Music Banned in Mogadishu

I try not to be preachy with my political beliefs. I would never want someone to force their politics on me, so I try to show the same courtesy. The one thing I've always thought was important, however, was to have an educated opinion. In any event, bear with me on this blog, as it is still music related. Many Americans take for granted the freedoms that our country provides. It's easy to stay in our insulated little bubble, not thinking too much about how people around the world live. In some parts of the world, you don't even have the freedom to listen to music.

I recently came across an article discussing a ban of music of all kinds in Mogadishu, Somalia. The consequences radio station broadcasters will face if they fail to cease is unclear, but the message sent in the accompanying photo is not: It contains man inside a radio station whose window contains a bullet hole. This resonates with me on two levels: One, as a passionate music lover. Two, as a ten year veteran of radio. Sometimes, it's easy to forget how good we have it, as we complain about everything that's wrong with our nation. Things we consider to be basic rights and liberties are not granted to those in other countries, and this one would be heartbreaking for me, and a lot of other people I know as well.

So turn your radio up a little louder today. Instead of bitching about how your favorite station plays the same five Metallica songs repeatedly, be thankful that you have music to listen to.