I am a high school student, and I agree with peers who advocate for our right to free speech [May 21]. In a country that boasts a Constitution that grants freedom and equality for all, why are its young deprived of the right to expression in school? Ironically, it is in this very environment that we learn about our freedoms, a setting that teaches us to articulate our thoughts in English class but then stifles our voices if they do not conform to some norm.
In 100-degree weather in Indio, Calif., 60,000 watched intently as Rage Against the Machine, the fiery revolutionary political rock band from Los Angeles, performed.
However, this was no ordinary concert by the renegade band known for its blending of hip-hop, hard rock, punk and funk. This was the first time the group had played together since their split in 2000. This reunion was done at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which the band had headlined in 1999.
After their performance at Coachella, it was evident that even after seven years apart, the band was still able to produce its protest-inducing lyrics, along with the incredible and mind-bending guitar and bass riffs that switched from metal to hip-hop in a single deafening beat of the drums.
After recording their album "Renegades of Funk," which left much to be desired, Rage announced they were breaking up — evidently due to communication problems as well as lead singer Zach de la Rocha's desire to pursue a solo career.
Before this sudden and unexpected split, Rage was known for their radical ideals, rebellious lyrics and attempts to inform the masses of the many injustices of government. The lyrics that Rage is known for would fall on deaf ears if it were not for the talent of the guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk.
Morello essentially becomes the DJ for the band, producing unthinkable sounds. Their blending of genres became known as rap-core. Morello's fiery rhetoric is often vitriolic, as are some of his statements to the media.
However, Rage Against the Machine is not all talk. Members of the band are seen frequently attending rallies and other protests. Only a few weeks earlier, Morello and de la Rocha were seen together in Chicago, attending a rally for the advancement of immigrant farm workers.
With the Bush administration's failed war in Iraq, the economy taking a plunge, with jobs being outsourced, and China threatening to be the next super power, Rage Against the Machine could not have re-entered the limelight at a better time.
With so many things going wrong, the people of this country are ready to wake up — and this is the band's goal.
After their stellar performance at Coachella, everyone is wondering about the future of Rage, and so far the band has kept that a secret. However, fans can rejoice over the fact that the band has set up a handful of more tour dates in the highly-acclaimed hip-hop festival, Rock the Bells, which includes one more show in California on Aug. 11, and performances at Randalls Island in New York City on July 28 and 29.
Whether or not they will officially reunite and continue their "musical mission to help the others listen" is unknown.
