The Dixie Chicks have released the first single from their new album and it packs quite a wallop. The song, "Not Ready To Make Nice" directly confronts those who criticized the Chicks for their statement that they were "ashamed" to be from the same state as President Bush. After making the statement, the Dixie Chicks found themselves insulted, boycotted and even threatened. While the incident has clearly affected them, it has not dulled their talent. In the most powerful passage, they sing:

"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"

Our country is built on the principle of freedom of speech. There seems to be a false belief amongst some that criticizing the administration and being unpatriotic are synonmous. Fortunately the Dixie Chicks recognize that just the opposite is the case and seem prepared to continue use their forum to highlight and confront the failures of leadership we've seen under Bush and company.