A note for the community…

Actually the poem is, "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.", your version still definitely gets the point across but I just wanted to add in the full version for anyone who hasn't read it before

Jonah Shewbridge

Good for you, if you remember when the Nazi party came into power, people there said they came for my neighbors I said nothing, they came for my friends I said nothing, then they came for me.

William Drum Marcus

Eh, personally I don't care if I hurt a fascist's feelings.

Rela

In this crazy world I always say at least we still have music.... it's tough keeping everyone happy but the fastest way to ruin something good is to get into arguments and debates about devisive topics. I hear you Doug and I'm with you. :)

YYCPG

I completely agree, discussing politics and current events in context is entirely appropriate. However, I would rather that this community not be a space where people feel compelled to "speak out" about things that are unrelated to the music we are engaging with. It's important to speak out about things that you view as important, but out of context it comes off as proselytizing, in my opinion, and there's already so much (I might even say too much) of that on social media! Thanks for the comment.

Patrick Aris

Hi Patrick. I get you. I get the simplicty of wish - to discuss music. Yet, it is also true that the music of the last sixty years is riven with poltics, be it the Vietnam War, the complexities of colour and poverty prejudices, the release of Mandela, World Peace, the oncoming of feminine rights, the issue of who we may or may not wish to love..... Indeed, if we take these issues away, we could not listen to Imagine or Yours is no Disgrace, or Graceland. Art has to reflect. It is never separate from the human experience. Hope you don't mind my saying.

Andrew Wingham

Well said Doug. One of the reasons I've chosen to support you on Patreon is because of your thoughtful, well spoken commentaries on the artistic message behind the music your analyzing, and how that relates to your personal convictions. You do that in a manner that's incredibly well thought out, humble, and eloquent, at least from my perspective. I know of few who use their public platform to share their views as respectfully as you do while at the same time not compromising on your beliefs. It's unfortunate you've had to block people, but I think your approach will ultimately be accepted by this open minded and respectful community

The reason this is a great community is because we are all united by a love for music. Bringing in politics risks fracturing that unity. There are plenty of spaces on the internet to speak out about current events, and a big reason why I value the Daily Doug is because it is not one of those spaces. I hope I can continue to support this space, but it's disheartening to see even the tiniest bit of current political controversy leaking into this community, no matter how diplomatic it may be. Ultimately you should do what you feel is right, but I hope in this community we can continue to focus on what unites us.

Patrick Aris

Thank you for that statement Doug. Viewpoints on this volatile issue run across a very wide spectrum indeed. I have personally struggled with this issue ethically over these many years and have strong opinions that I choose not to share at this moment. Having said that, I’d like to think that I’m open to honest, intelligent, and respectful discourse on the issue and sincerely hope others are willing to do the same. Carry on, Doug with your fine work. Cheers!

Gerard Dion

Hear you loud and clear!!

Frederick Witcher

Thank You sir.

Erik Martinez

Well said. Well lain out. The parameters are clear to me, and I would hafta think everyone else. Civil discourse seems to have been tossed to the wayside here in the U.S. (and, as you allude, in other countries, too, I'm sure). I think Thomas Paine's words, "These are the times that try men's souls..." apply here. The wild ride we're on is not going to be over for quite a while, I fear, and the outcome is optimistically uncertain, at best, and dismal at worst. Music has long been a shared joy among a wide variety of peoples - let's hope it may continue to be in the future.

It was exactly what I needed to hear. So many of my friends have divorced themselves from politics, and some refuse to even bother to vote; it seems that more and more and dropping out.. I am worried, very worried.. sigh.. "Oh, Canada" I have no more trust for the SCOTUS.. :(( very sad.

Arpeggio Blues