2008 Woodie Awards
Cancellation of rap concert brings up issues
Staff editorial
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Staff Reflections
It's no secret Greeley has crime and gang problems, but not until recently has that affected the entertainment scene.
Because of pressure from Greeley's mayor and district attorney, a local promoter cancelled a rap concert that was scheduled to take place at Island Grove Regional Park. Mayor Ed Clark and District Attorney Ken Buck both had an issue with Mr. Capone-E coming to town because of the California artists' gang affiliations. When the concert was still on, promoters decided it would be a no colors concert to avoid any escalation between rival gangs.
There are two issues that arise from the cancellation of the concert. One is the tactics used by the district attorney to put pressure on promoters to get the concert cancelled. While going to the media to bring an issue to the public eye is not illegal, it is certainly a way to prevent free speech from occurring. Mr. Capone-E's lyrics may be offensive and degrading to certain people, but he has the right to say it and people have the right to choose to listen to the music or go to the concert.
The second issue, which is perhaps a more pressing issue to the Greeley and University of Northern Colorado community, is the issue of gangs in the city. Looking at the situation strictly from this point of view, it is hard to blame Buck or Clark for not wanting the rapper to perform. Anytime something is done to prevent mingling of rival gangs, it can't be considered a bad thing.
The bottom line is that UNC students and Greeley residents got a clear cut message from their mayor and district attorney - both clearly care more about crime issues facing the city more than freedom of speech. Whether you choose to support that message or not, is your choice, and I guess we'll find out how Greeley feels when re-election time comes around.
Because of pressure from Greeley's mayor and district attorney, a local promoter cancelled a rap concert that was scheduled to take place at Island Grove Regional Park. Mayor Ed Clark and District Attorney Ken Buck both had an issue with Mr. Capone-E coming to town because of the California artists' gang affiliations. When the concert was still on, promoters decided it would be a no colors concert to avoid any escalation between rival gangs.
There are two issues that arise from the cancellation of the concert. One is the tactics used by the district attorney to put pressure on promoters to get the concert cancelled. While going to the media to bring an issue to the public eye is not illegal, it is certainly a way to prevent free speech from occurring. Mr. Capone-E's lyrics may be offensive and degrading to certain people, but he has the right to say it and people have the right to choose to listen to the music or go to the concert.
The second issue, which is perhaps a more pressing issue to the Greeley and University of Northern Colorado community, is the issue of gangs in the city. Looking at the situation strictly from this point of view, it is hard to blame Buck or Clark for not wanting the rapper to perform. Anytime something is done to prevent mingling of rival gangs, it can't be considered a bad thing.
The bottom line is that UNC students and Greeley residents got a clear cut message from their mayor and district attorney - both clearly care more about crime issues facing the city more than freedom of speech. Whether you choose to support that message or not, is your choice, and I guess we'll find out how Greeley feels when re-election time comes around.
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