"Hey, rockers, keep protests in your songs"

So here's a timely article in light of all the turmoil regarding the intersection of music and politics from San Jose Mercury News by Joe Rodriguez:

"Sure, rockers and other celebrities have the right to stick their free speech in our ears. And it's perfectly legal for concert managers to cancel shows for fear of violence, just as it is for corporate sponsors to end endorsement deals with superstar athletes who are charged with rape.
The Ronstadt incident in Vegas brings up a lost and honorable tradition: If musicians want to stop a war or start a revolution, they should do it with a song -- not a political speech.

``All we are saying, is give peace a chance!''

Does anyone remember the lectures John Lennon and Yoko Ono issued in bed against the Vietnam War? No, but thousands upon thousands could sing their nine-word chorus in tune and without missing a step in anti-war marches."

More on today's music and protest songs - or lack thereof.

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