Soundstrike Remains In Effect Though the Courts Blocked SB 1070

Phoenix music fans hoping for a little relief from The Soundstrike in the wake of Judge Susan Bolton’s decision to issue a temporary injunction blocking parts of the law are going to be disappointed.

The boycott is still on, says group representative Javier Gonzalez.

From a statement released by the group within hours of Bolton’s ruling:

Until a final decision, or until Arizona repeals
the law, the artists of Soundstrike stand in firm opposition to the
discriminatory and punitive measures of SB 1070.

Todayʼs ruling
allows all of the litigation to work its way through the courts to
determine the constitutionality and legality of SB1070 before
determining what parts, if any, will have the force of law. While the
ruling from U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton does temporarily block some
of the harsher elements of SB 1070 the ruling appears to sanction other
provisions targeting immigrants looking for work and US Citizens whose
normal interaction with immigrants could now be determined to be
smuggling.

“The Artists of conscious that joined the Soundstrike
boycott of Arizona are supporting the grassroots leaders in Arizona who
remain committed to ending the predatory and discriminatory practices of
SB 1070,” said Zack de la Rocha.

In truth, the decision will probably do a little to temper the enthusiasm of boycotters — at least until the law actually takes effect with the blessing of an appeal’s court — but it does nothing to restore the reputation of the state.

To do that, we’d probably need to have voters repeal the law by referendum. The first effort to do that was abandoned about a month in, so I’d say the odds are pretty slim.

Sorry kids, but Meklit Hadero, Sterile Jets, and W. Kamau Bell are not playing here for the forseeable future.