PureVolume

DU is this generation's Agent Orange.

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Rep. McDermott Clips Used in New Song

To raise awareness about the need for a comprehensive study on the possible health and environmental impacts of the military's use of Depleted Uranium, Rep. Jim McDermott has taken an unusual approach.

A few months ago, Rep. McDermott agreed to be interviewed on audio tape for use in a new song about DU. The song is part of the debut album on a major label by the Punk Rock group, Anti-Flag. The group has a loyal and broad following among young people across America.

Rep. McDermott has introduced H.R. 2410, the Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act, which has 27 co-sponsors so far, including one Republican. The bill remains stalled by the majority. Rep. McDermott believed being interviewed for a song that would be heard by young people across the county was one way of speaking directly to young Americans.

Before agreeing to the interview, McDermott advised the band that he would not declare that DU is a problem; rather, he felt there was an urgent need to study DU and repeated concerns he has expressed before that he fears DU is this generation's Agent Orange.

The band released part of the song today on two web sites, and called on members to support the McDermott DU Study bill. The sites are: AfterDowningStreet.org and PunkNews.org.

"Some may criticize me because the song's title - 'Depleted Uranium is a War Crime' - is tough and opinionated at the outset," McDermott said. "But, this is the language and style that millions of young Americans are using to communicate; we need to reach out to these young people, so I'm willing to let their language carry my message--- DU is something we should be studying."

McDermott noted the band is taking the issue seriously, urging fans to ask their representatives to support the bill. The band also has involved other groups attempting to organize a bi-partisan effort to get DU
studied. McDermott also pointed out that the liner notes with the album include web links for people to get more information about DU and the bill.