BILL MOYERS JOURNAL | David Simon Part 1 of 2 | PBS

[shatwood]

Don't skip through any of this interview because you think parts of it are boring. All The Pieces Matter.

[Twisttheawesome]

Yeah! Bunny's my favourite character too. An absolute pillar of virtue in an uncompromising system.

[GratefulVince]

I am in love with this man's writing. Everything he touches is gold. Homicide, Wire, Treme, Generation Kill - him and David Milch are the only 2 geniuses working in television today.

[Twisttheawesome]

@GratefulVince I would have to agree, though I would add Matt Weiner to that list :)

[S1elmx]

weird how all those people watched the unfathomable shit that was lost, yet this and deadwood, were hardly watched by anyone, this show, the wire was genius.

[goliath92738]

I am in love with the wire. I watched all 5 seasons 3 times. and knowing that the writer and producer has a deep understanding of all sides of the game makes the show that much better.

[TheDkritzer]

awesome interview 

[psychicriver]

This interview is amazing. I seriously think The Wire should be shown in highschools across the USA, even if it's in edited form. It may be a work of fiction, but it the themes and messages ring true.

[hdtwoodsman]

100 years from now more people will know the name David Simon than will know Martin Scorsese. I hope someone reads this email in 2111 and gives me a thumbs up.

[aguyyaknow]

I wish he wasn´t telling the truth.

[KiggD]

great questions and great answers. david simon is my hero

[suther751]

R.I.P. - Clarence

[TheConfusedHippie]

Gotta love Bill Moyer's terrible unsubtle transitions. Take a look. :)

[myfacesp]

Wow, what a great interview. I think every person in America needs to watch this show, then watch this interview afterwards. Police, teachers, CEOs, drug lords, corner boys, average working class citizens, and guys up in Washington. It would teach us all something.

[moss85]

@myfacesp they should show the The Wire in schools, and test the students on it.

[139547]

Painfully true and a more accurate assessment of our current situation does not exist.

[AlertGoose]

Is it just me, or is Bunny Colvin the most important character on The Wire and therefore the most important character on television?

[EmeraldAxe2]

@AlertGoose Agree completely.

[123davaro]

@AlertGoose I'm a 100% with you on this...The guy's name is Robert Wisdom, I think he deserves to be heard by everyone!

[ASDMarauder007]

@AlertGoose my personal favourite, tied with Freamon

[GoldeneyePwner]

The Wire, Bill Moyers and David Simon pwn.

[WutDfuzz]

David Simon is smart

[Raasaak]

Wow, this guy is incredibly deep..

[queefraptor]

David Simon should run for President. He has my vote.

[blakmagik4]

@queefraptor Cowards on both sides of the aisle would not back him though. Like the guy said "It's not a repub or dem thing. The most draconian stuff came out of the Clinton admin. He moved to the center to not be leftist." Hell Obama came in talking this stuff & his own party coward when it was time to crack down on walls street. And what's he doing now? Moving to the center just like Clinton. He's had to cause congress on both sides don't want to face reality just like on the deficit.

[00maharum00ma]

@queefraptor

Elect someone President... Did you learn ANYTHING from the Wire????

[GoldeneyePwner]

I wish some of the people around myself and a significant amount of the people that watch The Wire took it more literally rather than just a story. This show does its absolute best at trying to show how the underclass is left behind and being s*&% on at every turn but so many people just take this at face value rather than this being more of a documentary about poor inner-city life. At any rate, Bill Moyers and David Simon, rock on. Keep on keepin' on.

[maxjordan90]

Can we make him the dictator of America?

[swoldu01]

I believe it was from John Locke to Adam Smith who influenced the idea of individualism which made it every man for themselves, disregarding their fellow citizen for a selfish turn on the capitalistic system we call life. We do not care for anyone else because believe that everyone has equal rights and can move up but however as you can see that is not the case.

[EmeraldAxe2]

@swoldu01 Reread Smith, he is grossly mis-characterized in your textbooks and certainly in the media.

[GoldeneyePwner]

Bill Moyers pwns. Thank you for having Mr. Simon on your show. His television show was epic and changed my perspective of things. Thank you.

[SGottfr]

extension from my previous post) what about the inner city citizen who makes the choice to get his GED, and then go back to community college or the inner city mom who works two minimum wage jobs to support her kids, instead of drinking and feeling powerless? What about them Mr. Simon? As hard as it is too succeed in these neighborhoods, personal responsibility still plays a large role. I currently live in Baltimore BTW, so I think my comment has some merit.

[SGottfr]

I am a fan of The Wire, but I think Mr. Simon is wrong. While David's pessimism may make for good T.V., it is too simple for reality. People in the inner-city may not be as rich as Hollywood, but progress can still be made if people make the choice. David plays the victim mentality too much. While I am aware of the sociological forces holding citizens of Baltimore back, the drug dealers still make the CHOICE to deal drugs.

[Madigan101st]

@SGottfr Choice? barely a choice.

[01AlanBennett]

Not only is David Simon a wonderfully creative and compassionate writer and a great mind, I think he coined the word "jailingest", which is impressive.

[livingdaylight]

In addition: "Capitalism is the best we got and we're stuck with it" What a cop-out How unimaginative Have we stopped evolving? It is bewildering how he and the Michael Moores of reporting whether they tell the truth through documentaries or stories at the final hurdle have no clear understanding of the actual problem never mind real solutions. Telling these stories then becomes just another market to get rich from while appearing radical.

[dempsey981]

@livingdaylight We are not STUCK with anything,we can change many things with good ideas and new laws.i think entitys with the upper hand would have u believe we are stuck,that they have total control,but thats far from the case.we need to to put EVERYTHING BACK ON THE TABLE FOR CHANGE.The ignorant medical,militarism,corruption at lobby level.kick backs etc etc.this ends or we end

[jaredowty]

@livingdaylight Yes, we have stopped evolving. Too many human beings will always want power and wealth over the other guy, and at the time capitalism is the face of that. Simon does have solutions - proper management within capitalism or a complete reformation with wealth distribution. He also mentioned a few breaths later that he supports decriminalization which is clear through his stories.

Don't ever compare him to Michael Moore, dipshit. Simon is devoid of propaganda. Watch the show.

[jaredowty]

@livingdaylight *sigh* You missed the point as well. Yes, we have stopped evolving. Too many of us want power, money, and a lofty career with no matter to what's happening to the guys below us. It's always been that way. To think history won't repeat itself as it has millions of time is just plain ignorant. Capitalism is just the current face of this tragic human flaw.

Oh, and don't compare Simon to Michael Moore. Simon is devoid of propaganda.

[livingdaylight]

"...listen...capitalism is the only engine credible enough to generate mass wealth..." David Simon (20:20)

I was sorry to hear David utter these words. Capitalism is a utopia which doesn't deliver. Is it really the best we have? Lets presuppose that in evolutionary terms it has been; it is no longer true.

The game is no longer "creating wealth" - we have more than enough-its about managing and distribution as we evolve into the "Technological Human"

see: zeigeistmovie and "awakening" on youtube

[afterapplepicking]

I wish Bill Moyers had done more than lob softballs at David Simon and put him on the spot a little about his pervading pessimism. Is the ever-decreasing risk of death by famine statistically juked? What about life expectancy? Infant mortality? The overall material quality of life that increased sevenfold in the United States from 1900-2000?

Mr. Simon is an illustration of the fact that you can be very rich, very successful, and very talented, while still being a negative, depressed douchebag.

[2nose919]

@afterapplepicking

You're missing the point of the show entirely.

[2nose919]

sorry,that was unfairly blunt.The point isn't all the things that you have listed.The point is that with all we have (including the things you listed), we still have this;poverty,streets flooded with drugs,corruption,failing school systems,juked stats by ambitious politicians.Most of the major story lines are based on truths he experienced in Baltimore-these things still happen,even with all we have,and its never reported on,never mentioned,swept under the rug of the 'american dream'

[itsabird]

@afterapplepicking wait so just because we've progressed away from child labor and no set labor hours then we shouldn't keep trying to work on problems in society? come on man.

[itsabird]

@afterapplepicking well i mean, i hope we would make progress in 100 years, but just because of that does not mean society still does not have a lot of problems particularly in poorer communities. reality is, it's still something people have to face and work on.

[jaredowty]

@afterapplepicking Yup, you missed the point. Nice.

[pharry4life]

@afterapplepicking 'Mr. Simon is an illustration of the fact that you can be very rich, very successful, and very talented, while still being a negative, depressed douchebag.' Maybe he is depressed about the growing underbelly of america that gets widely ignored in the mass media and TV and cinema drama. But according to you once someone has some money they should be smug and satisfied and not give a damn about anyone else. You're the douchebag.

[royaltetley]

@afterapplepicking While you have a point about statistics don't lie in it's purest form, the inference one makes from statistics can be misleading and can be used incorrectly and dishonestly to prove/disprove hypothesis. Now, you have to understand he's not arguing about infant mortality; he's talking about using stats to show that the drug war is effective, when in fact in its wake it has devastated inner city America. Besides, he's a better rich person than say the Koch Brothers

[Lugrashio]

@afterapplepicking what david simon says is the truth though...police are not trying to protect neighborhoods they are trying to make stats and keep their jobs. the drug war is failing, and people are being wrongfully placed in jail

[Artfryne]

Instahook. this show's the bomb

[blankportraits]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Simon GETS IT!! I was literally finishing his sentences here. The man has a profound grasp on the issues plaguing this country.

[meltedwellyface]

this is my favourite Utube clip. The man explanes whats goin on for real.

[halflifeproductionz]

The Wire is the most amazing series i've seen ever! fuck prison break and all those other bullshit shows. The realism put into this series just shows how FUCKED up this country is, and how corrupt the democrats are!

[OLTJOE]

@halflifeproductionz yeah man, it's all the democrats fault ;) It's everyone's fault - republicans, democrats, politicians, clergy, corporate interests, and people in the street. We all allow it to happen. BTW PBS - halflifeproductionz is using 'foul' language so maybe you should pull his ridiculous comment - just to be fair.

[bharatbalan]

One of the best Journalists in America with one of the best TV Producers, there's nothing more you can ask for. "The Wire" is a dramatically brilliant and accurate portrayal of the gut-wrenching reality that is the inner city. Until I started watching The Wire, I only had a vague idea of the workings of Urban America, and despite being a bleeding heart liberal, I've never understood the dynamics.

[enigmism4life]

BIll Moyers Journal was also one of THE BEST shows on television, True Journalism.

[royaltetley]

@enigmism4life I couldn't agree more. He was the last of a truly serious form of journalism. I definitely miss his show and wish he hadn't stopped, but I respect his wishes to enjoy some retirement years.

[bapyou]

26:45 to end is a devastating critique of 21st century America. Particularly Simon's last sentence.

[1reeb]

I was amazed at how nobody anywhere had mentioned the scene where Namond "schools" the tutors about their hypocrisy as one of the best scenes of the whole series. I'm glad that this reporter got it too!!!

[bigkahunaburger55555]

Why aren't there more writers in television like David Simon? Jesus, network television is a joke.

[holelotsand]

this show is ridiculously good

It's almost surreal and unreal that something THIS flawless is on TV especially in our time xD

[DonkeyFist]

"This is America man" <- no better way to describe The Wire. Best story ever told.

[jakeshibby11]

@DonkeyFist without a doubt

I love HBO

[thegov08]

"that's like what...hypocrit- hypocritical"

[yacayou]

I loved the wire. its just not the type of show thats popular.

too bad.

[PurushaDesa]

Listening to this man is an absolute pleasure.

[kfmaster0]

Well The Wire not getting any awards tells more about these awards than about the show.

[GoldeneyePwner]

@kfmaster0 Well... we white-wash (pun intended) the parts of the country we choose not to look at.

[TheMojganf]

The best series of all time. How the other series can be compared to this and still get the award? It's so many layers and layers of inter woven events and characters that actually makes it like life itself. Admirable.

[PAHZAZZ]

wow....these to guys...r teachin me so much real talk fam...WOW!!...MAYBE I KNEW IT ALREADY BUT NOW IT'S IN MY FACE...FOR REAL

[nubbs]

i just finished the final, 61st, episode

this show is the greatest thing i have ever experienced, better than any book or movie or other television series

it is quite simply a masterpiece, beyond anything ever put to film

[nativesun]

Here, Here!!

I just finished watching all 61 or so

hours of THE WIRE the other day.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant stuff.

Superb performances - wonderful writing.

...just great.

[DavidUno23]

61 hours in one day..? :)

[PurushaDesa]

Finished David. He finished. He didn't start then.

[LeadOnWiseMan]

@nubbs

I'm glad you support 1st rate TV, but you could have used those 61 hours to fight the same thing David Simon discussed here. Politicians are the ones who really need to watch and absorb The Wire.

[tfn105]

@nubbs We'll overlook the fact there are only 60 episodes (although the final ep is 90mins, not 60)

[Gastumto]

he looks like david cross!

[SolomonJonesIsBack]

David Simon is a genius.

[zeb120]

THANK SO MUCH for making and actually acknowledging the real factors that are trounching america

[shinojosa8]

The Wire the most under rated shows of all time! I own every season. If you have not seen it, do look for it. I believe you can get it on Netflix. It is enormous in it's scope and detail. Have patience it does not unfold like any show you have ever seen before.

[NaboDeb]

@shinojosa8 : dont think its under rated its just that not a lot of people have seen it but those who have will easily say its the best thing they have seen. me personally have been spoilt by the show, cant enjoy anything else now.

[Gastumto]

@shinojosa8 under rated? the wire? under rated? hbo's the wire? under rated. seriously?

[sPSalai1]

Im happy that people like bill moyers try to explain some issues for the ignorant masses. I do hope a REAL change will happen in the near future, a revolution in politics because this we have is made for corruption

[kallesmamm]

billy moys here with another fantastic product

[FoGGeRdk]

@ 18:15 good explanation of the problem in USA

[bouncingsoul100]

i was on this show

[johnnytastetest]

Were you Snotboogie?

[zt2211]

"We don't need ten or fifteen percent of our population in the economy, not the uneducated..."

Get rid of minimum wage. Roll back regulation. Reduce taxation. Focus on law enforcement expansion. Release America from the bonds of big government, and those who want to succeed WILL.

[xdir]

And return America to the glory days before the Great Depression...

America reached its greatness (1940's-1980) thanks to FDR & the New Deal, before that there were only 2 classes, the rich & the Working class.

Thanks to Reaganomic deregulation the middle class has shrunk and America declined as a nation, the until Reagan came along 1 man could earn enough to raise a family, send kids to college and own a home, now you need man & wife earning just to cover the bills.

[mossimo654]

Ah yes, nostalgia: making the present seem lamer since... well... forever.

Can you honestly make this claim? I am by NO means a free market laissez faire type, but I think Simon's point is that we've NEVER gotten it right.  Sure, after the war we figured a "great society" involved a smaller amount of income parity and a more reasonable tax burden... but these applied if you were WHITE and MALE.

[mossimo654]

We've come a LONG way since then in terms of allowing disenfranchised citizens their ability, we've just sort of lost sight of some other equally important goals in the process.

[clashwho]

@xdir That's because women entered the workforce en masse, effectively doubling it. That's why buying power has been cut in half. It's supply and demand.

[scrubmacdub]

@zt2211 lol, sounds like you want to turn it into a third world country

[SHSH1212]

It's worked so far.

[adamlingner]

56% of the big government you are talking about is spent on the military! I am up for shrinking that part!

[THEFRANKLINFILM]

A rare moment of honesty on TV.

[RacerExx]

I loved The Wire, but David Simon has really become an insufferable bore

[RacerExx]

I was a big fan of The Wire and Homicide, but David Simon has become an insufferable bore.

[teachem2think]

PBS is like the rest of the tabloid-state-controlled-so-ca­lled-mainstream media: pompous, pretentious, and bent on cultural suicide. I just wish more people would ignore it. I doubt Moyers is against our progressive empire that's been built up over the last 2-3 generations. He just wants the socialist-in-charge to be likeminded with himself and all the other pious frauds who want the new world order.  PS: Drug-addled idiots are easier to control. Have a nice day!

[marbs0204]

I'm not a follower of socialism (though like may words today, its meaning seems to be changing), in any of its forms, however, I don't think that is the driving problem that the west faces. The driving problem the west has been facing for hundreds of years is the continual reduction of human life/activity to pure quantity, which in the political/economic sphere manifests itself as both socialism and capitalism.

[TheSwiech]

Your white upper middle class and your level of empathy is at zero.

[gehrke111]

Hits the nail on the head here, people just don't have the stomach or the integrity to attack the real roots of the problem - the failed US economy which produces less and less, and the fact that most upper class individuals wouldn't mind if the inner city poor and blacks just disappeared. Really a nation of cowards. Hope this can change.

[chrisjoneschrisjones]

hey wheres my comments gone?? i thought this was all about discussion and reaching a social responsibility census.and all youve done is censor an opinion you dont like? you hypocrits

[PBS]

We don't allow comments with either obscene or racist language or personal attacks. Your comments had some obscene language that we don't allow in our comments.

[chrisjoneschrisjones]

obscene or racist language!!! thats crazy - i was making a perefcetly reasonable social cultural point which was totally up for debate and discussion-i didnt insult anyone or use obscene language-if these things cant be discussed honestly and constructively then this guy Moyers is right-the American empire is doomed -your censorship is dangerous and fascistic

[Wobbothe3rd]

@PBS While I don't necessarily disagree with your policy, I can't help but note the Irony of censorship in a discussion about David Simon - one of the most extremely profane writers in american history. I don't say that as a criticism, but there is more cursing, graphic violence, and vivid sex in his work (not just the wire, but his books as well) than any one else.

[sonofagunM357]

@PBS God gave me a mouth and gave me the ability to say things, any thing. You got that?

[ThisNameAvailable]

@PBS Define obscene.

By whose standards?

Often times, the reason for using "obscene" language (as if there could be such a thing) is to emphasize a point or to impress on the reader/listener the gravity of what's being said. I, however, object to the idea that there could be such a thing as "obscene" language. Words are words - they have meaning and a reason to be used. Guess what: nothing happens when you're "offended". You don't die from it or anything.

[ptl1143]

@PBS Hey, PBS you're paid for by public donations and tax dollars-much of the public uses foul language. Lighten up.

[dempsey981]

@chrisjoneschrisjones guess u cant just write anything ya want,just anyway ya want partner.maybe youre not quite civil enough.take some edge off why dont ya.

[trolltrolltrollify]

Compassion=wisdom

sentiment=doom

lol doom gameplay

[snakeboyjamie]

lol

[Joandthefish]

Quote David Simon "Capitalism in the ONLY engine credible enough to generate mass wealth", wow! ONLY an American can think that and say that with such a fatherly expression. (Worried about your job, David?) Interesting also his warning "you may be called a socialist" when suggesting the idea of "sharing wealth". Define "Democracy", and look outside of US if you have never before. It still exists, at least at the moment, although eager to copy the US ideal "each is out only for themselves".

[IrishClaudius]

Yes but just one thing wrong with that - it's not true Simon also says, " we don't need them" - the 10% of the population at the bottom - no we don't need guys who say hey this is the way it is - get used to it these guys are dumb (don't believe me then watch the clip again that they show is this guy very cool or just very dumb? Why because the reason why they let the money be stolen is because they a very very stupid people the whole series is about that and nothing else cool=stupid

[TheNewVideo]

I would think everyone should be worried about jobs. Capitalism is the only credible engine because everything else feeds off of it.

[Joandthefish]

Everyone IS worried about jobs, but much more so, as in US connected to that: health insurance and other benefits. If you look at European Democracies you will find out the daily stress level is much lower because health insurance is affordable and not connected to the fact if you have a job or not, which also applies to other benefits. The idea is simple: everyone needs health insurance, so if we make that totally through the roof unaffordable unless through employment ...

[zoso7889]

Europeans dont have health insurance, its free, America is the only country in the civilised world that makes people pay for medical treatment

[roeroe305]

@zoso7889 Amen

[roeroe305]

@zoso7889 i mean that it is stupid

[cockstrong3333]

@zoso7889 nothing in this world is free. europeans and others are taxed at high rates to pay for those services. So basically its prepaid healthcare. most americans whine like little fucking babies when the government asks to rise taxes to provide services. Americans always want something for nothing. That cant happen. ever.

[Joandthefish]

...(and then still ridiculously overprized) then we get a huge majority of people slaving away in questionable conditions without complaint. Such as: no protected work hours inclusive overtime and vacation, salary and other individually varying issues. Also, to add high quality education onto the list just closes the circle. Only those who are wealthy will be able to produce a wealthy next generation through training for high paid jobs, the rest will stick to slavery, avoided in TRUE democracy.

[ciceromatheuscabral]

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[ciceromatheuscabral]

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[MsRUNESCAPESKILLER]

this is boring

[MsRUNESCAPESKILLER]

lol

[Matthewkilb]

Damn you David Simon. I literally can't watch 95% of TV drama now. It all seems so one-dimensional compared to The Wire.

[NoHeartAnthony]

The Wire > The Sopranos > Any other TV show.

[BelaidKL]

what else is Howard Colvin from (agen colvin)???

[junyk1]

dfhy

[mikey3k]

The Wire is the greatest TV show I've ever seen.

[berlinbrown03]

10 minutes of the Wire is better than anything I have seen on TV.

[davidjmify]

The Wire is a miracle. We may never see anything this good again. David Simon is dead on about our society, institutions and inequities that we have created. We have tried to replace our social contract with capitalism, and we are making no progress.

[darwinkilledgod]

@davidjmify Capitalism? The destruction of American cities has nothing to do with capitalism! Public schools fail our children, the war on drugs criminalizes free enterprise and alienates the police and their people, the minimum wage and forced benefits (e.g. healthcare) make it illegal to profitably hire uneducated people with few qualifications. Those are government problems not capitalism! In capitalism there are no stats to cheat, you have customers who have to be pleased.

[IAMtheNewWorldOrder]

what an eye opening interview.

if only everyone in america could see this, and take it to heart. i am positive we would all be a lot better off.

[BlackBolt65]

But isnt that a selfish and greedy perspective. Chawk, we are all human beings, and in all of our bluster of glory, patriotism, capitalism, and bastardized freedom we have not only discarded the unwanted and unneeded, we have discarded or souls. The one thing in the entirety of the cosmos the cannot be recycled. Our time in the world is finite and grounded to a mortal coil that is full of

[BlackBolt65]

"If it were chewing up white folk it wouldnt have gone on for as long." David Simon

[ThaTrillMagician]

LISTEN TO WHAT HE IS SAYING!

[chawk111]

The simple, clearly ridiculous premise behind so many graduation speeches/ Oprah episodes/ justifications of capitalism is that everyone can be at the sharp end of the pyramid. If everyone is breathing rarefied air, then it isn't rarefied is it? And it IS a pyramid. If there were no cameramen/

[chawk111]

[cont'd form prior]

camera factory workers/ camera raw material miners, there would be no successful, well paid, TV journalists for ex. And there need to be a lot more on the bottom, so there can be just a few on the top.

This is especially true when you consider the relative nature of success/ achievement. If 90% of ppl

[chawk111]

[cont'd from prior]

spoke seven languages, did Calculus, and could design-build-program-market an iPhone, all by the time they were 13, THAT would be mediocre. In a sense, your success depends on others' failure. Now there is one way in which the system DOSE work and ISN'T absurd - if most people ARE inferior and it is their fault. Then, if you can elevate yourself above them, you deserve your unequal share of the

[chawk111]

[con't for prior]

wealth. Let's assume that isn't true. But don't you think those few who are benefiting from the system of inequality would tend to believe that it is, in order to justify their position in it?

All of this was well parodied in an episode of "30 Rock" when Tracy Jordan ends a speech to graduates of his alma mater with, "...and everyone in this room will become president of The United States."

[Gmanbrooklyn]

Wire blows away every other show ever created

[AlphaDog147]

It has got to be the BEST TV SHOW EVER ! Nothing i mean nothing comes close, i watched the shield and sopranos thinking they wer good buy damn this blows them away.

[godw1thin]

Best TV Show Ever??

Don't you think you're being a bit hyperbolic? I mean, what about... um.... or what about....

No, okay, you're right, it's the best ever.

[Habitually233]

David Simon has done more than any other film maker in showing the urban plight of so many Americans.

Sorry hip hop but you all lost your souls and became (or maybe always were) obsessed with material wealth.

David Simon is truly one in a million. He has real talent and story telling ability. Too many are given credit where it isn't due, but not in Mr. Simon's case.

[aaronbobaron]

@Habitually233 For the most part, I agree with your statement about hip-hop. However, one rapper who really speaks on the problems with our society is Lupe Fiasco. His songs like "Little Weapon", "Intruder Alert", and "American Terrorist" are incredibly powerful and are about real issues.

[kingamber]

@Habitually233 Don't even try to insinuate that hip hop was always obsessed with materialism. Only someone who knows nothing about the genre could even imply something like that. Listen to Illmatic and say that with a straight face.

p.s- You're white, I can tell.

[jekk23]

@kingamber

fair point about hip hop. There are many sincere artists workin in the genre, creating good music. Often with well put messages, reflections and what have you. You gotta admit though that large aspects of the culture have become very commercial and materialisic.

p.s What the hell does skin colour matter? Really, what the hell do you mean by that comment? I'm sick of people thinking that ethnic background means anything about a persons character. Race is incidental.

Peace

[kingamber]

@Habitually233 You don't know much about hip hop, do you?

[fffffffffffffffffffy]

David Simon for president.

[rickpasorti]

David Simon is amazing. The antithesis of contemporary politicians.

Someone said "bad capitalism" has been allowed (designed and directed) to slit the throat of "good capitalism."

The Bush regime: designed, directed and presided over the 11th hour routing and looting.

Obama: Fails to explain what has happened and identify those most guilty. He refrains from leveling with the American people that collateral damages sustained are likely beyond repair and that Congress is corrupt beyond reform.

[rickpasorti]

Hard Drugs addicts are unique and not typical with regard to personality types. They don't really care about the legalization of marijuana.

More drugs, more distribution, naieve people make contact, they get hooked. Most hard drug abusers began with marijuana, they found they liked self medicating, however preferred something more edgy and reckless.

Drugs are a temporary ESCAPE from one's weakened orientation in the game of life and a lack of vision or interest for more realistic solutions.

[klimes86]

He is brilliant, one of my heroes and a journalist!

[alban747]

Outstanding discussion. Simon has so much insight. He is to our time what the great philopophers were to the 18th century

[shooner323]

greatest television series of all-time

[jete121991]

That's an understatement.

[withease9]

The best TV Show ever made!!

[animan245]

18:00: "What's the answer?"

Legalize cannabis. The people need other alternatives.

21:40: Moyers: "Do you have an answer?" Simon: "Decriminalize drugs."

Absolutely! But start by legalizing cannabis and hemp to make big economic changes and prove that most people wouldn't get addicted to hard drugs like heroin and cocaine if they had cannabis as a legal alternative (out of the hands of black-market pushers).

[MRGERG86]

@animan245 I agree with you but I feel we need to treat cases involving drugs on a case by case bases.Should a guy with an ounce go to jail no he should be fined but if a guy has like 12 bricks in his car he should go to jail but not for 25 years and it should not be maximum security.Now if someone did something violent on drugs they should get a harsh sentence (I would say the same thing goes towards alcohol). As long as violence does not happen involving drugs it should not be prison worthy.

[turniphead88]

It's good to hear that some people aren't afraid of telling the truth no matter how ugly it may appear. Hearing that, even as a black man it makes you pause and look introspectively on the participation you have had in all this madness.

[toosinbeymen]

Tough, tough stuff especially at around 19:00. I think David Simon is exactly right, unfortunately.

[trilldoezya]

Smiley

[ldhablo666]

This show --THE WIRE-- was one of the BEST things on TV. Smart and subversive and well acted. Viva David Simon.

It's time to legalize it all. The War on Drugs is a fraud designed to lock up the surplus population. It's bullshit and Obama is a douche bag for laughing it off when legalization was posited last month.

[killwhitey88d]

your right Obama laughing it off was the most disgusting thing ive seen, all the people dead and behind bars for a harmless plant

[xeryms]

Thank you you very much for this thoroughly invoking and mind engaging discussion,

"The solution whatever it is will always be a lie"