Joe,
First let me start out that I have been the biggest fan since I first heard the "Flying...." album when it came out. I've seen you in concert 6 times, have turned a ton of people on to you, have all of your albums and even had a chance to shake your hand at guitar center several years back -- I'm a fan.
But why, why are you joining this boycotting of my state for the SB1070. You're a hero of mine and you're getting into politics. The law is there to enforce federal laws that are already on the books, but aren't being enforced. Your stance is hurting my state and everyone in my state, ironically, including all the people that worked hard to get here legally. You're also aligning yourself AGAINST up to 60% of the population who agree with the bill.
I'm not racist, my friends are not racist, and I believe 95% of the people that support 1070 are not racist either. But with all the problems going on here because the current laws aren't being enforced, something needed to be done. Boycotting only hurts the individuals living in the state as well as turns states against each other. Please don't align yourself with boycotting the people of AZ, because that's essentially what your doing.
With all do respect, you are in my opinion the most amazing guitar player, musician and generally best hell of a guy celebrity out there, but please be cautious on getting in to politics that intentionally hurt much of your fan base, us here in AZ, in order to make a political statement. I expect it out of very outspoken politically charged and designed groups like Rage, because they exist to fight the sytem and get in the middle of controversial politics.
I'm sure you have done this already, but please take the time to read the bill 1070, read the federal law, read about all the problems AZ is having due to ILLEGAL immigration, read about the massive drug wars and human trafficking problems just outside our border, read about the porous inept border, read about the lack of action taken by the feds to address these issues going all the way back to Bush and Clinton too, read about how many people support this law and why, and then ask yourself honestly if this bill is truly "racial profiling". There's so much hype around this bill about it being racist that if those people actually read it and be reasonable thinkers, they should be able to see past that hype.
Anyways, love ya. I just had to voice my opinion because I was shocked to see your name on a list of musicians boycotting my state. Please reconsider, you have a lot of die-hard Satch fans here in this beautiful state. I cannot wait until the new album comes out. I just hope there's not a song called "Boycott Arizona" on it. j/k. I'll still be your biggest fan, but I would rather you know an opinion from one your biggest lifelong fans.
Take care,
-Rob
