Miles returns to the UK, attempts to join parliament.

[Andre]

...getting what's wrong and looking for ways to make it better...

Theres 40 million of us,Big voice that makes changes and puts its money where its mouth is.

Avaaz - The World in Action

That is very interesting never heard of it before - community on a global scale bringing back power to the people.

We have both posted campaigns from Avaaz here before. When you have put your feet on the ground it is a good feeling to see that you are not alone, and this, though not quite the same, has the advantage of being truly global. This is why for many Brand is seen as a little irksome and actually at times a distraction, he is like the acceptable facebook Meme of protest, and those who have taken part in direct action for decades are often poo pooed as meaningless and irrelevant by his followers.

Sounds like sour grapes to me. Brand is managing to change peoples lives and in a direct manner. His work in support of families in London is testament to his impact and on the ability to force change. It is easy to put Brand down, but he is trying to do something. He doesn't have to, he can sit in his penthouse, preening away, but the fact that is trying to learn and is trying to do something should be commended. In that sense he is different and it is direct and meaningful thus one couldn't throw the Bono tag at him. His name also makes a difference. It shouldn't be so, but it does and it also puts him up for tremendous mockery by one of the most insidious media forces in the world.

Brand is very aptly getting the words of Chomsky and Klein into the mainstream and putting it across in a way that is motivating young people. There is another way and Brand is helpful in articulating that. Also appropriate that you would try to have a dig at me and Brand which is ever your way and maybe why your way is a turn off. The crusty indirect go slow approach has failed in so many ways and action needs to be vibrant, direct, and bringing everyone down helps no-one. 'Ooh, he's divisive, Chomsky is a cunt, Brand a show off, miles...such a mood killer etc' You don't seem to like any people with opinions or concerns. For all my faults, at least I can recognise some of the good these people are doing.

I am also not an activist myself, I think you sometimes fail to understand that I work and live overseas trying to put food on my plate and so unlike those with time on their hands and celebrity money to spend, I am unlikely to ever get on the streets of London. I made my choices and live with them. However, I do my best to stay informed and wish you all well in your attempts to overcome tyranny.

Edit: When I say the 'good these people are doing' I do not mean for myself to be included on the list. As great, profound and glorious as I am, my expertise is not in the field of activism. I simply have a penchant for pedagogic grammar.

Ah you fucker you've lost me , I dont know what Brand is or does now Im going to have to go and look him or what the fuck it is up in wiki or something and also that word pedagogic, while im there too.

[Andre]

plural pedagogies. the function or work of a teacher; teaching.

Ok,so you keep files .

that makes you a Pedagogfile.

[Andre]

Ok Im back with the plan: Russel Brand, I just Wikipediad him and realise I lead a very sheltered existence.

First activist role; coming out against Israels bombing of Gaza.

Seems fair enough.

So does his talking get anyone to actually do anything physically good or does he raise cash or something and actaully help dudes? If so,I say good luck to him. If not, I say shut the fuck up Russel and put your hand in and help.

[Gandalf]

That's the thing, Russell Brand has seemingly woken up and he is getting things done. There is no doubt that he has an ego, is vain etc, but he is getting on the streets trying to change things. It helps that he has the time, money and energy to do so. It helps a lot, but most famous people do sod all, and there he is on the streets and getting attention. Good for him I say, he has made an impact and it is unfair that he can get more attention than random Joe off the streets, but Brand seems on a mission and good for him. I hear some of the criticism of Brand and it just sounds trite. His ideas make sense and are really a mix of what he has been reading. The ideas are from intelligent, practical people that the mainstream tries to marginalise. Here he is with some Londoner's having beaten off a multinational giant squid corporation.

[Master]

Excellent news! Brand is the real deal.