Russell Simmons is "on fire " on CNN! Wearing them out!

[goclark]

He was fantastic!
He was explaining how he and other Rappers were working to help young African Americans learn how to go into worthwhile businesses and handle their finances.

He mentioned that Will Smith etc. have started a program for African Americans to help them work their way out of poverty.

The commentator tried to bait him by saying,,,," Then why all the bling, bling? Why all the bad lyrics, why all the crime within the rapper society?" ~ not exact quote but I couldn't type fast enough


Then Russell smacked him verbally down to the ground! It was a thing of beauty!

He said " Why all the crime in our government?! Why did 3000 people die this hour in Africa and nobody in this government cared!"

Why this and why that he kept on pounding, just strong, articulate and absolutely on fire!!!!

He presented his points so powerfully that the commentator said " We are all out of time and ~"

With that, Russell got really firm and kept on pounding in his points about the injustice in our leaders and in our country.

Finally, the commentator had to say," Thank you, you have made some good points!"

I'm not sure if it was Jack Cafferty because I was at the computer and didn't catch the voice.

Wow! Russell Simmons :yourock:

[helderheid]

1. Hope crooks and liars will have it up! I missed this!

[goclark]

8. I hope they have it up soon helderheid

I'm sure you would love it!
You always have an open mind and are willing to listen to a variety of view points.

It always fascinates me that we "Progressive Democrats" want people to march to every single beat of our Progressive Drum in order for them to be in our " Perfect Tent."

That is not going to happen and we better get ready for it if we want to win in November.

For example, when I heard that Colin Powell came out against torture, my first reaction was," That fool! Where has he been all this time when he was kissing up to Bush!"

Then I thought about it and realized that we NEED Colin Powell right now. We need him to get the TRUTH out about this sorry administration.

I feel the same way about having Russell Simmons speaking out.
Yes he is a Rapper, yes he left his wife, yes he may have done this and done that BUT we need him on our side.

Rather he be on our side than against us. He has tremendous influence in the young community and from that clip, he is a forceful and articulate voice!

[journalist3072]

2. Not impressed. He is supporting Michael Steele in MD eom

[goclark]

5. I'm impressed, not about Michael Steele

but that does not change his statements today.

In fact, he was bashing the government to the ground.

If he supports Michael Steele than I can assure you, Michael Steele was NOT happy with his statements today.

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. I'm with you journalist.....

I didn't know that Simmons was backing Steele, and I'm sorry, but this changes my opinion of Russell.
It is for that reason that I have no respect for "LL Cool J & 50 Cent" anymore. LL for backing Pataki for governor, and 50c for his "admiration" of (*).

[goclark]

15. So that means that when they do good work with African American

youth that they should not do so?

I disagree, I am African American and a true Democrat to the core.

However, I have witnessed P.DIddy and Russell Simmons work with African American leaders to get out that vote in the last election!

They were not getting them to vote for BUSH! They were getting them to vote for KERRY!

It always fascinates me when others try to hold our leaders to a higher standard.

Unless you have LIVED in the inner city and see the tears, lack of hope and jobs for your family, you could not possibly understand.

Russell Simmons, is a powerful force, so I would suggest that his message AGAINST BUSH not be put down by so called "Progressive Democrats."

[Tarheel_Dem]

17. Russell is a very smart man, and ....

his tacit support of Michael Steele is a vote for the status quo. And if, as you say, you are truly "Democrat to the core", then you know that if we don't retain this seat Democratic chances for control of the Senate is severely hampered. At this point, it's about who controls Congress, not because their skin color is the same as yours or mine.

Whatever good he does in the community, I say more power to him, but his support of Steele possibly leaves control of the Senate in the hands of the GOP; surely Russell understands that. And from what I've seen of Steele, he's no maverick, and he's not going to be voting against his party. I hope Cardin kicks his a**.

:hi:

[goclark]

18. I hope Cardin kicks him too ~

[ProSense]

3. Why is he supporting Michael Steele in MD?

http://www.steeleformaryland.com/simmonshughesendorsementremarks.htm

[Ninja Jordan]

4. While a witty quote, it doesn't really answer the question....

In the late 80's or so, rap was about hope and progress with groups like RUN DMC and Public Enemy. The message was: better yourself and get out of the hood. Then MTV came in and pushed the gangster rap's message: stay dumb, revel in ignorance, and women = ho's. There's been no looking back since.

[goclark]

6. There have been a lot of changes in the Rap Community!

They have move into many other areas of business(fashion/movies/writing/design) and they have charities that are worthwhile for our youth.

My thinking is they could choose to keep rapping ans wearing their jewels and do nothing for there community.

In the video clip, Russell Simmons names many of the Rappers and articulates their charities and reach out programs.

I bet any one of the rappers he mentioned gave more than GW to charity this year!

[Ninja Jordan]

7. Give to charity while promoting a despicable message

The message: don't go to college, don't be faithful to your wife, don't better yourself, remain a member of a subservient class.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. Not all rap is like that

Only the rap that is promoted by mostly white music producers in the industry because it feeds their stereotype of lazy, criminal black youth.

[Ninja Jordan]

12. Yeah, only the rap that's on TV and has the most influence...

nm

[goclark]

11. I have never heard him tell kids they should not go to college!

And, as far as I know, his wife had some major problems.

That is no different than Brad Pitt ~ he was not faithful to his wife.

Last I heard, 50 % of the marriages end in divorce ~ some average people are doing a ton of cheating!

The entire point of his message today was NOT to remain a member of a subservient class.

Did you hear him or do you wish to remain rigid in your thinking?

Give him a break and listen to what he has to say.

[Ninja Jordan]

13. Not Simmons

read

[goclark]

14. Have not been around here much ~ I get it

[trixie]

16. Art reflects life

How is that group being treated? Like hos? The music reflects the current treatment. Everyone was all crazy about Eminem and his "gay" song but where were less than 1 year later? We we fighting the right to keep gays people. How many states passed anti-gay laws? Seems to me that current music is just a mirror of our current administration. Bush has cut food/clothing/housing/medical and education. This group, more than any, has been crushed by this. How many right wingers are trying to revoke equality in hiring? Seems to me the music is saying "at this rate we will have to do x y z".