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. exoticfriend  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    Kim you SO look like Jennifer Lopez in this picture! It’s like you are her twin(but a lot prettier)! I want to know your skin regimen for everyday( day and night) please, please, please tell me!

    Reply
  2. Nico Christanson  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    I think this is a great cause for you to get involved in kim, I have a cousin who has been in jail waiting waitng for an apeal trial for 5 years after being sentenced for protecting his sister after she was raped by a neighboor, I think it is unjust!!

    Reply
  3. Nico Christanson  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    I think this is a great cause for you to get involved in kim, I have a cousin who has been in jail waiting waitng for an apeal trial for 5 years after being sentenced for protecting his sister after she was raped by a neighboor, I think it is unjust!!

    Reply
  4. ree25  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    I work in court, and the problem is that most drug addicts commit crimes while they’re either high on drugs or to be able to buy their drugs. That’s why they get put in prison. People ARE criminals when they commit crimes.

    Reply
    • BirkinEnvy  |   Posted on May 6th, 2009

      I completely agree. Addicts commit crimes to obtain their drugs, which is why they get locked up. Our criminal justice system has its flaws, but by no means should we take it easy on those who break the law.

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

    i agree with you kim!

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

    I was so happy to read this post today as this is an issue very close to my heart. I am a strong proponent for change in the justice system & would like to get involved myself. Its great that you are taking a stand & using your influence to help others!

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

    This law has damaged the futures of many young people. I hope that more will be done to help people avoid drugs altogether but for those who get caught up and are not a threat I hope laws will be more lenient

    Reply
  8. Charley Kane  |   Posted on May 5th, 2009

    About time – locking people up for nonviolent crimes is barbaric. Portugal started counseling rather than jailing it’s addicts a few years ago and things have greatly improved.

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

    Instead of the ridiculous war on drugs there should be a war on POVERTY. For such a wealthy nation, America’s nowhere near as egalitarian as it should be and bridging the gap between classes can achieve FAR more than the current narrow-minded attitude.

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

    And drugs can have their place in society with a regulated industry. MDMA can be used in the treatment of PTSD, marijuana for medicinal use, and plain (relatively harmless) fun. Not to mention human rights abuses inside trafficking and the like may cease.

    Reply

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