I am failing miserably at keeping my two cents to myself... the struggle is killing me... so I give up... here goes...

cha ching

I have absolutely no problem with individuals having their own opinion on the war... I don't even have a problem with hearing the opinions of others... it is their RIGHT to speak their minds.. that is one of the founding freedoms of this country.

That being said, I do have a HUGE problem with the likes of the Dixie Chicks, Martin Sheen, Jessica Lange, Sean Penn, George Clooney, and others...

First, I don't believe for a moment that their is ONE person in the USA that WANTS war.... not even President Bush... for those celebrities to claim that, is completely ignorant.

Secondly, there is a difference between voicing your opinion in a rational manner (and not making it appear that our country is not united) and the way that these celebrities have chosen to do so. I don't recall contacting any of the celebrities in question and asking their opinion, nor do I honestly care what they think.

The celebrities in question are crying foul (no doubt Natalie Maines will too) that they are being punished for voicing their opinions and exercising their right to do so. Sean Penn has claimed that he has lost a $10 Million dollar role due to his outspoken behavior... I say toooo bad Mr. Penn.

I look at it this way... if you were shopping in a grocery store and everytime you checked out the clerk began to preach to you about his/her political view... would you not consider shopping elsewhere? or at the very least go thru another checker... I know I would. That being said, the celebrities in question cannot expect continued support from their fan base if those individuals do not agree with thier stance.

As for Mr. Penn losing his $10 million dollar role, oh well. It is the RIGHT of the director/producer/author to cast individuals in their movie that they believe will lend to the ultimate success of the film... he shouldn't have to risk his dream and hard work on the possibility that Sean Penn's actions will illiminate moviegoers.

I find it ironic that these celebrities have absolutely no problem living in this country and reaping the benefits of doing so... but are the first to attack our government.

As for Natalie Maines, she opened her mouth and will no doubt pay a price for doing so. Her words were sharp and uncalled for and embarassed this country as a whole. I find it amusing that she issued an apology to Pres. Bush citing that he deserves the utmost respect. My guess is that the other Chicks met her back stage and gave her a lashing... one very deserved.

I for one will NOT purchase any Dixie Chicks music (sad because I really enjoyed their talent), I no longer watch the West Wing, I have no desire to watch Sean Penn (sad again because I think he is talented beyond measure), and don't plan on drooling over George Clooney anytime soon..

All of this being said, no doubt some people may claim that I am guilty of the reverse.... speaking out in support of our government. The difference is, that I am doing so on a small scale, amoung friends and those who know me well enough to already have a understanding of my opinions. I am NOT standing in front of thousands and giving other countries the image that our country is not ununitied.

This is no longer a political issue, for me it is about the THOUSANDS of soldiers & sailors that we have on far away soil. Imagine what those men and women are thinking... fighting for the freedoms that we hold dear yet some seem not to respect.

okay.. off my soap box... and I apologize in advance if my post offends anyone..