Billie Joe Armstrong on Donald Trump's first week: "It's an all out assault on our civil liberties"
Billie Joe Armstrong has never been one to sit idle in times of political uncertainty. Case in point: The Green Day singer has now expressed his sheer distaste of the presidential agenda set forth in Donald Trump's first week of office.
His Instagram message touches on everything from “these reckless decisions” to “his intention is to divide us as Americans,” culminating in the simple but powerful: “Please respect each other. Please show compassion.”
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Armstrong also expresses understanding for differing viewpoints, saying: “I have conservative/republican friends and family.. I understand their point of view even if I don't agree with it. It's their right. It's their beliefs.
“However the progressive side is just as 'American' as the other side. At what point do we all come together as 'Americans'.”
After the election results came in, Armstrong issued an emotional statement through Instagram, in which he said: “Our social progress got punched in the face. Hard. It's hard to tell if we made any progress at all…”
He goes on, “One thing is for sure. Racism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, and xenophobes have no place in around Green Day and/or any Green Day event.
“If you are black, white, brown, of any nationality or any faith, gay, straight, trans, girl, boy, punk, metal, goth, weirdo, skin, freak, and the overall marginalized of all ages, we welcome you with all the rage and love we can muster. We stand by you,” Armstrong concluded.
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Read his full statement below.
“i feel like I'm in a state of shock.. The executive orders Trump is signing feels like a vendetta.. Trump is not only taking out his revenge on the people who protested him, but also the average American that just didn't vote for him.
These reckless decisions on healthcare, muslim-americans, immigration, environmental protection, freedom of speech, freedom of press, women's right to choose what to do with their bodies, suggesting sending in the feds to Chicago .. are signs of a man that is trying to redefine what it is that keeps our common union as Americans.. This is not just his “conservative agenda.” It's an all out assault on our civil liberties. His intention is to divide us as Americans.
Maybe we don't agree on all of these issues.. But can't we see eye to eye on some? I have conservative/republican friends and family.. I understand their point of view even if I don't agree with it. It's their right. It's their beliefs.
However the progressive side is just as “American” as the other side. At what point do we all come together as “Americans”. Isn't this about freedom and unity? I don't think this president has a grasp on the concept of the American dream.. the dream that we come from different backgrounds to come together.
Please respect each other. Please show compassion.
Please don't allow this madman to take out his revenge…. on US
respect BJ”
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