Well...my computer's been in the shop, so I wasn't here for the beginning of this thread. Lots of very interesting and thoughtful posts.
I don't think folk music necessarily has to be political. Certainly, there's lots of great folk music which is. However, it's not necessary that music (of any kind) be political for it to be truly fine music.
As for the whole liberal/conservative issue...
Most of the folkies I know tend to the liberal side. I certainly do. I don't, however, think that being a Republican makes one a gun-toting, child-starving, puppy-kicking Nazi. There are reasonable and intelligent people with whom I don't see eye to eye.