Joan Baez has made a contribution to the popularizing of folk music. She has developed her craft to the point that it deserves respect. I hate to see anyone who works hard at what they do be demeaned.

"Self-serving" is a put-down. IMHO Joan has not been self-serving because she has stood by her principles and and as a result refused to take certain lucrative jobs that would increase her visability and income.

There are a lot of Joan Baez detractors out there who don't agree with her politics and attempt to disparage her. I was never a great Joan Baez fan but I always admired her pertanacious qualities and her obvious vocal ability. I don't like to see any artist be unfairly characterized as "self-serving" for desiring recognition for what they do. She has worked hard; she deserves some respect whether one agrees with her politics or prefers her style of music.

Frank Hamilton