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 )

Good Luck Russell is all I have to say.

You can't give Paxman a run for his money unless you are as clever as him.

He didnt. He didnt give Paxman a run for his money.

Watched the Newsnight interview. Wouldve pissed me off for Ewan Davies to ask me a question then speak over me as I answered. V professional bbc. I'm surprised it didn't go to a test card as RB was wrestled away by security

I wanna address some comments quickly regarding voting.

Democracy and voting. Would you agree that people's ability to vote for betterment and make decisions on policies or directions is dependent on their backgrounds and educational level?

Meaning. if you're not educated in or have a background in many fields and ideas regarding energy, agriculture, housing, recycling , waste management, transportation methods, resource management.... ecosystems...so on... How can someone vote for or determine which politician does understand these many fields? How can you expect an undereducated public to meaningfully take part in or support someone to generate real betterment and guide the direction of a country ?

Hello! I've just arrived at Mumsnet. I'm happy to engage with mums, dads, children, guardians, aunts, spinsters, landed gentry, barons, paupers... anyone really.

@AlphaBravoHenryFoxtons

MNHQ When did you suspend new registrations?

At 12, pretty much when we spotted the influx of newbies (as Linerunner did!)

Oh my god. I was deleted.. DELETED! In all my years here...

hello Russell

Billie

I don't own a car any more. So yes I can match you green for green.

Just sayin.

Hi & good luck!

Are you a feminist?

@TakeMeUpTheNorthMountain

Oh my god. I was deleted.. DELETED! In all my years here...

Sorry TakeMe, thought it was a bit strong (but borderline I admit)

Spinster?! Who the fuck on here would identify as a spinster! I don't care for your choice of words.

Must say, am a bit depressed at the thought of the answers only being to the "Oh Russell, how are you so fabulous and clever!!!???!!!" questions.

Good luck...

As a mother of three young children I am extremely worried about the world I am having to bring them up in. With a pro austerity right wing screwed up government.
Be assured that you are doing an amazing thing for the people. You are making change happen! I just hope more will wake up and see what this country is becoming.

Stand up for our future people! Our children!!

*TakeMeUpTheNorthMountain

Oh my god. I was deleted.. DELETED! In all my years here...

Sorry TakeMe, thought it was a bit strong (but borderline I admit)*

At least I was saying he did brush his teeth!

Cos there's loads of barons on here Magrat.

good luck

@snice

Hello Mr Brand

Are you a feminist?
If not, why not?

I don't know what the requirements are. I certainly support equal rights regardless of age race and sexual persuasion. I also think a good many of the problems we face in society are because of a gender imbalance because women have been unrepresented for centuries.

@PetiteRaleuse

I agree with quite a lot of what you say, and really respect you for giving up drinking and drugs (and love what you have written and said on this topic).

However, I don't understand why you have told people that they shouldn't vote. Voting is a democratic right that was fought for over centuries, and a privelige.

Can you explain why you say that not voting is an effective form of protest?

By voting you tacitly endorse a system that doesn't represent you - the argument on voting has been had - the important thing now is: what would you vote for? What is it about New Labour, the Conservatives, or UKIP that you would like to vote for? It's about re framing the argument. It's not - voting is a necessity - what is the function of that mechanic? Why did people fight for that right to vote? because they wanted to have an impact on power structures. So I'd like to answer that question with a question - who would you vote for and why?

I might be a baron Sparkling :)

landed gentry is my point of interest Sparkling
they could litter their fields with filthy benches