I don't believe that traditional songs care one bit about politics left or right. Only peole who write songs seem to care. I know many musicians in my area who sing folkmusic and are very conservative politically. The topical purpose of a song is what may be political. I loved Phil Ochs songs and so did my Dad. Dad was a republican through and through but he found an honesty in Phils lyrics. "Power and Glory" and "Freedom Calling" were songs he enjoyed. As a member of the WWII generation he felt an understanding for the song "Celia". Dad was at odds with Viet Nam and was damn glad that with four sons none of us had to go. He would have supported our choices which ever they were however. He thought "The Draft Dodger Rag" was a hoot. I remember a song called "Chinese Christians" that was definately anti- communist sung by a fellow I haven't heard since. "The Ballad of Rodger Young" was certainly a bit jingoistic but it told a true story in a folkstyle. Many old songs we identify as traditional were in their day political. "The Rigs of the Time" and "Parcel of Rogues" are clearly topical but so many years out of context we don't know where their politics really lay. And except for the history of such things which I enjoy I don't really care what way they are. I just sing em.

Don