didn't say it was!

so discuss but read what I have written first.

I have never suggested removing political content from songs.

I am concerned only with the environment- the intent of performance.

By its very nature political use of songs is divisive. If you utilize the same songs as art then you will not loose those for which the political message (a very small aspect of any song) is offensive.

If too many songs appear that are used primairly in a political manner then one would discurage others from performing at the venue.

If the one sided political performances persist over time the genre as a whole can become branded and will turn people away before they arrive.

If one does not get the feeling that musicians are preaching at them or lecturing following the performance indicating that they expect the crowd to take action along the lines the song suggests then we can keep to expression, art a level of interest which has broader appeal.

I have been to many folk concerts. I have seen the mayor of baltimore sing IRA songs following them up with anti british chants and black glove salute (he is now governor of Maryland) I have seen women sing women's liberation songs followed up with a few choice words of politics against men etc.

Politicization of a folk event is different from playing folk music with a political message and talking about music leaving the political speeches out. Let the songs stand on their own any way as art.

Conrad