Dear Gary,

I think that most 'Catters can discuss this issue without resorting to 'flaming' you. But, the old adage still applies -- 'Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.' As to your opinion about 'folk/folkish' music and political agendas -- I don't agree with you; however, I think your opinion is similar to those folks who look at paintings or sculpture and say, 'I know what I like and that ain't it.' Well, different strokes for different folks. If you don't want to sing a song, don't sing it. And you have every right to listen to the music that pleases you, too. Fortunately, there's enough room in any type/genre of music for everyone.

Larry -- Did you ever see a film entitled 'Gadjo Dilo'? It came out last year or in late '98, a French film, about a young man in Romania searching for a Rom singer that his uncle listened to. He meets a young Rom girl who, as his 'entry ticket' into the inner Rom world, takes him to hear the 'real' Rom music (as opposed to that performed for outsiders). It's a wonderful film, with even more wonderful music, which deals with the present day attitudes in Eastern Europe towards the Rom.

-- Áine