Teaming up with Russell Simmons

April 28, 2009 / 99 Comments


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I
recently had dinner with my dear friend, Russell Simmons in NYC, and we
got into an in depth conversation about something that I didn’t know a
whole lot about. He told me about how, a couple weeks ago, he
was standing side by side with Governor David Paterson of New York
when, with one stroke of a pen, he ended the Rockefeller Drug Laws once
and for all. For the past seven years, Russell has been a
leading member of a campaign to end the Rockefeller Drug Laws, which
started mandatory minimum sentences in 1973 (meaning that if you get
busted for drugs, you get automatic sentencing, even if you’re an
addict or are non-violent). I learned during our conversation
that since the “War on Drugs” began in the 70’s, America has gone from
incarcerating 200,000 people to 2.4 million this year.  When he told me that, I was shocked!! How did we get to this point where so many people are in prison? I
am not an expert in this area, and honestly, I have never really paid attention to
this issue in the past, but it doesn’t seem like we are on the right
path. I wonder why we put so many people in prison and treat so many drug users like criminals? Surely the best thing to do would be to get help for those who need it, instead of ignoring the problem and throwing them in jail, to take up spaces that should be filled with criminals… not addicts. A lot of people need support and treatment, and to be treated like individuals who need help, not criminals who need to be locked away in a cell. This is an issue that affects our whole nation, not just New York, so, I asked Russell how I could help. 

 

With
the success of the Rockefeller Drug Law campaign, he was recently
approached by the White House and the US Attorney General to support
them in a major initiative to reform the criminal justice system
nationwide.  He asked me if I would join him on this journey.  I
was humbled since I definitely need to learn more, but I will count on
Russell to teach me more and I am ready to dive into this issue and
speak to anyone who is willing to listen.  And I know that if our generation decides that something needs to be changed, we will make that change.

What do you guys thing about this issue? It’s one I haven’t brought up before, but I’m sure you guys have some thoughts, and I’d love to hear them!

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Comments (99)

  1. Keena  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    I just watched this show about our prison and jail systems. Some of these addicts have mental issues that need treatment. Though some receive meds when locked up, but when they get out they get off their meds and reoffend,and same thing over and over.

    Reply
  2. BabyCakes  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Wow … you look like Jennifer Lopez in this photo. It’s amazing! You are both so beautiful. God Bless. xoxo

    Reply
  3. farrari  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Dear Kim,
    I need some words from you- I know you lost your father, mine just passed away suddenly a week ago, do you have any advice? Your inspirational. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Evelina  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Hej Kim!! OMG, I can’t believe you answerd me :) Totally made my day, got butterflies in my whole body :) Sure u can check it out, it’s in Swedish, hope you like it anyway. I fixed it translated via gogle, thats why language is a little weird.. next post

    Reply
  5. Stiletto Vixen  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Kim Im very happy that you surround yourself with different people who have different ideas and experience and that help open your mind and awareness. Its very important to be aware and you are proving to be more and more each day.I was praying that something would be done about the drug laws and am so elated. The prison system is screwed. So many innocent people on death row waiting to be exonerated. Its mind blowing. Its soo important to not be sheltered and to use your fame for good causes. I’m proud of you for this Kim.

    Reply
  6. aimet95  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    good morning kim, i was just doing a little of catching up on your site. wow i did not know that about the rockefeller law. I am very impress with the decision you made to campaign with Mr. Simmons. I am very interested in learning more about this matter

    Reply
  7. Annie  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Way to go Kim! It is really troubling that child molesters and sex offenders are often given a slap on the wrist for thier offences but addicts who need help (and can obtain drugs in prison) are incarcerated! Our judicial system is in sore need of reform.

    Reply
  8. VDJGlam  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Hey Kim
    Its great that you are working for a cause even if you know little about it. The said part is that alot of the addicts never get the help they need and then little kids are left in foster care because there mom or dad are locked up with an illness

    Reply
  9. VDJGlam  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    So did my “Fit in Your Jeans” work out yesterday the but blaster and i am sooo sore it was great and my boyfriend had fun watching me. He said “i thought you were wasting your money but i now think it was way worth it!” I’ll be at the beach in my 2 piece.

    Reply
  10. VeryOutspoken_1  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    And how much is Russell Simmons paying you? It has to be alot because that would be the ONLY reason you will joined him. And out of all people he could have asked….why did he bothered to ask you? What is so IMPORTANT about you? All you do is be nude.

    Reply

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