BALLISTIC's GATTIS Speaks Out In Support Of The War

BALLISTIC mainman Tom Gattis has issued a statement via the group's official web site offering support for the Bush administration's decision to wage war on Iraq.

The statement reads as follows:

"The war in Iraq has begun. I am only speaking for myself, but I am for it. However, I do question the timing. We should have done this ten years ago and thereby spared the suffering of many Iraqi innocents who have died and suffered under one of history's great tyrants, as he built one palace after another with money meant for food and medicine. I fear that so many of us in the western world live in such a degree of opulence that we forget that evil does still exist. As a consequence of not understanding the poverty and need much of the world lives in, we would DENY others (who have no money or food) work and cheap food at American establishments such as 'McDonald's' (example because it is commonly attacked) simply because we are opposed to the extravagant wealth of the owners and CEO's of such establishments. This is the definition of spoiled. I love the people of Europe and the US, their passion for music, life, beer… but it is possible the safe, comfortable world we thought we live in is an illusion.

"On September 11 the United States woke up to the realization that defensive postures cost lives, and America would no longer wait for a disaster to happen. There is much debate on both sides weather this war is justified or not, however neither the protesters, nor I and those who support action, truly have enough information to form iron-clad conclusions (I AM pretty sure our heads will not be severed just for voicing our opinions). We are musicians, construction workers, engineers, hippie derelicts, etc., but we ARE NOT operatives of NSA or Scotland Yard, and therefore we are by definition amateurs of foreign policy. Indeed, none of us know how this will play out, good or bad. However, history will show that a very simple three -word phrase, if acted upon, would have avoided ALL OF THIS. NOT Saddam capitulating to world demand or Security Counsel [sic] resolutions in place for the last 12 years, NOT France or Germany following our every 'whim'. The answer to peace was much more simple than that. Three words: LEAVE US ALONE.

"Hang on my friends, we all WILL get through this!

"Beer, Metal, and freedom forever, Tom Gattis"

BALLISTIC, whose lineup includes JAG PANZER members Rikard Stjernquist (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar),are in the process of recording their self-titled debut album at a Phoenix studio with longtime co-producer John Herrera. The band formerly known as AFTERBURN are tentatively set to release the album in July through New York-based AR Records in the U.S. and Metal Blade Records in Europe.