Representative Paul D. Ryan may love Rage Against the Machine, but the feeling isn't mutual.
Tom Morello, guitarist for the politically outspoken rap-metal band, attacked Mr. Ryan, Mitt Romney's running mate in a searing editorial for Rolling Stone.
“Paul Ryan's love of Rage Against the Machine is amusing, because he is the embodiment of the machine that our music has been raging against for two decades,†Mr. Morello said.
Mr. Ryan has said Rage Against the Machine is one of his favorite bands. But like many other politicians, he has discovered that his music isn't in sync with his politics. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is a vocal and loyal fan of Bruce Springsteen, but it's a one -way relationship. Mr. Springsteen, who supports Democratic policies and politicians, will not meet Mr. Christie, a popular Republican governor.
The Grammy-winning Rage Against the Machine, which formed in 1991, has expressed vehement opposition to corporate greed and the American two-party political system, as well as support for the Occupy Wall Street movement, among other issues.
Mr. Morello said Mr. Ryan is “clueless†about the group's message.
Perhaps Mr. Ryan will add Lynyrd Skynyrd to his playlist. The band supports the Republican ticket, and is scheduled to play at the Republican National Convention along with Kid Rock.
