Webchat with Russell Brand - Weds 12 Nov - 1 o'clock

[JustineMumsnet]

We're very pleased to say that Russell Brand is joining us on Wednesday 12 November between 1 and 2pm.

For those who don't know, Russell Brand is a comedian, actor and author.

His latest book, Revolution, sets out his views for political change - because, he says, "democracy has been taken away from us".

You might have caught his recent interview on Newsnight, which was widely discussed on the boards.

This is his third book, following My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal and has just published the first in a new series of children's books Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by Russell and illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Please do join us on Wednesday - or if you can't, feel free to post questions in advance, here.

(Reminder that we only allow one question and one follow-up per user, so make sure to use yours wisely )

I find it absurd that people are trying to dismiss you or trying to dig dirt like the subservient tabloid mentality that runs this farce of a show already.
Good news is that there are many enlightened minds who are more than capable of guiding the world to the Critical Path, who will come to the fore in support of your heartfelt cry for great things. (poetic side a bit jaded at present!!).
There I nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come. Quote-tastic!!

Anyway, stay sexy, stay funky! Be bold and almighty forces shall come to thy aid X

Jose Mujica

Hello Russell, your work and dedication is inspiring, but I am constantly meeting ignorant, close minded, unforgiving people who think about your past not the fact of all the great you do now. People do respond to a face of a celebrity (probably because we feel we know them and trust them). Your work is being noticed and lots are learning and understanding politics thanks to you, but with you friends and influence could you try and get more celebrity's on the trews even if it is a form of advertising and pro revolution propaganda ;)

Your book suggests that spirituality is an essential part of the revolution and that 'blind' faith in science is problematic. This concept challenges me. Organised religion aside, how can we 'access' the spirituality you advocate in the context of working towards the revolution?

Thank you for giving us hope.

How long did it take you to battle drug addictions? And how did you go about it?

This isn't a MN webchat any more.

It is a thread increasingly populated by RB fans who have joined specifically to come and be obsequious weirdos.

Hi Russell,
What are your opinions of school systems and the subjects taught? I worry as children have less, or no time, to play in class and teachers apply pressure to attain government syllabus results very early on.

Should children just learn through play and teachers invest time teaching things that they are interested about. Surely they have the rest of their lives to learn as well.

Should we change this idea and stop turning our children into un-questioning and boring drones with little time to invest in their own imagination?

Thanks Kate

Firstly a little aside: thanks so much for your article a while back on how to give up drugs. I gave up chocolate 18 months ago after reading it, and the advice was spot on.

My question: I see the UK and US (and a number of other countries) as being on a cusp at the moment. We are either going to go the route of greater equality and a better quality of life for all, or we will go the route of the further siphoning of money upwards and increasing unhappiness and a repressive government for all. What's your view as to the likely outcome?

MioMoo yes, I think that's a splendid idea, myself.

Billie

If you are going to take a stand on environmental issues, lecture people on the hell the planet is going to if they don't change their evil ways there are plenty of forms of vehicular transport that are less damaging than a Range Rover

If you are too blinkered to acknowledge that then you are a big part of the problem our Russ is going on about.

It's not rocket science.

As for the dark secrets.....you'll just have to wait, won't you . I wouldn't know about Peter Andre-I tend not to read his 'work' or watch his programmes. You sound quite an expert though.

We observe in continuity that the establishment forces manage to set aside any differences (if they have any!) and work together to keep the status quo. We don't observe the same on the part of those who challenge this situation.
Why is it that keeps the progressive forces divided? Why do we doubt the intentions of each one who comes out as someone who wants to make a difference? (For example, Strike magazine has been attacking some of your personal efforts recently)

Err I'm a fan. I've also been here 6 years.

Dear Russell,

I adored your radio show with your evil-twin Matt Morgan and I miss it.

1] Where is Matt Morgan and what is he doing?

2] Can you tell us a Karl Theobalds story you haven't told before?

Hi there!

Think what you are doing by challenging the establishment is pretty cool- the Scottish referendum engaged so many young people in politics here and it would be great to see that passion and hunger for knowledge (and opinions!) grow and continue to keep our 'imperial commanders' on their toes!

What I'd like to know is what can be achieved by not voting? Especially here in Scotland, where over 50% of Scots will be voting for the SNP in the general election, thus giving Scotland a big voice at Westminster? And hopefully giving no seats to UKIP in our name...(fingers and toes crossed for that one!)

The greens are pretty cool too- they have a lot of great policies, why not back them in rUK?

Keep doing what you are doing #parklife :)

Line I am a fan but not a weirdo.

I won't be asking a question though.

Well done Brand. Good work using your fame to raise important issues.

I've been wondering for a while how what we have - a system where our money goes to the same bankers and advisers, while our national institutions get sold out to the same corporations agreed in deals where the same lobbyists and businessmen meet in smart restaurants with our politicians, and every four years, out of the whole situation, the only thing our votes get to change is the colour of the politicians' ties - how that can be called democracy?

Hi Russell,
Would you consider giving up all aspects of fame to concentrate on pushing for the revolution that is way past being overdue? I'm a huge fan and I stand by your ideas and philosophies.

Love u russell !! keep doing what u doing ! Do u think more should be done for for single parents coz life ain't easy on ur own with little ones to look after ! X

I've been following you (not literally) since 2008 when I chanced on My Booky Wook at a really painful and yet pivotal time of my life...and watching your stand up etc got me through endless nights of single parenthood with a newborn and two other under 5s...That new born was 5 last week and to celebrate that, the government stopped my income support and so I'm off to sign on in 20 minutes...in rural and poor area where unemployment is high...when I'm chronically tired and unwell but not unwell enough to claim the new version of sick benefit and when I'm giving everything to raise my 3 daughters to be stable and happy individuals...what would your advice to me be? I read Revolution with enthusiasm and excitement but I don't know how to apply it's lessons to my own life when I feel trapped jumping through government hoops to provide for my family...

I've seen suggestions that we all vote Green in the meantime. This is a good idea.

I've also noticed that it's only one message per person!! Oops, sorry. I'm off then. Good luck and love to all..X

Hi Russell,
If one of the most important functions of comedy is to poke fun at and point out the flaws in our society, will it be less important or worse less funny after the Revolution?

Hi Russell, just wondering what you make of the green party? They champion a lot of ideas that also seem to be important to you and offer a credible alternative to mainstream politics. Are they revolutionary enough for you though??!! Xxx