Just to finish off this libel of yours, Sawzaw.

I read the posts that you linked to, and yes, indeed, Bobert used the words you said he did. BUT—I also read enough of the discussion surrounding Bobert's posts to get a good idea of the nature of the discussion.

It's called putting the matter into context, Sawzaw, and that can totally change the nature and meaning of what is said. IN THE CONTEXT of the discussions, there is nothing in any of those posts to base an accusation of "bigotry" or "racism" against Bobert.

He is talking about specific individuals, not about whole races or groups.

I mentioned earlier my being criticized by self-appointed PC Police for singing "Black Girl" because I am white myself. And Richard Dyer-Bennet's being criticized for singing "John Henry," a song about a legendary black man while he, Dyer-Bennet, is white. Dyer-Bennet's answer was sharp and to the point. And I was told by four black friends and co-workers that criticizing me for singing "Black Girl" because it might offend blacks is utter nonsense, and that I should go ahead and sing the song.

Bobert sings blues—and there are goof-ball people out there in the world, not black people, who object to white people singing blues because "blues is black music and white people shouldn't be allowed to sing it!"

Jazz has its roots in the blues. So where do you draw the line?

As to the verbiage that Bobert used in those posts ("porch Negro" and "house Negro"), I have heard black friends, during political discussions, use those same terms in relation to the very same people that Bobert was talking about. Yes, they are pejorative. As was one black friend's use of the expression "shuckin' and jivin'" in relation to one of these same black political figures within the Bush administration.

Sawzaw, it's obvious to all that you've got some particular grudge against Bobert and that you are singling him out for special harassment in the form of what is legally libel and slander. Fortunately for you, you are hiding behind a "handle," which allows you to hide your real identity. Taking pot-shots from the underbrush the way you are doing is the sign of a coward!

GET OFF BOBERT'S CASE!!! You are making a complete ASS of yourself.

Push back from the computer, which you have to be spending all of your time in front of to be reading all the blogs you cut-and-paste from and spending so much time logged on to Mudcat. Go outside. Breath some fresh air. Got to the park. Watch the squirrels. Smell the flowers.

For YOUR OWN SAKE, man, GET A LIFE!!

Don Firth

P. S. END of communication with Sawzaw.