"and I know how important it is for those steeped in the tradition to endeavour to keep their music apart from other music, "

That's one of the main problems with 'folk' music, for me, that it has been kept so apart by a select group of over-intense people. All they've done is ensure that young people aren't interested, don't know about it and don't give a darn. As many people as possible should be 'steeped' in the traditions of their countries, it should never be 'kept apart'

Music, I feel very strongly, does have the power to change the world, of course it does. If that music comes from one particular person, then of course they are/were the inspiration behind a movement that can/did spread like wild fire around the world.

It is I feel one of the main reasons why you no longer hear powerful, intelligent songs on the radio or tv any more, for those in power want a population where individuality, inspired free-thinking and anger is suppressed. They want a population that is nothing more than a vast well of non-thinking consumers who never question.

As I said way back, we need John Lennon back, but that is obviously impossible. However, his songs can inspire a whole new generation, as can the songs of many others. But they have no voice anymore, they have been silenced, by 'the powers that be' and by a generation that does what it's told, en masse, from cradle to grave.