Kirk Hammett on Trump Presidency: “I think there’s still hope.”

I’m loving this newly political version of Metallica! After years of remaining mum on politics for fear of alienating some of their fanbase, both Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett have had plenty to say about the recent U.S. presidential election of late.

And now Hammett’s back for more in a recent interview with Canada’s CBC Music. As before, Hammett’s comments certainly aren’t full of Rage Against the Machine-style vitriol — they’re cautious and measured — but it’s clear where his heart lies, and it’s clear that he cares. Take a look:

“People are really going to an absolute negative with this, and I think that’s a big mistake. And I laugh at people who say, ‘I’m gonna leave the United States ’cause Trump’s president.’ What good does that do?

“For me, one of the most important things in politics is honesty and integrity, and we have very little of that in the United States nowadays.

“With the current situation, a lot of things are being shaken up. I think that we probably have to go through a little bit of hell to get to heaven in this sort of situation right now.

“As long as human beings are still standing, I think there’s still hope.”

This coming from the same guy who recently said Donald Trump lacked “integrity, honesty and altruism” which “puts me in a state of wait and see what will happen.” Again, measured, which is OK for the time being. While I appreciate Hammett’s optimism — I’m also usually a ‘”give them the benefit of the doubt” type of guy — these are hardly usual times, and I hope that if/when shit really hits the fan Hammett makes good on his promise to “take it upon myself to get involved.” I think it’d be great if Hammett used his platform to be just a little bit more direct… but hey, I get it, can’t take those risks.

[via Blabbermouth]