I too feel that any bridge I’ve crossed is inconsequential to the greater truth.  Even if you don’t like country music, I hope you’ll find this song worth your time and attention.