Does the song: Gene Simmons - Military Tribute need to be in the playlist?

[morto]

Maybe it´s just me, but I think this song should be removed from the playlist.

[Chaimera]

I am curious as to why you think it should be removed. Can you please elaborate some? I just listened to the song in question and find nothing wrong with it.

[morto]

It´s glorification of the US army.
Some people may like it, and thats ok... but I don´t think thats something
a international radio station should play.
Again.. it may just be me.. but I think most non US people will not really like this song.

[Phaetonix]

I'm not an American, but I don't really have any issues with it. It's not derogatory to anyone as far as I could tell. Yes, it is glorifying the US army, because it's by an American, for Americans(and thats sorta what they do ), but it isn't a bad song. Its also about supporting your own troops, and being patriotic and they're some fairly universal concepts. If I had good songs about Canadian patriotism I'd probably suggest one be on the PL as well, in order to promote a certain sense of equality among the nations we represent here, but I don't have any songs, so I really can't complain if I'm left out.

That said, a large portion of GSP is American, a large number of players are American as well, I wouldn't wanna pick a fight with any of them over a song, that didn't intend any harm in the first place.

Please understand my point here. I'm not trying to say anyone is right or wrong, I'm just putting my two cents in. It's not a bad or derogatory song, so I say, let them keep it. I'm all for getting along, on the personal, and national levels, and I'd also defend this song if it where for any other country. If they want to be patriotic, let them. Who are we to judge?

[Sprkly]

I find this input really thought-provoking actually. So here's what I think...

I can see where a song with such content may offend some people, but to remove a good song with questionable content from our playlist opens the door for us to start axing songs left and right because they're too offensive on some level. Bottom line here is that the artists' views and opinions don't necessarily reflect the views of GSP, but if we begin to censor out songs that have offensive components, we may lose a hefty chunk of good music or artists in the process.

Personally, the "n" word really offends me, but I don't see the logic in eliminating every song that uses that word from our playlist. Regardless of whether a song uses the "n" word, I can at the very least appreciate the musicality of it and the fact that many other people may love that particular song.

This is one reason why we play our disclaimers, saying that some people may find some of the music we play to be offensive. That's not to say that we INTEND to be an offensive station, but this discussion is a case in point that it happens from time to time.

Does that make sense?

[Thuganomicon]

Controversy should never discourage free expression, IMO. Personal offense is so completely subjective. There are songs I like BECAUSE they offend people, even myself. Sometimes there's a specific element of spirit within the song that, while I find myself feeling contrary to the content of the song, I can't help but align myself with and enjoy the principle behind it.

Two cents *cha-ching!*

[Chaimera]

I really do not see a problem with a song like that. It does not put down other militaries, does not put down other countries, does not poke fun at any other government. It is a salute to the US military, and that is all. If people get offended by that then it is just silly.

[Shigy]

Nothing wrong with some patriotism as long as its not putting down other countries.

I'm not going near the politics of why military is used but supporting your troops is a good thing.

[Dasubervixen]

Maybe it´s just me, but I think this song should be removed from the playlist.

It's just you. Censorship just because you don't agree with the song is wrong.

[Gimpeline]

It is not just you.
I dont beleave in sencoring so I dont think the song sould be removed from the playlist.
It is not "our troops" it is the us troops.
and since I don't want to listen to that sort of propaganda I don't tune in unless there is a show on.
So i dont agree with the song, but i dont think it should be removed from the list since everyone has the right to free speach.

[Nicodar]

[quote="morto"]It´s glorification of the US army./quote]

You call it a "glorification". I call it what it is, Gene showing his respect for a group of people he believes deserve it. Would you tell Ickk to shut up when he also talks about his respect and support for people are now serving or have served in the military? Or would you tell Youtube to take down videos like this one?

[Cheese]

Why cant it be glorification of the US Marines?
Always second seat in glory and first seat in combat.

Anyway I can understand why people could se it as annoying espicially in this political, economic climate. In part it is. However coming from Gene Simmons its more than just a commerical, political ploy. He's one of the few who really gives a crap about the people out there risking their ass and flew out to give them a tribute.

So I say rather than vote for censorship, vote for equal opportunity to speak. Find a song that has something close to your message and ask it to get played. Dont remove, just add.

I thnk its better to expand the playlist than contract. Might even find some like minded people to hang out with. At the least you can help to open someone's mind to the other side of the story.

Just my opinoin though, good luck on all matters.