Peter Yarrow, Obama contributor and co-writer of "Puff the Magic Dragon," reacts to RNC racism

Amerigo Vespucci

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:32 PM
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Peter Yarrow, Obama contributor and co-writer of "Puff the Magic Dragon," reacts to RNC racism

RNC chairman condemns controversial Obama song

(CNN) -- The chairman of the Republican National Committee said he was "appalled" by a song called "Barack the Magic Negro" on a CD distributed by one of his political rivals.

Also Saturday, Peter Yarrow, who co-wrote "Puff the Magic Dragon," called Saltsman's decision to distribute the parody tune "offensive," and "shocking and saddening in the extreme."

"It is almost unimaginable to me," Yarrow wrote in a statement sent to CNN, that Saltsman "would seriously be considered for the top post of the Republican National Committee. Puff, himself, if asked, would certainly agree."

Yarrow, a member of the 1960s folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, was a contributor to Obama's presidential campaign.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/27/obama.song/index.html

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niyad

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:35 PM
Response to Original message

1. since they are still recording, performing and touring, I find the "1960's folk group" label

a bit ridiculous.

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Journeyman

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Sat Dec-27-08 06:09 PM
Response to Reply #1

7. Yes. Some of their best material was recorded well after the '60s. . .

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niyad

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:39 PM
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2. by the way, was just at the PPM website--please go there and sign mary's "get well" book--she is

recovering from back surgery and a lung infection.

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hlthe2b

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:47 PM
Response to Reply #2

4. More than that, I think she had a bone marrow transplant ....

a year or two ago.

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panader0

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:41 PM
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3. Didn't Peter have some child molestation issue?

Edited on Sat Dec-27-08 05:46 PM by panader0

Or was it statutory rape?
1970 with a 14 year old "groupie". He was given clemency by Pres. Carter. I have always admired his peace efforts, but that incident tainted him.

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mucifer

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:47 PM
Response to Reply #3

5. a simple google found this info:

Pleaded guilty to taking "immoral and improper liberties" with a 14-year-old girl back in 1970.

As reported at the time, the girl and her 17-year-old sister went to Yarrow's hotel room seeking an autograph. Yarrow answered the door naked and made sexual advances that stopped short of intercourse. The 14-year-old resisted his advances but did not call for help. Yarrow served three months of a one- to three-year prison sentence and was pardoned by Carter in 1981.Peter Yarrow was married to the niece of Democratic Senator Eugene J. McCarthy at the time of the pardon.

The singer has acknowledged the incident as "the most terrible mistake I have ever made."

April, 2006 -- Peter Yarrow was interviewed by the Baltimore Jewish Times. When asked about his conviction the following was said:

But fame can have a price: any misstep is magnified. And in March 1970, unfortunately, Mr. Yarrow took a big one: he was arrested and convicted for what were termed "immoral and improper liberties" with a 14-year-old girl who came to his hotel room after a concert. He served three months in jail; 11 years later he was pardoned by President Carter.

Mr. Yarrow sounds a little sad, but clearly unsurprised, when the subject comes up. "It was 35 years ago. You know, you make mistakes," he says. "You feel terrible about it, make your amends. In that time, it was common practice, unfortunately�� the whole groupie thing.

"Was it reprehensible on my part? Yes. Was it common practice? Yes. Does that imply justification? No."

http://www.theawarenesscenter.org/Yarrow_Peter.html

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hlthe2b

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Sat Dec-27-08 05:49 PM
Response to Reply #3

6. Different time, different era-- he repented, deserved clemency,

and got it. I think it is you that retains the taint. I dare say most everyone else has let it go.

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Duppers

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Sat Dec-27-08 07:11 PM
Response to Original message

8. I thought my friend Peter would detest this!

Well, kinda 'my friend'....I've had dinner with him twice and got an on-the-mouth kiss! (brag, brag)
Yes, I do love him.

You rule, Peter!

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