Here are the issues as I see them:<P> - People in the Northwest feel shitted on by the<BR> Roots. As much as many of you dick riders would<BR> like to say it's not so, this appears to be the <BR> case, at least in a Northwest fan's mind. This is due the Roots pulling a dissappearing act at<BR> Bumbershoot (I know, a message was sent but I <BR> bet no more than 20% of OKPlayers got it before <BR> the show...and what about the Roots fans who<BR> aren't on OKPlayer.com?...how the fuck would <BR> they know the Roots weren't coming?) And now,<BR> it is my understanding that the Roots have<BR> cancelled a couple of Northwest shows.<P> - To those of you bitching about how you live in<BR> BFE (that's bum fucked egypt to the rest of ya):<BR> It's not the fair for you to whine about how you <BR> have to travel to see the Roots. If you live in a small town it makes sense that the Roots <BR> aren't coming there. If you live in Seattle <BR> (which is by all means a "large" city), you <BR> would expect the Roots to show up there and not<BR> have to travel 400 miles.<P> - As far as all ages venues go: The Roots should <BR> make it a point to book all ages venues (much <BR> like Mos does w/ his no alcohol shows). As I've<BR> stated in the guestbook, I can almost certainly guarantee you that at least 60-65% of Roots fans<BR> are not of legal age. If you play at 21 venues<BR> you're locking out your biggest fanbase. And as<BR> far as dealing w/ promoters (remember, I'm not <BR> in the biz so I'm willing to admit that I don't<BR> know for sure how this works), any promoter, <BR> would seemingly want the Roots. You are guaranteed a sell out at almost any Roots show and<BR> seeing how theRoots are by most accounts a "peaceful" group, a promoter would have to worry<BR> about violence at a show and whatnot. I think <BR> it is more the Roots management's fault that <BR> they book an 21 show..but again...I don't work<BR> for the Roots so I'm only guessing (so don't go<BR> off on me!) And you can understand how an <BR> underage kid would be pissed that they had a <BR> good chance to see the Roots in a nice venue <BR> where they didn't have to do anything illegal<BR> to get in the show, and then the show was <BR> cancelled (Bumbershoot). I think all of you <BR> jock riders (who seem to think the Roots are <BR> impervious to criticism by the way...why is <BR> that?) should try to put yourself in a 17 yo<BR> kids shoes who has just paid 15 bucks for what<BR> he hopes is the best show of his life only to<BR> find out that his favorite group has chosen not<BR> to show up.<P> And don't think I'm a hater...I have every Roots album (and I mean every single one). I've been to<BR> shows like the rest of you. As a matter of fact,<BR> I just shelled out 28 bucks (including tax) to buy<BR> the Roots live album just so I could remember how<BR> nice they sound live. Just because I'm a fan (like the rest of you) doesn't mean the Roots aren't<BR> above being called out when shit ain't sweet. You all need to re-examine before you judge.<P> Anyhow, I've said enough for now...I'll pick apart the rest of your arguments later. Peace to<BR> MarcOne and Broke (you know who it is...check the email kids...see you at the SHOW meeting).<BR> PEACE!