When you start throwing stones at the music of others you will not damage the people- you will damage the art - the music and the poetry- the lyrics.

Those who can only see politics in music and verse need glasses!-perhaps glasses of whiskey!

There can be an argument against singing rebel songs and that is against singing rebel songs of one side as is the case in Irish America which basically is intolerant of all other traditions but that of the republican and nationalist. Intolerance is basicly wrong so to correct this situation one must be always inclusive. To do this one need only become open and free and sing the songs of both sides. This makes for a wonderful concert of alternating points of view. There is nothing worse than hearing nothing but republican/nationalist rebel songs which uplift one group of thugs at the expense of the other when all they are is thugs any way. (which is by the way why you should never pay any money out in donation or cover or otherwise to hear performers of Irish republican/nationalist music because as recent news articles and statements by the secretary of state for northern ireland prove- much money is still being passed under the table at such events- and is laundered- prior to transport to Ireland where it is used to kill innocents- this includes St. Patrick's day parade money which has been turned into bombs and guns for decades as it is being done right now)

By singing the songs of both sides we preserve all of the music and art and not just some of it. Let the audience decide what to believe- but give them the choice - dont ram republicanism down their throats is so often done.

If you have confidence in your message it will prevail. Censorship only demonstrates a lack of confidence in your message.

If you play nothing but rebel and republican songs or play none of the fine music of solidarity produced by both sides of the isle of Ireland at all you should consider the artistic music and verse created by the unionist, loyalist and orange traditions. By including it all you will provide a multi dimensional program. You will find that most of the unionist material is totally unknown in the USA at least and as a result your program will be uplifting and enlightening and new once again.

Stop in for the largest collection of unionist orange and loyalist songs on the web including ballads of the 17th century. I guarantee they will be of interest and enjoyment. I provide them for their art as should all who are concerned with music. http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5567/ooooo.html

Remember- censorship and exclusion make up a two edged sword which someday others may take from you to eliminate your own art!

Conrad Bladey cbladey@mail.bcpl.net