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Toby Keith Causes Controversy in Norway

Toby KeithToby Keith has a long history of making comments that strike a chord with Americans, but now he's created a stir among the people of Norway as well. His recent performance at the Nobel Peace Prize concert, honoring Nobel Peace Prize recipient President Barack Obama, was criticized by several members of the Norwegian Parliament, as well as a member of the event's committee.

Referring to his song, 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),' one member of the Parliament, Karoline Knutsen, said, "If Keith really means what he says in his lyrics ... then this doesn't seem like a particularly good decision," according to MSNBC.

Toby defends both his song and the president. "If someone wants to say that one song out of 30 million albums sold and 27 No. 1's is inappropriate, then you can jump up and down about the one song."

He also responds to the recent announcement that more troops will be sent overseas, adding, "If President Obama has to send [more] troops into Afghanistan to fight evil, I'll pull for our guys to win, and I won't apologize for it. I'm an American, and I do pull for our team to fight evil."

Toby, who was invited to perform at last year's concert as well, received his own award earlier this year for his outstanding support of U.S. troops.

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eeric0211

We've been keeping the Russians out of their country for over 50 years so they better pray to God or Thor or whomever we keep up our egotistical meddling with the rest of the world. Putin would run over them like he did in that other oil rich country on his border, Georgia, in about 5 seconds, if he thought we wouldn't come bail them out. And if it weren't for badass rednecks who listen to country music and are focussed on violence, we wouldn't have any armed forces either. Semper Fi Toby!

December 16 2009 at 11:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
philco1960

when is this racist crap going to stop a white man say somthing that they call racist but the back's can use the n word nothing happens or he said somthng that the that the asian call racist and all hell breaks lose time to stop this crap go for it toby

December 16 2009 at 8:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Prn13Norm

Put a boot in their ass Toby! To Hell with gutless politicians and the "looney left" musicans that want to enjoy the spoils of America without embracing the sacrifices that made their bed of roses possible.

December 16 2009 at 3:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sandygit

Toby is one of the best people around. He says it the way it is and speaks for 99% of us true red, white and blue Americans in this great country we live in USA. I'm a military brat, married military and have and always will support our troops. They have given up more to protect us, then you ever will. GOD BLESS TOBY AND OUR TROOPS. COME HOME SAFE.

December 16 2009 at 12:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Randi

So did they not listen to his music before they invited him? Its not like Courtesy of the Red White and Blue hasn't caused controversy before.


What's great is that Toby is like hey this is me, this is my music; suck it up, cause a fit, or whatever you want but its not gonna change me or what I sing!

December 15 2009 at 9:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Nothing wrong with being patriotic and supporting the troops and the goal in Afganistan, but to make a buck off of it is a little too much for me. I remember after 911 the worst or one of the worst tragedies this country has ever endured, There was a rush by musical artists to get there songs out no matter how awful they sounded they were sure to get play time. People felt that they had to buy them or they were unamerican. Paul McCartney wrote a song called Freedom. The song was just awful . I think it was rteleased 2 days after 911. Dont get me wrong nothing wrong with patriotism butisnt he sort of standing on the shoulders of these brave men and women instead of holding them up?

December 15 2009 at 9:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

I'd say not only does Toby MEAN what he says in his lyrics, I'd say he had people like the Norwegian parlaiment in mind when he wrote it.

December 15 2009 at 9:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Toby Keith sure knows how to sell records. He picks a devisive issue and writes a song about it. Make no mistake he isn't Francis Scott Key.

December 15 2009 at 9:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
indypenguin

I AM a Veteran,(of Saudie & Grenada!)I am also huge fan of Tobe Keith!!! I am behind Toby 100%!!! I pray every day that this might be the day they bring ALL our troops home??? I try to find the all latest country "patriotic" songs I can & listen them! most of them are true to heart & tell a story of actual patriotism!! If people have a problem with THIS song, then they are NOT a TRUE american! KEEP GOING TOBY!!!

December 15 2009 at 9:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lloyd

I like his music including the song in question. That said, with his large list of hits why in the world would he choose to perform a song glorifying war when celebrating the Nobel PEACE prize?

December 15 2009 at 9:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Lloyd's comment
Steve

So he could have an artical on AOL today , which would intice a bunch of nationalist to go out and buy his music sort of like buying a Dallas Cowboy jersey. Isn't it obvious?

December 15 2009 at 9:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply