On the War Again? This Time It's Willie

By Rebecca Winters

WILLIE NELSON had better hope country radio treats old guys better than chicks. When Dixie Chicks front woman Natalie Maines maligned President Bush at a London concert last year, stations boycotted the trio and told fans to trash its CDs. Now country's beloved braided grandpappy has penned a ballad criticizing the war in Iraq, called What Ever Happened to Peace on Earth. With lyrics like "How much oil is one human life worth?" and "How much is a liar's word worth?," the tune is only Nelson's second protest song--the first was about Vietnam. Asked by the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman if he thinks the charged new melody will draw a backlash from conservative country fans, Nelson said, "I sure hope so. I don't care if people say, 'Who the hell does he think he is?' I know who I am." Yeah, the dude dodging Toby Keith in the men's room.