Russel Brand Interview

245

Comments

  • Byrnzie
    Byrnzie Posts: 21,037
    brianlux wrote:
    I'll keep voting anyway- partly out of habit, partly to hope it makes a tiny bit of difference, but I like where Brand is coming from. He gets the severity of our situation. As polaris_x pointed out, there's nothing really new here but I'm always happy when voices such as his reach large numbers and (hopefully) get people thinking.

    I've only ever voted once, and that was a vote against Labour after the Iraq war. And i didn't even turn up myself, but got my tenant to do it using my home I.D.
  • Byrnzie
    Byrnzie Posts: 21,037
    unsung wrote:

    Yeah let's just heavily tax the companies so bad that they pull up everything and move and take jobs with them.

    Because they're not doing that already, are they?
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    Byrnzie wrote:
    brianlux wrote:
    I'll keep voting anyway- partly out of habit, partly to hope it makes a tiny bit of difference, but I like where Brand is coming from. He gets the severity of our situation. As polaris_x pointed out, there's nothing really new here but I'm always happy when voices such as his reach large numbers and (hopefully) get people thinking.

    I've only ever voted once, and that was a vote against Labour after the Iraq war. And i didn't even turn up myself, but got my tenant to do it using my home I.D.

    Ah ha! :lol:

    I vote via absentee ballot. I enjoy licking stamps. :lol:
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 44,371
    brianlux wrote:
    Byrnzie wrote:
    brianlux wrote:
    I'll keep voting anyway- partly out of habit, partly to hope it makes a tiny bit of difference, but I like where Brand is coming from. He gets the severity of our situation. As polaris_x pointed out, there's nothing really new here but I'm always happy when voices such as his reach large numbers and (hopefully) get people thinking.

    I've only ever voted once, and that was a vote against Labour after the Iraq war. And i didn't even turn up myself, but got my tenant to do it using my home I.D.

    Ah ha! :lol:

    I vote via absentee ballot. I enjoy licking stamps. :lol:
    apparently so does B. vote absentee that is, unsure about the stamps thing.
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • Drowned Out
    Drowned Out Posts: 6,056
    unsung wrote:

    Yeah let's just heavily tax the companies so bad that they pull up everything and move and take jobs with them.
    They move their operations and take the jobs with them, slap huge import tariffs on them. See how they like trying to compete in the world's largest consumer markets at a massive disadvantage. Do you think it's a coincidence that manufacturing left north america after the globalized free trade era began and tarrifs were removed?

    We either needs to work in consort to bring labour standards and wages in the third world to first world levels, eliminate, via trade regulation, our part in third world (slave) labour, or continue down the path of allowing corporations to exploit labour....in which case we should prepare for our first world to join the third, because this system is cannibalizing itself.
  • badbrains
    badbrains Posts: 10,255
    Drowned Out wrote:
    unsung wrote:

    Yeah let's just heavily tax the companies so bad that they pull up everything and move and take jobs with them.
    They move their operations and take the jobs with them, slap huge import tariffs on them. See how they like trying to compete in the world's largest consumer markets at a massive disadvantage. Do you think it's a coincidence that manufacturing left north america after the globalized free trade era began and tarrifs were removed?

    We either needs to work in consort to bring labour standards and wages in the third world to first world levels, eliminate, via trade regulation, our part in third world (slave) labour, or continue down the path of allowing corporations to exploit labour....in which case we should prepare for our first world to join the third, because this system is cannibalizing itself.

    I can't argue with drowned out. Dude knows his shit!
  • lukin2006
    lukin2006 Posts: 9,087
    Totally agree about not voting ... I can't think of anything more useless to do with my time and can't believe how many people are brainwashed into really thinking voting makes a difference.

    As for the revolution? what kind? I tend to think the only kind that would make a difference are economic, enough people would need to withdraw their labour and withdraw all monies in banks to really make a difference ... I just don't see enough people willing to.
    I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin

    "Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
  • lukin2006
    lukin2006 Posts: 9,087
    Drowned Out wrote:
    unsung wrote:

    Yeah let's just heavily tax the companies so bad that they pull up everything and move and take jobs with them.
    They move their operations and take the jobs with them, slap huge import tariffs on them. See how they like trying to compete in the world's largest consumer markets at a massive disadvantage. Do you think it's a coincidence that manufacturing left north america after the globalized free trade era began and tarrifs were removed?

    We either needs to work in consort to bring labour standards and wages in the third world to first world levels, eliminate, via trade regulation, our part in third world (slave) labour, or continue down the path of allowing corporations to exploit labour....in which case we should prepare for our first world to join the third, because this system is cannibalizing itself.

    yup totally agree ...
    I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin

    "Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    Drowned Out wrote:
    unsung wrote:

    Yeah let's just heavily tax the companies so bad that they pull up everything and move and take jobs with them.
    They move their operations and take the jobs with them, slap huge import tariffs on them. See how they like trying to compete in the world's largest consumer markets at a massive disadvantage. Do you think it's a coincidence that manufacturing left north america after the globalized free trade era began and tarrifs were removed?

    We either needs to work in consort to bring labour standards and wages in the third world to first world levels, eliminate, via trade regulation, our part in third world (slave) labour, or continue down the path of allowing corporations to exploit labour....in which case we should prepare for our first world to join the third, because this system is cannibalizing itself.

    I'm arguing to fight poverty and inequity, but here's a thought that was expressed in a similar conversation a few days ago: if we were indeed able to solve global poverty... could the planet sustain the new demands placed upon it by a dramatically heightened consumer base?
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    badbrains wrote:
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    A massive redistribution of wealth.
    Heavy taxation of corporations.
    A massive responsibility for energy companies.

    How do we get these items done?

    I agree that the 'vote' is overrated. Vote for who? And how will that make a difference? In the end, it all comes out the same. People are truly powerless. It will take a selfless, great leader to correct the wrongdoings of the current system. The problem is that these types are never promoted and usually laughed off by a public that is tricked into thinking they are idiots. Give me someone with a vision for a better country and world and I will vote for them. Place two greedy, spoiled assholes for me to decide who I like better and that is tough to do. Hmmm. Satan? Or Hitler? Hmmm. In the bigger picture, it's probably better that I don't drive to the polling station and burn fossil fuels doing so.

    I liked one of the comments: sometimes I think the war has already been fought and the good guys lost.

    Great post Thirty! All in all, we're fucked until some sort of messiah comes..... :corn:

    what
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    100% truth

    another fact useless major change comes along
    at this moment i don't want to vote

    imagine not voting?
    it has to happen
    we need to reboot the system
    it is a fact what this guy says
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    unsung wrote:
    So you were against the auto and bank bailouts?

    Tough question to answer for me for the simple reason that I never fully researched the scope of the problems your country faced during that financial crisis. I realize there were arguments for and against, but what I can say, from what I can remember, is that the bailouts were wrought with lucrative payouts to many of the very people responsible for the crisis.

    This is ludicrous if indeed I have this correct.
    im fucking sure you be very correct

    these assholes been fuckin everyone over for a real long time
    they be gettin paid, the big shots do... mmmhhmmmm
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    chadwick wrote:
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    unsung wrote:
    So you were against the auto and bank bailouts?

    Tough question to answer for me for the simple reason that I never fully researched the scope of the problems your country faced during that financial crisis. I realize there were arguments for and against, but what I can say, from what I can remember, is that the bailouts were wrought with lucrative payouts to many of the very people responsible for the crisis.

    This is ludicrous if indeed I have this correct.
    im fucking sure you be very correct

    these assholes been fuckin everyone over for a real long time
    they be gettin paid, the big shots do... mmmhhmmmm

    Then this is a blatant case that demonstrates how rank has its privileges: the 'elite' are beyond reproach. It's criminal.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • Byrnzie
    Byrnzie Posts: 21,037
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    I'm arguing to fight poverty and inequity, but here's a thought that was expressed in a similar conversation a few days ago: if we were indeed able to solve global poverty... could the planet sustain the new demands placed upon it by a dramatically heightened consumer base?

    I don't think we need a situation where everyone consumes as much as we in the West do, but a situation where we in the West consume less, and everyone kind of meets in the middle.
    Though maybe even that will be too much for the Earth to handle, as there are too may people in the World.
    I expect for things to really change, Mother nature will need to deliver some serious blowback.

    Personally, I'm turning my back on the whole rat race next year, and heading out into the World. Not sure how that will work out.
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    Byrnzie wrote:
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    I'm arguing to fight poverty and inequity, but here's a thought that was expressed in a similar conversation a few days ago: if we were indeed able to solve global poverty... could the planet sustain the new demands placed upon it by a dramatically heightened consumer base?

    I don't think we need a situation where everyone consumes as much as we in the West do, but a situation where we in the West consume less, and everyone kind of meets in the middle.
    Though maybe even that will be too much for the Earth to handle, as there are too may people in the World.
    I expect for things to really change, Mother nature will need to deliver some serious blowback.

    Personally, I'm turning my back on the whole rat race next year, and heading out into the World. Not sure how that will work out.

    I don't think Mother Nature discerns. While we help with population checks such as when we wage war, she depends on big ticket items such as droughts, famine and disease. Even with our most generous reforms... if everyone became even moderately 'comfortable'... I'm afraid the results would be disastrous.

    Any way you slice it... we're damned. Our population is out of control and our methodology to support our burgeoning numbers is unsustainable as it is. It might be best to make everyone who is here as comfortable as possible until... who knows what?

    You're going into the wild?
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • Byrnzie
    Byrnzie Posts: 21,037
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    Any way you slice it... we're damned. Our population is out of control and our methodology to support our burgeoning numbers is unsustainable as it is. It might be best to make everyone who is here as comfortable as possible until... who knows what?

    A good excuse to get drunk and enjoy iy while we can.
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    You're going into the wild?

    Pretty much. Will be traipsing around S.E Asia for the forseeable future. Heading across Indonesia to some unexplored places. I anticipate tribes, volcanoes, beaches, jungles, and psychedelic squeegeeing of my third eye.
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    Byrnzie wrote:
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    Any way you slice it... we're damned. Our population is out of control and our methodology to support our burgeoning numbers is unsustainable as it is. It might be best to make everyone who is here as comfortable as possible until... who knows what?

    A good excuse to get drunk and enjoy iy while we can.
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    You're going into the wild?

    Pretty much. Will be traipsing around S.E Asia for the forseeable future. Heading across Indonesia to some unexplored places. I anticipate tribes, volcanoes, beaches, jungles, and psychedelic squeegeeing of my third eye.

    Good call. Really cool. A 'time out'. It will almost assuredly be some of the best times of your life.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • badbrains
    badbrains Posts: 10,255
    chadwick wrote:
    badbrains wrote:
    Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:
    A massive redistribution of wealth.
    Heavy taxation of corporations.
    A massive responsibility for energy companies.

    How do we get these items done?

    I agree that the 'vote' is overrated. Vote for who? And how will that make a difference? In the end, it all comes out the same. People are truly powerless. It will take a selfless, great leader to correct the wrongdoings of the current system. The problem is that these types are never promoted and usually laughed off by a public that is tricked into thinking they are idiots. Give me someone with a vision for a better country and world and I will vote for them. Place two greedy, spoiled assholes for me to decide who I like better and that is tough to do. Hmmm. Satan? Or Hitler? Hmmm. In the bigger picture, it's probably better that I don't drive to the polling station and burn fossil fuels doing so.

    I liked one of the comments: sometimes I think the war has already been fought and the good guys lost.

    Great post Thirty! All in all, we're fucked until some sort of messiah comes..... :corn:

    what

    Chadwick, I was referring to us waiting for a great leader. As in a messiah, to save our country. Unfortunately, those leaders just DNT EXIST.
  • chadwick
    chadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    badbrains wrote:
    chadwick wrote:
    badbrains wrote:
    Great post Thirty! All in all, we're fucked until some sort of messiah comes..... :corn:

    what

    Chadwick, I was referring to us waiting for a great leader. As in a messiah, to save our country. Unfortunately, those leaders just DNT EXIST.
    & when i came in here saying, "what"


    i was saying to you, hello, you rang. i am here
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    Byrnzie wrote:

    Pretty much. Will be traipsing around S.E Asia for the forseeable future. Heading across Indonesia to some unexplored places. I anticipate tribes, volcanoes, beaches, jungles, and psychedelic squeegeeing of my third eye.

    I know we're a little off topic here but Byrnzie, will you have internet access along the way? It would be fascinating to hear about your adventures!
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

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