Rage has changed my life ever so slowly in the last 5 or 6 years. I consider it my "upbringing" through the toughest years of my life. I am currently a senior in high school. I can remember the days in 7th and 8th grade chuckling along to the words, "FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!", not taking any of the lyrics seriously. Slowly it grew onto me. 10th grade, saw them in concert at the Shoreline Amphithetre. Zack was just yards away, but I could see the fire in his eyes, the anger in his voice, that torch that I wanted to ignite in myself. From that night on I knew what I needed to do. Educate myself, tear away from the mass mentality, and go sideways in society when so many others only go forward, clutching to the next thing that the media throws us. Now a declared socialist, who doesn't just wear Che shirts to be cool, I have decided to share my knowledge with my peers. Just recently I had done a large thought out report on the Zapaptista movement. But not to spit facts from a book, I made a collage (with Rage related pictures) and brought in the "People Of The Sun" video. I made handouts of the lyrics, including lyrical references, and hidden messages and quotes in the video. My Spanish teacher was throughly impressed and had me repeat my presentation 6 more times to different classes! I felt like I had owed it to Rage. I currently am spreading knowledge about Ernesto "Che" Guevara de la Serna to my fellow class mates whenever they ask me "Who's that?" on my t-shirt. Also, through Tom Morello had I relinquished my love for playing the guitar and I find him my role model. Rather than sound obsessive, I hope I earn respect from fellow fans. It is time to go against the wood grain of this society. It is time to speak out. And with Rage, I could never find those words. Thank you.

Hasta La Victoria Siempre,
Douglas Franklin