Jason Howard Green

Jason Howard Green

Friday, May 8, 2009

Russell Simmons Open Letter to Gov. Patterson

Russell Simons, the godfather of Hip Hop, the creator of Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Slam, and owner of Phat Farm Clothing has written an open letter to Governor David Patterson of New York. In the letter, Simmons praises Gov. Patterson for the great work he's doing towards same-sex marriage and asks him to step up in other areas.

In the letter he states, "as your friend and supporter, we know you can do much more, if you forget about what the poll numbers say and let your heart lead. You have recently done this in showing support for the legalization of gay marriage. History will show you are right and will we support you on this issue. Mr. Governor, we want to go to work for you and we will, but we will not be easy on you, because we know your potential. When you were unexpectedly put into the role of Chief Executive of New York State, you were handed a plate full of problems. Although your first year was a bumpy ride, we are beginning to see your great leadership and vision shine through and take over. I encourage you to keep leading with your heart, and address issues like the promotion of good diet, well-being and education for youth, as well creating new jobs (hopefully green jobs) for our workers and making sure that every person in our state can afford health care. As the first African-American Governor of New York, you have already made history. We now want to help you create a legacy.

Go head Russell. I'm loving you for this. It's great to see you (a pillar in the hip-hop community) being vocal about your support of same-sex marriaige. We do have people in hip-hop on our side and I think you are a big reason for that. And to Governor Patterson, thank you for being the advocate that you are. Russell is right. In time, history is going to show that you were right. You can read the entire letter here.

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