Okay I'm revisting this after being away again for some time, and hopefully will pick up on a few points that will add to the overall discussion..
As far as anti-semitism is concerned re Morris Dancing.. all I can say is that the whole of Europe (which was the the known world when Morris Dancing was introduced) was anti-semtic. hence streets in England being called "Drury Lane".. i.e. where the Jews lived.. I don't think you can place any blame on Morris dancing for reflecting anti semetic views as Shakespeare's blantant attack on them, in Merchant of Venice.. we have to accept history as it was and hopefully learn by it.. which is what the whole concept of Morris Dancing is about .. it takes centuries old perceptions of fertility and Mother Earth and continues to celebrate the union of man and nature through song and dance..
And yes I know like all religions or religios beliefs it is totally phoney .. here's a question for you.. how many Morris Dancers are atheists?.. i.e. do not believe in the one God?.. do not believe in either the Church of England or RC?.. but I still bet they are happy to dance and sing to pagan beliefs that have streched back countless centuries...
And why... because they have an unknowing appreciation of tradition and history.. it doesn't matter whether you believe in the philosophy surrounding a given song/tune.. so long as you can associate with the history surrounding it when you perform it..that song/tune can effect not only yourself whilst playing.. but anyone listening..
Which unfortunately drags me back to very good question ..why don't we get English pubds promoting English traditional music?.. I think Malcolm hit the nail on the head..
Though I think any English catters who view this thread so see it as there sole purpose as educating the rest of the world as to he origins of "folk music"