Rosanne Cash, daughter of Johnny and an acclaimed singer songwriter in her own right, has said she has been "astonished and appalled" at the way the American press and country music scene responded to anti-Bush comments made by Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines. She told reporters: "It is the people who scream loudest about America and freedom who seem to be the most intolerant for people with a differing point of view. She was just expressing a feeling and an opinion, you know. She wasn't trying to insight a riot. I really cannot believe the backlash. It is as if we have not learnt anything from history. It is like McCarthyism all over again".
Natalie's comments were made at a London gig, of course. She told the audience: "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from [Dixie Chicks' home state] Texas". The comments started a huge backlash on country radio stations in the US causing Maines to backtrack.
Cash is equally offended by the war itself. "I am totally opposed to it. I have been so since day one. I am sick about the whole thing. I think it is wrong, I think it is wrong that we have gone against the UN, that we have alienated our allies, that we have invaded a country that hasn't threatened us. It is a pre-emptive strike. It is wrong on so many levels. That doesn't mean I don't support the troops. My heart breaks every time I watch the TV and I see these poor kids out there but I do not support the war. I support the troops but I do not support the war".