The Socialist 6 July 2011

Our fightback can win!

What next to defeat the cuts?

Next time - strike together...

24-hour public sector general strike as next step to beat the Con-Dems

Standing up to a weak government

Labour - condemned for condemning strike

Solidarity from POA

We can win together

Walkout at Wormwood Scrubs prison

30 June pension strike reports

Leaked memo shows government lied over its homeless policies

Dilnot report: A disservice to disabled and older people

Durham Miners' Gala: Miliband pulls out

Stop the racist and divisive EDL

Time to defend abortion rights... again

News in brief

Southampton council workers strike on same day as teachers, lecturers and civil servants

Birmingham - the fightback begins

Leeds Unison members decisively reject the council's final offer

Fawley refinery construction engineers summarily sacked

Fighting pension cuts and the anti-union laws

Workplace news in brief

Successful NSSN meeting in Coventry

East Belfast riots: Only united working class action can prevent further attacks

Kazakhstan: Striking oil workers attempt to break news blockade

Sabotage on ship to Gaza

All workers: unite to fight for decent jobs

High street job cuts: Jane Norman worker speaks out

Socialist Students meeting prepares for new term

Youth Fight for Jobs: campaign moving forward

Day-Mer festival support for 30 June pensions strike

Pride London

Review: A Common Treasury

Endgame by Rise Against

Building the socialist alternative on 30 June

Socialist Party youth meeting: Successful and insightful

PDFs for this issue




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Review

Endgame by Rise Against

Hannah Bastow

In 2010, Rise Against's lead singer Tim McIlrath said the band's motivation to tour almost continuously for the past eleven years was to influence the social conscience. This motivation is apparent in their latest album, Endgame.

Rise Against's fan base may have grown beyond the disenfranchised youth and politically aware but they have not lost the cutting lyrics that make their message so powerful.

'Help is on the Way' is based on the devastating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Many people were forgotten about by the government and promised help which never arrived, summed up by the lyrics "Can nobody save us, will anyone try?" This song highlights the devaluing of human life, especially in the poorer states.

'Disparity by Design' incorporates the tempo and spirit of punk rock but every word is resonant with the inequalities in society. McIlrath sings: "In which access depends on who you know or where you came from, whose daughter are you? Whose fortunate son?"

'Make It stop (September's Children)' confronts homophobia. Sadly, the song was influenced by a wave of suicides of young people who were bullied because of their sexuality. Chillingly it asks "too much blood has flown from the wrists of the children shamed for those they chose to kiss, who will rise to stop the blood?"

The song also contains a positive message to those in this situation, "It's always darkest just before the dawn, so stay awake with me let's prove them wrong".

The band's willingness to bring issues neglected by the mainstream media to their audience shows that McIlrath's claims of motivation are true. For Rise Against, the message is important.

In this issue

30th June strike and after

What next to defeat the cuts?