Conrad makes a very simplistic case for his views. It is virtually impossible to separate an artist from his/her political views. A political rally and a concert are sometimes indistinguishable.

There are many traditional folksongs that could be interpreted as "hate" songs but I don't think this can be ascribed to Pete Seeger. There are songs critical of current social issues but these don't necessarily reflect a distinct political platform. I think that's specious reasoning.

If inclusivity involves the avoidance of topical songs or personal social statements
then this is an oxymoron. This is not inclusivity but avoidance. The idea that the artist shouldn't offend someone's viewpoint in the audience is not inclusive. It's patronizing.

The dissection of art from political or social issues is silly. Picasso's "Guernica" is all that needs to be seen to belie this view.

Pete Seeger has never incited violent behavior.

The songs of the Civil Rights Movement were effective as much as for their art then their political statements.

Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude" was a musical political statement as was Beethoven's
music at times. This in no way degraded their artistic contributions.

Once again, someone without any convictions may desire a pseudo-open-mindedness
but this is not in the realm of art which requires passion and persuasion. Once again,
holding conflicting ideas does not reflect integrity.

The great songs of Utah Phillips and Woody Guthrie reflect a decided approach to social issues. Neither pulled any punches and it did not detract from the art or their fans.

I say the song is powerful because of the art of construction and at times its political or social intent. "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" is a remarkable example of a lovely melody wedded to a specific point-of-view about a social issue. "Waste Deep In the Big Muddy" was banned from TV because of the conservative attitudes of the executives who certainly exercised their political clout and unapologetically at that.

The idea that one must avoid stepping on the toes of an audience by self-censorship
is really denigrating the role of the artist in any society.