The fact is, I still can't listen to the Dixie Chicks. I used to love their music and had three of their albums -- until their complete arrogance in responding to the average American's take on their episode of free speech. Even though I own it, I can't watch The American President anymore because I can't get the image out of my mind of Martin Sheen dragging a cross down a main street in Los Angeles with his mouth taped shut in protest of the war. I have trouble watching Julia Roberts, even though I own many of her movies, ever since I heard her say Republicans fell in the dictionary between reptiles and repugnant.

Reba McEntire said something during the Dixie Chick fiasco that I think applies, telling them that they had every right to say what they wanted, but they ought to realize that if they were used car salesmen, they could expect that people might not want to buy a car from them. I've had trouble buying a car from many celebrities in the last few years. It's a shame really, considering how much I love movies. But I see the previews and I think of outspoken things they've said that I disagree with -- and while I'm very happy we live in a country where they can say these things, it doesn't mean I want to spend 6 or 8 or 10 dollars increasing their wealth. In actual fact, I've tried to avoid reading about political statements made by celebrities for the past year, hoping against hope that I can still see movies in the future.

Back to my point. The above two paragraphs should make clear why I would be terrible in politics. I have a really hard time not holding grudges. I still remember very clearly different things I've read over the years where people have been horrible about our President. I don't agree with everything he's done -- by far -- but I believe very strongly in the central themes. The War on Terror. The Axis of Evil. Giving money and blood to the endeavor of creating democracy in the middle of an Islamic stronghold. The war in Iraq is, to me, an unbelievably noble cause. So it's not going perfectly, big surprise. The fact is we are fighting pure evil on a daily basis and sometimes I'm surprised we've made the progress we have in such a short time.

The bottom line is that I don't see another way than the one we're taking. I don't believe we can compromise with Islamic Fundamentalists. I believe their goal is, quite simply, to wipe us off the map. First the Jews, then the Great Satan. How do you compromise with that? So it disheartens me when the President has to kow-tow to someone who I believe just does not get it -- and that's giving her the benefit of the doubt because what I really think in darker moments is that she does get it, but is more interested in power.

So there's my response to the election -- not that my free speech amounts to a hill of beans, but I'll keep speaking it as long as I'm free.