How will you vote in the Dixie Chicks Referendum?

Time Magazine, in this week's cover story declared the Dixie Chicks' album release a referendum:

Whether the Dixie Chicks recover their sales luster or not, the choice of single has turned their album release into a referendum. Taking the Long Way's existence is designed to thumb its nose at country's intolerance for ideological hell raising, and buying it or cursing it reveals something about you and your politics--or at least your ability to put a grudge above your listening pleasure. And however you vote, it's tough to deny that by gambling their careers, three Texas women have the biggest balls in American music.

George W. Bush is watching the results of this album and concert series. He commented on it:

On April 24, 2003, with the Iraq War barely a month old, NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw asked Bush about the boycott of the Dixie Chicks. The President responded that the singers "can say what they want to say," but he added that his supporters then had an equal right to punish the singers for their comments.

"They shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out," Bush said. "Freedom is a two-way street."

So, instead of encouraging a full-and-free debate, Bush made clear that he saw nothing wrong with his followers hurting Americans who disagree with him.

I would  implore each of you to speak out and send a message to George W. Bush:  You don't tell America whose records to buy, and we don't support you.

For more I have written about the chicks see here and here.

You can check out the title song at the Dixie Chicks site.