Funny, a buddy just got back from the Holocaust Memorial on Washington, and I was lamenting on the fact that we have nothing like this to remember our domestic Holocaust--the extermination of the Indian and enslavement of the African. I'm not endorsing collective guilt, but I think that we always need to be mindful of what we are capable of, at our best and at our worst. Traditional music is a testament to our good and hard times.

Clearly, these postings show that folk is a living tradition. Songs about trains and cowboys naturally give way to songs about subways and data processors. If a tune is too good to die because of a line or two of archaic terms, like most of you, I'll change it. Since the only regular performing that I do these days is in a classroom, I find myself adapting quite a bit. I eagerly anticipate the "learning moment" when we can discuss the original text, but it may be a while for my first graders.

Now, I'm not out to offend, lecture or apologize, but I think that there is a time for political incorrectness. Especially when flying a symbol of slavery over a statehouse is considered politically appropriate. I try to pick my battles. Oh, and this is a great thread. Thanks for starting it.