Students rock for rights

Political action against climate change and big money in government were the topics of discussion at the “Rock for Your Rights” concert Thursday at the Indiana Memorial Union Starbucks Cafe. The event was organized by the Democracy Matters Club.

“It is important to get the word out about issues such as climate change,” said junior Glen Cullen, a Democracy Matters member. “This event was put together to spur action in students that won’t realize the implication in just saying ‘climate change is important.’”

Democracy Matters is a non-partisan group that started fall 2008 as a way to get students involved in important political issues, said junior Brianna Dines, president of Democracy Matters.

“We host events like these for students to have fun and learn about getting involved politically,” Dines said. “However, we also take action in calling representatives and hosting discussion panels to further dialogue about the political change that needs to happen.”

Separate from the concert, Dines and Cullen discussed the importance of educating people about public financing of elections in order to draw the influence of big business away from politics.

“About $4 million was spent by lobbyists for the environment last year,” Cullen said. “There is a vast army of lobbyists for issues of the past and present but not enough for issues of the future such as climate change.”

The band Loose Movs performed a mixture of original and popular songs. The group includes students David Kerner and Matt Howe.

“I decided to come out tonight to support my friends,” junior Taylor Filko said. “I’m not an active member of Democracy Matters, but I decided to come to hear good music.”

The group decided to perform after being asked by Dines. Each member of the group also performed solo mixtures of both fun and serious songs.

“We decided upon the band after a brainstorming session in one of our meetings. We sat down and thought of all the possible people we could get to perform,” Dines said.
At the end of the performance, Dines and Cullen let everyone know how they could get involved with Democracy Matters and the political issues they discussed by attending the meetings and taking an active approach.
“There’s a bill in the House right now that will make politicians accountable to voters and not lobbyists. Call your representatives,” Dines said.