agree Little Hawk. Never thought that all political songs had to be anti-something, but I guess thats what "protest" means after all. What was called folk music in the 60's forced a lot of people to take a side. Some people could not see the big historical picture and still don't . I got out of music for 25 years and lost some good freinds because I could not take a "side". I'm back in now and believe I have a good historical perspective on the past and on folk music as a reflection of the times but I don't feel a part of any movement and I don't think anti-war and pro-peace songs are necessarily the same. (I know I'm asking for it on that statement). As an old folkie, Al Sharpton and Patti Smith certainly don't represent the folk community. and to answer your question , guest, some of my best freinds consider themselves political activists and they can do all the free gigs they want. It doesn't bother me as long as I'm not sucked into or classified as part of some kind of "movement" .