Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: Glenn Beck’s Craziest Moments

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It’s hard to believe that the psychologically unstable, Glenn Beck, was solely responsible for this week’s resignation of Van “Green Jobs” Jones. It’s because he wasn’t. In actuality, Beck was merely the talking-head propagandist for big oil companies, fearful that Jones might actually succeed at creating jobs with an alternative energy strategy.

But Beck played his position. Smearing progressives to the point of retreat is essentially FOX News’ mission statement. But has Beck transitioned from douche bag to dangerous? Pretty much. Here’s a look at some of his most unhinged moments that have surprisingly impacted Washington…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: When Kidnapped Children Return

When Jaycee Dugard, 29, was reunited with her parents last week after a shocking 18-year long entrapment by the Garrido family, it marked one of the longest known kidnapping disappearances that resulted in a relatively “safe” return. While accusations are intensifying on Mrs. Garrido’s role, it’s clear that Mr. Garrido, 58, is a perma-fried 730 bat-shit-crazy psychopath, who kidnapped an 11-year-old Dugard for twisted sexual abuse. While this horrific crime took on a Buffalo Bill dimension, children across the globe are kidnapped for reasons varying from political struggles to ransom demands to even parental custody battles. Many ordeals end in tragedy, but at times, these abducted kids make it home alive. Here’s a look at some of these cases…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: Ted Kennedy’s Proudest Moments

When Ted Kennedy passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 77, the American people lost one of its greatest proponents. With a Senate career spanning 46 years—the 3rd longest run in U.S. History—Kennedy was a master of bipartisan diplomacy and fought for liberal causes in the face of tremendous adversity. In short, he was that dude. Sure he was a bit of a womanizing lush who, at times, found himself embroiled in some controversial episodes. But through all of the personal tragedies, embarrassments and outright screw-ups, Kennedy was a once-in-a-lifetime rider for the people. While it would be overwhelming to highlight all of his achievements, it’s important to remember some of his proudest moments. Here’s a look back…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: The Dark World Of Blackwater

As we approach the ninth year of America’s illegal wars overseas, more details are emerging about the crimes committed by the sinister American mercenary company, formerly known as “Blackwater USA“. Basically, racist homicidal rednecks gone wild. Whether it’s helping the CIA assassinate “insurgents” or carrying out their own brand of warped vigilante warfare, North Carolina-based Blackwater has been embroiled in so much controversy that it recently changed its name to “Xe Services” for PR purposes.

However, their disturbing acts aren’t easily forgotten. Blackwater’s owner, Erik Prince, is a politically connected ex-Navy Seal who has been described by former employees as a Christian supremacist who viewed the Iraq war as a crusade against Islam. Well, that’s lovely. While Bush is hiding comfortably in his new Dallas mansion, his mercenary network is slowly feeling their power-binge hangover. To understand the magnitude of their behavior, here’s a rundown of the war crimes they have been accused of committing. Operation freedom, eh?

Politics & Crime John Brown: A Brief History Of Prison Riots

As they say, one can judge a society by the way it treats its prisoners. If we use that criterion to analyze our nation, we might be given the death penalty. Last Saturday, inmates at a Southern California prison rioted for 11 hours straight—leaving 250 people injured and 30 hospitalized. The frequency of prison riots has only escalated over the years as inmate populations swell and conditions deteriorate.

The myth of incarceration is that it rehabilitates, that it removes societal menaces for the general public’s well-being, and that it is a humane and effective approach to dealing with crime. It is not. America’s entire prison industry borders on cruel and unusual punishment. But the U.S. is not alone in its addiction to lock-down. Prison riots occur often throughout the world, sometimes with even more devastating outcomes. Here’s a look at some of the biggest prison riots in world history…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: A History of Diplomatic Rescues

In the art of war, diplomacy can be the most effective weapon. This week, former President Clinton was personally requested by North Korea’s shady leader to secure the release of two Cali journalists who had been detained in the mysterious totalitarian state for five months. Media reports clowned Hillary for getting upstaged by her husband once again. Well, let ‘em hate. Bill’s narcissistic charm paid off and the Current TV employees returned to Cali where they likely headed straight to their medicinal cafe to unwind.

Running game and bullshitting foreign adversaries is absolutely mandatory for diplomatic warriors. The stakes are high. Success is rewarded with medals of valor; failure forever threatens one’s legacy. So here’s a rundown of some recent diplomatic jail-breaks where the gift of gab saved the gift of life…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: A Brief Look At Wrongful Arrests

It’s no secret that the “land of the free” also holds the title for “land of the incarcerated”. America tends to lock up its citizens as if it’s an Olympic sport, with the ever-so competitive China, holding the silver medal. With 2.3 million Yankees behind bars—that’s one in every 100 Americans—false imprisonment is bound to exist. Now if your paper’s right, an elite legal team will likely break you free. But relying on public defenders? Yikes!

The recent false arrest of world-renowned intellectual, Henry Louis Gates Jr., highlights the racial profiling and other disturbing trends in the judicial system. Unjust detainment happens daily and reaches back to the nation’s birth. But here’s some recent cases of false arrests that makes one wonder how many of those 2.3 million on lock down are actually guilty… 
 

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: Is Meghan McCain A Contender?

In his weekly column, rapper John Brown—the self-proclaimed “King Of Da Burbz”—will be offering his insight into politics and current events to the Complex readers. Check out “Politickin With John Brown” every Thursday.

The GOP’s desperate attempt to rebrand itself as youthful, modern and multicultural has produced some entertaining characters. After Team Maverick got bodied on Election Day, the right wing’s been scrambling for a new face. Well, Meghan “Lil Maverick” McCain is going hard for the crown. Fully aware of her newfound status, Meghan is milking her familiar surname for all the political cheese she can shred. Is she a genuine contender or just another privileged bimbo? Perhaps a review of her most recent public antics will shed some light…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: The Phone Tap

Is Rupert Murdoch the real Big Brother, manipulating the minds of millions for the sake of power and profit? Short answer: yes. Running right-wing propaganda machines, including FOX News and the NY Post, is bad enough, but recent allegations of illegal phone tapping to acquire celebrity gossip adds a sinister notch to the belt of Murdoch’s sleazy empire.

Sure, tabloid news is a competitive market and the rules of engagement are vague. But intercepting phone calls for exclusives is illegal. That’s not to say it doesn’t produce headlines. Let’s look back at some modern cases of the phone tap…

Politics & Crime Politickin’ With John Brown: Michael Jackson’s Greatest Political Hits

In his weekly column, rapper John Brown—the self-proclaimed “King Of Da Burbz”—will be offering his insight into politics and current events to the Complex readers. Check out “Politickin With John Brown” every Thursday.

Michael Jackson was the most influential pop icon in modern history. So it’s no surprise that when he passed away last week, many political leaders from around the world delivered written condolences acknowledging his unparalleled impact. Some reporters even questioned President Obama’s lack of a formal response, noting that MJ had a long history of using his star power to influence humanitarian efforts.

In fact, MJ holds 13 different titles in the Guinness Book Of World Records, one of which names him as the most philanthropic pop star of all time—donating over $300 million to charities. So in honor of the King of Pop, here are some of MJ’s most high-profile encounters with the political world…