The Consequences of Free Speech

Nasty rumors propagate about using pen names to write controversial books and articles
By Dave Sharp, Dec. 2, 2007

Most of you are probably aware that the purpose of this website is first and foremost to promote my musical group, the American Hot Club Band. Unfortunately, some ugly rumors are being propagated about me in a manner that demand a response. I am uncertain where such rumors originated, but I know the music business in the Washington, DC area is highly competitive and musicians often take shortcuts in order to keep working. Consequently, it would not surprise me if mud slinging and dirty tricks exist within the DC entertainment industry as it certainly permeates throughout national politics.

Someone has started a rumor that I use a pseudonym to write books and articles on various political and historical topics. According to the rumor, I have written extensively about JFK’s assassination, John Lennon’s murder, and the fate of Jews during World War II. For the sake of discussion, I will refer to my alleged pen name as John Doe. An individual claims that John Doe is actually myself, Dave Sharp. It has further been alleged that using a pen name to espouse such controversial topics is improper and downright un-American. For the sake of discussion, I will refer to my primary attacker as Harvey Hate.

To summarize, Harvey Hate is pushing propaganda that John Doe is a bizarre homophobic conspiracy theorist and Internet troll with rabid anti-Semitic and holocaust denial tendencies who feels persecuted by the CIA and FBI.

I wish to address Harvey Hate's ad hominem attacks in three parts. Part A deals with an individual’s right to use a pseudonym to publish books and other documents. Part B deals with the right to discuss historical events that may be upsetting to some people. Examples of such controversial topics are JFK's assassination, John Lennon's murder, and the fate of Jewish people during World War II. Part C deals with the accusation of homophobia and alleged feelings of persecution by the CIA and FBI.

Regarding the right of American citizens to publish books using a pseudonym, who does Harvey Hate think he is? This is America where we have free speech. What country is this guy from? Harvey Hate’s main argument is that people who use pseudonyms are somehow acting improperly. This is obviously a distorted view of reality. Some of our greatest writers have used pseudonyms. Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens. Lewis Carroll's real name was Charles Dodgson. George Orwell's real name was Eric Blair. O. Henry's real name was William Sydney Porter. A more contemporary example is Peter Tremayne whose real name is Peter Berresford Ellis, historian, literary biographer and expert on Celtic history and culture. It's ridiculous to claim that using a pseudonym is wrong or improper. So if anyone hears any rumors that Dave Sharp is really John Doe, or uses some other pen name, please remember that pen names are as American as apple pie.

But even more to the point: What difference does it make if an author DOES use a pen name? Is "1984" any less compelling because it was written by "George Orwell"? Or "Tom Sawyer" any less compelling because it was written by "Mark Twain"? It seems to me that Harvey Hate is complaining because he doesn't like the content of the writing, not because he is against pen names! It seems Harvey Hate's ox is being gored by the writings.

Now I will move on to Part B, which deals with the right to discuss historical events that may be upsetting to some people. An example is the topic of John Lennon's murder. Harvey Hate is obsessed with this issue and believes that people should not be allowed to discuss it openly in public forums. What this guy does not seem to realize is the more you tell someone not to think about something, it almost guarantees they will do the opposite. So Harvey Hate is promoting the very things he is trying to censor. Unlike Harvey Hate, I am interested in John Lennon’s life more than his death. The Beatles generated some great music that inspired millions of people across the globe. That's why I learned to play the guitar and sing. That's why I love playing in bands. I am more than happy to share my views and experiences on the topic of music. Because of the Beatles, growing up in the 60s was the happiest period of my life, even though the dark cloud of Vietnam hung over America at that time. It was literally the best of times and the worst of times. (For more details about the Beatles' influence on my life, see Personal Thoughts About the Beatles.)

Harvey Hate is particularly upset with John Doe’s research regarding the assassinations of John Lennon and JFK. John Doe believes both crimes were sponsored by powerful people within the United States Government.

Probably the most controversial topic around is the fate of Jews during World War II, a topic that John Doe has commented on as well. Harvey Hate claims that John Doe and other American citizens do not have the right to discuss this particular topic in an open fashion. For some reason, he thinks the First Amendment right of free speech does not apply. Unfortunately, Harvey Hate’s point of view is quite popular these days; however, this politically correct view does not help Jewish people one bit, in my opinion. To the contrary, it is really a slap in the face to those who survived the work camps. Censorship of open discussions on this topic reminds me of the Middle Ages when people were not allowed to say the earth revolves around the sun. All they could say was the earth was flat. Is this sort of backward thinking supposed to be helpful to anyone? I don't think so.

Finally, I will discuss Part C, which deals with homophobia and feelings of persecution by the CIA and FBI. Here’s the short version. Am I homophobic? No. Do I feel persecuted by the CIA and FBI? Not particularly. What else can I say?

As I stated at the beginning of this article, the objective of this website is to promote the American Hot Club Band, a top-notch band that plays 60s rock and soul tunes, some 50s rockabilly, and a few originals. That's all we're trying to do. So if you are someone with whom I do business in the music industry, I have a request. If you are contacted by someone who claims that Dave Sharp is unworthy of performing at your club or private event because of his political views, or because he uses a pseudonym, do me a favor please. Do not allow yourself to be manipulated. If anyone has concerns about my politics, please contact me to talk things through before taking any actions based on second-hand descriptions of what other people think I believe.

My cell number is 301-233-7975. Feel free to call anytime, but be advised, I have more interest in discussing John Lennon’s life than debating the circumstances of his death.

Frankly, if someone wants to debate politics, why don’t we stick to normal topics like trying to predict who will be the next president. All this discussion about who killed JFK and John Lennon is interesting, but at the end of the day, they were both great men who are no longer living. Nothing can change that.

Best regards.

Dave Sharp