I always am amazed that people seem to want to ban hate songs.

It generally turns out that they want to ban only the hate songs of people they do not agree with.

All other hate songs are ok.

For example I cite the ancient threads that I was involved with in regard to songs of solidarity of the loyalist, orange, protestant, unionist tradition of the island of ireland.

I was told that they were all hate songs however those telling me this were perfectly happy to play and listen to the equally warlike songs of solidarity of the other side.

While opposition to hatred, killing and evil is admirable censorship in any form is worse.

Where will it end and would you be comfortable were the other side the victor, with their censorship and destruction of the songs you hold dear?

Censorship like torture is not an acceptable strategy.

What about the opposite of hate songs- the go out and get someone pregnant songs- the songs of maying? Those opposed to loose sex would think them terrible as would those wishing to control population growth.

You can always find a way to hate something but it takes real courage to welcome opposing views.

Perhaps too those proposing to ban and censor anything involving hate or killing etc....simply do not believe in free will. They assume that those listening to lyrics will go and act them out-I don't think this is the case. Music is a strong tool but people are generally on the whole rational.

With music context of performance is important. I would think differently of a song sung as part of a political rally than I would of one sung in an open forum where all songs are welcome. Intent is important.

Censorship my friends can not be excused in a free society in any form. Just because you wish to eliminate the music of causes you hate does not make it correct or appropriate.

If the intent of performance is the enjoyment of the art of music all can be and should be welcome. If you choose to sing the songs of politics make an effort to demonstrate that opposing views are welcome on your stage- seek them out and invite them but never allow a general folk music stage to be dominated by one point of view intentionally.

(of course special focused workshops are not the same as general performance stages)

Conrad