MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Neil Young calls for empathy for 'manipulated' Trump supporters, Internet slams him for trying to 'absolve' rioters

Young started off by noting how a woman who was allegedly maced at the Capitol siege last Wednesday "was one of thousands who have been carrying the feeling of being persecuted for their beliefs, their feeling that American power just didn’t care.”

Neil Young has been one of the most vocal critics of outgoing President Donald J. Trump. However, in a new message shared on his website, the Canadian-American rocker called for empathy towards those who he says “have been so manipulated and had their beliefs used as political weapons.”

Young started off by noting how a woman who was allegedly maced at the Capitol siege last Wednesday "was one of thousands who have been carrying the feeling of being persecuted for their beliefs, their feeling that American power just didn’t care.”

"I feel empathy for the people who have been so manipulated and had their beliefs used as political weapons," the musician wrote. "I may be among them. I wish internet news was two-sided. Both sides represented on the same programs. Social media, at the hands of powerful people – influencers, amplifying lies and untruths, is crippling our belief system, turning us against one another. We are not enemies. We must find a way home."

It's worth noting that the veteran rockstar has been a longtime critic of Trump, and even sued his campaign for playing his songs during political rallies. And while he again criticized the outgoing POTUS in his new message, saying he “has betrayed the people, exaggerated and amplified the truth to foment hatred”, he also said his feelings now go "beyond" Trump, The Guardian reported.

“Resentment of the Democratic party among the insurrectionists at the Capitol was rampant. We don’t need this hate,” he continued. “We need discussion and solutions. Respect for one another’s beliefs. Not hatred … With social media, issues are turned into psychological weapons and used to gather hatred in support of one side or the other. This is what Donald J Trump has as his legacy.”

The 'Harvest Moon' hitmaker also claimed there was a "double standard" that saw heavy crackdowns against violent Black Lives Matter protesters earlier this year, but relatively light policing during last week's Capitol breach.

Young had initially backed Bernie Sanders for the highest office in the country. However, he began supporting Joe Biden after the latter clinched the Democratic nomination, saying the former vice president would bring “compassion and empathy” back to the White House.

Anti-Trump Twitterati, however, lashed out at Young for attempting to "absolve" those who stormed the Capitol of "accountability."

"These terrorist are still threatening government officials & their families, harassing them in airport, calling for more terrorist attacks in the coming days. I'm sorry, why are we not to consider them our enemies & of the U.S? or have empathy for their current delusional?" one tweeted.

"I always feel empathy for those who are products of their abuse and conditioning. It does not however absolve them of accountability when repeating that cycle," another added.

"How are cop killers not our enemies? How are people bringing a gallow not my enemy? I could go on, but I think I've made my point," a third wrote.

"I hope Neil Young will remember. We don’t need him ‘round anyhow." a fourth chimed in.