A letter to Springsteen fans in North Carolina...
"As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law. HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards."
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s Sunday April 10th show is canceled. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.
Good for you Bruce and the E Street Band.
In addition to Bruce's objections, a major expansion by a national company has been cancelled. The NBA is probably going to cancel the All Star game in Charlotte and more to come.
The Highpoint Furniture Show (the biggest in the world) has had dozens of exhibitors pull out.
The crap has to stop.
Yes, it does have to stop. When we, the voters, do something in numbers that reflect the wishes of the majority, it will. Or when the various groups that oppose that fail, it'll happen. Hope I'm still here to see it.
ReplyDeleteAll of these laws take "home rule" from large cities like Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteIt took a massive campaign in Georgia from citizens and corporations to get the gov to veto the same type of law.
Putting conscience into action. Good for the Boss. Sadly though the backward march is underway in too many locales.
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