Dick,
With respect - it isn't "heroic types who hide behind their Guitars & make like they can change all the political wrongs of our World with their wee provocative songs," who cause the divisions, but politicians and religious nuts of all persuasions. For the rest of us proles, we either close our mouths and bend over to be shafted; or we give our opinions in any way open to us. The idea that we have no right to give voice, as small and insignificant as it might be, because it might frighten the horses, is both abhorrent and repessive.
I wasn't living in Clare through the troubles, but coming from Liverpool where, if you don't support Liverpool or Everton FCs, you are considered an atheist, and having lived for thirty odd years in London, where (I was told this in all seriousness by somebody I worked for) if you have Irish neighbours you always check under your car before you drive off in the morning, I have seen the result of religious divisions up close.
Whatever views you or I hold, either on politics or religion, the idea that either of us should be able to silence the other is as devisive as a car bomb or triumphal march to Drumcree Church. We have little enough say in what is carried out on our behalf without having it reduced even further.
You seem quite happy that 'The Queen' was played at a music session, but unhappy that the Scots lads didn't join in. Apart from the anachronistic custom of playing 'the queen' (which you, apparently have no objection to) at a session where, I would hope, all denominations are welcome, what a piece of arrogance to expect somebody to behave like hypocrites and show respect to somebody who obviously they have none for - I only hope I would have the courage they obviously had - good on them.
You may find "Rock Stars & Hollywood Actors who suddenly find politics" nauseating - personally I find those who stand on the sidelines, living their priveleged lives and ignoring suffering and repression equally nauseating, and am more than happy when one of them steps out of their ivory tower, puts their head above the parapet and uses their influence, merited or otherwise, to call attention to the sufferings of the world - good on them as well.
The right to express opinions, whether by song or any other method, should be open to all.
Jim Carroll