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[ProudDad]

Something Bad Has Begun

The former Cat Stevens says he hasn't changed but the U.S. has.

By Yusuf Islam
Yusuf Islam, the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens, was deported to Britain last week after being refused entry into the United States.

September 28, 2004

Iwas flying to Nashville last week with my 21-year-old daughter to explore some new musical ideas with a record label there. Ironically, I was trying to remain low-profile because of the speculation that it might have raised in the music world about a return of "the Cat." Media attention was the last thing I wanted. But it seems God wanted otherwise.

Toward the end of our journey from London to Washington, the plane was diverted. The captain announced something about "heavy traffic." After landing in Bangor, Maine, six tall, blue-uniformed officers boarded and surrounded me and my daughter.

"Is your name Yusuf Islam?" they asked.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Do you mind coming with us and answering a few questions?"

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

[TahitiNut]

1. Hiya, swabbie!

Hugs to you and Trish! :hi: :pals:

Here's the link to this commentary by one of humanity's patriots ...
Originally published as a 'Commentary' piece by the LA Times at http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-islam28sep28,1,5160393.story

It was picked up and republished by the Muslim American Society and Common Dreams at http://www.masnet.org/articleinterest.asp?id=1708 and http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0928-04.htm

It's an excellent read ... and should stir the consciences of those who have one.

[ProudDad]

3. Howdy Friend

I've loved and played his music for 30+ years and I'm really happy to know he's playing and touring again.

[TahitiNut]

6. Well, Cat Stevens was part of our (yours and mine) ...

... 'coming of age' (young adulthood). Back in them there days, I was more into the folk and R&B side than the rock or pop side. Earlier, when other kids were freaking over Elvis, I was still listening to the Kingston Trio. (I didn't really dislike Elvis, I just liked the 'person' feel of folk.) Joan Baez, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Simon and Garfunkel, and then Cat Stevens and Carol King were the mellow I liked. (Of course, I was in love with Motown, too.) Then I graduated to Three Dog Night, Moody Blues, and others.

Cat Stevens' "social consciousness" was (and is) at the heart of his music. "Peace Train" and "Morning Has Broken" are precious. I wore out his "Tea for the Tillerman" album.

[ProudDad]

4. Thanks for the links

:hi:

[Must_B_Free]

2. Your music sucks, Johnny Bravo

[Moderator]

5. ProudDad please read

as per Democratic Underground copyright rules in the
future please limit it to 4 paragraphs and Include a
link to the full article .

Thanks

[Swamp Rat]

7. Maybe someday, it will be illegal just to play music in Oceâneia...