McCartney in 2010; PC: Wikimedia

Yup, another election year is finally upon us. As the months wind down to this November and the trash talking between both sides of the aisle starts getting all sorts of offensive, it’s easy to forget one particular feeling that always seems to bring the entire country together – at least we don’t live in Russia!

Don’t get me wrong, lovely people and culture, but it’s just something about that whole arresting rock stars for speaking up against their government that doesn’t sit well with me – and neither with Paul McCartney apparently.

Sir Paul took to Twitter earlier today to express a message of support for the punk rock all-women-trio Pussy Riot, who were arrested last March for publicly criticizing Russian President  Vladimir Putin during a performance at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Specifically addressing band members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich, the legendary rock icon wrote, “I would like you to know that I very much hope the Russian authorities would support the principle of free speech for all their citizens and not feel that they have to punish you for your protest."

The band is currently awaiting the verdict on their trial which is expected to be handed down tomorrow, ending the current courtroom drama that has led to several protests and is seen by several Russians as merely the government making an example out of anyone who would have the guts to question President Putin.

"Many people in the civilized world are allowed to voice their opinions and as long as they do not hurt anyone in doing so I believe this is the best way forward for all societies," McCartney went on. "I hope you can stay strong and believe that I and many others like me who believe in free speech will do everything in our power to support you and the idea of artistic freedom."

If government prosecutors get their way, all three women will serve three years for their public protest, although the defense is fighting for a lighter sentence. Regardless, a guilty verdict is still expected which is why the band’s defense team is calling for worldwide protest rallies tomorrow in support of Pussy Riot.

McCartney isn’t the only musician out there publicly showing support. Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Patti Smith, Sting, Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna, Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker, Beastie Boy Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz and several more have all come out in support of the soon to be sentenced Russian rockers.

Even though it may sometimes seem like us here in the US are always divided and fighting, we can all still be thankful that at least we won’t get thrown for verbally disagreeing with our government.