Revolution action

>> Vendettas frontman Paul Cargnello on activism, anti-feminism and the fascisitic Stockwell Day

by LORRAINE CARPENTER

Whether singing the praises of his own band or roots radicals the Clash and Rage Against the Machine, Paul Cargnello is clearly a man with a mission. The Vendettas are set to bring their rock reggae down to the people with the launch of their sophomore album It's Happening to You. So just what is happening to us? "Hopefully the Vendettas are happening to you," says Cargnello. "Maybe you'll pick up an album, come see a show, but no matter what happens in your life, the Vendettas will eventually happen to you." The Vendettas happened to the Mirror as Cargnello ranted about protests, power and politics.

Mirror: Your first album is largely apolitical. What happened?

Paul Cargnello: That first recording was when we were still in high school and I don't think I had my head on straight. I was a shit-disturber but I didn't quite know why. I think it was most likely CEGEP and university that changed me, a couple of good professors, and Jesse, my girlfriend. She introduced me to a lot of feminist theory that I never really thought about until then.

M: How far does your activism extend? Are you a regular at demos?

PC: You will see me at demos but most of it is basically me sitting at home organizing, getting the shows out there. I've decided this is a profession and I've tried to incorporate activism into what I want to do in life. I wanna make sure that no matter what we're doing there's always that hint of activism there and that I never compromise my belief system.

M: Do you aspire to Bono-style political power?

PC: If I could reach his level of fame, I would definitely use that. I wanna be the guy up there talking about white supremacy and anti-feminism because nobody seems to be talking about it.

M: Speaking of Bono, are you surprised that the Pope is supporting the Jubilee 2000 campaign to alleviate Third-World debt?

PC: I'm surprised anytime Christians are supporting anything left-wing. It's a bit moderate, I would go further, I would also have a compensation program, maybe some Third-World aid. That might not be as Christian as, you know, "Let's build a church and convert as many heathens as possible," that's my theory on the next step the Americans are going to take. Not to take away from the cause, but that's not quite it, just like the NDP is not quite it, but I'd be happier with an NDP government than a Liberal or Conservative one.

M: What's your take on Stockwell Day?

PC: I think he's a fascist and that his whole compassionate conservatism is a real threatening movement. He's taking on almost-Left-wing rhetoric, "We represent you, we're here for your rights, we're here to save humanity." He's gonna get away with a lot because of the rhetoric. I can only hope that the Canadian Alliance will fizzle away and die.

CD launch with Beached Whale at Cabaret on Thursday, Oct. 26, 9pm, $6