@Getreal: You might be interested in checking out this podcast on the "Ground Zero Mosque," the media, and SEO.
http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2010/09/spark-119-septemb...

It's great to hear some good news on the government funding front. Don't quit fighting, BC!

@baruk: you'll be interested in a project called FEAST — Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics. http://feastinbklyn.org/

Palestinians lost the vast majority of their land to an Israeli settler state, once that routinely denies not only their self-determination and right to exist as an independent and cohesive nation, but their fundamental rights as well.

Hypocritical people do not contribute to a resolution of this ongoing crisis — nor do they contribute to a respectful and civilized debate in the comments of this website.

An illegal occupation is quite a bit more serious than a "problematic attitude". But this is beside the point. Artists have taken stands against performing in countries with devastating human rights records in the past, and they will continue to do so in the future. As much as apologists for Israel like to believe the country is singled out for criticism, they're hardly the only target human rights activists have their sights set on.

Furthermore, Israel's own false claim that it is the only democratic country in the middle east only serves to reinforce the argument that boycotts are an effective political tool against the occupation of Palestine. Do you think the Burmese dictatorship cares whether or not musicians play in the country? Of course not. But Israeli citizens do, and to a certain extent they can effect changes in Israeli policy. Until they do, activists — including artists — will continue to apply pressure.

It looks like the BBC was mistaken. It was The Klaxons and Gorillaz who pulled out, according to this Haaretz article.

As for "thinking about the fans", there's no doubt the many artists who have decided not to play in Israel take the interests of their fans into account. However, it is likely that the human rights of the Palestinian people weigh far more heavily on their consciences than any individual Israeli's desire to be entertained.

Hey Cathy, thanks for your comment! I'm very interested in the work of organizations like Julie's Bicycle. By day I work for a music festival, and the greening of the whole industry is very much needed. Thanks for the link!

Coulter essentially defines self-important windbag.

I would like to know how the Stockholm University explains the room cancellation.

This reminds me of Montreal's Concordia University, who has a history of canceling room bookings for events they disagree with, only to turn around and claim it was a mistake when the news of censorship spreads. Unfortunately for them, there are documents that suggest otherwise.

Looks like I'll have to pick a copy up ASAP!