Madison Offering Dixie Chicks Key To City?
Alder Wants Dixie Chicks Music Played At Council Meetings
Posted: 5:21 p.m. CST April 4, 2003Updated: 10:24 a.m. CST April 8, 2003
MADISON, Wis. -- Madison is in political hot water again, as a new city council resolution offends some, and amuses others.
Ten of 20 council members have already signed onto the controversial resolution, which offers city support to the Dixie Chicks, after they were attacked for criticizing the president and war. The group has seen a backlash of lost air time and ticket and CD sales.
Now alder Ken Golden has stepped in to help, offering the Chick's support, including the keys to the city, and bottle of French wine -- keeping alive Madison's zany reputation.
"I think this again was to be taken in a light-hearted way, and I guess I am sorry it has offended some people to a great extent," said Gary Poulson, co-sponsor of resolution.
Alder Dorothy Borchardt says she ashamed this is on the council's agenda.
"He may have done it tongue and cheek, which I'm guessing -- because Ken does this -- however, you have to know when it's appropriate to do that when its not appropriate," she said. "In my opinion, it's not appropriate."
The resolution also calls for the mayor to present the keys to the city to the Chicks and orders the playing of their music during city council meeting breaks.
Borchardt is threatening to offer an amendment that would replace the Chicks music with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A."
The resolution reads, "Whereas the Dixie Chicks have been vilified for being critical of President Bush and his handling of the war in Iraq ... the city of Madison hereby expresses its support and would greatly appreciate the Dixie Chicks changing their name to the Heartland Chicks or the Dairyland Chicks." ( Read Dixie Chicks Resolution )
Alder Jean McCubbin said she will vote for the resolution.
"We do have serious matters before us, but Dorothy should realize this is her last council meeting," she said. "And she should leave on a happy note."
Golden told News 3 he's mostly just having fun -- and adds if following Madison's famous zany tradition gives the city a black eye -- he's more than happy to help.
The city council meets tonight.
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"I think this again was to be taken in a light-hearted way, and I guess I am sorry it has offended some people to a great extent," said Gary Poulson, co-sponsor of resolution.
Alder Dorothy Borchardt says she ashamed this is on the council's agenda.
"He may have done it tongue and cheek, which I'm guessing -- because Ken does this -- however, you have to know when it's appropriate to do that when its not appropriate," she said. "In my opinion, it's not appropriate."
The resolution also calls for the mayor to present the keys to the city to the Chicks and orders the playing of their music during city council meeting breaks.
Borchardt is threatening to offer an amendment that would replace the Chicks music with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A."
The resolution reads, "Whereas the Dixie Chicks have been vilified for being critical of President Bush and his handling of the war in Iraq ... the city of Madison hereby expresses its support and would greatly appreciate the Dixie Chicks changing their name to the Heartland Chicks or the Dairyland Chicks." ( Read Dixie Chicks Resolution )
Alder Jean McCubbin said she will vote for the resolution.
"We do have serious matters before us, but Dorothy should realize this is her last council meeting," she said. "And she should leave on a happy note."
Golden told News 3 he's mostly just having fun -- and adds if following Madison's famous zany tradition gives the city a black eye -- he's more than happy to help.
The city council meets tonight.
TALKBACK: What Do You Think?E-Mail City Council Members
Previous Stories:
- March 26, 2003: Manager: No More Apologies From Dixie Chicks
- March 25, 2003: Dixie Chicks Manager Says Group Through With Apologies
- March 20, 2003: Broadcast Group Bans Dixie Chicks On 42 Stations
- March 19, 2003: S.C. Lawmakers Peck Away At Dixie Chicks
- March 18, 2003: Travis Tritt Slams Dixie Chick, Antiwar Celebs
- March 17, 2003: Country Stars Come Out In Support Of Troops
- March 17, 2003: Even With Apology, Fans Still Protesting Dixie Chicks
- March 14, 2003: Dixie Chick Says She's Sorry For Bush Remark
- March 13, 2003: Radio Stations Silence Dixie Chicks
- March 13, 2003: Dixie Chick Explains Bush Slam At London Concert
- January 9, 2003: Dion, Dixie Chicks Singing Anthems At Super Bowl
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