The following is an excerpt from Rosanne Cashâs article, taken by Sopan Debâ.Â
What she wrote reminded me of her father. So, I canât believe anyone would have the audacity to say such a nasty thing about her when they have no right to speak of her or John that way. She has her fatherâs passion and conviction, the same he demonstrated in his activism for prison reform and support of Native Americans. Iâm proud of her for taking a stance -- like John had with his convictions, in a time where people harshly disagreed him and he was faced with ignorance and threats of violence too.
So along with the excerpt above, Iâd like to share another from the same article:
" I encourage more artists in country and American roots music to end your silence. It is no longer enough to separate yourself quietly. The laws the N.R.A. would pass are a threat to you, your fans, and to the concerts and festivals we enjoy. The stakes are too high to not disavow collusion with the N.R.A. Pull apart the threads of patriotism and lax gun laws that it has so subtly and maliciously intertwined. They are not the same.Â
I know you'll be bullied for speaking out. This is how they operate. Not everyone will like you for taking a stand. Let it roll off your back. Some people may burn your records or ask for refunds for the tickets to your concerts. Whatever. Find the strength of moral conviction, even if it comes with a price tag, which it will. Don't let them bully you into silence. That's where their power lies -- in the silence of rational voices and in the apathy of those who can speak truth to power. "
-- Read more, "Rosanne Cash: Country Musicians, Stand Up to the N.R.A." By Rosanne Cash, October 3rd, 2017. / The New York Times.
Photo: "The First And The Worst," a benefit concert where musicians performed their best and worst songs to raise money for "Music Health Alliance." A non-profit organization that seeks to provide healthcare and health resources to musicians, songwriters, and artists in the music industry. By Rick Diamond, at City Winery, Nashville, TN, March 1, 2017. / Getty.
