(from playfuls.com)

Three years after the dreaded comment, the Dixie Chicks are still being ignored by country radio stations. Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson recently launched a new album, “Taking the Long Way,” but airplay for the first single is still influenced by the incident.

In March 2003, shortly before the US invasion of Iraq, singer Natalie Maines expressed her feelings towards President Bush during a London concert. "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas," Maines said, a remark which sparked a lot of controversy in the following months. The group was perceived as unpatriotic, and as a result radio stations stopped giving them airplay, while sales dropped dramatically.

This year, the Chicks have a new album out, but “Taking the Long Way” is not going back to the old sound or trying to apologize to fans. This is clear from the lyrics of the first single, “Not Ready to Make Nice,” which say "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."

But despite the three years since the comment, radio stations still haven’t forgiven the group. According to Mediabase-Music Info Systems, which follows radio station play lists, only 14 of the 123 country stations played the single this week.

Radio stations program directors say that the play list is set up according to the listeners. Phoenix’s KNIX program director Ray Massie said: "We are receiving a lot of e-mail on both sides of the issue, people who want to hear them played and people who don't, and our goal is to do what our listeners tell us to do."

"We always keep our focus on the listeners, not any political statements from either side. What the listeners want, that's what the radio station reflects," he concluded.

But the Chicks don’t seem bothered by this attitude. “Thank you,” says Natalie Maines. "I don't even know what's played on country radio, but when they tell me some titles, it cracks me up,” she adds, explaining their music wouldn’t fit in between “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” two recent country hits.

Even though the Chicks feel confident about themselves now, Maines admits that the 2003 reactions surprised and disappointed her. "I didn't realise there was that much hatred out there. It was kind of a letdown. I kind of lost hope,” she says.

Another disappointment comes from Maguire, who says they are victims to the same stereotypes she had been trying to demolish: that country music was conservative, close minded and intolerant of different opinions.

"I just feel stupid. I was trying to convince people that that stereotype wasn't real ... but it does exist. I thought it was the old school," she says. "Now I wouldn't blame anyone if they didn't want to listen to it."

In the end, the Dixie Chicks chose to distance themselves from the country music they used to make.

"I don't know that we set out to make a rock record. But we definitely didn't set out to make a country record and I definitely had a bad taste in my mouth," Maines says.

While they don’t think they will win all their old fans back, the Chicks do think their album will gain them new listeners.

"I want (the new album) to be successful to prove to myself that the music matters, and radio and organised far right people can't determine your destiny," Maines concludes.

-= Disclaimer:This is just my opinion. =-
- As such I'm NOT suggesting any comment following -
- this preface is true. In fact I live in a fairy-tale -
- and nothing I say should be taken seriously. -

I have been ignoring them cuz they suck.
Don't care about their politics.

I live in Redneckville Michigan, 5 to 6 hours from Detroit and/or Chicago. Everytime I see some white kid with his pants saggin' off his butt, sayin' stuff like "Wha up Homie" and wearing colors, I have an urge to pack em in a van and drive their ass down to Hamtramick....
Yes, the Ditsy Hicks are entitled to their opinion, but can I drop em off in a combat zone before they express it?!?
I agree with Dredd, other then the video for "Earl" I'm not buying em based on their (lack of) talent.

At least this is one pop group the labels can't buy their way onto the air.

at least they have no clothes on. provides some entertainment.

Re: "The Dixie Chicks are victims to the same stereotypes they had been trying to demolish: that country music was conservative, close-minded and intolerant of different opinions."

At least they learned the truth, albeit the hard way.
I have somewhat of a right to say this, having lived for years in rural settings in several parts of the nation. Country folk (and country music fans) tend toward blind patriotism. Wouldn't surprise me to see if most of that barely-30% confidence level for Dubya still comea from that segment of America's population.

BTW, I think it's clever of Dredd to use his disclaimer.
For me, I'll continue telling it the way it likely is and let the chips fall where they may.

I suppose you guys have forgotten that the band is indie, having dropped Sony when they discovered that you could sell millions of copies of an album and not get any royalties.

I heard "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice" (free on their website) and it sounded pretty good.

"Yes, the Ditsy Hicks are entitled to their opinion, but can I drop em off in a combat zone before they express it?!?"

Only if Bill O'Reilly goes, too.

I agree with thier political views. Nevertheless I never paid attention to them before, and I still have no intention to listen to them now. I'm just not into their music.

It is sad that as a nation based on free speech, if you say the wrong thing, you can be blackballed. Shit, I got kicked out of my highschool my senior year and almost got arrested for writing a violent song. So I know all about it.

Either way I honestly don't believe that stations don't play them cuz of thier political views, but simply because people don't really care for thier music.

It happens...

Question: "... can I drop em off in a combat zone before they express it?!?"

Answer: "Only if Bill O'Reilly goes, too."

Yea; good answer!
(But, charitably on my part, I wouldn't wish their combat zone to be one where we're fighting an unnecessary war. I hate it when people die for lost causes.)

actually i like O'Reilly hes not bad hes not completely without fault but he usually tells it like it is i realize millions of people hate him and ill probably get yelled at here.

Tell what like what it?

"Either way I honestly don't believe that stations don't play them cuz of their political views, but simply because people don't really care for their music."

Or neither. It's who and what motivates them to play it. Seeing as most radio stations are owned by a handful of companies who obviously make money from being paid by major labels.... there you go. Labels and money. Politics are in both already. And people don't care for 90% of the radio music but we still get it regardless.

I watched a news program on BBC here the other night that did some infantile comparison of the popularity of Bush/Blair versus the popularity of the Dixie Chicks. Their whole argument was that as one was high the other was low, and this showed how public opinion was changing regarding the war. Not once did the feature mention their music or if it had any effect on that rating. That (and this article) kind of made me think that the Dixie Chicks have been living off this publicity for too long. Back in the day when they had just their music to do their talking I knew very little of them and rarely seen them here on TV or on radio (Ireland). However, they now have this handy little piece of publicity whereby they can blame everyone else but themselves if their music bombs. It's a double edged sword though, if people really are just listening to them for political reasons - isn't that somewhat of a shallow victory?

I agree with George. I like the album. The fact that their outspoken opponents of the Bush administration is a plus, as far as I'm concerned.

It would be nice if radio ignored ALL the RIAA's artists.

What? Whoa! George said that the Dixie Chicks are independent now? No way! They may have left Sony, but you just KNOW they went to one of the other major labels...

(But if they ARE indie, that explains why radio don't want to play em. The "political reason" for lack of commercial airplay would take a back seat to the fact that they were non-RIAA.)

Hmm... I'm gonna have to check on this. George is seldom wrong, but I just don't believe they have a new record out (one that we have heard of so much in the media lately) ...and that they are released it independent of the RIAA.

(But it would make my day if it is true!)

"Yes, the Ditsy Hicks are entitled to their opinion, but can I drop em off in a combat zone before they express it?!?"

"Only if Bill O'Reilly goes, too."

As well as battle harden veterans like...

Keith Olbermann
Paul Krugman
Chris Matthews
Bill Press
David Corn
Joel Stein
Paul Begala
Bob Schieffer
Bill Maher
Phil Donahue
Bryant Gumbel
Bill Moyers
Anderson Cooper


Of course if we’re discusing The Metrosexual’s place in combat….It would be like comparing this image

http://newsbusters.org/media/2006-01-26-OPRAHStein.jpg

To This !!!!!!

http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2004/04/images/pulizers_meyes_4_iraq.jpg

I've never been a big fan of contry music, but I have heard the hit off the album and think it is ok....but.... this is just an opinion mind you. And as for them not getting airplay for giving their opinion is just wrong...

Don't know about those pics.....But I find Joel Stein as well as the little ""dietary
challenged??"" one from the Dixie Chicks...

Pretty frightening

My guess would be you wouldn't find "that" marine hiding in any Green Zone sipping 7 n 7's hoping to report the "good news"

"Tell what like what it? "


Examples Bill O'Reilly telling it like it is would be his outing of the United Way during the 911 attacks, ACLU support of Nambla, the man-boy love perv group. Support for that racist wall of troops on the border as gdZiemann likes to call it.Criticism of free-market economics in the oil industry, who cares if he talks dirty on the phone and owns viberators

....After all Clinton had his Monica and a whole selection of fine cigars...

Who's doing a better job...Anderson Cooper???? Nevermind him....He's to busy being Queer eye for the straight guy.

One can only imagine the bottom of that guys stories.

-= Disclaimer:This is just my opinion. =-
- As such I'm NOT suggesting any comment following -
- this preface is true. In fact I live in a fairy-tale -
- and nothing I say should be taken seriously. -


"BTW, I think it's clever of Dredd to use his disclaimer.
For me, I'll continue telling it the way it likely is and let the chips fall where they may. "

I appreciate that OldCodger, but I don't do it for MY protection.
I am doing it for the protection of this SITE'S owners and operators. THEY are the ones that will be sued if I don't make it clear that it is MY opinion, and not necessarily theirs.
The P2Pnet lawsuit is an example of attempting to control opinion through cash.

-= Disclaimer:This is just my opinion. =-
- As such I'm NOT suggesting any comment following -
- this preface is true. In fact I live in a fairy-tale -
- and nothing I say should be taken seriously. -

I don't ever want the "chips" to fall on Lef or Schmoo's head, because of an opinion I expressed.

"Who's doing a better job...Anderson Cooper???? Nevermind him....He's to busy being Queer eye for the straight guy. "

SUGGESTION:

I wouldn't be dissing homosexuals if I were turned on by a marine in warpaint.
After all one definition of a "staunch republican" is a repressed homosexual who liked Richard Nixon.

And that fence they are building along the border? Its not to keep anybody out; its to keep all of us IN.

Go see "Escape from New York"...

I saw a 60 minutes interview with the chicks several years ago where they said that of the estimated 1/4 $billion in sales of their albums they recieved nothing. Did anybody else see this?
This interview actually prompted to find out more, and subsequently to this site.
So - I like the chicks, both thier music and thier politics and I really hope they are indie so I can buy the album.

PS - anyone who says they have no talent has obviously never played or sang in public.

http://columbiarecords.com/dixiechicks/

Still with Sony....

That's too bad. Sorry girls but I just can't buy an RIAA artist's stuff.
Damn, why can't they wise up like a lot of the Canadian artists are doing? What do you gain by hooking up with the RIAA anyway?

"I wouldn't be dissing homosexuals if I were turned on by a marine in warpaint."

Unless of course it's a woman as in my case...which would make me what??? a lesbian?
Huh.....I almost feel like Rosie O'Donnell and her mancrush on Tom Cruise....

That trooper really was a hottie wouldn't you say? In comparison to this guy you”ll find here on the left.

http://www.boycott-riaa.com/article/19982

I take it that scruffy fella on the left is you Larry??? Certainly no jarhead crewcut for you ahh solder???

Figures!

I was hoping that pic of that marine would fit into your blackman fetish you seem to have ...knowing your preference for posting info on artists of the darker skin seems to be your forte. Penis envy perhaps??

“repressed homosexual”

It’s not me who’s informing this website of the daily actions of say, George Michaels!! And Michael Jackson....

http://www.boycott-riaa.com/article/19571

Richard Nixon.....didn't he hate us Jews Larry??? The Man is dead....I've let it go so can you.

That trooper really was a hottie wouldn't you say? In comparison to this guy you find here on the left.

http://www.boycott-riaa.com/article/19982

I take it that scruffy fellow on the left is you Larry??? Certainly no jarhead crewcut for you ahh Larry??? Figures.

Hoped that pic of that marine would fit into your blackman fetish you seem to have ...knowing your preference for posting info on artists of the darker skin seems to be your forte. Penis envy perhaps??As well have your "musical taste" for the likes of say George Michaels. Which actions you seem to inform us on in spite of the rest of us not caring....

Richard Nixon.....didn't he hate us Jews Larry??? The Man is dead..I've let it go so can you.

"That's too bad. Sorry girls but I just can't buy an RIAA artist's stuff."

Who's buying anything??? Just steal their crap on P2P's...The RIAA WILL THANK YOU.

oPPS Double post....Sorry Charlie!

-= Disclaimer:This is just my opinion. =-
- As such I'm NOT suggesting any comment following -
- this preface is true. In fact I live in a fairy-tale -
- and nothing I say should be taken seriously. -

"PS - anyone who says they have no talent has obviously never played or sang in public. "

Did just that for 25 years.
I still think they suck
Beauty, whether in the eyes or the ears is subjective. To ME they sound as beautiful as a cat being run over by a mini-van.

// not without skills

"To ME they sound as beautiful as a cat being run over by a mini-van."

Yes - but an American minvan! Maybe with some nice rims & tinted windows.

"I am doing it for the protection of this SITE'S owners and operators. THEY are the ones that will be sued if I don't make it clear that it is MY opinion, and not necessarily theirs."

These days, I guess we can't take it for granted that the Bill of Rights (free speech) will protect citizens anymore. The nation will likely be kept by politicians (neocons or otherwise) in a perpetual state of war against terrorism, so "the landscape" really has changed, hasn't it.
That's the main reason for my cynicism. Regardless of who may be in power (Repugnants or Democraps), I don't hold out much of any hope for things to get better.

FraDonaghy wrote: ". . . However, the Dixie Chicks now have this handy little piece of publicity whereby they can blame everyone else but themselves if their music bombs. It's a double edged sword though, if people really are just listening to them for political reasons - isn't that somewhat of a shallow victory? "

Interesting perspective.

"These days, I guess we can't take it for granted that the Bill of Rights (free speech) will protect citizens anymore."

Did Chuck Schumer (D) finally get that hate speech amendemnt by the senate that he's been bucking for?

I'm sorry I was away enjoying this great holiday and honoring this nations bravest and best.

"Semper Fi."

This is a privately owned website, peabrain. I set the agenda. Get it?

New name...I'd expect more bravado seeing it's a day for courageous men who served in our armed forces....Must be the reason why we don’t have a day for scribes.

agenda?

And what would that be? Taking on the RIAA?

You can't even stand up to The Gadfly and you're what? Taking on a 500lbs gorilla? Ok fair enough….I‘m good with idea.....but what are you doing to combat them???? My God man you're all having trouble getting the new website online for Christ sakes…..Let’s be fair…..when you posted email addresses on the RIAA….I was one of the first to give you accolades …..when you posted profiles on RIAA nitwits….I thought it was brilliant…But come on!!! Is this fun and games here??? A smoke screen for you to make money??? Or a serious war on the Riaa and the Main Stream Media….Fitting that this is the day where the website should be making it’s call to battle.

When you’re ready to be a general “sign me up”

GI Jane, your clearly a militarysexual, not a metrosexual.

There is a place for EVERYONE in the music world. Whether you like them or not there are folks somewhere out in the world that DO! I personally dont care for the Dixie Chicks now or then. This political thingamajiggie doesnt have anything to do with the music it has to do with controversy over something that was said a long time ago that wasnt apropriate according to a bunch of someones... its obvious its still hanging on. Everyone should just get over it! Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

Cant we all just get along!!!!

"GI Jane, your clearly a militarysexual, not a metrosexual."

And damn proud of it!!!

;O)

Just like freedom of speech there is a freedom to dislike someone, freedom to refuse to listen to someone's music or idiotic comments, freedom to refuse to buy junk music from junk artists. And they are JUNK.

Care to guess which three out of four of following items are true?
a) Gadfly hasn't served in the military herself, but does have close relatives who did.
b) She's a staunch Repub who enthusiastically supports the Commander-in-Chief in his military decisions.
c) She has gone by other username aliases, as far back as 2004.
d) She makes an intriguing profile.

a) Maybe
b) Sorta
c) really
d) defiantly

As for c) OldCodger you can thank leflaw for zapping my usernames and passwords. Funny little fellow this attorney Larry…..He wishes to take on the RIAA, but just can’t seem to contend with a Gadfly’s discourse.

Pity!

What’s more amazing is that I “support” the whole “get em” boycott thingy.

Strange isn’t it? I figure things would work out well between us if…well it wasn’t for the insanity.

And for those wondering ……I didn’t mean myself!

you need to get laid gadflie some thing has obviously dried up and fell off and your pissed about it

Yup, far as I can tell, the Chicks are still slaves to the RIAA. (George must be having a rare "wrong" moment.)

Gad, you COULD wipe some of the mud off your shoes when you enter the house. Maybe then you'd be more welcomed by the house's owner.

I have plans for this troll. We are contacting the ISP and proceeding under DMCA.

Iraqis who say they witnessed the violence in Haditha have said U.S. troops shot men, women and children at close range in retaliation for the death of a Marine lance corporal in a roadside bombing. The two investigations -- one into the incident and another into allegations that military personnel tried to cover it up -- began this year after news reports challenged an early military statement that the civilians were killed in the bombing.

People familiar with the case say they expect that charges of murder, dereliction of duty and making a false statement will be brought against several Marines.

P.S. I am a Vietnam era vet.

"We are contacting the ISP and proceeding under DMCA."

That threat again?? Well I’m no scribe…..But!
The DMCA makes is a crime to "circumvent" copyright protection systems. Meaning no person shall manufacture, import, offer to the public, provide, or otherwise traffic in any technology, product, service, device.

So how does this affect me?

Well….It doesn’t. Copyright, in the United States, is an attempt to maximize the intellectual resources available to all. People who create works - literature, art, software programs, music, and others - are given a limited right to keep people from making unauthorized copies of their work.

I’d really like to know how I’ve materially misrepresented or infringing a copyright. I certainly don’t have a website that contains infringing material. Unless of course If I was playing George’s crappy music on a webpage I’ve created.

Short of that….Myself… like everyone else are more or less opinions on and yes .“since this isn’t a paid membership” is an open forum….Like it or not.

Very well If that will be the case…I’ll contacting the FBI for threats against a governmental official that I have saved on record.

As well as getting touch with the Pennsylvania Bar Association. I’m sure they’d be “very” interested to know one of their members are using a website to make public threats.

Heck...Why I’m at it since I'm on a roll, why don't I fax law partners and local Philly newspapers and let them look over these sliver of saved tidbits on one of the attorneys in their community....

I'm sure they'll all love the despicable use of the N-WORD.

Not that Being a vet really gives me anything but maybe a different viewpoint according to my personal experiences.But authority to shamelessley attempt to berate another human being?Not.
Gadfly's thinking is summed up in their statement :"It’s not me who’s informing this website of the daily actions of say, George Michaels!! And Michael Jackson...."
I as well as MAny other "free thinking" individuals frequent this web site,under our own volition,to share common and not so common view points.I certainly am NOT being forced to visit this website,I'm sure many others can say the same.
It is clear that a person such as the "fly" must let someone else collect the news and regurgitate back it to him/her for consunption,they visit websites with the world view that they are "taking over the world" right gaddy?

And Gad,what about my reputation,are you going to slander me,a private citizen?

"P.S. I am a Vietnam era vet."

Of course you are....Out of the Congressman Murtha mode I'm sure.

"news reports challenged an early military statement that the civilians were killed in the bombing."

Are these the reports of the
"Good news" Time mag has been working on for over 10 months of so?

Just 30 minutes ago on network T.V,all channels [A.B.C.,N.B.C.,C.B.S.]With footage.
As far as being a proud vet,that is just a personally held feeling I keep to myself.
I was jumped on and spit at during the Vietnam conflict -by members of the civilian population,they were very sad times.A high school acquaintance that I'd grow up with from grade school was killed in action .I also saw "141's and c130's,land and unload many -many,caskets with flags drapped over them.The conclusion that I held to was that I was fighting for "MY" freedom and those in the same position as myself,not for anyone that didn't want me there as it was my choice.
No I don't have a vet's license plate,though I've though of it from time to time.

I have often marveled at the type and extent damage control that has been put in place by the current representation of the people of the United States.It seems to have almost silenced any oposing view point.Some thing that is so very necessary for my freedom to be secured.

What I mean is that for true fredom to be the basis of what life is about here in the United States is that it important that freedom of expression is to "REMAIN" intact.That integrity in our leadership to be clear and truthfull.
By removing any and all oposition or by making it impossible to voice objections,and by obscuring the truth beyond all recognition degrades the United States to someting lower than the attrocities that we hate and fight against.

I agree; and what you wrote in your last two posts
is the primary reason I am in oppostion to the current Administration in the White House.

"By removing any and all oposition or by making it impossible to voice objections,and by obscuring the truth beyond all recognition degrades the United States to someting lower than the attrocities that we hate and fight against."

Then you sir....haven't been talking with leflaw.

"I am in oppostion to the current Administration in the White House."

Hell Codger I'd be shocked to find somebody here who isn't....This place is like bizzaro freeper....

"As well as battle harden veterans like...

Keith Olbermann
Paul Krugman
Chris Matthews
Bill Press
David Corn
Joel Stein
Paul Begala
Bob Schieffer
Bill Maher
Phil Donahue
Bryant Gumbel
Bill Moyers
Anderson Cooper"

And let's not forget :

Spencer Abraham: Did not serve
Eliot Abrams: Did not serve
Richard Armitage: Navy, three tours in Vietnam
John Ashcroft: Did not serve
Roy Blunt: Did not serve
Michael Bloomberg: Did not serve
George H.W. Bush: Youngest Navy pilot in WW II; awarded DFC
George W. Bush: Texas Air Nat. Guard; didn't take physical; suspended from flying
Jeb Bush: Did not serve
Saxby Chambliss: Did not serve. Attacked Cleland's patriotism
Dick Cheney: Did not serve
Christopher Cox: Did not serve
Tom DeLay: Did not serve
Bob Dole: Army in WWII, Bronze star, two purple hearts
Bob Dornan: Enlisted after fighting was over in Korea
John Engler: Did not serve
Douglas Feith: Did not serve
Gerald Ford: Lt. Commander, Navy in WWII
Bill Frist: Did not serve
Newt Gingrich: Did not serve
Rudy Giuliani: Did not serve
Lindsey Graham: National Guard lawyer
Phil Gramm: Did not serve
Chuck Hagel: Served in Vietnam, two Bronze stars and purple heart
Dennis Hastert: Did not serve
Tim Hutchison: Did not serve
Jack Kemp: Did not serve. "Knee problem," continued in NFL for 8 years
Jon Kyl: Did not serve
Trent Lott: Did not serve
Richard Lugar: Intelligence officer in Navy 1957-60
John McCain: POW in Vietnam, Legion of Merit, Silver star, DFC, many more
Mitch McConnell: Did not serve
John McHugh: Did not serve
George Pataki: Did not serve
Richard Perle: Did not serve
Colin Powell: 35 years in Army, 4-star general
Dan Quayle: Journalism unit of the Indiana National Guard
Ronald Reagan: Served in WWII making movies
Tom Ridge: Army in Vietnam, Bronze star
Dana Rohrabacher: Did not serve
Karl Rove: Did not serve
Don Rumsfeld: served in Navy (1954-57) as flight instructor
Rick Santorum: Did not serve
Arnold Schwarzenegger: AWOL from Austrian army base
Richard Shelby: Did not serve
JC Watts: Did not serve
Vin Weber: Did not serve
Paul Wolfowitz: Did not serve
Pundits, Preachers, and Judges

Bill Bennett: Did not serve
Wolf Blitzer: Did not serve
Pat Buchanan: Did not serve
William Buckley: Army in WWII
Charlie Daniels: Did not serve
Lou Dobbs: Did not serve
Paul Gigot: Did not serve
Sean Hannity: Did not serve
Bill Kristol: Did not serve
Jim Lehrer: U.S. Marine Corps
Rush Limbaugh: Did not serve
Chris Matthews: Did not serve
Michael Medved: Did not serve
Ted Nugent: Did not serve
Bill O'Reilly: Did not serve
Dan Rather: Army Reserve
Ralph Reed: Did not serve
Michael Savage: Did not serve
Antonin Scalia: Did not serve
Kenneth Starr: Did not serve
Clarence Thomas: Did not serve
John Wayne: Did not serve
George Will: Did not serve

Dontcha just love the cherry pickin chickenhawks?

OldCodger I find you a likeable guy....Really I do.....But please I'm begging you.....ease up on the sucking up to fellow members .....ok?

And didn’t I see you awhile back making your goodbye speech?? Geez guy you’re as bad as The Rolling Stones and their farewell tours.

and Gad it's "hardened"
like your skull

go piss up a rope

"And didn’t I see you awhile back making your goodbye speech??"

That had been my intention, but I changed my mind due to popular demand.


"OldCodger, please ease up on the sucking up to fellow members .....ok?"

Well, that's one area where you misjudge me. When I give credit for something clever or funny, I'm sincere in doing so.
I would even do it for you (and have, at least once).
I don't do it to bolster some sort of popularity drive within me; no ulterior motive or fakiness in it at all.
That's just my style.
Thus, if I compliment someone, I feel they deserve it.

Of course, there's always the chance that others don't see me the way I see myself.

For example, I see the impressive list that gfmlcka put out up there at 12:26 a.m., and I was interested in it.
I'm glad people participate and share. I think that's something that helps make this website be a pretty good one, from my humble opinion.

This website is a pretty good one.

Don't be too impressed, OC, by people who just type "did not serve" into Google and post the first result.

But it's fun here and that's what really matters.

I see I missed the top of the list, the Democrats. Well here it is.

"Democrats

David Bonior: Staff Sgt., Air Force 1968-72
Leonard Boswell: Lt. Col., Army 1956-76; Vietnam, DFCs, etc
Jimmy Carter: Lt. Commander in the Navy 1946-53
Wesley Clark: Army 1966-2000, Vietnam, Silver star, purple heart
Max Cleland: Captain, Army 1965-68; Silver/Bronze stars, Vietnam
Bill Clinton: Did not serve
Tom Daschle: 1st Lt., Air Force SAC 1969-72
Gray Davis: Army Captain in Vietnam, Bronze star
Michael Dukakis: Army 1955-57
John Edwards: Did not serve
Richard Gephardt: Air National Guard, 1965-71
John Glenn: WWII and Korea; six DFCs; Air Medal w/18 Clusters
Al Gore: enlisted Aug. 1969; sent to Vietnam as journalist
Tom Harkin: Lt., Navy, 1962-67; Naval Reserve, 1968-74
Howell Heflin: Silver star
Fritz Hollings: Army officer in WWII; Bronze star
Daniel Inouye: Army 1943-47; Medal of Honor, WWII
Ted Kennedy: Army, 1951-53
Bob Kerrey: Lt. j.g. Navy 1966-69; Medal of Honor, Vietnam
John Kerry: Lt., Navy 1966-70; Silver/Bronze stars, purple hearts
Tom Lantos: Served in Hungarian underground in WWII
Jim McDermott: Navy 1968-70
George McGovern: Silver star & DFC during WWII
Zell Miller: Marine Corps, 1953-56
Walter Mondale: Army 1951-53
Pete Peterson: Air Force Captain, POW. Purple Heart, Silver star, etc
Charles Rangel: Staff Sgt., Army 1948-52; Bronze star, Korea
Jack Reed: Army Ranger, 1971-79; Captain, Army Reserve 1979-91
Chuck Robb: U.S. Marine Corps, 1961-70, Vietnam
Pete stark: Air Force 1955-57
Mike Thompson: Staff sergeant, 173rd Airborne, Purple Heart"

Wouldn't want to be a cherry picker.

So the Dixie Chicks learn that pandering to a foreign audience for approval can have dire career consequences.