The comments on this article vividly reinforce why this discussion is so necessary. The people who are so upset about any discussion of race in our community are, unwittingly or not, confirming the main point of the article.

Look, we go to Phish shows to have fun, not to get lectured about politics. (Gamehendge notwithstanding). We come to these shows, or we go on tour, because we want to have a few hours or days away from our day-to-day lives in America. It's been a tough couple of years for everyone, and I understand why people feel so protective of this space.

But we should be clear-eyed about what's going on outside -- and inside -- our safe bubble at MSG and other venues. Why? Because we don't live in a made-up world called Gamehendge. We live in the United States of America. In this country, and this city, it's still OK to discuss difficult issues, so that we may come to a better understanding of each other, and this world.

I think freedom of speech is important, even, and perhaps especially, on a jam-band website. I thank the phish.net editors for giving us a place to discuss these topics.