Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:19 AM

I lost it too. I can't recall ever seeing Pete sing with as much joy that was apparent in the moment. I'm sure the symbolism of the event played a huge part in that. This was the success of all the years he spent fighting for civil rights and he lived to see the day.

Pete often talks about a 50/50 chance that the human race will still be here in 100 years - I am guessing that the odds just went up!!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: NormanD
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:56 AM

On a related note, the version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Betty Lavette and Jon Bon Jovi was fine, too. Betty Lavette is a great soul singer, pretty much forgotten until her career revived a couple of years ago. Interesting that she, too, sung the "forgotten" verse of the song - the one that goes "I go to a movie/Or I go downtown/There's always someone tells me/Don't hang around". When Sam Cooke wrote and recorded the song in about 1964 his record company took that verse out as it was too militant for a pop 45. He had been inspired to write it after hearing Dylan's "Blowing In The Wind".

So, two great songs that have had their words publicly restored.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:31 PM

guest,pws, if you mean the guitarist, it was Pete's grandson, Tao

BillD, that's twice - Jesse Jackson at Obama's Election day acceptance speech and, now this. Ya ol' softie...it is good to be so moved, isn't it?:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 01:25 PM

random channel hopping last night
and discovered that UK Sky Arts
had abandoned normal schedule and were broadcasting this concert unanounced
as live feed from HBO.

caught the last 45 mins or so..

..and if you have UK digital satellite installed..

"
Missed the Obama concert live? We're repeating it! 8pm, Tue on Sky Arts 1"



http://www.skyarts.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 01:37 PM

I imagine pws would have been meaning the bloke with the tambourine, off the the left of Bruce Springsteen. (His left, that is.) See him best at about 2:24.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 01:55 PM

Neat comment from the Pittsburgh paper:

Seeger leading the audience in a rendition of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" was brilliant and perfectly subversive given the politics of the last eight years. It is no longer a song of protest. It is a song of triumph.

Oops...tambourine...didn't see him, thanks!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: oggie
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:05 PM

Video no longer available due to copyright claim by HBO - so that was the brave new world.

Steve

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:29 PM

What do you mean they took the video off the Web? I always remember
Pete getting to sing that verse;

Was a big high wall there that tried to stop me,
A big old sign said PRIVATE PROPERTY,
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me!

Obviously it meant nothing to those bastards.

The video of the rehearsal is probably still up. I'll go and check.

Mark Ross

PS. The video is still up! Hurray! Here's the link;

Pete Seeger, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and Springsteen at the Inaugural concert

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:03 PM

"Obviously it meant nothing to those bastards."

Not that I side with corporations, but let's not forget that HBO did make the event available to everyone on cable - and they offered the cablecast for free to systems, even for those that normally would have to pay for HBO. The concert was also available for free to everyone who showed up at the Lincoln Memorial, and it was not required to be broadcast or cablecast. Putting on an event of that magnitude does not come cheap. They also have video available for free on their website - www.hbo.com .   I think in this case they have been fair, but they want to control how their product is used - just like most of us would.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:12 PM

And here it is from the back of the crowd... (And there are a few more like that.)

As for the hbo video, that isn't and can't and couldn't be watched from outside the USA and territories.

The point to notice though is "and it was not required to be broadcast or cablecast" - something wrong with a system where that's true. What that is is touched on in that last verse but one of the song...

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:15 PM

While some cable users like myself couldn't get the free broadcast, I blame my cable company who put it on a channel only accessible with a converter box.

OTOH, I'm glad I downloaded the video this morning. I figured it was a keeper, and I figured it might not last up there.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:18 PM

"The point to notice though is "and it was not required to be broadcast or cablecast" - something wrong with a system where that's true. What that is is touched on in that last verse but one of the song... "

What?? I think you are confusing the meaning of those words. Woody Guthrie was not talking about stealing or piracy - his words were all about being treated fairly and receiving pay for honest work.

The concert was available for free to all who wished to attend.   Where is it written or inferred that everyone in the world are required to witness a broadcast of that event?   Who would you like to pay for it - the taxpayers?? You may not realize it, but the concert was not paid for by public funds. I also understand that HBO had indeed made the production available for all who wish to see it - around the world. Their may be issues with the website, but I would check your local cablecaster.

I'm really beginning to think that Woodys words are being misinterpreted. He wasn't creating an open call for greed and everything is free.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:25 PM

Good for Pete! And good for the Boss as well!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:34 PM

A great high wall there that tried to stop me,
A great big sign there saying "Private Property",
But on the other side it didn't say nothing.
That side was made for you and me.

Public broadcasting of nationally significant occasions, not dependent on the whims of private companies, seems a reasonable thing to expect.

Actually Woody Guthrie was talking about stealing and piracy. He was talking about ending a system that enshrines those things.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:49 PM

It was 'available' to anyone who had broadband and a cable box...etc...etc. Which means there were legions of poor, rural folks who had NO chance of seeing it over their regular TV stations. So much for 'free', HBO!

I have MY tricks, so I have downloaded it while it is there in places that HBO can't immediately intimidate.

(It took me till 6:30 PM to even find out WHERE it was being broadcast, because all CNN would say is "we can't bring you the whole concert, as there are many 'restrictions'." I read the entire paper trying to find out WHO had the rights to it, and then finally figured out where HBO was on my cable box.

Why do I suspect that they plan to sell copies soon?

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:56 PM

Sorry McGrath, I do not agree with what you are interperting in the song.

I think you are also clouding what constitutes a "significant" event. This was an entertainment event and it was paid for privately. The event was free to the public and tens of thousands were in attendance. I would hope that HBO puts this out on DVD.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:27 PM

We don't have cable at all. It was on HBO.com, free to anyone who tuned in, with no need to download special software. Didn't even leave a cookie.

What DID upset me was that the invocation by the Rev. Gene Robinson - the first openly gay Episcopal bishop - was not included in the broadcast, although it was part of the event. That makes me mad.

Dan

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:28 PM

Anyway, the footage is still up on YouTube. I have posted a link to it on my Facebook page.


Yours for the One Big Union!
&
Take It Easy, But Take It!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:30 PM

McGrath, can you no watch it on youtube?

I can't count the number of times UK Mudcatters have posted about something to be aired on BBC or one of their other channels, only to find out it was not available to those of us who don't live there, not even online.

Also, it is well to remember the whole inauguration is being paid for by people who have donated freely, just as we did to campaign for Obama's election; not by government money. He has given us all direct action to be proud of.

And, I want to be as spry as Pete when I am 89!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:35 PM

After an hour and a half, Pete and Bruce and Tao loaded on our dial-up connection. I've watched it 6 times and have rarely been so moved. All the years of hearing Pete singing and working for this kind of a gestalt moment. Indeed, the sum of all of the parts is so much greater than the whole. --- Just wonderful!

Art

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:38 PM

I thought it was wonderful,and somewhat unexpected that the "subversive" verses to "this Land ..." were sung.Very thoughtful and maybe even courageous of Seeger and Springsteen.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:48 PM

Yes, the Pete Seeger clip is on youtube still, though HBO appear to be working on stopping that. I imagine if they get the present clip taken down, like they did the other, there'll be more.

Yup, Ron, I think we do disagree about what counts as a significant national event, in this case. And about what that verse is all about.

Not to worry. It's a great clip - something for Obama and America to live up to.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:48 PM

The quotation from Meet the Press in December is quite startling. It is hard to imagine someone with such a grasp of the role of the arts as President (my suspicion was always that JFK was somewhat bored with the culture stuff, it was Jackie's doing). This will be interesting.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:51 PM

Bill, you should be able to find out what channel's what on the internet, or you could just call the cable company. I did both, but I called the cable guys just to make sure they hadn't put it on some more accessible channel than my search revealed (then I bitched politely).

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:55 PM

I never could find HBO on our channel lineup with cable, not even the digital lineup. But, we only have expanded basic, but even so, it still ought've been on the roll-by schedule.

Question, I told my miro program to find the video on youtube, which is did and I told it to save it, but when I try to play it, in miro, I get nothing. How are you all downloading it to keep, if you don't mind saying?

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:22 PM

Yup McGrath,we do disagree.   I feel that Woody was singing about the right to share America's property and wealth and to remove restrictions that prevent everyone from sharing equally in the dream. From what I've read and heard in his songs, I believe he is talking about SHARING and everyone having rights.

Let me ask this - if you are a painter and you are inspired to create a painting of Obama, Pete or Bruce at the event - would you be required to give that painting away for free?   

Woody wanted people to sing his songs and in print encouraged people to sing them without regard to "rights", but Woody did make his living on his songs and performances.

A cable network should have rights too - and all the personnel who participated to stage and cablecast the event deserve to have their rights and welfare protected.   Sure, it would be a nice gesture to make it available to all around the world, but in the end - this was not a "public event" in the same sense as the actual inauguration is.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:48 PM

Pete with his knit cap looked like he had just wandered in from trapping beaver, or maybe sailing on a clipper ship. What a great moment for him, and for us, as he symbolized a bridge from Woody Guthrie and the social revolution of the 1930s to Obama and the new century. He looked like a living embodiment of our history and of our music's history, and of the joy and pride we have every right to feel in both.

Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.

That stanza pretty much says what the spirit of my country is all about.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:54 PM

You got that right EJ!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:56 PM

Does anyone out there know the source of this verse? I have a feeling that it's Petes'.

"Maybe you're working just as hard as your able,
Living off crumbs from the rich mans' table,
Maybe your wondering if it's truth or fable,
That this land is made for you and me."

He didn't sing it yesterday, but I could swear that I've heard him sing it at some time in the last 50 years.(he also left out the verse that starts; "When the sun comes shining and I was strolling,")

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,richd
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:02 PM

The rights that cable networks have should surely be different from the rights that indiviaduals have no? What exactly do HBO have rights over- the Woody Guthrie song? Mr Seegers, Springsteen etcs performance of same? The crowd? The performance of the crowd in joining in? The Lincoln Memorial? Mr Seegars gestures inviting the crowd to join in? AHHH the telerecording... what if i do a video recording at the concert then, am I a pirate infringing HBOs rights? What if I do a video of the person next to me joining in with Mr Seegers' voice in the backround, do HBO own that? The idea of a 'public event' and how the performnce of Mr Seeger et al is not one 'really' is interesting, and the contrast between the sentiments of Mr Guthries song, the manner of it's performance, and copyright violation seems to me to be very odd. At the least, I hope HBO are paying handsomly to the estate of Woody Guthrie for the rights and also to those who took part. I fear that mmany people in the USA will never understand the UKs commitment to Public Service Broadcasting and a National Health Service, and that UKers (like me) are bewildered that something so hopeful and rich as the concert should be covered by a cable company, for profit. Profit that depends on excluding people by wether they can pay or not. Its the differnece between 'the right to access' and 'the right to profit'. Can a cable company have 'welfare'? Are the rights of a cable company- recording a crowd and performers- the same as an individual creating a work of art- even a film?

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:02 PM

If I wrote a song about Obama, yes of course I'd be happy for anyone who wanted to sing it without paying me money. But that's not the same as "be required", I accept.

I can't see that the rather futile gesture of taking down a video clip does anything to protect the rights and welfare of anyone. Doubly futile because it clearly won't work.

I'm inclined to think that it's the inauguration itself that won't a "public event" in the sense that that clip is.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:09 PM

He looked like a living embodiment of our history and of our music's history, and of the joy and pride we have every right to feel in both.

That he did, LeeJ!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 10:36 PM

I have had cable for....ummmm... 6-7 or so years. It was restricted to channels 1-99. About 4-5 years ago, I got a converter box that gave me access to some more channels above 100, but I seldom went above the 111 area, and only rarely to some free movie channels in the 140-160 range. I remembered that I had a listing I got in the mail that showed the layout....so I dug it out of a drawer. Turns out HBO is 301. I do not PAY for HBO, so it is usually blanked out for me. Because no one (that *I* usually listen to) was willing to admit where the 'free' broadcast was, I had to be clever in locating it. (I am fairly clever, so I saw the broadcast). Others have noted the mixed blessing and availability of this program. Had I not had broadband, I could not have easily watched it on the computer...(as Art Thieme notes) ..had I not had that converter box, I could not have watched it on TV.
   There are many, many who had neither broadband internet NOR cable TV...which makes HBO's 'gift' a bit shallow, if you ask me.

Now, I wonder...if HBO bought the 'rights' to broadcast a free concert, who had the authority to SELL those rights? And why would they? I am fine... I saw it... I even downloaded the Pete Seeger part I wanted, but something smells funny.
   What I really believe is that there were just too many big stars involved for someone to not "make a buck" off the event. Unlike Gov. Rod Blago... 'someone' had better connections and had better sense than to just do a blatant sales job. What HBO did was no doubt officially legal, but then, so was giving bonuses to the CEOs who ran Shearson and their pals....

Who, me? Cynical? naawwwwww....

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:20 PM

"Now, I wonder...if HBO bought the 'rights' to broadcast a free concert, who had the authority to SELL those rights? And why would they? I am fine... I saw it... I even downloaded the Pete Seeger part I wanted, but something smells funny."

I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised. The "official" events of the inauguration, including this concert, are put together by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The events are supported by donors, and the rules for donation are similar to rules for donating to candidates.

There are a number of events that are put on by the committee that are not free, some events are by invitation only, and others are open to the public.

There are other concerts. Tonight the Disney concert held a "youth" concert.   MTV was involved with another affair.   They pay for the rights to event.   

HBO paid for the rights to broadcast yesterdays concert. The money tey paid for that enabled the committee to put on the event. The event drew a crowd that gathered in Washington was estimated at close to 500,000 - and they were able to watch for free.   I'm having a real hard time figureing out why everyone feels that HBO needs to give it away for free.   

This is nothing like giving bonuses to CEO's. It is good to question authority, but it should always be accompanied by reason.

I know the conspiracy theorists love to find a problem with such events, but events like this are not new and it is very upfront. I know everyone wants everything for free - but these are the same people who grumble at paying taxes.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:24 PM

"There are many, many who had neither broadband internet NOR cable TV...which makes HBO's 'gift' a bit shallow, if you ask me."

We didn't, but thanks for the input.   

I realize that people like to have everything handed to them, and they get grumpy when they can't work remotes, but HBO did not have to do anything they did not want to. They made this event available to more people than most inaugural events are given access to, and yet there will always be people who want more. There is no "entitlement" for this event.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:46 AM

The editorial in the Guardian newspaper in the UK today featured Pete Seeger, entitled In Praise of Pete Seeger. Read it here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/20/obama-inauguration-pete-seeger

Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:38 AM

..just a reminder that the concert is repeated tonight at 8.00
on UK Sky Arts 1

http://www.skyarts.co.uk/skyarts/obama-presidential-inauguration/


and..

"Additional opportunities to watch this incredible event and enjoy the ecletic range of performances....
27th Jan at 9pm on Sky Arts 1, 5th Feb at 8pm on Sky Arts 2 or 16th Feb at 9pm Sky Arts 1."

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Mark Ross
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:59 AM

Here's a link to the Guardian piece

In Praise of Pete Seeger

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:47 PM

I didn't know about the concert beforehand, and accidentally happened across it halfway-through during the first (live) broadcast. (We do have HBO.) Since then, I've been able to watch a couple of reruns, once in its entirety and then portions later on. We DID watch Pete and Bruce every time, of course. I found it interesting that the best was saved for last, following even Obama's speech.

Sounded to me like Pete's grandson Tao provided the predominant vocal. There was one voice sounding out quite prominently above all others, and it was neither Pete's not The Boss's ~ I recognize both of those iconic voices easily. I suppose Pete's voice might be a little weaker than it was years ago, but Bruce could have sung as loud as anyone if he had so chosen. It must have been a decision to let Tao carry the vocal, and he did a very nice job.

I also wonder who the tamborine man might have been. No one in this thread has answered so far ~ I hope it does not remain a mystery!

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:37 PM

once again, Ron, we must disagree on what needs to be emphasized.

As I said, I am sure what HBO did was legal ....and 'justified' from THEIR point of view. My remarks were not about "entitlement", but about the very IDEA that the rights to such an event should BE sold to someone who would adopt such limited idea of what making it 'freely available' meant.

You hardly contradict my disappointment by asserting, as I already knew, that HBO had every right to do as they did.

I suspect that if it had been better thought out, other ways could have been found to fund the concert and allow the major networks to show it...and even to allow HBO the rights to replay or sale of DVDs.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:51 PM

10 mins only to wait for repeat broadcast on UK Sky Arts 1

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 04:42 PM

Yes Bill, we do disagree on what needs to be emphasized. There are numerous events that occur within the days before the inauguration. The idea that rights to such events are sold is not a new policy, Nor is the idea that broadcasters and cablecasters have exclusive rights to such events. I understand your disapointment, I too would have loved to be able to download and wish even more people had the opportunity to participate. I would hope that you would understand the necessity and fairness of these decisions and realize that this event was not as limited as you have painted it to be.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:51 PM

It was exactly as limited as I said. Not everyone was able to view it 'freely'.
We can disagree about how necessary & fair that was.
I guess we have exhausted the ways each side can be defended.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:08 PM

As you yourself said, HBO had every right to do as they pleased. There is nothing to "defend" as they offered numerous opportunties to view an event that otherwise would have been closed to all.

I realize you have a different opinion on what they should have done, but I think we both agree that it was an incredible experience to have Pete Seeger appear at the event and sing the song.

It should also be noted that between the broadcast and the assembled crowd, more people probably heard those lyrics than ever before. That is what is important.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:13 PM

It's not that HBO were doing anything wrong or illegal or conspiratorial, or breaking the rules of the system. It's just that this showed up a place where the system is flawed.

And surely no one would claim, especially in the present crisis, that it isn't a system with some pretty significant flaws?

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:40 PM

Sorry McGrath, but I do not see how this is "flawed" in anyway. This was a concert that was put on by donations and selling the rights for the broadcast.

I don't know if they put on concerts in your neck of the woods, but "free" concerts are put on in major cities here in the U.S. all the time. Central Park is an example of such a site. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bon Jovi and numerous other artists have performed there for free, but that does not automatically grant a right for everyone to broadcast it.   You might see that as a "flaw", but I do not see how.   The money that HBO paid helped pay for many of the events that surrounded the inauguration.

I think you are using the words "the system" as a catch-all for EVERY system, policy and law. It doesn't work that way.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:06 PM

I believe public broadcasting of significant public events, including an event like this, is a social good, and that it is in the public interest for a society to organise itself in such a way that this is achieved. And I don't think it is particularly hard to do, or that it need damage the interests of artistes, technicians and organisers.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:36 PM

It took be about 15 seconds to do a search and find I was not alone.

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:46 PM

lots of views

Subject: RE: Seeger & Springsteen at Obama Inaugural
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:50 PM

No one ever claimed you are alone. Millions of people also voted for Bush.

The definition of "public" event is questionable as this was paid for by private donations.   If the event was created from public funds and paid for by taxpayers, you might have a better case. There was no entitlement for this concert.

I do agree that it would have been great to have this free on all channels around the globe, but reality is that somebody has to pay for it. It is too simple to say that it would not damage the interests of the artists and organizers without fully knowing what their plans are.