Neil Young has never been one to shy away from making a stand, as we've seen in the past with his protests against agrochemical company Monsanto.
Now, the 71-year-old has written a powerful open letter - penned by him and his partner, actress Daryl Hannah - in support of the protests at the Standing Rock reservation in Dakota, where protests have been taking place against the installation of a pipeline that would threaten the reservation's only water supply.
Young performed for the protestors earlier this month and now he's written a long and passionate statement on Facebook about the protest, also sticking the boot in to President-elect Donald Trump, whom he refers to as the 'surprise president'.
"The surprise president elect was not the winner of the popular vote, does not have a mandate for the change of ideals envisioned. Keep in mind, close to over two million more people voted for another candidate," he wrote. "Nor is the surprise president the leader of the free world. Two hundred of the worlds’ nations believe in science, above the profits of the oil, gas and coal industries, and are committed to working together to protect the future from an unchecked climate crisis. The surprise president claims he does believe in climate science nor the threats it presents and his actions and words reflect that claim in tangible and dangerous ways.
Do not be intimidated by the surprise presidents’ cabinet appointees as they descend the golden escalator. Those who behave in racist ways are not your leaders. The golden tower is not yours. The White House is your house."
He also called upon the current POTUS to step in and resolve the situation.
"We are calling upon you, President Barack Obama, to step in and end the violence against the peaceful water protectors at Standing Rock immediately," he wrote. "We will be going back to support the water protectors again.
Let us all stand with them in thanks, in appreciation for the ancient wisdom they carry, In thanks for this opportunity for true gratitude.
For giving us a path forward.
For trying to show us a road to survival."
Read Young's full post here.
