You bet it's good to reflect upon our choice of songs. In a few days I'll be performing "Songs of the period" (1854-1862) at the dedication of the Washington State Heritage exhibit to Isaac Stevens. He was our first territorial governor, long before Wahington became a state.

In his duties, he was the person who forced the native americans into signing the "peace treaties", that ultimatly took their land and forced them onto reservations. He died in the Civil War in 1862.

In preparing for this event, I'm reading everything I can get my hands on about his life AND TIMES. Past events must be read in context of those times.

I'm choosing my songs carefully. They will reflect the western migration to the Pacific Northwest, the thrill of the gold seekers, and the "Indian Issues."

As for the civil war period, I'm going to sing a "modern song" that captures the anti-war sentimate that was common to all sides.

You bet it's GOOD to reflect on just what songs we choose to sing ... or do NOT choose to sing! bob(deckman)nelson