David,

I don't believe the Peace Movement is struggling because of ill-thought out names like "action camp" or "festival," or, for that matter, because "culture" has been pushed to the sideline.

Joe Hill was not murdered because he was an excellent musician; he was murdered because he was a worker and he organized workers. Large crowds may have been moved by proletarian theater in the 1930s, but those workers risked their livelihood and the economic security of their family less because they'd seen a good play, and more because they were part of strong, militant unions.

Professional musicians need a serious reality-check if they think when it comes to "inspir[ing] people to action, a song is worth a thousand speeches." It is only your distance from the social movements you sing about/to that allow you to think this. In the union, I have seen previously "apolitical" people put everything on the line to fight for justice and equality because they were pushed, because they were organized, because someone took the time to probe deeply into their lives; as a folk-singer, I've never once seen someone go on strike for a song --- though I fully concede that maybe I'm just not as good a folk singer.

I want to make clear that I write this as someone who has invested a lot of their time writing and performing political music. I think culture is important, and even that "cultural projects" can be crucial components of movements seeking social/political transformation. And I, too, identify musicians as key figures in my political development and maturation, even your music.

But it bothers me when musicians or artists fault organizers or activists for the small crowds at their shows. As Joe Hill would probably tell you, go organize.

Yours,

Tom Frampton