...to start a thread about a Mumsnet thread? Russell Brand......

[Hakluyt]

...........why?

Yes, if you want to have a web chat with a pretty comedian, then go for it. It makes us all look a bit trivial, but hey ho.

But treating him like a serious social and political commentator? Really??????

[IDismyname]

It's not going to be a webchat I'm attending.

I cannot believe he has much to add to the political arena, but am happy to be proved wrong.

[FunkyBoldRibena]

I'm ambivalent about RB bit what disqualifies someone as a 'serious social and political commentator' exactly? Surely politics is all of our business?

[Hakluyt]

Of course politics is all of our business, but pronouncing on it publicly and telling people what to do when you are in a position of influence surely requires at least a basic understanding and background knowledge?

[tilliebob]

park life sorry, now whatever he states, that bellows through my head and sometimes out loud

[AuntieStella]

Not one I would have chosen, but it's up to MNHQ not us [obsequious gin]

It's just another thread to hide, and let those who want it get on with it.

[TeenageMutantNinjaTurtle]

I'm no fan of his but he is pretty interesting to listen to. He has very well formulated political views and speaks eloquently with conviction. He is very much "for the people". He has a couple of YouTube videos which are worth a watch.

[JemimaButtons]

OP - YANBU I couldn't agree with you more!

[ArthurShappey]

But treating him like a serious social and political commentator? Really??????

This!!! I won't be attending his webchat, not that he'll notice or miss me.

[FunkyBoldRibena]

What makes you think he hasnt got background knowledge?

What makes you think that the politicians in power DO have background knowledge?

Why dont you get onto the webchat and ask him why he thinks he has a right to speak on politics without the background knowledge? Perfect opportunity.

[Hakluyt]

Well, telling people not to vote shows that he doesn't understand how the voting system works, for a start.

[FunkyBoldRibena]

No, it shows he has a perfect understanding of it!

[OwlCapone]

"pretty comedian" [shudder]

Do you think there will be lots of Parklife comments on the webchat?

[CuttedUpPear]

I honestly can't see that he is any worse than any of the politicians we have in charge, who are a conniving, dishonest bunch who care naught for the common people, as long as they have the security of their private schools and private health care.

Brand is opening up debate and likely engaging sections of the populace who feel disenfranchised by politics.

And he's a lot easier on the eye than Eric Pickles.

[Hakluyt]

"No, it shows he has a perfect understanding of it!"

Does it? He must very badly want a UKIP government, then.

[Hakluyt]

"Brand is opening up debate and likely engaging sections of the populace who feel disenfranchised by politics."

Which sectors are those? Apart from some overexcited BBC executives?

[Birdsgottafly]

When I first joined MN in 2011, there wasn't that much discussed which was relevant to my lifestyle.

I live in a rough bit of Liverpool, in HA housing, had my children young etc.

There was a change across MN and it became more diverse.

I haven't posted for a while, illness, family issues were part of the reason, but also that MN was creeping back towards it's former "there's only one allowed opinion" stance.

I know Russell Brand as an outspoken Animal Rights campaigner. He was Vegetarian, is now Vegan, as I am.

He is well informed on Animal and Environmental matters. He has the opportunity to express his views, which he uses.

Ex addicts should add to the debates around drug rehab etc. that's very much what first have him a platform.

I believe that everyone should have a voice.

Could you answer the question OP, what does qualify someone as a serious political or social commentator, other than being informed, having opinions and people being interested in what they say?

[FunkyBoldRibena]

You dont think sections of the populace are disenfranchised by politics?

Interesting.

[Mehitabel6]

I expect intelligent debate- not something he engages in.

[Hakluyt]

"You dont think sections of the populace are disenfranchised by politics?"

I think that many sections of the populace are completely disengaged and disenchanted. Not disenfranchised technically but living in places where their vote makes no impact on the status quo. I live in one of those places myself. Is that hat you mean?

[Hamiltoes]

I thought his video with commentary on the independence debate was really good, for anyone interested i think its still on youtube

Made me change my opinions of him

[Birdsgottafly]

It doesn't matter if you disagree with RB.

It's why you don't think he should be given the opportunity to give his opinion and be questioned, which needs examining.

Also can we end the "he said don't vote" crap, he didn't. This was well explained in his answer to John Lyndon. He said he didn't vote and gave his reasons why.

[Costacoffeeplease]

He's an arrogant, egotistical knob and of absolutely no interest to me whatsoever - I'm fed up of 'celebrities' deciding their opinions are SO important we all have to listen and do as they say

And as for easy on the eye? I think I'd rather look at Eric pickles - at least he looks like he's had a wash

[Hakluyt]

"It's why you don't think he should be given the opportunity to give his opinion and be questioned, which needs examining."

I think he has had significantly more opportunity to give his opinion and be questioned than practically anyone else!