Leave Gordon Lightfoot out of it
Sunday, October 17, 2004

I’ve been an avid Gordon Lightfoot fan since the’60s, and I was dismayed to find his name and that of Yusuf Islam mentioned together in Mike Argento’s column (Sept. 26). Gordon Lightfoot has two very elegant and powerful anti-war/anti-violence songs, “Patriot’s Dream” and “Lost Children.” Yusuf Islam actively and publicly advocated the death of Salman Rushdie for writing “The Satanic Verses.” You might remember the incident, many of the radio stations stopped playing any works by Cat Stevens, including some here in York. While Cat Stevens wrote “Peace Train,” it was Yusuf Islam who was barred from entering the U.S. Included in Mike’s viewpoint is a picture of Yusuf Islam with the Prince of Wales, but I also remember his picture with the Islamic cleric announcing the death sentence for Salman Rushdie.
Another article I read indicated that Yusuf Islam was an active contributor to the Islamic charities, maybe this is what got him noticed. I have no way of knowing that. Being a government agency, I’m sure there is plenty of material for satire of Homeland Security, but Mike please tell the whole story, and leave Gordon Lightfoot’s name out of it.

DAVE HINRICHS
SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP

Leave Gordon Lightfoot out of it
Sunday, October 17, 2004

I’ve been an avid Gordon Lightfoot fan since the’60s, and I was dismayed to find his name and that of Yusuf Islam mentioned together in Mike Argento’s column (Sept. 26). Gordon Lightfoot has two very elegant and powerful anti-war/anti-violence songs, “Patriot’s Dream” and “Lost Children.” Yusuf Islam actively and publicly advocated the death of Salman Rushdie for writing “The Satanic Verses.” You might remember the incident, many of the radio stations stopped playing any works by Cat Stevens, including some here in York. While Cat Stevens wrote “Peace Train,” it was Yusuf Islam who was barred from entering the U.S. Included in Mike’s viewpoint is a picture of Yusuf Islam with the Prince of Wales, but I also remember his picture with the Islamic cleric announcing the death sentence for Salman Rushdie.
Another article I read indicated that Yusuf Islam was an active contributor to the Islamic charities, maybe this is what got him noticed. I have no way of knowing that. Being a government agency, I’m sure there is plenty of material for satire of Homeland Security, but Mike please tell the whole story, and leave Gordon Lightfoot’s name out of it.

DAVE HINRICHS
SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP

Yeh, I second that!

Not exactly sure what the story was about but I would like to comment.
For one thing I am thankful that we have the freedom to make such comments whether we feel they are what we beleave in. That is such an important freedom.
I personally could care less about people who bash others, I usually just ignore them if I feel they are offensive to my beliefs.
Actually Gords biggest anti war song is "Sit down Young Stranger" which he wrote during the Vietnam War.
There is nothing wrong with Islam or Islamic people. There probably are just as many bad ones as there are bad christians or jews. I like to look for the good in all.
enough

I'd have to agree that "Sit down Young Stranger" is Sir Gord's biggest anti-war song. That song is among my favorites.
I can't believe somebody is accusing Gord of writing "Satanic verses"! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/frown.gif

I'd have to agree that "Sit down Young Stranger" is Sir Gord's biggest anti-war song. That song is among my favorites.
I can't believe somebody is accusing Gord of writing "Satanic verses"! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/frown.gif

wow. how did the third reply (C"C"C"etc)come to THAT conclusion?? good grief. someone's comprehension of written material needs a bit of work.
I concur with norm. good stuff, true stuff.

[This message has been edited by LSH (edited October 18, 2004).]

Ooops. I seem to have misread. I feel so stupid. Maybe because I am. That was Rushdie they were talking about... When there's a lot of stuff typed all at once it becomes hard to read. Please excuse! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif:0

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Ooops. I seem to have misread. I feel so stupid. Maybe because I am. That was Rushdie they were talking about... When there's a lot of stuff typed all at once it becomes hard to read. Please excuse! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif:0

¨€¨€¨€¨€¨€¨€¨€¨€¨€

LOL. sorry, I teased you hard. couldn't resist. we've all done it...
take care

Gord's protest songs I think are very subtle. Especially SDYS, nothing jumps out at you at, you have to stretch it to make in a protest song. Nothing like some of Dylan's work.

Oh yeah forgot, wasn't Lightfoot's mention just a joke with that whole Cat fiasco? Didn't bother me one bit. Hey, it got his name out there!

With all respect, that reaction was way over the top. As baby boomers age, their memories of the 60's and 70's will be the fodder of numerous attempts at jokes in the forthcoming years. I suspect very much that Gord got a chuckle out of it. Also, Yusuf Islam has apologized repeatedly for his comments..saying he was new to his faith at the time and misinterpreted how he should feel. He has stated many times he no longer feels that way.

With all respect, that reaction was way over the top. As baby boomers age, their memories of the 60's and 70's will be the fodder of numerous attempts at jokes in the forthcoming years. I suspect very much that Gord got a chuckle out of it. Also, Yusuf Islam has apologized repeatedly for his comments..saying he was new to his faith at the time and misinterpreted how he should feel. He has stated many times he no longer feels that way.

You know, you guys are right. It was a joke.

quote:Originally posted by The Watchman:
Gord's protest songs I think are very subtle.

I’ve always found Leaves Of Grass his most poignant “anti-war” song.

And the brave must fall to honor the names
Of the ones who have gone before..

I know sophisticates will say it simplifies everything, but it was one of his early songs and represents the times.
Whatever! It always sends a shiver up my spine.
Doesn’t the stark simplicity just imply a certain futility?
Again, Echoes Of Heroes - to me, GL just sums up the sheer banality.

Yes, It was Soooo a joke! (Although not funny) Yes, It was a joke!