[Trombone-l] Pomerov

[George Carr]

> WHAT I MEAN:
> My philosophy would be equal treatment for equal infractions.  So the
> journalist is right and proper in pointing out the wronfulness and hypocrisy
> in the current scenario--Foley likely will be arrested and tried and THAT IS
> FINE.  And indeed, that person has resigned in discrace already (just like
> Packwood). . .that is not what is done when similar things happen on the
> other side of the isle.

Journalists don't punish anyone.  They just investigate and publish.
So if a 'scandal' doesn't bother a politician's constituents or other
supporters, it's not much of a story.  What makes Foley's story so
newsworthy is the hypocrisy between his platform and his actions;
because many Ds run on more tolerant platforms (e.g. treatment vs.
incarceration for minor criminals, legalization of personal drug use,
protection for gays, etc.), it's harder for them to get caught in
hypocrisy.  Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but it's not so
earthshattering for the Ds constituents/supporters, many of whom are
voting D because they have the same tolerant attitude toward personal
behavior.  So your desire for 'equal' treatment ignores the fact that
every politican has a different relationship with the issues, and the
people supporting them.

Trombone content: (in)tolerance of unorthodox behavior has had many
effects on working trombonists; just remember JJ Johnson (who didn't
work club dates for years because a minor drug conviction pulled his
cabaret card), or Melba Liston (who worked on and off for years, in
part over 'industry' resistance to her being lesbian), and many
others.  And there's certainly worthwhile discussion to be had over
how our musical work can affect the political climate; the recent
discussion over whether performing Lassus Trombone is smoothing over
the scars from racist times or carrying the torch of racism into the
present proves that.  No, my personal beliefs about e.g. Iraq or the
minimum wage or immigration don't directly affect how I play the
opening bars of the Hindemith Sonata.  But lots of musicians are
affected by politics, whether it's work restrictions, union rules,
travel restrictions, economic sanctions (a buddy of mine just had his
tour of China vetoed by the US State Department), or whatever.

I agree that arguing over who will or should win the next election
isn't trombone content, but neither is discussion of whether mandatory
luggage checks actually increases passenger security.  We should have
a little leeway, here, I think.

George