FFWD Weekly
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| LETTER Re: Downway lyrics, News (June 25 issue) I read with disbelief the small article in your paper concerning the actions of Dave Muir, owner of Sloth Records. Did I miss something here? Has censorship become an approved practice here in Calgary? I respect Mr. Muir's right to listen to whatever he chooses, however, I do not believe he has the right to pick and choose what music he sells based on nothing other than a perceived anti-homosexual stance on the part of the artist. How can he possibly presume to know what was in the artist's head when the song was created? Judging by his actions, I would assume that he supports Larry Ryckman in his dispute over the canceled Marilyn Manson concert or the right of a bookstore to ban material because it might be pro-homosexual. Censorship, regardless of the cause, is wrong. To paraphrase an American revolutionary (whose name I draw a blank on), I may not agree with what you have to say, but I defend your right to say it. Freedom of expression is one of the most important principles of our civilization and one that we must all defend, regardless of the ideas that are being expressed. I implore Mr. Muir to step forward and become a proponent of freedom of expression, not a narrow-minded zealot trying to curtail the rights of the members of Downway. Thank you. Russ Davies, |