Greetings:

I was unable to log on for the past 24 hours, and I cannot understand what has been going on in my absence. Please let me be clear about this: Lorcan (Larry) Otway is both a dear friend and trusted comrade, as well as a wonderful musician. We have had our differences of opinion, and he does enjoy ribbing me, but we have always acted in a friendly and comradely way to one another, and we will continue to do so.

Ron Olesko has also become a friend, and I am pleased to see that he has invited Lorcan to be on WFDU Traditions. Both will have a good time. More importantly, so will the audience. And without an audience there is no art, whether that art be creating a radio program or making music.

Both Lorcan and I are thankful that we have our respective fans, supporters, and defenders. However, anyone who feels that he or she needs to take sides, or who supposes that there is any bad blood between us, is mistaken.

Having said that, let me get back on topic.

First of all, a big THANK YOU! to Ron Olesko for having Anne Price, Eric Levine, and myself on WFDU Traditions this past Sunday, July 4.

Next, an equally big THANK YOU! to a majority of the United States Supreme Court who have finally shown the guts to assert that the Constitution is not yet a dead letter.

And, of course, a tremendous THANK YOU! in advance to all our friends, fans, well wishers who will turn out at the Fourth Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash this coming Sunday, July 11, 2004, from 7 to 9 PM. That's at CB's 313 Gallery, 313 Bowery, in New York City. Admission is just $5, and for that price you can stay all night and hear the acts which follow ours.

See you all there!

--- Steve