Video: Russell Brand calls for a revolution

BBC Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman talked to comedian Russell Brand last night (October 23) and Brand got incredibly political, discussing exploitation, drug addiction, wealth disparity, why he doesn't vote, and the need for a revolution.

On drug addiction: "When you have huge, underserved impoverished populations, people get drug problems."

On political apathy: "The apathy doesn't come from us, the people. The apathy comes from the politicians. They are apathetic to our needs, they are only interested in servicing the needs of corporations."

On what a more equitable society would look like: "I think a socialist, egalitarian system based on the massive redistribution of wealth, heavy taxation of corporations, and massive responsibility for energy companies and any companies exploiting the environment…The very concept of profit should be hugely reduced."

On societal unrest: "What I'm saying is within the existing paradigm, the change is not dramatic enough—not radical enough, so you can well understand public disturbances and public disatisfaction when there are not genuine changes and genuine alternatives being offered."

Oh, and also beards: "Grow it longer, tangle it into your armpit hair!"

Want to learn more about Brand's thoughts on revolution? Check out his 4,500-word editorial in this month's New Stateman.