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 )

@awfulomission

I teach young offenders between 13 and 15 years old who feel that society has nothing to offer them. They are in the youth justice system for a variety of reasons but use of drugs is something they all have in common.

If you could give them one message what would it be?

I would say that within them - where the pain is - there is an awareness and they're trying to treat that awareness with drugs or acting out. But those are temporary solutions and anaesthetics. If they get support from other people that have been through what they're going through, and support one another, then there are solutions – fellowships, support groups and programmes, that are easy to find, and that I belong to.

Hey Russell , woohoo, wave!! talk to me about your book, will you be the new dr Seuss? If my son was to grow up and say your children's books were his fav/ life changing why would you like that to be? Is it a message, creativity, learning & development... Is this one off or would you like a series of books?

Tinyminx that is such a good point about Diana. If only people /would/ stand up for what's important! I think the good thing about someone like Russell doing just that is that it gets people thinking... and - hopefully - eventually people will also act.

Hi Russell, just want to say I'm not into politics but my husband is completely in line with where you are coming from and I'm now much more aware- keep up the good work, you're great!! X

Hi Russell. My problem with what you're saying about voting is that all it will do is ensure that we have Tory governments forever. I accept that there is much more that parties of the left should be offering, but we live in the real world where we're not going to have a revolution and we have to choose between what's on offer. The right will be rubbing their hands in glee at you encouraging those on the left not to vote. What do you say to that?

Russell, could you please have a word with MNHQ and get web chats to display better on the app!!! I can't easily see the difference between Q and A. It's a pain. Ta.

Hi Russell, I read quotes from you re the Scottish Indyref and you seemed supportive of a Yes vote.

Do you agree that the knock on effect from a scotland voting yes would have been fantastic for politics in the remaining UK and might have triggered the revolution that is needed?

Even after a No the level of political engagement in scotland is phenomenal.

Also do you think each country in the UK should get a veto on being taken out of Europe, EG if England votes to leave & Scotland votes to stay?

Thanks.

@LineRunner

Do you think that anyone would take any notice of you if you didn't look like you do?

I don't know... Maybe more would, maybe less would. It doesn't matter, because this is how I look!

@KimberlyMicado

Hi Russell

Firstly let me say how much I bloody well love you, The Trews and revolution have educated me so much and made me sit up and take an active interest in the political system. You've also turned me on to transcendental meditation and slowly I can see it transforming my life so thanks for all that you marvellous human being.
Now for my question obviously we all know there is no-one worth voting for would you consider not running yourself but setting up a " Revolution" party with candidates who believed in the agenda set out in your book? I would vote for that I'm sure a lot of people would.

Also it's my birthday today you wouldn't wish me a happy one? Oh and I couldn't have a cheeky kiss could I?

Peace and love keep up the good work.

Tracy xxxx

Firstly - happy birthday! And a very committed digital kiss.

I'm spending my time learning about social systems and political systems and different ways of running workplaces. In my book Revolution, I talk with experts on co-ops, direct democracy, debt cancellation - these early attempts at addressing how people feel, perhaps over time could develop in to something more tangible.

WOO!!!! Finally >:D
I finally get a chance to talk to Russell! Stayed up way past my bed time for this (I live in Australia)
And my question is, that'll probably be the only chance I to converse with him again! And here it is... xD
Dammit...I was figuring out the question, and a whole bunch of them went out the window, because you're a celebrity, so I can't ask you private questions; meaning questions you might have to compromise yours answers a little.
But oh well. Onto the second question then! Will you marry me?
No joking. The question is, Will you come to Australia to pay a visit soon!?!?
Tasmania preferably. ;)
But seriously, I want to see you in real life!! And I heard you smell nice, from a lot of yours videos; they point this out. So it's gotten me fascinated. Not sexually. Just literally fascinated.
Anyway, there's my question, I really do hope I get a reply from you. Even an apostrophe would be suffice; to say the least. :D
So then I can brag to all my friends! >:)
No, just so I can fantasize over it :3
Have a good day Russell! :D

@SeattleGraceMercyDeath

Giggling at Sue's picture. Good effort Sue!

Russell what are your views on the further upcoming strikes by frontline NHS staff? Do you think striking works?

I support strike action, I support nurses, the FBU, teachers, all members of our society that do valuable jobs, for which they're underpaid and under-supported. They have my support. It's a shame that it's necessary but I understand that it's necessary to take industrial action.

@SilentAllTheseYears

Russell, who do you think the elite are?

Well, the people that benefit from things being like they are. Who benefits from power structures remaining the same? Look at people who don't want change - them.

Russell,
I admire your eloquence, drive, humour and persistence in a nation driven by apathy, apparently.
Would you consider becoming an MP? Apologies if you already responded to this question. The fucking thread is massive and I can't keep up.

axis - were you a labrador in a previous life?? Down girl!!

Where did my question go?? Anyway, just wanted to know if you think that the government/establishment are just hoping that if they ignore you for long enough then this will just pass and it will all carry on? What do you see as being the ultimate (acheivable)goal? (Saw Messiah Complex in Nottingham, brilliant)

@JustGemma

Russell,

What (if anything) do you love about your (our) country?

Everything. Loads of things: our sense of humour, our language , our football teams, our sense of fairness and justice and our willingness to embrace new cultures. And Des O'Connor

Hi Russell what is your favourite song and movie ?

Will you please do some more work with Matt? (even though I Imagine he nicks the Revolution)

Would you consider voting Green?

mocks not nicks

@Loulou000

I have loved everything you have to say about drugs and abstinence. The revolution stuff, well, I'm not so sure. It's easy to be fed up - I know I am. But do you have any actual solutions?

Yes – loads! Read my book. Co-ops, debt cancellation for ordinary people, direct democracy, wealth tax, and creative direct action at a local level. The book is literally full of them. The reason that people say that there's no solutions is because they like things the way they are.

Hi Russell,

what colour clothes would you wear if you couldn't wear black? genuine question as I have never seen you wearing anything else.

Hello Russell

one of the major downsides to being famous appears to be the fact that you can't truly escape the past as you are constantly judged and criticised for things which happened years ago. Do you find this difficult? How do you get people to accept that you have changed/moved on and start taking you at face value for who you are today?

Which MNHQer is typing for Russel?