Do you think the Dixie Chicks got what they deserved?

I am all for free speech, but when your fan base absolutely "adores" the prez, why would you bad mouth him? I can go to Harlem, stand in the middle of the street, and yell out "I hate black people", because I have the right, I just don't think it would be too smart. If I got my kicked, would anyone feel sorry for me?