Art, I hope you'll continue to share your humor, stories and opinions. You're a loved and respected member of this cyber-community. For me, the history and humor of the people who make the music is an important part. How many folk singers have you heard that don't talk at least as much as they sing? Someone in a public speaking venue once said "I don't feel uncomfortable making you uncomfortable." Well, I don't resent feeling uncomfortable sometimes. The best friends I have and the greatest performers I've heard make me think. I can't live in a vaccuum where my beliefs are never challenged because others don't want to rock the boat. The music we sing is about history and politics and people - it's more than just nice sounds. Discussions can get to the point where everyone's had their say and their just butting heads, at which time it's appropriate to drop it. I'm not upset by debate, but by those who attack people rather than ideas.

With that said, I understand not everybody feels the way I do, and some people may be sick of argument and the responsibility of always being the lone dissenting voice. My purpose in writing this message is not to tell you or anyone else what they should or shouldn't write about, read or like, and not to revive old arguments - it's to let you know I've enjoyed reading your opinions and will welcome your future contributions - controversial or otherwise.

With apology for long-windedness - Jeri