It seems to me that this subject falls into two parts; one is that an anti-fascist event was poorly organised, the other is that folkies shouldn't be singing political songs at all.
One (if it is true) can be sorted out with a little planning, the other is reactionary rubbish.
The first documented English political song was written in 1206 (in Latin – about King John) and politics has been a part of our cuture ever since; I'd have thought it was a little late to start complaining of the fact now.
Folk music has a track record to be proud of when it comes to campaigning against injustices and the improvement of the human condition; workers rights, Civil Rights, Peace, anti nuclear, anti-Apartheid, anti-fascism, third-world poverty, Viet Nam, the womens movement……. Some of us were there with our songs and music and were pleased to be. In my experience, nobody was ever forced to take part; they could sit on the sidelines and watch if they wished – and they still can. But nobody can tell us what and where and why to sing.
There is nothing complicated and in need of explanation regarding the rise of fascism in Europe today.
A bunch of right-wing thugs have taken the safety-pins out of their noses, covered up their swastika tattoos, grown their hair, put on suits and, thanks to the state of the economy, have made a few gains in local elections. Now they appear to be turning their attention to our music.
There are enough examples to be had of the thuggish intentions of these people; look at their past behaviour (Auschwitz wouldn't be a bad place to start), or the race riots and racist demonstrations that have shamed Britain, or the recent fire bombings and terrorising of immigrants in the North of Ireland or the Travellers elsewhere…
Look at their political pronouncements; the holocaust didn't happen, immigrants (and those of immigrant origin) should be repatriated, forcibly if necessary, those without the necessary paperwork should be cast adrift in open boats - men, women, children (it's beyond my understanding how people who publicly incite to murder and hatred are allowed to stand for election - but that's the establishment for you!). None of this is written into their manifesto maybe, but it's part of their twisted attitude to humanity all the same. What's to explain…. they're fascists, they're thugs and they're here!
Those who are happy to sit on their hands and do nothing are free to, but please don't interfere with those who care enough to become involved. If you don't want to be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem
Good luck to F.A.F.
Jim Carroll