In response to their critical comments of President Bush and the war in Iraq, the Dixie Chicks could be invited to become the official country music band of the city of Madison Tuesday night when the city council votes on the resolution that has drawn nationwide media coverage.
“It has been blown out of proportion,” District 9 Alder Paul Skidmore, a co-sponsor of the resolution said. “People said it is a waste of time and energy. The council should spend time in other areas, and I agree.”
As a result of the April 1 resolution introduced by Ald. Ken Golden, District 10, Skidmore said he has received feedback from outraged citizens who are angry this “not serious” resolution has received more attention than most other issues.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, is one of 10 sponsors of the resolution and said it was intended to be a joke that has been taken way too seriously. He also said Ald. Golden has a history of humorous resolutions.
Verveer said the resolution shows support of free speech in war times, but has faced criticism from people all over the United States who see it as an attack on President Bush and the troops in the war.
“We’ve been the recipients of primarily angry, venomous e-mails and calls since the media exposé of Alderman Golden’s resolution,” Verveer said.
According to the resolution, Madison, the “City of Tolerance,” encourages the Texas band to change their name to The Heartland Chicks or Dairyland Chicks. If they ever visit Madison, “the mayor is directed to give them the keys to the city, a bottle of French wine and a suitable welcome.”
The resolution also said it has nothing to do with foreign policy issues of any country “including Texas.”
Ald. Golden introduced the resolution in response to the “backlash” that occurred after a March 10 concert in London where lead singer Natalie Maine made anti-war statements, saying she was ashamed the president is from Texas. Country music stations nationwide have banned their music from the radio and thousands of their CD’s have been destroyed.
The City Council will also vote on a resolution to proclaim April 9, 2003 a “Day of Silence” and be part of the annual, nationwide protest of the harassment and discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in education.
Ald. Verveer said the resolution is designed to bring attention to harassment and discrimination in educational environments in Madison, where all area high schools are participating in the event.
“It’s to remind everyone that LGBT people face routine harassment and discrimination all over the country and even here in Madison where we are known to have a fairly liberal population,” Verveer said.
On the UW campus, a drop-in information session on the “Day of Silence” will be held Tuesday April 8 from 7-9 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Sponsored by the LGBT Campus Center and the 10 Percent Society, information sheets and buttons will be given to participants.
On April 9 there will also be a “Breaking the Silence” rally held at 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol to conclude the “Day of Silence.”
The council is also expected to approve the final proposal to demolish Badger Pantry in order to build a 12-story apartment building on West Gorham Street.
The council will also vote, based on a recommendation from the Alcohol License and Review Committee, to allow Luther’s Blues to have drink specials from 4-8 p.m. In their current license, Luther’s Blues agreed to not have drink specials, but it now says it is financially disadvantaged and wants better business during happy hour time, according to Ald. Verveer.
