FORMER RAPPER TO GIVE SPEECH AT SEMO TUESDAY

Former rapper Reginald Jones will speak Tuesday at Southeast Missouri State University.

In a speech titled, "Why Puff-Daddy is a capitalist," Jones will discuss how the free market is the best solution to the problems of inner cities. The title refers to a famous rap artist.

Jones will speak at 7:30 p.m. in Crisp Hall. The free lecture is open to the public.

Jones doesn't fit the stereotype of the average conservative leader.

A former rapper from the South Bronx, Jones has enjoyed success as both a musician and a promoter.

He was dubbed "the Golden Voice" by mentor and motivational expert Les Brown.

He began his career as a radio talk-show host in 1995. He currently hosts "Grassroots Live," a cable television talk show.

He knew early on in life that self-sufficiency was the key to success.

"The poverty pimps were all over the neighborhood," Jones said of the welfare establishment. "I just saw liberals as a bunch of whiny wimps and I didn't like that."

Jones said, "Liberals tell you what to do and they think that everything you own belongs to the state. They only time they believe in the freedom of choice is when it comes to the killing of the unborn.

"In the ghetto, you'll find more Planned Parenthood clinics than bookstores."

Jones describes himself as a radical libertarian.

He feels at home in the Republican Party, but has criticized GOP leaders at times for being too liberal.

Jones' visit is sponsored by the College Republicans, Young America's Foundation and Southeast's Student Government.