Al Gore is defending the Dixie Chicks. Here’s a stupid quote.

“They were made to feel un-American and risked economic retaliation because of what was said. Our democracy has taken a hit,” Gore said. “Our best protection is free and open debate.”

Our “democracy has taken a hit” because some fans decided to spend their money on music made by a non-ditz instead of on hers.

Black Lists! Censorship! Oppression! McCarthyism!

Mr. Gore apparently subscribes to the notion of freedom of “speech,” but not freedom of CD purchases. If we don’t pump more money into Natalie Maines bank account, democracy has failed.

Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.