----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: Branko Trijic
Date: Jan 21, 2008 5:55 AM


Very nice you've been there, but do you actually know what's happening?
You (america,europe,...) are doing the same thing you've done to native americans and africans... just for money and greed.
You've put John the Revelator as a first tune?
Do you know that albanians on Kosovo and Metohija&035;(ask what that word means) (it means the land of monastery's,orthodox Christian monastery) destroyed almost every church and monastery they could???
YOu have serbian churches from 13th century therea all over Kosovo and Metohija. You have our graves and our blood al over Kosovo. Ask who is King Lazar from Kosovo, St. King Lazar.
That is Serbia,It,s a part of Serbia.
They are not Ilirs, they are Albanians and what they did to us < Serbian people,you can't read in american news.
The money they gave you to go there and amuse these other poor people is cursed and has blood all over.
They (uSA...) used poor people to get their goals,as always.
First I liked your music, but now I don't want to hear it again
I hope you will realise one day what I was talking about...

MY REPLY_____________________________________________________________


Branko,

I know that it would take me an entire lifetime to truly understand the complicated and tragic realities of your homeland. I only have a small idea of the pain and frustration that many people in your position must feel. I can also understand your decision to judge me because of my affiliation with the U.S. Government. I also admire the strength and courage that it takes to call me out.
I have heard many sides of the Serbian / Albanian conflict in Kosovo and I must say that I agree with many of the things that you write in your email. I can also say that there are many things about my government and our foreign policy that sadden me deeply. Not to mention the current state of political affairs at home. However, I am not a politician and have never claimed to be.
I am a musician. My passion for music has given me the opportunity to share life and positive ideas with people all over the world. Like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, and countless others, I have graciously accepted the support of the U.S. Government in order to share this passion for music in regions of the world (like Kosovo) where it would otherwise be unlikely or impossible.
I truly believe that I have a better opportunity of creating a positive affect on the world through participation rather than resignation. I believe that change happens from the inside out and from the bottom up and that we all have the power, especially us musicians, to turn darkness into light. I do not agree with all of the political positions of my government, but I would not reject their support or the opportunity to use their resources to share music. Music has no borders, no politics, and no agenda.
I have been to Kosovo 3 times and have invested much time and energy in pursuing opportunities to return. I have been touched by the people that I've meet wether Serbian, Albanian, or Roma. I have never met more passionate people in all of my life and I've never known a place more complicated. It may be naively optimistic to believe that people can rise above complications and conflict, forgive the past, and embrace a peaceful future, but I am optimistic non the less.
I am very sorry that my associations are preventing you from enjoying my music. I truly wish that you could see my music for the sincere, and heartfelt expression that I intend it to be. In the meantime, my door is always open. I look forward to hearing your music and would especially love to play together someday. I know that there is a lot that I could learn from you. The Balkan rhythms are unbelievable!

Sincerely,

Clay