Some seem hell-bent to focus on Earle's reputation or troubled past. On that issue, let's follow the example of Bill Monroe himself. People seem to love or hate The Mountain , with no middle ground. This is probably true of any art which pushes the envelope of tradition. Art should provoke controversy.
Mediocrity kills creativity.
The music must grow to survive into the next millennium. Bluegrass should be thankful for Steve Earle's sojourn into our neighborhood.