An open letter to Russell Brand....

[Finnegan]

You don't think it's patronising in places?

Not that I mind Brand getting patronised, but I think both this guy and Brand have precious little idea of life outside their own bubbles.

I'm not sure how you can jump to that conclusion off one open letter.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Someone needs to tell this Jo lad that he's spells his name like a girl

[leicsmac]

I'm not sure how you can jump to that conclusion off one open letter.

 

Because in that letter the writer seems as self-centred as a British hi-tech industry made gyroscope.

 

Of course, I could be wrong. He could have an acute awareness of how those not in his social strata live. He might even do volunteer work in his spare time. So I might be wrong.

[Bellend Sebastian]

I'm fascinated by the whole thing.  I read the article - I didn't like it for the sole reason that it has that crowing, opinion as fact tone as used by the shit media and a lot of people on the internet.  Straight talking! Tell it like it is, brother!  Punch the air! Whoop!  This is a world where Russell Brand is simultaneously chastised for dumbing things down AND using 'big words' - you couldn't make it up.

 

As with anything anyone says or writes or types it's completely subjective - there are a lot of people in the comments section drawing attention to the fact that the 'incident' was videoed and in the public domain and it doesn't really pan out as our Jo recalls it, but you know, we take up our positions and we read what we want to into anything.  One man's truth is another man's complete bollocks.  Why bother reading or listening to anything then?  It's a good question, because there are relatively few things in life that can be boiled down to actual facts, and there's always this danger that you just seek out the stuff you agree with.

 

I'm less interested in what Russell Brand has to say (which is hardly radical in the grand scheme of things), but why so many people seem threatened by it and the lengths they go to assassinate his character, which as he seems to be quite a nice chap on at least some levels doesn't seem to be that easy.  I watched that programme on BBC3 (yeah, check me out, BBC3!) that Russell Brand has done about drug policy, and I thought his views were pretty well thought out, and he came across as a genuinely compassionate bloke, rather than the back-combed Beelzebub in skinny black jeans.  He even had the temerity to have people on with opposing points of view, and although he questioned them he didn't rubbish them - quite a refreshingly non confrontational approach, I thought.

 

No-one's picked up on this but for all you krazy haterz I should remind you that Russell Brand is friends with Morrissey.  I only mention this because a) I want to get people into more of a lather for my own entertainment b) Morrissey is someone else that people hate not because of what he says but because he says anything at all.  He slagged off the royal family!  Hey I like the royal family, therefore he must be killed.

 

As a fun aside I thought this geezer had a point:

 

https://shamocracy.org/2014/12/08/hatred-russell-brand-irrelevant/

 

I think a lot of you need to put the kettle on and have a nice cup of tea.

[Guest MattP]

On the other hand Brand really does need to go about things differently. If the net impact of this is that people actually sympathise with or defend the banks, or think that Brand is somehow worse than the banks then he really has failed to highlight an issue that people should be angrier about

 

The more I think about this is he probably isn't far off is he?. He's partly got rich from a huge BBC backed program scheldule output than practices extortion (yes exortion, a better example is harder to find, pay us or we get the state to lock you in a cage, whether you want to watch us or Sky Sports), the main seller of his book is Amazon which is a company up to it's neck in tax evasion, as has already been alluded to in the letter he's made a series of films that despite earning fortunes make a loss on the bottom line as to avoid tax thus robbing the public and the house he rents he's already been questioned for as the owners uses tax avoidance schemes as a non-dom.

 

Why should we overlook a multi millionaire individual who uses regressive taxation and the threat of jail to raise his own profile and will go out of his way not to contribute his fair share to the public purse but then throw rocks at banks and businesses who have often done the same? At least banks and businesses provide a service the public need.

[Guest MattP]

I'm fascinated by the whole thing.  I read the article - I didn't like it for the sole reason that it has that crowing, opinion as fact tone as used by the shit media and a lot of people on the internet.  Straight talking! Tell it like it is, brother!  Punch the air! Whoop!  This is a world where Russell Brand is simultaneously chastised for dumbing things down AND using 'big words' - you couldn't make it up.

 

As with anything anyone says or writes or types it's completely subjective - there are a lot of people in the comments section drawing attention to the fact that the 'incident' was videoed and in the public domain and it doesn't really pan out as our Jo recalls it, but you know, we take up our positions and we read what we want to into anything.  One man's truth is another man's complete bollocks.  Why bother reading or listening to anything then?  It's a good question, because there are relatively few things in life that can be boiled down to actual facts, and there's always this danger that you just seek out the stuff you agree with.

 

I'm less interested in what Russell Brand has to say (which is hardly radical in the grand scheme of things), but why so many people seem threatened by it and the lengths they go to assassinate his character, which as he seems to be quite a nice chap on at least some levels doesn't seem to be that easy.  I watched that programme on BBC3 (yeah, check me out, BBC3!) that Russell Brand has done about drug policy, and I thought his views were pretty well thought out, and he came across as a genuinely compassionate bloke, rather than the back-combed Beelzebub in skinny black jeans.  He even had the temerity to have people on with opposing points of view, and although he questioned them he didn't rubbish them - quite a refreshingly non confrontational approach, I thought.

 

No-one's picked up on this but for all you krazy haterz I should remind you that Russell Brand is friends with Morrissey.  I only mention this because a) I want to get people into more of a lather for my own entertainment b) Morrissey is someone else that people hate not because of what he says but because he says anything at all.  He slagged off the royal family!  Hey I like the royal family, therefore he must be killed.

 

As a fun aside I thought this geezer had a point:

 

https://shamocracy.org/2014/12/08/hatred-russell-brand-irrelevant/

 

I think a lot of you need to put the kettle on and have a nice cup of tea.

 

The first paragraph there reads like a Richard Littlejohn article. I didn't see too many 'big words' in the letter?

 

I watched the drugs program as well and thought it was excellent, unlike politics, you can actually tell Brand knows what he is talking about when it comes to drugs, it's probably a worthy cause he should stick with and dedicate even more of his time too rather than wandering into buildings demanding to know what people earn.

 

Brand a nice bloke? I think you've got the blinkers on as much as anyone there, we're talking about a man who actually finds it funny to ring up pensioners and leave messages on a machine telling them they shagged their grandaughter, someone who shouts at and abuses people who share a different opinion to him. The guy comes across as a complete tosspiece to me.

 

Do people hate Morrissey these days? He talks a lot of shit but I don't see any hatred, obviously the KFC/9/11 comments were pretty dumb but I don't think he's even taken that seriously, and he's as a guy who speaks fondly of Nigel Farage

 

P.S As for 'shamocracy' - come on mate. Behave. You're not Rincewind.

[LCFC Rennie]

Russell Brand sound like an absolute bellend.

[David Guiza]

The first paragraph there reads like a Richard Littlejohn article. I didn't see too many 'big words' in the letter?

 

I watched the drugs program as well and thought it was excellent, unlike politics, you can actually tell Brand knows what he is talking about when it comes to drugs, it's probably a worthy cause he should stick with and dedicate even more of his time too rather than wandering into buildings demanding to know what people earn.

 

Brand a nice bloke? I think you've got the blinkers on as much as anyone there, we're talking about a man who actually finds it funny to ring up pensioners and leave messages on a machine telling them they shagged their grandaughter, someone who shouts at and abuses people who share a different opinion to him. The guy comes across as a complete tosspiece to me.

 

Do people hate Morrissey these days? He talks a lot of shit but I don't see any hatred, obviously the KFC/9/11 comments were pretty dumb but I don't think he's even taken that seriously, and he's as a guy who speaks fondly of Nigel Farage

As a huge Smiths fan I worship the guy, for his musical talent anyway haha. I didn't know he supports Farage, but I guess it's not too surprising in some respects. Both of whom use bitterness, anger and resentment to their benefit and make outlandish statements to raise issues close to their heart.

Brand has made many mistakes, but I wouldn't say he wasn't a decent enough bloke. He seems pretty down to earth and has never really claimed to be above anyone. Even in his stand up he ridicules himself and things he's done; and references how much stick he gets for being a bit of a prat, ironically from the likes of Noel Gallagher. His Messiah Complex stand up is one of the best i've seen in recent years.

[Guest MattP]

I love The Smiths. My goto Karaoke band as well a lot of the time

I have no idea if Morrissey still likes Nige, he did a couple of years back though and admitted he nearly voted UKIP, his thoughts on immigration are quite open though so it wouldn't surprise me.

[Webbo]

I can honestly say I thought Russell Brand was a twat way before he got involved in politics. I'm totally baffled as to what his appeal is, he's not funny and he has nothing of interest to say. I don't feel threaten by him at all as 90% of the population think he's a cvnt and tend to ignore him. It's only media types who think he's interesting.

[ScouseFox]

at least Russell is a chap's name

[Bellend Sebastian]

The first paragraph there reads like a Richard Littlejohn article. I didn't see too many 'big words' in the letter?

 

I watched the drugs program as well and thought it was excellent, unlike politics, you can actually tell Brand knows what he is talking about when it comes to drugs, it's probably a worthy cause he should stick with and dedicate even more of his time too rather than wandering into buildings demanding to know what people earn.

 

Brand a nice bloke? I think you've got the blinkers on as much as anyone there, we're talking about a man who actually finds it funny to ring up pensioners and leave messages on a machine telling them they shagged their grandaughter, someone who shouts at and abuses people who share a different opinion to him. The guy comes across as a complete tosspiece to me.

 

Do people hate Morrissey these days? He talks a lot of shit but I don't see any hatred, obviously the KFC/9/11 comments were pretty dumb but I don't think he's even taken that seriously, and he's as a guy who speaks fondly of Nigel Farage

 

P.S As for 'shamocracy' - come on mate. Behave. You're not Rincewind.

 

No reference to 'big words' in the letter, but I've seen plenty in comments sections on Brand pieces and there have been a few on here.  It's a stick used on Stewart Lee quite a lot, which I expect he quite enjoys.

 

That's at least the third time you've referred to Brand 'ringing up pensioners', when you could have said 'ringing up famous actor Andrew Sachs who was booked to appear on his show, presumably through his agent'.  I'm not defending what him and Ross did - it looked like career suicide at the time, but it's almost as if for reasons unknown you want to make it sound worse than it was.

 

Morrissey still manages to get the right wing press up in arms as he's always done, but in a rather less considered way that sometimes makes him look like he's doing it just to remain in the public eye than out of any real sense of conviction.  Mind you, he's not averse to upsetting the end of the spectrum too.

 

No, I'm not Rincewind, but you know, we all have our crosses to bear.

 

Hiya Ken

[MooseBreath]

Great letter. Got the feeling he was holding back a bit as well. Must be pretty sickening to spend years of your life working hard towards getting an opportunity for a respectable career inside a bank only to have idiots like brand attack you in public. The blame culture is getting out of control, it's really nice to see a semblance of balance brought to the table. I particularly liked the truth about the bank "bailouts", which has been wilfully ignored by those seeking to vilify anyone who wears a suit to work for far too long.

[Guest MattP]

I can honestly say I thought Russell Brand was a twat way before he got involved in politics. I'm totally baffled as to what his appeal is, he's not funny and he has nothing of interest to say. I don't feel threaten by him at all as 90% of the population think he's a cvnt and tend to ignore him. It's only media types who think he's interesting.

Same although for some reason I've often found it's only ever left leaning London based types that seem to like and defend him.

[Guest MattP]

Bell - Exactly, Morrissey stirs up everyone right or left, least he says what he thinks without giving a shit. I like that.

As for the phone call. It should be brought up, if Brand engages in such behaviour then he can live with it.

[MooseBreath]

I liked him when he did that show on mtv where he interviewed people in nightclubs. Must have been about 15 years ago now. I was but a child so I forgive myself for my bad taste.

[Bellend Sebastian]

I liked him when he did that show on mtv where he interviewed people in nightclubs. Must have been about 15 years ago now. I was but a child so I forgive myself for my bad taste.

 

I've never seen that.  Was it as good as 'The Hitman and her'?

[Guest MattP]

I liked him when he did that show on mtv where he interviewed people in nightclubs. Must have been about 15 years ago now. I was but a child so I forgive myself for my bad taste.

His whole Twitter following seems to be teenagers or those lefties like Billy Bragg who haven't grown out of the 1970's yet.

I thought the idea of him interviewing a banker on the trews was a fantastic idea, I'd watch that. Of course it would never happen though as he'd probably be made to look ridiculous again.

There's a YouTube video of one of a businessman of the so called the 1% going down to the Occupy Wall Street protests to answer any questions they have. I'll dig it out tomorrow when I'm on the pc, a good watch.

[MooseBreath]

I've never seen that. Was it as good as 'The Hitman and her'?

Had to Google that. It looks similar. It was a dance music chart show where brand would interview clubbers for the segments in between the songs. His interview subjects would be completely off their tits and brand would engage them in cheerful abstract conversations. Unfortunately I can't remember enough to give any examples, but I do remember thinking it was quite funny.

[Stadt]

Had to Google that. It looks similar. It was a dance music chart show where brand would interview clubbers for the segments in between the songs. His interview subjects would be completely off their tits and brand would engage them in cheerful abstract conversations. Unfortunately I can't remember enough to give any examples, but I do remember thinking it was quite funny.

sounds a bit like the tinder thread, Colchester's ranty posts unleashed on unsuspecting young ladies

[broughtonblue]

Four letters for Brand....

T W A T

[broughtonblue]

I've never seen that. Was it as good as 'The Hitman and her'?

The hit man and her, now your talking

[Kitchandro]

I can honestly say I thought Russell Brand was a twat way before he got involved in politics. I'm totally baffled as to what his appeal is, he's not funny and he has nothing of interest to say. I don't feel threaten by him at all as 90% of the population think he's a cvnt and tend to ignore him. It's only media types who think he's interesting.

 

This is how I feel. Why the hell does anyone give  a fvck what this guy thinks? He shouldn't be famous. He's never been funny, which means he's just annoying. He's made a career of being a prat (not by telling jokes or being a funny person like actual comedians) and now he wants people to take him seriously on whatever opinion he's forcing down our throats.

 

I used to know his type at school. Dressed liked a twat, hair like a twat, acted like a sarcastic, unfunny twat. And thought he was really intelligent and special because he watched the news and had an opinion on some political matters. I bet he only likes bands if no one else has heard of them as well.

 

What a bore.

[Captain...]

The more I think about this is he probably isn't far off is he?. He's partly got rich from a huge BBC backed program scheldule output than practices extortion (yes exortion, a better example is harder to find, pay us or we get the state to lock you in a cage, whether you want to watch us or Sky Sports), the main seller of his book is Amazon which is a company up to it's neck in tax evasion, as has already been alluded to in the letter he's made a series of films that despite earning fortunes make a loss on the bottom line as to avoid tax thus robbing the public and the house he rents he's already been questioned for as the owners uses tax avoidance schemes as a non-dom.

Why should we overlook a multi millionaire individual who uses regressive taxation and the threat of jail to raise his own profile and will go out of his way not to contribute his fair share to the public purse but then throw rocks at banks and businesses who have often done the same? At least banks and businesses provide a service the public need.

I don't think the fact that Brand has worked on the bbc, had his products sold on Amazon or appeared in films that have cooked the books or benefitted from tax breaks means he is incapable of campaigning against tax dodging.

Does he have a production company? I would be interested to see their books, and if there has been any creative accounting.

This is where he has a valid argument to make, a target to attack such as the film industry, Amazon, Lewis Hamilton tax dodging in Monaco, Barlow and his tax dodging schemes. it is not just bankers that are an unfair drain on society.

He may come across as more credible, and not appear so out of his depth, and actually be part of the solution, such as not using Amazon or ticket master or any other such organisation.

As for the open letter, it made some good points when talking about the actual details of banking and the RBS buy out, but came across like a bit of a dick when trying to be funny.

[absolutelegend]

Why are bankers an unfair drain on society? I work in banking, know lots of people who do, and I wouldn't call any if them that or even close. Perhaps I don't know the 'types' of bankers that maybe you are referring to though...