"When you use music to limit the range of points of view you are doing the musical genre and its listeners a disservice as well as artists that are not made to feel welcome."

Bunk! Give us a single example where that has happened. Again, it is just your opinion.

Folk music develops to fit a need. Folk preservation in this country began in this country in the early 20th century as a way of preserving a way of life that conservatives felt was changing. Staunch conservatives such as Henry Ford were heavily involved. John Lomax was a conservative.   Folk festivals were part of a conservative movement.

At the mid point of the 20th century, the shift began. The focus on labor and HISTORICAL protest song was evident, and it was carried out with social changes that were occuring.   The folk process at work - and representing a community.

Sorry Conrad, but your whining is not working. YOu are ignoring the fact that language, art and politics are intertwined.   Wishing it would go away is not going to change facts.

Your definitions are leaking.