That's all very well Joe. Unfortunately Folk Music, and music generally does not exist in a political or empathetic vacuum. It is a poor musician, Folk singer or Folklorist who is not also part sociologist.
There has been an unwarranted and odious attack upon a race of people who have preserved and carried our tradition song repertoire for generations. An attempt to divorce the prejudice demonstrated from the Gypsy folk and their songs is not only futile, but also undesirable.
Taking the view that this is not relevant, because it has nothing to do with music, does nobody any favours, least of all the Gypsy Folk. Yes there has to be red lines drawn, some may argue that line drawing requires careful thought (and re thinking) before application. I'm sure we can rely upon Mudcat moderators for this.