I agree with Guest '958' on how crucial it is to collect as much information as possible before taking a stand on something this volatile. Since yesterday I've tried to cull as much as I can from the net, but the telephone has been the most illuminating source of info for me since then. The people I've talked to who use the annual Folk Alliance Convention as a networking device to help set up tours, are really conflicted. (no surprise there)

It would appear that many are trying to see the "grey" areas in this mess in order to attend, while still feeling they have a conscience. I think that for many of the "over forties" it's substantially more black and white, and crossing a picket line would be far more than just an annoyance.

I'll have a new album by then, and I'd like to make some Florida contacts (haven't played there in almost twenty years), plus it's fun to shmooze with folks you only see once a year, but from what I've found out so far, it doesn't look good.

Does anyone know if any prominent folkies (Seeger, Phillips, Paxton, etc.) have made any statements? I doubt if anything they might say would affect my decision (I'm gonna try and wade through the boring details of the action itself) but I'd certainly be interested in hearing what they had to say.

Bummer!

Rick