GroovyStylie!

The Mynabirds (Omaha, NE) @ Hotel Congress

The Mynabirds, another band in support of Viva Arizona: Artists For Action, played at Hotel Congress and requested the Border Action Network to set up a table to provide information about their organization which works to “ensure that our rights are respected, our human dignity upheld and that our communities are healthy places to live.” Please support bands like The Mynabirds and The Shondes to oppose SB1070,  the actions of The Sound Strike and help America continue to be the melting pot of the world in a positive way.

The Mynabirds – Numbers Don’t Lie MP3

I understand the rationale for The Sound Strike, a movement for musicians to boycott Arizona but I wonder if these musicians understand that the ignorant, biased, closed minded politicians are the ones who passed this law and signed by a governor who was never elected, not the citizens.  True, if it was put to a vote, as always seems to be the case, the voters of the Phoenix area would probably prevail over the more level headed, educated, compassionate voters of Tucson, however, their stance should not be dismissed.

Tucson is a liberal oasis in the desert. It is where all kinds of people from all walks of life from all parts of the world. from all socioeconomic backgrounds come together and celebrate their diversity.  Phoenix, as we Tucsonans are quick to point out, is “soulless.” No doubt this law proves it.   The Tucson area’s population is around one million people compared to Phoenix’s four million.  We can hardly compete with their seemingly irrational thought.  Who in their right mind thinks it’s a good idea to allow anyone to carry a concealed weapon without a license?  Or that there won’t be any problem with allowing guns in bars?  It’s no wonder that most bars in Tucson have the “No Firearms Allowed” sign visible on their doors.

I have appreciated the many bands that have come through town expressing their opposition to Arizona’s SB1070, including The Shondes who allowed a representative of The Border Action Network to speak, raise awareness and solicit volunteers during their recent show.

The majority of music lovers in Tucson oppose SB1070 and their opposition should be embraced and not punished. It is my opinion that musicians are better off using the stages of Arizona to encourage citizens to take action to remove the legislators who voted for the bill and do whatever they can to overturn this racist law and encourage immigration reform.  Go ahead. Boycott Phoenix if you think it will make a difference,  but don’t turn your back on Tucson who share your views.