The Austin American-Statesman now has their own weblog. It remains to be seen whether or not this will be anything but a corporate mouthpiece, but they were able to dispense the latest pronouncement from Merle Haggard:
I don't even know the Dixie Chicks, but I find it an insult for all the men and women who fought and died in past wars when almost the majority of America jumped down their throats for voicing an opinion. It was like a verbal witch-hunt and lynching. Whether I agree with their comments or not has no bearing . . . Seems lately we're awfully quick to criticize and pleased with ourselves to be part of the majority. As a country we need to look inward for the answers to the energy of the future. We need to bring down our demands for oil, rebuild some bridges and highways and allow the farmers to grow something that replenishes the soil. Those who don't know what that is, should do some research. The problem is not in Iraq and the answers are not in Iran. I hope we're not buried alive beneath this pending financial collapse if the pipeline doesn't get through. Surely everything doesn't depend on oil!
Who's next? Toby Keith??
This is interesting for a couple of reasons. One, the A-S can be a reasonably fair-minded voice in a town that can often fairly be described as "Baghdad in the Hill Country" (apologies to the late Herb Caen). I do like the fact that Bill Bishop seems to be a fairly independent sort. As corporate weblogs go, this one seems to have some potential. Stay tuned, y'all....
