COLUMBIA --
The S.C. House minority leader criticized a freshman Beaufort
legislator for squandering "her first visit to the podium to trample
the free speech rights of the Dixie Chicks."
Minority Leader Rep. J. E. Smith, D-Columbia, was one of only a
handful of lawmakers who stood up to criticize the resolution
introduced Wednes-day in the House by Rep. Cath-erine Ceips,
R-Beaufort.
Ceips' resolution asked the Dixie Chicks, a country music band,
to perform a free concert for the state's troops and their families
when the group begins its national tour May 1 in Greenville. Ceips
believes the band should perform the free concert to atone for
re-marks critical of President Bush made by the band's lead singer,
Natalie Maines, in London this week.
Maines later apologized for saying she is ashamed Bush hails from
her home state of Texas. But Ceips says apologies aren't enough.
"I'm a fan of the Dixie Chicks, but I'm a bigger fan of the
military," Ceips said. "South Caro-lina is a gracious state, and
we're giving them the opportunity to make amends. To them, I say,
please add actions that are meaningful to your apology."
The resolution, which condemned the band for their "un-patriotic
and unnecessary comments," passed 50-36 after 45 minutes of debate,
with numerous abstentions.
Smith said the "silly" and less than serious mood of House
members as they quipped and joked about the proposal disquieted
him.
"As a member of the armed services and an American, I do not
agree with the opinions that the Dixie Chicks expressed, but I would
give my life for the right of an American citizen to assert those
opinions," Smith said. "We're here on what is, undoubtedly, a
crucial day in which our sons and daughters are assuming a great
risk. If we can't speak freely about whether or not American blood
should be shed, we're not being true to the fundamental Ameri-can
values we hold dear."
He said Ceips discredited herself in the eyes of some
legislators.
Ceips said that had her resolution not passed, other legislators
were prepared to offer resolutions asking the Dixie Chicks not to
visit South Carolina at all.
Ceips was looking forward to calling the band to inform them of
the resolution.
Contact Karen Addy at (803) 256-3800 and at mailto:kaddy@heraldonline.com
