Pearl Jam Cancels 4/20 Raleigh, NC Concert in Opposition to HB2; Official Band Statement

ceska said:

Maybe it's been said, I haven't read the dozens of pages, but of what I have read on here, people are zoning in on the transgender/bathroom issue. The law in question/under protest is far more reaching:
"Does HB2 affect rights of people who aren’t gay or transgender?
Yes. The law limits how people pursue claims of discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, biological sex or handicap in state courts. The law also means a city or county cannot set a minimum wage standard for private employers.""
"The language in HB2 makes it more clear that the state does not intend to create a new class of protections based on sexual orientation or identity, and also will not allow cities and counties to create such a protected class."
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article68401147.html"

IE, private businesses can effectively fire staff or not serve customers, based on orientation/race/religion, etc. Yes, let's turn the clock back to 1955, please (/sarcasm).

Thank you.

jeffwalsh said:

Daron Oshay said:

http://www.carolinamercury.com/2016/04/mccrory-campaign-fires-back-at-ringo-clooney-springsteen-pearl-jam-and-others/

THIS guy is the reason this happened. This liar and bigot.

Cant even make up a lie that doesn't and a 20 year gap in truth.

Blame him. The bands do. You should to.

His reaction is pretty priceless. "Hey, a lot of places are just as bad as we are!"

I never read it, but did he actually say that?

Because if he did... Hahahahhaha!

Merkin Baller said:

I have a feeling the vast majority of people wagging their fingers at those who are pissed off would be singing a much different tune if they lost out on $500+ of their hard earned money because PJ decided to make a last minute political statement.

I have a feeling that most people are more self-aware than that.

Do you know the law that was passed? How it was passed and why? I'm a NC resident, and I'm aware the law will be repealed during the next mini session of the legislation in 6 weeks/I believe that's when it is. Just wondering if others outside NC really know? Apparently PJ didn't know the amount of pressure the government is under already for the deception they caused with this bill passage. (every heavy hitting educational system/UNC and Duke to name a few, corporation, political group/legislation, Labor groups, textile group, technology groups and the majority of the communities have voiced their displeasure and want to over turn this law. It'll happen in 6 weeks).

gettingright said:

i don't have time to read through every post, but there seems to be a common theme about loss...mostly of money, and some of entertainment/experience. and i wonder about this...loss...what was truly lost with the passage of this law not just for LGBT, but all of us? dignity? rights? respect? humanity? acceptance? tolerance? empathy? understanding?

I can understand disappointment, shit, I'd be bummed, too, but it's only money; it's not your dignity, pride, rights, freedom, or humanity. and, if there were a law to be one day passed that embarrassed and marginalized you, i hope to hell that people will stand up and fight for you.

i am reminded of what some guy once said, "what you do for the least of these brothers and sisters, you do for me."

take the long-view, use the wide angle lens, see the big picture, have a little perspective... it's not all about you, your needs, your loss...

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-eddie-vedders-powerful-speech-on-pearl-jams-north-carolina-boycott-20160419

This is not fair. It paints everyone who is disappointed into a selfish and boorish corner. I take offense to that. There are gray areas in people's minds.

I can be against laws like that, for the LGBT group and also not entirely supportive of this decision. I am very, very pro LGBT.

The ends of pulling the rug out on their fans don't justify the means. It won't make much of a difference at all. These little turds of laws pop up from time to time as the last bastions of an aging out belief system. This thing is going to get repealed sooner than later with or without Bruce, PJ, etc. They had to pass the thing back-room. This law was already national news before bruce, pj, and Boston cancelled. The ratio of "hurting" their fans far outweighs the effect this will have on the situation. There are many ways to help that aren't a rash last second cancellation.

I think the cause they are standing up for in the way they see fit far outweighs any inconvenience felt by fans. And i doubt it was a rash decision.

ComeToTX said:

PJ_Soul said:

I think the cause they are standing up for in the way they see fit far outweighs any inconvenience felt by fans. And i doubt it was a rash decision.

I'm sure it wasn't. That's why people are pissed. There was no reason to wait so long.

And since they did I'm boarding a plane to Raleigh right now.

I would bet money that there was indeed a reason to wait so long.
Have a good flight!

ComeToTX said:

I'd like to hear it. I think those of us out hundreds should know why they waited so long.

This.

It's a noble cause which I support, and I admire the band's stance on it, just not the timing.

I also can't help but feel so many of the social justice warriors here wouldn't be so cavalier about lost travel expenses if it was them who lost out on a paycheck or two (or three).