Hank Jr. And Dixie Chicks – What’s The Difference?
October 13, 2011 2:10 PM 
Trying my best not to turn this into a political discussion, I am very interested in the reaction to the latest Hank Williams Jr. controversy and the way country fans have handled it. I also think the situation mirrors one we’ve seen before, that is except for the complete opposite reaction from the fans. For those who don’t know, Hank recently sat down with Fox and Friends and was presented with a question about President Obama and John Boehner playing golf. The analogy that Hank used to describe that was “Hitler playing golf with Benjemin Netanayhu.” From there ESPN canned Bocephus from his theme song duties on Monday Night Football. Since then, Hank Jr. has released an “answer” song called “Keep The Change.” Upon playing the song on Wednesday, I received an overwhelming positive response, with many saying, “keep playing it!”
Let’s go back to about 2003. The Dixie Chicks were on stage in Europe and expressed displeasure of being from Texas, the same state of then president, George W. Bush. What followed was the outcry of country music fans that the Chicks were “un-American” and should “shut up and sing.” Because of the negative fan response to the group, many radio stations stopped playing their music altogether. In the nearly 9 years since the incident, I have yet to find strong support to bring back Dixie Chicks music, be it old or new. Just a few months ago, I posed this question about the Dixie Chicks, and again I got a stream of comments saying we should not welcome them back because of among other things, their “disrespect to the country.”
My question is…what’s the difference? If Hank can say whatever he wants about a president and be praised for his new song, why are Natalie Maines and the Dixie Chicks still shunned by many of the same fans? Am I just hearing from two sets of fans when I ask these opinions? Is it a political thing? Are country fans more willing to forgive when a Democratic president is being insulted? Is the patriotic climate just that much different now, than it was just post 9-11? If the Chicks should be kept off country radio because of their comments, shouldn’t ESPN be in the right to keep Hank off Monday Night Football?
I’m not trying to take either side here, I just wanted to play devil’s advocate and ask what is the real difference here…or is there one?
Trace Adkins Wins ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’
Trace Adkins' return to 'Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars' paid off in a huge way, as he was "hired" by host/executive producer Donald Trump in Sunday night's heated competition against fellow finalist, Penn Jillette, winning the show.
Kacey Musgraves Brings ‘Merry Go Round’ to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves performed her recent career-launching hit 'Merry Go Round' on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 19), delivering a performance so subtly nuanced that it seemed almost out of place in the setting of the elaborate, made-for-TV Vegas production.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is the most successful 'American Idol' singer of all time. She's married to NHL player Mike Fisher, and she loves her dogs Ace and Penny. These things you likely know, but the 10 items on this Things You Didn't Know About Carrie Underwood list will leave you shocked, amused and maybe a little terrified.
Click It or Ticket – Indiana Police Stepping Up Seat Belt Enforcement During Two Week Campaign
Law Enforcement on the local and state level will be keeping their eyes open for drivers not wearing their safety belt while traveling the states highways and byways.
Charmin Sponsors Hilarious ‘Stop Skidmarks’ Billboard At NASCAR Race
Product placement and sponsorship can be a precarious situation. Companies who spend millions of dollars on a branding campaign can wind up coming across as too pushy or stiff to relate to consumers.
How George Jones Wanted to Be Remembered
George Jones was aware of his legacy at least as far back as 2005. That's when he conducted an interview with Taste of Country sister station WGNA in Albany, N.Y. and talked about how he'd like to be remembered. The Possum considered the good and bad of how he'd lived and summed it up for his audience.
Kree Harrison Reveals Future Plans After ‘American Idol’
Country's own Kree Harrison was revealed as the runner-up on the twelfth season of 'American Idol' in the dramatic finale Thursday night (May 16), and in an interview after the show, she shared some of her future plans.
Tim McGraw Reveals How He Learned of His True Paternity
Tim McGraw's father was late Phillies relief pitcher Tug McGraw, who died of brain cancer in 2004. While the two didn't form a strong relationship until Tim was 18, the 'Highway Don't Care' singer revealed to Larry King how he discovered his birth certificate and thus uncovered his true paternity.
Female Arm Wrestler Has a Scream That Will Scare the Pants Off of You
May 19, 2013 10:00 AM I am NOT athletic at all. So, my tactic to win or at least appear like some sort of competition to my opponent is to look the part or sound the part. This female arm wrestler must have taken a play right out of the Leslie Morgan play book. Rule number 1....make your bark SO big, they won't notice you have no bite!! ;-)
Her scream would scare even the biggest, toughest male arm wrestler!
What are the Best Summer Jobs for Students in Evansville?
May 19, 2013 7:00 AM Ahh, the summer job. You slave away during your break so you can "save" your money and live easy during the school year. Yeah right! We compiled a list of the best summer jobs here in Evansville. If you know of any more, let us know!