Music is renowned for its ability to educate and activate the public to causes they might not know about. And it’s happening again, this time with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello highlights a slate of musicians encompassing different musical genres who will be kicking off the “Rock Against the TPP” tour July 23 in Denver. The Teamsters as well as other unions and fair trade allies are supporting the effort.

“Working people everywhere have had enough,” said Morello. “The TPP is nothing short of a corporate takeover of our democracy. That’s why people are rising up to stop it. Corporate lobbyists want to sneak the TPP through Congress quietly; that means it’s time for us to get loud.”

Joining them will be Emmy-nominated actress Evangeline Lilly, who notes the dire consequences that could follow if the Pacific Rim trade pact is ultimately enacted. “The more people learn about the TPP, the less they like it,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to sound the alarm, before it’s too late.”

While high-profile supporters in recent days have taken to the airwaves to tout the agreement, the Teamsters and others for years have raised a warning flag about the deal, noting it won’t create new jobs, will increase the trade deficit and could result in allowing foreign corporations to overturn U.S. laws if they don’t agree with them.

The message is increasingly being heard, and not just by the artists who will be performing in these shows. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in Congress are raising concerns about TPP, and an agreement that was once seen as a slam dunk once fast-track trade authority was approved is now being delayed and could be scuttled all together.

It’s time for everyday Americans to join in the chorus against this trade deal so elected officials will follow their lead.

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