The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #17801   Message #173269
Posted By: Owlkat
03-Feb-00 - 11:02 PM
Thread Name: Baez interview. Americans and enemies
Subject: RE: Baez interview. Americans and enemies
Hi,
Wow.
I didn't hear the whole interview, and I can only base this opinion on the single quote, buuuuuuut...
I agree with her statement,and at the same time, I'd add that xenophobia is hardly exclusive to the US. A lot less Jews would have returned to die in Europe, if they hadn't been turned back from Halifax harbour at bayonet point by the Canadian Army. I'm a little surprised at the some of the things some of you have said about someone once considered to be at the vangaurd of the protest movement. Didn't some of us use to think that was a good thing?
Yes, she's a contemporary of Jane Fonda. Hanoi Jane? Isn't that a harsh kind of a Nixon-Right Wing-Kind of thing?
The Indigo girls. Huh. Maybe it's me, but since I first heard them, I've been impressed by both their politics and the power they put into the music they play to publicize their messages. Yeah, it's a strong and alternately-based opinion, but isn't that what this site is for? To hear the voices of those who would othewise be stifled by the powers we let be?
Living in the past. Some call that learning from the mistakes of history.
If people don't want to listen to what Joan Baez has to say, maybe it's because they are complacent and have forgotten where she learned to feel that way. I for one think fighting against war(ironic as that may sound) is good. We can never let ourselves forget why. My parents never told me about the Holocaust, thinking that if no-one ever talked about it, it would all go away, and the world would be all happy. Well, guess what?
Millions in Africa, Eastern Europe and the middle East would disagree. Every time we decide to forget, that's the best way to guarantee we will repeat our mistakes.
Yeah, she's self righteous. And? She's earned some respect. She's allowed a little leeway, yeah?
I'm not saying this to piss anybody off. This is, I hope, still a discussion.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. And that and a buck buys you coffee.
Cheers,
Owlkat.