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Originally posted by 1savvydiva
Mar 20, 6:15 AM EST

Lawmakers: Chicks Should Do Free Concert

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina House members say the Dixie Chicks should apologize for lead singer Natalie Maines' criticism of President Bush by performing a free concert for troops.

Republican state Rep. Catherine Ceips introduced a resolution Wednesday calling for the country music trio to perform for South Carolina troops and their families.

Maines, speaking about President Bush's push for military action against Iraq, told a London audience last week, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."

Radio stations nationwide are boycotting the Dixie Chicks even though Maines, a native of Lubbock, Texas, has publicly apologized.

Cindi Berger, the Dixie Chicks' publicist, had no comment on the resolution, which passed the House on a 50-35 vote and left some lawmakers angry and others confused.

"I think it's an olive branch to the Dixie Chicks," Ceips said.

"But only after they apologize first for exercising their free speech, is that correct?" asked House Minority Leader James Smith, a Democrat.

The Dixie Chicks have been in Europe promoting their recent release "Home," which won a Grammy last month for best country album.

I thought we lived in a country where we are not only free to question our government, it is our right!