Politics have always been close to Tom Morello’s heart. Last Saturday, however, marked the first time the Rage Against The Machine guitarist actually endorsed a political candidate when he performed a benefit concert in San Francisco under his folkie alter-ego The Nightwatchman for anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan. “It is an honor to perform at Cindy Sheehan’s fundraising event because I strongly believe she is the kind of uncompromising righteous voice for justice that this country so desperately needs,” Morello said. “Her unwavering commitment to peace and human rights as well as her intelligence and fortitude are inspiring and stand in dramatic contrast to the lame parade of mealy-mouthed sell-outs and red state war-mongers we are normally forced to choose between.”
Sheehan, who is best known for camping outside President George W. Bush’s Texas ranch after her son Casey was killed during his service in the Iraq War, is challenging Congressional House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California’s 8th district, which covers most of San Francisco. Sheehan announced her candidacy in protest of the inaction she perceived on the part of Democrats, particularly Pelosi, in standing up to Bush on the war and other issues. For more info: www.cindyforcongress.org.