Dave Matthews’ Antifa Protest Sparks Controversy

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Bishal Roy
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Dave Matthews and Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello have shared their thoughts on “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s policies in cities across the US.

Dave Matthews and Tom Morello protest

Tom Morello’s 102 year old was seen with a sign. “‘GRANTIFA’ has struck!! Mary Morello fighting tyranny for 102 years!,” Tom shared on Instagram on Saturday (October 18th).

On the other hand, Dave Matthews Band shared a picture in which Dave Matthews was seen holding a placard reading, “I AM ANTIFA.” This sparked backlash from conservative fans, and support from liberal fans.

The protests took place on Saturday, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Thousands packed New York City’s iconic Times Square and streets all around, with people holding signs with slogans like “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional”.

Ahead of the demonstrations, Trump allies accused the protesters of being linked with the far-left Antifa movement, and condemned what they called “the hate America rally”.

It has been noted that several US states mobilized the National Guard. However, organizers stated that the events, which drew nearly seven million people, were peaceful.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has expanded the scope of presidential power, using executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and to deploy National Guard troops to US cities despite objections by state governors.

He has also called on the administration’s top law enforcement officials to prosecute his perceived enemies.

The president says his actions are necessary to rebuild a country in crisis and has dismissed accusations that he is a behaving like a dictator or fascist as hysterical. However, critics warn some of the moves by his administration are unconstitutional and a threat to American democracy.

In the past, Morello had shared his thoughts on Israel’s bombing campaign of Gaza but he did pose for photographers backstage holding a piece of paper scrawled with the words “CEASEFIRE!”

“The world is changed by average, ordinary, everyday people… who are willing to stand for a country and a planet that is more humane, peaceful and just,” he said in accepting award at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on behalf of Rage Against The Machine, which is as beloved for its music as its socialist, revolutionary political leanings.

“If you’ve got a boss, join a union,” he said. “If you’re an anarchist, throw a brick. If you’re a soldier or a cop, follow your conscience, not your orders.”

“If you’re bummed out you didn’t get to see Rage Against The Machine, then start your own band, and let’s hear what you have to say.”

During the same show, while inducting country great Nelson, Dave Matthews made the night’s other reference to raging battles between Israel and Hamas.

In decrying the world’s ills including homelessness and unfettered capitalism, the artist said that “we live in a world where bombs are dropped on children and it’s called collateral damage”.

“But it’s people like Willie Nelson who make me hopeful,” he said of the anti-war advocate with waist-length pigtails.

Dave Matthews also previously spoke out against the war in Gaza amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C.

The Dave Matthews Band singer and guitarist was among the thousands who called out American politicians for welcoming Netanyahu to speak in front of Congress during Israel’s military offense on Gaza.

Matthews accused U.S. leaders of complicity in the conflict, which Gaza’s Health Ministry says has killed more than 39,000 people, including thousands of women and children.

Matthews told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s appearance on Capitol Hill was a “disgusting show of support for someone who doesn’t deserve our support.”

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