My brother called me yesterday, about 1pm Denver time. He never calls me that early. "I got in."
"In where?" I asked suddenly interested.
"To the Rage Against the Machine show." The other day following after catching wind of the music rocking the DNC this week in Denver, I called my bro, a fourth year senior at the University of Colorado in Boulder (take that John Belushi in Animal House), to make sure he caught RATM's FREE show at the Denver Coliseum. The show, next to tonight's huge "Barack Obama 4 Prez" blowout at Invesco Field, seemed like the only event that had any purpose behind it. Rage Against The Machine wasn't there to support Barack Obama and the Democrats, they were there supporting the Iraq Veterans Against The War, a group of active duty service people and veterans who are against the Iraq war; AND show the DNC there is some real business that needs to be taking care of.
"Sweeeeeet. But, I feel like people are going to die at this show. Please don't die. Be safe." I told him before he cut me off with an, "I gotta go. I gotta go. My buddy's calling on the other line."
Click.
However, it all went down quite peacefully -- next to no teargas and no reported arrests, although some 700 cops in full riot gear patrolled the Denver streets.
(Via LA Times)
Between 4,000-6,000 people lead by 50 Iraq War veterans marched themselves from the RATM concert to Pepsi Center's doors, a total of about four miles. The protest began around 3 PM Denver time, following RATM's hour-long set, and lasted five hours. While everyone was at home watching Bill Clinton say some words from inside the Pepsi Center, outside a frontline that not only included the Iraq War vets, but also, according to MTV.com, included RATM's Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello, as well as the Coup's Boots Riley, stood outside. The Obama campaign finally agreed to speak to the leaders of Iraq Veterans Against the War, who have a list of demands that includes the immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq; reparations for the human and structural damages Iraq has suffered, and stopping the corporate pillaging of Iraq so that their people can control their own lives and future; and full benefits, adequate healthcare (including mental health), and other supports for returning servicemen and women.
While cops stood in riot gear, the vets, some in full uniform led the procession while chanting, "My buddy's in the foxhole with a bullet in his head," they chanted. "I called to get the medic, but he's already dead." other chants included "Whose streets? Our streets!" and "We believe in freedom and will not rest, will not rest until it comes." The chant changed to "Yes, We Can!" once Obama's people agreed to speak.
At least when members of Rage Against the Machine look back in life, they'll be able to say "Hey, at least we tried to do something." And I can rest assured my brother is OK.
My Trusted MOGs
Yawn
My Trusted MOGs
LOL. You wanted more blood and tears, huh?
My Trusted MOGs
Did they fo something, or is this more of a grassroots thing. I actually enjoy Rages music, but I'm a bit cynical when it comes to their "message." I can't say I don't agree, but I'm just a little jaded with their Sony sponsered revolution. I think they make some kick ass agressive rock, but the revolutionary bit feels a bit forced - like the devil stuff in metal used to feel.
My Trusted MOGs
first sentence was supposed to say- Did they do something...
My Trusted MOGs
I don't know who Dave Cromwell is but I disagree with him. I find American politics to be fascinating. Maybe it's because I am Canadian and I can analyze it without being fully immersed in it. Who else would be more appropriate than the well spoken Tom Morello to join the veteran's in their cause? Thanks for the news.
Thorn In My Slide
My Trusted MOGs
Is Tom Morello a veteran? Perhaps a veteran like a Pat Tillman, if he were still alive, he might be a better spokesman.
I personally don't believe old fashion protests work anymore. Why, because the "numbers" will be disputed, and derail the point of the march. Prime example, "The Million Man March", some estimates were maybe 200,000. There were bigger ones with women for reproductive rights, but all the commentators could comment on or bandy about were whether or not there were a million people there.
It's an information war. MoveOn.org does some good things to organize like minded people, but their hardly the end all be all, and they generally stand for the left (I am left winged, and don't mind that, but I'd hardly say it's representative of most peoples beliefs).
My Trusted MOGs
The idea of Hollywood and music industry people being involved in swaying the vote one way or another seems to me to be a facet of American society that is a little weird. If people who are public figures and are not in politics want to have their say then just cast your vote or change vocations. Can't people decide for themselves?
My Trusted MOGs
I don't think Americans buy it though. I think more often then not you get Sean Penn bailing out his sinking boat in New Orleans, over anything relevant. You feel that way, make a friggin' movie about it, but just shut up. I like Sean Penn as an actor, but I think his a humorless SOB when it comes to politics.
I think George Clooney has kind of taken the Redford route and made flicks that reflect his interests rather than getting on a podium (though I've seen him do that). I feel people like Clooney, don't are not overly serious about how their veiwed. I guess I'm saying that some of the "political" films I've seen Clooney in have been better statements then any press conference could handle. He's just one. Syndey Pollack did some great films as well.
My Trusted MOGs
normally at such gathering there is a few who create bad press for the many by causing a ruckus....glad this went along peacefully