Teaming up with Russell Simmons

April 28, 2009 / 99 Comments


View the Gallery / 4 Photos »


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!

Posted under , , , , , , ,

Comments (99)

  1. SophiaMarie  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    THAT IS GREAT! Governor Paterson is not my favorite. He makes it hard for us here in NYC and doesnt make the wisest decisions. ugh.Thank you for being so wonderful! Russell Simmons has done so much for the community and with your help anything is possible!

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

    You are really defining yourself as a business woman and individual. Love that.

    I think it’s amazing what you and Mr. Simmons are doing. If there is anything I can do on my level to support the cause I would be honored.

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

    A lot can be said about this issue. I will sum up how I feel in less than 182 characters. Yes, people commit crimes but every crime committed does not make them a criminal. This system is designed to make people fail without fair opportunities.

    Reply
    • Kiki  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

      Oh I completely agree. Even if you get a misdemeanor, it will be damn near impossible to get a descent job. My brother got one at 18, and now at 27, he still gets turned down for jobs because of it. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Why is he still paying for a mistake he made 9 years ago? They put you in jail in hopes that you learn your lesson. But how can you become a better person if nobody’s willing to look past a misdemeanor from 9 years ago? Then they wonder why people are selling drugs…because they can’t get a job anywhere else and they have bills to pay! Makes me sick.

      Reply
      • Miss Meliss  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

        You know what’s crazy about that? In 10th grade we watched a thing on the news in my advisory period about how u should check “no” when filling out an application (in regards to felonies & misdomeanors) and then explain once u get the interview. It was on our local news channel. They said that people usually don’t even look twice once they see the “yes” box checked, and your chances are much, much greater if you just say no and explain yourself to them in person. They also said it was legal to do :)
        Anyway, I think the whole system is screwed. I don’t understand how somebody can rape an innocent CHILD and get less time than a drug dealer. That does not make sense to me. I understand that drugs are bad, and of course we don’t want them around, but really? On another note, I think some people get a little bit TOO comfortable living the way they do. They know they’re going to get taken care of in jail/prison. I’m all for helping each other out. Some of these people (not ALL, but some) need help, and the only way they are going to get out of the rut they are in is if they get reformed. That’s what the professionals are for. It’s just really sad, and I honestly have no idea how we’ve gone this long without doing anything about it.
        I think it’s great that you are bringing this issue to light Kim. People are going to have different opinions about the matter, but at least you can help get people to talk and think about it.
        xoxo

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

    Celebs should promote the legalization of marijuana u should start it

    Reply
  5. ANDRIE  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    HEY DOLL THIS IS A GREAT POST! WOW YOU ARE HELPING RUSSELL SIMMONS HE IS A GREAT ROLE MODEL LOTS OF PPL HAVE LOVE FOR RUSSELL SIMMONS VERY SERIOUS TOPIC I AGREE THE DRUG DEALERS SHOULD ALL GO TO JAIL NOT THE DRUG ADDICTS!

    FASHIONABLY YOURS

    ANDRIE*

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

    And while I am at it, this was the first priority back in 1999, and was also the reason the system decided to reject the spirit and me, Only God can fix the drug problem but he will not untill U put him B4 Materialism. Stop supporting the (Queen)BEEast!!

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

    KIM! I am SO happy you are talking about this subject. I am so into everything that is related to prisons because we need A HUGE REFORM as far as that topic is concerned.
    I especially think we need to do something about the mentally ill being incarcerated!

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

    Cut the Comedy…U two should read, I think what U need is in the old testament.

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

    Good luck on learning this.And yeah when you learn sometime from it we will glady listen

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

    Hi Kim!!! My father was a drug addict for 20 years and just recently joined a rehab center and has been clean for about a year now. Before that he was in and out of jail for drugs and drug related crimes. So I thank you for shedding light on this problem!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post or reply to a comment.