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Dear George, John Chapman here, writing about U.J. singing at the City Market. Last year, I spent a few Saturdays at the market with U.J., collecting books and funds for the Charlottesville Prison Books Project. Each time, he would sing, play harmonica, and speak some of his writings. Old protest songs, American anthems, inspirational poetry. To me, his songs and verse were dramatic and stirring. I spoke to oodles of marketgoers who felt the same way. Indeed, as U.J reports, the Books Project collected hundreds of dollars thanks to his songs. U.J. captivated small children, entertained their parents, and uplifted many others. U.J. was a wonderful addition to the market. At the same time, I must acknowledge that U.J.'s voice could sure carry. And he could sing for an hour nonstop, at least. Sometimes, other market musicians had to compete with U.J.; sometimes, they would give up and leave. I think there must be a solution here. For one thing, I can't imagine that the police were really necessary. Some kind of discussion may have been called for -- but not anything like the confrontation everyone's describing. For a second thing, U.J. ought to be a little less stubborn than he probably was. Standing up for free expression is dreadfully necessary, anymore, but happy compromise is usually just as valuable. Finally, I'd ask the complaining vendors to speak directly to U.J., without authority-figure proxies. For all the encouraging comments I've been given to pass on to U.J., I've never heard a single complaint about him from anybody besides the market coordinator (that goes for dogs at the market, too, by the way). U.J. is a kind, caring person who I'm sure is willing to try and understand others' concerns. In other words, the market is a friendly place that brings the Charlottesville community together. I think everyone there should keep that in mind when tiny disputes like this one pop up. Still enjoy the site, even from 2400 miles away, Best, John Chapman (electronic mail, June 11, 2004)
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