Tom Morello Joins Others in Support of ‘Fearless Whistleblowers’

Guitarist Tom Morello is known for his political activism, and recently released a song to help support the protestors who were arrested in the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting death in Ferguson, Mo. Now the Rage Against the Machine guitarist is among a coalition issuing a statement in support of "fearless whistleblowers and publishers."

The statement was issued by the Courage Foundation, and in addition to Morello, those signing the statement include musicians Thurston Moore, P.J. Harvey and Moby, along with actors Russell Brand, Susan Sarandon, Pamela Anderson and Viggo Mortensen, among other artists and intellectuals.

Here's the full statement: "We stand in support of those fearless whistleblowers and publishers who risk their lives and careers to stand up for truth and justice. Thanks to the courage of sources like Daniel Ellsberg, Chelsea Manning, Jeremy Hammond, and Edward Snowden, the public can finally see for themselves the war crimes, corruption, mass surveillance, and abuses of power of the U.S. government and other governments around the world. WikiLeaks is essential for its fearless dedication in defending these sources and publishing their truths. These bold and courageous acts spark accountability, can transform governments, and ultimately make the world a better place."

Morello also issued his own statement, saying: "Those courageous enough to expose the crimes of government and unmask corruption embody the spirit of democracy and justice. Rather than being celebrated as the truth-tellers and champions of accountability that they are, they are persecuted and find themselves the target of a draconian legal system that punishes them for the act of exposing crimes."

Morello has been working on a new solo album for a while, and promises it will be his first solo 'big rock record.' He said he'll be working on it the rest of the fall.